The Arlington Philharmonic kicks off its fall season on Sunday (Photo via Facebook).
By DCist Contributor Jamie McCrary
Arlington Philharmonic (AP), the county’s professional orchestra, is trying something different this fall. Traditional, concert hall-based orchestra performances are out. Alternative outdoor programs (complete with beer and wine tastings) are in.
“We wanted to create a relaxed atmosphere,” said Scott Wood, the Philharmonic’s artistic director, “which we hope will reach new audiences.”
First up is a performance at the Lyon Park Fall Food Truck Festival this Sunday, September 17. The event features five food trucks at Lyon Park Community Center and Park in Arlington, complete with adult beverages and other tasty drinks. The AP brass ensemble will headline the Festival, along with Crescendo, the Philharmonic’s youth chamber music group. Attendees will even have the opportunity to conduct the ensembles themselves with the Phil’s Conduct Us! presentation.
The highlight of AP’s fall season, however, is the Happy Hour concert series, which will be held at Bennet Park Art Atrium on Friday, October 20 and November 3. Both performances pair live classical music with locally sourced beer and wine; attendees are encouraged to arrive early, grab a drink, and mingle with other music-lovers beforehand.
While the AP will be giving more traditional orchestral performances in the new year, Wood hopes this casual format attracts audiences who wouldn’t typically come to an AP concert. He wants to open people up to new experiences and make them feel welcome.
“The music we’re playing is for everybody,” Wood told DCist. “Classical music isn’t always seen that way, and we want to shift this perspective.”
Quartet Uncorked!, the first performance of the series, features the Philharmonic’s Quartet-in-Residence performing repertoire from across Europe, including pieces by Puccini (Italy), Turina (Spain), and Ravel’s (France) expansive String Quartet in F Major. The music matches the wine served alongside it; Bistro 360, a local wine bar, market and restaurant, will pour Italian, Spanish and French wines before and during the performance.
“Our vision is for it to be an interactive experience. The music enhances the flavors of the wine, and the wine heightens the listening and viewing experience of the music,” said Elizabeth O’Hara Stahr, Arlington Philharmonic Quartet-in-Residence violist.
City Serenade on November 3 is designed similarly. A reduced version of the Philharmonic—a “salon orchestra”—will perform classical favorites including Eine Kleine Nacht music, a Strauss Waltz, an opera intermezzo, and a Piazzolla Tango. Samples from Deschutes Brewery, the award-winning Oregon-based craft brewery, will also be served.
Wood is excited for the upcoming performances. He’s hopeful their alternative approach will create a more casual atmosphere that will draw younger audiences to the shows. “I believe classical music is best enjoyed in a laid-back environment,” he said. “This is an opportunity to move in that direction.”
Most of all, he’s excited to give back to the community. He wants to broaden people’s perspectives and inspire them with something new, whether it’s their first classical music concert, or their fortieth.
“We’re presenting these masterworks, but in a totally different format,” he said. “It’ll be great to see people experiencing something different than what they expected.”
More information on the Arlington Philharmonic and its upcoming Fall season is available on the AP website. The Lyon Park Food Festival is this Sunday, September 17 from 3-6 p.m. FREE. The Happy Hour Series concerts are October 20 and November 3 at 6 p.m. $15, including the beer and wine tastings.
