Independence Day Spectacular! Symphonic Concert
June 6, 2026 – Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra's June 27th concert, which also closes the ensemble's 21st Anniversary Season/24th year, 
celebrates 250 years of Independence from the Royal Throne of England and "Fat King George" who sat upon it. A week early on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The orchestra returns to a magical setting first experienced one year ago: the Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO) located just five miles north of the town of Oakhurst at 43803 Highway 41, Oakhurst (95366). The orchestra performs in front of a small lake complete with massive fountain, dramatic lighting and a variety of waterbirds adding to the beauty.
Pictured left: The MYSO Independence Day Spectacular! Concert at ECCO, June 28, 2025, begins, from across lake.
Discounted advance-sale tickets ($10 for Adults/$8 for Students) for the 7:00 P.M. concert are strongly urged as ticket prices increase substantially at the door. Tickets may safely, securely be purchased by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/MYSOIndy6-27-26. Full concert details as well as extensive program notes will be available soon on the orchestra's website at http://MYSO.live. In the past, this concert has been presented on the great lawn of the Wawona Hotel in Yosemite, but due to that facility's indefinite closure for extensive renovations, this alternative site at ECCO presents a great acoustic and scenic alternative.
In addition to many American patriotic pieces, the orchestra will offer two works by (arguably) America's most "American" composer: the great Aaron Copland (1900-1990.) His beloved suite from the ballet "Appalachian Spring" and the "Four Dance Episodes From Rodeo" which constitutes all but a couple of minutes of THAT ballet - including the rousing "Hoe-Down" has been programmed by MYSO Founder/Music Director Les 
Marsden. Morton Gould's "Yankee Doodle" - a light-hearted, insouciant and at-times hilarious telling of that famed song does credit to the title character in only three minutes. Sousa Marches, Dr. Phillip Smith's "Armed Forces Salute," a bit of Gershwin and the world premiere of the revised version of Marsden's 2011 "A Cowboy Overture" will also be heard.
Pictured right: The MYSO Independence Day Spectacular! Concert at ECCO, June 28, 2025, ends, after dark, in magic.
Attendees are advised to bring flashlights and perhaps mosquito repellent for a very special concert in a glorious setting, outdoors and under the stars. There will be no more impressive or better way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America's Independence than this staple of local annual concerts by the region's premiere fine arts institution.
The Collaborative Arts and Culture Foundation is the 501 (C)(3) nonprofit fiscal sponsor for the Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra (EIN 27-2143755) and all tickets and donations to the MYSO are tax-deductible.
Source & photos: Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra