For years, Greenville’s Independence Day fireworks burst overhead to recorded patriotic music. This summer, the soundtrack will come alive.
The Greenville Symphony Orchestra will perform live during the City of Greenville’s Fireworks at Unity Park celebration on July 2, giving audiences a chance to experience a symphony orchestra in an entirely different setting.
“It makes a lot of sense to have the Greenville Symphony Orchestra in the middle of it all,” music director Lee Mills said. “A symphony orchestra is in a unique position in any city to be part of the city’s commemorations and celebrations. It’s one of the most powerful tools for bringing a city’s community together.”
The free concert, presented in partnership with the City of Greenville and supported by Greenville County, is part of nationwide observances of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Mills said the idea has been in development since shortly after he arrived in Greenville two years ago.
“The first conversation we had was one of the first weeks I was in town,” he said.
The orchestra will perform from 9 to 10 p.m. on a deck adjacent to Unity Park’s Welcome Center, beginning with about 30 minutes of music before the fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
The orchestra will then continue playing throughout the fireworks display.
“The music will move with the color, rhythm and energy of the fireworks, creating an experience that is joyful and larger than life,” Mills said.
Patriotic favorites
The patriotic program blends familiar favorites with cinematic scores. Mills said audiences can expect music ranging from marches by John Philip Sousa, including “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and “The Liberty Bell,” to Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man.”
The orchestra will also perform a concert arrangement of John Williams’ bicentennial setting of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” along with music from the films “Saving Private Ryan” and “The Patriot.”
Joining the orchestra will be members of the Clemson University Singers, directed by Anthony Bernarducci, and members of the Furman Trumpet Studio under Buddy Deshler.
Vocalists from Clemson will be featured in several selections, including “Hymn to the Fallen” (from “Saving Private Ryan”) and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (from “Carousel”).
“The Greenville Symphony is honored to be part of this celebration and to help mark such an important milestone for our city and country,” said Jessica Satava, executive director of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. “Performing live during the fireworks at Unity Park is the perfect capstone to our ‘American Season.’”
Fireworks at Unity Park (320 S. Hudson St.), presented by Clemson MBA, runs from 6 to 10 p.m. July 2 and also includes food vendors and additional entertainment. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and a picnic dinner. For more information, visit greenvillesc.gov/2006/Clemson-MBA-Fireworks-at-Unity-Park.
