The full Owensboro Symphony Orchestra hasn’t been on stage at the same time in 15 months, but they’ve got big plans in store for 2021 — including a new series at the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market — as well as some “surprises” for the Concert on the Lawn.
CEO Gwyn Payne said things were ramping for Owensboro Symphony in February of 2020, as they were in the midst of a rebranding and announcing the 55th season as “the biggest ever that we were to perform.”
Then March came along, and soon after all the traditional performances were cancelled.
It was time to get creative with their missions, which is “to create meaningful, imaginative performances and educational programs that enrich lives and create memorable experiences.”
One of the first new endeavours was the Symphony Stroll on the Riverfront, where they spaced their ensembles throughout Smothers Parks and let the community walk through to enjoy free music.
“It ended up being a very tremendous success so we were very pleased with it,” Payne said.
They also took as many programs as possible outdoors, and pre-recorded various performances.
Most notably, Owensboro Symphony went virtual for their annual holiday concert, which include selections from “The Nutcracker,” “The Grinch,” and more. The program — named “Safe at Home for the Holidays” — was broadcast several times during the month of December on multiple platforms.
“It was really an exciting process to be a part of,” Payne said. “It was something we were really proud of.”
Now, the Symphony is looking forward to performing as a whole again, with their first in-person event scheduled quickly approaching.
Lee Greenwood, legendary singer of “God Bless the U.S.A and a Grammy Award winner, will join the Owensboro Symphony for their Summer Salute live outdoor concert at 7 p.m. June 5. The free concert will be held at the McConnell Plaza on the Owensboro Riverfront.
Also starting June 5 will be the month-long free series at the Farmers’ Market, with the ensemble performing under the pavilion.
That will be followed by the annual Concert on the Lawn, set for 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at Kentucky Wesleyan College.
“We’ve got lots of nice little surprises we’re going to pull out of our sleeves with that one,” Payne said.
After the success of its debut in 2020, the Symphony Stroll will be coming back in October 2021.
That will lead directly into the 2021-22 season, which kicks off on Dec. 11.
“Our musicians are so excited to be able to come back together,” Payne said. “This is what they thrive on.”
