Annual "Spectacular" Concert in a Spectacular Setting Returns
June 10, 2024 – The Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra's annual "Independence Day Spectacular!" Concert returns to the Wawona Hotel Great Lawn in Yosemite National Park. The free concert will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 29 and will feature a salute to classic Country & Cowboy Music in its second half.
The MYSO at the Wawona Hotel - NPS Photo by Al Golub
Special Guest Artists Tim Johnson and The Sierra Riders will perform old favorites ranging from "Rawhide" to "Back in the Saddle Again" as well as more contemporary hits including "The Devil Went Down to - " a special place just for this concert, all backed by the MYSO under the direction of the orchestra's Founder/Conductor Les Marsden.
Tim Johnson and The Sierra Riders - Tim Johnson
The concert's first half will include the world premiere of MYSO Principal Horn Ken Mackie's "Pastorale - All Is Well" for Alphorn and Orchestra. Mr. Mackie will perform the solo part on his own 14-foot-long wooden Alphorn. Other pieces will be Marsden's "Foster Child - a Fantasia on the Music of Stephen Foster," as well as traditional patriotic and American classics.
MYSO Principal Horn Ken Mackie with Alphorn - Ken Mackie
The concert requires no tickets but is first-come-first seated. The Wawona Hotel's famous BBQ will be offered from 5:00 to 7:00 on Concert Saturday night, featuring a grilled barbecue entrée with unlimited side dishes and dessert; for more meal information visit https://www.travelyosemite.com/dining/wawona-hotel-dining-room. Yosemite National Park's reservation system will be in effect from 5:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., so concert attendees arriving after 4:00 P.M. will not require a reservation, but will still need to pay the park entrance fee or gain entry with a pass. The MYSO appreciates its partnership with its major sponsor Yosemite Hospitality, LLC, a subsidiary of Aramark and Nick Sponaugle, Vice President of Operations. The orchestra has proudly partnered with Yosemite National Park since 2007.
Despite the name, the orchestra's "Independence Day Spectacular!" Concert is never actually held on July 4th in order that musicians can enjoy the holiday with friends and family; its "Indy" concert has been held on the Wawona Great Lawn since 2019. Full concert details as well as extensive program notes will be available on the orchestra's website: http://MYSO.live.
Source: MYSO
