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Press Releases
New Jersey Symphony Debuts One-of-a-Kind Opera Short Film Starring Monet X Change
NEWARK, NJ—The New Jersey Symphony hosts the premiere of a new opera short film, Opulent, starring Monét X Change, the first two-crown winner in the history of the hit television reality show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Directed by Dan Graziano, New Jersey Symphony’s Digital Content Media Manager, the short film stars Monét X Change, a classically trained bass-baritone, performing three famous works for voice with the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players. Each aria is specifically chosen to represent Monét’s journey to combine the arts of drag and opera.
New Jersey Symphony Appoints Sue On as Repertory Orchestra Conductor for the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Resident Youth Orchestra of the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University
NEWARK, NJ—The New Jersey Symphony has named Sue On as Repertory Orchestra conductor for the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Resident Youth Orchestra of the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University.
On, who is also a violinist and educator, said, “I am thrilled and honored to work with such a renowned institution that is the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra. I’m looking forward to making music and inspiring the next generation of music lovers!”
One of four ensembles within the larger Youth Orchestra, the Repertory Orchestra is newly formed for the 2023–24 season and provides students with large ensemble experience and skills necessary for advancement into the Academy Orchestra.
THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES 79th SEASON
2nd SEASON WITH MUSIC DIRECTOR NATHALIE STUTZMANN
Building on the Momentum of Her Inaugural Season
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE STUTZMANN’S SIGNATURE WORKS, ASO CHORUS, DIVERSITY AND NEW VOICES GUEST ARTISTS INCLUDE RENÉE FLEMING, JOSHUA BELL, DANIIL TRIFONOV, MARIA JOÃO PIRES AND CARLOS SIMON
Anton Bruckner Festival focuses on works by “Architect of the Spirit”
ATLANTA – The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra announces the 2023/24 Delta Classical Concert season, its second with Music Director Nathalie Stutzmann, described by The New York Times as “a conductor who certainly knows how to challenge common wisdom.” This is the 79th season for the Grammy® Award-winning Orchestra.
“The artistic partnership between Nathalie Stutzmann and the musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is nothing short of transformative. Around the world and here in Atlanta, critics note Stutzmann’s fresh, searching, intriguing interpretations that allow listeners to hear long-beloved works as though they were world premieres,” said Jennifer Barlament, Executive Director. “This is one of our most diverse and exciting seasons to date, with artists of great range and gravitas side by side with fresh voices and tremendous variety.”
This season the ASO explores many of Stutzmann’s favorite works, focusing on Dvořák, Bruckner, Strauss, Brahms, Verdi and Tchaikovsky, as well as lesser-known gems. Stutzmann’s performances around the globe this year have generated tremendous praise, especially with this repertoire, of which a recent Arts Desk review said, “In her sweeping gestures, generous dynamic range, and singer’s grasp of the long, unfolding phrase, Stutzmann looks and sounds like a fitting companion for this kind of journey across the expanse of the 19th century...She never stinted on drama, colour and contrast, with thunderous fortissimos and lilting, leisurely episodes of calm.”
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA NAMES PRINCIPAL FLUTE CHRISTINA SMITH RECIPIENT OF THE MABEL DORN REEDER HONORARY CHAIR
ATLANTA – The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has named Principal Flute Christina Smith as the new recipient of The Mabel Dorn Reeder Honorary Chair. The Chair, which was first announced in 2011, was established with a $1.85 million endowment gift from the Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation.
"I am deeply honored to receive this award," said Ms. Smith. "Mrs. Reeder made such an impact on Atlanta's arts community and on the Orchestra, and I am grateful to be chosen to hold the chair bearing her name."
The Mabel Dorn Reeder Honorary Chair is awarded, based on merit, for a period of five years to an ASO musician who demonstrates excellence in musical artistry, leadership, collegiality, and community engagement. The Chair may be granted to any Principal, tenured Orchestra member, including those who already occupy a named chair. Recipients will be awarded a one-time $10,000 stipend at the start of their five-year term as the honoree, to be used for professional development.
THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO RETURN TO PIEDMONT PARK FOR A LATIN CELEBRATION THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023, AT 7:30PM
ATLANTA – The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra returns to Piedmont Park for its Concerts in the Park series on Thursday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m. with a free performance on Oak Hill. ASO Resident Conductor and Music Director of the ASYO Jerry Hou conducts the evening’s program, featuring a celebration of Latin music and composers from around the world, including Astor Piazzolla and Manuel de Falla, among others.
