July 4 – Concert in the Park
The Bountiful Philharmonia invites you to an evening of vibrant orchestral music inspired by history, heritage, and powerful musical storytelling. Our upcoming concert features American patriotic and popular musical favorites, alongside exciting works by John Williams, Leonard Bernstein, Alan Silvestri, and Aaron Copland.
Join us for this dynamic outdoor performance celebrating the richness and variety of orchestral music as we honor our nation’s history.
Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 7:30 PM Bountiful City Park Stage | 400 N 200 W | Bountiful, UT Free Admission — Donations Appreciated
Celebrating 250 Years
One of the most meaningful themes of this performance, our Concert in the Park captures the excitement, reflection, and community spirit of experiencing America’s semi-quincentennial.
The program blends majestic patriotic traditions with the unmistakable rhythms and harmonies of Hollywood cinema and classic Broadway. The event features a diverse collection of pieces designed to evoke the vast landscapes of the American West, the grit of cinematic heroes, and the profound hope of a unified culture.
The performance is filled with vivid musical imagery: sweeping symphonic fanfares, lively folk traditions, and the unmistakable sound of John Philip Sousa’s marches. These playful and grand effects create a vivid musical timeline that transports listeners across generations of American storytelling.
Lyrical melodies contrast with energetic dance rhythms, capturing both the excitement of exploration and the deep reverence for peace and unity.
Additional Program Highlights
Aaron Copland & Traditional Roots The music of Aaron Copland reflects the vastness and complexity of the American spirit. Famous for defining the “American Sound,” Copland’s work balances rustic folk simplicity with powerful orchestral force. The program features his iconic Hoe Down, filled with striking orchestral colors and unforgettable melodies that make it thrilling for audiences. Alongside traditional expressions like Simple Gifts and America the Beautiful, these pieces celebrate movement, community, and the beauty of our shared heritage.
John Williams & Cinematic Giants Few composers have written more lush and emotionally sweeping music for modern audiences than John Williams. Famous for his expansive melodies and rich orchestration, Williams’ music embodies the cinematic tradition at its most expressive. The concert features his deeply moving Prayer for Peace (performed by strings only), creating a moment that feels both grand and deeply personal. Audiences will also be swept away by legendary cinematic themes, including Alan Silvestri’s thrilling Back to the Future Suite and Elmer Bernstein’s adventurous The Magnificent Seven, bringing Hollywood’s greatest musical triumphs straight to the park stage.
Leonard Bernstein & Broadway Legacies Leonard Bernstein has become internationally known for his vibrant orchestral works inspired by the energy and rhythm of American theater. His masterful West Side Story Selection incorporates elements of jazz, Latin dance rhythms, and dramatic symphonic intensity, creating an energetic and colorful showcase. Paired with nostalgic favorites from Meredith Willson’s The Music Man, these selections bring rhythmic excitement and a festive, theatrical spirit to the outdoor stage.
An Evening of Musical Journeys
This concert brings together a magnificent collection of musical expressions—from historic patriotic fanfares like Noah Taylor’s Fanfare 250 to the sweeping romance of Broadway melodies and the rhythmic vitality of silver-screen Westerns.
From the jazzy streets of New York, to the dramatic intensity of Hollywood-era symphonism, to the sweeping romance of traditional anthems, the program highlights the incredible diversity of American orchestral music.
Whether you are a long-time classical music lover or attending your first outdoor orchestral performance, this concert promises an evening of powerful music and unforgettable melodies. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and family to celebrate Independence Day under the stars with the Bountiful Philharmonia!
