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Austin Symphony Orchestra

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Founded in 1911, the Austin Symphony Orchestra is Austin’s oldest performing arts group. The ASO offers a complete season of musical and educational programming. Classical concerts include a series of eight concert pairs running monthly September through May in the new state-of-the-art Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts. Our season also features the Sarah & Ernest Butler Pops Series: Fall & Winter Pops at the Long Center and Holiday & Promenade Pops at Palmer Events Center. Programming for the entire family includes the Halloween Children’s Concert, Christmas Sing-Along and the Family Concert, as well as the popular James C. Armstrong Youth Educations Programs, which include Children’s Day Art Park, Young People’s Concerts, AT&T High School Concerts and a variety of other school programs.

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Contact Info

    Austin Symphony Orchestra

    1101 Red River
    Austin, 78701

    Phone: (512)476-6064   |   Fax: (512)476-6242   |   Official Website

  • Current Events

    There are no current events available for this organization at this time.

  • Upcoming Events

    02/10/12	The Austin Symphony Presents: Natalie Cole The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall The Austin Symphony Presents: Natalie Cole Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra at The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall February 10, 2012 This nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist will perform for one night only with the Austin Symphony. Hear this legendary singer perform some of her hits, such as, “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” "Inseparable,” “Our Love,” “I’ve Got Love On My Mind,” “Pink Cadillac,” “Miss You Like Crazy,” and many more! Friday, February 10, 2012 Michael & Susan Dell Hall, 8 p.m.
    03/02/12- 03/03/12	The Austin Symphony Presents: Denyce Graves The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall The Austin Symphony Presents: Denyce Graves Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra at The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall March 2-March 3, 2012 “One of the singers most likely to be an operatic superstar of the 21st century.” – USA Today Mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves joins the ASO for an evening of French arias and songs. Friday, March 2, 2012 Saturday, March 3, 2012 Michael & Susan Dell Hall 8:00 p.m.
    03/09/12	The Austin Symphony Presents: Ray Benson & Asleep at the Wheel The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall The Austin Symphony Presents: Ray Benson & Asleep at the Wheel Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra at The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall March 9, 2012 Sounds like an impossible task – but you never want to say “impossible” to Asleep at the Wheel, the famed western swing, boogie, and roots-music outfit that’s, amazingly, still on the upswing. That’s saying something, too, considering the group’s been around for nearly 40 years, turing out an incredible 25+ albums while playing and unrelenting schedule of one-nighters that would make a vaudevillian dizzy. Hear your favorite “Wheel” tunes...
    03/30/12- 03/31/12	The Austin Symphony Presents: Bion Tsang The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall The Austin Symphony Presents: Bion Tsang Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra at The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall March 30-March 31, 2012 Join the Austin Symphony and cellist, Bion Tsang in the performance of Dvorák's Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104. Additional repertoire will include works by Mozart and Pärt. “A cellist of remarkable gifts.” – The New York Times Friday, March 30, 2012 Saturday, March 31, 2012 Michael & Susan Dell Hall, 8:00 p.m.
    05/04/12- 05/05/12	The Austin Symphony presents: Conspirare The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall The Austin Symphony presents: Conspirare Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra and Conspirare--Craig Hella Johnson & Company of Voices at The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall May 4-May 5, 2012 Craig Hella Johnson and Grammy-nominated Conspirare join the Austin Symphony for Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms and Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms. “Elegant and provocative. Virtuosic singing.” – The Houston Chronicle Friday, May 4, 2012 Saturday, May 5, 2012 Michael & Susan Dell Hall, 8:00 p.m.
    05/04/12- 05/05/12	Conspirare Symphonic Choir with Austin Symphony Orchestra The Long Center for the Performing Arts Conspirare Symphonic Choir with Austin Symphony Orchestra Presented by Conspirare and Austin Symphony Orchestra at The Long Center for the Performing Arts May 4-May 5, 2012 Artistic director Craig Hella Johnson shares the podium with Maestro Peter Bay in this exciting collaboration. Johnson will conduct Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Bay will conduct Igor Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, and each will conduct one of Leopold Stokowski’s celebrated Bach transcriptions
    06/01/12- 06/02/12	The Austin Symphony Presents: Jon Nakamatsu The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall The Austin Symphony Presents: Jon Nakamatsu Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra at The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall June 1-June 2, 2012 Pianist Jon Nakamatsu joins The Austin Symphony for a special performance of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18.
    06/08/12- 06/09/12	The Austin Symphony Presents: The Texas Tenors Palmer Events Center The Austin Symphony Presents: The Texas Tenors Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra at Palmer Events Center June 8-June 9, 2012 The Texas Tenors take their music seriously, but never themselves. Weaving effortlessly from John Denver to Puccini to “West Side Story,” this trio takes their audience on a musical ride from West Virginia to Italy to New York City, pausing between genres long enough only to tell stories and smile for pictures. You’ve seen them on “America’s Got Talent,” now come hear them live with the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Friday, June 8, 2012 Saturday, June 9, 2012

