The Helena Symphony and Carroll College are revving up for the Helena Community Credit Union Symphony Under the Stars – a giant concert and fireworks extravaganza at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 21, on the campus of Carroll College. Considered one of the largest summer events in Montana, the much-anticipated concert attracts well over 17,000 people from across the state and beyond.
The 15th annual concert will feature the award-winning music of the Star Wars franchise, composed by the legendary John Williams. The Helena Symphony Orchestra and Chorale will present musical excerpts from all eight movies.
Helena Community Credit Union, which has been the sole sponsor of the fireworks finale for several years, has stepped into a multi-year commitment for the naming rights of the Symphony Under the Stars as its principal sponsor.
“At HCCU, we work to cultivate community and strive to make Helena a great place to live, work, and play,” said Greg Strizich, CEO of Helena Community Credit Union. “We are honored to be the principal sponsor of Symphony Under the Stars, which is one of Helena’s most beloved annual events.” The ongoing sponsorship reflects a commitment to the growth of the event, as well as providing stability into the future.
“Symphony Under the Stars has become an important Montana tradition,” said Helena Symphony Music Director Allan R. Scott. “Carroll College and the Helena Symphony, and now the Helena Community Credit Union, have committed to keeping this concert alive.”
An instrument “petting zoo” will be presented by the Helena Music Teachers Association, along with Piccolo’s Music, late Saturday afternoon prior to the concert, and offers “children” of all ages to get up-close and personal with a variety of musical instruments.
Picnic dinners are encouraged, and there will be a variety of local vendors on site selling food and beverages. Merchandise, including t-shirts and this year’s art print by local illustrator Connie Bergum, will be available at a booth near the vendors.
Symphony Under the Stars Logistics
The Carroll College Guadalupe Hill is closed to the public until 5 p.m. Friday afternoon, July 20, at which time concertgoers may drop off lawn chairs and blankets. Early blanket placement is allowed from 3-5 p.m. on Friday with a $5/blanket cash donation to the Boy Scouts, who will be on site providing security.
Those planning to attend from outside of the Helena area should make arrangements with friends or family to claim their spots on Friday. Pets, plastic tarps, paint, rocks or stakes are strictly prohibited on the lawn at all times.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring non-perishable or canned goods to hold down blankets, and then donate the canned goods to the Helena Food Share. Last year, over 17,000 pounds of food were collected, making this one of the largest single-day food collections for the local food bank. Several drop boxes are located on site where canned goods may be deposited during the concert.
For more information visit facebook.com/SymphonyUnderTheStars or symphonyunderthestars.com.