interPLAY Orchestra

Each season – at least each ordinary season – means interPLAY Orchestra presents up to three concerts at the Music Center at Strathmore featuring everything from Bartok concertos to Brazilian jazz. Alongside renowned musicians from nationally-recognized orchestras and jazz ensembles, members play drums, bells, and tambourines – and most have moderate to severe cognitive, intellectual, or physical disabilities. Reading music is not required, and most musicians learn their parts through intense listening, repetition, and mastering one note at a time. But the music has gone (mostly) quiet. Since mid-March, Monday evening rehearsals – essential both for cognitive stimulation and social interaction – have gone virtual, and this vulnerable population will be playing from home until the virus is gone. interPLAY is exploring ways to present a virtual concert to ensure that the show goes on and members are celebrated. The day will come.