Name: Memorial Day Celebration Concert
Start: 2025-05-25T19:00:00
Location: Carillon Historical Park

Music and culture enthusiasts are in for a treat with a series of captivating events lined up by the Dayton Performing Arts. From iconic film scores to the rhythmic beats of The Beatles, and from a unique tribute to unarmed Black men to the grandeur of Verdi’s Aida, Dayton promises an unforgettable celebration of sound and spectacle. Join us as we explore the highlights of these events, featuring renowned conductors and performers, each bringing their unique artistry to the stage.

Experiencing the Rhythm of Dayton: A Journey through Music and Culture

The Dayton Performing Arts is orchestrating a series of thrilling events that promise to captivate audiences with a blend of classical, jazz, and contemporary performances. From the profound notes of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto performed by Adrian Daurov to the magical world of Harry Potter brought to life by John Williams’ iconic score, these events showcase a wide spectrum of artistic excellence. Join us as we dive into the vibrant concerts and performances that highlight the talents of renowned conductors, musicians, and dancers, promising unforgettable experiences for all.

A Symphony of Talent: Exploring the Diverse World of the Dayton Performing Arts

The Dayton Performing Arts organization has curated a series of events that promise to engage, move, and captivate audiences of all ages. From the breathtaking Dvořák Cello Concerto to the interactive Young People’s Concert, and the vibrant Memorial Day Celebration, each event offers a unique experience. With world-class conductors and musicians, including the acclaimed Michael Cavanaugh and celebrated cellist Adrian Daurov, the lineup showcases a blend of genres and styles. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of music that will resonate throughout Dayton this season.

A Symphony of Sounds: Celebrating Music and Movement in Dayton

Dayton, Ohio, is set to become a vibrant hub of cultural celebration with a series of musical events that promise to bring the community together. From the patriotic tunes of Memorial Day at Carillon Park to the world-renowned Concert for Peace, Dayton Performing Arts is curating experiences that transcend cultural boundaries. With performances by esteemed artists like Neal Gittleman and Marin Alsop, these events highlight the power of music in uniting people and honoring history. Join us in exploring these unforgettable moments of harmony, reflection, and entertainment.

A Symphony of Culture: Celebrating Music, Peace, and Community in Dayton

Join the Dayton Performing Arts as they lead a musical journey through time with a series of captivating concerts. From the Memorial Day Celebration Concert featuring patriotic anthems at Carillon Park to an evening with Michael Cavanaugh honoring American rock legends, and finally, a grand orchestral performance of Saint-Saëns’s Organ Symphony at the Schuster Performing Arts Center, these events promise unforgettable experiences that blend tradition with innovation.

Dive into Dayton's Dynamic Musical Journey: From Patriotic Tunes to Organ Symphonies

Dayton Performing Arts is set to enchant audiences with a diverse lineup of concerts, from patriotic celebrations to powerful performances promoting peace and community outreach. This series of events showcases the passion and talent of renowned conductors like Neal Gittleman and Marin Alsop, celebrated pianist Michael Cavanaugh, and various local musicians. As music unites us, these concerts promise not only memorable performances but also a celebration of cultural heritage and collaboration. Join us in Dayton to experience the power of music in bringing communities together.

A Harmonious Celebration: Dayton's Musical Events Unite Artistry and Community

Get ready for a musical journey like no other with Dayton Performing Arts' exceptional lineup. From the patriotic melodies at the Memorial Day Celebration Concert to the nostalgic tunes sung by Michael Cavanaugh, and the majestic Saint-Saëns’s Organ Symphony, there's something for everyone. Join us at Carillon Park and the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center for these unforgettable events, featuring talented performers like Neal Gittleman, Michael Cavanaugh, and Grant Wareham. Don’t miss out on these spectacular evenings of music, fun, and community.

Unforgettable Evenings: Dayton's Memorial Day & Musical Extravaganzas

This upcoming season, Dayton Performing Arts is setting the stage for a musical adventure that promises to captivate audiences with a series of unforgettable events. From a patriotic Memorial Day celebration featuring the Philharmonic to an evening with Michael Cavanaugh's renditions of Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Neil Diamond's classics, and a breathtaking Saint-Saëns’s Organ Symphony performance, Dayton is alive with music and excitement. Join us as we delve into the remarkable performances and the talented artists who bring these events to life.

