Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/812754
APRIL 19-25, 2017 UCW 15 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM LESLIE PYO, Assistant Editor. COMMENTS? Editor@upand- comingweekly.com. 910.484.6200. EVENTS The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, after a year-long process, has finally chosen its new music director and conductor. FSO invites the public to learn this person's identity at a speakeasy-themed party Saturday, April 29, 6:30 p.m. at Studio 215 in Downtown Fayetteville. "Because the main focus of our party is revealing a surprise, the identity of our new music director, we thought of the 'hush-hush' … secrecy elements associated with a speakeasy. The urban, warehouse feel of our venue ... provides the perfect backdrop for the theme," said FSO board member Linda Tillman. True to theme, registered attendees will receive a password that will be required for admittance. Guests are encouraged to dress in 1920s-era attire. The decorations will ref lect a speakeasy atmosphere, and the cost of admission covers unlimited food, beer, wine, a specialty drink and live jazz music. For this past season, FSO created a search committee charged with the task of finding a new two-in-one music director and conductor. The search committee is made up of three FSO board members, three FSO musicians and three community members. "This has been the most interesting … season," said Julia Atkins, director of artistic operations and marketing. Out of 273 applicants, Atkins said, the search committee chose their top five and built this past season around each conductor's unique talents. Each candidate was given an entire concert to run as part of their audition — but that wasn't it. Atkins said the search committee was looking for a leader who could bring their musicians to new heights of excellence and who would get involved in the community. "What happens on the podium and the end result of the concert is important, but it's not the only part of the job. (The committee) had to think about who is going to be the best meeting with donors and supporters and being able to build an audience, as well as working with staff and the musicians," Atkins explained. Aside from observing how each of the five candidates planned and carried out their concert, the search committee collected feedback from audience members and musicians. They also spent about a week with each candidate, observing how they interacted with donors and supporters, introducing them to the faculty at performing venues, and asking them to give talks at places like Kiwanis club, among other community-oriented activities. At the end of it all, Tillman said, she is very excited about the search committee's choice. "This candidate not only proved to be an excellent conductor, but also demonstrated a sincere interest in the greater Fayetteville area, its history and its citizens. I am confident our choice will elevate the level of excellence of our symphony orchestra. Additionally (this person) will be an asset as an enthusiastic and engaging advocate for our growing arts community," she said. Tickets cost $125 and must be bought by April 20; they can be purchased online at www.fayettevillesymphony.org or by calling (910) 433-4690. Tillman said the big identity-reveal will occur fairly early in the evening so partygoers will have a chance to get to know the guest of honor and "extend a big Fayetteville welcome." Who Is the New FSO Music Director? Find Out at Speakeasy! by LESLIE PYO CAFE BORDEAUX RAMADA PLAZA (FORMERLY THE HOLIDAY INN BORDEAUX) PARK INT HE POOL AREA FRO QUICK ENTRANCE & EXIT To get the last half of your day started right come, and join us for an exciting, delicious meal. Fayetteville's place to meet for a quick lunch. Your favorite lunch items quick, at a great price, don't forget our quick service! SOUP BAR WRAPS SANDWICHES SALAD BAR POTATO BAR QUICK, QUICK LUNCHES BEVERAGE INCLUDED WITH MEALS PARKING IN REAR OF RAMADA PLAZA IN POOL AREA CAFE BORDEAUX 1707 OWEN DRIVE FAYETTEVILLE NC 28204 910.323.0111 | OPEN DAILY BREAKFAST 6AM - 10AM | LUNCH 11AM - 2PM QUALITY FOOD YOU EXPECT, SERVICE YOU DESERVE FAYETTEVILLE'S FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED B R E A K THE C H AI N H A BI T CELEBRATE ALL FRESH NATURAL INGREDIENTS OFF THE BONE SMOKED RIBS, TENDER BEEF BRISKET, PULLED PORK AND OUR SIGNATURE TOMATO PIE MONDAYS 4PM - 10PM | TUES - THURS 11AM - 10PM FRI - SAT 11AM - 12AM | SUNDAY NOON - 9PM WWW.BLACKSTONESMOKEHOUSE.COM 'S 2801 RAEFORD RD • 910.491.7029 48 CRAFT BEERS • DAILY DRINK SPECIALS • ALL ABC PERMITS SPECIALIZING IN: (ACROSS FROM CHICK-FIL-A) The FSO search committee wanted to find not just a good music director, but a community leader.