The Charleston Symphony — independent of their management – has scheduled a promising pair of benefit events, beginning this weekend.

First up is a Benefit Concert at the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul this Saturday night (March 7), at 8 p.m. The concert theme will be “The Musicians of the Charleston Symphony Salute Charleston”. In between musical interludes, we’ll hear readings about Charleston and its history (significant events, great leaders, etc.). Donations will be gratefully accepted.

Then, on Tuesday (March 10), you can dine (and be entertained) sumptuously at Robert’s of Charleston – while supporting your orchestra. Robert has agreed to serve a special three-course dinner for $50 – and the requested minimum donation is $100.00 per person (wine will be extra). A string quartet from the orchestra will perform during dinner.

BTW, Mr. Ed Allman – the CSO’s terrific principal double bassist – called my attention to an eloquent and heartfelt op-ed article: Treasuring the Arts in Troubled Times, by distinguished conductor (and guitar virtuoso) JoAnn Falletta. I’m overjoyed to share it with you, right HERE (scroll down a few posts).

Only trouble is, she’s “preaching to the choir” here: this is the type of piece that always gets tossed about online amongst musicians and their fans. But how many mainstream, non-classically-sensitive folks will it reach? Help multiply its impact by sending it on to everybody you know – whether or not they can tell a sonata from a symphony. The performing arts need all the help they can get these days.