• Current &
  Upcoming Events

  • Current Events

    There are no current events available for this organization at this time.

  • Upcoming Events

    02/10/12	The Austin Symphony Presents: Natalie Cole The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall The Austin Symphony Presents: Natalie Cole Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra at The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall February 10, 2012 This nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist will perform for one night only with the Austin Symphony. Hear this legendary singer perform some of her hits, such as, “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” "Inseparable,” “Our Love,” “I’ve Got Love On My Mind,” “Pink Cadillac,” “Miss You Like Crazy,” and many more! Friday, February 10, 2012 Michael & Susan Dell Hall, 8 p.m.
    03/02/12- 03/03/12	The Austin Symphony Presents: Denyce Graves The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall The Austin Symphony Presents: Denyce Graves Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra at The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall March 2-March 3, 2012 “One of the singers most likely to be an operatic superstar of the 21st century.” – USA Today Mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves joins the ASO for an evening of French arias and songs. Friday, March 2, 2012 Saturday, March 3, 2012 Michael & Susan Dell Hall 8:00 p.m.
    03/09/12	The Austin Symphony Presents: Ray Benson & Asleep at the Wheel The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall The Austin Symphony Presents: Ray Benson & Asleep at the Wheel Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra at The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall March 9, 2012 Sounds like an impossible task – but you never want to say “impossible” to Asleep at the Wheel, the famed western swing, boogie, and roots-music outfit that’s, amazingly, still on the upswing. That’s saying something, too, considering the group’s been around for nearly 40 years, turing out an incredible 25+ albums while playing and unrelenting schedule of one-nighters that would make a vaudevillian dizzy. Hear your favorite “Wheel” tunes...
    03/30/12- 03/31/12	The Austin Symphony Presents: Bion Tsang The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall The Austin Symphony Presents: Bion Tsang Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra at The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall March 30-March 31, 2012 Join the Austin Symphony and cellist, Bion Tsang in the performance of Dvorák's Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104. Additional repertoire will include works by Mozart and Pärt. “A cellist of remarkable gifts.” – The New York Times Friday, March 30, 2012 Saturday, March 31, 2012 Michael & Susan Dell Hall, 8:00 p.m.
    05/04/12- 05/05/12	The Austin Symphony presents: Conspirare The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall The Austin Symphony presents: Conspirare Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra and Conspirare--Craig Hella Johnson & Company of Voices at The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall May 4-May 5, 2012 Craig Hella Johnson and Grammy-nominated Conspirare join the Austin Symphony for Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms and Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms. “Elegant and provocative. Virtuosic singing.” – The Houston Chronicle Friday, May 4, 2012 Saturday, May 5, 2012 Michael & Susan Dell Hall, 8:00 p.m.
    05/04/12- 05/05/12	Conspirare Symphonic Choir with Austin Symphony Orchestra The Long Center for the Performing Arts Conspirare Symphonic Choir with Austin Symphony Orchestra Presented by Conspirare and Austin Symphony Orchestra at The Long Center for the Performing Arts May 4-May 5, 2012 Artistic director Craig Hella Johnson shares the podium with Maestro Peter Bay in this exciting collaboration. Johnson will conduct Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Bay will conduct Igor Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, and each will conduct one of Leopold Stokowski’s celebrated Bach transcriptions
    06/01/12- 06/02/12	The Austin Symphony Presents: Jon Nakamatsu The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall The Austin Symphony Presents: Jon Nakamatsu Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra at The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall June 1-June 2, 2012 Pianist Jon Nakamatsu joins The Austin Symphony for a special performance of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18.
    06/08/12- 06/09/12	The Austin Symphony Presents: The Texas Tenors Palmer Events Center The Austin Symphony Presents: The Texas Tenors Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra at Palmer Events Center June 8-June 9, 2012 The Texas Tenors take their music seriously, but never themselves. Weaving effortlessly from John Denver to Puccini to “West Side Story,” this trio takes their audience on a musical ride from West Virginia to Italy to New York City, pausing between genres long enough only to tell stories and smile for pictures. You’ve seen them on “America’s Got Talent,” now come hear them live with the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Friday, June 8, 2012 Saturday, June 9, 2012

