2023 Independence Day Celebration Concert

Patriotic Favorites including Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever, and more!

July 4, 2023
8:30 PM
Lummus Park (12th and Ocean Drive)

Capture the uniquely American spirit with our annual Independence Day Celebration Concert in partnership with the Ocean Drive Association and City of Miami Beach. The MMF Symphony Orchestra and Alumni Division Singers, conducted by founder and artistic director Michael Rossi, will perform on Ocean Drive before and during the City of Miami Beach’s annual Firework Show. Celebrate the holiday with some of your Favorite Broadway Selections and Patriotic Music including Tchaikovsky’s bombastic 1812 Overture, Armed Forces Salute, Stars and Stripes and more!

The fireworks display will launch at 9 PM mid-concert. Attendees are encouraged to make reservations at one of the many al fresco ocean view restaurants or bring their beach chairs, blankets, and picnics to comfortably enjoy this family-friendly concert.

This performance is FREE and open to the public.

Alumni Singer

Ray Gonzalez, Tenor

Puerto Rican Tenor, Ray Gonzalez graduated from the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance. Participated in major competitions such as The Metropolitan Opera Regional Auditions Councils. Stared his career in the Opera Chorus of Puerto Rico with Director Jo-Anne

Herrero. Ray Gonzalez had sung with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra directed by Maximiano Valdes and Roselin Pabón. Some of the Roles that Mr. Gonzalez has given life to, are Gaspar in Amahl and The Night Visitor, Don Jose in Carmen, Javier Moreno in the Zarzuela Luisa Fernanda, Don Luis de Haro in Barberillo de Lavapies with the Fundacion de Zarzuela y Operetta de Puerto Rico. In 2016 sang the role of Marinero of the Spanish Opera Marina with the Miami Lyric Opera. Gonzalez did the Misa Criolla by Ariel Ramirez with Barry University. Participated in the 45th Annual Messiah with the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami and also participated in the 20th Anniversary of Miami International Piano Festival. In October 2017 Gonzalez performed the role of Pinkerton from the Opera Madama Butterfly with Opera Experience Southeast directed by John Fowler. In February 2018 the Tenor debuted with the Cuban Soprano Maria Aleida in the ST Hugh-Steinway Concert “Celebration of Love” with the Pianist Roberto Berrocal. On February 23 and 24, 2019, Mr. Ray Gonzalez debut with the Miami Lyric Opera. Performing the role of Arturo Burcklaw of the Opera Lucia Di Lamermoor. Gonzalez continues to study with Maestro Manny Perez and perform around the state of Florida.