Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to perform two free summer concerts

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will perform two free “Summer Concerts at Symphony Hall” made possible through the support of the Charles Loridans Foundation, Inc.

The performances will take place on Saturday, July 7 and Saturday, August 11 in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center. Both performances will be at 8 p.m.

On July 7, guest conductor Ward Stare of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will lead the Orchestra in a program featuring Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite, Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances, Barber’s Adagio for Strings, the Overture to Wagner’s Die Meistersinger, and Ravel’s Le tombeau de Couperin.

The second concert, led by guest conductor Jacomo Bairos of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, will include the Overture to Mozart’s The Magic Flute, selections from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, and Rainbow Body by Atlanta School of Composers member Christopher Theofanidis. Also on the program are Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Bernstein’s “Three Dance Episodes” from On The Town.

Admission is free to the general public, but tickets for general admission seating are required. Complimentary tickets are available online at atlantasymphony.org, by calling (404) 733-5000, or at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office.

Tonight, Thursday, June 14, student musicians from the Atlanta area, including members of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO), will perform a side-by-side concert with members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center. Youth Orchestra Music Director Jere Flint will lead the musicians in a program featuring Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony and Mozart’s Overture to The Magic Flute.

Justin Blalock — the starting left guard for the Atlanta Falcons — will host the concert, guest conduct John Williams’s Raiders March, and sign autographs following the performance. Blalock, who grew up playing the tuba and continues to play the drums and guitar, recognizes the importance of music-rich educational experiences and recently joined the Atlanta Symphony’s “When I Play Music” campaign for music education. 

“Growing up in Texas as an athlete and musician, I discovered firsthand that playing both football and tuba helped me thrive in all areas of life,'' Blalock said in a statement. "When kids play music, they achieve higher test scores, are more likely to become community leaders, have more confidence, and experience a sense of achievement. I started my foundation to help young athletes achieve a sense of self-confidence and achievement. Now, through this new partnership with the Atlanta Symphony, I will be able to combine my efforts to also reach out to the youth of our city through music. I am excited by the possibilities ahead of us in partnership with this great orchestra.”

The side-by-side concert will mark the end of an intensive four-day orchestral workshop allowing students to participate in special coaching sessions with Atlanta Symphony musicians, sit next to orchestra members in rehearsals, and receive up to 15 hours of musical instruction from Flint. Additionally, students will be paired with an Atlanta Symphony musician who will serve as their mentor throughout the entire workshop. Approximately 60 student musicians will participate in this year’s concert.

The ASYO, which will begin its 38th season in fall 2012, is comprised of gifted young men and women, ages 13 to 18, from across the Southeast.

Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office or by calling 404-733-5000.