Santa Fe Symphony Presents Discovery Concerts

Courtesy/The Santa Fe Symphony

SFSO News:

Tuesday, March 22, The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) & Chorus’s Music Education Program presents its acclaimed free Discovery Concerts for area fourth and fifth graders.

Traditionally performed at The Lensic Performing Arts Center, this year’s annual Discovery Concerts were not only re-scheduled for the Spring (vs. the Fall) in light of the challenges the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic presented, they also are taking place in the gymnasium at Capital High, allowing for twice the number of students to attend! 

“We can’t wait to bring back full-scale orchestral concerts to all of these students who have been through so much these past two years,” SFSO Executive Director Emma Scherer said. “Music is such an important part of learning and development for students— in addition to their curriculum—and we are thrilled to be a part of this process through our award-winning mentoring program; Kid’s Classical Concerts; and our annual Discovery Concerts. Through the pandemic, we were able to continue providing virtual educational programming and we’re so excited to renew our live education programming this season as well.”

“This year, The Symphony is thrilled to be able to offer these fabulous concerts to not only fourth graders, but also FIFTH graders, a brand-new concept this season, and one which we would love to continue,” SFSO Music Education Manager Alexis Corbin said. “We have heard from students, music teachers, and classroom teachers over the years just how much this introduction to orchestra means to the SFPS and local pueblo schools. Because last year we couldn’t have any type of live performance, there are now two grades who haven’t yet experienced a full orchestra concert.”

The SFSO has been partnering with the Santa Fe Public Schools to present the Discovery Concerts for more than 10 years, in collaboration with the PASS Program. This year’s concerts are made possible by the Del Norte LOV Foundation, LANL Foundation, New Mexico Arts Commission, and the PASS Program. 

Members of The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra will play three pieces for two concerts (10 a.m. and noon): SERGEI PROKOFIEV’s Peter and the Wolf narrated by Joe Hayes in Spanish and English, WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART’S Overture from The Abduction from the Seraglio (traditional orchestra); and FERDINAND DAVID’s Concertino for Trombone in E-flat Major (third movement) featuring one of Santa Fe Public School’s talented young trombonists —and a member of The Symphony’s music mentorship program— as the soloist! 

The Santa Fe Symphony’s music education programs channel the talents of our orchestra, chorus members, and contributing music scholars into experiential learning opportunities for young and old.

Each year approximately 3,600 youth in Santa Fe and surrounding areas are served through its music education programs, in partnership with Santa Fe Public Schools, to bring much needed music education to students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience classical music. They also present small group ensembles to approximately 300 seniors at local retirement homes and senior centers. 

The Symphony’s annual Discovery Concerts feature local storytellers and the entire Symphony Orchestra, thrilling more than 1,500 fourth-grade students from Santa Fe County, and this season even more students will be reached at Capital High School.

Prior to the pandemic, Symphony musicians traveled to Santa Fe schools for Kids’ Classical Concerts, close-up performances where small ensembles play classical and popular tunes, demonstrate different instruments, and even let students try their hand at conducting. The Symphony looks forward to reviving this program.

All of these programs are free of charge. To support these programs, donate and become a Friend of the Music Education Committee today at santafesymphony.org/donate.

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