Symphony presents Independence Day Spectacular July 3

Emily Rogers

Staff Report

Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO) will present its annual Independence Day Spectacular at 8 p.m., Sunday, July 3, at Rock Valley College’s (RVC) Bengt Sjostrom (Starlight) Theatre.

The performance will feature patriotic music, fireworks, and guest artist Emily Rogers, winner of the RSO Star competition in March.

Rogers is an outstanding vocalist who won the RSO Star competition in March by a live audience vote. She will perform a number of Broadway songs, including “Popular” from Wicked, and “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid.

Rogers is a 2011 graduate of Rockford Boylan Catholic High School. She is also appearing this summer as Penny Pingleton in Hairspray at Starlight Theatre.

The RSO will also perform patriotic favorites including the 1812 Overture and Armed Services Salute. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display.

Tickets for the Independence Day Spectacular can be ordered through the Starlight Theatre box office at (815) 921-2160. Price is $27 ($26 for students and seniors).

Prior to the concert, RSO will host an All-American Barbecue on the grounds of the RVC campus beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets for the barbecue are $15 for adults and $8 for children, and can be purchased with concert tickets.