When the hillsides are illuminated by bursts of color that reveal thousands of cheering people; when blasts of fireworks resound over the northern Baltimore County countryside like thunder on steroids and keep time to the beat of drums and horns that echo over the valley for miles, it can only signal one seasonal opening ? the start of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra?s summer season at Oregon Ridge Park.
The big kickoff happens, as it has for over 25 years, this July 3, 4 and 5 with the “Star Spangled Spectacular,” an all-American salute to our nation?s founding.
“People enjoy the whole festive atmosphere,” said Stephen Jacobsohn, the BSO?s Manager of Artistic Administration. “It?s a combination of the concert and fireworks, the chance to see the BSO and to bring the children for a real family event.”
Under the baton of guest conductor Constantine Kitsopoulas, the Symphony will play such patriotic favorites as Sousa?s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” the traditional “Shenandoah,” featuring bass-baritone Robert Cantrell, and “An Outdoor Overture” by Aaron Copland. In a finale that never fails to delight, fireworks are orchestrated to Tchaikovsky?s “1812 Overture.”
New this year, each concert will begin with the singing of the national anthem by the winners of the BSO?s “Oh Say Can You Sing” contest. Nine-year-old Maya Goldman of Columbia and 13-year-old Vibav Mouli of Reisterstown snagged the coveted positions and will perform on alternate evenings.
“It?s a great thrill to sing with the BSO,” said Maya Goldman, a fifth-grader who plans on a career as a singer, actress and dancer. “I was really excited and shocked when I won.”
Oregon Ridge?s summer BSO concerts are a Baltimore-area family tradition. Concertgoers are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnic dinners, and toys and Frisbees for the kids. Drinks, dinner and desserts are also available from on-site vendors, while a Family Fun Zone, complete with games and an inflatable moon bounce, is guaranteed to keep the kids busy until showtime.
“This is a fun atmosphere that breaks down the barriers between audience and orchestra,” Jacobsohn said. “It?s magical.”
IF YOU GO
Summer Nights: Star-Spangled Spectacular
Venue: Oregon Ridge Park, Cockeysville
Time: 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; Park opens at 5 p.m.
Tickets: $20 adults, $10 children
Info.: 410-783-8000; www.bsomusic.org
