By Mark Ambrogi
A familiar face will be leading the Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Family Fun!” concert.
Soo Han, former Carmel High School music performing arts chair and director of orchestras, will be the guest conductor. Han originally took a leave this school year to pursue his doctoral degree in orchestra conducting at Michigan State University, but recently has decided to resign from CHS to continue his work.
“I’ve had the privilege of playing with Carmel Symphony in the bass section for the past several years, not on a regular basis but whenever my schedule would allow,” Han said. “I’ve gotten to know the entire orchestra as friends for the past several years, and so much of this performance feels like a homecoming for me, and it’s something I’ve been looking forward to all year. The Carmel Symphony is an organization that is special to me.”
The interactive concert is set for 3 p.m. March 26 at the Palladium in Carmel.
“I have students who have participated in this children’s fun concert in the past,” Han said. “More than just music-making itself, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with everyone in the community.”
Children will have the opportunity to sit on stage during the concert with CSO musicians as they play excerpts from classics.
“This gives the students a first-hand experience of what it’s like being on stage while music is being performed,” Han said. “The musicians enjoy that interaction as well.”
After the concert, children can try out various musical instruments on display throughout the Palladium in an instrument petting zoo.
“One of the things that makes Carmel Symphony such a special organization is it devotes itself to giving back to the community and the education mission of the orchestra is something important to it as well,” Han said.
Gabriel Bruner, CSO’s 2016 Young Artist Competition winner and a 17-year-old from Bloomington, will perform during the concert.
“Family Fun!” is sponsored by the CSO League and the Young Artist Competition sponsor is Meridian Music.
Discounts for students are available for all CSO concerts: $5 YouthPASS for High School and younger, and $10 CollegePASS for college students. Adult tickets for the family concert are $20. For more, visit CarmelSymphony.org.
