‘Brucemorchestra’ Reaches a Milestone in More Ways Than One

It looked as though the inaugural 'Brucemorchestra' concert would be the last, as one year later, Orchestra Iowa was among many businesses and organizations in Cedar Rapids facing an uncertain future after suffering from the devastation of the flood of 2008.

A decade later, in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, another natural disaster in Houston and other parts of the southern United States, maestro Tim Hankewich, director of Orchestra Iowa, says the event stands as a symbol of persevarance and hope, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary this weekend.

The centerpiece of this year's "Brucemorchestra" is the music of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, as Orchestra Iowa is joined by Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre. In an e-mail, Hankewich noted,

The words to Beethoven’s 9th symphony are about hope, unity, triumph, but also gratitude and thanksgiving.  Even though the notes and words to the piece haven’t changed over 200-some years, the context we find ourselves in today make it more relevant than ever.

Here are the event details for the concert this weekend:

• Brucemorchestra X: "Ode to Joy"
• Brucemore Mansion Lawn, 2160 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids
• Saturday, September 9
• Doors open at 5:30, concert starts at 7 p.m.
• General admission seats $15
• General admission chair seating $30

The event page says you are encouraged to "pack a picnic and bring a blanket" to sit on the Brucemore lawn and enjoy a night of friendship and music.

More event information can be located at Arts Iowa's website.

[Via Arts Iowa, Tim Hankewich]