Charlotte Symphony’s Mobile Stage Meets People on Their Own Turf
By HERE News
Bringing Music to Underserved Neighborhoods
In a bid to make music more accessible, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra has launched a new initiative with its mobile stage. Taking their performances outside of the usual uptown venues, the symphony is now bringing their music directly to the people in long-underserved neighborhoods in Charlotte.
Connecting Through Music
The innovative mobile stage, housed in a 40-foot trailer wrapped in a vibrant design by a local Charlotte artist, provides a unique platform for the symphony to connect with communities. Recently, a performance took place at the Simmons YMCA in east Charlotte, drawing in a diverse crowd eager to experience live symphonic music.
Community Engagement
Residents like Michael Blanco, who had never experienced a live performance by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra before, were thrilled at the opportunity to enjoy the music in their own neighborhood. The stage, accommodating up to 35 musicians, creates an intimate setting for the audience to appreciate classical music.
Diversity in Music Selection
Each performance by the CSO Roadshow is tailored to reflect the unique community it is visiting. From classical pieces to modern arrangements of Motown and Bruno Mars, the symphony ensures a diverse selection to appeal to a wide audience. The audience at the recent performance clapped along to a piece by Haitian-American composer Daniel Bernard Roumain, showcasing their engagement with the music.
Expanding Access to Live Performances
The mobile stage, funded partly by the city, is part of the symphony’s commitment to making music accessible to all. By reaching out to neighborhoods that may not have easy access to live performances, the Charlotte Symphony is broadening its audience and fostering a love for music in diverse communities.
Upcoming Performances
The CSO Roadshow will continue its journey through Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity, with upcoming performances planned for neighborhoods in east, west, and north Charlotte. The symphony’s mobile stage will wrap up its spring season with a performance at the Ophelia Garmon-Brown Community Center, with plans for more concerts in the fall.
Celebrating Music and Community
As the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra brings its music to the people on their own turf, the mobile stage serves as a symbol of unity and connection through the power of music. With free concerts that appeal to a wide range of musical tastes, the symphony is spreading joy and harmony throughout the city.
