Symphony Under the Stars

The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra is bringing Symphony Under the Stars to Fox Cities Stadium, Neuroscience Group Field on Saturday, July 20. This is a free, family-friendly event with no charge for parking or admission.

“We look forward to this all year, and we hope the audience does too! This event is free so your entire family can come together, enjoy music, food, and fireworks, and really bring us all together as a community,” says Music Director Kevin Sütterlin.

Sponsorship makes it possible for FVSO to offer this event for free, so there are no barriers to participation for anyone. This year, the concert is presented by Mary Beth Nienhaus, Community First Credit Union, Network Health, WE Energies, the Community Vision Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Fox Cities, and Wisconsin Public Radio. 

“This night is about FUN and celebration,” says Executive Director Jamie LaFreniere.  “From kids to grandparents, absolutely everyone belongs here, and it is designed to bring us all together.”

There will be a mix of classical music, rock, and pop from the FVSO. The audience will hear Sousa and Sibelius, as well as Chicago and the Scorpions. The orchestra is also bringing back their house band, Russ & the Renegades to rock the park. “It is not every day we get to perform Metallica,” says Sütterlin.

Fox Valleyaires Men’s Barbershop Chorus and MacDowell Male Chorus will perform again this year, joining the orchestra since the first summer concert nine years ago.

“We are also happy to bring back the open rehearsal during the day, 3-5 p.m., for a more sensory-friendly experience,” said LaFreniere. “For those with special needs who have a hard time with large crowds and don’t want the noise of fireworks, we love having them join us earlier so they can still get to enjoy a free concert.”

Please contact FVSO at info@foxvalleysymphony.com to make special accommodations for the daytime rehearsal.

The parking lot opens at 5 p.m. (for those eager tailgaters), the gates to the park and concession stands open at 6 p.m., and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks to end the night.

FVSO's Free Family Concert is on track for July 15

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra is ready for their seventh Brats, Beer, and Beethoven event at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.  This free event will be held on Saturday, July 15 at 7:30pm, and is presented by Community First Credit Union and Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.

“This is our gift back to the community. We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable. It is a free event where your whole family can come and enjoy the concert, grab your favorite Timber Rattlers snacks, let the kids play and run around, and enjoy a huge fireworks display at the end of the night,” said Jamie LaFreniere, Executive Director of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra.  “Absolutely everyone belongs here, and it is designed to bring us all together.”

The musical selections this year will range from Beethoven and Sousa to Queen, The Moody Blues, and Journey.  Fox Valleyaires Men’s Barbershop Chorus and MacDowell Male Chorus will perform this year, too.

Brats, Beer, and Beethoven is a free event with no charge for parking or admission to the stadium.  The parking lot opens at 5:00pm.  The gates to the stadium open at 6:00pm with the show beginning at 7:30pm.  All seating for the event is based on first-come, first-serve availability.  There will be food and beverages available for purchase from the concessions stands with fireworks scheduled at the end of the night.

“FVSO is also happy to bring back their open rehearsal hours during the daytime hours for a more sensory-friendly experience,” said LaFreniere. “For those with special needs who have a hard time with large crowds and don’t want the noise of fireworks, we love having them join us earlier so they can still get to enjoy a free concert.”

Please contact FVSO at info@foxvalleysymphony.com to make special accommodations for the daytime rehearsal.

Sharing Symphonic Music with Local Seniors

The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra (FVSO) kicked off our Senior Outreach Series on Monday, August 22nd at 3:30pm with an outdoor Brass Quintet performance at the campus of the Rennes Health and Rehab (325 E Florida Avenue, Appleton).

“Rennes is overjoyed to be a part of the Senior Series with the Fox Valley Symphony. Music is a large part of most of our residents’ lives but concert accessibly is a challenge that we face frequently. Being able to bring this type of performance to them fills our hearts with happiness and theirs with joy,” said Danielle Mosher, Director of Admissions from Rennes Health and Rehab.

This series of small group concerts presented in partnership with local senior living communities seeks to expand the reach and accessibility of our Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra musicians. In addition to reaching the residents of the senior communities hosting the concerts, all of the concerts are free and open to the public.

Other concerts in the series include:
 
Wind Quartet at Oak Park Place (2205 Midway Road, Menasha) on October 6th, 2016 at 6pm. RSVP to 920.702.0000.

Strings & Wind Holiday Tea at Carolina Assisted Living (3201 W. 1st Avenue Appleton) on December 1st, 2016 at 7pm. RSVP to 920.738.0118.

String Quartet in the Garden at Valley VNA (1535 Lyon Drive, Neenah) on June 13th, 2017 at 6pm with a reception to follow. RSVP to 920.727.5544.

“The power of music is undeniable, especially for aging adults. That is why we are so excited for this Senior Outreach Series where we can reach those who might no longer be able to attend our full concerts,” said Jamie LaFreniere, Executive Director for the Fox Valley Symphony.

This series is made possible through the partnership of our host locations as well as the series sponsor, Home Instead Senior Care. “Home Instead is committed to helping seniors stay engaged and active. We are so excited to partner with the FVSO and hosting senior communities to bring the Senior Series to the Fox Valley,” said Cheryl Smith, Appleton Branch Manager for Home Instead Senior Care.

About the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra: The Symphony's mission is to enrich and nurture the human spirit through symphonic music and educational opportunities that enhance the cultural development of our community. Founded in 1966, the non-profit provides the community with quality music, as well as performance and educational opportunities for area musicians. Their 50th Anniversary Season begins on September 28, 2016, at the Fox Cities Performing Arts
Center with special guest artist Itzhak Perlman.