HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is starting a campaign for private donations to sustain its annual Salute to Independence concert at Antietam National Battlefield near Sharpsburg.
Officials of the Hagerstown-based group plans to announce details of the campaign at a Wednesday morning news conference.
Interim Executive Director April Dowler says the orchestra needs to raise $50,000 by May 1 to offset a decline in corporate sponsorship. Orchestra spokesman Gregory Evans says the financial commitment of the National Park Service is also in jeopardy.
The free concert typically draws about 35,000 people to the battlefield. It features fireworks and cannon fire during the “1812 Overture.”
This would be the 26th year of the concert. It’s currently scheduled for July 2.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
