Hurricane Relief Concert on September 12 Draws a Full House

(posted 2/6/06)

Crowds lined up early for Santa Rosa Symphony’s benefit performance for Hurricane Katrina victims at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts On September 12, 2005. The program, for which musicians, singers and conductors all contributed their services, consisted of works by Copland, Elgar, Mozart, Beethoven and Sir Michael Tippett. At the conclusion of the concert, a New-Orleans style Dixieland band paraded down the aisle and into the lobby where patrons of all ages kicked up their heels.

September 12 was also conductor Jeffrey Kahane’s birthday. He said before blowing out his birthday candles backstage,” It was the best birthday I ever had.”

For days after the event, The Symphony received calls, emails and letters of heart-felt appreciation. The Katrina benefit was a testament to both the power of music to move, heal and connect us; and to the possibility of what can happen when our collective power is inspired.