The Santa Barbara Symphony and Granada Theatre partnered to kick off the symphony’s newly-designed 2020-21 performance season Oct. 17.

Overcoming the odds in a COVID-19 pandemic environment, the organizations produced Cabaret with Kabaretti, a show designed by the symphony’s music and artistic director Nir Kabaretti for home viewing experience.

The community responded enthusiastically to the opening performance, contributing a total of $120,000 in gifts ranging from $25-$25,000. The funds ensured the costs of the event were covered, while helping to raise additional funds critical to each organization during COVID-19.

Nearly 1,000 households tuned in to watch the symphony’s opening night concert and the rebroadcast on Oct. 18.

After the broadcast, momentum continued as philanthropists Sarah and Roger Chrisman, inspired by the impact of the collaboration, surprised each organization with equal gifts of $100,000. The symphony is honoring the Chrisman’s as 2020-21 Season Sponsors, the first individuals to hold that title.

“This was a momentous occasion as members of our orchestra were able to be together again on stage, and everyone rose above and beyond expectations,” said Kabaretti.

“Knowing that we wouldn’t have an audience in the hall, the storytelling aspect of the performance became very important and cabaret was a perfect format to share stories through music,” he said.

“We chose to celebrate the Great American Songbook genre with legendary songs that have stood the test of time and continue to lift up hearts and spirits,” he said.

With 25% of all on-line orders coming from outside Santa Barbara and as far away as Tokyo, the symphony’s 2020-21 season solidifies its cultural ambassador role, exporting the arts in Santa Barbara globally. Additionally, ticket-holders have been taking advantage of the recording being available on-demand to watch again.

The Cabaret livestream recording is available for purchase until Nov. 17, click here for tickets.

“We knew from the very beginning that we had to find a path forward, so we looked inward, we learned from arts colleagues around the country, we talked with our musicians and our audiences, while keeping up to date on safety protocols,” said Kathryn R. Martin, interim CEO of the Santa Barbara Symphony.

“With the artistic vision of music and artistic director Nir Kabaretti, together with the leadership of the Granada Theatre, our board and staff created a plan to deliver on our mission in new ways,” she said.

“This extraordinary opening performance was one that will be remembered forever, demonstrating the resiliency of the Santa Barbara Symphony and the power music has to bring audiences together across the globe,” she said.

“This was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with the Santa Barbara Symphony to present our first on-stage performance since March,” said Palmer Jackson, executive chairman of the Granada Theatre.

“Our mission is to provide a professional venue for our resident companies, and the Santa Barbara Symphony, our locally based professional symphony, is one of these important partners,” Jackson said. “This partnership required both organizations to stretch themselves as we’ve never done anything quite like this.

“The past seven months have been the most challenging period in the history of the Granada, so it was extremely fulfilling to be able to ‘re-emerge’ with this innovative first-of-its-kind performance. This effort illustrates the synergy that exists between our organization and the symphony — we both need each other.”

Opening the symphony’s seven-concert season, Cabaret with Kabaretti was filmed live on stage at the Granada Theatre days before the streaming event, with 22 members of the Santa Barbara Symphony. The musicians were spaced on stage to maintain social distancing and other safety measures were in place.

Cabaret with Kabaretti was hosted by actress/singer Leslie Zemeckis and featured Broadway star Lisa Vroman. Kabaretti said he was inspired to produce the show to provide a way for music lovers to feel connected again during a pandemic.

The event was co-chaired by Janet Garufis, Santa Barbara Symphony Board chair; and Jackson, Jr. Committee members included Ed Birch, Dan Burnham, Mary Dorra, Brooks Firestone, Bob Montgomery and Anne Towbes.

For additional information, visit www.thesymphony.org and www.granadasb.org.