• Past
  Events

  • Past Events

    01/13/12- 01/14/12	The Austin Symphony Presents: Emanuel Ax The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    12/30/11- 12/31/11	The Austin Symphony Presents: The Music of John Williams Palmer Events Center
    12/06/11	The Austin Symphony Presents: Handel's "Messiah" Riverbend Centre
    11/18/11- 11/19/11	The Austin Symphony Presents: Anton Nel The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    10/23/11	The Austin Symphony Presents: Halloween Children's Concert The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    10/21/11	The Austin Symphony Presents Tiempo Libre The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    10/14/11- 10/15/11	Conspirare Symphonic Choir with Austin Symphony Orchestra The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    10/14/11- 10/15/11	The Austin Symphony Presents Holst's "The Planets" The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    09/09/11- 09/10/11	The Austin Symphony Presents Joshua Bell The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    06/08/11- 07/27/11	Children's Day at the Austin Symphony Art Park Symphony Square
    06/03/11- 06/04/11	The Manhattan Transfer Palmer Events Center
    05/13/11- 05/14/11	Jon Kimura Parker, Piano The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    04/28/11	Centennial Gala Concert with Itzhak Perlman The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    04/20/11	Texas Young Composers Concert The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    04/01/11- 04/02/11	Nexus, Percussion Ensemble The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    03/11/11- 03/12/11	Benedetto Lupo, piano The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    03/05/11	The Preservation Hall Jazz Band The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    02/18/11- 02/19/11	Anne Akiko Meyers, violin The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    01/14/11- 01/15/11	CSO's Beyond the Score The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    12/30/10- 12/31/10	Classical Mystery Tour-A tribute to the Beatles Palmer Events Center
    12/14/10	Christmas Sing-Along Riverbend Centre
    12/07/10	Handel's Messiah Riverbend Centre
    11/19/10- 11/20/10	Mexico's 200/100: Celebration The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    10/24/10	Halloween Children’s Concert
    10/23/10	Cirque de la Symphonie The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    10/08/10- 10/09/10	Judith Ingolfsson, Violin The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    09/10/10- 09/11/10	Andre Watts, Piano The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    07/04/10	H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4 Concert & Fireworks The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    06/11/10- 06/12/10	Pink Martini Palmer Events Center
    06/09/10- 07/28/10	Children’s Day Art Park Symphony Square
    06/06/10- 08/29/10	Hartman Foundation “Concerts in the Park” Hartman Park
    05/14/10- 05/15/10	Christopher O’Riley The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    04/09/10- 04/10/10	Ingrid Fliter The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    03/12/10- 03/13/10	Douglas Harvey The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    02/26/10- 02/27/10	Barbara Nissman The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    02/20/10	Diahann Carroll The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    01/15/10- 01/16/10	Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    12/30/09- 12/31/09	The Duke Ellington Orchestra with Freda Payne Palmer Events Center
    12/15/09	Christmas Sing-Along Riverbend Centre
    12/08/09	Handel’s “Messiah” Riverbend Centre
    11/20/09- 11/21/09	Conspirare Symphonic Choir The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    10/25/09	Halloween Children's Concert The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    10/23/09	The Smothers Brothers The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    10/09/09- 10/10/09	Chee-Yun The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    09/18/09- 09/19/09	Leon Fleisher & Katherine Jacobson Fleisher, pianos The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    07/04/09	The H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks Auditorium Shores
