“The Memphis Symphony Orchestra announced Wednesday what it calls ‘a new Memorial Day concert tradition,’ ” write John Beifuss and Mark Richens in Wednesday’s (3/16) Commercial Appeal (Memphis). “ ‘Summer Symphony at the Live Garden’ will take place Saturday, May 28, at the Memphis Botanic Garden’s live music area, home of the popular ‘Live at the Garden’ summer concert series. The same date marks the debut of Memphis in May’s new locally themed music-and-culture event, 901Fest, developed for Tom Lee Park to replace the popular Sunset Symphony, which the international festival discontinued in 2015 after a 39-year run.” Memphis Symphony Orchestra Board Chairwoman Gayle S. Rose “said the symphony was ‘a hired orchestra’ during the Sunset Symphony concerts, which annually attracted thousands of people to Tom Lee Park. The new ‘Summer Symphony,’ however, calls for ‘revenue sharing’ between the symphony orchestra and the botanic garden, she said.… In a statement, Jen Bradner, interim president and CEO at the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, said the symphony was ‘thrilled when Memphis Botanic Garden proposed a partnership to bring the Symphony to the Live Garden.’ ”
Posted March 17, 2016
