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Today’s guest is Tammy Hawk, director of communications with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and she is joined by hosts Todd Schnick and Bryan Nonni. On the show, Tammy, Todd and Bryan discuss the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Woodruff Arts Center, upcoming concerts at Atlanta Symphony Hall and much more.
The ASO is now in its 71st season and is led by Music Director Robert Spano and Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles. Both Spano and Runnicles have been with the orchestra for 15 seasons, so they are experienced veterans with this very talented ensemble.
The Woodruff Arts Center is one of the largest art centers in the world and is home to ASO, the Alliance Theatre and the High Museum of Art. The Woodruff Arts Center is also one of the only arts centers that hosts both visual and performing arts. Each year, there are 1.2 million patrons that visit the Woodruff Arts Center; with an extensive education program across multiple platforms, the center hosts about 100,000 kids each year for different programs.
December will be a great month for events at the Atlanta Symphony Hall. This weekend, Dec. 4 through 6, is the Cirque de la Symphonie, which kicks off this year’s holiday programming. Back by popular demand, this year’s Cirque de la Symphonie features all new artists and performances including jugglers, clowns and flying acrobats. Conducted by Michael Palmer, the Cirque de la Symphonie is truly a circus and orchestra performance all in one.
The Vienna Boys Choir is the next performance on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Described as a truly angelic performance, the holiday program is extra special and is sure to wow its audience. Named “Christmas in Vienna,” the choir will be singing a full night of holiday tunes from the biggest and best holiday hits to popular sing-along songs and traditional carols.
The holiday season is the season for orchestra music. It’s the time for multi-generational families to attend the symphony as a tradition. To accommodate these concert-goers, the ASO has many other up-and-coming holiday events. “A Very Merry Holiday Pops” is on Dec. 17, 18 and 19, which features a visit with Santa; the traditional program, started by Robert Shaw, is “Christmas with ASO” on Dec. 12 and 13.
Another popular ASO program is called Concerts for Young People, which includes a number of concerts throughout the season where students are allowed to come in and see a performance. In many cases, this is the first time these kids are seeing an orchestra performance. Musicians and the conductors usually talk with students after the show and give them one-on-one engagement for a full concert experience.
The Woodruff Arts Center’s other two venues, the Alliance Theatre and the High Museum, both have upcoming events. In its 26th season, A Christmas Carol will be running at the Alliance Theatre from Nov. 19 to Dec. 27. For the adult crowd, Dad’s Garage is putting on a show called Merry %#!*ing Christmas, which is running sporadically until Dec. 19. Another adult package from the ASO is a dinner and a concert date night. ASO has teamed with One Midtown Kitchen to offer a special dinner and a concert for $50 per person. With One Midtown Kitchen within walking distance to ASO, this package makes for a truly special evening.
Looking ahead to 2016, the Woodruff Arts Center will have multiple exhibitions in store for visitors. At the High Museum, Habsburg Splendor takes viewers on a journey exploring 500 years of art collecting by the Habsburg family. Also on view is Iris Van Herpen: Transforming Fashion, which presents works by visionary Dutch fashion designer Iris Van Herpen. A cutting-edge artist inspired by diverse influences in the arts, sciences, music and philosophy, this exhibit is sure to impress.
To learn all about the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and upcoming concerts, or to purchase tickets, visit www.AtlantaSymphony.org.
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