RELEASE: Independence Day Celebration 2023

Media Contact:
Mark Champion
Communications Manager
Office: 402.661.8422
mchampion@omahasymphony.org

The Omaha Symphony to play Independence Day Celebration at the Gene Leahy Mall with Fireworks

A patriotic performance by your Omaha Symphony, conducted by Maestro Ankush Kumar Bahl, featuring vocalists Siri Howard and Markel Reed, and vocal ensemble Résonance. A large fireworks display will follow.

Free and open to the public.

OMAHA, Neb., June 20, 2023—The Omaha Symphony is excited to announce its Independence Day Celebration at the Gene Leahy Mall presented in partnership with The RiverFront, City of Omaha, Kiewit Foundation, MECA, the Claire M Hubbard Foundation, Kiewit Corporation, Annette and Paul Smith, and other generous donors. Join us on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, Wednesday, July 5th, at 8:30 p.m. for a patriotic celebration featuring your Omaha Symphony conducted by Maestro Ankush Kumar Bahl. The festivities will conclude with an exciting fireworks presentation at dusk.

Following a successful Fourth of July celebration in 2022 which attracted about fifteen thousand people, the Omaha Symphony is overjoyed to return to the Gene Leahy Mall to share in the excitement of this beloved holiday.

“The Gene Leahy Mall has proven in its first year to be a wonderfully vibrant gathering place, and the Omaha Symphony is thrilled and proud to help bring the community together in this beautiful space for a concert and celebration this Independence Day,” said Omaha Symphony President and CEO Jennifer Boomgaarden Daoud. “With our rousing musical salute to America and the park’s fantastic fireworks display, this will be a fun, festive and family-friendly evening in downtown Omaha, and the continuation of a great new July 4th tradition for our city.”

This concert will feature your Omaha Symphony, Broadway artist Siri Howard, Opera performer Markel Reed, and vocal ensemble Résonance performing favorites like The Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, Stars & Stripes Forever, music by John Williams, and much more.

Events are free and open to the public. More information can be found here: https://www.omahasymphony.org/concerts/independence-day-celebration

A promotional video featuring footage from last year’s event can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id6sSgjEXUc

Please contact Communications Manager Mark Champion to arrange coverage and interviews ahead of time.

  • Phone: (402) 661-8422
  • Email: mchampion@omahasymphony.org

Possible Interview Opportunities (availability will vary):

  • Jennifer Boomgaarden Daoud, President and CEO, Omaha Symphony
  • Ankush Kumar Bahl, Music Director, Omaha Symphony

Details:

  • Tuesday, July 4 at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 5 at 8:30 p.m.- The Omaha Symphony under the direction of Ankush Kumar Bahl will perform a patriotic concert at the Gene Leahy Mall followed by a fireworks display. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees may arrive as early as 4 p.m. to secure a spot.
  • Blankets and portable lawn chairs are welcome. Staking items and plastic tarps are prohibited. The RiverFront and MECA Tri Park, LLC are not responsible for unattended property. The park closes at 11:00 PM. Visit the RiverFront’s Rules & Regulations here: https://theriverfrontomaha.com/visit-the-riverfront/#rules-regulations

Find detailed schedule of weekend events here:

https://theriverfrontomaha.com/events/

Due to construction downtown, the following areas near the Gene Leahy Mall will be affected:

  • 14th street will be closed between Farnam and Douglas Streets (one-way southbound).
  • The east parking lane on 15th Street between Farnam and Douglas Streets will be closed.
  • Douglas Street will have one lane closed between 14th and 15th Street.

Some bus routes have changed due to the construction. Visit the Metro website for up-to-date information.

The Omaha Symphony is a non-profit organization that presents more than 100 live orchestral performances from September through June. In addition to Masterworks, Symphony Pops, Symphony Rocks, Movies, Symphony Joslyn, and Family series concerts, the Omaha Symphony’s nationally recognized education and community engagement programs touch the lives of more than 40,000 people each year. For tickets or information regarding the Omaha Symphony, call 402.345.0606 or visit omahasymphony.org. Programs, artists, dates, times, prices, and availability are subject to change.