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The Rhode Island Foundation joins Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and Citizens in inviting the public to a free performance of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra’s Summer Pops in the Park concert at the Temple to Music in Roger Williams Park on Thursday, August 1, beginning at 7:30 pm.    

“Together with our partners, we are inviting Rhode Islanders to what has become an annual tradition for thousands of people,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation's president and CEO. “Community is at the heart of our work. Community begins where people come together to share experiences. There is no better spot to promote the importance of community than in one of Rhode Island’s most beloved places.”  

Conducted by Troy Quinn, the 66-piece orchestra will play a 90-minute set. In addition to the concert, food trucks will be onsite at the Temple to Music serving local, regional and global cuisine.  

"I am delighted to welcome the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra back to Roger Williams Park again this summer for a free, family-friendly concert at the Temple to Music," said Mayor Brett Smiley. "This event has become a wonderful tradition for Providence to come together and enjoy excellent music in one of Rhode Island’s most scenic settings. I encourage everyone to bring their loved ones and experience the joy of this special performance." 

This year’s Pops concert is a tribute to Rhode Island. Titled “Our State: A RI Celebration,” concert-goers can expect to hear selections by famous composers who grew up in Rhode Island like Peter Boyer, Bill Conti and George M. Cohan, music from Seth MacFarlane’s Rhode Island inspired Family Guy series, and traditional summer pops fare from John Williams and others.   

“We’re thrilled to be back at Roger Williams Park this summer,” said David Beauchesne, the Philharmonic’s executive director. “At the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School, we are dedicated to serving all who live in this great state through music, and one of the most powerful ways that we can do that is to get out into the community to perform.  We look forward to seeing record crowds and sharing some wonderful music together in the heart of Providence.” 

 During intermission, the Foundation will present three of its most prestigious annual awards on the stage of the Temple to Music: 

·       Community Leadership Award – Amos House  

·       Civic Leadership Award – Mrs. Victoria Johnson 

·       The Trailblazer Award – Dr. Eugenio Fernandez, Asthenis Pharmacy  

The Foundation and Citizens are presenting sponsors of this free community event with support from the Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism; the Providence Tourism Council, the Roger Williams Park Conservancy and the Providence Parks Department. 

“Citizens support for the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra’s Summer Pops in the Park is our own tribute to Rhode Island,” said Keith Kelly, president of Citizens, Rhode Island. “Rhode Island has so much to offer, and it is our hope that this concert will bring together Rhode Islanders for an enjoyable night of fantastic music where they can come together and celebrate the culture and beauty of the Ocean State.” 

Free parking is available throughout Roger Williams Park. The concert will take place on Thursday, August 1, due to predicted rain and thunderstorms on July 31. Details are available at riphil.org/summer-pops.