Off the Couch: Symphony stages relief concert at Tivoli

BARRY COURTER: Lisa, if you were looking for a way to hear the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and help the victims of the tornadoes in our area, tonight is the night. The CSO is holding a special concert at 7:30 at the Tivoli Theatre. There is no admission charge, but cash donations will be collected and given to the Greater Chattanooga Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.

LISA DENTON: Wow, it’s like you know all of my “if only” thoughts. If only I could hear classical music while I write out a check to the Red Cross. Actually, classical is about the only genre we haven’t heard so far in the spurt of shows that have taken place since those devastating storms — from CMT’s big star night in Nashville to gospel concerts in area churches. Even the State of Dade Heritage Festival is soldiering on this week in Trenton, Ga. A different theme has been assigned each night to help with disaster relief there.

BARRY: I spoke with Maestro Bob Bernhardt, and he said all of the orchestra members are donating their time to the show and that The Dismembered Tennesseans have agreed to perform as well. And the city is donating the use of the Tivoli. The program will feature Americana music and some pieces that “begin with trouble and end in triumph,” the maestro said.

“We will do some really beautiful music and then have a fun set with Fletcher and The Dismembered Tennesseans. It’s very exciting and thrilling and wonderful that the players have all said, ‘Let’s do this.’”

LISA: That’s nice to hear. You can’t throw a rock without hitting someone who has been affected by the twisters, or at least someone who knows someone who was. If this town can sell out the Tivoli for Train on Tuesday, I believe we can fill it up tonight for this show.