Westmoreland Symphony tuning up for annual 'Summer Sparklers' concert

Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra’s “Summer Sparklers” is always a bit of something old mixed with a bit of something new.

Set for 7 p.m. Sunday in Greensburg’s St. Clair Park, the free concert annually celebrates the Fourth of July with a salute to the armed forces and a rousing finale of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.”

Artistic director Daniel Meyer, who will conduct, also varies the program each time with an array of classics and popular favorites from stage and screen.

Noting that “Phantom of the Opera” closed on Broadway in April after 35 years and almost 14,00o performances, Meyer said, “I’ve always admired that score, and I thought it might be nice to do a tribute to Andrew Lloyd Weber and play some of that music to celebrate its incredible run on Broadway.”

Listeners also will hear selections from the “Harry Potter” movies.

The orchestra will present its debut performance of contemporary American composer Adolphus Hailstork’s “Three Spirituals.”

“It’s a really nice three-movement suite based on African American spirituals that are getting an orchestral treatment,” Meyer said. “He does a really nice job with that.”

The individual pieces — “Everytime I Feel the Spirit,” “Kum Ba Yah” and “Oh Freedom” — are likely to be familiar to the audience, said WSO executive director Natalie Kasievich.

The symphony is partnering this year with Greensburg Community Development Corp. for its annual Hometown Heroes celebration. The program recognizes local veterans with decorative banners installed around the city.

“The families are coming in around 6:30, and we’ll have the banners on display,” Kasievich said. “The families will join us for the concert and we’ll do a special shout-out to them, along with all of the community members who have served.”

Realtor Scott Ludwick will provide mini-flags for audience members to wave during the patriotic numbers, she said.

“Summer Sparklers” is an opportunity for the symphony not only to celebrate Independence Day but also to say thank you to the community, Meyer said.

It’s also a good way for people to become familiar with the orchestra in a casual setting, Kasievich added.

“It’s always nice to have something accessible for the community, and it’s good to say it’s free, but it’s also a more casual concert environment,” she said. “People can bring family members of all ages to the park, versus coming to The Palace and wondering if the kids are going to sit still.”

Bench seating is available, but attendees also can bring chairs and blankets to spread out on the lawn. Donations will be accepted.

For information, call 724-837-1850 or visit westmorelandsymphony.org.