That was one of many pieces exhibited last evening, as the Louisville Orchestra captivated Glasgow Square during its much-anticipated annual stop on the “In Harmony Tour.” This initiative, aimed at bringing orchestral music to rural Kentucky, offers communities a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of live performances. The Louisville Orchestra was created in 1937, springing up in a time of need just after the Great Flood and in the wake of the Depression.
Conductor Teddy Abrams leading the orchestra through American classics.
Robert Whitney was invited to conduct the newly established orchestra, known then as the Louisville Philharmonic, and arrived from Chicago that same year. The goal was to create a new model for the American symphony orchestra through an ambitious effort that emphasized innovation by commissioning, performing, and recording new works by contemporary composers. Garnering international acclaim, the Louisville Orchestra became the first orchestra to establish a record label and made a significant mark in contemporary classical music. In its first two decades, it commissioned and recorded up to 52 new works annually, creating 150 vinyl recordings of more than 450 works.
Today, the Louisville Orchestra continues to be a cornerstone of the Louisville performing arts community. Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Teddy Abrams, who has helmed the orchestra since 2014, it has returned to its origins of commissioning new music and recording, releasing two albums under the prestigious Decca Gold label. Its immersive and innovative concert performances and educational programming continue to receive national attention, with recent press coverage in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and CBS Sunday Morning. Accolades include three invitations to perform at Carnegie Hall, the Leonard Bernstein Award for Excellence in Educational Programming, the League of American Orchestras 2019 Ford Musician Awards for Excellence in Community Service, and 19 American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) awards for adventurous programming.
The event in Glasgow Square was a triumph, attracting a substantial crowd that blanketed the east side of the Square. Residents from Glasgow and surrounding areas gathered in high spirits, eager to be part of this cultural enrichment. As the sun set, the Square was transformed by the orchestra’s harmonious sounds, creating a magical atmosphere.
The orchestra presented a dazzling program mixing classical masterpieces with soulful pop hits. Exceptional Kentucky vocalists Jason Clayborn and Daria Raymore delivered stirring renditions of classics by Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Lionel Richie, while the audience also enjoyed Leonard Bernstein’s lively “Three Dance Episodes from On the Town” and Dvořák’s profound Symphony No. 9.
“This tour is one of the highlights of our year,” said an orchestra member. “We love bringing our music to communities across Kentucky and seeing the joy it brings to people who might not otherwise experience live orchestral performances.” The “In Harmony Tour” is more than just a series of concerts; it bridges the Louisville Orchestra and the broader Kentucky community.
By performing in rural areas, the orchestra fosters a deeper appreciation for the arts, providing a unique cultural experience that enhances these communities’ quality of life. The tour, generously supported by the Kentucky General Assembly and the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, offers all events free to the public.
Mayor Henry Royse, who attended the event, expressed his gratitude for the orchestra’s continued commitment to Glasgow.
The success of this year’s performance at Glasgow Square underscores the importance of such cultural initiatives. As the Louisville Orchestra continues its “In Harmony Tour,” it remains dedicated to its mission of spreading the joy of music and enriching Kentuckians’ lives across the state. The tour kicked off its Central Kentucky Week in Campbellsville, continued through various towns, including Glasgow, and concluded at the Stephen Foster Amphitheater in Bardstown.
In a world where the arts are often concentrated in urban centers, the Louisville Orchestra’s efforts to reach rural communities remind us of music’s universal language and its ability to unite people regardless of location. As the final notes faded into the evening air, applause and cheers echoed through Glasgow Square, marking another successful chapter in the orchestra’s ongoing journey to harmonize Kentucky with the gift of music.
