The Cleveland Orchestra, under the direction of Loras John Schissel, will perform in “The Star-Spangled Spectacular brought to you by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and KeyBank,” the Orchestra’s 25th annual free community concert in downtown Cleveland, on Wednesday, July 2, 2014, on Public Square.

The annual “Star Spangled Spectacular” kicks-off Cleveland’s Fourth-of-July holiday weekend.  The 2014 concert marks the 25th that The Cleveland Orchestra has presented a free community concert in downtown Cleveland — in what has become a popular and much-loved tradition for many people from across Northeast Ohio.  The concerts have been made possible by a public-private partnership of funders over the years, with the residents of Cuyahoga County providing lead support through Cuyahoga Arts & Culture in recent years.  For the 2014 concert, KeyBank has become the official corporate sponsor, through a new grant to the Orchestra.

“We are delighted to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of our first free concert on Public Square in 1990,” says Gary Hanson, executive director of The Cleveland Orchestra.  “This annual event has become such a beloved holiday tradition, and we are grateful to Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, to KeyBank, and our other producing partners who make this event possible each year.  We are proud to bring Northeast Ohio together to celebrate a great city and a great nation.”

“KeyBank is thrilled to present this incredible gift to the community,” says Margot James Copeland, Chairman and CEO, KeyBank Foundation.  “We are so pleased to partner with one of the finest Orchestra’s in the world as we celebrate, together with all of Northeast Ohio, the 25th anniversary of the Orchestra’s free downtown concerts.”

Beginning at 9:00 p.m., The Cleveland Orchestra and Loras John Schissel perform a program featuring popular American favorites including The Star Spangled Banner, The Battle Hymn of the Republic and Stars and Stripes Forever.  The program also features “Superman March” by John Williams, commemorating the hero’s origins and creation in Cleveland.  The concert culminates with Tchaikovsky’s “1812” Overture, with a fireworks display following, weather permitting.

Beginning at 7:00 p.m., selected “Make Music!” videos made by the Northeast Ohio community will be featured on a giant screen on Public Square.  Also, in the hours leading up to the Orchestra’s concert, a line-up of Cleveland’sgourmet food trucks will provide a variety of cuisines to concertgoers.  The 9:00 p.m. concert will be broadcast live on 90.3 WCPN and WCLV 104.9.

MAKE MUSIC! — In conjunction with the July 2 concert, The Cleveland Orchestra invites musicians of all ages to contribute their talents to Make Music!, the Orchestra’s initiative to encourage community music-making.  Any and all ensembles —  from a bell choir to a church choir, or barbershop quartet to a string quartet, garage band, or a marching band  —  are invited to submit a video.  High resolution videos will compete for a spot on the giant Jumbotron in Public Square.  You can also submit “Make Music” videos using your favorite video apps (Instagram, Vine, YouTube, Facebook etc.).  Those submitting recordings are urged to use the hashtag #makemusic in order to be entered for a special Blossom Music Center prize pack.

For Jumbotron consideration, or to be featured on the Orchestra’s social media outlets go to http://www.clevelandorchestra.com/education-and-community/community-engagement/public-square-concert/make-music/

Also in conjunction with the July 2 concert, the Orchestra is partnering with Cuyahoga County Public Library, who will host several interactive, hands-on family workshops during June where young people can explore the instruments of the orchestra, practicing singing the National Anthem and learn more about the music to be featured on the July 2 concert.  Please see below for more information on events at CCPL locations.

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The Star-Spangled Spectacular 
Brought to You by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and KeyBank
with The Cleveland Orchestra

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Date:
Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Time:
Concert begins at 9:00 p.m. and ends at approximately 10:15 p.m., followed by fireworks (weather permitting).  Community videos will be shown prior to the concert, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Where:
Public Square in Downtown Cleveland
Superior Avenue and Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44114

What:
The Cleveland Orchestra
Loras John Schissel, conductor

Program:

TRADITIONAL                           The Star-Spangled Banner                    
JERRY GOLDSMITH                 The Generals March                               
WILLIAM SCHUMAN              Chester
TRADITIONAL                           The Wide Missouri (Oh Shenandoah)                  
JOHN WILLIAMS                       Superman March from Superman
GEORGE GERSHWIN               Prelude No. 2
JACQUE PRESS                       Wedding Dance from the Hassaneh Suite
RICHARD RODGERS                Symphonic Portrait: Victory at Sea 
TRADITIONAL                           Armed Forces Salute (arr. Loras John Schissel)
TRADITIONAL                           Battle Hymn of the Republic 
PYOTR I. TCHAIKOVSKY          “1812” Overture                          
JOHN PHILIP SOUSA                March: The Stars and Stripes Forever      

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Cleveland Food Trucks

Time:
5:00-10:00 p.m., prior to and during the Orchestra’s performance

Where:
Public Square in Downtown Cleveland
Superior Avenue and Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44114