NASHVILLE, TN – (November 8, 2023) – Centennial Park Conservancy announced today that the ECHO chamber music series at the Parthenon returns this winter with a five-concert season, kicking off December 14. The series features composers and contemporary ensembles performing chamber music created or arranged for the unique reverb of the Parthenon Naos and performed in front of the 42-foot statue of Athena.
“We’re very excited for ECHO to return as we present another season of incredible composers and ensembles at the Parthenon,” said Justin Tam, Centennial Park Conservancy’s Vice President of Development and Park Partnerships. “There is truly no other experience in Nashville quite like ECHO, where audiences get to hear live chamber music arranged specifically for the unique acoustic environment of the Parthenon Naos. After multiple sold-out performances last year, we’ve been encouraged by the community’s embrace of ECHO and the celebration of place-based musical experiences.”
ECHO’s 2023-2024 season kicks off on Thursday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m. with a performance from SONUS Choir. The modern a capella choir returns to ECHO for a holiday tradition of "All is Calm." The ensemble will synthesize contemporary choral repertoire with classic holiday favorites using its signature straight-tone blend, filling the room. SONUS is known for engaging and uplifting performances, surrounding the listener in a transcendent wash of sound as many voices unify as one. The holiday program will feature music in many languages by esteemed choral composers Ola Gjeilo, Morten Lauridsen, and Arvo Part in addition to well-known holiday favorites.
On Sunday, January 28, 2024, Lockeland Strings returns to ECHO for two performances at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. featuring the work of Nicole Neely, who has collaborated with Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton, and more. Neely’s compositions have appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, the BET Awards, the GRAMMYs, and American Idol, to name a few. The evening will also showcase four singer-songwriters backed by a Lockeland Strings ensemble. Songwriters will be announced in January.
On Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., cellist and composer Ben Sollee will make his ECHO debut. A graduate of the University of Louisville School of Music, he holds a BFA in cello performance. Since his debut record in 2008, Sollee has released six studio records and nearly 10 EPs garnering praise from the New York Times and NPR. His music has been featured in TV shows such as Weeds and Parenthood. In addition, Sollee has a growing career as a composer for film, TV, and interactive media, earning an Emmy Award in 2018 for his score on the ABC special Base Ballet.
The final show of the ECHO season will feature Grammy-nominated ALIAS Chamber Ensemble on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. Making their ECHO debut, ALIAS will celebrate International Women’s Day with a selection of pieces from female composers throughout history. ALIAS has been nominated for a GRAMMY award (Best Small Ensemble Performance), recorded four albums to date featuring world premiere recordings by American composers.
General admission tickets for all ECHO concerts are $20 each.Patrons tickets are available for $50 each and include two complimentary beverages and reserved seating. Season tickets are also available now. Discounted four-show season ticket packages are available for $75 for General Admission, and $180 for Patron tickets. Tickets can be purchased at conservancyonline.com/echo.
ABOUT ECHO:
ECHO, an engaging chamber music series presented by Centennial Park Conservancy, features chamber music composed and arranged for the unique reverb of the Parthenon Naos and performed in front of the 42-foot statue of Athena. The ECHO program presents both live in-person performances throughout the year as well as audio/visual recordings available for download or streaming called, The Parthenon Sessions. These sessions capture songwriters and string ensembles in a multi-tracked audio and video experience. ECHO is made possible by Amazon, Dettwiller Foundation, HCA Healthcare Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Sandra Schatten Foundation, Tennessee Arts Commission, the Parthenon, and Metro Parks.
ABOUT CENTENNIAL PARK CONSERVANCY:
Centennial Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve, enhance, and share the Parthenon and Centennial Park so all future generations may benefit from these cultural and enriching landmarks. The organization works in partnership with Metro Parks to protect and revitalize the Park’s green space, underwrite the Parthenon’s exhibition and educational programs, and present accessible and inclusive community programming to sustain the Park’s vibrancy.
###