As the lights inside the church dimmed, the sound of the symphony echoed through the historic room.
The Lethbridge Symphony joined by the Ventus Women’s Choir and Lethbridge Collegiate Institute Singers, presented Beethoven and Sanctuary Monday night at Southminster United Church.
This concert celebrated the entire Beethoven symphonic cycle and highlighted the importance of arts in Lethbridge.
Despite the nearly full venue for the evening’s festivities, Lethbridge Symphony Flutist, Melissa Fong believes people may be shifting in their support of the arts.
“I think people may not fully appreciate the arts in the same way they have in the past, but It’s vital that people keep supporting them. The arts are a huge part of any thriving community and they make us a more vibrant city,” said Fong.
Melanie Gattiker, Lethbridge Symphony Executive Director joined the team just over seven years ago but has been involved with music for much of her life.
She believes the response toward music is polarized in Lethbridge.
“Our supporters are extremely important. There is a sector of the community that support the arts, but there is a separation between those who support the arts and those who don’t.”
According to a 2015 National Endowment for the Arts survey, only one in three adults support an increased focus on the arts in municipal communities.
Gattiker says the symphony is doing whatever they can to ensure people in the community recognize the significance of music.
“It’s just as important that we have a symphony orchestra as it is to have the Lethbridge Hurricanes. They are both part of what makes up our community. It’s important to show those who are interested in playing the violin instead of picking up a hockey stick that it’s something available to them,” said Gattiker.
Fong has dedicated much of her youth to honing her craft and knows the importance of instilling a love of music in the community.
She says the feeling you get when playing music is unlike any other individual form of expression, such as sports.
“The experience of being able to bring your own individual part and mix it with an orchestra of people to relay a message and connect with an audience is truly something special that you don’t get to experience with any other medium,” said Fong.
The Lethbridge Symphony takes the stage again on May 7 for the Youth & Fireworks concert. This concert will serve as an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and accomplishments of young musicians.