Las Cruces Symphony plans 2021 live concerts

These are indeed tough times. Musicians, guest artists, theaters, road shows, Broadway musicals, ballet, opera, choirs, bands, dance companies and all technical support crews are all out of work. How sad. 

I certainly miss the communal spirit that comes together when making music. Seventy-two orchestra musicians on stage with wood sticks (bows), metal (brass), lamb skin (percussion) and coca bolla wood (clarinets, oboes, flutes, bassoons). Musicians with advanced degrees and expensive instruments giving 100 percent of their three domains of development: motor, cognitive and emotive skills to inspire and uplift the audience. Creating music that perhaps was written more than 200 years ago. How special and magical for me, the players and the audience. 

However, this article is not about lost work or opportunities, because we will come back. This pandemic is about the grit and “can do” spirit of America.

I am proud and grateful that I live in a community of such caring people. I am impressed by the businesses that are trying to stay open yet find a way to raise funds, donate food and provide shelter for the underserved in our community.

I am impressed that parents working full time and raising children are helping their children with schoolwork. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, friends stepping in to assist when needed.

I am proud that people wear masks, are respectful to each other and are courteous. I’m incredibly impressed by how creative, intuitive and skilled businesses are in modifying their work model.

I’m impressed how volunteers made masks and donated when there was a shortage. I’m proud that we are not so focused on the problems but to finding solutions. Las Cruces is a very generous community.

Many have asked. what is the future of the LCSO? Well, make no mistake, we will be back.

The orchestra is putting together an archival CD/DVD collection of some of the past great performances. These will be available in November so we can stay connected. This project has multiple goals; archival history of the orchestra, staying connected with our audience and personal interviews with some musicians of the orchestra who give their heart and soul for each performance. I’m sure it will bring back great memories. 

Meanwhile, depending upon the state mandates, we are still planning concerts in February, March and May of 2021. The Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra “will rise to the challenge.”

Blessings to all.

Dr. Lonnie Klein is Music Director/Conductor of the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra.  He can be reached at lk5@nmsu.edu. He had planned to retire at the end of the symphony’s 2020 season but decided to stay on at least one more year.