Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography

The Anne Springs Close Greenway’s Comporium Amphitheater was the location for a concert by the Charlotte Symphony Strings Orchestra on Sunday, September 25, 2022. The tribute concert honored Anne Springs Close, founder and matriarch of the Greenway. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra was conducted by Christopher James Lees, the Resident Conductor.

Normally, it is extremely expensive to attend a concert performed by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, however, this particular concert in honor of Anne Springs Close held at the Anne Springs Close Greenway was absolutely free. It was suggested that people attending the concert bring canned or boxed food items to be donated to You Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina or a gently used book to fill the Little Library located behind the Greenway Gateway.

This concert was a rare opportunity for me to expose my three year old grandson, Coleman, to fine classical music. He seemed to enjoy the music and behaved rather well in the outdoor setting for the concert. He clapped every time the orchestra completed a piece.

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is the largest and most active professional performing arts organization in the Central Carolinas. The Charlotte Symphony plays approximately 100 performances each season and employs 100 professional musicians. The Orchestra’s principal home is the Belk Theater of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. It also serves as the resident orchestra for Opera Carolina and Charlotte Ballet.

The Orchestra played a mix light classical from 3-4pm. The classical music included:

• Hoe Down from “Rodeo”, Copland

• Andante Festivo, Opus 117a – Sibeliu

• String Quartet No. 2 “Company” – Glass

• Elegiac Melodies, Opus 34 (II. Last Spring) – Grieg

• With Malice Toward None (from Lincoln) – Williams

• Danse Negre, Op. 35, No 4 – Coleridge-Taylor / arr. Daniel Bukin

• Ashokan Farewell – Ungar / arr. Bob Cerulli

• St. Paul’s Suite for String Orchestra (I. Gigue)– Holst

Some of the music was soft and easy flowing while others were upbeat and moving. Guess which ones Coleman preferred? He preferred the more upbeat pieces including Divertimenti K. 138 (Mvt. I) by Mozart.

If you ever get the opportunity to go hear a symphony orchestra perform, I would highly recommend you going. This was an amazing opportunity I had to share with my grandson, Coleman. Truly blessed. Thank you Charlotte Symphony Orchestra fir a delightful performance. Thank you Anne Springs Close Greenway for hosting the Orchestra for our pleasurable enjoyment.

God bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.