Carmel Symphony Orchestra launches summer concert series in Coxhall Gardens

By AMY ADAMS
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Many braved the heat on Friday 21 June to welcome summer with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra (CSO), which launched its first-ever summer concert series at Coxhall Gardens to celebrate the summer solstice.

The music of pieces such as Vivaldi’s “Summer,” Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and Gershwin’s “Summertime” filled the warm evening air as the sun set around 9:20 p.m. and the “Strawberry Moon” soon rose on one of the longest days of the year.

“The start of summer and this unique full moon make the idyllic setting of Coxhall Gardens the perfect place to relax and unwind,” said CSO Executive Director Anne Marie Chastain.

In addition to Principal Guest Conductor Joel Smirnoff and the CSO, the ensemble featured violin soloist Cooper Olsen, a former winner of the CSO Young Artist Competition and current student at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, and soprano Asako Tamura, who launched her solo career with a singing performance with the Three Tenors during the World Championships in Yokohama.

“We wanted to introduce a local celebration of this seasonal milestone and thought a collaboration of a broad and diverse group of artists would create the perfect solstice event,” said Chastain. “Around the world, many cultures hold festivals focused on the solstice, some lasting a week. Even though this event doesn’t fall on the exact day, we still want to celebrate the season.”

Soprano Asako Tamura sings a medley of Japanese folk songs. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)

In addition to the CSO concert, the pre-concert featured performances by Mr. Daniel, the Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, the Kathak (North Indian) Dance Academy, Dhol Indian Drumming, the Lion Dance Team of the Indiana Association of Chinese Americans, and the Indiana Ballet Conservatory.

At the end of the evening, Blair Clark, artistic director of the Carmel Jazz Festival, treated the audience to “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder.

Carmel City Councilman Jeff Worell (left) served as master of ceremonies for the CSO concert. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)

On July 3, the next CSO concert will be under the stars at Coxhall Gardens, with a tribute to Earth Wind and Fire at 8:30 p.m. Family-friendly entertainment begins at 5 p.m. Ticket options include general admission, patio seating, and a VIP experience with reserved seating, preferred parking, and a private party at Coxhall Mansion. For tickets, visit carmelsymphony.org/event/patriotic-concert-at-coxhall-gardens.

Reporter photos by Amy Adams