From the Indiana Daily Student
By Macy Pugh, Aug 31, 2026 11:15 pm
The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra kicked off its 57th season Sunday evening with “Musical Memories,” a free show at Switchyard Park.
The concert began at the park’s main stage at 7 p.m., and featured familiar music, including Aaron Copland’s “Rodeo” and Georges Bizet’s “Carmen Suite.” Music director Michael Patterson described the show’s energy as fun and passionate, with a goal of engaging the audience.
“I want them to dance,” Patterson said. “I want them to sing. I want them to smile. I want them to have fun.”
“Musical Memories” was Patterson’s first show as music director, after his contract began this past July. Patterson is working to bring his “musical energy” to the orchestra while acknowledging the culture that the BSO has built since its founding in 1969. The BSO values preserving tradition while being aware of changes in music and exploring new avenues of expression, as stated on their “About the BSO” page.
The orchestra had four rehearsals before the show and only two months to arrange the season concept, concert theme and performance.
Multiple committees work to plan a season for the orchestra said Alexis Witt, BSO’s president. Many people work together to consider repertoire, marketing, opportunities for collaboration and more.
“The planning process is a true team effort,” Witt said. “It’s so much more involved than just picking a few good pieces of music and hoping people will show up to hear us.”
Bloomington local Anna Aleman attended the concert because her friend plays in the orchestra. She often attends the orchestra’s events and other local performances.
“It’s beautiful. That’s the reason why I stay in Bloomington, is for the arts and music,” Aleman said.
Donna Lafferty has been with the orchestra for 28 years and started as executive director in 2013. She also plays in the trombone section. She has met almost 1,000 musicians and staff in her work with BSO, she said, and tries to partner with community organizations that can bring mutual growth to both parties.
The BSO collaborates with community choirs, including performances with Reimagining Opera for Kids, which introduces opera to kids through interactive performances and games. At Sunday’s event, children had a chance to “Meet the Instruments” before the show for a hands-on music experience with cellos, violins, harps and more.
“I’ve been hearing from people that were like, ‘We had no idea that the orchestra was as good as it is, or as involved as it is, or, able to handle such big things,’” Lafferty said.
Last spring, BSO sold out the Indiana University Music Arts Center during its “Resounding Joy: Beethoven’s 9th” show.
The orchestra also prides itself on creating a sense of belonging among musicians. Patterson said he was touched by the warm welcome he received from all of the orchestra members.
“They’ve been so overwhelmingly Bloomingtonian: hospitable, kind, welcoming, warm and they listen,” Patterson said. “I’m new to Bloomington, and just overwhelmingly happy and grateful to be a part of this culture.”