Q&A with Co-Chairs Mary Morgan Ketchel and Lisa Manning
Interview by Amelia Rose Smith
The Nashville Symphony Fashion Show is one of the most highly anticipated events in Music City, and this year’s show to be held April 25th – promises to be a memorable one. In this Q&A, Co-Chairs Mary Morgan Ketchel and Lisa Manning share their insights on what sets the Nashville Symphony apart from other orchestras and reveal their personal experiences at the Nashville Symphony. They also give us a sneak peek into this year’s fashion show, featuring designer Brandon Maxwell and emcee Kristin Chenoweth. So, join us for an interview with these two dynamic women who are passionate about giving back to their community and supporting one of Nashville’s treasures.
YW: What inspired you to Co-Chair the Nashville Symphony Fashion Show?
Mary Morgan: The Nashville Symphony is a treasure and the Symphony Fashion Show has been a long-time favorite girls’ night out. Volunteering my time as a Co-Chair is a way to give back, and I was honored to be asked. Plus, I was excited to get to work with Lisa!
Lisa: Co-chairing the Symphony Fashion Show is a creative, festive way to support one of Nashville’s treasures – our beloved Symphony.
YW: What do you think sets the Nashville Symphony apart from other orchestras?
Mary Morgan: The Schermerhorn Symphony Center is one of the top performance halls in the world. The acoustics are impeccable, the architecture is stunning and it is perfectly seated in Music City just down the hill from music row.
Lisa: The Symphony Fashion Show supports the Accelerando program, which offers music education for young, gifted students of diverse backgrounds. The quality of our musicians is enhanced by the unique acoustic components in our state-of-the-art performance hall.
YW: What was the planning process like for this year’s fashion show?
Mary Morgan: Our partnership with Gus Mayer gives Symphony Fashion Show attendees the opportunity to shop Brandon Maxwell runway looks before and after the fashion show—you will see many women donning outfits from this year’s featured designer!
Kristen Chenoweth is a dream emcee and performer. It is because of the reputation of our
Nashville Symphony that she said yes!
We have worked with celebrity event planner Dori Waller to design this year’s Symphony Fashion Show. We hope to create the feeling of a New York night in Nashville for our guests.
Lisa: Brandon and Kristin are exactly the combination we imagined! Thanks to Janice Morgan at Gus Mayer—who has wonderful designer relationships and always finds us a jewel—we were able to secure Brandon Maxwell and his team. And we have Alan Valentine of the Nashville Symphony to thank for securing musical powerhouse Kristin Chenoweth as emcee and entertainer.
YW: Describe the 2023 Nashville Symphony Fashion Show in three words.
Mary Morgan: New York (meets) Nashville!
Lisa: Chic, Delightful, Transporting.
YW: Tell about a memorable experience you have had at a Nashville Symphony performance or event.
Mary Morgan: Lisa and I have both been involved with the Symphony Fashion Show in past years. The fun thing about the Symphony Fashion Show is it is often quite a star-studded event, so you never know whom you will have the opportunity to meet, thanks to our partner Gus Mayer who brings major designers and their teams in for the event. I will always remember having the opportunity to toast the evening with a notable style icon and famous designer.
Lisa: I cannot name just one, because the musical performances by our Nashville Symphony have taken me many places. I will always hold dear the times I have seen musical icons play with our Nashville Symphony, such as BB King, Itzak Perlman, Chris Thile, Yo-Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer. We are so fortunate to be a part of this community.
YW: What will you be wearing to the Spring Fashion Show?
Mary Morgan: I will wear a floor length chiffon gown by Brandon Maxwell.
Lisa: I will also be in a Brandon Maxwell dress that I fell in love with through a photo! It reflects my style, is comfortable and I will enjoy wearing it to this festive and fun occasion.
For more information on the Nashville Schermerhorn Symphony Center and the Accelerando Program, visit nashvillesymphony.org
