Latest news with #1812Overture
Axios
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Why America plays a Russian tune on Independence Day
I've long been a fan of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" but was always intrigued about its relevance on America's Independence Day. Why it matters: It's a staple for Fourth of July celebrations nationwide despite its roots in a major Russian military victory. Driving the news: The Houston Symphony will round out Friday's free Star-Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre with the overture before fireworks light up the skies over Hermann Park. The intrigue: Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky wrote the piece in 1880 to commemorate the nation's victory over the French during the Napoleonic invasion in 1812, which turned the tides of war. Yes, but: American symphonies and orchestras nationwide play it on America's Independence Day, often during fireworks, timing larger displays with the score's crescendoes. Flashback: The Boston Pops first paired the Russian overture with a fireworks show during its 1974 Independence Day concert, the New York Times reported in 1998. The coupling was an effort to attract more people to the show by playing the piece — complete with real howitzer cannon fire written into the finale — and pop off fireworks at the same time. Two years later, it became a staple when 400,000 people witnessed the performance and fireworks during the 1976 American Bicentennial celebration in Boston.
Boston Globe
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular: How to watch, who's performing, and everything you need to know
A view of Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular from the roof of MIT's Green Building on July 4, 2024. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff What time are the fireworks? There's nothing quite like the grand finale of the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, as the show closes out with a performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture as cannons blast and fireworks ignite the sky over the Charles. The big ending is scheduled to take place around 9:40 p.m. this year. Advertisement Who's performing? The 2025 concert is a milestone one for conductor Keith Lockhart, as this year marks LeAnn Rimes headlines the 2025 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. Courtesy Joining Lockhart this year is two-time Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes, with the 'How Do I Live' singer set to headline the show. Fresh off of his Advertisement What you need to know before seeing the concert live The free concert draws hundreds of thousands of people to the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade each year, so if you plan on attending in person, make sure to get there early. According to Revelers enjoying the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4, 2024. Erin Clark/Globe Staff Bag and item screenings will be in place at the entrances, which will be closed once capacity is reached, with no re-entry allowed. Attendees should plan to leave backpacks and coolers on wheels at home, as well as glass containers and drones. Other prohibited items include firearms, weapons, and sharp objects; fireworks; canned, alcoholic, and pre-mixed beverages; plus grilling equipment, propane tanks, and open flames. Attendees, however, are allowed to bring liquids that are in sealed, clear plastic containers that are no more than two liters in size; pop-up tents and canopies with no sides and no bigger than 10' by 10' (tents must be taken down by 6 p.m. to not obstruct views of the concert); blankets and tarps that are no larger than 10' by 10'; folding and beach chairs; as well as coolers that have a single handle or a shoulder strap (no wheels). Bicycles will only be allowed outside of the Oval and island sections, but must not be left unattended. Advertisement Matt Juul can be reached at
Cosmopolitan
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
How to Have a Rom-Com Vacation in Ocean City, Maryland
Whether you're coupled up, ready to turn that situationship into a relationship, or looking for true love, Ocean City, Maryland, has all the ingredients for a dreamy romantic vacay worthy of a screen adaptation. Pristine beaches and mesmerizing sunsets? A bustling nightlife ripe for chance encounters? Yup, in this Eastern Shore resort town, life can be just like the movies. Pack your best fire emoji-worthy swimsuit and add the activities below to your itinerary. From the deliciously unhinged (do it for the group chat!) to the adorably cheesy (go get that kiss at the top of the Ferris wheel, girlie), the destination offers no shortage of ways to live out the most iconic rom-com plotlines. Aside from a makeover, nothing makes for a better montage than a date packed with wholesome activities. Ocean City's boardwalk contains nearly three miles of opportunities for cute AF moments to mentally snapshot. Some suggestions: Share a bucket of Thrasher's fries—served with apple-cider vinegar, never ketchup (it's a whole thing); hit the Kite Loft and then fly your colorful purchase on the beach; commemorate the day with a fun portrait at Flashback Old Time Photos; win each other obnoxiously big stuffed animals at Jolly Roger Pier arcade and amusement park; and, finally, take a ride on the Giant Wheel and make the people in the car behind you think, Get a room. Maybe you're waiting for the *perfect* moment, or maybe you've already had a makeout sesh that was just a tad underwhelming. Don't stress! With the right backdrop, that firework-inducing kiss is in your future. Here's what you're gonna do: Make a reservation at a bayfront restaurant like Fager's Island. Not only are this spot's crab cakes on point, but they time the sunset to Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture every. Single. Day. Once you hear the 15-minute climactic masterpiece start pumping through the speakers, hightail it to the gazebo on the restaurant's private pier to make your move as the dramatic crescendo hits. Grand gestures don't have to be expensive; at Assateague Island National Seashore, you can let its herd of free-roaming horses do the impressing for you. (One thing, though: Since they're wild, you can't feed or touch these cuties. The park rangers recommend observing them from at least 40 feet away.) In addition to the wildlife, the barrier island is known for its peaceful, rustic beaches, making it picnic-perfect. Pro tip: Pack a cooler with delish provisions from a specialty shop like the market at Touch of Italy. Try the Antipasti Della Casa (a cheese-and-charcuterie board for two), or pick up a couple of stacked Italian heroes to split. So your bestie invited someone you can't stand on the group trip? We all know how this trope plays out. You and the crew will rent kayaks to explore one of the area's photogenic salt marshes. You'll get stuck sharing a tandem with said person and drift away from the rest of the group because *someone* isn't paddling hard enough. Your bickering