MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO) is about to celebrate a major milestone and will soon mark their 45th anniversary of bringing professional music to Middle Tennessee. Area residents are invited to have their own milestone celebration this Valentine's in Februyary, with a romantic, up-close Valentine’s concert designed to set the mood for an unforgettable evening - - without the crowds because the upcoming concert will be two days before Valentine's Day.
On Thursday, February 12, the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra will present “Sweetheart & Swing” at the Center for the Arts, offering an intimate concert experience that blends timeless jazz standards with the infectious energy of swing music... That was orchestra board president Jane McNulty. The upcoming Valentine’s performance on the 12th will showcase six professional musicians performing classic jazz and swing favorites, creating a relaxed, close-quarters atmosphere ideal for couples, friends, and music lovers alike...
Billed as a perfect Valentine’s date night, Sweetheart & Swing promises an evening filled with smooth rhythms, irresistible melodies, and toe-tapping arrangements. Whether attendees are longtime jazz enthusiasts or discovering the genre for the first time, the concert is designed to celebrate love, music, and connection in a warm, engaging setting.
This year’s Valentine’s concert coincides with a significant anniversary for the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra. Founded in 1981 by esteemed conductor and musician Dr. Laurence Harvin, the ensemble began as the University Community Ensemble and has since grown into a fully professional orchestra serving audiences across the entire Middle Tennessee region. Over the past four-and-a-half decades, the TPO has expanded in size, diversity, and artistic reach, while maintaining a strong commitment to musical excellence.
McNulty told WGNS that now is the time for the community to have their own concert hall for performances... Throughout the years the orchestra has performed at various locations like the Stones River National Battlefield, Cannonsburgh Village, on the locsl square, the Fountains, Belle Aire Baptist Church, and numerous other venues throughout Rutherford County.
In addition to its performance schedule, the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra places a strong emphasis on education and community outreach. The orchestra’s education programs reach students from second through twelfth grade across Middle Tennessee, offering STEAM-based experiences that explore vibration, sound production, sound waves, pitch, and volume—concepts aligned with Tennessee Academic Standards for Science.
Students also benefit from the TPO’s popular instrument “petting zoo,” a hands-on opportunity to play instruments, examine their construction, and feel how sound vibrations are produced. Woodwind and string quartets from the orchestra have visited more than 21 city and county schools, as well as homeschools, Linebaugh Library, the Discovery Center, and Creekside Assisted Living Community. Orchestra officials say these live music experiences will continue for Rutherford County students in the coming school year.
The Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra says its mission remains rooted in investing in artists of all ages while making high-quality live music accessible to the community.
Tickets and additional information about Sweetheart & Swing and the orchestra’s 45th anniversary season are available at tnphil.org.
