A partnership flourishes between symphony, Placer Artists Tour

A partnership between the Auburn Symphony and Placer Artists Tour has created a new twist on the symphony's annual "Symphony in the Park" event. The much-loved annual Symphony in the Park, always the first concert of the Auburn Symphony's season, is expanding to include exhibitions from artists on the 2022 Placer Artists Tour. Rebranded "Symphony and Art in the Park," the event launches the symphony's 35th season on Sept. 17, led by new Music Director Ryan Murray. "It has long been our desire to broaden this family friendly community event to include the visual as well as the performing arts," says Executive Director Anne Brown. "Exposure to multiple art forms in a beautiful and natural outdoor setting right in the heart of Auburn is a real treat for all ages." Welcoming Murray, only the fourth conductor in 35 years, is an exciting moment. "I'm thrilled to be joining your musical community and look forward to sharing this free concert with all of you," Murray said. "It's going to be fun for the whole family, with lots of great music with works by Gershwin, Bernstein, Souza and many others. It will be a spectacular evening of music and art and a lot of fun." Placer Artists Tour is a new organization formed in 2021 to present the long-running November open studios tour, now in its 29th year. Seeking strategic partners, Placer Artists Tour co-chairs Janet Nicholson and Karen Killebrew found the Auburn Symphony to be willing and enthusiastic partners. They collaborated in 2021 with symphony musicians performing at key Placer Artists Tour events, and joined forces to host a Gratitude Celebration in January 2021 for their respective donors, sponsors and partners. Following last year's successes, the two arts organizations look forward to continuing and broadening these traditions in the 2022-23 season. In addition to these collaborative efforts and with a desire to showcase local art on concert programs and posters, the two organizations worked together to connect their resources. Placer Artists Tour facilitated a "Call to Artists," seeking submissions of original artworks from local artists participating in the 2022 tour. The symphony was delighted to select original art by five artists for the 2022-23 season that will be on display Sept. 17. Says Brown, "We are working with our arts community so that all of our promotional materials celebrate and honor the brilliant works of local artists." These two organizations exemplify the spirit of partnership in Auburn, a foothills town where our vibrant arts community adds so much to our quality of life. For more information about the 35th season and to purchase symphony tickets, visit auburnsymphony.com or call 530-823-6683. For more information about the Placer Artists Tour, visit PlacerArtistsTour.org. The 29th annual Placer Artists Tour is the largest and longest-standing visual art open studios tour in the northern Sierra foothills region. This free tour takes place on Veterans Day weekend – Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. This year features an "Encore" weekend Nov. 18-20 to give patrons more time to visit artists. For information visit PlacerArtistsTour.org. Symphony & Art in the Park When: Saturday, Sept. 17 Where: Auburn School Park Preserve, 55 College Way, Auburn Schedule: 5 p.m., Gates open, art exhibits, food booths. 6 p.m., Placer Youth Orchestra. 7 p.m., Auburn Symphony. Admission: Free. Note: Pack a picnic, bring low-back chairs or blankets. Come early to enjoy artists' exhibits.