2024-2025 Season Brochure

A MESSAGE FROM ASO MUSIC DIRECTOR PETER BAY

Dear Friends,

Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto, Dvořák’s New World Symphony, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Richard Strauss’ Don Juan , Ravel’s La valse, and Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess – all these masterpieces commence in uniquely captivating ways, ranging from the gentle whisper of a tune to an explosive crescendo of sound. These, along with a world premiere and new masters of the orchestral repertoire, eagerly await to be 'unleashed' on your ears and eyes in the upcoming season.

The enchantment and mystery of how a composer guides a musical idea from its inception to its conclusion are what we deeply appreciate in these works. The talented musicians of your Austin Symphony Orchestra, along with exceptional guest soloists, are poised to bring to life the melodies and harmonies of these miraculous pieces of art!

Peter Bay

SEASON PREVIEW

SEP 13 & 14 / MW1

Soojin Han, violin; Music includes Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and Ravel’s La valse

OCT 10 / AAT1

Music of Mozart, Gounod, Stravinsky, and Poulenc

OCT 18 & 19 / MW2

Anton Nel, piano; Music features all 5 Beethoven piano concertos performed over two nights

OCT 20 / SE

Halloween Children’s Concert

OCT 25 / BP1

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, (film with orchestra)

NOV 15 & 16 / MW3

Gabriela Montero, piano; Music includes Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3, Scottish

DEC 3 / SE

Chorus Austin; Handel’s Messiah

DEC 17 / BP2

Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, (film with orchestra)

JAN 10 & 11 / MW4

Jessica Mathaes, violin; Music includes Barber’s Violin Concerto and Dvořák's From The New World

FEB 21 & 22 / MW5

Ephraim Owens, trumpet; Music includes Bernstein’s On the Town and Lipman's Cradled by Grace (World Premiere)

MAR 1 / BP3

Beethoven X Coldplay (fusion of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and Coldplay’s popular songs)

MAR 21 & 22 / MW6 Chorus Austin; Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana

APR 11 & 12 / MW7

Yeol Eum Son, piano; Music includes Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 22 and R. Strauss’ Don Juan

MAY 16 & 17 / MW8

Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess

MAY 22 / AAT2

Music of Grieg, Tchaikovsky, Still, Bartók, and more

MAY 31 / BP4

Music of John Williams (Part 2)

MASTERWORKS

Peter Bay | Conductor

“The Notorious L.V.B.”

Friday, October 18, 2024

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Anton Nel, piano

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN

FRIDAY:

Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15

Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 19

Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58

1 2

“Dancing Around the World”

Friday, September 13, 2024

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Soojin Han, violin

ROBERTO SIERRA Fandangos

PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY

Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35

MAURICE RAVEL

Alborada del gracioso

MAURICE RAVEL La valse

SATURDAY:

Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus, Op. 43

Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37

Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73, Emperor

Please note: Oct. 18 & 19 feature different repertoire.

SERIES

“New World”

Friday, January 10, 2025

Saturday, January 11, 2025

José-Luis Novo, guest conductor

Jessica Mathaes, violin

SILVESTRE REVUELTAS Redes: Suite

SAMUEL BARBER Violin Concerto, Op. 14

ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 9 in

Masterworks Series performances begin at 8 p.m. in the Michael & Susan Dell Hall

E Minor, Op. 95, From the New World 3 4

“Harmony in the Highlands”

Friday, November 15, 2024

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Gabriela Montero, piano

PETER MAXWELL DAVIES

An Orkney Wedding, With Sunrise, Op. 120a

SERGEI PROKOFIEV

Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26

FELIX MENDELSSOHN Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56, Scottish

MASTERWORKS

“American Splendor”

Friday, February 21, 2025

Saturday, February 22, 2025

Ephraim Owens, trumpet

DUKE ELLINGTON/Luther Henderson

Three Black Kings

SAM LIPMAN

Cradled by Grace (World Premiere)

