The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The Symphony of Southeast Texas once again joins the City of Beaumont for the annual July 4 Celebration in downtown Beaumont. The orchestra's patriotic concert will be held at 8:00 p.m. inside the Julie Rogers Theatre and is free, and open to the public. Following the concert, at 9:00 p.m., the festivities conclude with a grand fireworks display.

The musical salute to our nation's independence will include "America the Beautiful," "Stars and Stripes Forever," "West Side Story" and more. Dr. Jimmy Simmons, Lamar University President, will conduct the orchestra in "Strings on Fire" and also perform with the clarinets and Maestro Chelsea Tipton in "Clarinet Candy." The concert is sure to be as explosive as the fireworks show that follows.

The July 4 concert will lead the way into the upcoming spectacular 60th season of the Symphony of Southeast Texas. A Sparkling 60th Season of Symphonic Sounds kicks off on September 15 with Master Series 1 concert: "Simple Gifts from the Symphony of Southeast Texas" featuring "Fanfare and Celebration" by SOST Principal Timpanist Gary Parks. The season continues with performances of Mendelssohn's "Symphony No. 4," Beethoven's Triple Concerto, "Carmina Burrana," a holiday concert and Gospel Celebration.

For more information about the Symphony of Southeast Texas, or to purchase season tickets, call 409-892-2257, or e-mail [email protected].