Knox Galesburg Symphony Responds to Pandemic with New Online Content

In a time of great uncertainty and an unprecedented volume of event cancellations, musicians everywhere are finding themselves without gigs and music-lovers are finding themselves without live performances. While the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic go far beyond the concert hall, the Knox Galesburg Symphony is working to play its part in keeping music alive and fresh during this new normal.  We are developing new community engagement and educational opportunities, promoting our talented musicians, and providing free online listening opportunities for our patrons and the community. 

The biggest project we are taking on is the creation of a free, online Music Appreciation course hosted by our Music Director, Vlad Vizireanu. Vlad believes that “in order to gain a deeper enjoyment of anything, it’s crucial to understand it at even the basic level.” These lessons, released weekly to our website and YouTube page, will explore topics such as tonality, form, music history and much more in an accessible format that non-musicians can easily understand. Vlad’s goal with this project, beyond music education, is “to give music lovers the basic tools to speak this language and to better appreciate what they’re hearing.” When social distancing protocols are finally relaxed, our audience members can return to the concert hall with an enlivened understanding of music.

Secondly, we are using our platform to promote the work and products of our musicians. So far, we have published several livestreams and recordings, and  plan to promote more livestreams, as well as opportunities for private lessons and other services that our musicians offer. We want our musicians and community to remain as engaged as possible during this time. 

Finally, we are publicizing recordings of past Knox Galesburg Symphony performances. While unable to bring new live performances to life at this time, we are excited to let our fans relive the magic of past concerts. These three projects bring entertainment and knowledge to our patrons and fans, support to our musicians, and appreciation to the importance of live performance. For more information on the Knox Galesburg Symphony or to get involved, visit our website at www.kgsymphony.org.