Dear Symphony Family,
Thank you for joining us June 20 for our annual summer celebration on the football field at San Bernardino Valley College. With thousands of neighbors from across the Inland Empire gathered together, it truly felt like a community family reunion. We loved seeing your smiles, hearing your cheers, and sharing such a beautiful evening of music and togetherness in honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country.
Below, we are thrilled to share some of our favorite memories, photos, and quotes from a truly unforgettable night.
Highlights from an Incredible Night
Arriving guests were greeted by Mr. and Miss Cardinal contestants, who checked tickets, provided seating wristbands, made sure guests received a program fan and water courtesy of Stater Bros. Markets, and showed everyone to their seats. Our thanks to Mr. Jamie Rios, who runs the Mr. and Miss Cardinal program at San Bernardino High School.
The evening kicked off with an inspiring pre-concert performance by the talented young musicians of the San Bernardino Symphony Youth Orchestra and Overture Orchestra, conducted by SBSO musician and librarian Dr. Mark Miller. Many of these young people had just completed a week-long music camp at Cal State San Bernardino and represented our region with exceptional skill and professionalism.
Maestro Anthony Parnther opened the performance with a moving rendition of “America, the Beautiful,” followed by the “Armed Forces Medley.” Supported by San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, the medley honored active-duty and veteran service personnel, who stood to be recognized as their respective branch themes played.
The performance turned to Broadway when the Orchestra was joined by vocalists Scott Coulter, Campbell Walker Fields, and Jessica Hendy, alongside pianist and vocalist John Boswell, who brought the house down with powerhouse performances of music from Hamilton, Hairspray, Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Wicked, and more.
Following intermission, Symphony Board President Sonietta Martin Brown greeted the crowd, Mayor Helen Tran encouraged civic pride and participation, and Executive Director Dr. Anne Viricel introduced Maestro Anthony Parnther to present a $100,000 check as a matching challenge to all who love the arts. The Maestro’s Challenge will continue until the full amount is reached.
Another highlight of the evening featured a wonderful cadre of piccolo players joining the Orchestra for a thrilling performance of “The Stars and Stripes Forever!” We extend our deepest thanks to SBSO musician Kathleen Dyer, whose dedication and coordination bring this incredible piccolo program to life each year.
The grand finale paired Tchaikovsky’s bombastic 1812 Overture with a breathtaking, colorful fireworks display. But the evening would not have been half as much fun without all of you.
The evening would not have been half as much fun without all of you.
What Guests Shared
“It was an amazing night of fun and fireworks, and the performances were fantastic. I had a wonderful time. I look forward to coming next summer.”
Lisa Diggs, AMVETS Post 77
“Another spectacular evening under the stars. Loved the soloists and especially the use of the drone to capture the images of the orchestra playing from above. Bravo!”
Phyllis Kates, Beaumont, CA
“Being outside under the stars listening to songs I grew up with, and watching fireworks after was wonderful!”
Robbie Parker
“I was part of that, sat in the front row, it was amazing!!”
Laurie Ann Pollard, Piccoloist
“Fireworks show was the best show our granddaughter has seen! Thanks Vettix and San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra for a fantastic musical presentation! 👍👍”
Alaric, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, 1983–1987
“Awesome, looking forward to next year. Always my favorite past time. Thank you for thinking of us veterans.”
Evelyn, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, 2000–2004
“This is one of the highlights of our summer. We enjoy inviting friends to enjoy good food and outstanding music in San Bernardino. Can’t wait for next year!”
Niki Dettman
“Didn’t know what to expect. And let me say we loved it!”
First Time Attendee
