Wallingford Symphony’s 4th of July Concert: My Joy in Performing for Our Community
- Susan Yankee
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
by Susan Yankee
Phillip Ventre is the highly regarded conductor of the Wallingford Symphony, I call him “Maestro”—and that title is used to honor what he brings to our community: music, care, and real passion.
For over 50 years, Maestro Ventre has been a founding member of the Wallingford Symphony—and his leadership has helped shape the heart of our community through music.
Back in 1974, the Wallingford Symphony was created by Choate Rosemary Hall’s Philip Ventre and Terrence Netter, the Wallingford Bicentennial Commission, the Town of Wallingford and local donors to honor the 200th anniversary of our nation. Now, this July, the orchestra concert comes full circle—celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation and the 200th anniversary of the town of Madison.
Unfortunately, fewer and fewer towns are able to hold 4th of July symphony concerts because of rising costs. It's uplifting to know that both the Madison community and the Wallingford community continue to believe in the arts—and continue to support this music. The arts aren’t just something we attend here—they’re woven into who we are.
When I stand onstage, and I look out over the audience, I see families spread out with their picnic dinners, smiling as they sing along, and I watch the children dance to the music. This is more than a concert. It’s an important event that brings our community together—and I’m truly honored to be part of that tradition for over 10 years as a soloist. When I take the stage and sing Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World, I will be watching the lyrics unfold in front of me.
This year, the WSO will be performing traditional patriotic music—interwoven with familiar favorites such as “New York, New York,” and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma.
Thank you so much for supporting Madison Cultural Arts and the Wallingford Symphony. And when you’re enjoying the concert, take a second to look around—notice the smiling faces and the happy hearts that this music brings to your neighbors. It’s truly a Wonderful World.
Both concerts are at 7 PM. First performance is on June 21st on the lawn at Choate Rosemary Hall and then with the Madison Cultural Arts on the Madison Green on Friday, July 3rd.The Madison rain date is Sunday, July 5th. The links have more in-depth detail of each concert.
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