About the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The Orchestra's Summer Home
With the opening of Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park in 2008, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra became the first U.S. orchestra to annually perform and present in its concert hall and in two major amphitheaters (the ASO has performed at Chastain Park Amphitheater for 36 years). Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park is a 12,000-seat, state-of-the-art amphitheater. In 2009, it was voted Atlanta’s Best Music Venue - Outdoor by the monthly publication INsite and nominated as "Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue" by Pollstar Concert Industry Awards.
The Orchestra inaugurated its new summer home with a Grand Opening Concert on May 10, 2008, followed by four sold-out concerts by the Eagles, May 14, 16, 17, and 20, 2008 – events that introduced America's newest outdoor venue to music lovers throughout North Georgia and the surrounding region. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre is located in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, minutes from GA 400 and North Point Mall in Alpharetta, GA.
The 2009 season featured Tchaikovsky and Beethoven concerts and the second collaboration between the ASO and Turner Classic Movies, a music and film salute to the scores of Rodgers & Hammerstein, hosted by TCM’s Robert Osborne. Pop and rock enthusiasts enjoyed the Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Chesney, Stevie Wonder, and other headliners.
About the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The Orchestra, currently in its 65th season, is one of America’s leading ensembles, known for the excellence of its live performances, innovative presentations, renowned choruses, and impressive list of Grammy Award-winning recordings. The leading cultural organization in the Southeast, the Orchestra serves as the cornerstone for artistic development and music education in the region. Under the Creative Partnership of Music Director Robert Spano and Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles since September 2001, the Orchestra and audiences together explore a creative programming mix, recordings, and visual enhancements, such as the signature Theater of a Concert, an exploration of different formats, settings, and enhancements for the musical performance experience. Another example is the Atlanta School of Composers, which reflects Mr. Spano's commitment to nurturing and championing music through multi-year partnerships defining a new generation of American composers.During its 31-year history with Telarc, the Orchestra has recorded more than 100 albums and its recordings have won 26 Grammy Awards in categories including Best Classical Album, Best Orchestral Performance, Best Choral Performance, and Best Opera Performance. The Orchestra's Chorus has earned nine Grammy Awards for Best Choral Performance, most recently for the Berlioz Requiem in 2005.
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs more than 200 concerts each year to a combined audience of more than a half million in a full schedule of performances which also feature educational and community concerts. A recognized leader and supporter of contemporary American music, the Orchestra recently received the 2007 award for Strongest Commitment to New American Music from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. In addition, Robert Spano was named Musical America 2008 Conductor of the Year.
For more information, please visit atlantasymphony.org.