Concerts & Events

Our Music Director, Elizabeth Schulze, has a fantastic season planned for you!

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony
Jan
11

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony

Subscription Add-On

What’s Up Doc?! Bugs Bunny is coming to Atwood Concert Hall! Combining more than a dozen beloved classic Looney Tunes projected on the big screen while your ASO plays the classical music-infused original scores, including iconic favorites like What’s Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, Baton Bunny, and more!

LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements © & TM Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s24)

Generously Sponsored by

View Event →
Bugs Bunny at the Symphony
Jan
11

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony

Subscription Add-On

What’s Up Doc?! Bugs Bunny is coming to Atwood Concert Hall! Combining more than a dozen beloved classic Looney Tunes projected on the big screen while your ASO plays the classical music-infused original scores, including iconic favorites like What’s Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, Baton Bunny, and more!

LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements © & TM Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s24)

Generously Sponsored by

View Event →
Portraits
Jan
25

Portraits

Portraits

Classic & Applause Series


RAVEL - Tombeau de Couperin
MARGARET BONDS - Montgomery Variations
ELGAR - Enigma Variations

  • Ravel's elegant tribute to France's musical and cultural heritage blends Baroque dance forms with Impressionistic colors and textures.

  • The first black musician to solo with the Chicago Symphony, Margaret Bonds composed a captivating orchestral work with layered and poignant melodies that pay homage to the Civil Rights Movement and African American spirituals.

  • Elgar's musical portraits honor the personalities of his close friends, with each variation representing a different individual or aspect of their character.

*program and artists subject to change
View Event →
Legends
Mar
1

Legends

Legends

Classic Series


featuring
Benett Tsai, cello

MEILINA TSUI - Wagneresque
BRAHMS - Symphony No. 3
DVOŘÁK - Cello Concerto

  • Meilina Tsui's Wagneresque is vibrant and evocative, drawing inspiration from the lush and dramatic characteristics of Richard Wagner's music.

  • A deeply introspective and emotionally profound work, Brahms' Symphony No. 3 explores the struggle between light and dark, with themes conjuring various emotions and moods.

  • Considered the crown jewel in the cello concerto repertoire, Dvořák's lyrical and passionate masterpiece showcases the cello's expressive capabilities.

*program and artists subject to change
View Event →
Season Finale
Apr
19

Season Finale

Season Finale

Classic & Applause Series

featuring Dr. Jeffrey Hall, visuals

NINA SHEKHAR - Lumina
DEBUSSY, arr Luck - Clair de Lune
BRETT LINDSAY - Of Sunlight & Solace
HOLST - Planets

  • Nina Shekhar’s Lumina is an enthralling blend of ethereal refrains and pulsating rhythms that transport you into a world of colorful sonic landscapes.

  • Proudly presenting the world premiere of local composer and ASO cellist Brett Lindsay’s Of Sunlight & Solace.

  • Experience Holst’s epic orchestral suite with stunning visuals by Dr. Jeffrey Hall, Director of the Lowell Observatory.

*program and artists subject to change
View Event →

Echoes of Earth
Nov
2

Echoes of Earth

Echoes of Earth

Classic Series


RANDALL CRAIG FLEISCHER -
Athabaskan Prayer Song from Echoes
JOHN LUTHER ADAMS - An Atlas of Deep Time
BEETHOVEN - Symphony No. 6

  • The piece ASO Music Director in Memoriam called "One of the highlights of my tenure (and life)," Randy's Echoes features Alaska Native and Native American indigenous music, including an Athabaskan Prayer Song.

  • John Luther Adams paints a mesmerizing sonic landscape of the vast expanse of geological time, evoking a sense of awe and wonder through its gradual shifts and resonant textures.

  • Beethoven's "Pastoral Symphony" evokes nature's beauty and tranquility and the joyfulness and energy it summons within us.

*program and artists subject to changeGenerously Sponsored by
View Event →
Hollywood Heroes
Oct
19

Hollywood Heroes

Hollywood Heroes

Subscription Add-On

In a world where heroes rise, and legends are born, embark on a thrilling journey through epic movie soundtracks that bring heroes from the super to the everyman to life!

One night only, embark on a thrilling journey through epic movie soundtracks that bring to life heroes from the super to every man!

Experience music from blockbusters like Wonder Woman, Pirates of the Caribbean, Rocky, Star Trek, Magnificent Seven, Black Panther, and so many more!!

View Event →
Opening Night
Sep
28

Opening Night

Opening Night

Classic & Applause Series


featuring
Maxim Lando, piano

CARLOS SIMON - Fate Now Conquers
RACHMANINOFF -
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
TCHAIKOVSKY - Symphony No. 5

  • Using rich melodies and rhythmic intensity, Carlos Simon's Fate Now Conquers is a dynamic orchestral work that explores themes of destiny and triumph.

