In an article on the front page of Monday’s (11/7) Baltimore Sun, Tim Smith writes, “The Hippodrome Theatre is largely defined by marquee Broadway shows, from ‘The Lion King’ to ‘South Pacific.’ But starting Monday, the theater aims to be a hub for local arts groups, becoming much more than just a stopping-off spot for touring artists and productions. With the Hippodrome Art Fund, the theater envisions being able to offer a bigger stage and financial support for nonprofit dance companies, music ensembles and more. Broadway Across America, the leaseholder of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, which houses the Hippodrome, has contributed $300,000 to launch the effort. The goal is to attract more donors, increasing the fund to about $1 million over the next few years. … The first recipient of a grant from the new arts fund is the Soulful Symphony, an orchestra founded in 2000 by composer, pianist and conductor Darin Atwater and made up of predominantly African-American musicians. … The Soulful Symphony previously performed at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and had an association with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. It is particularly known for showcasing Atwater’s large-scale pieces that fuse pop idioms, including gospel and hip hop, with symphonic elements.”
Posted November 8, 2011
