Page 127 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2019

GivingBACK in tune
Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra
story by Kelsey Sunderman photos courtesy of Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra
Classical music has a home on the Gulf Coast thanks to the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra. Since 1962, the organization has provided live performances of classical music performed by professional musicians from across the Gulf South region. The Symphony is in its 58th year and led by Dr. Peter Rubardt, a widely acclaimed conductor.
Music education is
one of the Symphony’s
largest initiatives,
especially in terms of
student programming.
“The Symphony’s Youth
Orchestra now engages
students in Hancock County alongside those from Harrison and Jackson counties,” said Jordan Warren, executive director of
the Symphony Orchestra. “Both private and public school students are eligible to participate, as well as students within the Home School Associations.
Another educational opportunity is LinkUp, a free concert program that gives students the opportunity to join the orchestra. It is a program with Carnegie Hall of New York City in an effort to make music education accessible for all elementary students.
“We are proud of LinkUp and this program because we utilize our Gulf Coast Symphony Youth Orchestra – not many other orchestras do this,” says Warren. “Our goal is to show the new, younger musicians that they
can continue a music career and be up on stage one day in our organization and even further.”
The Symphony will host two
LinkUp concerts in 2020 – Wednesday, March 4 at Gulfport High School and Friday, March
6 at Hancock Performing Arts Center. Sounds by the Sea, a free outdoor concert over Memorial Day weekend that honors local military men and women, will be held Saturday in Gulfport at Jones Park and Sunday in Pascagoula at Beach Park.
During Warren’s first year
as executive director, she has experienced overwhelming support from the community
and its businesses. “I have felt so welcomed coming to the Coast, meeting everyone who has been touched by the classical music or educational opportunities we have. These opportunities are available because of our donors, grants, public and private foundations and sponsors, such as the IP Casino Resort Spa. I call the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra a gem among diamonds on our beautiful Secret Coast.”
Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra | 228.896.4276 | www.gulfcoastsymphony.net
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