MISSOURI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM AT AREAN ON JULY 4TH

On the afternoon of July 4, most of us will be barbecuing in our backyards. But while we're enjoying ourselves, 42 musicians, along with their trumpets, bass drums and violins, will be setting up for their concert in the A.C. Base Arena Building.

The Missouri Symphony Pops Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Hugo Vianello, will perform at 7 p.m July 4. The concert is free, but space is limited so tickets will be required. The concert will end at approximately 9 p.m., just in time for a fireworks display in Arena Park.

"There's really nothing else going on in Cape Girardeau on the Fourth," said Beverly Strohmeyer, executive director of the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts. The council is sponsoring the event as the second, free, family concert in the Summer Holiday Concert Series titled Musical Mondays.

"This is good family entertainment, and we thought we might start an Independence Day tradition for Cape," Strohmeyer said.

Vianello will include selections from the "William Tell Overture," "Dance of the Hours" from "La Gioconda" and "Fantasy on the Saints."

The Pops Orchestra has toured Missouri for eight straight years. Founded in 1977, it consists of musicians selected from nationwide auditions.

The orchestra only tours during the summer months; its members return to their regular jobs as musicians, teachers and professionals in the fall. The tour has come through Cape Girardeau on a number of occasions, most recently last July 4.

Joining the Missouri Symphony Pops as master of ceremonies is Dick Wilson, a radio and television host in the Kansas City area.

The Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, is providing financial assistance. Local corporate sponsors include Boatmen's Bank, Schnucks and KBSI-TV. Tickets can be picked up at any of those places. For more information call 334-9233.