North Carolina Symphony performs its annual free concert in Southern Village

COMMUNITY

By Michelle Cassell
Assignment Editor

CHAPEL HILL — Hundreds of people gathered to enjoy a free concert by the state symphony Tuesday evening.

The concert began at 8 p.m., but many attendees arrived early in the morning to set up lawn chairs and blankets.. The weather cooperated as the setting sun was a backdrop to Mozart’s “Overture to the Marriage of Figaro, K 492.”

“We make a point to put our chairs out by 7 a.m. to be sure we have a perfect spot,” Southern Village resident Diana Braunstein said. “It is a fabulous event, not to be missed.”

Spectators were allowed to bring coolers (no glass allowed ) and enjoy an evening picnic on the green as children played and friends shared wine and conversation. Several of the area restaurants offered outdoor seating in proximity to the concert. Every open space was filled to capacity.

“I have been going to this for years and always look forward to it,” Susan Kalish of Southern Village said. “This is the biggest audience I’ve ever seen. My friends put their chairs up early. It was a beautiful night.”

Michelle Di Russo, the symphony associate conductor, led her second season performance at the Southern Village Green.

The concert was devoted to classical favorites such as Giachino Rossini’s, The Barber of Seville and contemporary composers such as Richard Rogers and Aaron Copeland. Other pieces included “Les toreadors from Suite No. 1” from “Carmen” and a complex orchestral rendition of Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525.”

The final performance was “Hungarian Dance No. 5 in G minor”, by Johannes Brahms and arranged by Martin Schmeling.