The Colorado Symphony and Denver7 are proud to present a special Independence Eve Virtual Concert & Independence Day replay titled "Together in Hope.” In partnership with Civic Center Conservancy, Community First Foundation, and a prestigious collection of local Colorado performing arts organizations, this digital performance will air on Denver7 at 7:00 p.m. and stream on YouTube at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3, with a replay performance streamed on YouTube at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.
Communities worldwide annually look to their professional orchestras during holiday celebrations and for nearly a century Colorado has called upon the Colorado Symphony to be an integral part of their Independence Day festivities. In that spirit, the Colorado Symphony Association is leading a collaborative initiative with select artists and organizations to create an arts focused performance, connecting our Colorado and national community, while providing a moment of music to our separated, frustrated and grieving communities.
“The Colorado Symphony has provided the soundtrack for Independence Day celebrations for nearly 100 years,” said Anthony Pierce, Colorado Symphony Chief Artistic Officer. “As our country grapples with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we felt it was more important than ever to bring the healing power of music and art to our community. By bringing together political leaders and local arts organizations, we hope to provide a bit of comfort and joy during these difficult times.”
“On behalf of all the musicians of the Colorado Symphony, we are so thrilled to present this Independence Eve event to our Colorado community and to viewers from across the world, too,” said Jason Shafer, Principal Clarinet. “We are missing, terribly, the opportunity to perform in-person for our audiences; that shared energy of a live performance is something truly special. But we will perform again live as soon as it’s safe to do so, and we’re all confident that the Colorado Symphony will continue to be at the heart of our state’s music scene. We hope that this performance brings you all joy during your holiday celebrations!”
The performance will feature Colorado Symphony small ensembles alongside professional collaborative cultural partners including Colorado Ballet, Opera Colorado, and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, with special guest speaker speakers Gov. Jared Polis and Mayor Michael Hancock. Denver7 anchors Anne Trujillo and Shannon Ogden will emcee the event.
· This project will feature prerecorded socially distanced performances by Colorado artists at iconic Colorado landmarks including:
· The Colorado Symphony in small ensembles with collaborative partners: Colorado Ballet, Opera Colorado, and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.
· World-Renowned Mezzo-Soprano Michelle DeYoung singing God Bless America at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre with a Colorado Symphony String Ensemble.
· Instrumental works, Amazing Grace and America the Beautiful with a Colorado Symphony Brass Ensemble at Red Rocks.
· A performance in the Denver Capitol building rotunda.
· George Walker’s Lyric for Strings with a Colorado Symphony String Ensemble at Boettcher Concert Hall danced by the Colorado Ballet.
· Patriotic favorites including The Thunderer March and Stars & Stripes Forever with a Colorado Symphony Woodwind Quintet
All performances have been recorded with strict attention to the health and safety of the performers and stage crews. Everyone involved adhered to all CDC guidelines and utilized social distancing during each performance. In addition, special permissions and access protocols were taken to assure the recordings adhered to CDC recommendations for gathering.
Audiences will have the opportunity to support artists and individuals affected by COVID-19 including Center for African American Health, The Center on Colfax, Civic Center Conservancy, Food Bank of the Rockies, Food for Thought Denver, and Rose Andom Center through event partner Community First Foundation at ColoradoGives.org/IndyEve.
