CityView Magazine

32 September 2022 Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra With concerts and its popular Symphony on Tap series, Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will be all over the community this season. "You don't have to travel far to hear high-quality performances by professional musicians. We are coming to you," says Anna Meyer, interim executive director of the orchestra. On of the symphony's goals is to increase its presence in the community. e season will begin with a concert of blockbuster movie hits by composer John Williams from "Star Wars," "Harry Potter," "E.T." and more. Performances are scheduled on Oct. 7 at Givens Performing Arts Center at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and on Oct. 8 at Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University. e next shows in the season are "Something in the Wind," scheduled Nov. 5 at St. John's Episcopal Church; "Holiday Brass" on Dec. 9 at Haymount United Methodist Church; "Jubilate Deo" on Jan. 21 at First Presbyterian Church, 102 Ann St.; "One Song" on Feb. 4 at Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University; and "Call Me Maybe" on March 18 at Seabrook Auditorium at Fayetteville State University. "Patrons are really going to notice the romantic themes behind the music in 'Call Me Maybe' with composers Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms," says Meyer. e orchestra will end its season with the Fayetteville Celebration on May 13 at Huff Music Hall. "is is a community-driven performance where we collaborate with local guest artists," says Meyer. Past guests have included Cape Fear Regional eatre, Gilbert eater and local gospel choirs. Along with the season concerts, three community concerts with free admission are planned. e silent film era will return to Dirtbag Ales when the orchestra performs for "Nosferatu" at 8 p.m. Oct. 22. Charlie Chaplin's "e Tramp" and Buster Keaton's "One Week " will play on a large outdoor screen as the orchestra plays on May 6. "It's a super-cool experience to see a silent film with a live ensemble. It was definitely brought back due to popular demand," says Meyer. For the Christmas season, Handel's "Messiah" will be performed at Berean Baptist Church at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. "We packed the church last year and have found an even larger venue this year to accommodate everyone," says Meyer. With 17 performances at local breweries and restaurants, the Symphony on Tap series will bring different ensembles to various parts of town. The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra has made a major effort to be out in the community more often, but it's proven to be a great time for both the musicians and the audiences. Meyer says it has been a major effort for the orchestra to be out in the community more oen, but it's proven to be a great time for both the musicians and the audiences. More performances have been added as dates and venues became available. "Keep watching our website for additions," says Meyer. "Most people do not realize that our musicians travel from all over N.C. to be here with us. We really do have the best N.C. has to offer." For more information on the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra season, visit fayettevillesymphony.org. Community Concerts From soul to country, disco to more country, Community Concerts has a spectrum of music for its 87th season. e lineup features legendary soul/R&B band Earth, Wind & Fire on Oct. 1; country favorites Tracy Lawrence and Clay Walker on Nov. 4; country staples Alabama on Dec. 22; and the disco/pop revue "Direct From Sweden: e Music of Abba" on Feb. 11. e concerts will be at the Crown Center Complex. Ticket information is available at Community-concerts.com. Dance studios For the Christmas season, Fayetteville will have two chances to see "e Nutcracker" produced by local dance studios. For the 53rd year, Charlotte Blume School of Dance, which is the home to the North Carolina State Ballet, will perform "e Nutcracker" at the Crown Auditorium on Dec. 2, 5, 9, 10 and 11. Performances also will be staged at Cumberland County schools during the day. "It's been a humbling experience to be able to continue Charlotte Blume's legendary choreography and the tradition of 'e Nutcracker' live," says Dina Lewis, artistic director of the studio. "Our dancers are trained, focusing on performances, not competition, and dance beautifully. It's as close to professional as you can get." Blume dancers have entertained school audiences with "e Nutcracker" for more than 40 years, Lewis says. "Every year, though, we add something new. We are constantly investing back into our costumes and scenery and audition annually, so it keeps everything fresh," Lewis says. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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