Ever since that performance by the Minnesota Orchestra in Excelsior Commons on July 4, 2012, many of us had been hoping and planning for the Orchestra’s Excelsior encore. During the 13 consecutive July 4th performances, we witnessed magic — when the musicians rose to play The Star Spangled Banner. We were enveloped in beauty — as summer breezes wafted the Orchestra’s notes throughout Excelsior’s expansive Commons park. We heard the perfect rhythms of trumpeters, violinists, cellists and percussionists. There they were — some 70 musicians, along with their esteemed conductor — dazzling in their summer white attire, glowing against the sunset-lit, boat-filled backdrop of Lake Minnetonka — all enthusiastically applauded and appreciated by thousands of children, teens, young and not-so-young adults. Music-lovers all. All touched by magic.

That magic? It is back. Please join us at the Excelsior Commons on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, to see, hear and experience musical magic again. All are welcome. And, it’s free.

Please take a moment to view the “Salute to Our Veterans” video that was filmed
on July 1, 2025 at our inaugural Fanfare for The Commons concert. It is located on our home page.