S.C. Phil awarded second major grant to help reach diverse audiences
July 25, 2016
Central Carolina Community Foundation awards $40,000 grant S.C. Phil to expand interactive concert series in 2016/2017
A second “Connected Communities” grant from Central Carolina Community Foundation will give the South Carolina Philharmonic’s popular “Conduct the Phil” series “transformative” impact in the 2016/2017 season.
With the initial grant one year ago, the unique, interactive “Conduct the Phil” series quickly gained traction. Music lovers across the Midlands, whether skilled or novice, got the chance to conduct a “pop-up” professional orchestra as it visited Kershaw and Orangeburg counties, plus the S.C. State Fair, Irmo Okra Strut, and Soda City Market closer to Columbia.
The new award of $40,000 from Central Carolina Community Foundation is allowing the program to expand. Now, the S.C. Phil can use music to provide fun, cultural stimulation – whether entertainment, therapeutic, or both – to impact the lives of more diverse audiences at:
- Babcock Center
- Dorn VA Medical Center
- Epworth Children’s Home
- Transitions, the downtown Columbia homeless shelter
- and the S.C. Dept. of Juvenile Justice
“A musical experience like this can be transformative, and our ability to extend the program into different communities this season makes it all the more meaningful,” said S.C. Phil Executive Director Rhonda Hunsinger. “We are extremely grateful that Central Carolina Community Foundation granted our orchestra the extraordinary opportunity to enrich the lives of people throughout the Midlands with ‘Conduct the Phil.’
The series will continue to its presence at the Irmo Okra Strut, S.C. State Fair, and Soda City and Kershaw Farmers markets. Dates and times for the 2016/2017 “Conduct the Phil” concerts are being finalized. Music will include patriotic works and popular classical repertoire such as Mozart’s Eine kleine nachtmusik, Pachelbel’s Canon in D, and other well-known works. The orchestra will perform at each location for an hour as members of the public take turns at the podium.
About the S.C. Philharmonic: The South Carolina Philharmonic entertains, educates, enriches, and excites diverse audiences through live symphonic music. As the Midlands’ only professional orchestra, the S.C. Phil is a non-profit, 501c3 that has served the community’s needs for cultural development, education, and entertainment since 1964. The introduction of Music Director Morihiko Nakahara in 2008/2009 ushered in a new era of artistic excellence that has allowed the orchestra to move forward and become the Midlands’ pre-eminent performing arts organization. The S.C. Phil believes exposure to the arts is an essential element that helps people realize their full potential, connect to others in the community, and be introduced to new cultural experiences. The S.C. Phil’s vision is to see lives changed through the transformative power of music and has established education and outreach programs designed specifically to engage and educate diverse groups throughout the Midlands.
About Central Carolina Community Foundation: Central Carolina Community Foundation – the Midlands’ expert on philanthropy – is a nonprofit organization serving 11 counties in the Midlands by distributing grants and scholarships and linking the resources of donors, nonprofits and area leaders to communities in need. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.yourfoundation.org or call 803.254.5601.
