Charlotte Symphony concert in Fort Mill will honor Anne Springs Close. Here are details
Anne Springs Close loved the arts, and she loved nature. Both will come together in her memory Sunday.
The portion of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will perform a tribute concert at 3 p.m. at the Comporium Amphitheater, the large performance venue at the Anne Springs Close Greenway. Gates open at 2 p.m. There is no admission charge and parking fees will be waived.
Close died last year at age 95. In addition to providing land and resources for the 2,100-acre nature preserve in Fort Mill that bears her name, Close was a steady supporter of the arts including the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in particular.
“Anne Close was a passionate supporter of the arts, as well as the environment,” said John Gordon, CEO of Leroy Springs & Co. that runs the Greenway. “She championed many causes.”
The concert is held in partnership with Foundation for the Carolinas. A food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, another nonprofit Close supported, is part of the event with attendees encouraged to bring canned or boxed food items for donations. Gently used books brought for donation will be used by the Little Free Library at the Greenway.
“Mrs. Close believed deeply that all people, regardless of circumstance, should have access to the arts and the outdoors – two things that she loved dearly,” Gordon said.
Attendees can bring blankets, chairs and picnics for the concert. Beer, wine and soda will be sold. Tents, glasses and outside alcohol aren’t allowed.
Close was a prominent member of the Fort Mill community for decades as part of the Springs family that employed many in town through its downtown mill. The family also provided recreation for people throughout town from equestrian lessons to operation and eventual donation to the town of the former Leroy Springs Recreation Complex.
Hundreds of people, including Gov. Henry McMaster and dignitaries from throughout the area, attended last year’s memorial service at the Greenway after Close’s death.
This story was originally published September 19, 2022 at 11:38 AM with the headline "Charlotte Symphony concert in Fort Mill will honor Anne Springs Close. Here are details."
