Space Coast Symphony Orchestra Livens Things Up During COVID-19 Pandemic With Drive-Up Concerts

By  //  August 17, 2020

Next drive-up event takes place Saturday, Aug. 29 in the parking area of The Avenue Viera

The next drive-up event takes place at 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 29, at the ample east side parking area of The Avenue Viera. (Space Coast Symphony image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Leave it to the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra to liven things up even during a pandemic.

When COVID made performing in a concert venue a no-no, the Symphony moved out into the fresh air for a series of drive-up summer concerts in which musicians play “plein air” while the audience enjoys the concert from or near their cars.

The next drive-up event takes place at 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 29, at the ample east side parking area of The Avenue Viera.

The concert series is a musical version of the old movie drive-in experience, with healthful airflow and adequate room for social distancing.

Musicians play safely separated from one another by acrylic barriers. The audience can opt to remain in the car or set up seating next to their vehicles.

It is all about Broadway hits this time, but not like you remember hearing them before, for all the songs feature a fun twist when sung by a member of the opposite gender.

Vocalists Morgan Davis, Sarah Stead, Desiree Montes, Bryan Hayes, Jacob Pence, and David Bracamonte join the Symphony to bring these incredible songs to life.

The concert series is a musical version of the old movie drive-in experience, with healthful airflow and adequate room for social distancing. (Space Coast Symphony Orchestra image)

Mezzo-Soprano Morgan Davis is on the voice faculty at Rollins College. She active with Opera Orlando, Florida Opera Theatre, the Orlando Philharmonic, the Messiah Chorale Society of Orlando, and the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park.

Baritone Jacob Pence has performed with Central Florida Vocal Arts, Opera Orlando, the St. Petersburg Opera Company, Kentucky Opera, and Indianapolis Opera, Columbus Opera, The Lexington Opera Society, OperaNeo, and the Martina Arroyo Foundation.

Orlando based opera singer Sarah Stead sings worldwide with The Hollywood Concert Orchestra and with various orchestras and opera companies in the country. She sings locally with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Central Florida Vocal Arts and Opera Del Sol.

Bryan Hayes is a vocalist, songwriter, arranger and composer.  He’s a working artist with a background ranging many genres including Classical, Jazz, Blues, Soul, R&B, Rock, Pop and more.  He has performed major roles in numerous operas, oratorios and theatrical productions, and has toured with different groups throughout the world.

Desiree Montes has 20 years of performing experience and works as a singer, actress and dancer with major theme parks and resorts in Central Florida.

Musicians play safely separated from one another by acrylic barriers. The audience can opt to remain in the car or set up seating next to their vehicles. (Space Coast Symphony Orchestra image)

David Bracamonte has enjoyed a professional career as a singer and actor across the globe including touring productions, cruise ships, and regional theatre. He can be seen singing at Walt Disney World in “Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage,” where he has performed for more than nine years.

He currently produces, writes, and directs seasonal entertainment offerings for Gaylord Hotels.

Each concert in the six-concert series honors a different segment of the Central Florida community for their strength and resilience during challenging times.

This time around, the concert celebrates the essential workers in restaurants, groceries, pharmacies and hotels who stayed on the job so that others could stay home, as well as the teachers who inspire our youth.

“We can’t begin to express our thanks to the health professionals who continue to do so much for American families,” said Symphony conductor and artistic director Aaron Collins.

“We can’t begin to express our thanks to the health professionals who continue to do so much for American families,” said Symphony conductor and artistic director Aaron Collins. (Space Coast Symphony Orchestra image)

“With this concert, we will say thank you the way we know best, by playing great music, some of Broadway’s best-loved show tunes.”

Tickets for the drive-up concerts are $10 per person or $25 per carload of adults. Admission is free for ages 18 and under or with a student ID.

Advance online ticket sales at spacecoastsymphony.org are encouraged to help limit social interaction with parking attendants.

For more information, CLICK HERE or call 855-252-7276.

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