‘In Harmony’ tour made possible through budget appropriation by state legislature
Music Director Teddy Abrams and members of the Louisville Orchestra will perform in three Eastern Kentucky cities this month as part of “In Harmony – The Commonwealth Tour of the Louisville Orchestra,” the orchestra’s two-year, free-to-experience statewide tour throughout Kentucky.
Prestonsburg, Pikeville and Harlan are among nearly 20 Kentucky cities that will host the tour.
“With the ‘In Harmony’ tour, the Louisville Orchestra becomes the only orchestra in the United States committed to traveling to every corner of its state to partner in performance with artists across our communities,” Abrams said. “There is no so-called urban-rural divide in music. Art and music transcend geographic boundaries. We couldn’t be more excited to share our treasured work with our fellow Kentuckians in their hometowns and home counties.”
The Prestonsburg performance is set for May 17 at 7 p.m. at the Mountain Arts Center. This tour date will also include a performance at 4 p.m. at the Floyd County Public Library.
The tour stops in Pikeville at 7 p.m. May 18 for a performance at Appalachian Wireless Arena. There will be special community events on this date, including a noon stop at Pikeville Gazebo and a “Once Upon An Orchestra” children’s performance at 2 p.m. at the Pike County Library.
The tour goes to Harlan High School for a performance at 7 p.m. May 19. This date will include a visit to the Gazebo on the Courthouse Lawn at noon.
Louisville Orchestra’s performances will celebrate Kentucky and Americana, the traditional and the new, the spirited and the serene. Kentucky elements take center stage in the program – featuring Kentucky native composer Valerie Coleman, composer-in-residence Lisa Bielawa, and Harlan’s own Lindsey Branson with new works; Richmond native superstar violinist Tessa Lark performing two virtuosic favorites; and an arrangement by Teddy Abrams of a beloved Kentucky anthem. Add to that some favorites like Beethoven’s “Fifth Symphony,” Bernstein’s “Candide,” Stravinsky’s “Firebird,” and a dash of Disney’s “Fantasia.”
The July leg of the tour will include performances in Ashland, Newport, Glasgow, Somerset and Bardstown.
Free tickets for all performances are available at louisvilleorchestra.org/inharmonytour.
Travelers to Prestonsburg, Pikeville and Harlan can find accommodations, dining options and other visitor information at prestonsburgky.org, pikevilleky.gov, and harlancountytrails.com.
