Maestro Mariusz Smolij conducts the Acadiana Symphony during a concert at St. Peter’s Church, one of four free concerts sponsored by patrons of Iberia Cultural Resources Association.

Childhood memories of fine instruments performing pop and classical music remain well into adult years. The Iberia Cultural Resources Association understands the impact on a community of having access to hearing the classics, Broadway tunes and fun instrumentation, with an occasional trained voice sprinkled in. Since 2007, they have sponsored free concerts for Teche Area residents.

“If not for the support of our patrons, we would not be able to give this gift to the community of having the Acadiana Symphony perform for free,” said Cathy Indest. “The patrons party is our way of saying thanks for making New Iberia a culturally diverse community.”

Thursday the patrons of the concert series will be honored with a catered event at The Sliman. Area restaurants, including Antoni’s, Beau Solieu, Bonefish Grill, Clemetines Downtown, Imonelli Restaurant, Landry’s Seafood & Steakhouse, Little River Inn and Nash’s, will be serving favorite dishes while Kirk Boudreaux entertains guests with upbeat keyboard stylings.

“Every year at the patrons party there is wonderful musical entertainment and an array of food that cannot be resisted,” said ICRA board member Bryan Gautreaux. “It allows those who support the concerts to be acknowledged. Everyone knows everyone and they get to visit.”

Gautreaux said each concert brings the community an opportunity to enjoy talented musicians in the ASO, the jewel of Acadiana. Newcomers are always welcome and still have time to attend the annual gathering at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at The Sliman. Maestro Mariusz Smolij will be the special guest.

“Champagne for the ears” best describes the music presented in the second concert of the New Iberia Acadiana Symphony Orchestra Season. This year “A Prelude To Spring” will take place at 3 p.m. Feb. 25 at St. Peter’s Church and will feature the concert theme “From Russia With Love.”

Two selections, by request, are repeated from last year’s chamber concert. The tradition of chamber music dates back to small concerts given for royalty. Italian love songs also will be performed at the concert by Holden Greene, tenor. Soprano Andrea Mouton and Brian Shaw on trumpet round out the specials during the upbeat concert.

To RSVP for the patron party or to become one, call Angela Cestia at 256-3187.