Welcome back! Symphony returns with Young People's Concert
Nov. 10—LIMA — Anticipation was palpable as lights went down in Crouse Performance Hall on Tuesday morning as members of the Lima Symphony Orchestra filled the stage.
The noise built to a crescendo among the Young People's Concert audience — chiefly comprising children — as Sarah, the main character of "M is for Music," roamed the aisle while carrying a jittery flashlight.
Chuckles soon became the order of the day, as actress Mary Jane Pories (stage left) exchanged banter with conductor Andrew Crust.
"So, where were we?" the maestro began while Sarah, the girl with a minimal grasp of classical music, strolled over to a giant book titled "M is for Music."
She soon turned to Crust and said, "Show me what you got!" at which point the symphony soared into Rossini's "William Tell Overture," also known as "The Lone Ranger" theme. That was Sarah's cue to mimic riding on a horse, much to the kids' delight.
Dancing to "Baby Shark" also sparked laughter.
As written by Canadian filmmaker Shauna Johannesen — with additional music courtesy of James Danderfer — the production was the first of a pair Tuesday.
For his part, Crust described the affair "overwhelming" in a positive way.
"The LSO has more educational offerings than most orchestras our size. We consider it to be one of the most important functions of our symphony — not only to find future ticket buyers — but to expose kids to the beauty and expressiveness of classical music," Crust said.
What's more, he asserted, "The orchestra is sounding better than ever."
Beforehand, executive Director Elizabeth Brown-Ellis was among those observing and assisting patrons who filed into the auditorium.
Kim Shanahan, LSO executive assistant, stated via email the latest concert was a pivotal step toward normalcy for the community. The Lima Symphony Orchestra has showcased Young People's Concerts annually for upward of a quarter-century.
"There is nothing like in-person, live music," Shanahan said in reference to the performers' "energy" reflected in the faces of an engaged crowd. "The excitement in the concert hall was electric."
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