The Louisville Orchestra is proud to kick off its 2025–2026 Music Without Borders series with a free concert at Portland’s Neighborhood House (201 N 25th St, Louisville, KY 40212) on Friday, November 7th at 7:30 PM, offering residents the opportunity to experience the power and joy of live symphonic music right in their own neighborhood.
Music Without Borders is a flagship community program by the Louisville Orchestra that reflects the organization’s commitment to access, inclusion, and neighborhood engagement. By performing in locations outside the traditional concert hall, the orchestra seeks to dissolve cultural and economic barriers, offering residents from all backgrounds the chance to connect through shared musical experiences. Whether someone is attending their very first concert or has been a lifelong supporter, Music Without Borders offers an inviting, informal atmosphere designed for everyone.
This season’s opening program, Music Without Borders: Pictures at an Exhibition, showcases a vibrant and varied repertoire that spans the contemporary and the classic. Conducted by Gabriel Lefkowitz, Concertmaster and Resident Conductor of the Louisville Orchestra, the program includes:
- Jupiter, Colossus by Chelsea Komschlies, a current Louisville Orchestra Creators Corps composer. Komschlies’ music is known for its vivid textures, rhythmic drive, and imaginative orchestration. This piece brings a bold, modern voice to the evening’s lineup.
- Danses sacrée et profane by Claude Debussy, featuring Louisville Orchestra harpist Grace Roepke. These contrasting dances sacred and profane highlight the expressive range of the harp and showcase the sensitivity of the string ensemble in an elegant, contemplative work.
- Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky, orchestrated by Maurice Ravel. This well-loved showpiece takes listeners on a walk through an imaginary art gallery, with vivid musical portraits ranging from playful sketches to triumphant fanfares. It remains one of the most thrilling examples of orchestral storytelling.
In an added dimension of artistic collaboration, both concerts will also feature visual artwork by students from DuPont Manual High School’s Visual Arts Magnet. These student works will complement the Mussorgsky piece, giving the audience a multisensory experience that unites music and visual art in new and compelling ways.
“Music is for everyone. That is the foundation of Music Without Borders,” said Louisville Orchestra Music Director Teddy Abrams. “By going into neighborhoods and sharing these world-class performances in relaxed, welcoming settings, we’re not just giving concerts we’re building community, inviting people into the creative process, and affirming that the arts are a vital part of everyday life.”
Now entering its fourth year, Music Without Borders continues to grow as one of the Louisville Orchestra’s most beloved and impactful programs. Each event is presented free of charge and is open to all. Seating is general admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information about Music Without Borders, visit LouisvilleOrchestra.org
Join Us for Neighbor Nite
Make your way to Neighborhood House’s final Neighbor Nite of 2025! On Thursday, November 20th from 5:30-7:00 PM, Neighborhood House will be filled with friends, families, and community partners. Come snap a new (FREE!) headshot or family photo with photographers from Kertis Creative. Sign up in advance by calling or visiting Neighborhood House, walk-ins are also welcome.
