The Colorado Symphony Orchestra has performed Independence Day concerts before, but they have tended to be small, low-key events.
That surprised James Palermo, who arrived in Denver in 2009 as the orchestra’s president and chief executive.
“Usually, the main orchestra of a community plays a big July 4 concert,” he said. “It’s one of the focal points of the community’s celebration of that event.”
He decided to help organize just such an event, meeting with officials from the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs and Civic Center Conservancy.
The result is “Civic Center Sounds: Independence Eve Celebration,” a large-scale community concert at 8:30 p.m. July 3 in Civic Center, featuring a light show, fireworks and, of course, the symphony.
“We hope it really takes off, with the three organizations coming together,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for families and people to come and really celebrate that amazing space.”
The concert is the newest addition to the orchestra’s usual lineup of light, outdoor concerts — most taking place without charge in parks and other venues around the city.
These events provide an affordable, informal way for people who don’t normally attend the orchestra’s concerts to experience its musicmaking and enjoy the Colorado outdoors at the same time.
“It’s a beautiful area of the country, and to have a live symphony orchestra outside playing for people in magnificent weather is idyllic,” Palermo said.
Another addition to the symphony’s schedule this summer is a free July 24 concert at Boettcher Concert Hall in conjunction with the Biennial of the Americas, a month-long series of events that includes exhibitions and symposiums. The orchestra is still working out the program and other details.
Colorado Symphony summer concerts
Civic Center Sounds: Independence Day Celebration.Civic Center. Patriotic favorites with a light show and fireworks. 8:30 p.m. July 3. Free. 303-623-7876 or
Symphony on the Rocks Red Rocks Amphitheatre. A program of light classics including movie tunes by John Williams. 7:30 p.m. July 5. Free with $10 parking fee. 303-623-7876 or
“Elect the Dead Symphony” Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. 6 p.m. July 11. The orchestra joins System of the Down frontman Serj Tankian. $54; $34 Botanic Gardens members and $30 youths. 888-440-9568 or concerts
Mozart Under Moonlight Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. A lineup of Mozart classics, including operatic arias with soprano Elizabeth Keusch. 7:30 p.m. July 15. $15-$45. 720-898-7200 or
Classical Masterpieces A program of light European classics. 7:30 p.m. July 18, Cheesman Park, and 8 p.m. July 20, Garden Theatre, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley. Free. July 18, 303-623-7876 or colorado ., and July 20, 970-351-2993
Opera’s Greatest Melodies City Park. Excerpts from popular operas by composers such as Bizet, Puccini and Offenbach. 7:30 p.m. July 22. Free. 303-623-7876 or colorado
Biennial of the Americas Concert A program of Latino music tied to Denver’s month-long celebration of the Americas. 7:30 p.m. July 24, Boettcher Concert Hall. Free ticketing details to be announced. 303-623-7876 or colorado
