Patriotism, Americana to be celebrated at 'Pops on the Green'

FALLBROOK — Longer days and warm evenings signal the return of the Fallbrook Music Society’s annual Symphony “Pops” on the Green, now in its 22nd year. For one performance only, Thursday, August 23, the moonlit evening will be filled with the sounds of uplifting patriotic and Americana music presented by a special engagement of the world-renowned San Diego Symphony Orchestra.

Under the direction of conductor Matthew Garbutt, the orchestra will present a program that promises to be an exciting exploration of light classical, Americana and patriotic music. The evening’s program will open as members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1924 march to the stage and conduct a color guard flag presentation.

The first half of the program contains arrangements such as “Love is Sweeping the Country,” “Salute to the Big Apple,” “My Kind of Town,” selections from “Oklahoma!” “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66” and “On the Trail” from the Grand Canyon Suite.

Following a brief intermission, the second half of the evening’s program continues with American Salute, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, “Midway March,” Armed Forces Salute, “America the Beautiful” and the rousing finale “God Bless the USA.”

“We are indeed honored to have the fabulous San Diego Symphony to help us celebrate our 30th year of presenting classical music to the North County area in the beautiful surroundings of the Grand Tradition,” says Brenda Montiel, president of the Music Society. “We invite families, military and music fans of all ages to come out and experience the power of a live symphony concert.”

Joining the orchestra will be soloists Victoria Robertson and Jarrod Fowler. Robertson is a core member of the San Diego Opera chorus and has performed in 14 operas and 17 musical theater productions. She will be a soloist with the San Diego Symphony and the La Jolla Symphony this season. For the past nine years she has made great efforts to support the American troops and has sung with the USO overseas; her volunteer work has earned her the honorary title of Miss USO, San Diego.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Fowler works as an intelligence specialist for the Naval Information Operations Center San Diego. He may be serving his country, but he is certainly not a stranger to the performing arts. Prior to his enlistment, he performed with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and won the opportunity to complete on “American Idol.”

Title Sponsor Bill Horn, San Diego County Board of Supervisors, and Silver Sponsor Banc of America Investment Services, Inc., the Hegardt Group, generously underwrite this year’s program.

Concert tickets, reserved tables and boxed picnic dinners prepared by Major Market may be purchased by calling (760) 451-8644. Advance tickets and box dinners are also available at Major Market in Fallbrook and online at http://www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org. Additional information about the event may also be obtained at (760) 728-4056.