There is no finer seasonal family activity than a lush, musical performance staged at an open-air park or garden. An exquisite event in which the sounds and tones of melodious music flow freely between the borders of a fragrant greenspace, a place where plants and florals flourish in full bloom.
Hernando residents are cordially invited to enjoy a rhythmic, vibrant summertime concert performed in a beautiful outdoor setting, as the Hernando Symphony Brass will be playing at the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens on Saturday, July 29th, at 10 am. Admission is free, and chairs will be provided.
The brass band, a division of the Hernando Symphony Orchestra, will perform in the gazebo and covered picnic area in the heart of the gardens. “July 29th is part of our monthly ‘Brass in the Gardens’ series performed by the Hernando Symphony Brass,” said Michele DiLuzio, conductor of the Hernando Symphony Orchestra.
DiLuzio stated that this event will be as free and easy as the very essence of summer. “We do not have a set list of music we will be performing,” said DiLuzio. “We pick the songs as we go along.”
Indeed, guests at Brass in the Gardens can expect a set list as rich, varied and lovely as the florals that grow in the surrounding gardens. “Our music ranges from the Big Band era to current pop music,” said DiLuzio.
Members set to perform at the July 29 show are Michele DiLuzio – Trumpet & Flugel Horn, Thomas Yagmin – French Horn & Tuba; and Greg Nowak – Trombone.
“We have been thrilled to be able to do these monthly concerts and partner with the members at the beautiful Nature Coast Botanical Gardens,” said DiLuzio. “We have been performing monthly since December, and it has been awesome to see how the plants, trees, and flowers have come to life over the months!”
A long and cherished tradition, the concert in the park is a popular summary that finds its origins via free concerts performed in New York’s Central Park starting in 1859. In addition, the New York Philharmonic has performed park concerts throughout the nation, and statues representing composers are posted throughout NYC parks.
In post-Civil War-era Chicago, regimental bands performed at parks throughout the city, and public concerts sponsored in Lincoln Park are seen as a way to build culture, celebrate holidays and enhance community spirit.
Worldwide, perhaps the ultimate summertime garden concert was performed on Saturday, 4 June 2022, in England, when (as a part of the Platinum Jubilee celebration in honor of Queen Elizabeth) members of the public gathered in Holyroodhouse gardens to attend a free outdoor screening of the Platinum Party at the Palace, broadcast live by the BBC from Buckingham Palace. Guests feasted on a picnic on the lawn while enjoying performances by Sir Rod Stewart, Queen, Sir Elton John, Diana Ross and many more.
Administrators at the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens are pleased to continue this exalted tradition in Hernando County. “Our visitors are enjoying the music and find it an unexpected pleasure to be able to sit and listen to beautiful music in beautiful surroundings,” said Mary Wuest, garden manager.”We receive many thanks and compliments about the music and always tell our visitors that it is the Hernando County Symphony Brass Band.”
