NASA Langley’s “Stars, Stripes and Supernovas – Symphony Under the Stars” event brought together employees, families and community members for an evening filled with music, connection and celebration.

Organizers planned the event, which took place on July 16, to commemorate the 250^th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.

The evening featured a dynamic mix of performances by an orchestra that included NASA Langley employees and members of the Williamsburg Youth Orchestra, as well as performances by smaller groups of employees and special guest artist Karl Werne.

“It’s fun to bring people together, share their diverse talents to create something that has meaning and, in this case, something that is also very beautiful,” said Jennifer Kibler, deputy director of NASA Langley’s Research Directorate.

The orchestra played a selection of favorite patriotic songs and space-inspired pieces that highlighted the creativity and talent within the community. “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America” and “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity” from Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite “The Planets” were among the songs they performed.

The event, which also took place just one day before NASA Langley 109^th birthday, served as a reminder of the spirit that defines the center: scientists, engineers, communicators and staff coming together to celebrate not only NASA’s mission, but also the people who make it possible.

“This was a great team effort,” said Nicole Oman, administrative management specialist at the Research Directorate. “It wouldn’t have been a success without each person’s contributions.”