Community Spotlight: Heartland Symphony Wants Runners To Beat Beethoven

In an effort to combine the running world with the music world, the Heartland Symphony Orchestra hosted their 3^rd annual Beat Beethoven 5k.

“It helps us reach a new audience, besides the people that typically come to a classical music concert,” said race organizer Kaarin Hanske. “It is really nice to take those two pieces and put them together.”

Throughout the course, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony as performed by the Heartland Symphony Orchestra was playing in the background. If runners crossed the finish line before the music stopped, they would receive a free ticket to their next concert.

“For the community to gather together and enjoy high quality classical music is so important, and we are so happy to be here enjoying this fundraiser and bringing the community together for fundraisers like this as well,” said Heartland Symphony Orchestra conductor Alex Corbett.

The money raised will go to the orchestra, where a portion will be designated to musical outreach in the schools.

“Being a teacher, I know it is important for kids to have that experience when they are young and then all the way through middle school, where they can start learning instruments and enjoying some musical experiences that aren’t typically on the radio,” Hanske said.

The top finishing male and female of the 5K will win the prized Beethoven bobble head.

“I think it is a great idea, I’m so excited to be here and there is so much energy going on right now,” said runner Heather Meier.

Organizers hope that this excitement about music will remain in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

“It just shows you that classical music is such an integral part of our community,” Corbett said.

“We play some really high caliber music at our orchestra concerts, so it really is a unique experience for our area to have an orchestra like this,” Hanske said.

In its 41^st season, the Heartland Symphony Orchestra has a long-standing tradition of bringing classical music to central Minnesota.

“It’s just really cool to see the community support that comes along with kids that are just starting orchestra in 5^th and 6^th grade, and then they bring their families out,” Hanske said.

It was a family fun race with a goal of beating Beethoven.