Concerts & Events
Our Music Director, Elizabeth Schulze, has a fantastic season planned for you!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!!
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
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Champagne Pops Gala
Country Legends
Celebrating some of Country Music’s greatest hits while raising money for your ASO!
Season Finale
Classic & Applause Series
Featuring Yuliya Gorenman, piano
ANNA CLYNE | Masquerade
TCHAIKOVSKY | Piano Concerto No. 1
RESPIGHI | Pines of Rome
Symphony of Wines
Symphony of Wines is Back!
Try over 100 wines while enjoying delectable hors d'oeuvre, live music, and a fantastic silent auction!
Family Concert
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!
Kaleidoscope 4.0
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.
Hidden Treasures
Classic Series
MENDELSSOHN | The Fair Melusina Overture
FARRENC | Symphony No. 3
BEETHOVEN | Symphony No. 7
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
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
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”
Champagne Pops
54th Annual Champagne Pops
Featuring Broadway Stars Scarlett Strallen and Hugh Panaro
and YOUR Anchorage Symphony conducted by Elizabeth Schulze