The Nashville Symphony has partnered with WSMV News 4 to broadcast its annual Symphony Ball fundraiser this Saturday evening, December 12, at 7 pm.
With losses topping $10 million, the Nashville Symphony has been particularly hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and this fundraiser will provide a critical source of support for the organization as it works toward restarting activity, beginning with a newly announced agreement to bring its musicians back for part-time work in January.
Titled An Evening in Harmony, the televised Symphony Ball was produced by Taillight and filmed at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Hosted by Nashville Symphony Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez and WSMV Anchor Tracy Kornet, the one-hour special features interviews with Nashville Symphony staff and patrons, along with performances by Harmony Award recipients Maren Morris and Keb’ Mo’, plus a special, holiday-themed guest appearance by Raul Malo.
Viewers will have an opportunity to donate to the Nashville Symphony by texting @NSO to 52014. Members of the public can also make a donation to the Nashville Symphony’s Recovery Fund by visiting NashvilleSymphony.org/give.
“The Symphony is a huge part of the fabric of what makes this city so unique and so beautiful,” 2020 CMA Award winner Morris said. “I know that with the support of this amazing community, this hall will once again be filled with the gifted people who create the magic that makes this place so special, and that the Nashville Symphony’s countless fans and supporters will soon be able to return to this place of inspiration.”
“I believe that if we support the things that matter, we can make meaningful advancements in the world,” said Nashville-based singer Keb’ Mo’. “But we have to do it together, so with An Evening in Harmony, that is what we are doing.”
The Nashville Symphony called on Taillight to virtually recreate the elegance and majestic quality that the Symphony Ball has presented each year, only in 2020 it will be through people's televisions.
It was our duty to make sure people felt the joy and unity that music provides, but also the emptiness that the Symphony Hall has experienced during the COVID pandemic.
Directed by Tom Forrest
Written by Heather Byrd
Produced by Matt Houser and Jeanette Jolley