CELEBRATING MUSIC THROUGH 250 YEARS AND BEYOND!
As part of the nationwide America250 commemoration, the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra proudly presents Celebrating Music Through 250 Years and Beyond. This project honors the role of music in shaping and reflecting America’s story—past, present, and future.
Scroll down for more information about performances and educational opportunities.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
To commemorate America’s 250 years, the WSO will explore how music has been a powerful voice throughout our nation’s history, capturing moments of struggle, triumph, and transformation. Audiences will experience works that highlight both the American national narrative and North Carolina’s unique cultural heritage, offering a rich and meaningful perspective on how music connects us across generations. This artistic tribute celebrates the diversity of our shared past while encouraging reflection, dialogue, and a deeper appreciation for the role of music in American life.
The Future of American Music Project (Educational Activity)
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to launch a new education initiative designed to spark creativity, celebrate our musical heritage, and imagine the sounds of America’s future. This project is for elementary, middle, high school and college students.
At the heart of this program is one powerful question:
What will American music sound like in the next 50, 100, or even 250 years?
Project Opportunities for Students
Small Project: The “Time Capsule” Playlist
Students will create a time capsule playlist of iconic American music that reflects the evolution of our nation’s sound.
Big Project: Composing the Future of American Music
Students will take a step into the future by composing or orchestrating an original piece that imagines what American music might sound like in 50, 100, or even 250 years. Click on the button or scroll down to submit your original piece.
Projects are open to all students in grades 7 through 12—whether enrolled in public, private, or homeschool programs.
The Prize: A winning piece will be selected in April 2026, and the student composer will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a professional composer (complimentary) to refine their work.
Deadline to Submit Project: March 31, 2026
CLICK HERE for full project details.
Fourth of July Symphony Pops Concert
July 4, 2026
Riverfront Park and Live Oak Bank Pavilion
FREE concert
Peter Askim, Music Director and Conductor
Chelsea Loew, Commissioned Composer
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with a free family friendly Fourth of July Symphony Pops concert at Riverfront Park and Live Oak Bank Pavilion, featuring the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra (WSO) and special guests.
America 250 Years Presentations
October 21, 2025: As the nation’s 250th birthday approaches, Dr. Helena Kopchick Spencer presents a program for the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra (WSO), America 250 Years, a look at music that has influenced Wilmington and North Carolina through the decades.
2026 dates coming soon!
For inquiries, please contact Liz Scanlon at liz@wilmingtonsymphony.org or (910) 791-9262.
Educational Activity
Online Form For The Big Project: Composing the Future of American Music
Use the form below to submit your piece.
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Questions? Contact our Education & Outreach Manager, Meghan McDonald, at meghan@wilmingtonsymphony.org or (910) 791-9262.
This project was produced with assistance from the America 250 North Carolina initiative, administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the State of North Carolina.