AUSTIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SOCIETY
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : j*****n@a************y.o*g
Mission Statement
The mission of the Austin Symphony Orchestra Society, Inc. is to enhance the cultural quality of life for the adults and young people of Austin and Central Texas by providing excellence in music performance and educational programs.
About This Cause
Mission Statement and History The mission of the Austin Symphony Orchestra Society, Inc. is to enhance the cultural quality of life for the adults and young people of Austin and Central Texas by providing excellence in music performance and educational programs. The Austin Symphony Orchestra’s first public concert, held on Tuesday, May 2, 1911 at the Hancock Opera House, was conducted by Dr. Hans Harthan. The organization was formally incorporated in 1941 when the orchestra was conducted by Hendrik Buytendorp. Maestro Buytendorp was a former member of the Royal Orchestra in Holland and served eight years as the conductor of the ASO from 1940 to 1948. Following Maestro Buytendorp, Ezra Rachlin was named conductor for the 1948-49 season which began his 20-year association with the ASO. He initiated many new programs, such as student concerts, the world's first drive-in concert, the presentation of international guest artists and the first Pops concert. During the 1960's and 70's the ASO went through many changes. In 1971, Mrs. D. J. Sibley, Jr. was elected president and began her tenure as head of the society's board of directors. Under her enthusiastic and determined leadership, a hard-working board was established, and a systematic reduction of the deficit began. During this period, the concept of Symphony Square as a home for the Orchestra was launched under the direction President Jane Sibley and ably assisted by ASO board members Peggy Brown and General Gordon Blood. With the resignation in 1980 of Maestro Akira Endo, a comprehensive, nation-wide search led to the hiring of a young assistant conductor from the Cleveland Orchestra, Maestro Sung Kwak. His tenure from 1982 through 1996 was marked by growth, professional excellence and wonderful artistry. Moving its home base to the 3,000-seat Bass Concert Hall on the University of Texas campus allowed the Austin Symphony to expand its programming dramatically. December 1997 marked new beginnings with Music Director/Conductor Peter Bay assuming the reins. Mrs. Sibley moved to Chairman of the Board and Mr. Joe R. Long served as President of the Society until 2012. Mr. Long is now Chairman of the Board, with Thomas Neville taking over as Board President. The Austin Symphony officially moved into its new permanent home, the Long Center for the Performing Arts in September 2008 when it began its 98th concert season. The season includes eight classical concert pairs, September through May, a Holiday Pops (2 nights) in late December and ends with the Promenade Pops (2 nights) in June. In addition to the subscription series, the orchestra performs an additional two Pops in October and February, the Young People's Concerts, a High School Concerts series, Halloween Children's Concerts, the annual July Fourth Concert and Fireworks and the summer-long Concerts in the Park. The ASO annually performs around Austin and in other Central Texas communities. In 2010, the ASO introduced the Texas Young Composers Competition & Concert, offering students 18 years of age and younger a chance to have their orchestral compositions performed by the Austin Symphony in a special concert. To date, 20 young people have had their works premiered by the ASO. Other educational programs offered include Children's Day Art Park, Music on the Move, Building Blocks (for PreK-3rd grade) and more. The ASO continues to be the leading performing arts organization in Austin through public support and contributions from individuals and corporations.