FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shreveport Symphony to be Featured in Televised July 4th Virtual Orchestra Concert
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2020, SHREVEPORT, LA -
The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra (SSO) will headline the 11th annual Freedom Fest Finale, airing on KTBS Channel 3 on July 4, 2020. Also live-streamed via the station's website and broadcast on partner station KPXJ-CW21, their virtual concert will precede live coverage of fireworks from eight locations across the ArkLaTex, including Natchitoches, Texarkana, Ruston and several sites in Shreveport and Bossier City.
In partnership with KTBS, the SSO is producing and editing performances of seven patriotic orchestral favorites, including America the Beautiful, Stars and Stripes Forever, and God Bless America, which will also feature over 40 singers from the Centenary College Choir.
Due to ongoing restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic, all musicians and singers recorded their individual parts in their homes. Their contributions are being compiled to produce a "virtual orchestra" performance for the community.
SSO Music Director Michael Butterman remarked, "We are thrilled to be part of this unique celebration. A time like this demands creative approaches, and I am grateful to KTBS for the opportunity to continue to share music with our community in this way."
KTBS station manager, George Sirven states, "This year we will come together in a way like never before to honor our faith, find hope in the future, and celebrate our patriotism. This event is one that will do so safely and inspire our community for better days to come."
Freedom Fest Finale comes roughly a month after Butterman created participatory experiences for attendees at a series of downtown drive-in movies sponsored by the Shreveport Downtown Development Authority. Movie-goers downloaded sound files to their cellphones to play while three members of the symphony presented a newly written composition from the stage. Later, attendees honked their horns on cue as part of what we believe to be the first-ever "Car Horn Symphony."
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