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Photo by Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Jamie Lafreniere

The spirit of summer will be celebrated in style by the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra Thursday, July 2, at Fox Cities Stadium. FVSO has partnered with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and a few sponsors to fund a free outdoor concert at Neuroscience Group Field. Entitled, “Brats, Beer & Beethoven,” the night will be a mash up of Wisconsin ballpark favorites and the exhilarating experience of a full orchestra performance.

“The Timber Rattlers have been amazing throughout the planning and implementation,” says FVSO Executive Director Jamie LaFreniere. “We’re working together on the music and the fun activities for the day. They’ve opened their home to us and said, ‘let’s see what we can make happen.’ You don’t get that opportunity often, if ever.”

A major feature of the event is its free admission and parking. In 2007, FVSO held a similar event at the stadium, but with the Timber Rattlers involved, the event will be much more interactive, and sponsors like Neuroscience Group and Kimberly Clark make it possible to open the event to anyone in the community free of charge.

“This is a real bucket-list item for us,” explains LaFreniere. “We’ve always wanted to do a free, family, outdoor concert in the summer, but could never secure the funding. This partnership made it possible!”

Guests of all ages are invited to the stadium where they can purchase classic Timber Rattlers snacks like popcorn and hot dogs, settle into the stands to watch the sunset and listen to a wide array of musical selections to set the mood.

“It’ll be a patriotic type of playlist,” reveals Timber Rattlers Vice President and Assistant GM Aaron Hahn. “There will be a little baseball feel to it, along with some classical pieces as well.”

FVSO Youth Orchestra conductor Seong-Kyung Graham — who also conducts the Green Bay Civic Symphony — will be the conductor for the concert. “She is looking forward to this event and selected some great music for kids, families and classical music fans,” says LaFreniere. “There really is something for everyone, from Beethoven to the Theme from Star Wars.”

In addition to music, peanuts and Cracker Jack, the event will feature fun family activities and even a Heid Music “instrument petting zoo” where adults and children will get the opportunity to see, touch and even play many of the instruments they will see in the orchestra. The evening will conclude with fireworks over the ballpark.

“We hope to get a good crowd out here and hope to send everyone home happy,” says Hahn. “Both the Timber Rattlers and the symphony are in the entertainment industry, so naturally we’re looking to put on a good show and do something good for the community.”

Lafreniere shares similar feelings, proclaiming, “We have one goal only — for everyone to have a great night out!”

If the event goes well, the partnership may continue and become a Fox Valley tradition. “We are absolutely hoping to make this an annual event,” says LaFreniere. “What could be better than music under the stars with fireworks? We can’t think of a better way to spend the evening!”

Fox Cities Stadium doors will open at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 2. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks to follow.