MEDIA RELEASE: Hartford Symphony Orchestra and Hartford Bonanza Announce Partnership for America 250 Commemorative Concert
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The collaboration marks the first in a series of initiatives as the state capital and Hartford Bonanza prepare to host Connecticut’s America 250 celebrations
Hartford, CT — December 17, 2025 — The Hartford Symphony Orchestra (HSO) and Hartford Bonanza, produced by First Night Hartford, Inc., are proud to announce a new partnership to co-present a special America 250 Commemorative Concert during next summer’s sixth annual Hartford Bonanza festival, which will culminate in the region’s largest Independence Day fireworks display.
The performance, featuring a full Hartford Symphony Orchestra ensemble on the Hartford Bonanza main stage in Bushnell Park, will honor the nation’s 250th anniversary as part of an unforgettable, full day of arts, culture, food, community, history, and commemoration on July 4, 2026, in Bushnell Park.
This announcement marks the first in a series of upcoming partnerships and initiatives as Hartford and Hartford Bonanza prepare to host the statewide commemoration of the America 250 moment, bringing together civic and historical organizations, artists, local businesses, visitors, and residents from across the state to reflect on the nation’s past while imagining its future on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence.
Traditionally, the Symphony in the Park concert has been HSO’s key contribution to Downtown Hartford's outdoor event season. For 2026, the Symphony will channel that tradition into this new artistic collaboration as part of the America 250 Capital City Commemoration at Hartford Bonanza, reflecting a shared vision of civic pride and cultural vibrancy. This collaboration is in addition to HSO’s long-standing Celebrate America! tradition in Simsbury, which is scheduled for July 3, 2026.
“The 250th anniversary, like the Bicentennial before it, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Jeff Devereux, Executive Director of First Night Hartford, Inc. “We want to celebrate it in a way that feels true to Connecticut–creative, collaborative, and community-centered. Partnering with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra to bring their incredible talent and tradition to the Bonanza stage for a statewide gathering for residents and visitors of all ages is the perfect way to meet the moment.”
“The HSO is proud to join forces with Hartford Bonanza to bring live orchestral music to our community during the America 250 Commemorative Concert,” said Steve Collins, HSO President & CEO. "We look forward to coming together to celebrate our shared heritage and invite the community to engage with the arts in a meaningful way this Fourth of July.”
Hartford Bonanza, now entering its sixth year, is a large-scale, free summer celebration independently produced by First Night Hartford, Inc., that last year brought more than 20,000 visitors to Downtown Hartford for live music, food, local vendors, cultural and civic programming, and the region’s biggest and best fireworks display. The addition of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra concert is one of a number of distinctive partnerships Hartford Bonanza is launching to ensure Connecticut’s capital city meets the America 250 moment for the entire state with relevant, culturally diverse, and artistically excellent programming that will engage everyone. More announcements about this festival’s partnerships, performances, interactive experiences, and statewide collaborations tied to the America 250 Connecticut Commission’s goals and themes will be shared in the coming months.
Generous funders to date for this collaborative project include the Katharine K. McLane and Henry R. McLane Charitable Trust and Talcott Financial Group.
About the Hartford Symphony Orchestra
The HSO is Connecticut’s premier musical organization and widely recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras. The HSO captivates and inspires audiences of all ages by presenting more than 100 concerts annually, including the Masterworks Series, POPS! Series, Sunday Serenades, Discovery Concerts, Symphony in Schools, the Talcott Mountain Music Festival, and more. The HSO aims to deliver uniquely powerful and emotional experiences that lift and transform the spirit, and to give back and help create vibrant communities in the Greater Hartford area.
www.hartfordsymphony.org
About Hartford Bonanza
Produced by First Night Hartford, Inc., Hartford Bonanza is a free summer celebration in Bushnell Park that brings together live performances, local food and businesses, family programming, and the Hartford region’s creative community. In close collaboration with the America 250 Connecticut Commission administered by CT Humanities, Hartford Bonanza will serve as a hub for statewide events honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States during Independence Day Weekend in particular, along with auxiliary America 250 programming leading up to the festival.
www.hartfordbonanza.org
About First Night Hartford, Inc.
First Night Hartford, Inc., a community-centric 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, produces two beloved annual community celebrations in Bushnell Park with art, music, food & fireworks--First Night Hartford (New Year's Eve tradition) & Hartford Bonanza (Independence Day Weekend festival)--that showcase our capital city's arts and cultural ecosystem and promote civic joy, social cohesion, and community pride.
Hartford Bonanza Media Contact:
Jeffrey Devereux
Executive Director, First Night Hartford, Inc.
firstnight.hartford@gmail.com | (860) 251-9651
HSO Media Contact:
Ashley Fedigan
Director, Marketing & Public Relations, Hartford Symphony Orchestra
Afedigan@hartfordsymphony.org | (860) 760-7317