Stamford orchestra chosen for giant national symphony showcase

STAMFORD — The city’s symphony orchestra will participate in the first-ever national “United Symphonies of America!” showcase, representing Connecticut among 30 other regional orchestras across the country.

The hour-long virtual program fuses education and entertainment and serves as a fundraising opportunity for local orchestras still hamstrung by the pandemic.

After almost two years of COVID-19 restrictions and limited indoor capacity, the outlook for inperson music remains uncertain.

As a way to highlight that nebulous future, the United Symphonies of America wants to highlight how the pandemic has molded the past year. Each participating organization will shine a light on their annual programmings — like Nutcracker events with local ballet companies or educational initiatives aimed at school children — as a way to emphasize their community impact.

“This local program will showcase how Stamford Symphony aims to make sure everyone in our community has access to the transformative and healing power of music,” Music Director Michael Stern said in a press release.

In lieu of ticket sales for the online event, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 30, attendees are encouraged to “support their local orchestras by making donations or purchasing promotional Tshirts and hats” from the showcase itself.

Companies and individuals in the Stamford area that wish to provide support in the lead-up to the event are encouraged to contact Stamford Symphony at 203-325-1407 or office@stamfordsymphony.org.