Michigan Philharmonic Comes to the Huron Clinton Metroparks

Michigan Philharmonic Summer Music Celebration

The concerts will be performed throughout the Huron Clinton Metroparks (HCMA) collaborating with the parks to celebrate their 75th Anniversary. With the theme “Back to the Future,” the orchestra will help the Metroparks celebrate their past and their future with music concerts that include the terrific score from the film, Back to the Future – songs include:

Salute to the Cinema ~ arr. Carl Strommen
Music from Gladiator ~ Hans Zimmer
Music from Frozen ~ Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
To Kill a Mocking Bird ~ Elmer Bernstein
Adventures on Earth from”ET” ~ John Williams
The Lion King Selections ~ Elton John
Highlights from “Titanic” ~ James Horner
Back to the Future Suite ~ Alan Silvestri

Kensington Metropark was the first park to open to the public in 1946 and the first Michigan Philharmonic concert celebration will be at Kensington on Saturday, July 15. This will be the 5th year the Michigan Philharmonic will perform at the park with a concert featuring movie music and more. The concert takes place on Maple Beach and starts at 7:30 p.m. but come early and enjoy all the amenities the park has to offer.

An ongoing tradition that coincides with the Kensington July 15 concert is the annual Paddle To The Symphony. Hosted by SOLAR Outdoors, a non-profit recreational club, and collaborating with Heavner Canoe Rental in Milford, this special event brings family fun outdoors to meet nature while embracing a cultural music experience. For over 20 years Paddle To The Symphony has celebrated Michigan, Music, and Metroparks with an easy paddle across Kent Lake. While the music is free, this special add-on is $25 per person and includes canoe/kayak rental, water and snacks, and a special launch area at North Martindale Beach. Details at www.PaddleToTheSymphony.com.

The second concert takes place at Lake St. Claire Metropark, which was also one of the first parks put into operation by the HCMA. In the early history of the Metroparks, this park (as was Kensington) developed because it was within a 50-mile radius of the City of Detroit and designated as a great recreational destination for families to enjoy close to their city home. The concert at Lake St. Claire takes place on Saturday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. and concert- goers will love sitting right on the water’s edge of Lake St. Claire and enjoying a great concert.

In northern Oakland County, enjoy a concert at Stoney Creek Metropark on Saturday, July 29. At this park, visitors get that “up north” feeling without leaving the suburbs. Extending across Oakland and Macomb counties, its 4,461 scenic acres abound with opportunity for outdoor recreation all year long. Come early and spend the afternoon boating or swimming in the 500-acre Stony Creek Lake before attending the concert.

The last of the Metropark concert series takes place at Lake Erie Metropark. This beautiful park sits right on the coastline of Lake Erie and while enjoying a concert, attendees may watch giant freighters go by while listening to the waves lap on the shore.

For information on the Michigan Philharmonic and all their summer concerts and activities, please visit their website www.michiganphil.org.