  • Rachmaninoff's lively piano concerto-like work weaves together twenty-four variations on Paganini's famous theme, showcasing the virtuosity of both composers and one of classical music's most recognized themes!

  • Tchaikovsky's stirring Symphony No. 5 journeys through emotional highs and lows, culminating in a triumphant and powerful finale.

*program and artists subject to change

Generously Sponsored by

View Event →
Season Finale
May
11

Season Finale

ASO Education Consultant Susan Wingrove-Reed discusses the music and personalities of our upcoming Season Finale.

ASO Education Consultant Susan Wingrove-Reed and ASO Music Director Elizabeth Schulze discuss our upcoming Season Finale.

Classic and Applause Series

featuring Terrence Wilson, piano

Program
GAO HONG | Celebration
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF | Piano Concerto No. 2
NIKOLAI RIMSKY-KORSAKOV | Scheherazade

  • Celebration fuses lively rhythms, colorful melodies, and traditional Chinese elements with Western orchestration, creating a vibrant and joyful composition.

  • Dynamic and versatile pianist Terrence Wilson shows off his expressive interpretations, performing Rachmaninoff’s virtuosic and romantic Piano Concerto No. 2.

  • Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade captivates with exotic allure and vibrant musical imagery, featuring a spellbinding performance by ASO Concertmaster Ludek Wojtkowski.

Join ASO Education Consultant Susan Wingrove-Reed for insights, stories, and musicians' perspectives at ASO's FREE pre-concert lecture Words on Music LIVE, May 11th at 6:30pm.

 

Generously Sponsored by

View Event →
Tradition & Innovation
Mar
2

Tradition & Innovation

Classic Series

featuring Mary Elizabeth Bowden, trumpet

Program
BOHUSLAV MARTINU | Thunderbolt P-47
VIVIAN FUNG | Trumpet Concerto
JEAN-BAPTISTE ARBAN arr DEJONG | Variations on a Theme from Bellini’s “Norma”
LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN | Symphony No. 5

  • Martinu’s Thunderbolt P-47 is a thrilling piece capturing WWII fighter pilots’ spirit, courage, and heroism.

  • Originally scheduled to perform on our 2020 Season Finale, accomplished trumpet player Mary Elizabeth Bowden now joins us to perform Vivian Fung’s Trumpet Concerto, co-commissioned by the ASO commissioning club, Musica Nova.

  • Duh, duh, duh, duhhhh. Need we say more? Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 5 embodies his revolutionary spirit and mastery in crafting powerful and emotionally charged music.

Generously sponsored by
Doré & Kevin Meyers

Join ASO Education Consultant Susan Wingrove-Reed for insights, stories, and musicians' perspectives at ASO's FREE pre-concert lecture Words on Music LIVE, March 2nd at 6:30pm.

View Event →
The Magic of John Williams
Feb
10

The Magic of John Williams

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a composer created dozens of famous film and TV scores that made you afraid to go into the water, introduced you to the magic of Hogwarts, inspired you to be a Jedi, and made you a little less afraid of aliens.

Immerse yourself in the unparalleled genius of John Williams when your ASO brings to the stage the timeless melodies of Star Wars, Harry Potter, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Indiana Jones, Superman, and many more. It’s an evening of musical enchantment that transcends the screen and makes the magic of cinema come to life!

View Event →
Dreamscapes
Jan
27

Dreamscapes

Classic and Applause Series

featuring Tim Fain, violin

Program
RUTH GIPPS | Song for Orchestra
TIM FAIN | Edge of a Dream
RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS | Symphony No. 2, “A London Symphony”

  • Ruth Gipps’ introspective Song for Orchestra captivates with expressive dynamics and rich orchestration, leaving a lasting impression.

  • Acclaimed for his ability to enthrall audiences, violinist Tim Fain returns to the Atwood Concert Hall to perform his breathtaking piece, Edge of a Dream.

  • Vaughan Williams’ A London Symphony paints a vibrant musical portrait of the energetic, diverse, and iconic city of London.

Join ASO Education Consultant Susan Wingrove-Reed for insights, stories, and musicians' perspectives at ASO's FREE pre-concert lecture Words on Music LIVE, January 27th at 6:30pm.

View Event →
FREE Neighborhood Concert
Jan
20

FREE Neighborhood Concert

Fun for the Whole Family!

Saturday, January 20, 2024 - 2pm
West Anchorage High School Theatre
Doors open at 1:30pm.
This event is not ticketed. Seating is limited.

FUN, CASUAL, and FREE!

Join your ASO at WEST ANCHORAGE HIGH SCHOOL for a one-hour performance of audience favorites. This family-friendly concert includes music from Taylor Swift, William Tell, Sleeping Beauty, Disney's Frozen, Echoes, and, of course, we wouldn’t forget the Overture of 1812 with audience participation!

