Memorial Day event: Free symphony concert at Virginia State Capitol

A free symphony concert and Civil War-themed walking tour will be held at the State Capitol on Memorial Day, to mark the end of the statewide sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War and emancipation.

The Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission will present a Sesquicentennial Finale Concert that brings together music, songs, images, and narration in a profound exploration of the Civil War. The outdoor concert will be held on the South Portico of the Virginia State Capitol on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 at 6:30 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is requested at www.VirginiaCivilWar.org/concert.

The concert will be narrated by award-winning historian, James I. Robertson, Jr., and will feature the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. The Sesquicentennial Finale Concert explores the strong emotions and dramatic patterns of the Civil War, which gave rise to more music than any other event in American history.

The Capitol will close to the public at 2:00 p.m. on Memorial Day, but a number of special outdoor programs are being planned in connection with the Sesquicentennial Finale Concert. National Park Service Ranger Mike Gorman will offer a special walking tour, “Capitol Square in the Civil War,” at 5:00 p.m., before the finale concert. The tour will begin at the George Washington equestrian statue.

The nationally-recognized Civil War 150 HistoryMobile will be located at the Bank Street entrance of the Capitol and will be available for tours from 3:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The HistoryMobile crosses the state visiting museums, schools, and special events and has seen over 145,000 visitors.

Seating for the concert is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free parking for the Sesquicentennial Finale Concert will be available on Monday, May 25 from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the parking deck at 14^th and Main Streets.

For more on the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission and the Finale Concert, visitwww.VirginiaCivilWar.org.