Orchestra Iowa’s ‘Generation O’ series kicks off

• What: Orchestra Iowa presents Neocons
• When: Thurs., Nov. 12.
  • 6 p.m. Preconcert reception, Zins, 227 Second Ave. SE
  • 7 p.m. Behind-the-scenes tour, Sinclair Auditorium, 1220 First Ave. NE
  • 8 p.m. Neocons Performance, Sinclair Auditorium, 1220 First Ave. NE
• Cost: Generation O tickets are $25; concert tickets are $14 to $39 through www.orchestraiowa.org or (319) 366-8203 or 1 (800) 369- TUNE (8863)
• Other Neocons performances: 2 p.m., Sunday, Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City. Tickets are $14 to $39 through www.orchestraiowa.org or (319) 366-8203 or 1 (800) 369- TUNE (8863)
• Future Generation O concerts: Fire and Ice (January 23) and Signature Sounds (April 22).

Think going to the symphony means blue-haired ladies, unforgiving ushers and the agony of not knowing when to clap? Think again. Tonight, Cedar Rapids’ Orchestra Iowa launches the first installment of “Generation O,” a series of events designed to bring young professionals and other symphony listeners together over a glass of wine and a night on the town.

For the doubters among us, it may just prove that classical music is sexy.

The event, a new offering this year from Orchestra Iowa, has all the ingredients of a posh night out: a preconcert cocktail reception at Zins in Cedar Rapids, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour at Coe College’s Sinclair Auditorium with music director Timothy Hankewich, musicians and Orchestra Iowa production staff. Then it’s on to the entree, a program that features the well-known — Beethoven’s First Symphony — and the not-so-well-known – Respighi’s “Gli Uccelli.”

There’s a reason for that, says Hankewich.

“It’s important to give audiences a taste of something they know they’re going to like, but like any great meal, to introduce something that they’re unfamiliar with but likely to remember even more,” he says.

For Generation O, the goal is to offer young Corridor professionals — and anyone else who likes a little Beethoven with their Brie — a social networking event at an affordable price as well as a backstage pass to the world of classical music.

“The point of this whole Generation O experience is to introduce people to the orchestra, introduce them to great music, but at the same time break down the barriers so that they’re not afraid,” Hankewich says. “People love to learn, but on the other hand, they hate to feel ignorant. When you can create a safe atmosphere where people can come together, go out, have a great time with their friends and enjoy great music – then you’re in for a good evening.”

That’s a particularly important thing to keep in mind, considering that while America’s orchestras are good at reaching school-age children and their parents — or perhaps grandparents — 20 and 30-somethings can sometimes be overlooked. And reaching that market can be crucial to the continued success of the orchestra as well as the well-being of its audience.

“Nowhere is it written in stone that a community needs to have a symphony orchestra,” Hankewich explains. “Like all the arts, we have to earn our relevancy every day, and that means reaching out to new audiences and making the orchestra as visible as possible in as many contexts as possible.”

That combination of social networking and community outreach is something that Hankewich, who’s in his fourth year as an Iowan after leaving his previous post in Kansas City, understands personally.

“It’s been a real privilege getting a chance to know some of the great minds in this area,” he says.

By getting to know Orchestra Iowa friends and supporters, he explains, he’s been able to feel right at home in the Corridor — a sentiment that Generation O is designed to cultivate.

“It’s been remarkable, without a doubt, to enjoy getting the chance to become an Iowan and get acquainted with the community. I’ve made some of the best friends of my life here.”

— JESSICA