The esteemed South Shore Orchestra, led by its visionary founder and music director, Troy Webdell, captivated audiences during its recent Veterans Day concert titled “Symphonic Tribute: A Salute to Our Heroes.” This poignant event took place at the historic Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso, Indiana, on Tuesday, November 11, coinciding with the venue’s 131st anniversary, which has long stood as a testament to the community’s dedication to honoring its veterans.
As a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, the concert was made available free of charge to all veterans, reinforcing the South Shore Orchestra’s unwavering commitment to nurturing community ties through the power of music and paying homage to those who have valiantly defended the nation. For Webdell, the concert transcended mere performance; it served as an essential reminder of the sacrifices made by America’s veterans.
“Our veterans are America’s greatest heroes,” he passionately articulated. “Without them, we would not enjoy the freedoms that we do now.” This sentiment resonated throughout the evening as the program showcased an inspiring blend of both beloved patriotic anthems and contemporary American compositions.
A diverse selection of musical pieces filled the concert hall, including the stirring strains of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the spirited march “Stars and Stripes Forever” by the iconic John Philip Sousa. Modern touches were added to the concert with thrilling selections such as the Theme from “Mission: Impossible” and the much-anticipated Indiana premiere of “Planet of Life” by celebrated composer Philip Glass. This rich array balanced traditional tributes with contemporary reflections of American spirit and resilience.
The Memorial Opera House carries a profound legacy of honoring veterans, having originally been established as Memorial Hall. This significant initiative was initiated by Chaplain Brown Post No. 106 of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), in partnership with the Women’s Relief Corps (WRC), who collectively raised the initial funds required for its construction.
Constructed in 1893 by the architectural genius Charles F. Lembke and the builder John D. Wilson & Son, Memorial Hall became the first dedicated space in the state to pay tribute to Porter County’s Civil War veterans. Over the decades, it has evolved into a dynamic living memorial that stands as a testament to the sacrifices of the community’s servicemen and women. While its name transitioned to the Memorial Opera House in 1897, its essential mission has remained unchanged: honoring those who served through community engagement and the celebration of the arts.
The concert marked a momentous occasion as the opera house reopened following a transformative four-month renovation. Veterans in attendance were greeted with a stunning revitalization of this beloved venue, many of whom were visiting for the first time and expressed overwhelming gratitude at the restored beauty of the space.
As Webdell conducted the South Shore Orchestra, the air was charged with powerful emotions and patriotic music. The evocative melodies stirred memories of past service and sacrifice, prompting several attendees to be visibly moved to tears. The atmosphere in the hall was steeped in sentimentality as veterans and community members united to honor the sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces.
“America’s diverse creative output and artistry speaks volumes about our collective spirit,” Webdell noted. He emphasized the importance of featuring both the country’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring spirit of resilience through the carefully curated musical selections.
“Music is the universal language, and it is our responsibility as musicians to provide this music to our community to aid in the understanding of our veterans’ sacrifices for our nation,” he remarked, highlighting the role of music in bridging connections and fostering appreciation.
A standout moment of the concert was the Indiana premiere of “Planet of Life,” a moving piece drawn from Philip Glass’s “Life: A Journey Through Time,” which pays homage to renowned National Geographic photographer Frans Lanting. Webdell explained, “This piece honors the National Geographic Society, which has been an American staple of exploration and education for decades,” intertwining the themes of valor and exploration.
This dedication resonated beyond veterans, celebrating the pioneers in art, science, and exploration who collectively enrich the cultural tapestry of the nation. Webdell hoped that the concert’s variety would allow people from all walks of life to find relatable and uplifting elements within the program. Above all, he aspired for the music to forge meaningful connections with each audience member, especially veterans.
As the Memorial Opera House commemorated its historical significance on Veterans Day, the Symphonic Tribute concert emerged as a profoundly emotional homage to both past and present heroes. Webdell and the South Shore Orchestra thereby embraced the community, inviting all to join in a heartfelt tribute to recognize the valor of veterans and reflect on the enduring importance of legacy through artistic expression.
To learn more about South Shore Orchestra, visit southshoreorchestra.org.
**Interview with Troy Webdell, Founder and Music Director of the South Shore Orchestra**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Troy. The recent “Symphonic Tribute: A Salute to Our Heroes” concert was a remarkable event. Can you tell us what inspired you to create this tribute for Veterans Day?
**Troy Webdell:** Thank you for having me. The inspiration came from a deep-seated respect for our veterans and a desire to create a meaningful way to acknowledge their sacrifices. It’s essential to remind our community that these brave men and women are the reason we enjoy our freedoms. Music has always had the power to connect people, and I wanted to harness that power to honor them properly.
**Editor:** The concert not only featured classic patriotic anthems but also contemporary pieces, including the Indiana premiere of “Planet of Life” by Philip Glass. How did you select the repertoire for the evening?
**Troy Webdell:** I aimed for a blend that would evoke strong emotions and provide a sense of nostalgia while also highlighting modern American artistry. Including pieces like “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Stars and Stripes Forever” connects us to our history, whereas contemporary works speak to today’s American spirit and resilience. It was vital to showcase a diverse representation of our nation’s creativity and homage to those who serve.
**Editor:** The Memorial Opera House has such a rich history, particularly in honoring veterans. How does the venue’s legacy impact the experience of the concert for attendees?
**Troy Webdell:** The Memorial Opera House’s legacy adds immense weight to the event. Originally constructed as a tribute to Civil War veterans, its presence serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by those in our community. When veterans enter the hall, many of them feel a deep connection to its history, especially after the recent renovations that revitalized the space. The emotional atmosphere created is truly special, as people reflect on both individual and collective experiences related to service.
**Editor:** You mentioned that some audience members were visibly moved at the concert. What reactions did you witness, and how did they resonate with you as a conductor?
**Troy Webdell:** As a conductor, nothing is more gratifying than seeing the audience connect with the music on such a profound level. Many veterans shared their stories with me after the concert, expressing gratitude for the acknowledgment of their service and sacrifice. Witnessing some tear up during the performance reinforced the importance of what we are doing. It’s a reminder that music is not just about notes on a page, but about sharing human experiences and emotions.
**Editor:** what message do you hope to convey through events like this concert, and how do you see the South Shore Orchestra continuing to support the community in the future?
**Troy Webdell:** I hope to convey that music is a powerful medium for healing and connection. Events like this remind us of our shared humanity and the sacrifices made for our freedom. Moving forward, I envision the South Shore Orchestra continuing to engage with the community through projects that honor and support our veterans, while also showcasing the rich diversity of America’s cultural heritage. My hope is that through music, we can build bridges and create conversations that foster appreciation and understanding across generations.
**Editor:** Thank you, Troy, for sharing your insight and passion with us. We look forward to seeing how the South Shore Orchestra will continue to inspire and connect the community.
**Troy Webdell:** Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the power of music and its role in our community.