The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is a major
orchestra
An orchestra (; ) is a large instrumental ensemble typical of classical music, which combines instruments from different families.
There are typically four main sections of instruments:
* bowed string instruments, such as the violin, viola, c ...
based in
Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham ( ) is a city in the north central region of the U.S. state of Alabama. Birmingham is the seat of Jefferson County, Alabama's most populous county. As of the 2021 census estimates, Birmingham had a population of 197,575, down 1% fr ...
. The orchestra's resident and principal conductor is Christopher Confessore. The Orchestra was first formed in April 1921 but had to close because of financial issues in 1993. It re-opened in 1997 after substantial fundraising.
Programs
Since its rebirth in 1997, The Alabama Symphony Orchestra has undertaken an ambitious effort to reach every corner of the city and the state with a varied and impressive program of music. The ASO now includes 6 subscription series and 11 special event concerts in its seasons annually. The ASO also offers a very successful series for school children–Young People's Concerts (YPC). Each season, thousands of students attend a total of six YPCs. Teachers receive study guides in advance to help prepare students for these concerts and to enhance the educational experience.
On June 29, 2011, the ASO received the John S. Edwards Award for its strong commitment to new American music, demonstrating an enthusiasm for performing the works of living composers. In addition to the concert season in Birmingham, concerts have included Tuscaloosa, Anniston, Decatur, Point Clear, Montgomery (Huntingdon College), Florence, Selma, Dothan and Enterprise. The ASO's association with the Alabama Ballet and Opera Birmingham flourishes as the orchestra accompanies many of their performances. The ASO also planned to collaborate with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Alys Stephens Center, Summerfest Performing Ensemble, and the Birmingham Concert Chorale in concert performances.
Music Directors
* Carlos Izcaray (2015–)
* Justin Brown (2006–2012)
*
Richard Westerfield
Richard Westerfield is an American conductor. He has served as Associate Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and has led orchestras such as the Brown University Orchestra, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, and the Alabama Symphony Orches ...
(1997–2004)
[
] In May 2004, he stepped down from a 6-year tenure as music director of the Alabama Symphony.
*
Paul Polivnick (1985–1993)
*
Amerigo Marino (1964–1984)
*
Arthur Winograd Arthur Winograd (April 22, 1920 – April 22, 2010) was the music director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and the founding cellist of the Juilliard String Quartet.MARGALIT FOX"Arthur Winograd, Hartford Symphony Music Director, Dies at 90" ''Th ...
(1960–1964)
''All Things Strings''
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* Arthur Bennett Lipkin (1949–1960)
* Dorsey Whittington (1933–1942)
See also
*Huntsville Symphony Orchestra The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra is a symphonic orchestra located in Huntsville, Alabama. The current conducting, conductor and music director is Gregory Vajda. Vajda has been the conductor since the 2011-2012 season. The orchestra's resident condu ...
* Mobile Symphony Orchestra
*Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra The Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is an orchestra based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States. It celebrated its twenty-fifth season during 2006–2007. The orchestra performs at the Moody Music Building on the campus of the University of Ala ...
References
External links
Alabama Symphony Orchestra website
Alabama Symphony Orchestra Chorus website
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American orchestras
Musical groups established in 1933
1933 establishments in Alabama
Musical groups from Birmingham, Alabama