“Target Harmony in the Metroparks” provides free concerts July 18-19, 24-25, 2008

Marking 20 years of free concerts at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, beautiful music will fill the air at “Target Harmony in the Metroparks” this summer, when the Detroit Symphony Orchestra appears at four Huron-Clinton Metroparks. Presented by Target, these family-friendly outdoor DSO concerts are free with a vehicle entry permit.

Kent Lake of Kensington Metropark, Lake St. Clair of Metro Beach Metropark, Stony Creek Lake of Stony Creek Metropark, and the woods and waters of Willow Metropark will provide the surroundings for the classic sounds. The concerts will be held on Friday, July 18 at Kensington Metropark, near Milford/Brighton; Saturday, July 19 at Stony Creek Metropark, near Rochester, Thursday, July 24 at Willow Metropark, near New Boston and Friday, July 25 at Metro Beach Metropark, near Mt. Clemens. All performances begin at 8 p.m.

DSO Resident Conductor Thomas Wilkins will lead the orchestra in a variety of light classical and Pops music centered on a dance theme including Slavonic Dance, Op. 46, No. 1 by Antonín Dvorak, “Habañera” from Carmen Suite No. 2 by Georges Bizet, March from El Capitán by John Philip Sousa, as well as Overture to Die Fledermaus, Thunder and Lightning Polka, and Emperor Waltzes all by Johann Strauss, Jr.

Concertgoers should arrive early for the best seating and should bring a chair or blanket. Picnic baskets are allowed, but no glass containers. Food will also be available at the parks’ concession areas.

A vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is only $20 annually for regular admission, $12 annually for seniors or $4 daily. General information can be found at www.metroparks.com or by calling 1-800-47-PARKS. For more information, contact Kensington Metropark at 248-685-1561 or 1-800-477-3178, Stony Creek Metropark at 586-781-4242 or 1-800-477-7756, Metro Beach Metropark at 586-463-4581 or 1-800-477-3172 or Willow Metropark at 734-697-9181 or 1-800-477-3182.

Located along the Huron and Clinton rivers, the Metroparks provide a natural oasis from urban and suburban life as well as year-round recreational activities and events. The Metroparks consist of 13 beautiful parks covering nearly 24,000 acres, ten spectacular public golf courses and two marinas on Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, respectively. The parks also offer scenic nature trails, breathtaking beaches, educational activities and exciting winter sports.