The Beaufort Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will begin its new 2014-2015 season in October at its new home, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, located at 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort.
“The Beaufort Symphony Orchestra has simply outgrown its present location at USCB Center for the Arts,” explained Ed Like, president of the orchestra board. “At Sea Island Presbyterian Church, we can fit our entire orchestra on stage, something we haven’t been able to do for a while,” he said.
According to Like, the new venue offers a “theater in the round” type of setting with unobstructed views of the stage, providing a more intimate musical experience.
Maestro Frederick Devyatkin, Beaufort Symphony Orchestra’s musical director and conductor, is equally enthusiastic about the new setting. “The new location offers an acoustical design and a bright and airy interior that will enhance our audiences’ enjoyment of each performance. We are very excited about the new, creative possibilities our new home will provide,” said Devyatkin.
The church has a seating capacity of around 500, and accommodates the hearing impaired as well as providing more seating for those in wheelchairs. Its large main entrance and foyer area lends itself to social gatherings for audience members and performers, and the church’s location also provides convenient and ample parking.
The Beaufort Symphony Orchestra has been “Keeping the Music Live” in the Lowcountry for the past 28 years at USCB’s theater in downtown Beaufort.
“Over the years, both organizations have benefited from our association, each doing its best to broaden the cultural experiences of our community” said Like.
The orchestra attracts some of the best known classical musicians and soloists in the state, and for the past 12 years has provided musical training and performance opportunities for the young talent in the community under Maestro Devyatkin’s direction.
The Beaufort Symphony Orchestra’s website, www.beaufortorchestra.org, has information about its upcoming season and a map of its new location. Individuals can also go to the website to purchase season or individual tickets or to make charitable donations in support of the orchestra’s activities.
