VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) – The Valdosta Symphony Orchestra is working to bring classical music to more families across South Georgia, and a new partnership is helping make that access more affordable.

The VSO recently partnered with the Southern Georgia Black Chambers to expand access to the arts. As part of the effort, the Chambers selected the nonprofit Raising Brilliant Black Boys to receive and distribute complimentary concert tickets to underserved youth, giving students the chance to experience a live symphony for the first time.

During the Nov. 15 concert, internationally acclaimed soprano Maria Valdes performed Barber: Knoxville: Summer of 1915 with the orchestra. After the show, she hosted a special meet-and-greet with Raising Brilliant Black Boys, allowing students to learn more about the arts and her journey in music.

Valdes spoke about why the event meant so much to her, saying, “It is dear to my heart because I didn’t grow up in a family that had classical music or that had a lot of resources for that. I found it through public education and teachers who showed it to me, and through state programs like Governor’s Honors. So it’s dear to my heart. I want this art world to be more accessible because so many people love it if they can just get into it. And showing a young person they can do this — that’s really special.”

Valdes says she has seen a decline in music accessibility for younger students and believes exposure in elementary school is where growth starts. “So I think getting kids exposed to it and developing a love of the arts at a young age is how we grow classical music audiences long-term,” she said.

Now a global artist performing around the world, Valdes is working to keep classical music close to everyday families — something that began for her through public education. She says these performances aren’t just about music, but about helping people feel connected again. “To make people feel connected, you know, we’re on our phones all day, we’re disconnected, not paying attention, we’re not present. Once you’re present and alive — you turn your phone off, you’re sitting next to your friends — you and the performer are connected for at least an hour, and I think the world needs so much more of that and a part of that.”

The Valdosta Symphony Orchestra is now preparing for its next major performance, set for Feb. 14 at Whitehead Auditorium. Their “Traditions” concert will feature Handel’s Messiah, with tickets starting at $24.

WALB’s Taylor Lewis will have more from Valdes and VSO representative Steven Heddon on the importance of expanding classical music access in South Georgia.

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