Kentucky Lauds Louisville O's Statewide Tour

The Louisville Orchestra (LO) has received a $4.3 million vote of confidence from the Kentucky State Legislature. The funds will support the continuation and expansion of "In Harmony--The Commonwealth Tour" through 2026. Begun in 2022, the initiative has thus far presented more than 125 events that have reached over 27,000 Kentuckians in 38 of the state’s 120 counties.

These events include 18 free full-orchestra performances for audiences numbering more than 16,000 and of 109 community events such as school engagements, masterclasses, and ensemble performances at community centers and libraries that drew 10,000 participants. There were an additional 29 public and private performances for audiences from assisted living communities, veteran centers, and public gathering spots. The innovative “Once Upon an Orchestra” program blended music with storytelling at 35 Kentucky libraries.

As the program moves forward, LO Music Director Teddy Abrams is looking forward to continuing and broadening the reach of those programs that have proved successful to date as well as adding in-depth residencies during touring weeks and purchasing a mobile stage to reach even more communities. "The past two years of touring the Commonwealth of Kentucky have been transformative and affirming for the Louisville Orchestra and for me as an artist,” Abrams said in a press release. “We believe that this work is the core function of a modern cultural institution, and it has become our dream to continue this program far into the future."

The Speaker of the Kentucky House David Osborne glowingly referred to the initiative as a “testament to the power of the arts in bringing Kentuckians together and reminding us that we have a great deal to take pride in and celebrate. We are pleased to allocate funding that will not only extend this valuable program  but also amplify its reach to more communities.”