35 Years of Speaking the Universal Language

As we ended our 34th season in April of 2022, symphony staff and board members began thinking about how best to celebrate 35 years of providing cultural experiences surrounding classical music to the Grand Strand community. Anniversary seasons speak to the longevity, impact, and endurance of an organization. In recalling our 35 years of playing music for patrons from all over the country and other parts of the world, the question begged itself: given our rooted history, what are we known for, and what do we want to be known for moving forward?

We titled our 35th anniversary season “The Universal Language” as we hope to continue to connect our community through the universal language that is music. The Grand Strand is not only a home to many but also known for drawing a diverse demographic in terms of tourism. Because of this, it is imperative to maintain and encourage the highest level of inclusivity as well as present innovative experiences of orchestral music. In a world that is ever-evolving and ever-advancing, symphony orchestras, while rooted in the classic eras of history, are not exempt from correspondingly evolving and advancing. This is what we hope to embrace and implement in our 35th season and seasons to come.

In the first installment of our 2022-2023 Masterworks series, Trailblazers: From Beethoven to Borodin & Beyond, we encompass the idea of moving through the various eras of classical music. From the legendary Ludwig van Beethoven to the symphony of Alexander Borodin to the 20th century sounds of Alberto Ginastera and Joan Tower, audience members will experience the music of those who succeeded in venturing beyond the conventions of their time. This movement through the eras could serve as a mirror to the chronicles of the Long Bay Symphony, as we are deeply rooted in the history of the Grand Strand communities and have moved forward fluidly as the world of symphonic music changed and continues to change beautifully with the times.