Stamford Symphony's music heads 'out-of-this-world'

This article popped up from the Stamford Times, featuring the Connecticut Garrison:

Stamford Symphony's music heads 'out-of-this-world'

STAMFORD — The Stamford Symphony will perform "out-of-this-world music" at a free pops concert conducted by Maestro Eckart Preu in downtown Stamford on Wednesday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m.

"Pops in Outer Space" will be performed on the Heineken Stage at Columbus Park.

Presented by Seaboard Properties and HSBC, the concert is produced by Stamford Downtown Special Services District and the City of Stamford.

The symphony's music will fly with Superman, cross "Moon River," and travel the universe with light-hearted music from "Star Wars."

Returning to earth, they'll also play lively works by Scott Joplin, John Philip Sousa, along with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.

Attendees can also take pictures with characters from "Star Wars," with members of the "501st Regiment" or "Vader's Fist" on hand.

"I invite everyone to travel with the Symphony into outer space," said the symphony's conductor, Eckart Preu. "This program is just the right combination of fun and classics for listening on a beautiful summer's night out-of-doors. Anyone who has seen 'Star Wars' will recognize some of the music, while classical music fans can look forward to music from Holst's 'The Planets.'"

"The Symphony loves that the audience in Columbus Park is always ready to have some serious fun," Preu added.

Audience members are also invited to bring a picnic to enjoy on the grass or to make reservations at one of the many restaurants surrounding Columbus Park.

The park is located at Main Street and West Park Place in downtown Stamford.

All listeners can also enter to win a Stamford Symphony prize package.

Upcoming performances of the free "Pops in the Park" music series include appearances by singer Barbara Cook on July 23 and Bowzer's Rock 'n' Roll Party on July 30.

For further information, contact the Stamford Symphony at 203-325-1407 ext. 14 or the Stamford Downtown Special Services District at 203-348-5285. More information can also be found at www.stamford-downtown.com.

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Connecticut Garrison In the News

The Connecticut Garrison just made the news:

'Invasion from Outer Space' in Danbury
Dress as your favorite 'Star Wars' character for pops concert Saturday on CityCenter Green
News-Times Staff
Article Last Updated: 06/20/2008 02:09:55 AM EDT

Storm Troopers from “Star Wars” will do battle as the Danbury Symphony Orchestra...


DANBURY ­-- Saturday the CityCenter Green will be invaded by "Star Wars" Storm Troopers. Have no fear, though ­-- this invasion is just for fun.

The Storm Troopers' appearance, plus a great family-friendly concert featuring the Danbury Symphony Orchestra, kicks off CityCenter Danbury's Summer Music Festival.

Everything gets started at 7:30 p.m. The Storm Troopers will do battle as the Danbury Symphony, directed by Ariel Rudiakov, performs a medley from "Star Wars" by John Williams. The DSO will also perform other selections including 2001: A Space Odyssey; "Fanfare for the Common Man," by Copland; "William Tell Overture," by Rossini; "Superman" by John Williams; and much more.

"Most of the music is from the movies, but there is a segment that we're dedicating to the armed forces," said Rudiakov. He also joked, "The music director may be fighting Darth Vador."

Everyone is invited to come dressed as "Star Wars" characters. At the end of the concert, which is free, parents may take pictures of their children with the Storm Troopers.

The Storm Troopers are from the Connecticut Garrison of the 501st Legion of Storm Troopers, a volunteer organization that appears in "Star Wars" costumes at various charity events. Charles Corrente, a founding member of the Connecticut group, organized the troopers for Saturday's show. He and other members, wearing impressive, homemade trooper costumes, are receiving a small donation for their appearance, which
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they will give back to the Danbury community.

"The music is fantastic and the kids love us," Corrente said. "And the adults do, too."

Saturday's event will conclude with an outdoor laser light show presented by CityCenter.

The Danbury Symphony Orchestra has been the premier orchestra in Danbury since 1935. Its mission is to provide opportunities for area residents to perform great music and present concerts of high quality to the public.

Rudiakov said over 800 people attended last year's kickoff concert, and he's confident this year's event will be just as successful.

While the fun begins at 7:30 p.m. on Danbury's CityCenter Green on Ives Street, early arrival is suggested. Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic supper if you wish.

Lawn chairs are available for rent; ample parking is available at the Patriot Garage; downtown restaurants will provide take-out meals; and refreshments will be available for purchase.

In the event of bad weather, the rain location is at Danbury High School. The decision to relocate will be made by 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Source: http://www.newstimes.com/ci_9643377?source=most_emailed