A Message from Executive Director, Nick Kenny
“When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty, my only
response is that I am thankful I have a cup.”
– Sam Lefkowitz
Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks, a time to reflect on the year that has passed. It has been one for the history books, right? The GPO began 2020 capitalizing on the momentum earned by a strong Fall semester in 2019. Our first partnership with the Stampede Troupe and our joint production of Shrek brought smiles and joy to thousands of students, families, and music lovers.
The GPO persevered into early March and produced one of the most stunning educational programs for thousands of the region’s 5th graders. I regret that this program was not offered to the public, but a shortage of funding for our educational programs did not allow for Greg Smith’s Vibe to be performed for our wider community. I still smile when I think of the “oooo’s” and “ahhh’s” that filled the concert hall from a young audience captivated by a musical story coming to life on stage.
A few nights later the GPO presented the music of John Denver starring Jim Curry. John Denver fans from across the state came together to bask in the music that transcends generations. Sitting next to a dear friend’s mother who had just moved to Greeley, I recall her taking my hand during the performance and thanking me for this gift to the community – the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra.
One week later the country shut down. Fundraisers were canceled, concerts were postponed, and we took to our homes. Though I would much prefer a unified song to be sung at 8 pm each night as resonated from balconies across Italy, the howling to support the frontline workers managed to give me chills. Perhaps that will be incorporated during pieces of music that are written during this time – the year of COVID.
It astonishes me to think that nine months have passed without a traditional orchestral concert. Nine months without seeing my Board of Directors in person. Nine months without a post-concert reception celebrating the GPO’s musicians after a performance. We continue to persevere during this dark time for the arts. We have seen these times before in the shape of economic recession, world wars, a Great Depression – but nothing that has ground the arts to a halt as quickly as what happened in March.
Many organizations will not survive this darkness. Many will be changed forever. The GPO will not be one of these casualties. Through our greatest challenge in memory, the GPO staff and Board of Directors are committed to navigate our 110-year old orchestra through this journey that reminds me of Frodo’s in The Lord of the Rings. We will do so because of your continued support.
As I reflect on this year and recognize how many lives have been impacted by this pandemic, I am thankful for those that turned to the arts. I am thankful for the generous support of our donors who want to keep the music playing as much as I. I am thankful for the community that will not let the arts disappear. I am thankful for the promising return of our orchestra, whether it be on stage at the Union Colony Civic Center or outdoors when the weather warms. We will be back.
I wish you and your loved ones the happiest of Thanksgivings. May this holiday season bring you comfort knowing this is temporary and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Like many of you I will miss sharing a feast with my family and friends, but highly anticipate the times I can see them again soon. Until then, may the music continue in our homes and bring us the healing during these troubled times.
Nick Kenny
GPO Executive Director