May 25, 2004

Wells Fargo Sunset Symphony, fireworks coming to Evergreen July 3

Celebrate the Fourth of July weekend in Evergreen at a rousing, family-friendly concert in Lake Cunningham Park on Saturday, July 3. Sponsored by Wells Fargo and Times Media Inc., the sunset concert at 7:30 p.m. features Symphony Silicon Valley, world-renowned harmonica virtuoso Bon-figlio and singing sensation Manuel Romero.

Prior to the concert, enjoy a picnic on the lawn starting at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own picnic or purchase beverages, freshly grilled entrees and snacks at the event. After the concert, cap off the evening with a fireworks display, dazzling for the immediate concert audience.

Under the baton of Spanish Maestro Theo Alcantara, the 65-piece Symphony Silicon Valley and special guest stars will perform classical favorites and American originals. The orchestra will play on a raised waterfront stage, providing guests with full view of the musicians and soloists.

Relax in a reserved section of the park and enjoy the evening as the Symphony performs pieces including George Frederic Handel’s festive “Water Music,” and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with church bells and celebratory cannon fire.

Blues harmonica virtuoso Bonfiglio
Celebrated blues harmonica virtuoso Bonfiglio, named “America’s leading harmonica virtuoso” by the New York Post, and a “master of the harmonica” by the Boston Globe, joins the symphony for two concertos during the performance.

The first concerto, “A Stephen Foster Medley,” is a nostalgic and patriotic favorite of the Boston Pops. The second is “Elvis Lives,” a collection of Elvis Presley’s most popular songs played by the orchestra with Bonfiglio’s harmonica standing in for Elvis’ vocal line.

Vocal star Manuel Romero
As an added attraction, 15-year-old vocalist Manuel Romero will perform several songs.

Romero recently starred in the San Jose Stage production of “The Buddy Holly Story.” Winner of a special commendation from Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante, he has performed in Las Vegas and as a special guest on major radio and television shows around the country.

He is also a popular anthem singer for the San Francisco Giants, the 49ers, the Oakland A’s and many others.
Symphony Silicon Valley

Symphony Silicon Valley is the South Bay’s premiere professional orchestra, which began its renaissance two years ago. This coming season, the symphony will move its performing home to the newly renovated and soon-to-open California Theatre in downtown San Jose, a gorgeously-decorated gem from the 1920’s.

It expects to perform on occasion in other parts of San Jose, and the July 3 concert is its first event in the Lake Cunningham/Evergreen neighborhood.

Sponsored by Wells Fargo, the Sunset Symphony is specially priced at only $15 for all patrons. General admission seating favors those who arrive early and stake out their plot of grass for a relaxing family picnic in the park.

Bring blankets and lawn chairs to savor an old-fashioned summer concert, with fireworks and a little Elvis thrown in for fun. Paid parking is available at Lake Cunningham (across from Raging Waters) and a shuttle service from nearby free lots will be provided.

For tickets and additional information, call the Symphony Silicon Valley box office at (408) 286-2600 or (650) 365-9600. Tickets will also be available at the park on the day of the concert (cash only).