BANGOR – The Bangor Symphony Orchestra announces a new special concert and book launch event for Graceful Warrior by actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. at the Collins Center for the Arts.
In a special tribute to Veterans Day and the brave men and women who have served our country, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra will present two concerts of the orchestral music of McCanna (Mac) Anthony Sinise, led by BSO Music Director and Conductor Lucas Richman and featuring Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band. Veterans, active military and first responders are eligible for free tickets to these concerts.
Gary’s career is a powerhouse of artistry, advocacy and unwavering dedication to our nation’s heroes. Co-founding the legendary Steppenwolf Theatre when he was just 18 years old, he skyrocketed to fame as Lt. Dan in the award-winning film “Forrest Gump”, earning an Emmy, a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination while cementing his Hollywood legacy with “Apollo 13”, “Ransom”, “The Green Mile” and nine seasons on “CSI: NY”.
Inspired by his late son Mac’s music, most of which was discovered shortly after Mac’s passing at a young age from a rare spinal cancer on Jan. 5, 2024, Gary has curated this concert to honor the power of music and healing. The concert features the Bangor Symphony Orchestra in the first half, including Gary narrating Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait” and Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band in the second half, with Mac’s music transcribed by Oliver Schnee, a musical composer and old college friend of Mac’s who also helped bring Mac’s music to life. There will be personal stories, powerful music, and accompanying video elements.
“As a father, I was incredibly touched by Mac’s journey and Gary’s dedication to bringing the treasure trove of his son’s music to light,” BSO Music Director and Conductor Lucas Richman said. “It will be such a great honor to have Gary here with the BSO playing his son’s music, as well as paying tribute to the generations of veterans who are the focal point of the work being done by the Gary Sinise Foundation.”
Presented in conjunction with Gary’s upcoming book “Graceful Warrior”, which honors Mac and his own family’s journey of healing and will officially be released on Nov. 10 on what would have been Mac’s 36th birthday, this one-of-a-kind event is a profound reflection on love, loss, resilience, and hope. “Graceful Warrior” will be available for sale at the events, and all proceeds from book sales will benefit the Gary Sinise Foundation, to help further their mission of “serving our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need.”
This concert is part of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s 2026-27 season and is currently available as an add-on to a subscription package. Veterans, active military, and first responders are eligible for up to two (2) complimentary tickets, including pre-order, by calling the box office. Tickets can be purchased through the Collins Center for the Arts Box Office. Single tickets range from $35 to $62 (plus CCA facilities fee), and will be available through bangorsymphony.org or by calling 207-581-2787.
The Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is one of the nation’s oldest continually operating professional orchestras, dedicated to enhancing the cultural landscape of Bangor, Maine, through exceptional live performances, music education, and community engagement. The BSO continues to perform and celebrate the transformative power of music. For tickets or more information, visit bangorsymphony.org or follow Bangor Symphony Orchestra on social media.
Gary Sinise is an award-winning actor and humanitarian, best known for his roles in CSI:NY, Apollo 13, and his Oscar-nominated performance in the film Forrest Gump as the wounded Vietnam veteran Lt. Dan Taylor. An advocate for our nation’s defenders since the 1980s, after 9/11 Sinise began a tireless crusade to support America’s military and first responders around the world with handshake tours and concerts with his band, The Lt. Dan Band. In 2011, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation as an extension of those efforts. Today, the Foundation is building custom homes for severely wounded heroes, honoring and supporting the families of our fallen, providing essential equipment and training for first responders, improving the mental wellness of our defenders, and so much more. For more information and to support, visit garysinisefoundation.org.