What comes to mind when you think of classical music? The answer may depend on your age or cultural background.
Some people may think of the Baroque and Classical eras, and even the Romantic period, with famous composers such as Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. Others may consider it “old-fashioned,” “boring” or “dated.” But the art of symphony has enraptured audiences for many centuries. Beautifully composed combinations of strings, winds, brass and percussion instruments have created timeless compositions that have become a part of human history and nostalgic to those who appreciate the art.
Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, a professional regional orchestra founded in 1956, has continued to thrive as the leading musical resource for our community by masterfully evolving with the times while preserving musical history. In 2021, Anna Meyer took on the position of community engagement manager. A year later, and at just 22 years old, Meyer accepted the role of executive director.
Initially, age was a barrier. Meyers shared that being the youngest attendee in meetings and work spaces was an internal challenge that at times made her feel insecure, developing an intense need to prove herself.
As she grew in her new role, she began to see her youth as a strength; she brought with her a new perspective, energy, enthusiasm and awareness of current trends.
“I have come to realize that my youth has allowed me to make the symphony more diverse and accessible,” she said.
Meyer has been a lifelong arts lover, singing in choirs at school and church during childhood. In high school at the Durham School of the Arts, Meyer was given the opportunity to sing with the chamber chorus. There she was introduced to different genres of music, including classical music, and developed a love for working behind the scenes in creative spaces.
She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Arts in theater. Meyer focused her studies on stage management, overseeing all aspects of production for performances from start to finish. This background has fueled her passion and equipped her for the role of executive director.
Meyer, along with all of the staff of the symphony, strives to bridge the gap of musical arts between young adults and seasoned patrons by encouraging youth to expand their interest in musical performance, along with paying tribute to musical lovers who have paved the way for the genre of classical music.
“When I think of the words ‘Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra,’ I think of all of Fayetteville,” Meyer said.
As director, her vision has been that the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is a community resource, an orchestra that is for the entire community.
“We’re not just an orchestra for a certain type of person,” she said. “We really want to be reflective of our community with programs, concerts and events that inspire the community at different levels.”
This vision is not just hers alone — it is the mission of the entire team.
“We have a great team that’s really supported me in all of this work,” Meyer said. “My Music Director Stefan Sanders has been instrumental in our vision to make the symphony more accessible to the community.”
While Meyer manages the business aspect of the FSO, Sanders is in charge of its music. They work together with the rest of the symphony to create and execute performances.
Sanders characterizes music as a universal language.
“Good music is good music,” Sanders said. “Music has the ability to unify and bring different groups together.”
FSO offers many avenues for performances, such as “Symphony On Tap,” a program designed to engage a younger demographic by offering free concerts and live music at local restaurants. At these casual events, patrons eat, drink and converse all while listening to live music.
Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville State University and Methodist University also host FSO concerts and performances throughout the year. Concerts run about 90 minutes long, showcasing jazz and pop, but also leaning toward the classical music repertoire, with upbeat music that people can enjoy.
“There’s a lot of richness that your average person may not be exposed to if they haven’t taken the opportunity to explore the evolution of music,” Meyer said.
Sanders praises Meyer as “a bright, intelligent and hardworking individual.”
“Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is benefiting greatly from her efforts to run the organization with grace and character, extending herself to the community from the start,” Sanders said, “and [Meyer] has proven herself to be an excellent community leader.”
Thanks to dedicated leaders like Meyer, and the FSO team and its supporters, the music community of Fayetteville will continue to thrive for years to come.
Visit fayettevillesymphony.org for more information on upcoming concerts and events.
Read CityView Magazine’s “The Women’s Issue” March 2025 e-edition here.
