Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra celebrates 73rd season with free concert

 

The Oak Ridge Civic Music Association will celebrate the beginning of its 73rd season with the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra’s Free Family Concert on Sunday, September 17, at 3 p.m. at the Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center.

This year’s concert, titled “String Fling,” will celebrate the string instruments of the orchestra, including a special opportunity for local string players to join the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra on stage for a play-along, a press release said.

“The Free Family Concert is perfect for families and music lovers of all ages and includes informative pieces and instrument demonstrations so that first-timers can learn about the symphony orchestra,” the release said.

“I am always excited to conducting the annual Free Family Concert with the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra,” Music Director Dan Allcott said. “We look forward to performing alongside string players of all ages and giving young people a chance to get their hands on a variety of string instruments at our instrument petting zoo!”

The concert will feature classic melodies and familiar tunes, including “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Pizzicato Polka,” “Boil Them Cabbage Down,” and more. The Ralph Einstein Youth Aliyah Concert competition winner, violinist Kate Hausladen, will perform Wieniawski’s “Scherzo-Tarantella” with the orchestra, the release said.

Members of the Oak Ridge High School orchestra program will perform in the lobby before and after the concert. After the concert, audience members of all ages are invited to participate in an instrument petting zoo: there will be instruments of various sizes for guests to try, with instruction from the musicians of the orchestra, the release said. All are invited to attend a reception following the concert, enjoy fun craft activities, and meet members of the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra.

“Our organization is proud to present this free event each season for all East Tennesseans,” said Rachel Perkins Haverkamp, executive director of the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association. “In addition to the free family concert, we also invite students to attend all symphony, chorus, and chamber series concerts for free throughout the season.

The concert and all activities are free for the entire family. Support for the Free Family Concert is generously provided by Spectra Tech, the press release said. Additional support for the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association is provided by the Tennessee Arts Commission and WUOT 91.9 FM.

The Oak Ridge Civic Music Association presents professional performances in the Oak Ridge community with its symphony, chorus, and chamber music series.  Subscription and individual tickets may be purchased online at www.ORCMA.org or by calling (865) 483-5569.