Everybody friggin’ LOVES classical music. Right? That’s… that’s right, isn’t it? Because, I mean, everybody goes and sees classical performances all the time. Classical music is more popular than Jesus now; I don’t know which will go first—classical music or Christianity!

Which, I GUESS, is untrue. Concerts aren’t popular, and people couldn’t give a shit about an orchestra. Which sucks, because symphonic music remains the emotional backbone of popular culture. Just watch any movie, and chances are any scene with heightened emotions will be accompanied by a symphonic score. But the fact is that getting into classical music seems either imposing, or more trouble than it’s worth. Hell, I haven’t been to a legitimate orchestral concert in ages. But that’s what makes this event work, and makes it so important.

Pops in the Park brought classical music to River Tower Park for all to enjoy for free. You could bring food. You could bring drinks. You could even bring children. It was designed to be as accessible as possible (including the performances pieces themselves, which featured popular Broadway and film scores), effectively removing any possible boundaries and allowing everyone a chance to enjoy the magic of a full orchestral performance.

The Florida Orchestra and the event itself was directed by guest conductor Damon Gupton, an extremely charismatic gentleman who would punctuate each piece with a short story or anecdote, bringing  lightness and fun to the performance. The Orchestra was excellent, filling the (thankfully) cool night air with the warm and inviting sounds of Sousa, Rodgers, and Tchaikovsky. It was a wonderful event, a fun evening, and hopefully inspired one or two of the kids in the audience to think a little bit about picking up and instrument and giving it a try.

For more information on The Florida Orchestra, check out floridaorchestra.org.