Delaware County Symphony Celebrating America 250 Symphony Concert

Experience an exhilarating musical tribute to America’s artistic spirit as the Delaware County Symphony presents a program honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary on Sunday, May 3 at 3:00 PM.

The concert opens with Leonard Bernstein’s sparkling Overture to Candide. The spotlight then turns to the winner of the Youth Concerto Competition, Julie Chen, with a rare performance of the technically demanding Cello Concerto in A minor; Op 22 by Samuel Barber. Aaron Copland’s powerful A Lincoln Portrait follows, blending stirring narration by Scott Cullen with the composer’s unmistakably open, American sound. The performance culminates in William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, a profound and deeply moving work that weaves spirituals and folk traditions into the symphonic sound.

Find out more about the pieces featured at this concert by attending Meet the Music, a free, pre-concert lecture presented by Neumann University Music Professor, Dr. Richard Sayers, at 2:00 PM. 

The Celebrating America 250 Symphony Concert will be presented on May 3 at 3:00 PM in Neumann University's Meagher Theatre. Tickets for the concert may be purchased at dcsmusic.org/tickets

Symphony Explorers!

The next Symphony Explorers event is on April 20 and features the French Horn.

DCS Symphony Explorers is a FREE introduction to symphonic music for elementary and

middle school age students accompanied by a parent or guardian. Sponsored by the Delaware County Symphony on Monday April 20, 2026 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm at the McNichol Art Gallery, Thomas A. Bruder Life Center; Neumann University, Aston, PA.

Then, from 7:00 –7:30 pm, listen to a portion of a live rehearsal of the Delaware County

Symphony Music!

Leonard Bernstein, Overture to Candide

Samuel Barber, Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 22

Performed by Julie Chen, Youth Concerto Competition Winner

Aaron Copland, A Lincoln Portrait

William Dawson, Negro Folk Symphony

Please verify attendance by emailing symphonyexplorersdcs@gmail.com

Directions to the campus: https://www.neumann.edu/about/directions.asp.

Campus Map Building No. 3: https://explore.neumann.edu/hubfs/Website-PDFs/campus_map.pdf?t=1535580239419

Delaware County Symphony Presents: America 250 Chamber Concert for All Ages

The annual Chamber Concert for All Ages will be presented on April 12 and will feature the Chamber Series Winner of the Youth Concerto Competition, along with a lively program of American and patriotic music performed by a variety of ensembles for the whole family to enjoy.

This special concert celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States with lighthearted American favorites. Performances will include the DCS String Ensemble, a Cello Choir presenting patriotic tunes, and traditional fife and drum music from the Revolutionary War era. The America 250 Wind Band will also take the stage, performing works by renowned American composers such as John Philip Sousa and Scott Joplin.

Also featured is Isabella Munoz, Chamber Series Winner of the DCS Youth Concerto Competition, who will perform Partita No. 2 in D Minor for Solo Violin by J.S. Bach.

Join us for the final chamber concert of the season—an engaging and festive program sure to delight concertgoers of all ages.

The Chamber Concert for All Ages will be on April 12 at 3:00 PM in Neumann University's Meagher Theatre. Tickets for the concert may be purchased at dcsmusic.org/tickets