Aaron T. Collins Lauded for Cultural Leadership

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra Conductor, Artistic Director acknowledged by Cultural Council of Indian River County, Florida

(Vero Beach, FL) May 10, 2016 – During a glittering evening April 20th at the Riomar Country Club in Vero Beach, Aaron T. Collins was presented with the Richard A. Stark Laurel award for Cultural Leadership.  Awarded by the Cultural Council of Indian River County, the Richard A. Stark Laurel Award for Cultural Leadership is given annually to “an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership in promoting the cultural arts, and in providing encouragement, involvement, and motivation to others in support of the cultural arts.”  Maestro Collins was cited for his collaborative efforts in the arts community, for giving voice to new musical compositions, mentoring youth musicians and the design and implementation of Symphony for Everyone, a program which provides substantially discounted or free admission to any concert.  Collins and the symphony he began in 2009 are both based in Brevard County, Florida, with concerts presented regularly in neighboring Indian River County.  The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a two-fold mission: to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest young musicians as well as to provide professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices.  The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians, music educators and mentored amateurs of exceptional ability.  The ultimate goal of the organization is to help ensure the symphonic tradition for the enjoyment of future generations. For more information, call toll free to 855-252-7276 or visitwww.SpaceCoastSymphony.org.

Executive Director of the Cultural Council of Indian River County, Barbara Hoffman reflected on the 2016 winner of the Richard A. Stark Laurel Award for Cultural Leadership, Aaron T. Collins.

“Aaron exemplifies the meaning of the award with his exceptional leadership in promoting the arts and in providing encouragement, involvement and motivation to others,” said Ms. Hoffman. “He has won the hearts of Indian River County residents through his professionalism, his dedication and his passion for sharing his music with all.  We are proud to honor him as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Laurel Award.”

For more information about the Space Coast Symphony 2015-16 season or the Symphony for Everyone discount ticket program, please visit www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call toll-free (855) 252-7276.

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ABOUT THE SPACE COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA— The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians, music educators and mentored amateurs of exceptional ability.  The Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a two-fold mission: to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest young musicians as well as to provide professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices.  The ultimate goal of the organization is to help ensure the symphonic tradition for the enjoyment of future generations.

33- year old Aaron T. Collins is garnering recognition for his achievements.  LEAD Brevard named the ambitious Collins one of their “4 under 40” Young Professionals, the youngest-ever recipient of the honor.  Space Coast Businessmagazine listed him as one of Brevard’s “100 Most Admired Businesspeople.” In 2016, Collins won the Richard A. Stark Award for cultural leadership from the Cultural Council of Indian River County.   Through his personal involvement with more than a dozen performing arts groups, pioneering reciprocal ad program and social media cross promotions, Collins has gained a reputation for generosity; championing other arts organizations throughout Central Florida for the cultural enrichment of the community.

The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra performs in several very comfortable venues in Brevard and Indian River counties, with advance general admission tickets priced at just $20.  School-aged children 18 years and under are admitted free of charge, as are college students with a valid ID.  In keeping with their mission, the symphony provides a unique Symphony for Everyone ticketing program, a “pay-what-you-can” option designed to provide substantially discounted admission to any Space Coast Symphony concert.

Relying on a non-traditional orchestra model and a slim budget, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only 17 U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. In addition to maintaining the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra and Space Coast Symphony Wind Orchestra, the non-profit organization provides numerous separate and free ensemble performances. More information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts, ticket sales, venues, directions and sponsorship opportunities is available at www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org by calling toll free (855) 252-7276.