    06/10/09- 07/29/09	Children's Day Art Park Symphony Square
    06/06/09	Joe McDermott and the Smart Little Creatures Symphony Square
    05/31/09- 08/23/09	Austin Symphony: Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    05/29/09- 05/30/09	Promenade Pops featuring Cherish the Ladies Palmer Events Center
    03/20/09- 03/21/09	Jon Nakamatsu The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    03/06/09- 03/07/09	Austin Symphony Butler Pops presents The Charlie Daniels Band The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    02/27/09- 02/28/09	Austin Symphony presents Sir James & Lady Jeanne Galway The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    01/09/09- 01/10/09	Austin Symphony presents Garrick Ohlsson The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    12/30/08- 12/31/08	The Flying Karamazov Brothers Palmer Events Center
    12/16/08	Austin Symphony Orchestra Christmas Sing-Along Riverbend Centre
    12/09/08	Handel's Messiah Riverbend Centre
    11/21/08- 11/22/08	Austin Symphony Orchestra Robert McDuffie, violin The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    10/17/08- 10/18/08	Austin Symphony Orchestra Anton Nel, piano The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    10/05/08	Halloween Children's Concert The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    10/03/08- 10/04/08	ARRIVAL: The Music of ABBA The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    09/19/08- 09/20/08	Leila Josefowicz, violin The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    07/04/08	July 4th Concert and Fireworks Auditorium Shores
    06/11/08- 07/30/08	Children's Day Art Park Symphony Square
    06/01/08- 08/24/08	The Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    05/23/08- 05/26/08	Promenade Pops with The Three Phantoms in Concert Palmer Events Center
    05/16/08- 05/17/08	Classical Concert Series - Beethoven's Ninth The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    04/29/08- 05/01/08	Austin Symphony Orchestra The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    04/04/08- 04/05/08	Classical Concert Series with the Minneapolis Guitar Quintet The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    03/14/08- 03/15/08	Classical Concert Series with Andre Watts Riverbend Centre
    02/15/08- 02/16/08	Classical Concert Series - Beethoven & Strauss Riverbend Centre
    02/02/08	February Pops with Air Supply Riverbend Centre
    01/11/08- 01/12/08	Classical Series - Benedetto Lupo, piano Riverbend Centre
    01/11/08- 01/12/08	Classical Concert Series with Benedetto Lupo Riverbend Centre
    12/30/07- 12/31/07	Holiday Pops: 'Simply Sinatra' with Steve Lippia Palmer Events Center
    12/11/07	Family Series: Christmas Sing-Along Riverbend Centre
    12/04/07	Holiday Concert: Handel's 'Messiah' Riverbend Centre
    11/16/07- 11/17/07	Classical Concert Series - Bach's 'Magnificat' Riverbend Centre
    10/28/07	Family Series: Halloween Children's Concert Paramount Theatre
    10/19/07- 10/20/07	Classical Concert Series with Jessica Mathaes Riverbend Centre
    10/06/07	October Pops with Bobby Vinton Riverbend Centre
    09/14/07- 09/15/07	Classical Concert Series with Philippe Entremont Riverbend Centre
    09/10/07	Uncorked... Benifit at Mandola Estate Mandola Winery
    07/04/07	Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks Zilker Hillside Theatre
    06/02/07	Family Concert with Trout Fishing in America Symphony Square
    05/27/07- 08/19/07	The Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park Symphony Square
    05/11/07- 05/12/07	Promenade Pops with Classical Mystery Tour Palmer Events Center
    03/17/07	March Pops with Don McLean Riverbend Centre
    02/02/07- 02/03/07	Classical Concert Series with Evelyn Glennie and Peter Bay Texas Performing Arts at The University of Texas at Austin - Performing Arts Center
    01/05/07- 01/06/07	Classical Concert Series with Jaime Laredo and Sharon Robinson Texas Performing Arts at The University of Texas at Austin - Performing Arts Center
    12/30/06- 12/31/06	Holiday Pops with The Association Palmer Events Center
    12/19/06	Christmas Sing-Along Riverbend Centre
    12/12/06	Handel's Messiah Riverbend Centre

