'Do-Re-Mi': Space Coast Symphony Orchestra presents 'The Sound of Music in Concert'

Maria Sonnenberg
·3 min read
Members of Central Florida Vocal Arts will perform 'The Sound of Music in Concert' in costume, with digital sets and full orchestral accompaniment by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022. Visit spacecoastsymphony.org.
Members of Central Florida Vocal Arts will perform 'The Sound of Music in Concert' in costume, with digital sets and full orchestral accompaniment by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022. Visit spacecoastsymphony.org.

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The world’s most beloved musical retains at its core a subject that is chillingly relevant to today’s audiences. That is the reason that the Space Coast Symphony and Central Florida Arts have joined forces to bring “The Sound of Music” to center stage, complete with professional singers, traditional and contemporary costuming and digital sets.

The production will be staged at 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 20, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy’s Scott Center for the Performing Arts, 5625 Holy Trinity Dr., Melbourne.

With a mission to employ the performing arts as a channel for a stronger community, Central Florida Vocal Arts chose Rodgers and Hammerstein's final collaboration not only for its lush vocal and instrumental lines, which serve to showcase the talent that is the hallmark of the Orlando-based troupe, but also for the opportunity for community discussion.

“As we see the brave Austrian people defy the Nazis of World War II onstage, we cannot ignore the parallels between these characters and the real people of Ukraine as they struggle today against Russian invasion,” said Theresa Smith-Levin, executive director of Central Florida Vocal Arts.

“Though the show is a classic, this production offers a fresh take, examining the relevant themes presented in the work, especially as they relate to the invasion of Ukraine.”

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The touring production recreates the world of the von Trapp family through full traditional costumes designed by Coleen Carson. Digital projections designed by Bobby Kohn place the characters within the landscape of Austria in the 1940s.

Central Florida Vocal Arts director Brandy Eleazar pays homage to this iconic musical, while bringing clarity to its continued relevance.

Singers from Central Florida Vocal Arts will perform a concert version of "The Sound of Music," complete with costumes and digital sets, in partnership with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra.
Singers from Central Florida Vocal Arts will perform a concert version of "The Sound of Music," complete with costumes and digital sets, in partnership with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra.

Of course, all the great songs are there, from “My Favorite Things” to “Do Re Mi.” All principal singers are professional artists. Youth singers involved in the production are on a professional track as they pursue performing arts education through Central Florida Vocal Arts.

It is not the first time the Symphony and Central Florida Vocal Arts have gotten their collective acts together. The two have collaborated since 2016 with the production of “The Student Prince” and have since co-presented four additional shows, including a digital broadcast made during the height of the pandemic.

“This is without a doubt America’s favorite musical of all time, and a perfect opportunity to partner with Central Florida Vocal Arts again,” said Aaron Collins, Space Coast Symphony Orchestra conductor and artistic director.

Aaron Collins will conduct the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra in "The Sound of Music in Concert." Visit spacecoastsymphony.org.
Aaron Collins will conduct the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra in "The Sound of Music in Concert." Visit spacecoastsymphony.org.

The Symphony/Vocal Arts version of the beloved classic is good for the ear and heart.

“This production challenges the audience to examine the role we each play as individuals in standing against injustice wherever it exists, while also offering a message of hope,” said Smith-Levin.

Songs that never age, characters that always please and a message that goodness will prevail over evil: you can’t go wrong with an evening watching and listening to “The Sound of Music.”

If you go

'The Sound of Music in Concert'

Who: Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, with singers from Central Florida Vocal Arts

Where: The Scott Center for the Performing Arts, 5625 Holy Trinity Drive, Melbourne

When: Saturday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m.

Also: A second performance will be at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th Street, Vero Beach, on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 3 p.m.

Tickets: $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Students ages 18 and younger or with a college ID are admitted free.

Info: 855-252-7276

On the web:  spacecoastsymphony.org

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Space Coast Symphony, Central Florida Arts perform 'Sound of Music'