Forward March!

21-May-2012

Austin Civic Orchestra Excitedly Preparing to Meet Audiences At Zilker Park

• The Austin Civic Orchestra is getting ready for a free outdoor concert in one of Austin’s favorite locations: Zilker Park.

Austin, May 20, 2012 – One thing Austinites have come to love about the city is the abundance of events that entertain. Whether locals are looking for something casual, classy, family-friendly, date-friendly, or anything in between, the Austin Civic Orchestra is putting on a concert with something for everyone: “Forward March!: A Pops Concert at Zilker Park.”

One of the most highly attended concerts of the season, the ACO’s annual Zilker Park outdoor concert is a favorite of musicians and audiences alike. At this event, it is not uncommon to see dogs playing, kids dancing, couples picnicking, and everyone singing. The string section of the orchestra has also been known to dress up with costumes and props that pertain to the music.

Lois Ferrari, the Music Director for the ACO, said, “This concert is the most fun we have all year. It is our opportunity to provide a comfortable and casual music experience for Austin. We play pieces that everyone knows and that fall just a bit outside of what you normally think of when hear ‘classical music’. That’s why we call it a ‘pops concert’.”

Audiences can anticipate hearing everything from Verdi to Beethoven to John Williams. They can also count on the ACO’s traditional finale “Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Phillip Sousa, that will be conducted by a lucky “volunteer conductor” chosen from the audience by a raffle.

Kathleen Bohn, president of the Board of Directors, said, “This is a concert where you can be completely at ease. Clap when you want. Laugh when you want. Dance when you want. Anything goes.”

There will be performances on June 8th and 9th at 8:00 PM at the Zilker Hillside Theater. The concert is free so the ACO invites audiences to bring their picnic blankets, enjoy an evening on the lawn, and listen to great music.

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About Austin Civic Orchestra
Among the oldest community orchestras in the country, the ACO was founded in 1977 by Mac Payne for the purpose of providing accessible and affordable, yet quality, classical music performances to Austin audiences as well as offering a recreational performing experience to musicians in the community. The organization started with a small group of string players that has since grown and evolved into 80 musicians under the direction of Lois Ferrari.

Contact

Austin Civic Orchestra
Stephanie Walton, 512.200.2261
Business and Public Relations Manager
acomgr@austincivicorchestra.org

04-May-2012

Austin Civic Orchestra Closes a Successful Season With a New Addition

• The Austin Civic Orchestra enjoyed its most successful season ever while adding a new face to its ranks.

Austin, May 4, 2012 – As the 2011-2012 season draws to a close, the Austin Civic Orchestra is proud to announce its most successful season since its humble beginnings over 35 years ago.  With eight performances, over 75 musicians, multiple sold out concerts, and a star-studded line-up of local guest performers, the ACO is proud of its accomplishments this year and is taking steps to continue its growth.

Music director, Lois Ferrari, has been conducting the orchestra for 10 years.  When asked how the season went, she noted, “Along with concert attendance, the quality of the musical performance has gone up. This past season has been our best yet and it is exciting for me to work with professionals and peers who challenge themselves with each new performance.”

In previous seasons, the ACO has performed with a string of guest talent such as Dan Welcher, Peter Bay, Lauren Lane, Anton Nel, and Hai Zheng. Michelle Schumann, artistic director of the Austin Chamber Music Center, is on the program for the May 12th concert. They also have a concert scheduled this summer in Zilker Park.

In response to its continued growth and success, the ACO has added a new Business and Public Relations Manager to its ranks.  Stephanie Walton has been tasked with increasing public awareness of the orchestra, its performances, and mission. “I am very excited and honored to being working with the ACO,” Stephanie said. “This is a fabulous group of musicians who are devoted to not only making great music, but to creating a classical music experience that is accessible and enjoyable for Austin audiences. Their mission is as unique and poignant as their music-making.”

Lois Ferrari added, “This orchestra's musicians really love to perform. But they also are committed to energizing the classical music scene in Austin by working with young musicians, commissioning new works, and performing new pieces.”

Their next concert of the season is May 12 at Bates Recital Hall where they will be performing Barber, Franck, and Tchaikovsky. For tickets and more information, visitwww.austincivicorchestra.org.

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About Austin Civic Orchestra

Among the oldest community orchestras in the country, the ACO was founded in 1977 by Mac Payne for the purpose of providing accessible and affordable, yet quality, classical music performances to Austin audiences as well as offering a recreational performing experience to musicians in the community. The organization started with a small group of string players that has since grown and evolved into 75 plus musicians under the direction of Lois Ferrari.

Contact
Austin Civic Orchestra
Stephanie Walton, 512.200.2261
Business and Public Relations Manager
acomgr@austincivicorchestra.org

28-Jan-2012

The ACO Brass Quintet performed at 3M  to provide entertainment for a luncheon.  Not many high tech workers get live music during their lunch hour.  Check out these pictures.  

See this page for more information on the ACO small ensembles.  

12-Jan-2012

23-Aug-2011