LEONARD BERNSTEIN

On the Town: Three Dance Episodes

GEORGE GERSHWIN

An American in Paris

“Carmina Burana”

Friday, March 21, 2025

5 6

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Chorus Austin

KEVIN PUTS Concerto for Orchestra

CARL ORFF Carmina Burana

SERIES

Masterworks Series performances begin at 8 p.m. in the Michael & Susan Dell Hall

“Summertime”

Friday, May 16, 2025

Saturday, May 17, 2025

CARLOS SIMON

GEORGE GERSHWIN

Porgy and Bess

Presented By:

“Germanic Gems”

Friday, April 11, 2025

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Yeol Eum Son, piano

JOHANN STRAUSS, JR.

The Blue Danube, Op. 314

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART

Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-flat Major, K. 482

RICHARD STRAUSS Don Juan, Op. 20

JOHANNES BRAHMS

Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80

SARAH & ERNEST

BUTLER POPS

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (film

with orchestra)

Friday, Oct 25, 2024

“You must feel the force around you..."

The battle for the galaxy intensifies in this thrilling fifth episode of the unfolding saga. As Imperial Forces launch an all-out attack on the Rebel Alliance, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) flee to Cloud City where they are captured by Darth Vader. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) journeys to the mysterious, marshy planet of Dagobah, where the wise Jedi Master Yoda teaches the young hero the ways of the Force.

Little does Luke know that all his Jedi training will be called upon so soon. A stunning revelation – and a seeming life-or-death duel with Darth Vader – await.

Experience the magic of this intergalactic epic like never before as your Austin Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ Grammy®-winning score LIVE to the film on the big screen.

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (film with orchestra)

Tuesday, Dec 17, 2024

One of Tim Burton’s most celebrated films, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, will be projected on the big screen with dialog and effects accompanied by Danny Elfman’s enigmatic score played live by your Austin Symphony Orchestra!

The film follows the earnest-but-misguided adventures of Jack Skellington, Halloween Town's beloved Pumpkin King. Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine of Halloween, Jack longs to try something new. Convinced that he can spread the joy of Christmas and against the advice of Sally, a caring and clever ragdoll, Jack enlists three mischievous trick-ortreaters – Lock, Shock, and Barrel – to kidnap Santa Claus. But Jack’s merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere.

SERIES

Butler Pops Series performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Michael & Susan Dell Hall

Peter Bay | Conductor

Beethoven X Coldplay

Steve Hackman, guest conductor

Saturday, Mar 1, 2025

Beethoven X Coldplay blends two musical powerhouses exploring universal themes. It poses the intriguing question: would Beethoven have found meaning in Coldplay's music?

Delving into Beethoven's life during the composition of his Eroica Symphony reveals a desperate artist seeking recognition, unrequited love, and the looming loss of hearing. This fusion unfolds in a song-cycle/oratorio, intertwining Coldplay's melodies and lyrics with Beethoven's original work. Accompanied by a full orchestra, three exceptional vocalists, and conductor Steve Hackman on piano, the performance transforms iconic Coldplay songs like 'Yellow,' Viva La Vida,' 'Clocks,' and 'The Scientist.'

Please note: Coldplay is not performing at this event.

Music of John Williams (Part 2)

Saturday, May 31, 2025

As a follow-up to the sold-out performance in 2023, your ASO will present the Part 2 of John Williams' music. Best known for his film scores and ceremonial music, Williams is also a noted composer of concert works and a renowned conductor. Come hear your favorite John Williams pieces come to life in the beautiful Dell Hall. Cosplay as your favorite character from a John Williams’ scored film and make it an even more magical experience!

