'Pops in the Park' next at Furman

DOWNEY - Musicians from the Downey Symphony have delighted audiences in Furman Park every summer for nearly 15 years, so the concert they will present next Wednesday evening, Aug. 12, is the continuation of a fine, enjoyable tradition.Music Director Sharon Lavery has programmed unforgettable works by American composers in a concert she calls "Medley Mania." You will recognize music by Andrew Lloyd Webber ('Phanton of the Opera') and Leonard Bernstein ('West Side Story'), catchy songs from 'Oklahoma!' and 'The Wizard of Oz,' and there will be cartoon and sitcom 'symphonies' as well. It's Pops in the Park, and it starts at 7 p.m. What fun. "I am thrilled to have another opportunity to present a 'Pops in the Park' concert for the Downey community," Lavery says enthusiastically. "This free concert is not only a great way to give back to our generous patrons, but also a chance to gather the community together as we celebrate the wonderful music of some of our finest American composers." So bring friends and family, dogs, blankets, folding chairs and the day's stresses to Furman Park on Wednesday for a pleasant, relaxing pops concert that will send you home with a song in your heart. And fewer frazzles. The park is on Rives Avenue between Firestone Boulevard and Florence Avenue, and you can purchase refreshments right there. In funding this performance, the Hoag Foundation demonstrates its support of the arts in Downey, and we are very grateful for its generosity. The Symphony, now in its 52nd consecutive season, presents three evening concerts annually, and also provides outreach with its Music in the School program that touches every elementary child in the city every year. The orchestra's opening concert, held in the Downey Civic Theatre, will be on Saturday, Oct. 24. Find out more with a visit to our friendly website, www.downeysymphony.com.

********** Published: August 7, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 16