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The Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO) will return to Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park this Fourth of July. The DSO will cap off the City of Wilmington’s Independence Day festivities with a celebratory concert of American music, followed by the traditional fireworks display over the Christina River.
The City’s Fourth of July celebration kicks off at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park at 12:30 p.m. with local bands, food vendors, children’s games, tours of the Kalmar Nyckel, and other family-themed activities. The Symphony performance will begin at 8 p.m., to be followed by a spectacular fireworks display at about 9:30 p.m. Other events will take place along the Riverfront throughout the day, including Riverboat Queen and River Taxi cruises and live music at Constitution Yards.
“We are very pleased that the Delaware Symphony Orchestra will again be part of our annual Fourth of July commemoration,” said Mike Mayor Purzycki. “Families and friends from across the City and around the region are in for a special musical treat as we come together as Americans on this birthday for our Nation. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy a wonderful, fun-filled day and evening along the river. ”
“We are excited to bring Delaware’s own, and only, professional orchestra, to the Christina Riverfront to celebrate our Nation’s birthday with great American music, patriotic favorites, and of course, that all-American standby, 1812 Overture,” said DSO Music Director David Amado.
The program will feature music by American composers, including Dudley Buck’s Festival Overture, Fanfare for the Common Man and Variations on a Shaker Melody by Aaron Copland, a set of marches and other music by John Philips Sousa, the Armed Forces Salute arranged by Bob Lowden, and John Williams’ music from his Star Wars Suite. In tribute to the 100th anniversary of the great Leonard Bernstein, the DSO will perform selections from West Side Story. The program will be capped off by a work synonymous with outdoor summer concerts in the United States, but composed by a Russian: Piotr Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, complete with several of the Bells of Remembrance.
“It is the DSO’s honor to be invited to participate, once again, in Wilmington’s Independence Day celebration,” said Alan Jordan, the DSO’s Executive Director. “This will be the first summer outdoor appearance by the Orchestra in six years, and we hope this will re-institute the tradition. Wilmington can re-join other great cities around our country that bring their community together with great music, fun, and, of course, fireworks!”
Full information on this program and the DSO season is available at delawaresymphony.org.
TUBMAN-GARRETT RIVERFRONT PARK SCHEDULE
12:30 – 8:00 p.m. The public is invited to bring a blanket, chair, lawn games, and your own picnic. Local vendors will be on hand, as will local bands, children’s games, tours of the Kalmar Nyckel, and other family-themed activities.
8:00 – 9:15 p.m. The Delaware Symphony Orchestra performs a celebratory concert of American music.
9:30 p.m. The July 4th Freedom Celebration Fireworks Show will conclude the evening.
RIVERFRONT DAY ACTIVITIES
You can also enjoy these additional activities during the day on July 4, brought to you by the Riverfront Development Corporation:
12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Kalmar Nyckel Tours
3:30 p.m. – 5:50 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. River Boat Queen BBQ Cruise
Live Music at Constitution Yards
River Boat Queen BBQ Cruise/Fireworks
7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. River Taxi Wine Cruise
River Taxi Wine Cruise/Fireworks
To learn more about the daytime July 4th activities along the Riverfront, visit the Riverfront Development Corporation at www.riverfrontwilm.com.
EVENT PARKING
Guests are encouraged to park at the many different lots around the Orange Street and Market Street areas.
Take advantage of free parking at the Shipyard Shops, Frawley Stadium and at the Chase Center on the Riverfront
Visit the Riverfront Wilmington website for directions to these sites.
Please note that parking at restaurants along the Riverfront is for restaurant patrons ONLY.
Source: City of Wilmington