The show will go on thanks in part to the Consumers Energy Foundation, which recently awarded the Jackson Symphony Orchestra with grant funding that is integral to the success of the JSO’s Signature Series.

The Consumers Energy Foundation awarded the Jackson Symphony Orchestra a $35,000 grant, which is a $5,000 increase over previous years. The grant will support the JSO’s Signature Series, which consists of five concerts held at the Potter Center on the campus of Jackson College and at Weatherwax Hall in downtown Jackson. The Consumers Energy Foundation will remain the principal partner and main sponsor of the Signature Series.

“We know that arts and culture are vital to the health of Michigan communities, and the JSO is an example of how an arts organization can enrich our own hometown,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “We are excited to provide this support to the JSO and help extend their rich musical heritage.

“The Consumers Energy Foundation’s ongoing support helps make what we do possible,” said Steve Trosin, the JSO’s Executive Director. “We honestly couldn’t ask for a better community partner. We’re extremely grateful for what they’ve done for us and what they continue to do for us. Their sponsorship as a principal partner helps underwrite the entire Signature Series. It’s able to happen because of their support.”

This year’s Signature Series celebrates the many organizations and people in the Jackson community. The Jackson Symphony Orchestra will collaborate with Conductor Laureate Stephen Osmond and showcase the Jackson Youth Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Chelsea, Jackson-native speed painter Evan Struck and the Jackson Chorale. The music chosen for this season has been written by composers from a variety of backgrounds, including familiar names like Shostakovich, Sibelius and Mahler as well as works by Ravel and Mussorgsky.

None of that would be possible without community support, including this most recent grant.

“The Consumers Energy Foundation offers support to the community and is a great example of good corporate citizenship,” said Belle Coty, the JSO’s Director of Fund and Audience Development. “The foundation invests so much money in the hometown of Consumers Energy and helps the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and so many other organizations to do what they do and improve life in the community.”

The Signature Series, part of the JSO’s 73rd concert season, will kick off with “The Maestro Returns” on Oct. 1 at the Potter Center and will wrap up with “Epic Mahler” on April 22. Season tickets are available at jacksonsymphony.org. First-time subscribers get 50 percent off the cost of season tickets. Single-event tickets go on sale Sept. 1.

About the Consumers Energy Foundation:

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation enables communities to thrive and grow by investing in what’s most important to Michigan – its people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2021, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $17.5 million to Michigan nonprofits. For more information, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation.