LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA BRINGS FREE CONCERTS TO LOCAL NEIGHBORHOODS WITH MUSIC WITHOUT BORDERS: ACROSS THE GLOBE

Press Release: Louisville Orchestra

Conductor Na’Zir McFadden leads two free community performances November 12 and 13, featuring music inspired by cultures around the world and a world premiere by Louisville Orchestra Creators Corps composer Seare Ahmad Farhat.

The Louisville Orchestra continues its commitment to making live orchestral music accessible throughout the community with Music Without Borders: Across the Globe, offering two free performances on November 12 at Valley High School and November 13 at Neighborhood House. Led by conductor Na’Zir McFadden, the concerts will take audiences on a musical journey across cultures, landscapes, and traditions, bringing world-class orchestral music directly into Louisville neighborhoods.

Presented by Jim and Irene Karp and Metro Louisville, Music Without Borders is designed to remove barriers to experiencing live orchestral music by bringing performances outside traditional concert halls and into familiar community spaces. Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and are free to attend, with advance reservations encouraged.

The program spans a wide range of musical styles and influences, beginning with Tchaikovsky's vibrant Capriccio Italien, inspired by the sights and sounds of Italy. Stravinsky's Symphony in Three Movements brings bold rhythms, dramatic contrasts, and unmistakable energy, while Bernard Rands' Adieu offers a more reflective musical experience featuring brass quintet and string orchestra.

A highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of Moved by the Beauty of the Trees, a new work by Louisville Orchestra Creators Corps composer Seare Ahmad Farhat, featuring vocalist Jean Bernard Cerin. The premiere continues the Orchestra's commitment to championing living composers and introducing audiences to new music alongside familiar orchestral masterpieces.

"Music Without Borders is about meeting people where they are and making the orchestra a part of their community," said Jude Vaclavik, CEO of the Louisville Orchestra. "You don't need to know anything about classical music to enjoy these concerts. We're bringing incredible musicians, exciting repertoire, and brand-new music into neighborhoods across Louisville, and everyone is welcome."

Under the direction of Na’Zir McFadden, Across the Globe invites audiences to discover the many ways music reflects the places, people, and experiences that inspire it. From colorful orchestral traditions to contemporary works exploring identity and the natural world, the program celebrates music's ability to connect audiences across cultural and geographic boundaries.

Music Without Borders is one of the Louisville Orchestra's signature community initiatives, creating opportunities for residents to experience live orchestral performances close to home. Through free concerts in schools, neighborhood centers, and other accessible spaces, the series welcomes new audiences while strengthening the Orchestra's connections throughout Louisville.

Concert Information

Music Without Borders: Across the Globe

Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7:30 p.m.Valley High School

Friday, November 13, 2026, 7:30 p.m.Neighborhood HouseAccepting canned goods and non-perishable food items for Thanksgiving

Admission: FREE. Advance reservations encouraged.Runtime: Approximately 90 minutes, without intermission.

For more information and to reserve free tickets, visit louisvilleorchestra.org.