First, thank you so much for your continued support of the BSO. As we finally emerge from the worst of the pandemic, we are both thankful to you for sticking with us, and hopeful that the future will be brighter for all.
On May 22nd, the BSO will perform the fully-orchestrated version of Gustav Holst’s The Planets. This much-loved piece drew a huge audience when we performed it seven years ago at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. In fact, it was so popular, we ended up turning away many would-be audience members at the door (including some of our own Board members!).
In an effort to avoid disappointing people who want to attend, and with the hope of making the concert experience even more special, the BSO board and staff have been discussing several options.
Perform at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater as planned, with the concert itself, plus some special features (slideshow during each movement, choral collaboration with Voces Novae, and an audience sci-fi costume contest).
Perform at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, adding a second, shorter performance that day (5:00 pm, with the full concert at 7:30 or 8:00). The second performance that day would include some of the “add-ons” mentioned above, but not all.
Perform a single show at the Brown County Music Center (Nashville, Indiana), which seats over 2,000 audience members and has no “bad” views. This concert would include all the extras – choral collaboration, costume contest, slideshow, and possible more elements, since the venue has more capabilities.
An additional consideration for all of these options would be our desire to enhance the experience by combining it with our big end-of-season party (we’re calling it a “gala-ctic event” rather than a “gala”).
We want to encourage our audience and musicians to celebrate the end of the season together, and hope to use it as an opportunity to raise funds for the orchestra as well. This ties in beautifully with the party atmosphere we’re hoping to achieve through the concert itself and its add-ons, but also brings up additional questions.
The Brown County Music Center is equipped with much of what is needed for a party, including a large lobby space, a full-service bar, and the ability to bring in catering, all of which are also included in the venue rental price. Since the Buskirk-Chumley Theater has no space for a party of this scope, we are exploring different venues within walking distance from the BCT that would be available/willing to host the event. This would likely involve an additional rental fee for the space, bartender, catering, etc.
What do we need from you? If you’ve had the patience to read this far, then A) thank you, and B) please make your opinions clear by taking the attached SHORT (I promise!) survey.
Your input will help us make the best decision possible going forward. We have to act quickly, since we will need to notify the BCT very soon if we end up not using their space.
Thank you again for everything. I say this all the time, but we really couldn’t do it without you.
Much love and respect,
Donna M. Lafferty, Executive Director
donna@bloomingtonsymphony.com