ASO ABOUT TOWN

Chamber Orchestra Series

In its third season, this series is the vision of ASO Music Director, Peter Bay, and highlights masterpieces in the chamber repertory. Your ASO will travel around Austin and perform these incredible concerts in a venue near you. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

1

“Gone With the Winds”

Thursday, October 10, 2024

W.A. MOZART/Wendt Selections from The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492

CHARLES GOUNOD Petite symphonie

IGOR STRAVINSKY Octet

FRANCIS POULENC Suite française

2

“With Strings Attached”

Thursday, May 22, 2025

EDVARD GRIEG Holberg Suite, Op. 40

PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY/Serebrier Andante Cantabile from String Quartet No. 1, Op. 11

EINOJUHANI RAUTAVAARA Divertimento for Strings

WILLIAM GRANT STILL Danzas de Panama

LEROY ANDERSON Jazz Pizzicato

BÉLA BARTÓK/Willner Romanian Folk Dances

SPECIAL EVENTS

Halloween Children’s Concert

Sunday, October 20, 2024 | Pablo Zamora, conductor Michael & Susan Dell Hall | 3 p.m.

CHILLS AND THRILLS!

It’s creepy, crawly and so much fun it’s spooky! Your little ghost or goblin will help haunt Long Center’s Dell Hall for Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual Halloween Children’s Concert. This exciting concert features frightfully fun symphonic music that is stimulating for young eyes and ears (ages 2-10). The entire family is invited to dress up in their favorite costume and enjoy “boo-tiful” music with your ASO!

Handel’s Messiah

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 | Ryan Heller, conductor | Chorus Austin Riverbend Centre | 8 p.m.

HOLIDAY TRADITION

The Austin Symphony Orchestra presents Handel's Messiah, accompanied by Chorus Austin, for you and your family!

Both a holiday classic and a city favorite, this night of musical magic will comfort you through its familiarity and fill you with the joy of rediscovery. Let us begin your holiday with a performance full of rejoicing.

SEATING & PRICING

Super Series

(12 concer ts) Includes 8 Masterworks Series and 4 Butler Pops Series concerts.

ORCHESTRA AISLES $720*

ORCHESTRA $636*

PARTERRE AISLES AA–CC $720*

PARTERRE AA–CC $636*

PARTERRE

PARTERRE / MEZZANINE BOXES $816 (limited availability)*

LOWER

LOWER

UPPER

Sarah & Ernest Butler Pops Series

(4 concerts) All performances at Michael & Susan Dell Hall. Includes October, December, March, and May concerts.

Masterworks Series

(8 concerts) Includes 8 Masterworks Series concerts.

Flex Package

*Portions of the Orchestra, Parterre, Lower Mezzanine, and Boxes require a minimum $250 or $500 tax-deductible donation in addition to each seat price. Some restrictions may apply. For details, call the Box Office at (512) 476-6064, Ext. 3.

MICHAEL & SUSAN DELL

CONCERT HALL

(Super Series, Masterworks Series, & Butler Pops Series)

SUBSCRIBER

SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS

(Super Series, Masterworks Series & Butler Pops Series & Flex Package)

• Season Discount — Save up to 43% off the single ticket price.

• Guaranteed Seating — Avoid the disappointment of sold-out performances.

• Ticket Exchange — Schedule conflict? We will exchange your season tickets for tickets to another performance within your purchased series with no questions asked at no additional cost.

• Tax Receipt — Receive a tax receipt for any season ticket(s) that you are unable to use. Simply notify us before 4:00 p.m. on the day of your performance.

• Lost Ticket Replacement — If you have lost a ticket, call (512) 476-6064 and the Box Office will replace your ticket at no additional cost.

• Additional Discounts — Purchase additional tickets at a 10% discount with no additional fees.

• Priority Seating — Current subscribers receive first priority in subscribing for the next season. All subscribers receive the best seats at considerable savings.

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Concert Conversations — Get the most out of each Masterworks Series concert by attending Concert Conversations hosted by Jeffrey Blair. Each pre-concert talk is given free of charge for ticket holders and begins at 7:10 p.m. in the concert hall. Concert Conversations are informative, provide a behind-the-scenes look at classical music, and often include a Q&A opportunity with the guest artist.

• Parking — Parking is available in the city-owned Palmer Events Center garage and at One Texas Center for $10. Valet parking is available for $20.

