MCEDP

Some may think that when you live in a smaller, more rural community, you are giving up many big-city amenities, especially cultural opportunities such as art galleries, concerts, and theater performances.  That couldn’t be farther from the case in Moore County.  Our communities have an exceptional cultural scene, offering a variety of arts experiences – visual, performing, workshops, festivals – the list goes on.

The Moore Philharmonic Orchestra is a vibrant example.   Entering its 15^th season, MPO is a community orchestra that nurtures a love of music in Moore County by offering free concerts and scholarships for student musicians.  Founded by director Eric Kopecky in 2005, the inaugural ensemble was composed of 30 to 35 members of diverse backgrounds and experience, ranging in age from 12 to 91.  Since then, the group has more than doubled with a current membership of 73.  All have a love of performing high-quality music together that they share with the community through 3 free concerts each season.

All members, who range in experience from students and hobbyists to Broadway musicians, volunteer their time once a week for rehearsal in the music wing of Sandhills Community College’s Wellard Hall.  Kaylie Morgan has been a performer with MPO for the past 4 seasons.  “I am enamored by the work we do,” she said.  “We take the stage with the charge to nurture the creativity of our youngest musicians and stoke the love of instrumental music in the hearts of the public.”

MPO ensures that its talented younger performers have the support needed to flourish on their chosen instrument, and it encourages them to strive for excellence through scholarship competitions, giving them the opportunity to seek private lessons, superior instruments, or music camp.

As MPO devotedly practices in the music wing, they continue their mission to inspire young performers and audiences alike.  Moore County is so fortunate to have such a gifted group who enthusiastically shares their love of excellent music with the community through their free performances.  To hear the festive sounds of the season, plan to attend their next performance, the 15^th annual Holiday Concert on December 7, 2019 at 7pm at Sandhills Community College’s new Bradshaw Performing Arts Center.  Admission is free.  For more information, visit MPO’s website at www.mporchestra.com.

(Original article by Kaylie Morgan)