The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, now one of
the nation's leading musical organizations, is back for its 67th season - and
with show-stopping pieces! This weekend's season opener included captivating
excerpts from Wagner's Der Ring des
Nibelungen and the riveting ASO premiere of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, "Choral" (arranged by
Mahler.) The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus and
guests of the Symphony (Christine Brewer - soprano,
Nancy Maultsby - mezzo-soprano, Vinson Cole - tenor and Nathan Berg - baritone)
provided eloquent vocals, highlighted by Brewer's heart-wrenching performance
of "Immolation Scene" from Wagner's Götterdämmerung.
Led by Music Director Robert Spano's
invigorating, arresting talents, the Atlanta Symphony opened the Delta Classical Series
- which features three world premieres, one U.S. premiere and 14 Atlanta
premieres this season - with standing ovations.
Be sure
to check out October's can't-miss concerts:
Joshua Bell
Oct. 1 & 2 - the much-adored
violinist, Joshua Bell,
performs Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto,
accompanied by the ASO for the ninth time. Additional pieces for the night
include Osvaldo Golijov's Sidereus
and Brahms' Symphony No. 4.
Glowing Ravel, Gorgeous Franck
Oct. 6 & 8 - led by former Assistant
Conductor Mei-Ann Chen, acclaimed pianist, Terrence Wilson, is
accompanied by the ASO in Piano Concerto in G by Ravel and Symphony in D minor
by Franck, as well as Michael Abels' Global
Warming.
Lindsey Buckingham
Oct. 7 - evening concert by crtically-acclaimed Lindsey
Buckingham, the enthralling guitarist, male vocalist and songwriter of
Fleetwood Mac.
Rock Out with Rockapella
Oct. 14 & 15 - debuting the 2011-2012
SuperPOPS series, the a cappella powerhouse Rockapella -
most-known for recording the hit gameshow theme "Where in the World is Carmen
Sandiego?" as well as their vibrant renditions of beloved ‘70s and ‘80s feel
good tunes - joins Principal Pops Conductor Michael
Krajewski and the ASO for two nights of songs you just have
to dance to.
George Benson
Oct. 16 - a lauded musician for more than 40 years, jazz
guitarist and vocalist George Benson serenades with an evening of his favorite
songs and stories.
The Ranch II - Ravishing "Pictures"
Oct. 20-22 - led by guest conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya,
the ASO accompanies premier pianist Horacio Gutiérrez for an evening of Capriccio Espagnol by Rimsky-Korsakov,
Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Pictures
At an Exhibition by Mussorgsky and Ravel.
Rachmaninov & Scriabin
Oct. 27 & 29 - your sneak peek at the
pieces to be performed at Carnegie Hall. Spano and the ASO have been invited to
New York once again, this time to play Rachmaninov's The Bells and Scriabin's Poem of Ecstasy as well as the U.S.
premiere of Esa-Pekka Salonen's Nyx.
A Storybook Halloween
Oct. 30 - a delightfully ghoulish event, this made-for-kids
concert features the costumed Lee Harper Dancers
and storyteller Wendy Bennett as
they spin tall tales and silly stories, accompanied by tunes and sound effects
from the ASO.
