It's WSO's 37th Annual Picnic & Pops!

Hollow Park, Woodbury, Sunday, July 12th 5:30 pm

WSO’s 37th Annual Picnic & Pops Set for Sunday July 12th, Hollow Park, Woodbury CT featuring audience favorite soprano Katie Nicole Weiser and WSO’s 20 piece Pops ensemble

Sunday, July 12th, 5:30 pm

WSO's Annual Picnic & Pops,

Waterbury Symphony Orchestra Announces its 37th Annual Picnic & Pops Concert in Hollow Park, Woodbury, CT

WOODBURY, CT – The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra invites audiences of all ages to celebrate summer as it presents its 37th Annual Picnic & Pops concert, "What The World Needs Now," on Sunday, July 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the picturesque setting of Hollow Park, Woodbury.

This festive summer tradition invites families and friends to pack a picnic, a blanket, and enjoy an evening of exceptional live music.  Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Maestro Leif Bjaland, the WSO will perform an uplifting program celebrating the songs and sounds that have shaped America's musical heritage.

Connecticut-born soprano Katie Nicole Weiser, praised by Connecticut Magazine as "golden voiced," returns as a WSO audience favorite, performing alongside the orchestra's dynamic wind and brass ensemble. Concertmaster Alyce Cognetta Bertz (violin) and Gary Bertz (guitar) will also make special featured appearances.

Whether audiences are swaying to the cool rhythms of Brubeck, enjoying timeless Broadway classics, or celebrating stirring patriotic favorites, this year's concert offers an unforgettable musical journey through the sounds that have defined America for generations.

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"We are thrilled to be back in Hollow Park celebrating America's love affair with songs," said Maestro Leif Bjaland. "With folk melodies like Shenandoah, Broadway ballads such as What I Did for Love, and rousing tributes to our Armed Forces, we will be performing music that is timeless, uplifting and patriotic—music that has been woven into the fabric of our nation for the past 250 years. It is an evening designed to bring people together through the joy of live music."

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, pack a picnic, and enjoy an evening of exceptional music in one of Connecticut's most beautiful outdoor concert settings. General admission lawn seating allows families and friends to create their own perfect summer concert experience.

In the event of inclement weather, the performance will be moved to Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury.

Calendar Listing

Sunday, July 12, 2026   5:30 p.m.

Waterbury Symphony Orchestra

37th Annual Picnic & Pops

"What The World Needs Now"

Hollow Park, Woodbury, CT

Inclement Weather Location:  Nonnewaug High School, Woodbury, CT

Gates Open: 4:30 p.m.

Free Accessible Parking

Tickets:

$30 in advance*

$35 at the gate

$10 Students (with valid Student ID when purchased through the Box Office)

Children 15 and under are FREE

Purchase Tickets Online:

waterburysymphony.org

Telephone Ticket Orders:

WSO / Palace Box Office

203-346-2000

*Standard booking fees apply.

Featuring

Waterbury Symphony Orchestra Pops Ensemble

Maestro Leif Bjaland, Music Director & Conductor

Katie Nicole Weiser, soprano

Special appearances by

Alyce Cognetta Bertz, violin and Gary Bertz, guitar

About Waterbury Symphony Orchestra

Creating music since 1938, the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra believes that music, music education, and shared cultural experiences are essential to humanity. Today, the Orchestra presents its acclaimed MasterWorks Series, Symphony & Cinema performances, innovative chamber concerts throughout Greater Waterbury, Litchfield County and Newtown, and an expanding portfolio of educational programs serving schools, libraries and underserved communities throughout the region.

Now in his 32nd season as Music Director, Maestro Leif Bjaland leads more than one hundred professional musicians from across New England. As Orchestra-in-Residence of the Fine Arts Center at Connecticut State Community College Naugatuck Valley, the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra proudly acknowledges the enduring generosity and vision of Ruth Ann Leever.

To purchase Tickets Online - CLICK HERE

To purchase by telephone: Call WSO /Palace Box Office* 203-346-2000