June 11, 2010

Maryland Symphony Orchestra Presents 25th Anniversary “Salute to Independence” Concert At Antietam National Battlefield

Hagerstown, MD—The Maryland Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Elizabeth Schulze will kick off the MSO’s 29th Season on July 3 with the 25th Annual Salute to Independence concert at Antietam National Battlefield near Sharpsburg, MD. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of this free celebration that has become one of Maryland’s signature outdoor events. The concert attracts nearly 35,000 people each year.

The orchestra will be performing such crowd pleasing favorites as Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Gould’s American Salute, Schuman’s American Festival Overture and two of John Philip Sousa’s most famous marches, the Liberty Bell and Stars and Stripes Forever. A highlight of this year’s concert will be a performance of Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait with WJZ-TV (Baltimore) News Anchor Vic Carter serving as the narrator.

Serving as Mistress of Ceremonies and guest vocalist will be Carolyn Black-Sotir from Maryland Public Television. WHAG-TV’s Mary King and Chris Smith will host the pre-concert show.

The evening, as always, will end with a spectacular fireworks display sponsored by PNC Bank and produced by Bay Fireworks of Farmingdale, NY.

Attendees may bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on (flashlights might also come in handy). Canopies and beach umbrellas are permitted but must be taken down prior to the beginning of the concert. Food may be brought into the Park but charcoal grills are prohibited. Portable restrooms (including) handicapped-accessible facilities) are available on the premises. A shuttle bus is available from the National Cemetery on Route 34 in Sharpsburg. It runs from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Roundtrip is $2 and children can ride free.

The MSO Guild Store will be open throughout the afternoon where you may purchase concert tee shirts and patriotic and musically themed items. Food and souvenir concession stands will also be open.

Liberty Sponsors are Susquehanna Bank, National Park Service, Washington County, PNC Bank and Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation. Red, White & Blue Sponsors are Antietam Cable Television and The Herald Mail Company. Victory Sponsors are Volvo Powertrain, Hagerstown-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Acton Mobile Industries and Mike & Marlene Young & Family. Joining them as Patriotic Sponsors are Clopper-Michael Post #10 American Legion, Unit #10 American Legion Auxiliary, Squadron #10 Sons of the American Legion, Ruth Anne & Art Callaham, Mr. & Mrs. Greg Snook and Joan & John Treadway.

Antietam National Battlefield is one of America’s National Parks and is the site of the bloodiest one day battle in American history which took place during the Civil War in 1862. Additional information on the Park and Battle of Antietam can be found at www.nps.gov/anti/salute.htm

The MSO is the area’s premier professional orchestra, dedicated to providing musical performances that educate and entertain, while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region. The MSO is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.

For more information about the MSO and its 2010-2011 Season, please visit www.marylandsymphony.org