Boscobel to Celebrate American Independence with GNSO Concert July 6
“Revolutions” Offers Music, Fireworks, and Picnic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Garrison, NY – May 2019) – Following their “sold out” success in 2018, Boscobel House and Gardens and the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra (GNSO) will join forces again on July 6 when the orchestra presents a concert of “Revolutions” on Boscobel’s Great Lawn overlooking the Hudson River in Garrison, NY. The program, under the direction of Maestro Russell Ger, includes works by Ludwig von Beethoven, Wolfgang Mozart, Igor Stravinsky, Piotr Tchaikovsky, and Giuseppe Verdi.
Following the performance, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a clear view of the fireworks display from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, directly across the river from Boscobel. The fireworks are scheduled to begin after the concert.
Describing the program, Mr. Ger said: “The American Revolution saw the founding of this free and self-governed nation. It was one of many such revolutions that would sweep across the western world over the next two centuries. Accordingly, we decided to reflect this theme in our musical selections. There are political revolutions, like the fight for the unification of Italy represented by Verdi, and the Serbian war to repel the Turkish invaders portrayed in Tchaikovsky’s Slavic March. There are artistic revolutions like the striking new path of Beethoven’s Third Symphony or Stravinsky’s incredible Firebird ballet. So come and be uplifted by these musical paeans to the glorious ideal of freedom, all while soaking in the gorgeous surrounds of Boscobel.”
Boscobel’s Executive Director Jennifer Carlquist noted, “We are thrilled to invite the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra back to Boscobel, where visitors can see first-hand that winning the Revolutionary War required both sides of the Hudson to join forces. It is a joy to reach across the river with this collaboration, and welcome everyone to Boscobel for a truly unique celebration of music, history, community, and Independence.”
The inaugural Boscobel Symphony Picnic in May, 2018 attracted such a large crowd that Boscobel has expanded the parking facilities this year.
“The orchestra is absolutely delighted to return to Boscobel,” said John Bliss, GNSO president and a former Boscobel Board member. “This partnership represents an excellent example of how nonprofits can work together for the common good.”
Gates for Symphony Picnic will open at Boscobel on Saturday, July 6 at 6:00pm. The music starts at 7:35pm and will conclude around 9:20pm, including an intermission that will allow guests to mingle with musicians. Bring your own picnic and chairs. Refreshments are also available for purchase at Boscobel, which is located at 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY 10524. Tickets are available at www.boscobel.org (845-265-3638). Ticket prices for Boscobel members are $33 for adults and $15 for children. The price for non-members is $42 for adults and $23 for children. Free admission for those under age 5. Rain date (which may or may not include fireworks) is Sunday, July 7.
This project is made possible, in part, through the Putnam Arts Council’s Arts Link Grant Program, with public funds provided through the New York State Council on the Arts with support from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and the NYS Legislature.
Built in 1808 and founded as a museum in 1961, Boscobel House and Gardens is one of America’s most beautiful historic sites. Open Wednesday through Monday from mid-April to December, Boscobel preserves and shares its Neoclassical mansion and 68 acres of gardens and grounds with dramatic views of the Hudson River, lush gardens, and a woodland trail. Boscobel presents lively community events, innovative exhibitions, and engaging programs and activities for families. Children are always welcome.
The Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra is one of the leading cultural institutions of the Hudson River Valley. It was founded in 1995 by Dr. Woomyung Choe and its first president, George Handler, who was followed as president after 10 years by the late Fred McCurdy. In addition to six subscription concerts, it presented special concerts in 2018 at Boscobel and on the Newburgh waterfront with the Vietnam War Memorial.