Latest news with #1812Overture
Calgary Herald
23-07-2025
- General
- Calgary Herald
Ford: Too many blind to the beauty of our past
Article content The grass was soft, the waterfront location cool and the forum was unique. Article content A performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture by the Toronto Symphony was memorable in and of itself. But to have its dramatic climax accompanied by cannon fire from the decommissioned warship HMCS Haida turned that 1970s experience into a lifetime memory. More than 50 years later, I can still hear the drums, brass and the cannonade as clearly as if it were yesterday. Article content Ontario Place opened the waterfront to landlocked city dwellers. Many won't understand what I am talking about. Ontario Place closed in 2012, labelled as neglected, an expensive drain on the provincial budget. Article content Complaints about cost and purpose started as soon as the ground was broken for its construction. It was called an expensive boondoggle and, if memory serves me well, a columnist for the Hamilton Spectator carped about the waste of money, which could have been spent on more important projects. I believe he mentioned water treatment. Article content Article content Before the newly renovated and mostly privatized islands are opened to those with money to spend on specialized spa treatments, I remember the glory days. I remember the glorious feeling of being able to sit on grass with a breeze off the lake and the freedom from the stifling heat of my apartment. Indeed, there are still public parks and open spaces, but Ontario Place was something special. Article content All of this is occasioned by its renovation and the release of the final design. Did I mention it will include a $400-million parking garage and, in 2029, the relocation of another downtown gem, the Ontario Science Centre? Article content Should any of this matter to Calgarians? It should, before those who see no beauty in age and longevity 'reform' this city. Consider the world's oldest building still in use: Rome's Pantheon, built to honour the gods around 125 AD. Since the 7th century, it has been a Roman Catholic church.
Axios
02-07-2025
- 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
01-07-2025
- 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
