By John Hayden
The strings are tuned and the reeds are moist as the curtain rises on a new season for Symphony of the Americas (SOTA). Long a staple of South Florida’s cultural scene, SOTA celebrates the area’s diverse population filled with people from the tip of South America to the frozen tundra of Alaska.
With the 2023-24 season starting October 3, at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, SOTA Executive Director Steven Haines talked with OutClique about what fans can expect and how this year’s lineup is designed to attract new fans. The season opener is a pops concert featuring the work of John Williams, the talent behind iconic film scores including Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
“The music of John Williams is a fantastic opening to the season for our subscribers and existing patrons,” Haines said. “It is also a wonderful introduction to new audience members who have not yet been to a Symphony of the Americas performance.”
Many people see symphonies as high-brow entertainment that goes over the heads of people who don’t have a degree in music. Haines says starting with a pops concert hits on three of SOTA’s goals: fun, inclusivity, and accessibility. “I use the word accessible very often about Symphony of the Americas. We are not an organization which simply plays the “classics” of the romantic classical composers. As I like to say, Symphony of the Americas is an intersection of sounds and cultures of the Americas, and influences of European greats from Broadway, Brahms, and Tango.”
The season opener promises to evoke a musical memory with every note. “His music is not just the backdrop of films. His music is humanity. His music is soaring and solemn. Even Steven Spielberg said John Williams’ music, the score, becomes one of the most important characters of any film he has created.”
Before joining SOTA, Haines spent thirty years in nonprofit and performing arts management. His extensive resume includes work with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, The Young Americans, and music festivals. He came here with the mission of reinvigorating the organization. Haines’s strategy includes rebuilding the audience base, solidifying finances, and raising SOTA’s profile in the community.
Accessible and Welcoming
Bringing in new fans from all over is important to SOTA’s future, and Haines is especially grateful to see South Florida’s LGBTQIA+ community flocking to shows. “I am gratified to also see an ever-growing gay audience base for Symphony of the Americas. It is so wonderful to see my neighbors and friends from Wilton Manors and from throughout the South Florida regions attending the performances. It makes me so very happy to see that level of engagement and enjoyment.”
From performing Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony on Halloween to the Holiday Pops concert, fans will recognize songs they didn’t even realize they knew.
Even the dress code for musicians is relaxed. Last year, SOTA did away with tuxedos. “Other than at fabulous parties at Downton Abbey, I think tuxedos are a relic. As I have stated previously, I want the Symphony to be accessible in every way, from programming and price to the concert dress. Too often, that large proscenium or wall between the Symphony and the audience is a barrier which I want removed.”
When someone doesn’t recognize a song, it’s an opportunity to experience the music for the first time. One can close their eyes and go along for the journey as the music washes over you. You may experience it differently than the person behind you, and that’s the great part of classical music. Each song and interpretation is as unique as the person listening, including Haines.
“One method I use to enjoy music and as you say, to let it wash over me and to surround me, is to think of each instrument like a character in a scene, giving them almost a human aspect. Take it in and revel in it. Sit back, and just say ‘wow.’”
Between the additions of Haines and Artistic Director and Conductor Pablo Mielgo, longtime SOTA fans are seeing a very new product. “Veteran season ticket holders have heard more than subtle changes, they have seen and heard substantial changes in the size and quality of the symphony. They have seen performances that were completely sold out for the entire season. At each performance, Pablo turns from his podium and speaks to the audience. He wants the audience to be brought into the performance on stage as a shared experience.”
Haines believes that whether you are a long-time patron, or new to Symphony of the Americas, you will see a symphony performance that is welcoming and relaxed. “You will see diverse programs, willing to explore musical pieces and themes from composers which normally don’t have a presence on the symphonic stage.”
