“Memphis Symphony Orchestra president and CEO Roland Valliere is not shy when it comes to talking about the future of the organization,” writes Andy Meek in Wednesday’s (7/1) Memphis Daily News (Tennessee). “It wasn’t that long ago that the symphony made the painful acknowledgement that … its future was far from guaranteed. The result of turnaround efforts and of support from the public was a strong 2014-15 season…. Could a potential move to Overton Square be on the horizon? Symphony officials have spoken with Loeb Properties about the possibility. Bob Loeb said the two sides have ‘brainstormed programming and space opportunities.’ … The organization [is] currently headquartered … in East Memphis…. The schedule for Pops, the Symphony’s third signature subscription series, will … have an emphasis on local influence, the symphony says…. Valliere … believes the future lies partly in increased community engagement…. Milestones the symphony celebrated last season included performing ‘Glory’ at the National Civil Rights Museum [commemorating] the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s visit to Selma, Ala. Planning also began for a free community concert to be held in the fall that will honor late MSO executive director Martha Ellen Maxwell. It will include a performance of Duke Ellington’s ‘Harlem.’ ” Overton Square is located in Memphis’s Midtown.
Posted July 2, 2015
