The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Presents the Lexus Pops in the Park Concert, 8/31

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will celebrate the 200th Anniversary ofThe Star-Spangled Banner, at its free Labor Day Weekend concert at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis. The annual Lexus Pops in the Park concert presented by PNC will take place at 5:30 PM on Sunday, August 31, with a rain date on September 1, at the same time and same place.

Joining Music Director José-Luis Novo and the orchestra to sing the national anthem is Rolando Sanz, a Bethesda-based operatic tenor and winner of the Maryland State Arts Council's Star-Spangled Sing-Off. Sanz said, "This is one of the first songs that we all learn to sing in school. The song itself stands alone and should be an inspiration to each of us as Americans." Sanz will also sing an aria from the Donizetti opera The Elixir of Love.

This concert will serve as a prelude to the ASO's 2014-15 concert season with works by Sibelius, Shostakovich, Liszt, Duke Ellington and John Philip Sousa. The program will also include a special salute to the US Navy with Richard Rodgers' Victory At Sea and the USNA fight song Anchors Aweigh.

Continued this year is the popular Symphony Snapshot Photo Contest. This is an opportunity for ASO patrons to share their photographic talent with the community by snapping pictures of the Lexus Pops in the Park concert and posting those pictures to the ASO Facebook page. Two winners will be chosen and will receive their choice of four tickets to a Lexus Classic or Family Concert.

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is led by the renowned conductor José-Luis Novo who is entering his tenth season as Music Director of the orchestra. The Lexus Pops in the Park is generously supported by PNC. This support enables the ASO to offer this concert at no charge as a gift to the community. Additional season support for the ASO is generously provided by Elizabeth Richebourg Rea, the Maryland State Arts Council, Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and Arts Council of Anne Arundel County.

This special concert draws approximately 3,000 people each year, and plays an important part in the ASO's mission to produce, present and promote memorable symphonic music that increases awareness, enjoyment, and appreciation of music for all ages throughout the region. The Lexus Pops in the Park concert is a casual outdoor event that brings the whole community together for a fun and relaxing evening of professional musical entertainment. As the leading cultural arts organization in the area, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to be able to offer this exciting performance to everyone and to do so at no charge.

There is free admission to Quiet Waters Park for the concert. Concessions from Pit Boys and Kona Ice are available at the concert, and visitors may also bring a picnic meal/snacks, blankets and lawn chairs. Alcohol is prohibited. For more information about this concert, the Symphony Snapshot Contest, or other concerts, visit the ASO website at www.annapolissymphony.org or call the ASO Box Office at 410-263-0907.

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