Concert Celebrates Vero Beach History
Space Coast Symphony program features Copland, Gershwin, World Premieres
(VERO BEACH, FL) April 11, 2022 – The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra will travel Coast to Coast in a program that celebrates Vero Beach, the great outdoors– and the power of love. On Sunday, April 24 at 3:00 PM, the orchestra presents Coast to Coast, at the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts, 1895 St Edwards Drive in Vero Beach. Conducted by Aaron T. Collins, the concert will include three of the most popular and rousing works in American repertoire, Grofe’s “On the Trail” from The Grand Canyon Suite, Aaron Copland’s stirring An Outdoor Overture, and George Gershwin’s romp, Cuban Overture. An orchestral showpiece by Kenneth Fuchs, Atlantic Riband evokes the struggle and victory of ocean-crossing immigrants to America, inspired by the SS United States‘ record-breaking maiden voyage. The program’s two world premieres, from composers Christopher Marshall and R. Michael Daugherty, are a testament to the SCSO’s commitment to new music. Audience favorites, sopranos Mary Anne Kruger and Amy Cofield, will return to the stage together to present Marshall’s evocative, Cancó Del Mar. Vero Beach is celebrated during Daugherty’s A Florida Story, a work for narrator and orchestra that recounts the story of Vero Beach pioneer, Waldo Sexton. Narrating the work is its author, Indian River County Poet Laureate (and grandson of Waldo Sexton), Sean Sexton. From notes and correspondence, the love story of Waldo Sexton and his bride Elsebeth comes to life in a bygone Florida one hundred years in the past — and amidst struggles in the small “frontier town.” $30 tickets are available through the orchestra website at SpaceCoastSymphony.org or at Marine Bank & Trust, beachside and mainland branches. Tickets at the door are $35. Concertgoers aged 18 and under or with a college ID are admitted free to every SCSO concert. For more information about Coast to Coast, call toll free to 855-252-7276 or visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org.
Aaron T. Collins, Conductor and Artistic Director for the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, reflects on the enormity of the talent participating in Coast to Coast.
“This concert is star studded from beginning to end,” said Collins. “Where else can you experience a performance that includes beloved classics alongside two world premieres and a stirring love story?”
For more information about the Space Coast Symphony 2021-22 season or the Symphony for Everyone program, visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call toll-free (855) 252-7276.
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Upcoming concerts & programs —
May 21 & 22 Fan Favorites –the Great Ballets: A whirlwind tour of history’s greatest ballets.
ABOUT THE SPACE COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA— The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians, music educators and mentored amateurs of exceptional ability. The Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a two-fold mission: to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest young musicians as well as to provide professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices. The ultimate goal of the organization is to help ensure the symphonic tradition for the enjoyment of future generations.
37-year old Aaron T. Collins is garnering recognition for his achievements. LEAD Brevard named the ambitious Collins one of their “4 under 40” Young Professionals, the youngest-ever recipient of the honor. Space Coast Business magazine listed him as one of Brevard’s “100 Most Admired Businesspeople.” Collins is a past recipient of the Richard A. Stark Award for cultural leadership from the Cultural Council of Indian River County. Through his personal involvement with more than a dozen performing arts groups, pioneering reciprocal ad program and social media cross promotions, Collins has gained a reputation for generosity; championing other arts organizations throughout Central Florida for the cultural enrichment of the community.
School-aged children 18 years and under are admitted free of charge, as are college students with a valid ID. In keeping with their mission, the symphony provides a unique Symphony for Everyone ticketing program, a “pay-what-you-can” option designed to provide substantially discounted admission to any Space Coast Symphony concert (PLEASE NOTE: availability may vary during Covid pandemic). Relying on a non-traditional orchestra model and a slim budget, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only 19 U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. In addition to maintaining the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra and Space Coast Symphony Wind Orchestra, the non-profit organization also has a youth orchestra and provides numerous separate and free ensemble performances. More information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts, ticket sales, venues, directions and sponsorship opportunities is available at SpaceCoastSymphony.org by calling toll free (855) 252-7276.