Hartford Symphony to Celebrate America in Simsbury

By John Fitts

There are plenty of venues that offer fourth of July fireworks, but this week the Hartford Symphony Orchestra will once again "Celebrate America" with orchestral tributes, narratives, and a colorful night-time display.  

"Celebrate America: The Annual Red, White and Blue Tradition" is set for 7:30 p.m. July 3 (Rain Date July 5) at the performing Arts Center in Simsbury Meadows. 

"We're incredibly excited about it," said Carrie Hammond, president and CEO of the Hartford Symphony. "It's a salute to our heroes." 

That salute will include traditional military pieces along with readings from the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Nathan Hale and someone with a strong Simsbury connection — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

HSO music director Carolyn Kuan will lead the orchestra through Lowden’s "Armed Forces Salute," Tchaikovsky’s "1812 Overture," and John Philip Sousa’s "Stars and Stripes Forever," "Semper Fidelis," and many more.

In addition, Asylum Hill Congregational Church music director Steven Mitchell will lead his Sanctuary Choir and the HSO in "Battle Hymn of the Republic." 

Also as part of the program, actors Jamil A. C. Mangan, Howard Sprout, and Rachel Hewitt Spencer will recite the words of Dr. Martin Luther King., Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Nathan Hale,  John F. Kennedy, and others. 

At the end of the approximate two-hour show, the night will be capped off with a fireworks display. 

"It's just a really fantastic place to gather with family and friends for what we hope will be inspirational words and music," Hammond said. 

The show is part of the summer Talcott Mountain Music Festival, now in its 18th season. The "Celebrate America" tradition has always been a part of it. 

In the case of severe weather, this concert will be performed on Friday, July 5, at the same time.

Future performances include Sinatra Under the Stars on July 12, the movie music of John Williams on July 19, and a Rolling Stones Tribute on July 26. Rain dates for those Friday shows are on the following day.  

Single tickets range in price from $20 to $45; and lawn tickets for kids 12 and under are $5. Discounts are available for tickets purchased in advance. For more ticketing information, please contact HSO ticket services at (860) 244-2999 or visit www.hartfordsymphony.org. 

Gates open at 6 p.m. for all Talcott Mountain Music Festival concerts. Patrons  can bring in outside food and drink to all Talcott Mountain Music Festival concerts. 

Open to all ticket holders, the HSO Education Tent is open from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Families can enjoy free activities such as music-themed games and crafts, the “Instrument Zoo,” and youth performances.