The Tulare County Symphony will open its 2014-15 season with the traditional “Pops” concert under the stars on Saturday, September 6, at Zumwalt Park in Tulare. Gates open at 5pm for early birds bringing a picnic with them. The concert begins at 8pm.
Music on the program includes highlights from “West Side Story,” a medley of “007” tunes, Broadway, Americana and marches.
In addition, Music Director Bruce Kiesling will spotlight lighter fare by such composers as Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Beethoven to give a preview of the type of music coming up during this year’s concerts.
Last year, children in the audience were invited to come up and help conduct a piece. This was such a success that it will be repeated this year.
The Pops is the most kid-friendly concert the symphony offers, with picnic areas and a park area where kids can run around, according to Kiesling. Plus it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people to conduct a live symphony orchestra.
The emphasis on kid-friendly activities is part of the symphony’s plan to increase awareness of its youth music programs and the role that exposure to the arts plays in student success, according to new Executive Director Juliette De Campos. She joined the symphony staff last month and immediately went to work seeking funding to expand the youth education program into more rural school districts.
Many groups who bring picnics to the concert enjoy including special table settings and are encouraged to have fun creating their own outdoor oasis from which to enjoy the concert.
Tickets are $20 for adults and free for youth 12 and under with a paid adult. Up-front tables are $250. For tickets or more information, call the symphony at 732-8600 or go to www.tularecountysymphony.org.