Sensory-friendly concert put on last year by the New Albany Symphony Orchestra. Photos by Jack Garner
The New Albany Symphony Orchestra has been awarded the 2017 PNC Arts Alive Grant in the amount of $25,000. This is the fourth time the New Albany Symphony Orchestra has received the grant.
PNC Arts Alive is a multi-year $2.5 million initiative designed to support the visual and performing arts. The enterprise challenges arts organizations toward original thinking and expanding audience engagement. They have provided approximately $13 million in grants in the regions served by PNC, which includes Columbus and central Ohio. PNC Arts Alive will also present the new concert series Saturday at the Symphony.
Saturday at the Symphony will consist of four one-hour matinee performances. The concerts are created with a sensory-friendly audience in mind, meaning families with young children as well as individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and on the autism spectrum. The goal of these performances is to allow families to connect with the arts and one another in an inclusive environment.
PNC Arts Alive 2016
For 45 minutes, audience members will experience a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of visuals. House lights will be left on and dimmed with spectators allowed to move around and talk with no judgment. Additionally, hands-on activities, an instrument petting zoo, snacks and communication cards will be available in the lobby. Attendees will also receive a complimentary treat.
The New Albany Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit community orchestra made up of professional musicians, community players and students. Saturday at the Symphony was developed by the orchestra in collaboration with the Autism Society of Central Ohio and Methodist Eldercare. Performances begin March 17, 2017 with “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Viewers are encouraged to wear a jersey and come early for Cracker Jacks in the lobby.
The concerts are open to anyone in the public and will be performed at the McCoy Center for the Arts in New Albany. Tickets will cost $6-15.
Lindsey Capritta is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
