By Sarah Lang/The Lebanon Reporter
Lebanon — This year, when the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will play only two shows outside of Indianapolis, the City of Lebanon will celebrate its 20th year of hosting the orchestra at the annual Symphony at Sunset concert on Sunday.
“I find it such an honor that they come here,” said Linda Nodley, treasurer of the Symphony at Sunset group.
The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at Abner Longley Park and will conclude with a fireworks show as the finale, around 10 p.m.
The symphony, which is one of 18 year-round symphonies in the country, will also play in Danville this summer. But, Nodley said, every year they come here, they voice how much they enjoy it.
“The musicians and the conductor tell us every year that they enjoy coming to Lebanon,” Nodley said. “And I think that says a lot about our community. That a world-class symphony comes here, and that they enjoy coming here.”
Conductor Alfred Savia will lead 87 musicians in a broad range of styles, from romantic works to contemporary masterpieces.
Picnic tables may be reserved for $15 by calling the parks department at 482-8860. For those who choose to decorate their rented tables, judging will begin at 6:30 p.m. First place will receive two tickets to another Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra concert, and there will also be prizes for second and third place.
“We have some people who come early just to go around and look at all the table decorations,” Nodley said.
The park will open at 5 p.m. for those who want to have a picnic. Grills and fireworks are not allowed. All adult tickets are $10 presale or $15 at the gate. Students through college age are $5 presale or at the gate. Children under 6 are free. Checks should be written to Symphony at Sunset Group, Inc.
The rain site will be at Lebanon High School, but no coolers or lawn chairs are allowed inside for safety reasons. Picnics will only be permitted in the cafeteria. Call 482-4775 after 4 p.m. on the day of the concert for rain site information.
The concert is sponsored by the City of Lebanon, Symphony at Sunset Group, Inc., Witham Health Services and the Boone County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Fireworks are provided by Parr Richey, Obremskey, Frandsen & Patterson LLP.
