April 18, 2024
The Phoenix Symphony recently created a new partnership with The Opportunity Tree. This partnership is a testament to the beauty of collaboration, the warmth of good neighbors, and the sheer fun of working toward a shared goal of building a healthy, vibrant community.
The Opportunity Tree in Phoenix, which recently celebrated their 60th anniversary, is an organization dedicated to providing quality, specialized support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The partnership between The Opportunity Tree and the Symphony first began during an open rehearsal field trip at the historic Orpheum Theatre in February for the Phoenix Symphony’s performance of “Mardi Gras in New Orleans.” In addition, the members of The Opportunity Tree sat in on a rehearsal and joined in on a Q&A session with Symphony musicians and guest artist Byron Stripling.
Phoenix Symphony staff discussed the goals and plans for their members with Jacob Newman, Marketing and Development Coordinator and additional staff at The Opportunity Tree. From this discussion a collaboration plan was created.
String quartet ian D’Avanzo, Tessa Gotman Bock, Mike D’Avanzo and Mathieu Bouchar created a program especially for The Opportunity Tree. A blend of music performance and interactive activities, this program allowed members to compare instruments, identify rhythms and even dance. The joy and laughter that filled the room was infectious.
“Everybody was dancing, they played songs that everybody knows, and that was the best part. The violin was my favorite instrument.” -Diane, a Member of The Opportunity Tree.
Reflecting on the experience, string quartet member Tessa Gotman Bock remarked that “our work in the community is just as important, if not more, than the work we do on stage. We enjoy the sharing power of live music in an intimate setting in as many places as we can in Phoenix.”
We are immensely grateful to the clients and staff of The Opportunity Tree for welcoming us into their community and for reminding us of the boundless joy that comes from working together toward a common goal – building a healthy and vibrant community.
