Symphony "Pops" on the Green to feature San Diego Symphony

FALLBROOK – Fallbrook Music Society’s 28th annual Symphony “Pops” on the Green, Thursday, Aug. 8, will feature a special engagement of the world-renowned San Diego Symphony under the baton of Matthew Garbutt.

As it did last summer, the San Diego Symphony will begin playing as the moon begins to rise over the beautiful lake surrounded by the exquisite gardens of the Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens.

Opening the evening will be a patriotic celebration of “The Armed Forces Salute,” and the Fallbrook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1924 will display the Colors. Then the orchestra will present another outstanding program, mixing classical favorites and pop music in this festive, outdoor atmosphere. The All-American program will feature selections from favorite composers such as John Williams, Aaron Copland, Bill Conti, John Phillip Sousa, and many other American classics.

Jane Lorenz, Fallbrook Music Society president said, “Each year Fallbrook Music Society presents an affordable symphony concert for thousands of local area residents in this beautiful setting. The concert is attended by more than 1,200 North County patrons every year. For many Fallbrook area residents this is their only opportunity to experience a live symphony orchestra performance.”

This year’s conductor, Matthew Garbutt, has earned critical acclaim in the United States, Canada, and the Far East for his innovative programming and artistry on the podium. Considered a versatile and exciting conductor, Garbutt has been hailed by audiences and critics alike. Each season he maintains a busy schedule of performances, conducting a wide range of music, from symphonies and symphonic pops to educational concerts.

Garbutt has been the staff conductor and resident Pops conductor of the San Diego Symphony for more than 25 years. He has also been interim music director of the San Diego Youth Symphony and conductor for the Kids Artz Festival.

The annual summer tradition is a great opportunity to spend the evening filled with friends, family, food and fun under the stars. This year, the Music Society offers concertgoers a complete box picnic dinner prepared by Major Market of Fallbrook. The dinner includes one fourth of a baked chicken (leg and thigh), a dinner roll, potato salad, coleslaw, carrot cake and bottle of water, all for just $11 per person.

Concertgoers are also encouraged to bring blankets and 24-inch, low-backed chairs for lawn seating – and picnics are welcome. Tables for 4, 6 and 10 are also available by advance reservation. No alcohol may be brought onto the premises of the Grand Tradition, but alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the concert.

Grand Tradition gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission tickets are $30 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Parking is free. Tickets for the concert, dinners and tables are available through Fallbrook Music Society’s box office at (760) 451-8644. Event tickets and picnic dinners are also available for purchase at http://www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org and at Major Market in Fallbrook.