In keeping with its mandate to entertain, educate and enrich the community, Symphony of the Mountains is initiating an outreach program to raise awareness regarding concerns for people who are homeless. As part of this effort, the symphony has co-commissioned a Violin Concerto called “Paths to Dignity” by Lucas Richman. It addresses the “Paths to Dignity” for people who are unsheltered. In the weeks leading up to the concert, extensive outreach helps educate communities about the issues of people who are homeless and provides music in places where individuals and families who are unsheltered can enjoy it.
Music Director Cornelia Laemmli Orth says “When most people think about how to help the unsheltered, they tend to think of the basic needs for survival. Rightly so. In addition, I would argue that music is as essential to the soul as food is to our bodies. By providing live music to people who are un-housed we can enhance their quality of life for a moment and maybe give hope, inspiration and peace.”
In addition to musical presentations by Symphony of the Mountains musicians in shelters and food banks throughout the month, the composer of “Paths to Dignity” Lucas Richman presented masterclasses and lectures for community groups, colleges, and universities during March.
The next step is the “Paths to Dignity” concert April 1 at 7:30 p.m., at the Toy F. Reid Employee Center, Eastman, Kingsport, Tennessee.
The concert includes Lucas Richman’s “Violin Concerto: Paths to Dignity” with soloist Christina Bouey and Brahms’ Symphony No. 1. Tickets are $35 for adults. As with all Symphony of the Mountains concerts, children and students are admitted free of admission courtesy of the Ty and Juliann Warren Family Foundation. A limited number of free tickets are also available for those who would not be able to attend otherwise. To order tickets, call Symphony of the Mountains box office at (423) 392-8423 or visit symphonytix.com.