• Media
  Reviews

  • Media Reviews

    There are currently no media reviews for this organization.

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    • Event Name: Jon Kimura Parker, Piano
      "Orchestra Aerobics at the Austin Symphony"
      Review posted by: Charla Hathaway from Austin, TX, May 16, 2011
      

      From my seat in the mezzanine, I could not only hear but SEE the melody being passed around the 70 member orchestra. The trumpets would lead, then the French horns would offer a more subtle... Expand

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      From my seat in the mezzanine, I could not only hear but SEE the melody being passed around the 70 member orchestra. The trumpets would lead, then the French horns would offer a more subtle version. The cellos give a mellow version to what we just heard in the violins. Tchaikovsky's symphony #4 in F minor was a workout for everyone-- including the piccolo. I love seeing the aerobic workout of especially the strings. I notice over half the members were women--times are changing. I play an 'orchestra game' at concerts. Upon hearing a haunting sound and I quickly see if I can guess what instrument it is---oboe, English horn, or…clarinet? It's a fun guessing game. I discovered I loved the bassoon tonight. The modern piece on the program, Menotti's Sebastian Ballet Suit, was quite lively--especially for the brass. The soloist playing Grieg's piano concerto in A minor, Jon Kimura Parker, was fantastic. The first movement gives you shivers--even if you're a novice Collapse

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    • Event Name: Cirque de la Symphonie
      "Great Show!!"
      Review posted by: Eric G from Austin TX, Nov 02, 2010
      

      What a great marriage of cirque elements and classical music!! Loved the entire performance. Was especially impressed with the talent of the musicians being able to keep perfect internal tempo during... Expand

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      What a great marriage of cirque elements and classical music!! Loved the entire performance. Was especially impressed with the talent of the musicians being able to keep perfect internal tempo during the Danse des Petits Cygnes while Peter Bay participated in the wonderful magic performance! Shows the true sign of a greatly talented ensemble of musicians!! Collapse

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    • Event Name: Cirque de la Symphonie
      "Simply Stunning"
      Review posted by: Ruby Sinclair from Austin, TX, Nov 02, 2010
      

      This was my first experience going to the Austin Symphony and WOW what an experience! The beauty of the cirque performances were fantastic and I was equally impressed with the skill and elegance of... Expand

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      This was my first experience going to the Austin Symphony and WOW what an experience! The beauty of the cirque performances were fantastic and I was equally impressed with the skill and elegance of the music performed by the orchestra! I will be back...no doubt about it!! Collapse

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    • Event Name: Cirque de la Symphonie
      "Spell-binding beauty and grace"
      Review posted by: Michael Alan Foster from Austin Texas, Oct 27, 2010
      

      As I sat spell-bound in The Long Center enjoying the symphony music under the able direction of Maestro Peter Bay and the soaring aerial works of talented and beautiful women and one gloriously... Expand

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      As I sat spell-bound in The Long Center enjoying the symphony music under the able direction of Maestro Peter Bay and the soaring aerial works of talented and beautiful women and one gloriously attractive, skilled, and focused young man, this scripture suddenly came to my mind:I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14).The evening WAS wonderful.The display of talent,beauty and grace was awe-inspiring.I pondered the skill,training and dedication of ALL the artists on stage and the incredible sense of timing and grace required to present us with this two hours of magical, beautiful, joyous entertainment.Celebration was the mood for this moving performance by The Austin Symphony and seven world class artists. Alexander Streltsov was especially stunning as he soared above us on wings of white silk. When he/they return I am sure the house will be filled to capacity. I would give more stars if this system allowed! Collapse

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    • Event Name: Cirque de la Symphonie
      "Spellbinding Treat for Ears and Eyes"
      Review posted by: Ronda Dale Kirk from Spicewood (Austin) TX, USA, Oct 26, 2010
      

      If you missed this Austin Pops concert, please find another opportunity to see this outstanding blend of aural and visual beauty. Seven incredibly athletic and graceful Cirque artists performed... Expand

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      If you missed this Austin Pops concert, please find another opportunity to see this outstanding blend of aural and visual beauty. Seven incredibly athletic and graceful Cirque artists performed magical feats choreographed to select pieces of classical music and movie themes. The program included “Les Toreadors” from “Carmen,” John Williams pieces from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and from “Star Wars: Episode II...,” and other majestic stirring compositions. When the applause died down after the first aerial artist’s magnificent performance, the almost sold-out audience was quietly awed with anticipation. A patron behind me said, “I’m starting my diet tomorrow.” Each performance was spectacular and layered by admiring applause throughout. “How can they top themselves?” I kept asking myself. Then came the final act, two Polish athletes, former national hand-balancing champions. Their toned bodies, painted a soft gold from baldpate to muscled toe, they were like (more) Collapse

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    • Event Name: Cirque de la Symphonie
      "Cirque! Cirque! Symphonie! Symphonie!"
      Review posted by: Preston Kirk from Spicewood (Austin) TX, USA, Oct 24, 2010
      

      I always wanted to run away and join the circus. (The symphony? Not so much.) I typically thought symphony halls were good places to mellow, to chill-out. But marry the two entities -- eye-popping... Expand

