NC Symphony & Fidelity's FutureStage(R) Instrument Donation Event Takes to the Stage

NC Symphony & Fidelity's FutureStage(R) Instrument Donation Event Takes to the Stage

Surprise Donation Event at Progress Energy Center Kicks-off Fidelity FutureStage(R) Music Education Program in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Music students from four area schools, Eastway, Underwood and Washington Elementary Schools and Chatham Middle School, will receive a big surprise when the North Carolina Symphony and Fidelity Investments unveil more than 35 brand-new musical instruments at a special Fidelity FutureStage(R) celebration event on Tuesday, January 27, 2009.

"This marks an enormous milestone in our continued efforts to actively engage with our community," said Katie Wyatt, the Education Director of the North Carolina Symphony. "Furthermore, it provides these students the opportunity to interact with premier musicians living in their community."

Following special performances featuring North Carolina Symphony musicians and student ensembles representing the four schools, the much-needed new instruments will be revealed. Students will then have the opportunity to join the North Carolina Symphony musicians onstage to try out the new instruments including: cellos, string bases, violins, violas, bass clarinets, alto and tenor saxophones, turbanos, steel drums, timpani, choir chimes, xylophones and more. The donated instruments are collectively valued at more than $50,000.

"We take pride in being able to donate these instruments for such a magnificent cause," said North Carolina Symphony Music Director, Grant Llewellyn. "While it's an incredible opportunity for the students to benefit from the new instruments, we believe it's an even more incredible opportunity for us to advocate the arts and encourage these children to continue with their musical passions."

More than 400 music students, teachers and administrators will attend the event the Progress Energy Center's Fletcher Hall. North Carolina Symphony Music Director, Grant Llewellyn, and other musicians from the North Carolina Symphony will usher the special presentation.

Fidelity and the North Carolina Symphony have partnered in the Fidelity FutureStage program as an outlet to directly support music in area public schools. The program will provide unique opportunities and resources for underserved Triangle-area students as they pursue their passion for music. The instrument donation event celebrates the kick-off of Fidelity FutureStage, which will continue through the school year.

About the North Carolina Symphony:

The North Carolina Symphony is a full-time, professional orchestra with 68 members. With its home in Raleigh, North Carolina's spectacular Meymandi Concert Hall, the symphony performs about 175 concerts in nearly 40 communities across North Carolina.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: North Carolina Symphony

CONTACT: Jeannie Mellinger, +1-919-733-2750, ext. 225, for North
Carolina Symphony

---

Profile: International Entertainment