Our Pops concert on Saturday, June 8 brought together movie fans of all ages for an unforgettable evening!
Balmy late spring weather offered the perfect setting for our pre-concert street party, where we enjoyed eating, drinking, and showing off our movie costumes. New and old friends alike chatted and caught up over tasty treats and excellent live music. Local band Bagunça got us on our feet and dancing, while inside the lobby people posed at our red carpet photo station. What a fun way to come together as a Symphony family to celebrate the end of another incredible season!
After the street party, we proceeded into the auditorium for the John Williams Spectacular concert, where the lively atmosphere continued. This sold-out show was a tremendous success on many levels. Maestro Stewart’s love for the work of John Williams was obvious as he led the orchestra through virtuoso performances of beloved movie themes, and the crowd responded with enthusiastic cheering and much waving of glowing lightsabers.
One special treat was the chance to see the winner of last year’s Pops concert “Conduct The Orchestra” auction item, Mary Rose Mackenzie, as she led the Symphony in The Stars and Stripes Forever to enthusiastic audience response. This year’s Pops auction raised $23,000 for Symphony programs!
As reviewer Martin Gaskell put it: “The atmosphere on Saturday night was the most festive I have seen at an orchestral concert.” You can read his full review here.
We are so grateful to our community for bringing such a vibrant and supportive spirit to this benefit concert. In an era of major challenges to the performing arts, it means everything to us to see our community celebrating orchestral music together.
Your presence and positive energy created amazing memories that we’ll cherish forever!
