Louisville Orchestra brought harmony and magic to our Eastern Kentucky home | Opinion
The Louisville Orchestra’s visit to Harlan County in May represented not just an investment in the economy of our county, the City of Harlan, and the arts, but a promise of unity and genuine camaraderie with the people of Eastern Kentucky through the universal language of music. “In Harmony” certainly lived up to its name.
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is steeped in artistic excellence. From the scenic rolling mountains of Appalachia to the bustling city streets of Louisville to the horse farms that dot our landscape, our state’s artistic character and traditions are well-known across the world. One of the musical gems of Kentucky is the Louisville Orchestra — widely recognized throughout the nation as a model for innovative performing arts programs. Thanks to the forward-thinking Kentucky legislature, particularly House Speaker David Osborne and Senate President Robert Stivers, the Louisville Orchestra has been able to embark on a two-year musical journey across the state.
“In Harmony – The Commonwealth Tour of the Louisville Orchestra” made its second stop with the full orchestra for performances at Harlan County High School on May 19. In addition, throughout the day groups of musicians connected with schools, community centers, and libraries in our area to bring live performances to the places where we spend our days and educate our children.
This was only the second time in my life that I’ve had the opportunity to see an orchestra in person. This was the first time my kids had the opportunity to see an orchestra and we all were blown away by the talent on display right here in our backyard, thanks to the Louisville Orchestra. The 800-1,000 individuals from Harlan County and neighboring areas in attendance at Harlan County High School left that gymnasium that night enthused, optimistic, united, and proud that such a production visited our beautiful mountain home.
It was clear to me when I became aware of this project supported by our Kentucky legislature, that by using the musical resources of the Louisville Orchestra, communities, regions, and partners could be brought together in a way like never before. Many of you witnessed that firsthand as hundreds of our youth and citizens attended the community outreach events and the Friday evening concert. These activities served to inspire and enrich the Eastern Kentucky artistic community and create direct connections to amazing Kentucky artists, including acclaimed Kentucky native, violinist Tessa Lark, who was the concert soloist. But the evening concert itself showcased not just the orchestra musicians and Ms. Lark, but local musicians on the instruments that are woven into the fabric of Appalachian culture, creating a togetherness across age, styles, and geography that only music can provide.
Making this tour a reality is an investment in our state’s most vital resource – its people. According to the Kentucky Arts, Heritage and Tourism Cabinet, performing arts produce $4.9 billion annual economic impact to the commonwealth, while arts and culture provide a $2.3 billion annual economic impact.
As Harlan County Judge/Executive, I am committed to bringing positive things to and moving Harlan County forward. I also believe in bringing opportunities to Harlan County that benefit our entire region. Investing in the arts also means investing in workforce development. Young people who are involved in the arts learn how to think creatively and ultimately drive innovation. Values that young people learn through the arts such as attention to detail, creativity, hard work, and more are all transferable to real-life work settings.
We all know artists from all over the commonwealth have influenced Kentucky’s historic artistic tradition. The musicians from the Louisville Orchestra will have a significant impact on young people throughout our state and will hopefully inspire them to continue with their musical interests, whether that be as a performer or audience member. I was so impressed how orchestra members engaged our youth while visiting Harlan County. That impressed me as much as the ensembles and full orchestra performance. Our students were simply mesmerized.
I commend the Louisville Orchestra for bringing access to these experiences to communities across Kentucky. Live performances can bring joy, comfort, and inspiration. When we work together for the greater good, we can accomplish some pretty incredible things and the Louisville Orchestra is leading by example.
As the Louisville Orchestra continues its travels, I encourage my friends and neighbors throughout our state to check out the tour dates at LouisvilleOrchestra.org and take advantage of this special opportunity to experience a world-class orchestra right close to home. See for yourself how the “In Harmony” tour can build bridges between communities and make us stronger as a commonwealth.
Dan Mosley is Judge Executive of Harlan County.
