West Valley Symphony Celebrates 250 Years of American Music

Free concert event features works by iconic American composers

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:00am

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The West Valley Symphony is hosting a special concert event to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. The program will feature compositions by renowned American composers such as Howard Hanson, Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, and John Williams. The free concert is open to the public but requires tickets for reserved seating.

Why it matters

This concert celebrates a major milestone in American history through the lens of the country's rich musical heritage. The West Valley Symphony's performance of works by some of the most celebrated American composers will provide the local community with an opportunity to come together and appreciate the cultural contributions that have defined the nation over the past 250 years.

The details

The West Valley Symphony's 250th anniversary concert will showcase a diverse repertoire of compositions that capture the spirit and evolution of American music. Attendees can expect to hear iconic pieces like Barber's "Adagio for Strings," Copland's "Appalachian Spring," and Williams' themes from films such as "Star Wars" and "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." The free event is open to the public, but tickets are required for reserved seating.

  • The concert will take place on March 28, 2026.

The players

West Valley Symphony

A professional orchestra based in Salt Lake City, Utah, known for its performances of classical and contemporary American music.

Howard Hanson

An American composer, conductor, educator, and music theorist who is best known for his Symphony No. 2, "Romantic."

Samuel Barber

An American composer of classical music known for works like "Adagio for Strings" and the opera "Vanessa."

Aaron Copland

A renowned American composer who is considered one of the founders of the distinctly American style of composition, with works like "Appalachian Spring" and "Rodeo."

John Williams

An American composer, conductor, and pianist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest film score composers of all time, known for his iconic themes from "Star Wars," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," and many other films.

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What they’re saying

“This concert is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the rich musical legacy that has defined America over the past 250 years.”

— Samantha Wilkins, Executive Director, West Valley Symphony

What’s next

Tickets for the 250th anniversary concert are available now on the West Valley Symphony's website. The concert is expected to sell out quickly, so music lovers are encouraged to secure their seats as soon as possible.

The takeaway

The West Valley Symphony's 250th anniversary concert showcases the enduring influence of American composers and the power of music to unite communities in celebrating the nation's cultural heritage. This free event provides a unique opportunity for the local audience to experience the timeless works that have shaped the American musical landscape.