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      I always wanted to run away and join the circus. (The symphony? Not so much.) I typically thought symphony halls were good places to mellow, to chill-out. But marry the two entities -- eye-popping aerialists and about 80 dedicated, talented musicians -- and, well, I’m packing a bag! The Saturday night audience seemed to be an eclectic mix of classic music enthusiasts and fans of sawdust, sideshows and cotton candy. But we all were enthralled by the mime-juggler, the cube spinner, the hand balancers, acrobats, hoop, rope and static silks performers. We were kids again in a grown-up atmosphere! The orchestra, under Conductor Peter Bay’s inimitable (and playful) baton, swept the audience and the onstage action along with suites, marches, dances, rhapsodies, overtures and movie themes that heightened further the riveting acts while delighting the ear. Works by Dvorák, Khachaturian, Bizet, Saint-Saëns, Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Respighi/Rossini and Chabrier added to the excitement, (more) Collapse

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    • Event Name: Cirque de la Symphonie
      "Soaring Beauty"
      Review posted by: Vicki McKain from Austin, TX, Oct 24, 2010
      

      The Austin Symphony in collaboration with an international group of performers captivated the audience with an evening of enchanting beauty for the eyes and ears.The orchestra led by the engaging... Expand

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      The Austin Symphony in collaboration with an international group of performers captivated the audience with an evening of enchanting beauty for the eyes and ears.The orchestra led by the engaging Peter Bay(who also participated in a magic trick)was splendid.The various performances harmonized with the classic pieces as well as a few modern works(Harry Potter).The performers were riveting. Alexander Streltsov was especially stunning when wrapped in white silk soared over the audience like a dove. Christine Van Loo was equally as elegant in her silk and rope aerial performances.These two along with others required grace and strength.The last two men, bald and painted gold, performed a slow motion balance and contortion act of amazing strength.Some humor was provided by a harlequin mime and his feats of juggling.The children and adults around me were fascinated and cheered throughout the show.Hopefully,this troupe will be invited back to perform with the symphony-a show not to be missed. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Judith Ingolfsson, Violin
      "Wonderful show"
      Review posted by: Matt from Austin, TX USA, Oct 09, 2010
      

      I don't go to classical shows often, but I had a great time. The musicians were extremely talented and the pieces they played were wonderful.

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      I don't go to classical shows often, but I had a great time. The musicians were extremely talented and the pieces they played were wonderful.

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    • Event Name: Judith Ingolfsson, Violin
      "Gorgeous music"
      Review posted by: Chris W. from Austin, TX USA, Oct 09, 2010
      

      Watching and listening to Judith Ingolfsson play with the Austin Symphony Orchestra was an excellent time. I can't imagine it at any place in Austin but the Long Center. The sound was full and... Expand

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      Watching and listening to Judith Ingolfsson play with the Austin Symphony Orchestra was an excellent time. I can't imagine it at any place in Austin but the Long Center. The sound was full and perfect. One of my favorite parts was watching Maestro Bay conducting. His precise movements, keeping everything in perfect time, were captivating. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Andre Watts, Piano
      "Full WATT-age?"
      Review posted by: Preston Kirk from Spicewood (Austin) TX, USA, Sep 13, 2010
      

      Who am I to argue with success, to deny goosebumps? The ASO has been perfecting itself for 100 years. Andre' Watts has wowed audiences -- on stage, TV & festivals + recordings for 45 years. Conductor... Expand

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      Who am I to argue with success, to deny goosebumps? The ASO has been perfecting itself for 100 years. Andre' Watts has wowed audiences -- on stage, TV & festivals + recordings for 45 years. Conductor Peter Bay celebrates 13 years and a brilliant resume. The performance of Wm. Schuman's "New England Tryptych was elegantly appropriate for 9/11, particularly after the audience sang the national anthem as the orchestra played. And Robt. Schumann's Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61 honored his bicentennial. Folks, that's a lot of combined staying power -- an amazing string of personal and musical triumphs. BUT... Watts, as "in touch" as he was with this fantastic collection of musicians and the oh-so-polite, appreciative audience -- seemed to be uncomfortable. Grand gestures at the keyboard, sure. Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 4 was truly moving. But Watts seemed weary, as if suffering from allergies and lacking adequate cooling. Fidgeting; mopping. A flickering beacon. (more) Collapse

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