Erie Philharmonic's Summer Series Returns

Erie Philharmonic

The Erie Philharmonic returns to a public park near you through July and August with their popular and free Summer Series. Plan to bring a chair and enjoy a selection from the orchestra and bring the kids along to experience the instrument petting zoo.

CONTINUING WEDNESDAY, JUL. 12

The Erie Philharmonic is bringing back their popular "In Your Hometown" Summer Series with a plethora of free outdoor concerts across Erie and Crawford counties. The Philharmonic has seven more performances scheduled throughout July and August, ranging from full orchestral performances of American composer Russell Peck's The Thrill of the Orchestra in July, to a 16-person brass ensemble in August with arrangements of a variety of tunes from John Phillip Sousa, Scott Joplin, and Henry Mancini.

"From Corry to North East and everywhere in between, the Philharmonic is bringing the music to your hometown this summer," the Philharmonic states. "This is our thank you for your continued heroic generosity and dedication to Erie's orchestra."

In July, the orchestra continues its tour: on July 12 through 14 at Gibson Park in North East, Corry City Park, and Diamond Park in Meadville. Preceding the concerts, there will be activities, including an "instrument petting zoo." The final leg of the tour, featuring the orchestra's 16-person brass ensemble, will visit Pleasant Ridge Park in Girard (July 31), Gibson Park (Aug. 2), Gridley Park in Erie (Aug. 3), and Scheide Park in Titusville (Aug. 7). Rain dates for all locations will be available on the Erie Philharmonic website.

Following in the footsteps of English composer Benjamin Britten's The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Russell Peck's The Thrill of the Orchestra features narration introducing audiences to the instruments individually. When touring, Peck would often provide the narration. The piece first premiered in October 1985 by the Florida Symphony, where it was commissioned by and dedicated to conductor Alfred Savia. Peck received the Koussevitzky Prize for his work in composition, and his Peace Overture was one of the first series of contemporary American pieces to be played by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra in China and the Cairo Symphony Orchestra in Egypt. The piece reflected his work with the United Nations on humanitarian efforts to combat world starvation and poverty.

John Phillip Sousa, Scott Joplin, and Henry Mancini are well-known for their contributions to American music. Sousa is known for his works for band, including the well-known marches The Stars and Stripes Forever and The Washington Post. Joplin, known as the "King of Ragtime", composed over 40 piano pieces in the style, which helped inspire and shape the genres of jazz and blues. Mancini is well-regarded for his stylistic flair in popular music, composing the scores for iconic films and television shows, including The Pink Panther, Peter Gunn, and Breakfast at Tiffany's.

July 12, 13, 14, and 31, Aug. 2, 3, and 7 // Various locations // Concerts start at 7 p.m., instrument petting zoo opens at 6 p.m. // Free // For more info: eriephil.org