CELEBRATING AMERICAN SOUL

from Audience Magazine - December 2020

GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK

A VIRTUAL EDITION CONCERT HIGHLIGHTING THE WORKS OF SOUL MUSIC’S VOCAL GIANTS

Since famed Louisville Orchestra conductor Teddy Abrams first graced the stages of Whitney Hall, Louisville patrons of fine music knew they were in for a treat. In what was a monumental transition into celebrating the roots of classical music as well as other important genres, the season line-ups soon began to reveal what Teddy and crew had in mind and where the future of the Louisville Orchestra was heading, and all signs pointed to exciting times ahead.

With past collages featuring various musicians, rock bands and even local artists, paired with the harmonic orchestra ensembles, Teddy and the LO have attracted new patrons to the performances as well as invigorated the long-time patrons of the group.

Just in time for the holidays, the Louisville Orchestra is excited to celebrate the excitement of R&B and Soul music that is rooted in Gospel traditions and merged with doo-wop sounds. Soul music began to rise with the post-WWII generation when professional black musicians began showcasing their talents and energetic musical stylings in what eventually emerged into as the traditional pop music we hear today.

Soon, the great Soul and R&B musicians who celebrated their fresh sounds brought a cascade of new music to stages everywhere. Some of the all-time greats including Ray Charles, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and many others crossed musical, and social, barriers to bring a new sound to the world and another music genre that would last forever.

During this time, music entrepreneurs also made a name for themselves and began to blossom including the likes of Detroit’s Barry Gordy (founder of Tamala Motown Records) and Jim Wexler (Atlantic Records) when they began producing music that featured powerful black vocalists. Featuring deeply emotional lyrics, imaginative and memorable melodies, and soaring arrangements for brass, percussion and backup choirs, the new genre caught on quickly and never looked back.

At the same time, Soul music turned to the successful teen market with catchy lyrics and tunes with driving clean beats, just right for AM radio. Groups like The Supremes and The Four Tops delighted listeners with melodrama and the Through a generous donation, The Louisville Orchestra is excited to offer this performance for free through Dec. 31. To access the free stream, CLICK HERE and use the promo code FREE to start streaming. Enjoy!

exuberant romanticism that bubbled as the antidote to rock ‘n roll of the time.

Like no other music, American Soul brought a divided country together during the 1960s and '70s and the scope of influence spread to an international appeal. To be unaware of the music of Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Dianna Ross was almost impossible as their songs regularly graced stages, airwaves and the American culture overall. These international music superstars smashed racial barriers in unimaginable ways with the power of their music.

To celebrate this important time in music history, once again, The Louisville Orchestra and conductor Teddy Abrams have compiled an LO Virtual Edition Concert dedicated to highlighting the works of these vocal giants.

Featuring Louisville-based musicians Jason Clayborn and Daria Raymore, listeners will embrace the vocal power and the deep instinct for performing Soul music that comes from their living and breathing Gospel and R&B music throughout their amazing careers. Clayborn has graced the LO stages for many seasons and was a big part of Gospel at the Symphony, the last concert the LO was able to produce in person at the Kentucky Center.

 Jason Clayborn and Daria Raymore singing in American Soul for the LO Virtual Edition Concert.

Check out the videos below for a sneak preview of LO's Virtual Edition Concert highlighting the music of America's iconic soul singers.

VIDEO: Teddy Abrams talks about the American Soul concert featuring Louisville artists performing classic soul hits.

VIDEO: Jason Clayborn and Daria Raymore with the Atmosphere Changers performing “God Made it Beautiful."

This year has been fi lled with challenges, especially for the kids and families of our community. Because of generous donors, we have been able to continue providing support and resources so Kosair Kids like Itzel (Itzzy) have everything they need to grow up happy, healthy, and safe.

For children like Itzzy, donor support is life-changing.

