The Central Ohio Symphony’s free 4th of July concert will be Tuesday, July 4, at 7:30 p.m.  Conductor Jaime Morales-Matos will direct the orchestra in Phillips Glen, located behind Gray Chapel on the Sandusky Street main campus of Ohio Wesleyan University, just one block south of downtown Delaware. Delaware resident Jim Mendenhall of United Way of Delaware County will be the evening’s host.

“We are always excited to be a part of the community’s July 4th tradition,” said Warren W. Hyer, Executive Director of the Symphony. “We are very pleased to have Jim host our concert this year.”

The Hayes Singers, the premier chamber choir from Delaware Hayes High School, will open the concert with The Star-Spangled Banner and sing other selections in the concert, including The Impossible Dream and Pure Imagination.

“This is a wonderful student ensemble,” said Hyer. “We are thrilled that they are singing with us.”

The concert will include film music from Raiders of the Lost Ark, Cats, marches including John Philip Sousa and a salute to America’s veterans, and other patriotic and popular music. As always, the concert will end with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with theater cannon blasts and Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever. The City of Delaware’s renowned fireworks display will follow the concert.

“What would the 4th of July be without John Williams?” quipped Hyer.

“Our musicians always look forward to this event,” added Hyer. “This concert is our favorite way to thank the community for the strong support it has always given us.”

One of Ohio’s largest free orchestra performances, attendance in recent years numbered between 6000 and 8000. Audience members can and often bring their own chairs or blankets to enjoy the annual event, a July 4th tradition for many families.  

Limited reserved chair seating is available for $10.00. Tickets are available online at www.centralohiosymphony.org or by calling the Symphony office at 740-362-1799.

Kiwanis will return this year to do concessions at the concert.

The lead sponsors for this year’s concert are Willow Brook Christian Communities, Zangmeister Cancer Center, and Mt. Carmel Health Systems. Additional support is provided by the City of Delaware, and the Ohio Arts Council. The concert location is made possible by Ohio Wesleyan University’s continuing strong support of the Symphony.

In the event of rain, the concert will be held in Gray Chapel, University Hall on the Ohio Wesleyan campus, right next to Phillips Glen. Seating is limited to 1000.

For more information on the concert, visit www.centralohiosymphony.org, the Symphony’s Facebook page, or call the Central Ohio Symphony office at (740) 362-1799.