A Patriotic Tribute Symphony Honors Veterans, Founders In Concert
The Rockbridge Symphony caps its milestone 50th anniversary season with a patriotic tribute on Saturday, May 3, honoring those who have served our nation and also the founders of the Rockbridge Symphony—many of whom were veterans themselves. The concert is titled “Tributes: Honoring Service, Celebrating Community.”
The program for the concert reflects the American spirit through music. “I hold dear the freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly — these freedoms allow us to make music together and share it with audiences like you,” said Matt Mainella, the orchestra’s artistic director.
One of the symphony’s founders, Robert Stewart, composed music for the Armed Forces radio shows, making this tribute all the more fitting. Rockbridge Symphony Steering Committee president and percussionist Jack Bissett said, “The evening’s selections range from stirring marches to deeply emo-
- tional compositions, each reminding us of the battles fought and the freedoms preserved.”
Featured pieces include “Victory at Sea” by Richard Rodgers – the dramatic theme from the 1950s TV series of the same name; “Col. Bogey March” from “Bridge on the River Kwai”; “Band of Brothers” theme from the acclaimed HBO series chronicling the harrowing journey of American paratroopers in World War II; “Allegretto” from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 – a poignant piece that underscored “The King’s Speech” during the eve of war; and the “Theme from Schindler’s List,” a haunting reminder of resilience and remembrance.
“Each selection speaks to the challenges faced and the perseverance required to uphold freedom. This concert is not just about history — it is about the responsibility we all share in shaping the future,” said Mainella.
He continued, “This 50th anniversary season has taken audiences through a world of music. Our first concert in the fall showcased composers from diverse backgrounds, mirroring the variety of influences that built this orchestra. February’s concert explored the past decades through the lens of Broadway and cinema. Now, with ‘Tributes,’ the Rockbridge Symphony honors its own history and the broader American experience, closing its first half-century and looking forward to the next.”
The Rockbridge Symphony welcomes all community members, friends, and neighbors for this family-friendly event, which will be at Lexington Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. A complimentary preconcert talk will begin at 6:45 in Brady Chapel within the church. A complimentary postconcert reception follows, where the audience can meet members of the symphony.
As a token of gratitude, veterans, reservists and active military personnel are invited to attend this concert for free, and they are encouraged to wear any insignia that is meaningful to them. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge, student tickets are $5, and all others are $10. Advance tickets are available online at www. rockbridge symphony.org, or at downtown vendors Cheese To You, Artists in Cahoots, Sugar Maple Trading Company and University Florist. Tickets are also available at the door.
THESE TWO MEMBERS of the Rockbridge Symphony, shown at practice for the upcoming “Tributes” concert, are veterans of the U.S. military. Dave Krantz (left) served in the U.S. Air Force, Aero Medical Lab, from 1969 to 1973. Tom Timmes served in the U.S. Army, Medical Services Corps, from 1992 to 2017. (Jack Bissett photo)
