Barbara Patton: City becomes hotspot for orchestras

Has it really been over 20 years since the Opelika Arts Association – now the Arts Association of East Alabama – began the Performance Series? After hearing the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra this week – a performance, by the way that was more than wonderful — I wonder if we realize how blessed we are to have opportunities such as this to experience.

Twenty years of enjoying a series that most in the U.S. or in the world are not privileged to enjoy. The reality of this is a testament to Phillip Preston, the director of programs for the AAEA, whose vision and dedication inspired the series.

While thinking about the Series and Phillip, I remembered an introduction that he wrote for one of the very first souvenir books and wondered if I still had it. Of course, it took a little time but I was lucky enough to find it. It was titled: “Is this a Dream?”

Read what he had to say, as I copy some of his words, and ask yourself the same question. “Are you sitting in Atlanta? Los Angeles? Washington, D.C.?

Did you travel the interstate for hours or hop a plane to get here? … Hear the orchestra tuning up? Look to your right. Now look to your left. Familiar faces? Friends? Neighbors? You’re right this is no dream – this is Opelika! Sure, it was once a dream, and pretty far-fetched. But that dream has now become a grand reality: a community supporting a grand idea with its time, energy, and resources, cheerfully and generously. A community welcoming a world of entertainment to come here and inspire us, dazzle us, and challenge us to be the best we can be.”

I heard the orchestra on Thursday night. Saturday night, I heard another wonderful performance. This time it was at Eighth & Rail in downtown Opelika. A husband and wife duo, Jennifer and Jonathan Adams, who perform under the name Montana Skies, were truly remarkable and delightful to experience. They are an unusual pairing of a cello and a steel/nylon string guitar. Since there is not much music written for this combination, they write their own arrangements and compose music for themselves. I was told they had just returned from a tour in Russia, where I have no doubt they were a big hit. They were certainly a hit with those who heard them here.

It is real. You can really hear music like this in downtown Opelika. You can hear an internationally acclaimed symphony and pianist right here in our area. If you don’t believe it, see or hear for yourself. Dreams and visions have brought us a world of entertainment and culture to our doorsteps.

Football is king in this area, and our lives seem to revolve around it, especially at this time of year. I love football as much as the next person. In fact, I like most sports, but I am so grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy performances like these as well.

Dreams can come true.

Barbara Patton is director of Envision Opelika and writes a column for the Opelika-Auburn News.