Sweet sounds

In tune with the Symphony Ball

Published On: April 14, 2009

The 2008 Symphony Ball, chaired by Kelley Beaman and Sissy Wilson, is a December favorite that’s one of the highlights of the social season. Nfocus sat down with Kelley, Sissy and Maestro Giancarlo Guerrero to learn their thoughts on music and how the Schermerhorn Symphony Center benefits the community, and to discover what guests can look forward to at December 13’s white-tie ball. Symphony Ball co-chairs Kelley Beaman and Sissy Wilson Nfocus: How did you get involved with the Symphony? Kelley: I’ve had a lifelong love of music, which was one of the contributing factors to our family becoming founders of the new hall. Within the last year, my family has been symphony-focused, as I’m chairing the Ball, and my husband is chairman of the board. Sissy: Having parents who rarely missed the symphony and a grandmother who taught music and played with the symphony, I grew to love music. When the Schermerhorn was being built, my husband’s family believed our city needed a great symphony hall enough to become founding supporters. Nfocus: Nashville has so many wonderful fundraisers. How do you ensure that you distinguish this one from others? Kelley: I think the Symphony Ball falls in such a festive season, and everyone seems in the mood to enjoy the company of friends. With music being the focal point of the evening, the Harmony Award honoree’s performance is always a highlight. Sissy: For 23 years the Symphony Ball has been one of Nashville’s most glamorous fundraisers. Now that it is held in the beautiful Schermerhorn Symphony Center, it’s even more elegant. Nfocus: Are your children fans of symphony? Kelley: We attend several performances as a family. The symphony season offers something for everyone between the Pied Piper, Pops, Jazz and Classical Series. My three-year-old would be a much bigger fan if they used more tambourines! Sissy: My teenagers have been playing classical music on the piano since they were five, but all they want to listen to now is hip-hop, rock and rap! Hopefully they will come back around. Nfocus: Why do you feel it’s important to expose children to the symphony? Kelley: Isn’t the better question, “Should we expose the symphony to our children?” Ha! Seriously, I think it’s a cultural experience for them that will only serve to enhance their lives. Hopefully exposure will foster appreciation. Sissy: The more our children learn about different kinds of music, art and culture, the more knowledgeable and prepared they are as adults. We are fortunate to live in a city that is so rich in all of these areas. Nfocus: Can you share any juicy tidbits or anything exciting we can expect at this year’s event? Sissy: The amazing Martina McBride will sing for us at this year’s ball. We also have Nuttin’ But Stringz (recently on America’s Got Talent) performing during cocktail hour, and three fabulous jewelers bringing one-of-a-kind pieces that are to die for. Maestro Giancarlo Guerrero Nfocus: Can you comment on the diversity of music in Nashville and the support for the symphony from the industry? Maestro: Nashville has proved that this is a community that embraces all types of music, whether it’s rock, country, gospel, classical, jazz, etc. This town offers so much diversity with world-class quality. Nashville is indeed Music City. Nfocus: Who are your musical dream guests for the symphony and what music you would play with them? Maestro: We have already hosted two of my musical “dream” guests at the Schermerhorn this season: Yo-Yo Ma playing Don Quixote and Sir James Galway playing the Carmen Fantasy. And now, I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with Doc Severinsen in March. Nfocus: How does Nashville’s support for the symphony differ from the other cities in which you’ve conducted? Maestro: Nashville is a very generous community, and there is a great philanthropic tradition. Every supporter I have had the pleasure of meeting has been very vocal about the pride they feel on being a part of the symphony family. They feel that they are having a direct impact on improving the quality of life in our community. Nfocus: What are some of your favorite things about Nashville? Maestro: My family and I enjoy coming downtown and taking a horse-drawn cab ride and then going out for dinner and ice cream. I think Nashville has great restaurants, and we really love all of the public parks. Our daughters enjoy finding new bike paths. But more than anything, we are proud to call ourselves Nashvillians. Nfocus: What kind of outreach programs are you involved with to bring more of Nashville into the Schermerhorn? Maestro: Believe it or not, my music director duties keep me more off-stage than on. I have spent a lot of time speaking to local groups, visiting schools and meeting with supporters, audience and board members. I want to share all the exciting things that are taking place with the Nashville Symphony. Every citizen in Nashville needs to know that the Schermerhorn Symphony Center is open to everyone. Nfocus: Why do you feel it’s important to expose children to the symphony? Maestro: As the father of two young girls, I want them to be exposed to all types of music and art. Plus, I really enjoy the quality time that I spend with them when we enjoy a concert together. The Symphony’s Pied Piper concerts are tailor-made for kids of all ages and will help them appreciate music on a very high level. Nfocus: Do you make your family call you Maestro? Maestro: I’ve been trying to do that for some time, to no avail. Nfocus: In looking at the Nashville Symphony website, it’s refreshing to see that the messages welcoming you here come from everywhere. Are you surprised how far your music reaches? Maestro: I was touched to read all the welcoming messages, and I am happy that the symphony is attracting new music lovers from beyond our city limits. The Schermerhorn is quickly becoming a tourist destination in our community. Please see the print issue for the entire article and photo presentation.