The Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, a professional orchestra presenting a full range of concerts from classics to pops each season, recently announced the sponsors, lineup and picnic contest theme for the 2015 Picnic in the Park program to be held on Sunday, October 4, 2015, in Forsyth Park.

For the third year in a row, Parker’s will serve as the presenting sponsor of this popular fall community event. As part of its sponsorship, Parker’s selected the theme around which picnics may be decorated. This year’s theme -- “Hollywood in the Park” -- is based on the Philharmonic’s performances of music from Ben Hur, Oklahoma!, and Harry Potter. 

“Picnic in the Park is a beloved Savannah tradition, and we’re looking forward to a great night filled with great music,” said Robert Rund, executive director of the Philharmonic.
 
Picnic in the Park, presented by the Savannah Philharmonic and the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs, celebrates National Arts and Humanities month by featuring an evening of live music, family friendly activities and a creative spread of picnics big and small. In addition to the City, the Philharmonic and Parker’s, Toyota of Savannah will serve as the supporting sponsor.
“Parker’s is delighted to sponsor Picnic in the Park -- the City’s largest outdoor cultural event -- because it is for every member of Savannah’s diverse community,” said Greg Parker, president and CEO of the Parker Companies.
 
In addition to Picnic in the Park, the Philharmonic is an integral part of the Integrative Medicine Program at The Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, providing musicians to play for patients and staff and bringing the joy and healing powers of music to as many members of the community as possible. The orchestra and chorus also have an effective educational program, bringing students to rehearsals and providing master classes to talented young musicians in the area by visiting soloists.

“At the Savannah Philharmonic, we firmly believe that arts and culture should be for everyone -- this is our Philharmonic,” said Rund. “To that end, Picnic in the Park is just one part of our robust community outreach program.”
 
 
 
2015 PICNIC IN THE PARK MUSICAL LINEUP
 
4 p.m.                          Esther Garrison School for the Performing & Visual Arts Band & Orchestra
 
4:45 p.m.                    Savannah Arts Academy Chorus
 
5:30 p.m.                    Velvet Caravan Performance
 
7 p.m.                          Welcome
 
7:10 p.m.                    Savannah Philharmonic Concert  - 1st half of program
 
                                    Including:
     
“Parade of the Charioteers” from Ben Hur, featuring the brass and percussion members of high school band programs in Savannah Chatham County Public School System)
 
7:55 p.m.                    Intermission
 
8:15 p.m.                    Savannah Philharmonic Concert – 2nd half of program
 
9:00 p.m.                    End of Concert