Spend an all-American July 4th outdoors with the CSO

photo Kayoko Dan, the new music director of the CSO, will lead the Pops on the River concert.

IF YOU GOWhat: Pops on the River concert by Chattanooga Symphony & Opera.When: 8 p.m. Sunday.Where: Coolidge Park, 150 River St.Admission: Free.Phone: 267-8583.Website: www.chattanoogasymphony.org

Kayoko Dan is excited.

Named the eighth music director of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera in April, Dan will lead her first official concert this Sunday, with Pops on the River, an Independence Day celebration at Coolidge Park.

"I'm really excited to finally be able to step on the podium as the official music director of the CSO," she said. "I'm excited to be there."

Joined by Fletcher Bright and The Dismembered Tennesseans, who will play a selection of their own music, Dan will lead the orchestra in a wide variety of American music. Pops on the River will present traditional patriotic pieces, such as "The Star Spangled Banner," as well as marches by John Philip Sousa.

Dan has also chosen to include selections from "The Sound of Music" and "Indiana Jones."

"The musical is one of the genres that Americans created, so I wanted to make sure we included some musicals," she said. "The Sound of Music" is one of Dan's favorites.

John Williams, composer of the "Indiana Jones" score, is an iconic American composer, having scored major motion pictures including "Star Wars," "ET" and "Saving Private Ryan."

"It's very exciting and outdoorsy kind of music," Dan said of the Williams selection chosen. "It's adventurous."

The adventurous, outdoor spirit is one Dan wanted to capture for Pops on the River, which takes the CSO out of the concert hall and into the park.

"It's a fun, family event," she said. "People can just have fun being there."

Dan said she is happy to make her debut in a more casual environment, particularly an outdoor one that will permit a much larger crowd than the symphony's regular venue, the Tivoli Theatre.

"I'm assuming we get a lot of audience members [at Pops on the River] who don't normally attend CSO concerts, and I think it's such a wonderful opportunity for the community to come see us play."

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