Fireworks - An American Celebration

Program*

Jessie Montgomery | Hymn for Everyone** (10’)
Leonard Bernstein | Symphonic Dances from West Side Story (23’)
Intermission
Johannes Brahms | Double Concerto in A minor, Op. 102  (34’)

‍Running time is 90 minutes

Montgomery’s music contains a breadth of musical depictions of the human experience—from statements on social justice themes, to wistful adorations and playful spontaneity. Hymn for Everyone sets the tone for the Sharks and Jets to dance it out with Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. Join us for this truly American celebration.

Tickets start at just $15. Check out our ticket discounts page for information on FREE Orchestra for All tickets.

Of Note

Bernstein uses a huge orchestra (96 musicians!) and percussion section for West Side Story including timpani, bass drum, bongo, chimes, congas, cowbell, cymbals, drum set, finger cymbals, gong, guiro, maracas, bells, tambourine, tenor drum, timbales, triangle, vibraphone, wood blocks, xylophone, and police whistle.

The BSO was started in 1976 to celebrate the US bicentennial. 2026 marks the 50th for BSO and 250th for USA.

Jessie Montgomery won a Grammy Award in 2024 for Rounds.

Over his career Bernstein won sixteen Grammy Awards including one for Lifetime Achievement, seven Emmy Awards, and two Tony Awards.

This will be Simone Porter's second time (2016) and Joshua Roman's third time (2017 and 2022) performing with the BSO. When Roman performed in 2017, he joined the cello section for the performance of Brahms' First Symphony after playing the Elgar Cello Concerto.

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Discover More
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WATCH Jessie Montgomery's Grammy Acceptance Speech

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WATCH The 1961 West Side Story Film Trailer

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WATCH The Maestro Film Trailer about Bernstein

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Experience Music LIVE - there's nothing like it!

Join us for an engaging and informative Pre-Concert Talk with Dr. Haley Nutt.

Have a little one in your life that loves music? Join us for Classical Kids at our dress rehearsals. Learn more and sign up here.

First time at the Symphony? Check out our Concert FAQs to find out more about how we share the joy of LIVE music.

*All programs subject to change