rst, NC)—As part of the festivities surrounding the U.S. Open Championship, the USGA is partnering with the State of North Carolina, Friday, June 13 as part of its “U.S. Open Experience” series of events in the Village of Pinehurst. The event, featuring the North Carolina Symphony, is free and open to the public. The program which will feature Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and selections from Terry Mizesko’s “Sketches From Pinehurst,” begins at 9:00 p.m. Friday in Tufts Park in the main business district of Pinehurst.
“I cannot think of a better way to celebrate having the U.S. Open Championships here in North Carolina than to set aside a special night to feature our state,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker. “Those attending will be treated to an amazing performance by the North Carolina Symphony, and learn about some of the great things our wonderful state has to offer. We appreciate the USGA including North Carolina as part of the U.S. Open Experience series.”
Founded in 1932 and subsequently the first state-supported symphony in the country, the North Carolina Symphony is a vital and honored component of North Carolina's cultural life. Its 175 performances annually are greeted with enthusiasm throughout the state, in communities large and small, in concert halls, auditoriums, gymnasiums and outdoor settings. The Symphony, which has the largest educational outreach of any major U.S. orchestra, is directed by Music Director Grant Llewellyn.
The evening will also feature video presentations on North Carolina by the N.C. Department of Commerce, as well as a performance by one of the contestants in the state’s recently held “Brand North Carolina Project.”
“This will truly be a special night for those who already love North Carolina, and for those visitors who have fallen in love with our state this week while enjoying the U.S. Open,” said Secretary Decker.
The U.S. Open is taking place at the historic Pinehurst No. 2 course through June15 and will be followed by the U.S. Women’s Open June 17-22. This is the first time in the history of the U.S. Open Championships that the events have been held in consecutive weeks at the same location.
Those planning to attend the U.S. Open Experience are encouraged to take advantage of complementary parking in Lot G (Cannon Park) beginning at 6:00 p.m. Two-way shuttle service will be provided from Lot G to Tufts Park from 6:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.