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constituents — even if they are wearing jeans. “You can come as you are. And you don’t have to have this great body of musical knowledge to enjoy the symphony.” The year’s birthday celebration began with a bang the weekend of March 4-6. Two performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony were scheduled. “It was an amazing evening,” Richardson said. “If you want to have that wonderful experience in your life, you should come hear us play.” Also observing a 90th birthday that night was long-time symphony supporter, Dick Holland. The Symphony’s home base, the Holland Performing Arts Center, is the philanthropists’ namesake. Yes, there was singing of “Happy Birthday” to the birthday boy, led by Warren Buffett, who accompanied himself on his personal ukulele—an instrument that bemused and amused the orchestra. Richardson, who leads the Omaha Symphony’s outreach and education program, often works with the community’s young people. The orchestra travels to a variety of locations and tries to reach young people from surrounding areas. “High-school choirs sing with us each season,” he said. He said the orchestra is always looking for new venues in which to perform—any place where ties can be formed with the community. “Like churches, malls, by the downtown waterfront…We hope the symphony will play in the new (TD Ameritrade Park).” Why go? Are you trying to decide between going out for a beer or going to the Omaha Symphony? Well, here’s what you’ll miss if you opt for the beer. Wilkins says you’re missing an amazing sight. “You get to see this incredible display of teamwork unveil. You get to see and hear what full concentration looks like and sounds like.” And you see passion. “You don’t see passion at the grocery store. It’s a strong visceral part of being a human being,” Wilkins said. “You get to hear things
that represent the greatest creations of all times.” The Omaha Symphony has 70 contracted musicians; 39 are full-time. People come from all over the country to audition for openings. Since it was founded in 1921, the Omaha Symphony has been playing nonstop, except during the Great Depression and during World War II, when musicians left to serve in the military. While some symphonies have faltered, the Omaha Symphony marches on toward its 100th birthday. “We’re not flush, but a lot of orchestras are barely hanging on. It’s a good sign of the health of our community and our relationship with the community,” says Wilkins, who recently added a third job. The Norfolk, Va., native accepted a position with the Boston Symphony as conductor for youth and family programs. Wilkins lives in Omaha, but travels to Boston and also to California, where he is principal guest conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. His wife, Sheri-Lee, is a physical therapist by trade and musician by choice. She plays piano and violin. They have twin daughters, Erica and Nicole. The final blast for the Omaha Symphony’s current season will be Mahler’s Seventh Symphony on June 3 and 4. “It’s a great, gigantic work by one of the great composers in music history,” Wilkins says. After a three-month rest, the Symphony starts its new season in September with more diversity, talented artists and more of something for everybody. The new Masterworks season starts Sept. 23 with Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2. The Chamber series begins Oct. 1 with a Wind Serenade. The Family series begins with “Symphony Spooktacular” on Oct. 30. Next spring, the entire movie The Wizard of Oz will be set to live music by the orchestra. Kids have a lot more to look forward to next year, including, in April, Cartoon Classics— music from animated classics brought to life by choirs, dancers and the orchestra. Cartoon Classics? Does that sound like an orchestra that’s getting old? www.omahapublications.com