Updated: Wednesday, August 4, 2021
***This event is postponed until tomorrow, August 5, 2021 at 7:00pm due to expected rain. Sometimes Mother Nature has other plans, but this one is worth the wait***
The City of Providence today announced the return of Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2021 Summer Pops in the Park Concert, “A Tribute to the Human Spirit,” at the Roger Williams Park Temple of Music on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 7:00pm, with a rain date of August 5, 2021. The concert is free and open to the public. Pops in the Park was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
“This world-class concert by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra is free of charge, ensuring community members have equitable access to Rhode Island’s finest orchestral music in one of Providence’s most beloved parks,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “Music can positively impact human development and creativity, and this concert provides our residents yet another no-cost, highly-enjoyable arts experience.”
The annual concert began in 2016 and has since become a signature Providence event, evolving and expanding its reach with each passing year. Pops in the Park is a free event for all ages to enjoy. This year, the City of Providence and Rhode Island Foundation are joined by several new sponsors in supporting Pops in the Park, including the Papitto Opportunity Connection, TACO/The White Family Foundation, Roger Williams Park Conservancy, Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and PVDFest.
“We are so grateful to the Rhode Island Foundation and the City of Providence for bringing Pops in the Park back to Roger Williams Park, and to our new sponsors, the Papitto Opportunity Connection, TACO/The White Family Foundation, Roger Williams Park Conservancy, PEMA and PVDFest for joining the effort to make this important community event accessible to all,” stated David Beauchesne, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School. “We can’t wait to be back at the Temple of Music on August 4th with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra as well as some extremely talented students from the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School.”
“In celebration of our centennial in 2016, we brought the Philharmonic back to the park for the first time in more than a decade. We welcome new partners to what has become a much-anticipated event enjoyed by so many,” said Neil D. Steinberg, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. “Community is the core of our work. Community begins where people come together to share experiences. There is not a better spot to celebrate the spirit of community than in one of the state’s best-loved gathering places.”
This year’s Pops in the Park will be led by conductor Troy Quinn. The Rhode Island Philharmonic was the first professional orchestra Quinn experienced, inspiring him to become a conductor. After 25 years, beloved Pops Conductor Francisco Noya has retired. For generations of concertgoers, Noya was the face of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra.
“It has been a great pleasure to be able to make music with my colleagues and friends of the RI Philharmonic Orchestra for so many years,” said Noya. “I know the organization will continue its tradition of bringing great music and music education to the people of Rhode Island.”
The RI Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. David Neves, will make its Pops in the Park debut by opening the concert. A part of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School, the Youth Wind Ensemble was created to give advanced woodwind, brass and percussion students from Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut an outstanding opportunity to rehearse and perform high quality wind ensemble repertoire.
Below is some logistical information and tips for guests:
- Roger Williams Park bike paths will close at 5:30pm on the day of the event
- Food trucks will be on-site for the event. Alternatively, guests can plan a picnic!
- Avoid the crowds and take the bus, bike, or walk. Roger Williams Park is conveniently located near RIPTA bus stops.
Roger Williams Park is committed to following the State of Rhode Island’s guidance on COVID-19 precautions. Patrons are encouraged to view the latest state guidelines at reopeningri.com as guidance develops.