A special collaboration between a nonprofit life plan community and the Nashville Symphony is helping both entities re-emerge from the pandemic.
For five years, Blakeford Senior Life has been a financial sponsor of the Nashville Symphony. In return, now the symphony is providing virtual performances for residents, with socially distanced performances planned for the future.
Pre-COVID-19, the symphony visited the senior living community for quartet performances and a presentation by the associate conductor. Those performances shifted to virtual engagements during the pandemic. Residents recently participated in a webinar that included performances and a question-and-answer session with three musicians.
In previous years, the Blakeford was a series sponsor for Coffee & Classics and the Jazz Series. This year, Blakeford will be a Presenting Matinee Series partner once performances begin again. A Blakeford spokesperson told McKnight’s Senior Living that the partnership creates awareness of senior living options among prospective residents who attend the events.
“Our years-long partnership with the Nashville Symphony is something our residents cherish,” Blakeford Senior Life CEO Brian Barnes said. “I’ve seen firsthand the joy live music brings to people. I know the symphony will bring hope and healing to the entire Nashville community, and we are proud to support its efforts.”
With Blakeford’s financial support, the Nashville Symphony recently brought back 70 musicians from furlough to participate in performances. The musical organization also enhanced its education programming to support music education in schools.
“We are incredibly thankful for our partnership with Blakeford Senior Life,” Nashville Symphony President and CEO Alan D. Valentine said. “With the generous support of Blakeford, we have been able to stay engaged with our patrons through new content form our wonderful musicians, and to engage students in Middle Tennessee with virtual content. We now have a vision for the next steps toward our reemergence, and our continued partnership with Blakeford will be instrumental in our success.”
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