Guest conductor Ben Jones addresses the audience at the concert. -- Karen Kistler
The Salisbury Symphony’s inaugural “Home for the Holidays” concert series brought together music, community spirit, and a focus on food insecurity. Held on December 19, 2023, at the Swanee Theatre in Kannapolis and again on December 20 at the Keppel Auditorium on the Catawba College campus, the events aimed not only to entertain but also to raise awareness about the pressing issue of hunger in the local community.
Executive Director of the Salisbury Symphony, Peter Ferretti, emphasized the concert’s dual purpose: “We want to present these concerts while also being out there in the community.” The holiday pops concerts have roots dating back to the 1970s, originating in Boston and spreading nationwide. Ferretti noted that such events provide a platform for communities to embrace traditions and personalize them, stating, “It’s a way for communities to bind these traditions and make it their own.”
Food Lion partnered with the symphony to enhance the event’s community impact. The company hosted its “Guiding Stars” games, promoting nutrition through engaging activities like “Sip Smart” and “Build a Star-worthy Breakfast.” Jessica Nelson, a Food Lion Brand Ambassador, highlighted the initiative’s goal: “We’re helping to make it easier to make healthy choices,” referring to the star labels that guide consumers toward nutritious products.
Concert attendees were encouraged to bring canned food donations for Rowan Helping Ministries, a local organization dedicated to combating hunger. The effort resulted in a generous contribution of 285 pounds of food, which will directly support the food pantry’s operations. Leslie Cabagnot, the director of development and community engagement at Rowan Helping Ministries, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “We could not do the work we do in our community without them.”
Cabagnot addressed the audience before the performance, presenting sobering statistics on food insecurity. She explained that more than 47 million Americans face this reality daily, with Rowan County experiencing food insecurity rates exceeding the state average. “More than 13 percent of our population, approximately 20,000 individuals, struggle to afford or access healthy food regularly,” she said. Alarmingly, one in five children in Rowan County lives in a household that does not consistently know where their next meal will come from.
The evening’s program featured a mix of festive music, including movements from “The Nutcracker” and variations of “Sleigh Ride.” Ben Jones, the guest conductor and director of bands at Catawba College, expressed his enthusiasm for the concert. “Salisbury Symphony has never done a holiday pops concert, so this is a really cool opportunity for us to partner with folks in the community,” he remarked.
The concert not only provided entertainment but also fostered a sense of community engagement. Ferretti noted that the previous evening’s performance in Kannapolis had sold out, exceeding their ticket sales goal by 40 percent. This enthusiasm reflects the community’s readiness to support both the arts and vital social causes.
As the audience settled into their seats, the concert commenced with “Christmas Jubilee Overture,” composed by local musician Davis Brown, who was present to witness the performance of his piece. The event concluded with a sing-along, leading to a standing ovation from the audience, underscoring the power of music to unite and inspire action for a common cause.
Overall, the “Home for the Holidays” concerts exemplified how cultural events can address significant social issues and foster community connections. The Salisbury Symphony, through its innovative approach, not only entertained but also educated attendees about the importance of addressing food insecurity in their community.
