The Wartburg Community Symphony has received an $11,800 Iowa Arts Council Grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority in support of its February concert, This Tender Land: An Iowa Tribute.
For this performance, the symphony will collaborate with Wartburg’s Opera Workshop on a production of Aaron Copland’s “The Tender Land,” a stirring snapshot of Midwest farm life during the Great Depression. The shows, at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 and 2 p.m. Feb. 21, will feature Wartburg music performance students.
In addition to helping fund music rental and set production for the opera, the Iowa Arts Council Grant has allowed for the production of a short documentary highlighting local Century Farm families. Produced by James Infelt, the documentary will show the commonalities between the story told in “The Tender Land” and area Century Farm owners. The first half of the documentary will premiere at the concert with the final production released later this year.
“I think we all have a story to share, and it’s just magnified when we can all come together. Music is not meant to be isolated, and when you collaborate, it amplifies a part of the story that maybe hasn’t been seen before,” said Rebecca Nederhiser, symphony conductor. “I love when we can personalize our show to the community we serve. It’s really powerful.”
On Feb. 12, Nederhiser will lead a Keep on Learning class at the Waverly Public Library beginning at 9:30 a.m. This will highlight the research she recently presented at the International Conductor’s Guild conference in Dallas on “The Tender Land.”
“We are incredibly grateful to the Iowa Arts Council for their continued support. These grants help us create concerts that are unique and relevant to our community,” said Nederhiser. “Our guests walk away feeling inspired, and our students realize that what we do is bigger than the music and Wartburg. Connecting with the community makes them feel more grounded in the college experience.”
Support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
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