NASHVILLE, TN. (By Christy Crytzer/ www.nashvillesymphony.org/ Nashville Symphony) - In a display of bravery and spirit, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) will perform together for the first time since Hurricane Katrina on Tuesday, October 4 at 8 p.m. in the Tennessee Performing Arts Center's Andrew Jackson Hall. Presented and organized by the Nashville Symphony, current LPO Principal Guest Conductor Klauspeter Seibel and Music Director Designate Carlos Miguel Prieto will lead the majority of the 68-member Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

The concert program, with repertoire to be announced in the coming weeks, will include a performance by violinist and composer Mark O'Connor. The concert will be produced for broadcast by NPR and Nashville affiliate WPLN, offered nationally and internationally via NPR and its 780 member stations in the U.S., NPR Worldwide at 8 p.m. and streamed live on http://www.npr.org. Net proceeds from the concert will go directly to the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

The LPO was scheduled to open its 2005-2006 concert season on September 15th in New Orleans at the Orpheum Theatre, located one block from Canal Street. Hurricane Katrina's widespread destruction of the city will limit, if not cancel, the LPO's concert season, and it remains unclear when the LPO will be able to perform again in New Orleans.

"It will be such a gift for our orchestra to perform together again," said Maestro Seibel. "Our musicians are spread out all over the country, and after a tragedy such as Katrina, nothing heals the soul more than seeing our colleagues, our friends, and playing music with them again. We are extremely grateful to the Nashville Symphony for giving us this opportunity."

The Nashville Symphony has made all logistical arrangements for the LPO, with support from sponsors and community members making this benefit concert possible. American Airlines has donated tickets to fly evacuated LPO orchestra members and staff to Nashville. Nashville Symphony musicians will assist by housing LPO musicians and helping to fill vacancies for LPO musicians not able to attend.

Tennessee Performing Arts Center has donated its space for the concert, as well as the maintenance costs and various other services. Several local restaurants will provide food for the musicians and staff during their stay in Nashville.

"The Nashville Symphony and our entire city has been moved by the heartache and suffering of the people of New Orleans," said Alan D. Valentine, President and CEO of the Nashville Symphony. "Reuniting our colleagues at the Louisiana Philharmonic and providing them with a forum to play together again will be an incredibly enriching experience for us all. This performance will certainly transcend all traditional definitions of a benefit concert."

Tickets to the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra benefit concert on October 4 are $30-$70 and can be purchased by calling 255-ARTS (2787) or by visiting http://www.nashvillesymphony.org.

The LPO Relief Fund will help continue health insurance for musicians and staff, as well as instrument insurance for the musicians. Please send all donations to: LPO, c/o Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 14209, Baton Rouge, LA 70898.