TERRE HAUTE, Ind – On May 16th, you can join the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra on a computer or smartphone screen for a one-of-a-kind live virtual concert event featuring musicians from the THSO performing their favorite music. In partnership with King Media and Entertainment, Tony Harper and Indiana Sports Network, and Central Presbyterian Church led by Rev. Mike Riggins, “Music in Bloom” will capture the hope and unity we need in our world today.
Principal Clarinet and Marketing Manager, Samantha Johnson-Helms, notes “This event is unlike anything the THSO has ever done. This is the perfect time to be innovative and reach our audience in an entirely new way.”
The program will feature ten (10) THSO musicians performing solos and duets at Central Presbyterian Church in Terre Haute. Musicians will be placed six (6) or more feet apart in the church and will rotate through 2-3 performance spaces equipped with a professional camera and microphone setup by King Media and Entertainment and Indiana Sports Network. One performance space will include a piano. Those performing duets will prepare their parts individually and will have the opportunity to rehearse their duet the day of the performance. Each piece performed will be 2-5 minutes in length. The virtual performance will last about an hour and will be recorded.
Musicians performing include Concertmaster Daniel Aizenshtadt, Violinists Yuri Santos and Toby Elser, Principal Cello SeungAh Hong, Principal Clarinet Samantha Johnson-Helms, Principal Bassoon Chad Roseland, Principal Horn Brian Kilp, Principal Trombone Randy Mitchell, Principal Percussion Keegan Sheehy, and Principal Keyboard Timothy Stephenson. Composers on the program include Brahms, Beethoven, Bériot, Krol, Muramatsu, and even a blues tune by Sonny Stitt.
In order to keep our musicians safe and healthy, they are encouraged to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks when they are not performing. Prior to musician arrival at the church, all music stands, chairs, door knobs, and the piano will be wiped down. Musicians will be strategically brought into the church upon arrival to ensure minimal contact and social distancing.
THSO Board Member and owner of King Media and Entertainment, Mike King, shares his excitement for the event. “It has been far too long since we have been able to enjoy the outstanding talents of the THSO musicians, and while we would love to have the entire orchestra, I’m grateful to those that will be able to join us at Central Presbyterian Church. We have the ability to bring virtual live music to the residents of the Wabash Valley and those around the world that choose to join us for the May 16th event. Along with Tony Harper and his broadcast team from Indiana Sports Network, we hope to provide a wonderful respite for music lovers.”
The concert will be streamed live at www.thso.org. During the concert, the audience will be asked to help raise funds to counteract the hardship they have experienced during the COVID-19 outbreak. Patrons may donate to the symphony on their website at www.thso.org before, during, and after the event. During the event, they will be live tweeting ‘thank yous’ to donors on their Twitter account. Follow the THSO on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to learn more about the musicians performing for this event and the pieces they will be playing!
