This is the story of a community orchestra based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra (also referred to as the NPO) is composed of amateur and professional musicians who gather weekly to rehearse music that is challenging, new, and diverse. They choose their venues (both traditional and nontraditional) to reach a large demographic of audiences. Their dedication and performance is of the highest quality and they do this as volunteers.

This documentary will explore how a group with such talent and purpose came to be. We will go behind the scenes to find out what it takes to keep a nonprofit orchestra going for 20 years. They will share stories from along the way and how the NPO has been a catalyst for so many friendships, families, and new fans of symphonic music. We’ll witness from the perspectives of both the orchestra and the audience as they rehearse and perform the music of the 2022-2023 season.

My name is Joe Gomez and I’m a filmmaker focusing mainly on documentary-based work. Empathy is at the center of every interaction, shoot and product that I make. A necessary warmth is key to respectfully see and celebrate the subject, but also in guiding the viewer along for the time they’ve given to watch.

I’ve traveled the world making documentaries and telling the stories of people while taking great care in the portrayal of them and the things they value.

Over the last decade, I’ve found great joy in the work of capturing the magic between a person and their craft. Many of my projects have been about local Nashvillians. From our local chefs, brewers, craftsmen, and fellow artists, I’ve had the opportunity to witness and document many of the people who have made this city and state great. My most recent series, “Labor of Love” explores the elusive question: How do you know when you’re done?

It was that specific desire that brought me to approaching the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra to make a documentary. Little did I know how much the organization and I shared, in our ideals regarding diversity, inclusion, and justice. They are passionate about both the musicians and the audience, steward diversity on both ends, and have been doing this for nearly 20 years. The overlap of those core values between the Philharmonic and myself cemented their story as necessary to be documented and shared.

As a non-profit 501 (c)(3), the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra relies on the support and generosity of the community to continue its mission creating opportunities for musicians to bring symphonic music across Nashville while fostering a love for the arts through performance and community outreach.

The lifelong relationships made because of it, the thousands of hours of music rehearsed and performed, and the mission of inclusion through each facet are a testament to the wonderful people that have made up the NPO for the last 20 years and an important part of Nashville history that deserves record and celebration.