Aiken, SC: The Aiken Symphony invites the community to join in a moving Veterans Day celebration honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of America’s military veterans. Held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Etherredge Center at USC Aiken, this special Pops Series concert features an inspiring program of patriotic favorites that celebrates the men and women who have served our nation.
Throughout American history, music has played an important role in moments of remembrance, celebration, and national pride. From ceremonial fanfares to beloved patriotic songs, these works have honored generations of service members while bringing communities together in gratitude. The Aiken Symphony continues that tradition with a program that reflects both the triumphs and sacrifices of military service.
The evening opens with John Williams’s Liberty Fanfare, a bold and uplifting work composed for the rededication of the Statue of Liberty in 1986. Audiences will also hear Morton Gould’s spirited American Salute, inspired by the patriotic song When Johnny Comes Marching Home, alongside Victory at Sea, selections from Band of Brothers, and John Williams’s moving music from Born on the Fourth of July. Samuel Barber’s timeless Adagio for Strings offers a poignant moment of reflection, while God Bless America and the traditional Armed Forces Medley recognize the service of veterans representing each branch of the United States Armed Forces.
The concert concludes with John Philip Sousa’s iconic march The Stars and Stripes Forever, a fitting finale to an evening celebrating the enduring spirit, resilience, and patriotism of those who have answered the call to serve.
In addition to your premier Aiken Symphony musicians and Maestro Scott Weiss, we are very pleased to announce that Lowell Koppert, a seasoned veteran who has served in both Afghanistan and Iraq, will act as emcee for this performance. With a distinguished career in the United States Army Special Forces, Koppert has been recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including multiple Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medals, and various campaign medals. After his time in Special Forces, Koppert joined the clandestine services of the United States Government.
Whether honoring a family member, remembering a loved one, or simply expressing gratitude to those who have defended our freedoms, audiences are invited to share in this meaningful evening of music, remembrance, and appreciation as the Aiken Symphony pays tribute to America’s veterans.
Tickets:
Single tickets are $45 or $60 depending on seat selection (a convenience fee will be added to all credit card purchases). Active military members are eligible for $10 off each ticket and students under the age of 25 are eligible for a student rate of $5. To inquire about these discounts, please contact the office at 803.295.0313. Tickets are available via the website (aikensymphony.com) or by contacting the office at 803.295.0313 and can be printed at home, picked up at the venue one hour before the start of the concert or received to one’s mobile device or mobile wallet and presented to an usher at the venue. The Aiken Symphony is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
2026-27 Masterworks
All Masterworks Series performances are held at the Etherredge Center at USC Aiken.
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Friday, Oct. 23, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
TCHAIKOVSKY’S VIOLIN CONCERTO Claire Wells, violin
Salieri – Overture to La grotta di Trofonio Mozart – Symphony No. 36 “Linz” Tchaikovsky – Violin Concerto
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Saturday, January 16, 2027
NORTHERN LIGHTS Matthieu Cognet, piano
Grieg – Piano Concerto Sibelius – Symphony No. 2 |
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Saturday, February 6, 2027
BEETHOVEN’S TRIPLE CONCERTO The Congaree Trio: Ari Streisfeld, violin Claire Bryant, cello Phillip Bush, piano
Ravel – Le tombeau de Couperin Prokofiev – Symphony No. 1 “Classical” Beethoven – Triple Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano |
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Saturday, May 1, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
BRAHMS & SCHUMANN VISIONS OF HEAVEN Arwen Myers, soprano Debussy – Claire de lune Brahms – Variations on a Theme by Haydn Mahler – Symphony No. 4
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2026-27 Chamber Series
All Chamber Series performances are held at the Amentum Center for the Performing Arts. Starting this season, reserved seating is now available for all Chamber Series concerts!
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Sunday, Sept. 20, 2027, 3:00 p.m.
THE SOLDIER’S TALE Jacob Will, narrator
Stravinsky – The Soldier’s Tale |
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Friday, Apr. 16, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
STRING THEORY Elgar – Serenade for Strings Vaughan Williams – Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis Arensky – Variations on a Theme of Tchaikovsky Grieg – Holberg Suite
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2026-27 Pops Series
All Pops Series performances are held at the Etherredge Center at USC Aiken.
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Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
VETERANS DAY SALUTE Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. A tribute honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of our nation’s heroes.
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Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Featuring festive music to usher in the holiday season with vocalists Cat Galan and Johnnie Felder |
About the Aiken Symphony
The Aiken Symphony inspires, educates, and unites through powerful live music. Led by Music Director & Conductor Scott Weiss, the orchestra celebrates its twelfth season in 2026-27 under the banner of its new season theme: ‘Small Town Charm, World Class Music.’ The ensemble includes some of the finest professional classical instrumentalists from South Carolina and Georgia, delivering a level of artistry that rivals regional orchestras in much larger metropolitan areas while remaining a cornerstone of the Aiken community.