It actually worked. Austin Symphony Orchestra’s new social outreach to the gay community, Symphony in G, was a blast. And a communal breath of fresh air given the ensemble’s history.
Pat Cherico and John Cherico
We met in one of the Long Center’s large dressing rooms. Folks dressed in cocktail attire filtered in over the course of two hours before the orchestra played Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. Signature cocktails were matched with savory snacks.
Gary McGaughey and Jamey Smith
Organizer John Cherico also welcomed some big shots from Austin’s classical world: Conductor Peter Bay and his wife singer Mela Sarajane Dailey Bay, Conspirare conductor Craig Hella Johnson and his partner architect Philip Overbaugh, new opera general director Gary Morton and his wife — a talented singer I hear — Karen Morton.
Gary and Karen Morton
Conversation never flagged. I’m sure the chat continued after the show, since the orchestra gave guests plenty to discuss. A bang-up performance of Rite of Spring was introduced by a Chicago Symphony Orchestra radio play about its inception. Among the three actors was dear friend and Austin Chronicle arts editor Robert Faires.