A Capitol Fourth
FREE! Celebrate Independence Day with the NSO, led by guest conductor Erich Kunzel, and special guests in a free concert of patriotic favorites, classical masterworks, and more - all followed by the spectacular fireworks display! Gates open at 3 p.m.
- Jul 4, 2008 at 8:00 PM
- US Capitol Building - West Lawn
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About the Program
On July Fourth, there's no place like our nation's capital for America's biggest birthday party. Featuring the most spectacular fireworks display anywhere in the nation, the 28th annual broadcast of A Capitol Fourth airs live in high definition and commercial free from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.Hosted by Emmy and Golden Globe Award–winning actor Jimmy Smits, the star spangled party features special performances by Grammy Award–winning musicians Huey Lewis and the News, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, Rock ‘n' Roll Hall of Fame legend Jerry Lee Lewis, Tony Award–winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell, and classical superstar Hayley Westenra and American soprano Harolyn Blackwell in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Erich Kunzel.
New this year will be extended coverage of the most dazzling display of fireworks in the nation. The skyline of the nation's capital will come alive with vibrant and booming pyrotechnics, set against silhouettes of national landmarks the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. A Capitol Fourth will capture this stunning fireworks display from every vantage point with 18 TV cameras stationed around the city--including the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument, and across the Potomac River.
The multi-award winning event will be broadcast on PBS Friday, July 4, 2008 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. ET (check local listings), simulcast on National Public Radio and around the world to our troops on the American Forces Network.
Capping off the show will be a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture complete with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery, an audience favorite and now A Capitol Fourth tradition.
In addition to the extended fireworks, A Capitol Fourth will include a special salute to the Olympic Games with figure skater and Gold medal winner Scott Hamilton. The musical tribute will include John William's "Olympic Fanfare" from the National Symphony Orchestra led by Erich Kunzel, who will also conduct the Cincinnati Pops at the Beijing Olympics this summer, the only American orchestra to perform in this year's Olympic Games. The program will also feature performances by The Choral Arts Society of Washington, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, The U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery, and an Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.
Rehearsal is on Thursday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. Gates will open at 3 p.m.
All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.
Group of 20 or more? Contact Group Sales for special terms.
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