Two key institutions of the Chattanooga cultural community - the Chattanooga Ballet and the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera - have announced the creation of a partnership "that will synthesize the power of music and movement. Seeking to amplify their individual outreach efforts the organizations will pursue joint opportunities to bring artistic and educational experiences to new and varied audiences including socioeconomically-challenged communities, youth, individuals with developmental disabilities as well as the public-at-large."
While the Symphony will not be a part of this year’s Ballet performances of The Nutcracker at the Tivoli Theatre, the partnership ensures the return of the live orchestra to the production and an anticipated expansion in the number of performances in 2019.
Chattanooga Ballet Artistic Director Andrew Parker said, “Live music creates a deeper experience for the audience and the dancers.
This is as true for a large show as it is for smaller presentations in a school or hospital. The opportunity to partner and collaborate with maestro Kayoko Dan and the musicians of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera bring exciting new performance possibilities for the public and our local professional artists.”
Symphony Executive Director Samantha Teter noted, “The CSO has had a long-standing relationship with the Chattanooga Ballet, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership for the good of our community as well as our artists.”
To reinforce the long-term nature of the partnership, board members from both organizations as well as the artistic and administrative staffs will continue to work to define the relationship, its goals and targeted outcomes.
“Board leadership in this process has been key,” said Symphony Board President Don McDowell. “Clarity and a mutual understanding of responsibilities creates an incredibly strong foundation for success, but challenging the status quo is equally important. Arts organizations that work together in new ways not only create a greater impact they also will attract new audiences.”
“The partnership with the Symphony is one of the first steps in the strategy of the ‘new Ballet,’” said Chattanooga Ballet board chair Meg Kramer. “Additionally, this mutually beneficial relationship will not only maintain but expand The Nutcracker’s reputation as the arts event of Chattanooga’s holiday season.”