Placer Artists Tour joins Auburn Symphony for first concert of 35th season

The Auburn Symphony's inaugural concert of its 35th season has added to its name and features a twist. Rebranded "Symphony and Art in the Park," the event will be held Saturday, Sept. 17, at School Park Preserve, located at 55 College Way. The symphony is led by new Music Director Ryan Murray, and the concert will feature the debut of exhibitions from artists on the upcoming Placer Artists Tour. "It has long been our desire to broaden this family friendly community event to include the visual as well as the performing arts," symphony Executive Director Anne Brown said. "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." Gates open at 5 p.m. for viewing the art exhibits and visiting food booths. The Placer Youth Orchestra performs at 6 p.m., followed by the Auburn Symphony at 7. Admission is free. Murray, the fourth conductor in the symphony's 35 years, will direct songs including "West Side Story," "Strike up the Band," "Danzon No. 2" and "The Thunderer." "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." The Placer Artists Tour formed in 2021 to present the long-running November open studios tour, now in its 29th year. The tour runs back-to-back weekends, Nov. 11-13 and Nov. 18-20, featuring 112 artists in 66 locations throughout Placer County, including several in Auburn plus Newcastle, Meadow Vista and Colfax/Gold Run. Placer Artists Tour co-chairs Janet Nicholson and Karen Killebrew and the Auburn Symphony collaborated on symphony musicians performing at key Placer Artists Tour events in 2021 and were hosts of a gratitude celebration for donors, sponsors and partners in January 2021. With a desire to showcase local art on concert programs and posters, the organizations connected their resources. Placer Artists Tour facilitated a "Call to Artists" for works from participants in the 2022 tour. The symphony selected works by five artists for the 2022-23 season that will be on display Sept. 17. "We are working with our arts community so that all of our promotional materials celebrate and honor the brilliant works of local artists," Brown said. 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. Information: To purchase symphony tickets, visit auburnsymphony.com or call 530-823-6683. For more information about the Placer Artists Tour, visit PlacerArtistsTour.org. Note: Pack a picnic, bring low-back chairs or blankets. Come early to enjoy artists' exhibits.