Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

It’s the fourth, it’s the Phil, but it is not fireworks

philharmonic

Leila Navidi

The Las Vegas Philharmonic’s string section rehearses with Musical Director David Itkin in September. Itkin’s goal has been to bring the orchestra to a higher level, and the musicians say he has succeeded.

A quick reminder to anyone hoping to hit the annual July 4th Star Spangled Spectacular at Springs Preserve, featuring the Las Vegas Philharmonic and the a cappella group Mosaic: This year’s show will not feature fireworks. I remind, because there is some confusion out there about what sort of illuminated celebration will accompany Music Director David Itkin and the orchestra during rousing renditions of such Independence Day hallmarks as “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” (Doors open at 6 p.m., show's at 8 p.m.; click the link above for info.)

Since 1998, the LV Phil (originally the Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra) has performed at Hills Park amid bursts of real fireworks. Not this year. It's all green. In place of fireworks will be a light show, a non-laser light show, and I’m told the production was a bit meager during rehearsals. They are saving the most dazzling effects for today, hopefully, but regardless, it’s the LV Phil, Mosaic and Springs Preserve. Call it an organic Vegas experience.

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