Itzzy is a bubbly, outgoing, and bright 6-year-old who loves to paint and play with her Jack Russell Terrier, Jackie. When Itzzy was 3 years old, her mom, Alma noticed she was struggling with speech and language development. Despite seeing specialists and speech therapists, Alma was still worried her daughter would fall behind in kindergarten. Itzzy’s doctor suggested additional testing to help fi nd a diagnosis. Unfortunately, her doctor did not accept insurance for this testing. That is when

Alma and Itzzy found Kosair Charities.

There are many kids in our community who still need your support. The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional challenges for many families, especially those who have children with medical needs. Kosair Charities is committed to ensuring all kids in Kentucky and Southern Indiana have what they need to thrive, but we need your help to provide these vital resources.

Help kids like Itzel reach their potential by making a generous gift today: kosair.org/donate

Itzzy received the testing she needed at no cost to her mom through the Kosair Kids Financial Assistance Program. After years of searching for answers, she was diagnosed with hearing loss and an auditory processing disorder. With this diagnosis, Itzzy, Alma, and her medical care team were able to create a care plan designed especially for her. Thanks to donors like you, Itzzy also received hearing aids and an FM transmitter system from the Financial Assistance Program. Her test scores have improved more than 50% and her comprehension has developed signifi cantly! She now has resources she needs to reach her full potential. Itzel is ready to celebrate the holidays thanks to donors like you!

“I know Itzzy is destined to do great things and now she can,”

NOW AVAILABLE ON THE FALL LO VIRTUAL EDITION PACKAGE

Louisville Orchestra is constantly adding bonus videos to the LO Virtual Edition Package. Get all this and more for $99 unlimited access. Click here.

FULL CONCERTS:

Abrams Conducts Stravinsky (Expires 12/13) Sam Bush with the LO (Expires 12/27) American Soul available until 12/31

BONUS MATERIAL

Teddy Talks Stravinsky Interview: Sam Bush and Teddy Abrams talk about Kentucky Bluegrass Music

ENSEMBLE VIDEOS:

String Quartet No. 10 in E-flat Major, Op. 74 "Harp” Serenade in D Major, Op. 25 Sextet for Winds in E-flat Major, Op. 71

LO DUETS:

"Perpetuum Mobile, Op. 34, No. 5 Duet for Two Violins performed with Clarinet and Violin Selection from 5 Pieces for Duo Violins

COMING SOON:

The Four Seasons ($20 or FREE with the LO Virtual Edition) Various Holiday ensemble performances Robert Walker performs Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet by Igor Stravinsky while telling the very interesting story of its creation.

To help keep the Louisville Orchestra thriving, please make a donation here.

KPA UPCOMING VIRTUAL PERFORMANCES

As the saying goes, “the show must go on.” Kentucky Performing Arts venues may be temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but we are still happy to bring you new performances.

For more information, to view the full calendar and to purchase tickets, visit KentuckyPerformingArts.org.

Darlene Love — Love for the Holidays December 5, 8 P.M. | Watch the Video Grammy Award Winner and Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer, Darlene Love, will bring her classics hits and more for a one-night-only holiday performance.

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood, Stream of Consciousness Saturday, December 5, 8 P.M. Sunday, December 13, 7 P.M. Saturday, December 19, 8 P.M. Improv legends and Whose Line is it Anyway? veterans Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood unleash a wild, comedic ride with an all-new, live improv show via Zoom.

Dave Koz & Friends, The Greatest Hits of Christmas 2020 December 12, 8 P.M | Watch the Video

Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz and some special guests will bring holiday favorites to your home in this special one-night-only, virtual concert event!

A (Virtual) Christmas with The Griswolds: An Evening with Chevy Chase & Beverly D’Angelo December 19, 8 P.M. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation stars Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo will share fan-favorite clips and their favorite memories and participate in a live audience Q&A.

KPA needs your help to continue to build lifelong relationships with the arts across the Kentucky. Donate.

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