Star-spangled symphony in Charlotte

COURTESY PHOTO Francis Wada Freedom means many things to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra's new maestro, Toshimasa Francis Wada: expressing his opinions openly. Worshipping without concern. But when he toured with the Dresden Staatskapelle Orchestra in East Germany in 1983, he couldn't speak freely, nor could he worship as he desired. But even the Berlin Wall could not contain the freedom of expression in the hallowed world of music, where Maestro Wada is always free. And so it is fitting that the new conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will make his debut on Independence Day.

The Charlotte Harbor Event Center in Punta Gorda will surrender to a picnic atmosphere with a cookout-food menu, cabaret seating and casual attitude for the Symphonic Fireworks. A patriotic slide show will serve as the backdrop to the symphony orchestra and its guest soloist, tenor Joseph Spinella.

The relationship between symphony and maestro began on March 1 when he guest conducted the CSO. The chemistry between conductor and orchestra was so strong, Mr. Wada as hired on the spot as the symphony's third conductor and music director in 30 years.

Sarasota-based Joseph Spinella performed with the CSO on three occasions. His Pavarotti-like tenor was recently discovered by Metropolitan Opera conductor Paul Nadler and he is currently being coached by Joan Dorneman — who, for 30 years, was vocal coach of the late, great Pavarotti himself.

On the Fourth, Mr. Spinella will perform three pieces, "God Bless America,"

the national anthem, for which he arranged an original verse, and his own composition, "Sparks to Fire," written for the 2000 Olympic decathlon.

Both maestro and tenor have each performed with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, but the three talents won't come together until the July 4 celebration.

There, freedom will be expressed in camaraderie, photography and the blending of three outstanding musical talents that fate happened to bring together.

And when the music's over, the show will have just begun, as the doors of the Charlotte Event Center swing open to a community display of fireworks and a celebration of new beginnings for conductor Francis Wada, tenor Joseph Spinella and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

>>What: Symphonic Fireworks, a concert event by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra >>Where: Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center

>>When: Saturday, July 4. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

>>Cost: Tickets are $20 each. Cabaret-style seating.

>>More: Maestro T. Francis Wada makes his debut appearance as conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra with guest soloist Joseph Spinella. Dress is casual. Picnic-themed food and beverages will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

>>Info: Call (941) 205-9743 for tickets. Tickets may also be purchased at any Charlotte State Bank location, the Punta Gorda or Charlotte County chamber offices and at the Charlotte Sun.