Brandywine Valley Symphony debuts America 250th commission at Longwood

April 22nd, 2026

April 20, 2026

Brandywine Valley Symphony debuts

America 250th celebration commission

during Longwood Gardens performance

An American Dream, A Symphonic Salute to America250

to be performed on June 25 at 7:30 p.m.

          LONGWOOD _ The Brandywine Valley Symphony joins in the national celebration of America’s founding 250 years ago with a special concert at Longwood Gardens on June 25.

            The world premiere of the arrangement An American Dream, A Symphonic Salute to America250, commissioned by the Brandywine Valley Symphony, will be performed. The composition is believed to be the only patriotic medley covering the full 250 years of our nation’s history, from Yankee Doodle to God Bless the USA, including America the Beautiful, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, The Star-Spangled Banner, and others.

The new composition will be performed alongside timeless favorites by Gershwin, Copland, Bernstein, and other noted composers.

“The evening performances will be bursting with joy, rhythm, and spirit. This is the music that captures the energy and soul of America,” said Dr. Timothy Blair, President of the Brandywine Valley Symphony.

To enjoy the evening, purchase tickets at https://bvsymphony.org/event/made-in-america/. The cost is $65.00 for adults and $20.00 for students and children. The tickets include entrance to Longwood Gardens during the day.

The program Made In America, includes:

  • John Williams – Liberty Fanfare
  • Aaron Fullan – An American Dream, A Symphonic Salute to America250
  • Antonin Dvorak – Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” Mvt 2
  • Aaron Copland – An Outdoor Overture
  • Leonard Bernstein – West Side Story – Selections for Orchestra arr. Mason
  • Florence Price – Andante Moderato
  • George Gershwin – An American in Paris

“Joining us on June 25 is a great way to enjoy fabulous music, celebrate America’s birthday and support our symphony,” said Blair.

The concert will be preceded by a reading of the full text of the Declaration of Independence, led by 12 community leaders, with an estimated 1,000 persons in the audience participating as part of the Chester County-wide Dare to Declare project.

The Brandywine Valley Symphony is a nonprofit affiliate of America250PA, the statewide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and Pennsylvania’s vital role in our nation’s story.

The Brandywine Valley Symphony was established in 1940 and is the only professional symphony orchestra in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The symphony serves the greater Philadelphia region from southeastern Pennsylvania to northern Delaware. For more information on the Brandywine Valley Symphony, see www.bvsymphony.org.