TRAVERSE CITY — Concert-goers to Traverse Symphony Orchestra’s presentation of “Bach: Best of the Brandenburg Concertos” also heard a movement in the organization itself.
Nonprofit representatives announced a name change to “Traverse City Philharmonic” coinciding with the naming of the new music center under construction in the former K-Mart space in the Cherryland Center — the Traverse City Philharmonic Center.
They also received a $500,000 donation from Michigan State University Federal Credit Union’s Desk Drawer Fund dedicated to the construction and naming the building’s Rehearsal Hall, according to a news release.
TSO Executive Director Dr. Kedrik Merwin said the gift was essential to funding the 15,000-square-foot space and shows a dedication to “enriching the cultural fabric” of the community.
“It’s an exciting chapter in our history, and we wouldn’t be able to give back to the community with this new music center without this type of visionary partner,” Merwin said.
With an estimated opening in the fall of 2024, this new facility will become the home for orchestra and education rehearsals, organization offices, private music lessons, and recital space.
The group also intends to launch a youth orchestra, Parent and Baby classes, Suzuki lessons for young children and other expanded programming, according to previous reporting.
TSO has been active for 72 years, starting as a grassroots community orchestra. The Traverse Symphony Jazz Orchestra debuted in 2021. Further growth was announced in 2022 with the launch of the Sherry Milliken Reum and Family summer concert series, and continuing outreach performances in the region.
The TC Philharmonic name change will become online-official effective June 1, according to a news release.