Beginning with the 2007 Nashville Symphony special events programs I have produced what we call "Community Hymn Sing with the Nashville Symphony". We print a small, words only, hymn book for the audience to use to sing along with the symphony on favorite old hymns. We also invite several "celebrity" artists or ensembles to walk on and sing one of their favorite hymns with the symphony and then invite the audience to sing along with them on another hymn. We do two programs on a Sunday -- 2:30 matinee and 7:30 evening. The first two years have been sellouts and the audience loves singing along with the symphony and really do so enthusiastically. David Hamilton is the conductor. He has toured with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith on their tours. He also does a lot of the arrangements. Some of the arrangements come from recording sessions of hymn CDs I have produced. The 140 voice Nashville Choir founded and directed by John Coates helps lead the audience and performs two numbers. We also let the symphony perform two or three pieces alone. Many in the audience have never heard the symphony or been in the magnificant Schermerhorn Symphony Center. I hope it makes them want to come back for more symphony concerts.
Artists that have participated in the programs are: Alison Krauss, Steven Curtis Chapman, Steve Green, David Phelps, CeCe Winans, Fisk Jubilee Singers (2007) and Amy Grant, Bill Gaither, Travis Cottrell, Melinda Doolittle, Belmont Chamber Singers, Out for Souls Gospel Choir and a gospel children's choir (2008).
The Nashville Symphony with the Nashville Choir and David Hamilton Conducting at the Community Hymn Sing, Schermerhorn Symphony Center.