will cause the boat to tip over, and a crab will bite one of their toes (because, well, Maryland). The whole ordeal is pure comedy, so suddenly you're both laughing and—wait. Did you just catch feels? Yeah, you did. Fun fact: The Orange Crush—a summery bevvy made with freshly squeezed orange juice, vodka, triple sec, and a splash of lemon-lime soda—was invented in Ocean City, Maryland. Speaking of crushes, what are you waiting for? Take them to a picturesque bar, order a round of *the* cocktail and have *the* convo. Might we suggest Harborside Bar & Grill, where the drink originates, or Seacrets, which has a distillery on its six-acre bayfront compound? Even if the feelings aren't mutual, you're sure to lock eyes with someone new at one of the latter's 17 (yes, you read that right) bars. You're no damsel in distress, but as so many rom-coms have taught us, there's nothing a potential love interest loves more than overconfidently flaunting their skills. Cosplay this narrative and prepare for a meet-cute at one of Ocean City's many championship courses, such as Rum Pointe Seaside Golf Links. Then, once you've captured the attention—and heart—of the pro, flip the script and show off your real talent. In this movie, it's what scores you the one. Not a golf girlie? This method plays equally well on a fishing charter or a paddleboard tour—both of which are abundant in Ocean City. Start filming your Ocean City rom-com with a trip to the seaside destination. Visit
Boston Globe
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
July 4th Boston Pops Fireworks performer lineup announced
The free concert will include a slew of patriotic favorites – performed by the Pops, of course – closing with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. The fireworks display over the Charles will begin at about 9:40 p.m. The performance will be broadcast nationally on The CW Network and locally on WHDH-TV (Channel 7.) Advertisement Mark Shanahan can be reached at
L'Orient-Le Jour
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Alexander Sladkovski celebrates Tchaikovsky at Monnot: 'In short, he was a genius'
Who among us does not know Swan Lake, the 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker or Piano Concerto No. 1? Filled with iconic melodies, the works of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky will echo in Beirut on Wednesday, May 7, as the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra performs under the baton of Alexander Sladkovski. The event marks the famed Russian composer's 185th birthday. The concert, held at Saint Joseph Church in Monnot, features Sergei Slovachevsky, principal cellist of the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre and a respected coach and teacher. It is organized under the patronage of Russian Ambassador Alexander Rudakov and Hiba Kawas, interim director of Lebanon's National Higher Conservatory of Music. Sladkovski's early path to greatness Born to a piano teacher, Sladkovski 'spoke music before he spoke words.' At age 13, he met legendary conductor Yuri Temirkanov during an educational program — an encounter that shaped his destiny. Sladkovski earned a gold medal at the Moscow Conservatory and later graduated from the Rimsky-Korsakov Saint Petersburg State Conservatory, where he launched his career and eventually became chief conductor of the school's opera and ballet theater. He now leads the Tatarstan National Symphony Orchestra in Kazan, gaining recognition from international labels such as Medici and Mezzo, which have recorded many of his performances. His accolades include the 2016 title of 'People's Artist of the Russian Federation,' 'People's Artist of Tatarstan' in 2020, a win at the III Prokofiev International Competition in 1999, and the International Rachmaninoff Prize in 2019. A date rich in symbolism The May 7 performance pays tribute not only to Tchaikovsky's birth, but also to the historical significance of May 9 — known as Victory Day — which commemorates the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany and the Allied victory in World War II. The Soviet Union, which lost an estimated 20 million people during what it calls the Great Patriotic War, bore a heavy toll. 'What better way to celebrate the battle between good and evil,' said Sladkovski, 'than through the legacy of a Russian and international icon?' The program includes selections such as Slavonic March, Waltz of the Flowers, and the 1812 Overture. The latter, portraying Russia's victory over Napoleon's invading forces, famously opens with the Marseillaise and ends in a thunderous crescendo of cannon fire, timpani and brass. May 7 also carries personal meaning for Sladkovski — it is the birthday of his mother, who first introduced him to music. The program is devoted entirely to the works of Tchaikovsky, whose vast and varied output mirrors the breadth of his homeland. A colossus of Russian music Though best known for his three ballets — Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker — Tchaikovsky's output was enormous. He composed six symphonies, 11 operas (including Eugene Onegin and The Queen of Spades), four orchestral suites, four string quartets, three piano concertos, dozens of overtures, waltzes, concertos for various instruments, sacred music, romances, and a vast body of chamber and solo piano works. 'All three of his ballets are essential to any company's repertoire,' Sladkovski noted. The Russian Beethoven To Sladkovski, Tchaikovsky is 'a genius — the greatest melodist, a master of structure and polyphony.' He was the first student to earn a gold medal at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory under the mentorship of Anton Rubinstein. Just as German influence shaped Russia's early musical tradition — and French and Italian schools informed its ballet — Tchaikovsky drew on composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, Bruckner and Wagner, whose use of thematic melody, or leitmotif, deeply inspired him. 'In symphonic form, he is our Beethoven; in melody, he is our Wagner,' Sladkovski said. Voice of the Russian soul Tchaikovsky's work is marked by emotional depth, narrative strength and rich orchestration. 'He raised the bar when it came to expressing emotions,' Sladkovski told L'Orient-Le Jour. 'He was one of the masters of the Romantic era, after the Germans had dominated the scene.' His music, though molded by Western traditions, draws heavily on Russian folk themes. While not the first to do so — Mikhail Glinka paved the way — Tchaikovsky helped reintroduce Russian folk melodies to domestic and global audiences. His lyrical, passionate and often tragic works helped define what would become known as russkaya dusha — the Russian soul. Because the soul of classical music transcends borders, Sladkovski hopes to build cultural bridges between Russia and Lebanon — specifically between Kazan and Beirut. During his first visit to Lebanon, he invited Kawas to participate in the international music festival he directs in Kazan. 'This is also our mission as musicians,' he said.
