As the nation and the State of Delaware commemorate their 250th anniversaries, the Southern Delaware Orchestra (SODELO) will present American Spirit, Coastal Soul, a musical celebration honoring the history, culture, and artistic voices of Delaware and the United States.
Under the direction of Music Director James Allen Anderson, performances will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Milford High School and Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Cape Henlopen High School as part of Delaware’s official DE250 celebrations.
Tickets for the July 11 and 12 concerts are available at sodelomusic.org.
Blending beloved patriotic favorites with contemporary works inspired by Delaware communities and artists, the program reflects the richness of the American experience through music, poetry, and orchestral performance.
“This program is both a celebration of our country and a tribute to the people and communities that make Delaware unique,” said Music Director James Allen Anderson. “We are proud to bring together familiar American music with newer works by Delaware artists inspired by the distinctive character of the First State during this historic anniversary year.”
The concerts will feature iconic American works including Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, selections from Band of Brothers, the US Armed Forces Medley, and The Stars and Stripes Forever.
SODELO will also present the world premiere of Coastal Delaware Suite by Delaware native and SODELO member Brian Cox. Inspired by Delaware’s coastal communities, the suite offers musical portraits of Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Bethany Beach.
The program includes selections from United Sounds of America, a collaboration between Delaware Poet Laureates, the Twin Poets, Albert Mills and Nnamdi Chukwuocha and composer Mark Hagerty, featuring acclaimed soprano Makeda Hampton. Through poetry and music, the work explores themes of community, resilience, hope, and the American experience.
SODELO will also appear at the Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville, Delaware on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM as part of “This Is Delaware: An Arts Celebration for DE250,” presented by the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation. The event will feature performances by SODELO and other Delaware arts and cultural organizations celebrating the creativity and spirit of the First State. SODELO will perform Coastal Delaware Suite and selections from United Sounds of America for its part of the program.
About the Southern Delaware Orchestra (SODELO)
SODELO is Southern Delaware’s own community orchestra. Founded in 2022, the orchestra has grown from a small string ensemble into a full symphony orchestra bringing together musicians from diverse backgrounds and professions throughout the region. SODELO’s mission is to transform and uplift Southern Delaware through the power of live orchestral music.
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