Newport Symphony Orchestra cellist Adrienne Welsh believes “every aquarium should have a resident cellist,” writes Matthew Denis writes in Friday’s (10/23) Register-Guard (Eugene, OR). “After performances by Welsh and fellow cellist Vicki Strauss, Oregon Coast otters and ‘Passages of the Deep’ aquarium creatures seem to agree. During the aquarium’s pandemic-related closure, the Newport Symphony Orchestra and the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport collaborated to provide a new form of enrichment for its animals: live symphonic music. Together, the nonprofit organizations filmed a music video in front of the sea otter window [featuring George Frideric] Handel’s very appropriate ‘Variations on Water Music Themes.’ … Long-time aquarium volunteer Melody Lavrakas … considered how fellow nonprofits could help each other, [which] led to proposing two symphony musicians performing for sea creatures…. When the aquarium came calling, [Welsh and Strauss were] ready…. Cello music at an aquarium is just another one of innumerable ways that cultural and entertainment venues have adapted … ‘My hope is the aquarium can use the music video as a gift to their and our patrons and to keep them aware of these great organizations,’ Lavrakas said.”
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