Photo courtesy of CSOMusic
Conroe Symphony Orchestra honors the U.S. Semiquincentennial with ‘Celebrate America!’ Concert
The Conroe Symphony Orchestra (CSO) invites the community to a spectacular season finale, “Celebrate America,” scheduled for June 27, 2026. This highly anticipated event will close out the orchestra’s 27th season while connecting the community to a momentous national milestone: the United States Semiquincentennial, marking America’s 250th birthday.
Under the baton of Music Director Gary Liebst, this concert features an all-star lineup under the theme of “Americana,” blending celebratory music with a heartfelt tribute to the nation’s veterans. Retired United States Marine Corps Lieutenant General Steven A. Hummer, who brings distinguished military leadership and experience to the patriotic proceedings, returns as the emcee.
“Since this concert closes out our 27th season, there was a strong feeling about honoring those two layers of significance: the end of a season and the 250th anniversary celebration,” said Gary Liebst. “The central theme of ‘Americana’ is always a strong influence, but there is also a central feeling of picking music that is celebratory, so we feel part of all the U.S. birthday festivities around the country.”
The performance will showcase a robust selection of beloved patriotic standards, including John Philip Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever, William J. Marsh’s Texas, Our Texas, and a moving Armed Forces Salute honoring all veterans who have served. In an exclusive highlight, the CSO will premiere a brand-new piece of music composed specifically for the 250th celebration by Cooper Jeremy Franklin Goodman.
The orchestra will also be joined by a notable roster of special guests:
- Lt. General Steven A. Hummer, USMC (Ret.) returns as emcee. A retired United States Marine Corps lieutenant general, Hummer’s distinguished career included command of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve and Marine Forces Northern Command, service as Deputy to the Commander for Military Operations at U.S. Africa Command, and combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. His decorations include theDefense Superior Service Medal (four awards), the Legion of Merit (three awards), and the Bronze Star Medal.
- S.L.E.D. Quartet, a Houston-area a cappella barbershop quartet, will perform several patriotic selections. The group is made up of Allan Quiat (tenor), Fred Welsh (lead), Clarke Bean (baritone), and Randy Rensi (bass). They are members of the Barbershop Harmony Society and have performed with award-winning choruses, including the Houston Tidelanders, Space City Sound, the Statesmen Chorus, and Vocal Majority, competing in numerous regional and international competitions.
- Soprano Renée Rybolt will join the orchestra on several pieces, including “God Bless America.” A Houston-based soloist, ensemble singer, conductor, and educator, Rybolt has performed with leading professional ensembles including Cantare Houston, the Houston Chamber Choir, Harmonia Stellarum, and the Houston Bach Society, where she is one of the longest-standing members. She has appeared as a featured soloist with Ars Lyrica, Mercury Chamber Orchestra, ROCO, and the Conroe Symphony Orchestra. Rybolt serves as Director of Music at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Saint Joseph’s College and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Southern Illinois University.
The evening will culminate in Tchaikovsky’s traditional and inspiring 1812 Overture.
“The 1812 Overture builds little by little but develops quickly into an over-the-top finale: crashing cymbals, ringing bells, and simulated cannon fire in the bass drum,” Liebst explained. “It is designed to be thrilling and a little overwhelming in the best way. Few pieces in orchestra literature land with that kind of sheer sonic impact.”
The concert is partially funded by a special grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts.
“It is always an honor to receive funding from the Texas Commission on the Arts, and it is special that we have received funding for America’s 250th birthday celebration,” Liebst said. “I think being selected signals that our concerts meet a high standard of artistic quality and public value. This is a once-in-a-generation celebration, and we are so proud to present this concert to our community.”
For Liebst, the deeper purpose of the concert lies in what the audience carries home – and in the partnership with the Montgomery County Veterans Association. “At the same time, because this concert is tied to supporting veterans, there’s a second layer that matters just as much. In the context of the United States Semiquincentennial, it’s a reminder that the freedoms being celebrated didn’t just happen in the past – they’ve been carried forward by real people, many of whom are still part of the community.”
The yearly patriotic concert is expected to provide an air-conditioned kick-off for the July 4 holiday season. For younger listeners, the thrilling live performance serves as an exciting, vivid introduction to classical music.
“As a kickoff, this concert works because it captures the spirit of the holiday without feeling routine,” Liebst said. “I think families walk away with more than ‘we just heard a concert’. They leave with a shared experience-something vivid they can talk about later. For younger listeners, it can be an introduction to live classical music that feels exciting rather than formal.”
Event Details:
- What: Celebrate America! Concert
- When: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 4 p.m.
- Where: First Methodist Church Conroe, 4308 W Davis St, Conroe, TX 77304
- Tickets: Online at Conroesymphony.org
- Beneficiary: All proceeds donated to the Montgomery County Veterans Association
About the Conroe Symphony Orchestra: The Conroe Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1997. The CSO was created to contribute to the cultural enrichment of the community, assuring a better quality of life for the Conroe area. Its objective is to provide the region with the best possible musical experience, while creating music lovers and connecting the Conroe community. CSO strives to be recognized as one of the outstanding community orchestras in the state of Texas. As a non-profit community orchestra, it is supported through individual and corporate donations, grants, and ticket sales. The City of Conroe Arts and Culture grant supports the whole season.
Source: Conroe Symphony Orchestra
