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Johnstown Symphony Orchestra Honors Regional Veterans with Special November Concert: Honoring our Veterans

 

Johnstown Symphony  Orchestra Credit: Judy Crookston

The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra (JSO) will pay tribute to those who have served our nation with

Honoring Our Veterans, a special concert celebrating service, sacrifice, and community on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center.  Through a program of powerful and meaningful music, the concert will recognize

 the courage, sacrifice, and service of our nation’s veterans while celebrating the strength of community and shared gratitude.

“We want our veterans to know that this evening is for them and that our community is grateful for their service,” said JSO Executive Director Erin Codey. “Music has a special way of bringing people together, and we hope this

 concert offers veterans, their families, and our entire community an opportunity to enjoy an evening of exceptional music while honoring those who have given so much to our country.”

Audiences are encouraged to arrive early for a special

Veterans Community Lobby Event beginning at 6:30 p.m., featuring regional veterans’ organizations and community partners. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with these organizations, learn about their work, and explore the services and resources

 available to veterans throughout the region.

From 6:30pm-7:00pm, Music Director James Blachly will lead a special pre-concert conversation with local veterans, Philip Parlock, Marlin Plymette II, J. Ross Russo, and Polly Simmons. By hearing directly from regional

 veterans about their experiences and reflections, the JSO hopes to give greater meaning and context to the music audiences will hear that evening.

“Our November 14th concert is a night that will have special meaning for all of us involved. Every piece is chosen to honor the service, sacrifice, courage, and valor of the veterans in our region, including members of the JSO

 who have served our country," says Music Director James Blachly.

The first half includes “America the Beautiful” and John Williams’ moving “Hymn to the Fallen,” performed with the student choir from Forest Hills Junior-Senior High School, under the direction of Forest Hills Chorus Director

 and veteran, Philip Parlock.

The “Armed Forces Salute,” featuring Johnstown Native and U.S. Air Force veteran Ross Russo as guest conductor, recognizes each branch of the United States Armed Forces and offers veterans in the audience a special moment of

 recognition.

JSO Concertmaster Maureen Conlon Gutierrez Credit:  Judy Crookston


The first half will close with JSO Concertmaster

Maureen Conlon Gutierrez performing Lalo’s Symphonie espagnole. Its energy and brilliant violin writing bring a celebratory close to the first half, giving audiences the chance to experience Maureen in the spotlight alongside the full orchestra.

Following intermission, the JSO will perform Beethoven’s powerful

Symphony No. 7. The work has a meaningful connection to this concert: it premiered in Vienna in 1813 at a benefit concert for soldiers wounded in the Battle of Hanau during the Napoleonic Wars. More than 200 years later, the JSO will perform the symphony

 as part of an evening honoring veterans in our own community.

As part of the evening, the JSO will also share a slideshow featuring photographs submitted by local veterans, military families, and members of the community.

Concert details:

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center

Veterans Community Lobby Event: 6:30–7:00 p.m. and intermission

Pre-Concert Conversation: 6:30 p.m.

House Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.

Concert Begins: 7:30 p.m.

Complimentary Tickets for Veterans

Thanks to the generous underwriting support of the JSO’s community partners, a dedicated number of complimentary tickets are available for veterans and one guest to attend the concert at no cost. These complimentary tickets

 must be reserved in advance by calling the JSO Box Office at 814-535-6738. Complimentary veteran tickets cannot be reserved online.

Additional ticket options are also available, including $5 off for veterans in Sections A–C and $10 Pick Your Price tickets in designated seating.

Discounts and complimentary ticket offers cannot be combined.

Tickets are sold directly through the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and may be purchased online at johnstownsymphony.org, by phone at 814-535-6738, or in person at the JSO Box Office, 416 Main Street, Suite 202, Johnstown, PA

 15901. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Veterans wishing to reserve the dedicated complimentary tickets for themselves and one guest must call the JSO Box Office directly.

Program:

America the Beautiful

John Williams — Hymn to the Fallen

Armed Forces Salute, guest conducted by U.S. Air Force veteran Ross Russo

Lalo — Symphonie espagnole, featuring JSO Concertmaster Maureen Conlon Gutierrez

Beethoven — Symphony No. 7

Concert Sponsors

The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra gratefully recognizes the sponsors supporting Honoring Our Veterans, JWF Industries and The Wellington Fund – Joe and Barbara Fortunato.

Season 98 Leadership Sponsors

We thank our dedicated Leadership Sponsors for their support in bringing music to our community: 1st Summit Bank, AmeriServ Bank, Concurrent Technologies Corporation, Gap Vax, and Somerset Trust Company.

Website: johnstownsymphony.org

Facebook: Johnstown

 Symphony

Instagram: jtownsymphony1

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