Parking is subject to change at the discretion of the City of Austin.

HOW TO ORDER

• ASO Website — For more information, visit: austinsymphony.org/packages. If you don’t have access to a computer, give us a call and we’ll be happy to take your order by phone.

• Phone — (512) 476-6064, Ext. 3.

• In Person At Our New Address Beginning Summer of 2024 — 1113 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

All artists, dates, prices, and repertoire subject to change without notice.

Questions?

Send an inquiry via: boxoffice@austinsymphony.org and someone from our Box Office will gladly assist you.

INFORMATION

The Bancroft Initiative launched in the fall of 2019 by Austin Symphony Orchestra Board Trustee Paul Bancroft and his wife, Clara, along with the Bancroft-Clair Foundation. The plan for the 11-year Initiative is to broaden your Symphony’s educational efforts and to sponsor concerts celebrating diversity and emphasizing inclusion.

Goals of The Initiative

Youth/Education — Each year, your Symphony reaches over 60,000 students in Central Texas, providing many with their only direct access to classical music. The annual budget approaches $600,000. That’s just $10 per student, but what a difference it makes! The budget is covered entirely by your donations. Consider partnering with The Bancroft Initiative to continue this vital musical experience for our children.

“Bancroft Initiative Concerts”— The ASO has always been known for excellence. Another goal is to sponsor a concert each year that celebrates the diversity of our community.

To discover more about how you can make a difference, please contact the development office via email, development@austinsymphony.org or call (512) 467-6064, Ext. 1218.

DONATE

The Austin Symphony Orchestra invites you to join our Symphony Society where your membership not only supports our mission financially but also takes you beyond the music with curated benefit packages starting at the $250 donor level. Join us for the 2024–25 season and experience your ASO bring music together with exceptional soloists and composers from around the world.

Your contributions make our music, community outreach, and educational efforts possible as ticket sales and season subscriptions only fund a small portion of our endeavors.

Please join us today!

Symphony Society benefits are found on the opposite page. To learn more, visit our website: austinsymphony.org/membership

Your Development Team is here to help and answer any questions. Contact us at development@austinsymphony.org or

(512) 476-6064, Ext. 1218.

UNLEASHED

SYMPHONY SOCIETY

BENEFITS

Gifts to the Annual Fund entitle donors to membership in our Symphony Society. Benefits vary by giving level.

CONNECT with other ASO supporters

MEMBER — $100+

• Welcome Packet

• Recognition in concert program book

PREMIER MEMBER — $250+

• ASO gift

• Advance ticket offers 1911 SOCIETY — $500+

• Invitation for two (2) to Masterworks Series opening VIP post-concert reception

• Premium seat eligibility with season ticket purchase

• Eligible to join Arbor Luncheon Series

PREMIER 1911 SOCIETY — $1,000+

• Invitation for two (2) to Masterworks Series closing VIP post-concert reception

OVERTURE — $2,500+

• VIP self-parking at each Masterworks Series and Butler Pops Series concert

• Invitation for two (2) to all Masterworks Series pre-and postconcert receptions

SUPPORT our music, mission, and people

Benefits include the benefits from preceding level(s).

PREMIER OVERTURE — $5,000+

• Choice of VIP valet parking or VIP self-parking at each Masterworks Series and Butler Pops Series concert

• Six (6) Guest Party Passes* to be used for Masterworks Series pre- and postconcert receptions

ORCHESTRA — $10,000+

• Invitation to eligible open rehearsals

• Invitation to backstage tour

• Ten (10) Guest Party Passes* to be used for Masterworks Series pre- and postconcert receptions

• Sponsorship recognition** for one (1) Masterworks Series guest artist which includes four (4) complimentary tickets to the concert at which the artist is performing

PREMIER ORCHESTRA — $15,000+

• Pre-concert Green Room reception for eight (8) guests

• Invitation to a meet-and-greet and/or backstage tour for eight (8) guests

• Four (4) Guest Party Passes* to be used for Masterworks Series pre- and postconcert receptions

