Columbus Symphony to Present Celebratory July 4 Program

Celebrate America's 250th birthday in grand style with a free evening of music, community, and fireworks! The Columbus Symphony today announced additional details about “Columbus Symphony Celebrates America,” a concert to be held on the Columbus Commons on July 4 as part of America250-Ohio's Signature Homecoming & Picnic.

Music Director Rossen Milanov will lead the Columbus Symphony and Chorus in a program designed to illuminate and reflect upon multiple aspects of the American experience. In addition to a salute to the armed forces and classic patriotic tunes like Samuel Ward's America the Beautiful and Irving Berlin's God Bless America, the concert will include John Williams's Liberty Fanfare, written in 1986 for the centennial of the Statue of Liberty, and Joan Tower's Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, written in recognition of “women who take risks and are adventurous." James Beckel's Liberty For All includes text from the U.S. Constitution and writings by George Washington and John F. Kennedy – reminding us of the founding principles and ideals this semiquincentennial celebrates – and will be narrated by former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Yvette McGee Brown, the first Black woman to serve on Ohio's highest court.

“I'm so excited to be leading the Columbus Symphony and Chorus for what will surely be one of the biggest and most exciting concerts we've performed since I started as music director more than 10 years ago,” Milanov said. “Having grown up in Bulgaria and immigrated to the U.S. to pursue my musical education and career, I am honored to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the American Dream, in all of its beauty and complexity. I look forward to seeing the Columbus Commons filled to capacity so we can all enjoy this special moment together.”

As a special guest artist, Broadway star and two-time Grammy winner Tamika Lawrence will provide vocals on popular songs like “Proud Mary” and “Respect,” as well as favorite showtunes like “I Dreamed A Dream” from Les Misérables. Lawrence has appeared in Broadway shows including The Book of Mormon, Dear Evan Hansen, Come From Away, and more.

The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display and the traditional accompaniment of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever.

“America 250-Ohio is a celebration of 250 years of American independence, but it's really about celebrating the greatest gems in Ohio – in sports, the arts, entertainment, and technology,” said Douglas J. Preisse, co-chair of the America250-Ohio Commission. “The Columbus Symphony Orchestra stands out as one of our greatest gems, so we're very excited to be partnering with the CSO on this special celebration.”

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