The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra presents a free Memorial Day concert outdoors at the beautiful Sugar Land Town Square on Saturday, May 26th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The symphony's brass quintet will open the concert with jazz, polkas, and pops arrangements. At 7:00, the symphony will feature the popular local musical theatre star Josh Wright in several songs with the orchestra. Conductors for this very special concert are Marty Koran and Bill Atkerson.

Enjoy an evening out as you take advantage of the square’s eclectic mix of eateries and fine retail establishments. Drink in the hometown atmosphere and friendly faces as you stroll around the square. Revel in the history showcased in the fountain and plaza in front of City Hall. Then, bring out your lawn chairs and blankets and prepare to be entertained by Fort Bend County’s very own Symphony Orchestra!

The concert, sponsored by SLTS Management Company, will showcase exhilarating and moving music evoking the meaning behind Memorial Day, honoring those who gave their lives for their country. The melodies of such favorites as Copland, Sibelius, John Williams, and John Phillip Sousa, together with music evoking the time of the American revolution. These will be combined with Josh Wright’s moving renditions of “Going Home”, the theme song from the Civil War movie, “Gods and Generals” and the folk song “Christmas in the Trenches” about the Christmas truce of 1914 that took place during World War I. At that time, enemy soldiers left their muddy trenches, meeting in no man’s land to shake hands, exchange gifts, chocolate, cognac, postcards, newspapers, and tobacco. The occasional soccer was even played in some locations. For a few precious moments the Christmas spirit reigned over the waging of war: there was peace on earth good will toward men.

The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra, a vital ingredient of the cultural life of this area, is excited about the new horizons ahead as they continue to grow and energize the community. For three consecutive years, the Orchestra has been the recipient of a $10,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant, and has once again been asked to participate in the initiative, known as Challenge America: Reaching Every Community. The 2006-2007 season the Fort Bend Symphony moved to the beautiful new Stafford Centre Theatre for regular season concerts.

This fall will mark the Orchestra’s 16th Season in Fort Bend County. Be on the lookout for more information coming about our exciting season ahead by checking out the orchestra’s website at http://www.fbso.org/ or by calling 281-276-9642.