Gear up for strings and percussion, Paradise Symphony Orchestra is back for its annual Fourth of July concert.
The free public event will take place at the Paradise Art Center at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Conductor Lloyd Roby will lead the orchestra of local musicians, whom he says are disciplined and committed to the project.
“They have a very professional attitude, they work hard, and just about any kind of music I put in front of them, they're going to give it a really good try,” Roby said.
The orchestra has been around for more than 60 years and is currently collaborating with California Regional Theatre to provide music for some of its productions.
“Currently, we have just under 50 members; it's a full symphony orchestra: strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion,” Roby said.
Designed to honor those in the armed services, veterans and first responders, the program will feature traditional Fourth of July favorites and debut a new piece composed by Roby and local composer Jeff Janke.
Roby finds the new piece, titled “1776 American Overture,” to be a more fitting ending.
“It always seemed strange to me that for an American holiday we end it with the ‘1812 Overture,’ which is about the Russians defeating the French in the Napoleonic Wars in Europe and has nothing at all to do with America,” Roby said.
Another highlight he’s anticipating is the emotional response to the music.
“The audience is so receptive, so thankful to the people that have done that for us, that touches me pretty deeply,” he said.
The performance is a task he doesn’t take lightly and one filled with pride and joy at the opportunity to pay homage to those who have served in the military.
“All gave some, some gave all,” Roby said.
The celebration will also include performances by the Paradise Symphony, Paradise Community Chorus & Friends, Scottish Society Highland Bagpipes and Drums, Paradise Veterans Color Guard, Paradise Art Center and Northern California Ballet.
