ASHWAUBENON, WI (WFRV) – Organizers of the Civic Symphony of Green Bay say the 2nd free airport concert this past Father’s Day weekend was such a success that it will return for a third year, next year.
The crowd was much larger than at the inaugural concert at the Jet Air Hangar this year compared with last year’s on the July 4 weekend. The date for next year’s concert has already been announced, Saturday, June 21, 2025.
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But these musicians are not content to sit back and play. Before and after the concert, they hosted an instrument petting zoo where everyone was encouraged to try.
“We want to make the process of learning an instrument easy,” explained principal oboe player Shahnnon Hawkins. “We start with step-by-step instructions. So, they’re making sound in about two minutes.”
Were it not for the generous donations of many sponsors including Austin Straubel International Airport, the free concert by Green Bay’s volunteer orchestra would not have been possible.
This was unique because this was a fly-in event for those who didn’t take the shuttle bus from Oneida to Jet Air hangar.
Jet Air, Pilotsmith, and Enstrom Helicopter all provided displays and staff, including some pretty impressive aircraft, to bring extra excitement to the event.
“There’s a connection between Enstrom and the arts,” explained Dennis Martin of Enstrom Helicopter. “The owner of Enstrom also owns Sweetwater Music which is the largest distributor of musical equipment. So, when we got the opportunity to partner with the Green Bay Symphony, it seemed like a natural fit.”
Other sponsors included the George Kress Foundation, the Schneider Foundation, Cirrus Aircraft, and Heid Music & the Heid Family Foundation.
Here is the upcoming season to hear the symphony.
Tuesday, October 1st with “Food & Music from Around the World” with local celebrity chef Ace Champion and the students of the Preble High School culinary program.
The second concert will feature the great choral, orchestral work “Carmina Burana” with the Dudley Birder Chorale of St. Norbert College and the Preble High School Choir at The Weidner on Saturday afternoon, October 26th.
Then in early 2025, they’ll premiere a new piece composed by St. Norbert College professor John Hennecken, called “King Arthur: Lion in the Wilderness” at the heroes-themed concert on Valentine’s Day, February 14th.
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The season finale is a video game-themed concert on March 29.
Tickets go on sale later this summer. For more information, click here.
