PORTLAND – The Portland Symphony Orchestra will hold its Independence Pops concert series, starting June 30.

Conducted by Toshiyuki Shimada in his final season as orchestra music director, this year’s concerts are scheduled June 30 at Old Orchard Beach Pavilion in Old Orchard Beach; Friday, July 1, at Highland Green in Topsham; Saturday, July 2 in Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth; and Sunday, July 3, at Shawnee Peak in Bridgton. All concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m.; the gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and concertgoers are encouraged to bring picnics and blankets.

This year, the event features melodies by the world’s most beloved composers, from Rossini’s William Tell Overture to a medley of waltzes by Richard Rodgers, and Copland’s Lincoln Portrait featuring a special guest narrator. Traditional favorites include the Armed Forces Medley, “America, the Beautiful” and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” Each concert will be followed by a fireworks display.

Tickets may be purchased through PortTix, 207-842-0800, or at the PortTix box office at 20 Myrtle St., Portland, between noon and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Tickets may also be purchased at www.porttix.com. Advance tickets are $18; at the gate tickets will be $22. Discounts are available for children, students, seniors, and groups of 10 or more. Tickets for the June 30 Old Orchard Beach performance are available only through the OOB Pavilion, (207) 934-2024 or online, www.oobpavilion.org.

For more information about the orchestra and its events, visit www.portland-symphony.com.