CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – BBQ, Brews and Beethoven – three words not often associated with one another – but for two upcoming events, the Gateway Chamber Orchestra (GCO) is hoping to change the way classical music is consumed.
On Saturday, May 18 in Clarksville and Sunday, May 19 in Franklin, the GCO is hosting live music performances paired with fun, networking, good eats and craft beer.
“Many people view orchestra events as stuffy and high-brow. What we’re doing with BBQ, Brews and Beethoven is combining classical music with good local food and craft beer in a casual, unexpected location. We wanted to create an event that’s a quirky mix of music and food that will appeal to a lot more people, especially a younger audience,” GCO Music Director Gregory Wolynec said.
Along with GCO’s live feature performance attendees can mingle to music and enjoy a savory BBQ plate with sides provided by Mission BBQ and local craft beers from Blackhorse Brewery and Hand Family Companies or other non-alcoholic drinks.
The event will be held at Clarksville Regional Airport’s Main Terminal located at 200 Airport Road.
“The location offers a unique setting that adds to the unexpected vibe we think people are going to really enjoy. Plus it promotes interaction with the musicians and other concert-goers,” Wolynec said.
Only 200 tickets are available for each location. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at www.gatewaychamberorchestra.com.
Sammy Stuard, President of F&M Bank, title sponsor of BB&B, said that F&M Bank is pleased to partner with the GCO in both communities.
“F&M Bank has a long tradition of supporting the arts in Clarksville and now that we’ve opened a location in downtown Franklin we want to show that same support for the arts in Williamson County. It’s great that the GCO has strong ties to both communities,” Stuard said.
The 2019 BBQ, Brews and Beethoven musical lineup will feature George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris.”
Gateway Chamber Orchestra, celebrating its Tenth Anniversary season, has been heavily involved in music outreach and education over the last decade. The Grammy-winning ensemble has performed over 60 concerts and numerous free concerts to more than 15,000 school students. Conducted by Gregory Wolynec, the GCO was formed in 2008 and is recognized as one of the leading new American ensembles. Comprised of professional musicians from Middle Tennessee and beyond, the GCO specializes in presenting traditional masterworks, overlooked treasures and works by contemporary American composers.