The Grand Rapids Symphony Musicians Association will be making a lot of noise in Grand Rapids over the course of the next week. From pop up performances to a free hour-long concert at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, classical music is definitely in the air.
The free concert, being billed as “Ensemble: A Legacy of Playing Together”, is part of a campaign to showcase the musician’s appreciation for the city they perform in and call home. “We are committed now, more than ever, to bringing great music to our community and want to pay tribute to how symphony musicians in Grand Rapids have served the area since 1930,” according to the group’s website.
In addition to the free concert, small 'pop up' performances, featuring small combinations or viola and harp or a string quartet, will be held at various venues in Grand Rapids such as Brewery Vivant, Flatlanders and the Maker Faire at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. See the sidebar for complete details.
‘Legacy’ is a fitting theme for the concert, as some of the musicians have been performing with the orchestra for over thirty five years and have built the orchestra into the world class orchestra it is today. The Grand Rapids Symphony Musicians Association boasts talent from all over the world. The association wants to continue to maintain and sustain that talent.
“This city is truly amazing,” said French Hornist Paul Austin. “The musicians of the GRS are world-class professionals, trained at the very best conservatories and music schools. We are so proud to serve as the arts ambassadors of Grand Rapids and look forward to continuing to represent this exciting city for years to come."
Joseph Conyers, former principal bassist for the GRS and currently with the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, is returning to Grand Rapids specifically to perform in this concert. As part of his special guest appearance, he will be performing his unique version of the traditional ballad “Danny Boy”. Conyers appearance is a testimony to the comraderie of the orchestra and the dedication to the Grand Rapids community.
The members of the GRSMA value their roles in the arts and culture community of Grand Rapids as well as the community as a whole. “We want to show that we value the community that we love,” said Viola player Leanne King MacDonald.
For more updates, follow the Grand Rapids Symphony Musicians Association on Facebook and Twitter.
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