Check your closets for vintage bell bottoms, platform shoes and tie-dyed shirts and grab your go-go boots and peace signs for the Lethbridge Symphony’s annual Symphony Soiree fundraiser, the Swingin’ 60s.
Proceeds from the event Apr. 26 will support the educational program Kids Choir, giving elementary school choirs the chance to sing with the LSO.
The night features live tunes played by the LSO’s Musaeus, righteous sixties-inspired eats, a fab live and silent auction and hang out with Austin Powers.
Also, take your photo in front of a genuine vintage VW van, “groovy, baby.”
To-date, over 12,000 students have been hosted at Kids Choir in the past decade thanks to support from the community.
LSO Executive Director Vicki Hegedus says this year’s theme is a nod to the sixties because the symphony got its start in the 1960s.
LSO extends an invitation in the spring to all the elementary schools in the area for their choirs to come and sing on stage with the Lethbridge Symphony. “We have a holiday theme because our four Kids Choir events happen at the end of November. The symphony prepares the music based on the requests they get from the schools.”
At this point, the organization can host 16 choirs.
“Experiencing live music is different from listening to a recording. It’s more intimate, emotional and affects us differently. And participating in live music is even more incredible,” Hegedus adds. “The reason we fundraise is to keep the ticket price for families at $10 a ticket, that’s the goal. We can host 700 in the audience each of the four evenings, so we’re able to host 2,800 people over about two weeks.”
Last year, Hegedus says, the fundraiser raised $10,000. “The year before that we raised $28,000. We’re hoping to get back to that higher level of fundraising if we can.”
Over the past year, Lethbridge has been selected as one of the candlelight concert locations, which has featured various string players performing the music of Taylor Swift, Coldplay and many other popular artists and themes.
Hegedus notes natural audience renewal and succession are sometimes affected by other events. “We’re seeing younger people coming. We’re seeing people bringing kids to the symphony. We’re seeing younger families buy season tickets.”
“We’re seeing some fabulous changes in our audience. We love our traditional patrons, but it’s great to see new faces at the symphony.”
The fundraiser will be held at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets visit online at lethbridgesymphony.org.