Dayton's Symphony of Sounds: A Musical Celebration to Remember

Neal Gittleman

Dayton Performing Arts

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

After a record-breaking run in 2024, Brandon Ragland’s The Nutcracker returns, bringing holiday magic back to Dayton! Set in our very own city, this beloved tale follows Clara on a breathtaking, time-traveling adventure filled with dazzling choreography, enchanting sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. A heartwarming tradition for all ages, The Nutcracker is the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and loved ones.

The Nutcracker

Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center

Handel’s Messiah is a masterpiece of grandeur and devotion, weaving soaring melodies, triumphant choruses, and moments of profound reflection into an unforgettable musical journey. From the wonder of Christ’s birth to the triumph of the resurrection, its sweeping drama transcends faith, captivating all who hear it. And when the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus rings out, audiences rise to their feet—not out of tradition, but in sheer awe of its power.

Handel’s Messiah

One of our most beloved performances, The Nutcracker: Sensory-Friendly, is designed for families of all kinds, especially those with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning, or cognitive differences. This thoughtfully tailored performance offers a calmer, more inclusive experience with recorded music instead of a live orchestra, and removes loud sounds and startling effects. To enrich the experience, we provide a sensory-friendly video guide and educational materials, ensuring that every family can enjoy the magic of The Nutcracker in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The Nutcracker: Sensory Friendly

The Carillon Brass is thrilled to present a favorite Dayton holiday tradition: Bach’s Lunch. All five members of the ensemble are members of the Philharmonic Orchestra. The program features traditional holiday favorites as well as other music for brass instruments, presented in a lighthearted, audience-friendly format.

Bach’s Lunch

The Loft Theatre

The action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making.

Now audiences can experience Jurassic Park as never before: projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture.

Jurassic Park In Concert

Schuster Center

Turn it up to eleven! Your orchestra is going full throttle with the biggest anthems in rock history. A Night of Symphonic Rock fuses a six-piece band of rock veterans with the raw power of a full symphony to deliver epic hits by Led Zeppelin, Journey, Joan Jett, Kansas, Pat Benatar, and more. This is the ultimate rock-meets-orchestra experience!

A Night of Symphonic Rock

Maestro Harada leads an exuberant program that reflects his own journey from Japan to Russia, where he mastered the art of conducting. Akutagawa’s Prima Sinfonia ignites with rhythmic energy, bold brass, and striking contrasts, channeling the spirit of his Russian contemporaries. Shostakovich’s jubilant Festive Overture and deeply powerful Fifth Symphony bookend the concert, culminating in an unforgettable evening of sweeping emotion and vibrant sound.

Shostakovich 5 & Festive

You’re the studio audience for a delicious double feature! The Cook-Off, a fresh new comic opera, is set during a televised cooking competition. Grammy-nominated composer Shawn E. Okpebholo and Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning librettist Mark Campbell have whipped up a delightful concoction, as moving as it is hilarious.

The Cook-Off & Bon Appétit

University of Dayton

An unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages, The Sleeping Beauty unfolds like a beautiful dream—where good triumphs over evil, love breaks a curse, and music and dancing transport you to a world of fantasy. You’ve seen the movie, but the ballet is an immersive experience for the senses boasting lush scenery, gorgeous recognizable music, and dazzling dancing.

The Sleeping Beauty

Join Hansel and Gretel as they navigate a magical forest, encountering a delectable gingerbread house and triumphantly defeating a wicked witch in this engaging adaptation of the classic fairy tale. This performance, created specifically for young audiences, blends the orchestral music of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and the artistry of the Dayton Opera Artists-in-Residence with narration and dialogue.

Magic Carpet Concerts: Hansel & Gretel

Dayton Masonic Center

What better way to celebrate the genre-bending genius of David Bowie than with a full symphony and a killer rock band? From glam to soul, funk to art rock, Changes captures the chameleonic magic of Bowie’s music with dazzling orchestral color, epic vocals, and theatrical flair. It’s bold, it’s brilliant, it’s Bowie—like you’ve never heard him before.

Changes: A Symphonic Tribute to the Music of David Bowie

Join Q the Music for a free concert at the Dayton Metro Main Library.

Q the Music March Concert

Dayton Metro Library

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend at Carillon Park with a sensational concert by the Philharmonic! Bring your chair or blanket—but leave the cooler at home—and enjoy patriotic tunes, rousing marches, and more at this family-friendly festival full of fun activities, food, and more!

Memorial Day Celebration Concert

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