Seating is limited. Doors open at 1:30, concert begins at 2pm.

View Event →
Silent Film Night
Jan
13

Silent Film Night

Rick Benjamin, guest conductor

featuring
Buster Keaton’s COPS showcases his incredible physicality, deadpan expression, and slapstick humor as he unwittingly finds himself pursued by the police.

Buster Keaton’s One Week is a hilarious and inventive comedy that follows the misadventures of a newlywed couple attempting to build their own home, leading to a series of disastrous and laugh-out-loud moments.

AND

Charlie Chaplin’s A DOG’S LIFE captures Chaplin’s effortless portrayal of the hardships faced by a tramp and his loyal canine companion while offering a reflection on friendship, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.

View Event →
American Perspective
Nov
4

American Perspective

Classic Series

featuring Karen Walwyn, piano

Program
QUINN MASON | A Joyous Trilogy for Orchestra
FLORENCE B PRICE | Piano Concerto in One Movement
WILLIAM GRANT STILL | Serenade for Orchestra
AARON COPLAND | Appalachian Spring

  • Concert pianist, composer, recording artist, and Florence B. Price scholar Karen Walwyn breathes life into Price’s Piano Concerto with insightful artistry, showcasing her exceptional talent.

  • Still’s Serenade for Orchestra captivates with a seamless fusion of classical, jazz, and folk, transporting listeners.

  • Copland’s Appalachian Spring evokes rural America with poignant melodies, heartfelt perspective, and the use of folk tunes.

Join ASO Education Consultant Susan Wingrove-Reed for insights, stories, and musicians' perspectives at ASO's FREE pre-concert lecture Words on Music LIVE, November 4th at 6:30pm.

View Event →
Opening Night
Oct
7

Opening Night

Classic and Applause Series

featuring Sharon Isbin, guitar

Program
STEPHANIE BERG | Ravish and Mayhem
EMMANUEL CHABRIER | España
JOAQUIN RODRIGO | Concierto de Aranjuez
CHRIS BRUBECK | Affinity: Concerto for Guitar & Orchestra
LEONARD BERNSTEIN | Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

  • Stephanie Berg’s Ravish & Mayhem mesmerizes with beauty and chaos, from the first notes to the explosive finale.

  • World-renowned guitarist Sharon Isbin brings her exceptional virtuosity to Joaquin Rodrigo’s masterpiece Concierto de Aranjuez and Chris Brubeck’s captivating Affinity.

  • The evening concludes with Leonard Bernstein’s thrilling journey through the rhythmic musical landscape of West Side Story.

Generously sponsored by
Kevin & Doré Meyers
and

View Event →
Season Finale
Apr
15

Season Finale

  • Alaska Center for the Performing Arts - Atwood Concert Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Classic & Applause Series

Featuring Yuliya Gorenman, piano

ANNA CLYNE | Masquerade
TCHAIKOVSKY | Piano Concerto No. 1
RESPIGHI | Pines of Rome

Learn More

View Event →
Family Concert
Apr
2

Family Concert

  • Alaska Center for the Performing Arts - Discovery Theatre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Anchorage Symphony Family Concert is back! What are all those instruments on the stage? Learn this and more at the ASO premiere of Russel Peck's The Thrill of the Orchestra. The "thrill" continues with music from Harry Potter and Frozen, Flight of the Bumblebee, Copland's Rodeo, and much more!

Learn More

View Event →
Kaleidoscope 4.0
Mar
25

Kaleidoscope 4.0

  • Alaska Center for the Performing Arts - Sydney Laurence Theatre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

More chamber music with an ASO twist! Anchorage Symphony musicians from all sections of the orchestra showcase brilliant movements from contemporary and traditional chamber works.

View Event →
Latin Vistas
Jan
28

Latin Vistas

Classic & Applause Series

Featuring Vanessa Perez, piano

GABRIELA LENA FRANK | Three Latin American Dances
de FALLA | Nights in the Gardens of Spain
MONCAYO | Huapango
REVUELTAS | La noche de los Mayas

Learn More

View Event →
Bach & Beyond
Nov
12

Bach & Beyond

Classic Series

Featuring Dimitri Murrath, viola
Yaniv Attar, guest conductor

ARVO PÄRT | If Bach Had Been a Beekeeper
BACH | Orchestra Suite No. 2 in B minor (Mvt 1)
DOBRINKA TABAKOVA | Suite in Old Style for Viola, Harpsichord, & Strings
SCHUBERT | Symphony No. 5

Learn More

View Event →
Opening Night
Sep
24

Opening Night

Classic & Applause Series

Featuring Bella Hristova, violin

BERNSTEIN | Overture to Candide
MARY D. WATKINS | Five Movements in Color (Mvt 1 & 2)
KORNGOLD | Violin Concerto in D Major
DVOŘÁK | Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”

Learn More

View Event →