The University of Lynchburg will enter into a formal partnership with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, Aug. 25. The agreement, to be signed at 1 p.m. that day in Sydnor Performance Hall on the University campus, will be followed by a 7 p.m. performance of LSO’s Big Band.
The outdoor concert, which celebrates LSO’s 40th anniversary, will be held on the Dell in front of Schewel Hall. Music faculty members Dr. Chris Magee, on principal trumpet, and Kyle Greaney, on saxophone, will be among those performing.
There are free and ticketed options for the event. Concertgoers may bring their own chairs and sit on the grassy Dell for free or purchase VIP tickets through LSO. VIP tickets are $75 each, $150 per couple, and include seating on the patio area in front of Schewel Hall, choice of wine, and an individual charcuterie box. Reserved tables for six, at $500, also are available.
For tickets, call 434.845.6604 or email [email protected].
The partnership with LSO grew out of a longstanding, albeit informal, relationship with the University, along with President Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar’s desire that the University collaborate more with the surrounding community.
“Over the past few years, the LSO has reached out to the University of Lynchburg [music department] with requests for use of campus facilities, particularly Sydnor Performance Hall, for use in rehearsals for some of our concerts,” Mike Lewis, LSO’s executive director, said.
“With these ongoing conversations, there was a natural interest in pursuing a stronger collaboration, particularly when the University reached out to us from the president’s office, to discuss possibilities and opportunities for bringing our organizations closer together.”
In support of the partnership, Dr. Oeida M. Hatcher, associate dean of Lynchburg’s School of Visual and Performing Arts, began a three-year term on LSO’s board of directors in June.
LSO and its Youth Symphony Orchestra will rehearse in Sydnor Performance Hall. LYSO also will perform its concerts on campus and LSO will store some equipment and its larger instruments — timpani drums, etc. — at Lynchburg.
“This benefits our organization, of course, but also provides [the University] with the benefits of exposing young musicians and their families to [the] campus and course offerings,” Lewis said.
Under the partnership, Lynchburg students, faculty, and staff may attend LSO dress rehearsals at no charge. There also will be opportunities for students to attend master classes with visiting ensembles, guest conductors, or soloists who are in town to perform.
“This collaboration provides an excellent opportunity to advance the visibility of the arts in our community,” said Dr. Cynthia Ramsey, music department chair and music education programs director for the College of Education, Leadership Studies, and Counseling at Lynchburg.
“It provides opportunities for both our students and faculty to collaborate with symphonic professionals, and one of the most exciting possibilities I see is the increased possibility for music education outreach programs in our community.
“Both Lynchburg and the LSO have individual service learning projects in place. Now we can combine our resources and develop programs that will reach more people.”
