In Friday’s (10/12) Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee), Jon W. Sparks writes, “This next few days will be a milestone in the history of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. In recent years, the organization has become more aggressive in reaching out to the community, establishing relationships with the Soulsville Charter School, FedEx, nursing homes and various community groups. In June, the MSO shared in a $678,000 grant from Chicago-based ArtPlace that will fund the Symphony Soul Project, a residency in the Soulsville neighborhood that includes free performances throughout the season. That comes together at 4 p.m. Sunday when the MSO plays its first free concert at the Memphis Music Magnet at 915 E. McLemore Ave. The pops concert—STAX! The Memphis Sound—features guest performers Booker T. Jones, William Bell, Susan Marshall and Wendy Moten, with appearances by Kirk Whalum and Wayne Jackson. These luminaries of the Memphis music scene will be joined by members of the Stax Music Academy and the Soulsville Charter School String Program. … Between the free performances and the overall neighborhood revitalization, the hope is that there will be an ongoing recognition and development of the neighborhood as a music resource.”
Posted October 12, 2012
