The free concert will begin at 7:30 PM and run through the beginning of the fireworks display, slated to begin at approximately 9:15 PM, and broadcast live statewide by MPBN radio so that the thousands of people watching the fireworks from outlying areas and on boats in Casco Bay, as well as the crowd of more than 50,000 expected to gather on the Eastern Prom, can tune in to listen to the concert live. Information about limited reserved table seating in front of the concert stage is available at july4thportland.org. 
 
Highlights of the program include selections from popular Broadway shows including Porgy and Bess, West Side Story, and My Fair Lady, as well as rousing marches by John Philip Sousa.

The roots of American independence will be celebrated with a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a musical salute to the armed forces, and the ever- popular 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky will kick off a spectacular fireworks display.
 
Robert Moody has just completed his second electrifying season as Music Director. Highlights have included multiple sold-out performances, a fully revamped “Magic of Christmas,” and a gala concert with superstar soprano Renée Fleming. The 2009-2010 concert season ended with performances of Mahler Symphony No. 2, led by Maestro Moody (without score) and universally praised as a crowning artistic achievement for orchestra’s 85th anniversary season.
 
Singer, actor and broadcaster Suzanne Nance has performed in Prague, London, Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, and Bangor and Portland, ME. Favorite roles include Despina in Cosi fan tutte, Ottavia in L’Incoronazione di Poppea, Mimi in La Bohème and Blanche Dubois in A Streetcar Named Desire. Currently the Music Director for Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN), Nance produces and hosts the weekday morning classical music program.
 
Founding sponsors of the Stars and Stripes Spectacular are the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, Quirk Chevrolet, Wright Express, and the Maine Red Claws. Additional support is provided by Unum, Coca Cola Bottling of Northern New England, PowerPay, Boston Musicians Association, MPBN, Seacoast RVs, and the Narrow Gauge Railway.

PORTLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Serving the city of Portland, the state of Maine, and northern New England, the Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is the largest performing arts organization in Maine. The PSO is a musical hub for 82 of New England's finest professional musicians and teachers. Established in 1923, 2009-10 marked Music Director Robert Moody’s second season, and the organization’s 85th anniversary season. The Symphony recently unveiled its 2010-11 season. For more information about the PSO visit www.portlandsymphony.com. 
 
JULY 4TH PORTLAND FOUNDATION: Following the elimination of Maine’s largest July 4th celebration from the Portland city budget, four area businesses stepped forward to save this treasured tradition: The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, Quirk Chevrolet, Wright Express and the Maine Red Claws.

A nonprofit organization, the July 4th Portland Foundation, is in the process of being formed to privately fund the Stars and Stripes Spectacular, including the annual fireworks display and newly created festival. The July 4th Portland Foundation will be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that will solicit donations to insure that Southern Maine’s July 4th traditions continue for many years to come. The July 4th Portland Foundation will work in partnership with City of Portland in coordinating the event to insure that the fireworks and festival are conducted safely and for the full enjoyment of the tens of thousands of  spectators expected to attend.
 
 
PATRIOTIC POPS, JULY 4, 2010 STARS AND STRIPES SPECTACULAR
EASTERN PROMENADE, PORTLAND
 
Robert Moody, Conductor
Suzanne Nance, Soprano
 
Entrance of the Honor Guard/Presentation of Colors
 
Key Star Spangled Banner 
Williams Music from The Patriot
Gershwin “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess 
 Ms. Nance, soprano
Bernstein/Mason Medley from West Side Story
Beckel Liberty for All     
 Narrator TBD
Gould American Salute      
Loewe “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady 
Ms. Nance, soprano
Lowden Armed Forces Salute, Ms. Nance, soprano
**Elgar “Nimrod” from Enigma Variations     
**Arr. Wilhousky Battle Hymn of the Republic
  
**DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, IN ITS ENTIRETY, READ DURING ABOVE TWO WORKS**

Tchaikovsky Overture to 1812     
 Fireworks begin at last 2 minutes of 1812 Overture
Sousa Washington Post March        
Alford Colonel Bogey March        
Sousa Liberty Bell March         
Sousa Semper Fidelis         
Rossini Excerpts from William Tell Overture
Vallee Maine Stein Song
Arr. Dragon America, The Beautiful        
Berlin/Ades God Bless America         
Sousa Stars and Stripes Forever