BY MARY BETH JOHNSON & HEATHER SPIVEY

The Winston-Salem Symphony hosted Béla Fleck on Saturday, January 11th, for a concert featuring his Second Banjo Concerto, written for his son Juno. Béla, a 15-time Grammy-winning artist, joined Symphony-goers for a post-concert soirée at the home of Claire & Randall Tuttle in downtown Winston-Salem. The event was an intimate, informational event to highlight the Symphony’s education programs, including its in-school education program, “PLAY Music,” where elementary school students learn to play violin free of charge. Tim Redmond, the Winston-Salem Symphony’s new Music Director, passionately shared the strength, power, and importance of music in the lives of children.

Guests enjoyed music by Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestra musician Marissa Colter, a very successful young bluegrass fiddle player and her friend and guitarist Andrew Minor. In 2017, Marissa won first place in the Youth Bluegrass Fiddle category at the Old Fiddlers’ Convention in Galax, the world’s largest event for old-time and bluegrass fiddlers. Last year, she placed in the top 10 in the adult division. She is a senior at West Forsyth High School and is planning on studying music performance in college.

1703 Restaurant catered the event with a delectable menu, including mini-sliders of beef, chicken, salmon, lamb, and portabella mushrooms. Guests had a variety of toppings to choose from, namely tzatziki, feta olive compote, wasabi slaw, remoulade, pimento cheese, ketchup, mustard, and pickles. Also on the menu were truffle fries w/Parmesan, sweet potato gaufrette chips, and chopped salad with balsamic vinaigrette and blue cheese dressings. Guests enjoyed adult milkshakes and fresh-baked cookies for dessert.

Information about Education Programs

•  In addition to our 4 Youth Orchestra ensembles, our musicians visit schools, and next month we will perform our free Mary Starling concert for all local fifth-grade students. TheP.L.A.Y. Music program emphasizes music and literacy for underserved students at Title 1 schools where it is free of cost.
•  We believe all students in our community should have a quality music education, and your support can make that possible.
•  Tonight, we ask that you please consider making a gift to support the Winston-Salem Symphony and its education programs, including our Youth Orchestras, P.L.A.Y. Music, and the more than 90 free performances we provide for local elementary schools.