"Every now and then, hearts, minds, and wallets ... open simultaneously. And when that happens, every now and then, the city is a better place for it." This quote from the 2009 movie The Soloist sums up what inspired the League of American Orchestras to form the "Orchestras Feeding America" program. In its fifth year, over 250 participating orchestras from all 50 states have collected, donated and distributed over 400,000 pounds of food to local food banks.
When the program began in 2009, League of American Orchestras President and CEO Jesse Rosen commented, "The story of The Soloist reminds us that classical music has the power to sustain spirits and change lives, even under the most difficult circumstances. Our team effort with Feeding
America and The Soloist gives America's orchestras a way to use that power to make an even greater difference in our communities - to feed both body and soul."
This nationwide project - like the movie - is inspired by the true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a gifted Juilliard-trained string player who was living on the streets of Los Angeles as a result of a mental illness. His relationship with Steve Lopez, columnist for the Los Angeles Times, is what brought his story to the big screen.
The Canton
Symphony Orchestra is teaming up locally with the Stark County Hunger Task Force to participate in the "Orchestras Feeding America" program. The Stark County Hunger Task Force supports over two dozen food pantries in Stark County by providing critical food assistance to 15,000 Stark County residents each month.
Now through the December 8 Holiday Pops concert, the Canton
Symphony Orchestra will provide a $2-off coupon good for any remaining concert in the 2013-2014 season. One discount coupon will be offered for each food item donated. There is no limit to the number of donations allowed. All food donations will go to the Stark County Hunger Task Force.
Donations can be dropped off at the box office (Cultural Center for the Arts - 1001 Market Ave N, Canton) during regularly scheduled hours. Collections are also being accepted at the November 17 Canton Youth
Symphony concert (GlenOak High School), the November 24 MasterWorks concert (Umstattd Hall), and the December 8 Holiday Pops concert (Umstattd Hall).
Founded in 1937, the Canton
Symphony Orchestra is a fully professional ensemble and organization dedicated to performing concerts that enrich, educate and entertain. Under the direction of Gerhardt Zimmermann, the orchestra performs classical, pops, holiday, and educational programs. Most performances are in Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, 2323 17th Street NW, Canton, Ohio (at McKinley High School across from C.T. Branin Natatorium). Parking at McKinley High School is free. For more information, please visit
www.CantonSymphony.org.
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