MEDIA RELEASE

Monterey Bay Symphony

Contact Person: Ron Weitzman (373-8450)

FREE OUTDOOR POPS AND PATRIOTIC CONCERT

LABOR DAY, Monday, September 1, 2008, beginning at 2 p.m.

Lower Presidio Historic Park in Monterey

The Monterey Bay Symphony is presenting its symphonic band in a free outdoor concert at the Lower Presidio Historic Park in Monterey on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, beginning at 2 p.m.

Conducted by Dr. Carl Christensen, the band will play a program of pops and patriotic music featuring Arnaud’s OLYMPIC FANFARE, Williams’ SUMMON THE HEROES, Copland’s Dream March and Circus Music from THE RED PONY, and Sousa’s HIGH SCHOOL CADETS MARCH, among 14 pops, patriotic, and classical selections.

Sponsored by Monterey Opera, mezzo-soprano Raeeka Shehabi-Yaghmai will sing the “Habanera” from Bizet’s CARMEN, the Persian folk song GOLEH PAMCHAL (The Primrose), and “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” from SHOW BOAT by Hammerstein and Kern, as well as the National

Anthem.

The Monterey Symphony is sponsoring its principal flute player, Dawn Walker, in Briccialdi’s CARNIVAL OF VENICE.

In an audience SING-ALONG with the symphonic band, local soprano Stephanie Hulsey will lead in THE GOOD OLD SUMMER TIME and RED RIVER VALLEY, while “the singing sheriff”, tenor Pat DuVal, will do the same in CLEMENTINE and WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN.

A perfect concert venue, Monterey’s Lower Presidio Historic Park is open to the public and easily reachable from Pacific Street by turning toward the Presidio at Artillery Street (a block past the First Theater for those coming from Monterey). Plenty of onsite parking. No guards, no gates. Just a beautiful view of Monterey Bay while picnicking and listening to the music.

Ice cream will be sold.