Arts Activities Support
ACHF Arts Access
A total of 2,800 senior citizens will attend 6 free concerts for seniors performed by the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra during the summer of 2015. Enthusiasm for these concerts will be measured by full-to-capacity audiences for each concert at Nicollet Island and excited applause for each selection. We evaluate the outcomes of our concert events by counting our audiences, collecting participant surveys from senior group leaders, observing and noting audience response to the music and hospitality at our concert events, and talking to our patrons and volunteers for feedback. The greatest indicator that our outcomes meet and exceed our expectations is the clamor for reservations in January, and the rush of seniors who wait outside the venue an hour and a half before the concert hoping to get seats close to the orchestra.
About 2,250 people attended 5 concerts: 500 each x 4 at Nicollet Island; and 250 at Elliot Park. 45 musicians, 1 conductor and two guest artists performed. Audience members enjoyed these performances, judging from enthusiastic applause and survey comments: “The whole thing is wonderful! Great setting, wonderful music, excellent volunteers and the seniors love having the treats.” – Group Leader. The artistic goal of this project, “to provide artistically excellent, live orchestra performances, created especially for audiences that usually do not have access to such performances,” was achieved. Concerts were highly successful, drawing large crowds of people (averaging 500 at Nicollet Island) who provided excellent feedback for evaluation. Artistic quality was high for the orchestra, guest artists were excellent and personable with the audience, and repertoire was an obvious hit with seniors. They especially enjoyed Gershwin’s “American in Paris,” along with the patriotic tunes in the MPO’s Fourth of July celebration. The Minneapolis Pops Orchestra collaborated with internationally renowned Celtic string duo Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas in a performance at Nicollet Island. Soloists performed an array of Scottish and Celtic music with great artistry. Several new arrangements for orchestral accompaniment with the duo were premiered as well. The artistic process is challenging every year for several reasons: (1) Only one rehearsal for each concert; (2) performances in different venues than rehearsals; (3) outdoor venues with wind, sun, high or low temperatures, etc. Musicians and administrators have learned to adjust to all these factors, and in fact enjoy the challenge. Unfortunately, lack of funding forced the cancellation of the St Paul performance. Originally scheduled for Cerenity/Humboldt, we had changed the location to Como Park Pavilion in order to increase general audience, draw more seniors from St Paul, and provide a more convenient venue for St Paul patrons who already attended Nicollet Island concerts. This was the only change to “Free Concerts for Seniors.” The community served was exactly as listed in the proposal: “low-income senior citizens, many living with disabilities.” Senior activity centers and day care facilities serving low-income seniors were invited to the four Nicollet Island concerts, which were at seating capacity for all four performances. Seniors from the Elliot Park neighborhood and Augustana Residence (across the street) attended that performance. Attendance at Elliot Park was higher than usual because of the lovely weather the day of the performance. “We love everything about coming . . . the comfortable space, fantastic refreshments, generous donors; but most of all hearing the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra’s splendid performance! Oh my, what a treat. This is only one of many years of attending this July series at Nicollet Island. We (my senior citizens and I) attend 3 or 4 concerts every summer. Thank you SO VERY much! It enriches our lives in immeasurable ways!” – Senior group leader. The diversity of this senior community was just as proposed. The audience at Nicollet Island exhibits a wide range of mobility and disability. Invitations are issued to senior facilities throughout the Twin Cities, many working with Volunteers of America. We cannot control for racial or ethnic diversity; seniors who choose to attend these concerts are primarily white, although every year we see a gradual increase in racial diversity at Nicollet Island. Based on the list of facilities invited and comments received from group leaders, we believe that many attendees are low-income and could not afford concert tickets at more traditional venues. The audience at Elliot Park is extremely diverse, with many attendees of color, neighborhood residents of all ages, and seniors who listen from their windows or the verandah at the Augustana Residence. Since the targeted audience is low-income seniors with disabilities, every effort is made to provide access. All venues are ADA accessible, and seating areas have wide aisles for mobility aids. Concerts are free, transportation is provided for those who need it, and seniors are assisted from vans or buses to their seats. Large-print programs and appropriate amplification systems are used, and access to the cultural medium is provided through the Music Director’s informal comments during the performance. “Loved the show! Music, venue, and treats were great. So accommodating for our group. Wheel chair and walker friendly. One of our group’s members was the owner of the Dick Kast Orchestra and had tears in his eyes he was so happy! Thank you for a wonderful morning!” – Group Leader.
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