Music and Culture in One Alaskan Location

Even before Alaska had become a state, the territory featured an orchestra. Formed in 1946, it featured 17 area musicians ranging from amateur to professionally skilled. The musicians met once a week to share their love of music and they eventually organized into a formal community orchestra. It was December of that year when the group made their first public appearance and they joined together with the area theatre group to perform Dickens's famous "A Christmas Carol." Since then, the orchestra has been delighting residents of and visitors to Alaska with its rich performances. The group has grown to 80 members and often wins awards for its performances. Focusing on more than simply playing music, their goal is to share with the community lessons about music, as well as entertaining them. Many of the musicians spent time training at world-renowned schools but many of them have jobs aside from being members of the orchestra. As residents of Anchorage, they work full-time as lawyers, accountants, teachers, and engineers, all members of the Anchorage community in addition to being part of the orchestra. If you would like to experience a true community experience that incorporates classical music performances, attend an event at the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra.