Chu ‘unloads’ 20 grand on Orchestra

As one of 919 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant, the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra has been given $20,000 to support outreach events and an orchestra performance. “I’m pleased to be able toshare the news of our support through Art Works including the award to the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra. The arts foster value, connection, creativity and innovation for the American people and these recommended grants demonstrate those attributes and affirm that the arts are part of our everyday lives, ” said National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu.

     The Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra has invited Dame Evelyn Glennie from her hometown of Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom to Spartanburg, South Carolina for the week of February 12-16, 2015.

     Glennie, who is profoundly deaf, is considered to be one of the most eclectic and innovative percussionists of our time. The Valentine’s Day concert, featuring Glennie and the SPO, will present a new percussion concerto featuring the waterphone entitled: “Portraits of Immortal Love” by composer Sean O’Boyle written specifically for Glennie.

     SPO Music Director Sarah Ioannides believes this award “is the culmination of 10 years of working towards a level of excellence and establishing community partnerships. Now we are there and we plan to build on this.” In late October, the world premiere of this concerto was performed by Ioannides and the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra.

     The project will also include a Masterclass with five auditioned high school and college students in Daniel Recital Hall at Converse College on February 13 from 4:00-6:00pm. “Dialogue with a Difference”, one of Glennie’s signature lecture-demonstrations which explores the importance of listening skills, will be presented in the Chapman Cultural Center Theatre on February 12 beginning at 6:00 pm.

     Continuing during her stay, Glennie will also work with music students from the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind. Each of these events intends to inspire the Upstate community with Glennie’s motivational perspective of her life and career.

      SPO Executive Director Kathryn Boucher said, “We are thrilled to receive such high accolades from the NEA for this extensive project. We are honored to be one of five South Carolina organizations to receive an Art Works grant and believe this reflects the high level of artistic excellence that our orchestra has achieved.   We are grateful for the prestige this grant brings to the Spartanburg community.”

     For more about the events, see: www.spartanburgphilhamronic.org or call 864.948.9020.