The SC Philharmonic takes inaugural music in My Neighborhood program to Irmo, SC
March 4, 2024
Immersive outreach program takes free classical music experiences to schools, parks, hospitals, businesses and community centers
Music in My Neighborhood is a new immersive community program of the South Carolina Philharmonic, bringing a week of free ensemble performances, educational programs, and unique collaborations to a Midlands neighborhood every year. The SC Phil presents the inaugural Music in My Neighborhood program in the Town of Irmo, South Carolina, April 8 – 13, 2024. The program will culminate in a free full-orchestra concert at the Irmo Amphitheatre on April 13th at 3:00 PM. This project was supported by a Connected Communities Grant from Central Carolina Community Foundation and is also funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
While the SC Philharmonic is perhaps best known for its performances of live symphonic music on stage, members of the orchestra and staff work closely with local partners to develop inclusive educational outreach programs to fill the needs of the Midlands community. In concert with expanding the orchestra’s impact outside of the Koger Center, Music in My Neighborhood answers the call as one of the most ambitious community outreach programs devised by the organization in the 21st Century.
“The Music in My Neighborhood initiative centers around providing live music experiences in a variety of spaces for diverse audiences,” said Education and Community Outreach Director, Susan Cafferty. “The SC Phil believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy high-quality live music experiences; therefore, all the performances will be inclusive, accessible and free.”
“Supporting school districts, music teachers and music students is one of the foundational values of the SC Phil,” Cafferty continued. “During Music in My Neighborhood week, our musicians will visit schools both performing and engaging with students of all ages. The teachers are working with our organization to provide educational programs that will enhance and supplement classroom instruction. These students are our future SC Phil musicians, audiences, board members and patrons.”
In concert with the organization’s dedication to deepening educational opportunities, the program is strategically designed to serve the community at large. “The South Carolina Philharmonic has been recognized locally, and has even presented nationally about our unwavering commitment to providing accessible programming for everyone,” said Executive Director Rhonda Hunsinger. “We take immense pride in remaining steadfast with our mission to enrich the lives of individuals across our community with the transformative power of symphonic music.”
Music In My Neighborhood boasts a full week of events that are free to the public, as well as programs that will be presented in the elementary, middle and high schools of Irmo, SC. Public events are as follows:
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2024
Healing Harmonies
Generations of Irmo
7142 Woodrow St, Irmo, SC 29063
2:00 – 3:00 PM
String Quartet
Musical Storytelling with the SC Philharmonic: Peter and the Wolf
Lexington County Library: Irmo Branch Library
6251 St Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Small Orchestra (15 musicians)
TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024
Chamber Chats
Young’s Chapel AME Church
7336 Carlisle St., Irmo, SC 29063
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
String Quartet
Chamber at the Chamber
Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce
1235 Columbia Ave, Irmo, SC 29063
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Brass Quintet and Percussion
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2024
Classical Coffee
Loveland Coffee
7475 Carlisle St, Irmo, SC 29063
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Flute & Harp Duo
Healing Harmonies
Harbison Shores
990 Columbia Ave, Irmo, SC 29063
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Flute & Harp Duo
An Evening with the SC Philharmonic
Lexington County Library: Irmo Branch Library
6251 St Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
6:00 – 7:00 PM
String Quartet
THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2024
Chamber Chats
St. Simon and St. Jude Episcopal Church
1110 Kinley Rd, Irmo, SC 29063
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Woodwind Trio
Beethoven & Brews
Craft and Draft
7583 St Andrews Rd, Irmo, SC 29063
7:00 – 8:00 PM
Percussion Ensemble
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2024
Conduct the Phil
Columbiana Centre
100 Columbiana Cir, Columbia, SC 29212
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Small Orchestra (12 musicians)
Healing Harmonies
Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge Hospital
400 Palmetto Health Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29212
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Woodwind Trio
SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024
Music in My Park
Irmo Amphitheater
7507 Eastview Dr, Irmo, SC 29063
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Full orchestra (55 musicians) with Music Director, Morihiko Nakahara
South Carolina Philharmonic Mission
The South Carolina Philharmonic is committed to performing live symphonic music and providing dynamic educational opportunities in the Midlands. We carry forward a legacy of passion for the music and embrace our responsibility to be a vibrant part of the cultural fabric of our diverse community.
For more information about the South Carolina Philharmonic, please visit SCPhilharmonic.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
