CSO engages community in Orchestras Feeding America fight to address food insecurity

It’s an exciting weekend at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, as the ensemble will perform an all-Spanish program while also collecting non-perishable food and hygiene-related items Friday and Saturday in an effort to support the Freestore Foodbank.

One in six Tristate individuals are at risk of facing food insecurity, a prime reason why the CSO participates in the national Orchestras Feeding America (OFA) initiative to fight hunger across the U.S. The CSO is one of more than 450 orchestras working hard to engage the community to show they’re more than just a musical group. 

Since OFA’s inception, 475,000 pounds of food have been collected and distributed to those in need. Here at home, the CSO also provides further incentive for its patrons to donate. 

“Offering discounted tickets ($10) with a canned food donation at Friday’s concert is a way to make a world-class, live performance as accessible as possible while at the same time supporting the work of the Freestore and helping neighbors in need,” CSO Vice President of Communications Chris Pinelo says. 

And the world-class live performance is not one to be missed, as Latin Passion features not only the CSO but also partial staging, a full chorus, a multitude of vocal soloists, a Spanish guitarist and flamenco dancing and singing. 

“The CSO really brings the world to Cincinnati each season, engaging a diverse array of artists from around the globe and exploring different repertoire,” Pinelo says. “The music for this ‘Latin Passion’ program is lush, exciting and beautiful, sure to thrill any audience.”

Do Good: 

• Support the Cincinnati Symphony and Orchestras Feeding America by donating a non-perishable food item or hygiene product at a performance this weekend (8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Music Hall). With a donation, $10 tickets are available for Friday's performance. 

• If you can't donate this weekend, support the Freestore Foodbank any day of the week.

• Support the CSO and plan to attend an upcoming performance.