“The Virginia Symphony Orchestra has received an $80,000 grant that will help it become more sensory-friendly to patrons,” writes Amy Poulter in Tuesday’s (7/23) Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, VA). “The grant from the League of American Orchestras will allow the symphony to present three concerts [featuring] accommodations for people in the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities….. Changes will be made on stage and off to make guests feel comfortable … and will be geared to audiences of all ages.… Said VSO Vice President of Orchestra Activities Christy Havens, ‘We’ll have flexible seating … and a quiet space in the lobby.’ … The first sensory-friendly concert is scheduled for Nov. 2 … and two more will follow in the spring.… ‘The sensory-friendly concerts are a direct outgrowth of our efforts to increase our community impact and touch more lives with music,’ said VSO President and CEO Karen M. Philion.” The VSO is one of nineteen U.S. orchestras receiving two-year American Orchestras’ Future Fund grants from the League of American Orchestras to support innovation and organizational learning. The grants are made possible by the generous support of the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation.
Posted July 29, 2019
In photo: The Virginia Symphony Orchestra in performance with Music Director JoAnn Falletta.
