The Fort Collins Symphony, under the direction of Music Director Wes Kenney, has been chosen to represent the State of Colorado in the first-ever national United Symphonies of America!* event, premiering at 4:30 p.m. MT on September 30, 2021 at https://unitedsymphonies.com. The one-hour online program features one orchestra from each state and interweaves musical entertainment with information about how symphony orchestras have enriched their local communities.
According to Jonathan McPhee, co-founder of United Symphonies of America!, this first-of-its-kind collaborative program is designed to address multiple issues that orchestras of all sizes are currently encountering. “Post-pandemic, the nation’s professional orchestras are facing challenges related to audience development, resource development, and the ongoing effort to be diverse and inclusive,” McPhee said. “The United Symphonies of America! project is designed to help orchestras meet these challenges, and showcase the wonderful contributions they make throughout the nation.” The project will shine a light on the participating orchestras’ community impact programs, such as July 4th performances, events with local ballet companies, educational programs designed for school children, and collaborative initiatives with galleries, museums and universities.
“We are thrilled to have been selected to represent the State of Colorado in this historic initiative,” said Walt Elish, Board President of the Fort Collins Symphony. “We will be showcasing our B Sharp Arts Engagement Program for people living with dementia and their care partners. B Sharp is a signature community collaborative program of Dementia Together®. I encourage residents of Northern Colorado to tune in at 4:30 p.m. MT on September 30 to learn more about this impactful program.”
Free of charge to everyone, organizers hope viewers will be inspired to support their local orchestras by making donations. For more information, please contact Mary A. Kopco, Fort Collins Symphony Executive Director at 970.482.4823 or mkopco@fcsymphony.org.
*United Symphonies of America! is a national project aimed at promoting a spirit of inclusion, unity and goodwill by celebrating the social mission of orchestras across the nation.
