By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
Because of the pandemic, it has been more than a year since musicians with the Salina Symphony have been able to perform before an in-person audience. Now, thanks to a collaboration with another downtown entity, the symphony will be offering live, in-person music.
The Salina Symphony will present a Spring Outdoor Chamber Concert series titled "Music Together" in April and May in the Homewood Suites by Hilton outdoor courtyard.
"Our goal throughout the pandemic has been to share music with our patrons in whatever format(s) we could. When it was determined we wouldn’t be able to hold full symphonic concerts this season, we began exploring ways to get back to public performances in the safest manner possible," Adrienne Allen, Salina Symphony executive director, told Salina Post.
One way, was to offer a virtual chamber concert series via the symphony's Facebook page featuring various groupings of musicians.
Another idea that developed into a reality was having a smaller number of musicians perform before a limited-sized audience in the courtyard at Homewood Suites, 115 East Mulberry Street.
"We are thrilled it worked out to have the concerts at the Homewood Suites outdoor courtyard," Allen noted.
Members of the audience will be seated at socially distanced tables of two, four, or six persons. Additionally, each of the events will follow recommended safety guidelines, including all guests appropriately wearing face coverings.
The April concerts will feature a chamber string orchestra composed of Salina Symphony musicians under the direction of Dr. David Littrell, interim music director and conductor. Two identical concerts will be performed on April 18 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
In May, the concerts will feature a brass ensemble and jazz combo composed of Salina Symphony musicians. Two identical concerts will be performed at 7 p.m. May 16 and at 7 p.m. May 20.
While the full symphony will not yet be playing together, the four concerts are a move in the right direction for both audience members and musicians.
"It has been just over a year since our musicians have had the opportunity to perform a public concert. Our musicians are thrilled to have the opportunity to perform together, especially for an audience!" Allen exclaimed.
Tickets are $30 per concert. Seating will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Order tickets by calling the Salina Symphony Office at 785-823-8309.