Kokomo Symphony celebrates 50 years
Golden Gala Oct. 21 kicks off four-concert season; tickets available now
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Going to the symphony evokes images of a black-tie affair and the sounds of classical music. But those ideas are a bit antiquated these days, at least in Kokomo. On Oct. 21, local residents will be able to share in the celebration as the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra embarks on its Golden Anniversary season.
The “Golden Gala” concert will feature a local artist who made it big, a symphony veteran showing off her talents, and a special musical piece commissioned just for Kokomo. According to Jennifer Rollins, Director of Development for the Kokomo Symphony, the Golden Gala will be the first of four special concerts that commemorate the organization’s 50 years.
“The Golden Gala concert will feature Alicia Berneche, who started with the Kokomo Symphony’s Youth Orchestra,” said Rollins. “She started playing a violin, then got into singing. She is now an internationally known opera singer.
“And then Trudy Whitford, who has played with the Kokomo Symphony and the Kokomo Park Band for 30 years, she's going to perform a solo for us at that concert. The concert will feature a lot of different things. To celebrate our 50th season, we have commissioned a piece from composer Michael Shelley. That will be something cool because we've never done anything like that.”
The Golden Gala concert will kick off the symphony’s season, which will feature four concerts instead of the typical three in recognition of the milestone year. The music performed will include “An American in Paris” by Ira Gershwin and “Pines of Rome” by Ottorino Respighi.
The concert takes place at Indiana University Kokomo’s Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St., on Sat., Oct. 21, beginning at 7 p.m. Single tickets for the concert are $25. College students attend for just $5, and K-12 students and younger children attend for free. Season tickets for all four concerts also are available at $80 for adults and $75 for senior citizens.
Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.kokomosymphony.net or by calling 765-236-0251.
This year’s ticket prices are a little higher, Rolins explained, but this is due to the addition of a fourth concert along with the expense of hiring the performers. But the cost is worth it, she said.
“These are professional musicians,” said Rollins. “They come together the week before the concert and learn the music. They have to know what they're doing. Our conductor, Jose Valencia, has to be very selective. He always tries to bring something unique to the season.
“Jose has been wonderful. He tries to incorporate a little bit of knowledge and education during the performance. He'll stop and tell a little bit about the piece, maybe a little bit about the composer. It’s unique because he tries to educate his audience.”
Rollins explained that people often overlook local performances because they assume the quality will pale in comparison to symphony performances in larger cities. However, the artists performing in Kokomo are the same ones who perform in Indianapolis in many cases.
“They're the same musicians,” said Rollins. “To see them perform in Indianapolis is double to triple the cost. You have to travel there, and the pricing of tickets is much higher. In Kokomo, you're getting the same type of concert, just closer to home.”
Another misconception many people hold is that a symphony orchestra concert is a formal affair. Rollins explained that people need not get gussied up to come to the symphony these days. The symphony is for everyone.
“It's no longer this black-tie thing; people wear whatever they want,” said Rollins. “In the spring and summer months, people wear shorts. Jeans are fine. Whatever you're comfortable in is what you wear. No one judges. Come as you are.”
For those who want to enjoy the music in a more casual setting, the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra also puts on fun events that have nothing to do with a concert hall. On Oct. 28, they will host their third annual TV Dinner Singalong, a fundraiser celebrating the music of the 1970s. The event includes live music, a dinner, a silent auction, trivia, and a “Name That Tune” contest.
“Even though it's a ‘TV dinner,’ we’ll feature music from the 1970s,” said Rollins. “People are welcome to dress up in 1970s costumes, but you don’t have to. It's totally cool.”
Tables for the event are 10 seats for $500. Individual seats are $60. The singalong will take place on Sat., Oct. 28, at The Experience at the Kokomo Country Club, 1801 Country Club Dr. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event begins at 7 p.m.
Funding for the symphony is always a challenge. These fundraising events, coupled with grants, make up the bulk of the funding for the organization. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the symphony, it currently is conducting a 50-50-50 fundraiser. Donations are being accepted to help the symphony reach $50,000 in 50 days for the 50th anniversary.
To date, more than $37,000 already has been raised. To show support for the symphony through this fundraiser, visit www.kokomosymphony.net. And while you’re there, check out the concert line-up, the special events planned, and more on their newly redesigned website.