NEPA Philharmonic presents its annual Independence Day concerts this weekend
Published: July 2, 2009
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times-tribune file photo Fireworks light the evening sky over Lackawanna County Stadium while the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic performs its annual Independence Day concert.
One of the area's traditional Fourth of July celebrations is developing a new and exciting twist this year.
Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic will present its annual Independence Day concerts Friday evening at PNC Field in Moosic and Saturday evening at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre. The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., and a huge fireworks display will commence at dusk following the performances.
While those details are typically the same every year, this year promises a new way to celebrate America. Audiences will be led in a rousing singalong titled "Sing Out America" by Katy Williams, a featured soloist for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
The singalong features traditional favorites, such as "You're a Grand Old Flag," "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and "God Bless America."
"We wanted to do something different," said Lawrence Loh, music director of the Philharmonic. "This piece has a great variety of patriotic songs, and we have a singer who can really inspire the audience to sing out."
Of course, traditional favorites also will be played. Marches by John Philip Sousa will be in the lineup and a salute to the armed forces is planned. As is traditional, the fireworks will begin during Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture."
Each year, Mr. Loh tries to add new elements to the show to keep it fresh. In addition to Ms. Williams' singalong, the Pittsburgh Opera chorister will perform her own rendition of "God Bless America." Mr. Loh also has added less traditionally patriotic pieces to the program, such as a salute to the Big Band era comprised of pieces usually associated with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, "The Pink Panther Theme" by Henry Mancini and "Adventures on Earth" by John Williams from the film "E.T."
The mix of different styles fits in with Mr. Loh's goal of creating a performance filled with diverse ways of celebrating America.
"The thing is, you can't only play Sousa marches and 'The 1812 Overture' at these concerts. We want to find new and exciting ways to celebrate America through music," Mr. Loh said.
Contact the writer: Skolinovsky@timesshamrock.com If you go
What: Annual Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic Independence Day Concerts
When: Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Friday, PNC Field, Moosic; Saturday, Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre
Details: Both shows are free and will go on as scheduled, rain or shine. Fireworks will begin at dusk following performances.
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