As I write this, a major midwest storm is looming over Indianapolis and thunder and lightening fills the air. Somehow, that seems oddly fitting as I write about a fireworks show scheduled for the Fourth of July. What would the day be without the exploding fireworks, enough to rival any grand storm?
This year, Indianapolis is set to pull out all the stops at its Symphony on the Prairie fireworks show in Indianapolis (with a musical performance first). I’m fairly sure you’ve heard Tchaikovsky’s famous 1812 overture before, even if you think you haven’t. Not only is this a staple for the Fourth of July in many towns across the country but it can be heard in many movies and even television shows as well as classical music performances on radio. It is a part of our cultural consciousness, a bit ironic considering the fact that it wasn’t really written for Americans. But the music still evokes patriotic fervor for Americans.
So when it comes to putting the major “boom and bangs” into a Fourth of July performance and fireworks show in Indianapolis, you really can’t do better than the one given by The Indianapolis Sympony Orchestra, complete with artillery. Part of the Symphony on the Prairie series, this event is extremely popular, not only for Indianapolis residents but for visitors who come from out of town to experience the music – and the fireworks show afterwards – at Connor Prairie ( itself a living museum of colonial history)
You can’t help being affected by all the reminders of American history during the Fourth of July performance at Connor Prairie. Just be prepared for lots of noise! Traditionally, the 1812 Overture has 16 cannon shots and lots of rousing music as well. Here are the rest of the details of this Independence Day event you won’t want to miss:
Fireworks and music at Connor Prairie on July 4th : what to expect
Even if you think your children are too young to enjoy classical music, I’d suggest you give this one a try. Do prepare them ahead of time, though, because the huge blast of those cannons (and artillery fire in this case) can be startling to little ones. Ours always loved it, though! The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is well-known and this performance will be conducted by Music Director Mario Venzago. Not only will your hear the 1812 overture but the sound of Howitzer Cannons.
A little background info to up your appreciation of this Independence Day performance:
The number of instruments used is amazing, including a piccolo, two flutes, two oboes, bassoons, cymbals (yes, more noise potential as those cymbals clash together), triangle, tambourine, snare drum, bass drum and many more. To enhance your family’s enjoyment of this event, try to get the kids to recognize or anticipate each instrument. Again, remind them to expect plenty of crashing sounds. Most kids love this, when warned in advance.
The Fourth of July fireworks show at the Symphony on the Prairie performance in Indianapolis: often the highlight of the evening
While we love every moment of the evening, there is no denying the appeal of the grand fireworks extravaganza. Imagine this: your adrenalin is already racing,, heart pumping furiously, after listening to the rousing music and you get a bonus! You get to sit back and watch those beautiful fireworks above the Indianapolis skies as you appreciate the reminder of freedom and the various paths along the way in American history.
Indianapolis fireworks at Connor Prairie: how to get there, performance time and other information
Although the fireworks show has major appeal on July 4th, you can certainly experience this patriotic event for any of four days in July. The program will be performed nightly from July 2-5. It will start promptly at 8 pm. You can buy tickets in advance if you’d like by calling (317) 639-4300. If you buy them in advance, tickets are $24.00 for an adult and $10 for children. You can get a value pack of 10 tickets for $152, offering a savings over single admission. Combine the value pack with table seating (up to 10 people) if you like – but you’ll need to add $75 if you want to reserve a table.This may seem pricey but remember it occurs only once a year.
Want to picnic before the fireworks show? You can certainly do so. Gates open at 4:30. Just remember this Indianapolis fireworks show doesn’t start till 8 pm and plan accordingly. However, there is often pre-concert entertainment so you aren’t likely to linger for hours with nothing to see or do.
How to get there: Tale exit 5 from Interstate 69. The exact address is 13400 Allisonville Road. Connor Prairie is in Fishers, Indiana, a premiere community, noted in city living guides across the country.
What to keep in mind: Seating is general admission. Parking is free. Also, children under two get in free and I can vouch for the fact that one particular two year old was not only entranced by one of these performances one year but behaved quite well. If it rains, guests will get rain checks for later performance. When it comes to Indiana weather, all bets are off but it is worth the risk of a little rain to experience the 1812 Overture followed by fireworks!
After the show: Feel like reliving the moment in your memory? You can, courtesy of the free streaming of the live performance (the ISO is the first major orchestra to offer this free service, extremely cool). Just go to www.instantencore.com
