Each year thousands of orchestral fans attend the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s busy season of classical and masterworks, enjoying the music which has endured for centuries.

But the Fort Wayne Philharmonic is much more, and each season it provides an excellent introduction to symphonic music with its Family Series and with special pops and film programming which reach out to a variety of audiences.

Among some of the highlights will be a special screening of an Indiana favorite Rudy, the Sean Astin film which tells one of the greatest underdog stories in college football and one particularly appealing to Notre Dame fans. The film, directed by Decatur, Ind., native David Ansbaugh, will be screened at the historic Embassy Theatre on a 40-foot HD screen and will be accompanied by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic with Caleb Young conducting.

Attendees can enjoy the Oct. 12 event, which begins at 7:30 p.m., and still be home in time for the second half of the Irish game against USC.

Also sure to excite movie fans is the Philharmonic’s accompaniment of the 1977 film that began the Star Wars phenomenon, Star Wars: A New Hope, on Feb. 26-27. The sensory experience of reliving the classic film while hearing the iconic John Williams score performed live by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic at the Embassy Theatre is sure to be a popular draw for those who arrive at cineplexes days before each new Star Wars film premiere.

ABBA fans might want to start digging out those disco duds for the Philharmonic’s tribute to the Swedish music juggernaut on Saturday, May 2, also at the Embassy. Accompanied by an ABBA tribute band, the orchestra will bring to life music which has been beloved for four decades and served as soundtracks to two very successful Mamma Mia! films and a Broadway and touring musical. ABBA is one of the most enduring international acts in music history, and the opportunity to hear those songs with a symphony is not one to be missed.

For those with smaller children, an excellent introduction to orchestral music is the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Family Series, which includes three performances at the Purdue Fort Wayne Auer Performance Hall. This year’s performances include the Halloween Spooktacular on October 20, Flying with E.T. and Peter Pan on January 19, and Pirates of the Sea on April 5. All performances begin at the kid-friendly time of 2 p.m.

For ticket information, please visit the Philharmonic website at fwphil.org or call (260) 481-0770.

Stir up good works for Soup Kitchen

As we move closer to the holidays, a more charitable spirit sweeps through our community, and since that time of year corresponds with colder temperature, that sense of philanthropy is especially needed.

St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen has provided food and warmth for thousands over the years, and it is sustained in its mission through the generosity of those who donate. To help things along, St. Mary’s hosts an annual fundraiser, and this year’s Circus theme is sure to be a big draw. At only $10 per ticket or $100 for a reserved table for eight, attendees can enjoy food, drinks, dancing and an auction to benefit St. Mary’s. Live music will be provided by the popular Chris Worth. It all takes place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church downtown on October 26, and more information can be found by calling Dottie at (260) 705-1690.

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