Downey Symphony to perform free concert

DOWNEY – The Downey Symphony will present its annual free concert in Furman Park at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, under the baton of music director Sharon Lavery. 

Downey Symphony music director Sharon Lavery. Photo by Joan Anderson, DowneyDailyPhotos.com

The concert will open with familiar tunes from Broadway and film musicals, including “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miz,” “The Sound of Music” and “American Tail.” 

Joining the orchestra will be soprano Rachael Lorenzetti. She grew up in Downey and served for 10 years as cantor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. 

A graduate of Cal State Fullerton, she works as a costume designer for various theaters while she pursues a singing career.  For more information and videos of her singing, see www.rlorensinger.com.

The orchestra will then play its traditional offering of patriotic music, including anthems of the various armed services, as well as “America the Beautiful” and Sousa marches. 

During the final number, children will be invited to come to the stage and help Maestra Lavery conduct the orchestra. 

The Downey Symphony, which launches its 59th season in October, is a professional orchestra of trained, career musicians. The summer concert is made possible by a major contribution from a friend of the Symphony, who is offering this event in memory of a beloved animal companion, who passed away recently. 

Support also comes from the City of Downey, which sponsors concerts on Wednesdays throughout the summer.

Information will be available at the concert about the Symphony’s upcoming season as well as its Garden Party, a major fund-raising event in September. The Garden Party presents an afternoon of good music, good food, and auction items under the theme “Mi Hacienda” on Sunday, Sept. 24. 

Downey residents can take pride in this very special cultural asset, and the community’s support is vital to the Symphony’s continuation.