Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Cheers Up Seniors With Music

ALEXANDRIA, VA — On a sunny Thursday afternoon, residents of the Goodwin House Alexandria senior living community donned masks and opened windows to hear something they've been missing: live music. A brass trio from the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra came out to perform in the senior living community's courtyard.

The 30-minute set featured a mix of solos and collaborative performances from the orchestra's music director Jim Ross on horn, Gilbert Hoffer on trumpet and Bryan Bourne on trombone.

"We are always looking at ways of serving the community, but particularly in times like these," George Hanson, executive director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, told Patch. "There's something extraordinary about live music, especially when played in person rather than online."

The courtyard performance came together after the orchestra learned there was interest among residents. Lindsay Hutter, chief strategy and marketing officer at Goodwin House, said numerous residents are Alexandria Symphony Orchestra are subscribers and see live performances. The facility is following various infection protocols, including a restriction on visitors since March 13.

The show wasn't just for the residents. The trio got to perform in front of an audience, something they've been missing since performances were cancelled during the new coronavirus pandemic.

"It means a lot to performers because it's really a symbiotic relationship between performers and audience," said Hanson.

When Hanson asked residents if they'd like to see the orchestra return, a resounding cheer gave the performers their answer.

"It's hard to see people smile, but even through their masks, it was obvious how much people appreciated this," he said.

To support the orchestra during the pandemic, visit www.alexsym.org.

Editor's note: This story was reported with physical distancing and mask wearing.