June 14, 2006
Maryland Symphony Orchestra Presents 21st Annual Salute to Independence At Antietam National Battlefield on July 1, 2006

HAGERSTOWN, MD - - - The Maryland Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Elizabeth Schulze kick off their Silver Anniversary Season at 7:30 p.m. on July 1, 2006 with the 21st Annual Salute to Independence concert at Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Maryland.

This free celebration of is one of Maryland’s signature outdoor music experiences, attracting more than 35,000 concert-goers each year. The glorious sentimentality of Independence Day is mirrored by the music: the Star Spangled Banner, Maryland, My Maryland, the Armed Forces Salute, Sing Out America, Sousa’s Liberty Bell and El Capitan marches, Fanfare for the Common Man and Maryland composer Michael Mogensen’s Quest for the Grail. In celebration of the MSO’s 25th Anniversary, special guest Kelly Wright of Fox News joins the MSO to narrate Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. The thundering cannons of the 1812 Overture and a rousing rendition of the Stars and Stripes Forever bring the concert to a close, while the night explodes in a breathtaking fireworks finale by Zambelli International.

Concertgoers are reminded to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, bring wet weather gear, lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, and a flashlight. Canopies and beach umbrellas are permitted, but must be taken down prior to the beginning of the concert. .Attendees may bring picnic dinners and drinks into the Park. Charcoal grills are not allowed. Food and souvenir concessions and portable restrooms, including handicapped-accessible facilities, are available on the premises.

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra Guild “Symphony Store” will be open throughout the evening, selling concert tee-shirts, musically-themed items and 4th of July specialties. The Guild will mark the 25th Anniversary by giving away two 26” bicycles prior to the concert. Children from the ages of 6 to 18 are eligible to enter to win, and can sign up at the Symphony Store tent.

Sponsors for the Salute to Independence are Susquehanna Bank, The National Park Service, Antietam Cable Television, The Herald-Mail Newspapers, Volvo Powertrain North America, the Washington County Gaming Commission, American Legion Clopper-Michael Post 10, Ferris Baker Watts, Inc., Mr. & Mrs. John Erath and the Gregory Snook family. Information about the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and its upcoming 25th Anniversary Season is available at www.marylandsymphony.org

This year marks the 21st Anniversary of the Salute to Independence event at Antietam National Battlefield. Antietam is one of America’s National Parks and the site of the bloodiest single day of the Civil War and American history on September 17, 1862. Additional information on the Park and Battle of Antietam can be found at www.nps.gov/anti.