• Invitations to exclusive ASO events including Front Porch Fridays and more

*Additional Guest Party Passes will be available for $50 each through the ASO Development Department

• Twelve (12) Guest Party Passes* to be used for Masterworks Series pre- and post-concert receptions

• Sponsorship recognition** for one Masterworks Series concert which includes eight (8) complimentary tickets to the concert

• Sponsorship of Masterworks Series guest artist not included

ENJOY

VIP benefits

MAESTRO — $25,000+

• Sixteen (16) Guest Party Passes* to be used for Masterworks Series pre-and post-concert receptions

• Invitation to private dinner with Maestro Peter Bay

• Sponsorship recognition** for one (1) Masterworks Series concerts and one (1) Masterworks Series guest artist included

PREMIER MAESTRO — $50,000+

• Concierge patron service and ticketing

• Twenty-five (25) Guest Party Passes* to be used for Masterworks Series preand post-concert receptions

• Sponsorship recognition for two (2) Masterworks Series concerts and two (2) Masterworks Series guest artists included

MAESTRO’S CIRCLE — $100,000+

• Curated ASO experiences that take you beyond the music

• Unlimited Guest Party Passes* to be used for Masterworks Series pre-and post-concert receptions

• Sponsorship recognition for four (4) Masterworks Series concerts and four (4) Masterworks Series guest artists included

**Naming and sponsorship may not be exclusive and/or may be restricted by endowed and named programs

Membership levels are based on giving to the 2024-2025 Austin Symphony Orchestra Annual Fund. The cumulative total excludes event donations, endowment gifts, and other restricted gifts. A payment or written pledge must be received by the ASO to qualify for Symphony Society benefits. Annual Fund contributions are 100% tax-deductible.

GET INVOLVED

Founded in 1953, the Women’s Symphony League (WSL) of Austin provides service and financial support to the Austin Symphony Orchestra and its children’s educational programs. With a diverse membership of more than 650, this group gives over 15,000 hours of service and raises money for the ASO annually. For more information visit wslaustin.org

The ASO’s young diverse professionals group, Symphony BATS (Be. At. The. Symphony.), is entering its 25th season of dynamic performances, exclusive events, and great parties! Membership includes premier seating to four concerts in Dell Hall chosen by Maestro Peter Bay, and year-long occasions to join others for gatherings and volunteer opportunities. For more information visit austinsymphony.org/asobats

The Arbor Series, an auxiliary group that has an educational component while also providing financial support for the ASO, started in the 1970s. The Arbor Series gives its members the opportunity to meet, visit, and participate in a Q&A with Maestro Peter Bay and the guest artist(s), the Thursday prior to the upcoming Masterworks Series performance. This special intimate luncheon is designed to educate and entertain. For more information visit austinsymphony.org/arbor

Established in 1966 by 70 Austin businessmen with the assistance of members of the Women’s Symphony League, the Knights of the Symphony was designed to be a fun-loving group. Despite its light-hearted attitude, however, the organization has also contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Austin Symphony Orchestra during its more than 40-year history. For more information visit austinsymphony.org/knights

The ASO is grateful for the efforts of more than 200 usher volunteers who make the experience of attending a performance a much more enjoyable one. Many arrive hours before the concert to insert flyers into programs, receive information on the evening’s repertoire, and assist in readying the concert hall for as many as 3,000 concertgoers. ASO Box Office volunteers also help the night of performances with Will Call, ticket sales, and answering patron questions. For more information visit austinsymphony.org/volunteer

Volunteer

SPONSORS:

Kahle

Scan here to learn more about how you can become a sponsor/partner for the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

Betty

Elizabeth L. and Russell F. Hallberg Foundation

Tejemos Foundation

Austin Independent School District

Lurleen & Dan Ladd Liza & Johannes Brinkmann

Reagan & Lauren Reaud

Elisabeth & Steffen Waltz

Robert Greene