Families are encouraged to arrive early with their picnic dinners, as seating with a good view of the stage is first-come, first-served. Pre-concert activities include a performance by the Community Brass Ensemble, led by ASO Principal Tuba Michael Moore, from 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Family friendly activities will be hosted by the ASO Education and Community Engagement department. There will also be a merchandise table with ASO branded gear for purchase.
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES ITS 2020/21 SEASON CELEBRATING ROBERT SPANO’S 2O-YEAR TENURE AND HIS FINAL SEASON AS MUSIC DIRECTOR AND THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CHORUS ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
ATLANTA – Music Director Robert Spano and Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles today announced the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s (ASO) 2020/21 season, which will celebrate Robert Spano’s 20th and final season as Music Director and the 50th anniversary of the world-renowned Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus (ASOC).
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION, ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND THE WOODRUFF ARTS CENTER COMPLETE NEW FOUR-YEAR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
70TH Anniversary Season To Begin November 13 With Music Director Robert Spano Conducting Orchestra and Chorus
The 70th anniversary season of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will open on Thursday, November 13, after the Orchestra’s musicians and management came to terms on a new four-year collective bargaining agreement this week. Robert Spano, Music Director of the ASO, will conduct the Orchestra and Chorus performing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 with David Coucheron on November 13 and 15.
The new agreement was reached Thursday after lengthy negotiation sessions between the musicians and management with mediators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services. The agreement was approved by the Woodruff Arts Center’s Governing Board and ratified by the membership of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players’ Association over the last two days.
MUSIC DIRECTOR ROBERT SPANO AND THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS TO OPEN 2014-15 SEASON NOVEMBER 13 & 15, 2014
Program To Include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 And Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5
Concertmaster David Coucheron To Be Featured Soloist In Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5
SEASON MARKS 70th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND 40th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE AT ASO.ORG
Music Director Robert Spano and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and Chorus will open the 2014-15 season on November 13, 2014, at 8:00 p.m. An additional performance will take place November 15, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. These concerts will mark the beginning of the Orchestra’s 70th season and the 14th year of artistic partnership between Mr. Spano and Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles. Additional concert details are available at aso.org.
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra opens its 2014-15 season after an agreement on a new collective bargaining was reached Saturday, November 8, 2014.
Throughout the 2014-15 season, the Atlanta Symphony will perform three world premieres, including two new works by Atlanta School of Composers members Christopher Theofanidis and Michael Gandolfi. The third world premiere will be by Jonathan Leshnoff.
THE ATLANTA OPERA REACHES AGREEMENT WITH ORCHESTRA
The Five-Year Agreement Runs Through 2023-2024 Season
ATLANTA – September 26, 2019 – The Atlanta Opera and The Atlanta Opera Orchestra have reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension, which now runs through the end of the 2023-24 season.
The new agreement was reached just months after the existing contract expired in July, 2019.
“As The Atlanta Opera continues to establish itself as one of the leading opera companies in the nation, the role of the orchestra becomes even more prominent, said Carl W.Knobloch, Jr. General and Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun. “The orchestra has been a critical partner in the growth of the company from 12 performances in 2013 to 32 performances in 2019. The positive relationship that we have established with the musicians in the past few years has evolved and deepened to become a real partnership. We had a respectful and collegial negotiation process this summer, which resulted in a five year agreement. This agreement will allow us to improve and strengthen our artistic operations, while keeping the stability and financial health of the Opera in mind.”
"The musicians are pleased to have reached this long-term agreement through a process that was straightforward, fair, and productive. We look forward to contributing to the continued success of The Atlanta Opera by delivering performances of the highest quality to our loyal audiences,” said William Johnston, principal violist and chair of the musicians' negotiating committee.
The core orchestra complement remains unchanged and will continue to play for The Opera’s main stage performances at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, which have increased over the last five years from three productions to four. In addition, the Discoveries series performances have increased from six to sixteen performances, bringing the total number of performances in the 2018-19 season to 32. The continued growth in performances increases the number of orchestra services available, which in turn gives the orchestra more chances to play together.
Musicians employed in The Atlanta Opera Orchestra are represented by the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.