A Healthy Entertainment Option – For You And Your Budget written by Beth Flickinger

We all have busy, full lives and many demands to meet between work, family, friends, and community organizations.  Experts remind us of the importance of self-care and not letting stress build up.  But did you know that you can choose an entertainment option that may help you reduce stress and benefit your mind and body?

Research is beginning to reveal how music works to heal the body and mind. The rhythm and tone of music can excite you or relax you. Music therapy, including listening to music that you enjoy, has been reported to:

·         reduce blood pressure

·         increase ability to think, learn, and remember

·         promote positive emotions

·         give a greater sense of well-being overall

Many of us share an interest in the arts and classical music, but haven’t made it a priority to pursue those interests.  We may feel that a symphony orchestra is out of reach for the average person—not only geographically, but culturally and financially.  The Richmond Symphony Orchestra (RSO) is on a mission to change all of that and provide a friendly, affordable option to enjoy quality live orchestra concerts close to home.  It is our goal to provide top-notch classical music in an environment that is:

·         close to home

·         affordable

·         warm and welcoming

·         an overall fabulous experience

While certain stereotypes may apply to other symphonies, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra is different. Located in Civic Hall, next to the Richmond High School football field, it is convenient to the small communities in east central Indiana and west central Ohio. Parking is free. Once inside, you’ll find a warm, welcoming environment where friends and families gather to relax and treat themselves the beautiful, enriching music. And, treating yourself won’t break the bank.  Attending an RSO concert costs less than a movie ticket and concessions.  New this year, tickets for students under age 18 are FREE.  Where else can you find an entertainment option with such value for your money, your time, and your well-being?

We invite you to invest in your health and check out the RSO.  Our next concert is Saturday, October 22^nd at 7:30 pm.  The RSO will be joined by violinist Clara Jumi Kang, Gold Medalist at the 2010 Indianapolis International Violin Competition.  She will play Erich Korngold's lovely and romantic violin concerto, embodying themes from some of his classic Hollywood film scores. The concert will begin with Frederick Delius's charming In a Summer Garden, and concludes with one of the "giants" -- Beethoven's dramatic and moving Symphony No. 7.

You can purchase tickets and find out more online at www.richmondsymphony.org, by phone 765-966-5181, or by email at rso@richmondsymphony.org.  We hope to see you soon!