Baltimore Group Heads To Hippodrome
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Soulful Symphony is known for its energy-filled shows that mix the symphonic experience with American music.
Monique Griego has more on how the group's success earned it a spot at a Baltimore staple.
The sounds of Soulful Symphony have a new home at the Hippodrome.
"I was overwhelmed because we were kind of in this no man's land," said composer Darin Atwater.
Atwater and his group of instrumentalists and vocalists was chosen as the first recipient of the Hippodrome Arts Fund.
"There's a world of these companies out there and to date, they haven't had access to the theatre and we're going to change that," said Jeff Daniel.
Daniel, president of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, helped create the grant, which awards $300,000 to select nonprofits, while offering them office space, marketing and production support.
"It cements our imprint in Baltimore City," Atwater said.
For the next three years, the Hippodrome will be the home to Soulful Symphony and Atwater says he plans to pack this house by "bringing real American music to this stage."
"We play Motown, jazz, gospel, blues---you heard some New Orleans second line today," Atwater said. "It's so relevant to our contemporary culture and that's what makes it resonate with the audience, makes it so different."
Atwater says besides changing the way people perceive the symphonic experience, he also hopes to inspire young musicians.
"They get to see the possibility of what they can become," Atwater said.
In addition to the grant money, Soulful Symphony will be provided with office space, production and marketing support.
Their shows kick off in February. For more information, click here.
