Huntsville Symphony Orchestra musicians perform at Decatur’s Java Café: cellist Ariana Arcu at far right, viola player Charles Hogue, violinist Joe Lester, and violinist Jennifer Whittle. Photo by Erin Elise Enyinda.
In Wednesday’s (9/27) Redstone Rocket (Decatur, Alabama), Jonathan Stinson writes, “Diners at the Java Cafe were treated to sounds from the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra on Thursday. It was part of the organization’s Symphony in the City program. ‘On the day before a classical performance, we send small ensembles out to locations around the community to bring music to where people are—working, shopping, learning—so that they can experience world-class orchestral music even if they can’t make it to the concert hall,’ Mary Shirley-Howell, director of development for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, said. She added the concert was a way to connect with and give back to the Redstone community…. ‘As a staffer, I love supporting our musicians for these events because I get to see people’s reactions when they unexpectedly encounter us while going about their everyday lives.’ The orchestra kicked off its season on Sept. 22, and it will feature five classical performances, four pops performances, and three ‘Casual Classics,’ along with a free family concert…. ‘We find that more people come out to these free performances when we do them repeatedly in the same venue…. We are also open to suggestions of other venues.’ ”
