On Friday, May 1, the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra will conduct an all-day fundraiser for its musicians. 'May Day' doubles as a performance for all to enjoy.
Like musicians everywhere, those at the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It's been a life changing time period as a musician,” said Dragos Filip, the ASO’s principal cellist. “Unfortunately there are fewer opportunities for me and my colleagues across the state and the country to earn income during these times.”
That’s where 'May Day' comes in. The online, all-day performance doubles as a fundraiser benefiting musicians and teaching artists.
“May first is also ‘May Day’ and we need help,” said ASO Executive Director Dana Baker. “And when I say ‘we’ what I really mean is our musicians.”
Since the pandemic, the ASO has had to temporarily suspend the contracts for about 60 orchestra musicians and 20 teaching artists.
“We know that our musicians need support, and we know that our community has been so generous over the years and we know that they will be for this as well,” said Baker.
Here’s how it works. Friday, May 1, head to the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra’s Facebook and Instagram pages to see unique performances by ASO musicians. The performances will be held from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the top of every hour.
“We’re so thankful for the ASO and this event,” said Filip. “Especially for the musicians and the conservatory teachers who are like so many others going through such tough financial times right now.”
Baker hopes Acadiana will answer the “May Day’ call, to help the symphony continue its mission to inspire and educate.
“35 years ago there were a lot of arts and culture organizations that were born out of a terrible economic time in this community,” said Baker. “We're here now and we're still going to be together with our community when we rise out of this.”
------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.
Download our free app for Apple,Android, Roku and Amazon devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers
