"The three of us were so grateful for the special experience of spending time with... contemporary composers and getting a peek into your professional lives.  Your everyday work environment is an unknown, magical place for us who are usually spectators and not participants."

- Past Concert Buddy

"Concert Buddies is a really special experience. Being able to connect with an orchestra of this caliber in this low-pressure, intimate way is extraordinary. The highlight of this experience was connecting with other people over a shared musical experience. And the fact that it's led by [an] LOCC composer makes the whole experience even sweeter. It's this really fascinating way to get into their mind, learning how they listen and what that listening means to them. The structure of the evening is both simple, but also filled with unintentional moments that make the experience very organic and engaging... Overall, this experience is a powerful example of community engagement done right."

- Past Concert Buddy

"I believe it is invaluable for our communities to have opportunities to build connections and peek behind the curtain to see what other creative people are doing and how their world works. Not only is it inspiring but gives people the idea that they could do it too! Whether we become involved in production or simply come to relax and enjoy the concerts, a sense of belonging to something bigger flourishes! I look forward to my new connections and personal stories I can share to support such a wonderfully creative and talented organization. I will be happily bringing my friends to future events because I felt so warmly welcomed. I'm excited to introduce them too!"

- Past Concert Buddy