South Bend, IN — The South Bend Symphony Orchestra invites the community to its annual Shein Trust Community Series Salute to Freedom concert, a festive celebration of American spirit and unity, on Friday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Morris Performing Arts Center. 

Acclaimed conductor David Lockington leads this beloved tradition by bringing audiences together on the eve of the nation’s 250th Independence Day for patriotic favorites, uplifting orchestral works, and family-friendly fun.  

From the triumphant opening strains of the National Anthem to the exciting finale of John Philip Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever, the program showcases a mix of Americana and classical masterworks. Audiences can expect iconic selections such as the nostalgic charm of Take Me Out to the Ballgame, alongside moving tributes including John Williams’ Hymn to the Fallen and Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man. 

Perfect for audiences of all ages, the Salute to Freedom concert captures the spirit of Independence Day with a program that is both reflective and celebratory, honoring the past while bringing people together through the power of live music. 

Thanks to the generous support of the Shein Family Trust, this concert is free to attend. Tickets are requested to help manage capacity and can be reserved through the Symphony’s website. 

 

PATRON FIREWORK SHOW VIEWING INFO 

Following the concert, audiences are invited to continue the celebration as the City of South Bend lights up the night sky with fireworks display scheduled to begin between 9:30 and 9:40 p.m. 

Please keep in mind the following:
Fireworks will be launched from the piers below Plaza Park. Due to nearby buildings, fireworks will not be visible directly outside of the Morris.  

Recommended viewing areas include:
• The Colfax Bridge sidewalk
• MLK Drive below Jon Hunt Plaza
• Howard Park
• Seitz Park 

Traffic & Safety:
To ensure public safety, the Jefferson Street bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from 9:00–10:30 p.m. Patrons should use designated walkways to safely access the viewing areas. 

 

TICKETS 

Online – www.southbendsymphony.org
Phone – Morris Performing Arts Center Box Office 574-235-9190  
(10 am – 4 pm, Tuesday & Wednesday, 10 am – 5:30 pm, Thursday & Friday) 
In-person – Visit the Morris Box Office (211 N. Michigan St., South Bend) during the times listed above or two hours before any performance. 

To VIEW the 2026-27 Season schedule, visit www.southbendsymphony.org  

Dates, programs, and venues are subject to change. 

For questions or media appearances, please contact Sarah Perschbacher, sperschbacher@southbendsymphony.org or 574-230-4875 

 

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About the South Bend Symphony Orchestra
The South Bend Symphony inspires, entertains, and connects the community with the transformative power of orchestral music. Producing more than 20 mainstage programs each year and nearly 70 smaller ensemble concerts, the Symphony serves more than 30,000 attendees annually. As the region’s only professional orchestra, the Symphony is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant, interconnected arts community in support of South Bend and the broader Michiana region. 

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra has earned recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as Indiana Arts Commission and local arts funding organizations. It is also the recipient of the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County’s Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence, which honors the best-run nonprofit organization in St. Joseph County, Indiana. 

Learn more about the South Bend Symphony Orchestra at www.southbendsymphony.org.