National Symphony to visit ECU

(Aug. 3, 2004)   —   The National Symphony Orchestra will visit East Carolina University as part of the 2005 American Residency program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The center, working with the NC Arts Council, selected North Carolina as the site for the program, which will orchestrate about 150 educational and performance activities in the state March 8-15, 2005.

East Carolina University is one of several locations in the state where the orchestra will visit next year. Other locations are Greensboro, Raleigh and Fayetteville. Events will include eight orchestral concerts and educational outreach activities.

“Music has the ability to entertain, educate and change lives,” said NC Arts Council Executive Director Mary B. Regan. “We look forward to the exciting possibilities when the National Symphony Orchestra and music-loving North Carolinians come together.”

The American Residencies program began in 1992 with goals of sharing classical music, exploring musical diversity and offering training and education.

Since its inception, more than 1,500 educational, performance and outreach events have taken place in 13 states. The Tar Heel state will be the 14th.

The orchestra will travel to ECU March 10, 2005 for a concert in Wright Auditorium. A Young People’s Concert will be held at ECU the following day.

“East Carolina University has been awarded the honor as serving as the site host for eastern North Carolina,” said Chancellor Steve Ballard. “A number of programs will occur on campus, but many more activities will be scheduled to take place in communities throughout eastern North Carolina. I am delighted that next spring I, along with the residents of eastern North Carolina will be treated to the experience of interfacing with one of the world’s finest orchestras.”