2016 – Nashville Symphony Harmony Award

Mrs. David (Melissa) Mahanes III and Mrs. Laurence (Elizabeth) Papel, co-chairs of the 2016 Symphony Ball fundraiser, have proudly announced that banjoist Béla Fleck will be the recipient of the 2016 Harmony Award. Presented each year by the Nashville Symphony, the Harmony Award recognizes an individual who best exemplifies the harmonious spirit of Nashville’s musical community.

Fleck will be honored at the 32nd annual Symphony Ball on Saturday, December 10, 2016, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

“Being named this year’s Harmony Award winner is a wonderful honor,” said Fleck. “I’m so proud of our hometown Nashville Symphony, and being acknowledged by the organization in this way makes me ever more certain that I am on the right track.”

“Over the years,” said Mahanes, “Nashville Symphony’s Harmony Award has annually recognized those in the world of music who are both outstanding talents and important contributors to what makes Nashville such a special place. Throughout his illustrious career, Béla Fleck has brilliantly bridged the gap between a wide array of musical genres and styles, and established himself as a pioneering instrumentalist and songwriter.”

“With his adventurous spirit, Béla epitomizes everything this prestigious award represents,” added Papel. “He brought together the worlds of bluegrass and classical music in his concerto collaboration with the Nashville Symphony, and we are both thrilled to welcome him back to the Schermerhorn for what promises to be a special evening.”