Alabama Symphony Orchestra

From its ceremonious opening movement to its glorious finale, Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition takes a stroll through an art exhibit full of rich colors and enchanting illustrations. During this program, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra will also perform Anniston-born composer William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony and Maurice Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso.

The beginning of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) dates to 1921, with the premiere performance by a group of volunteer musicians. That group would evolve from a volunteer ensemble to the state’s only full-time professional orchestra. Today, the ASO continues to make music and provide vital services to the residents of the state, serving nearly 100,000 individuals a year through concert series, youth programs and educational and community engagement efforts to fulfill its mission of changing lives through music. The ASO has entertained and enriched audiences for almost 100 years, playing a variety of classical and popular music and hosting performances by some of the finest guest artists in the world. Performing 100 concerts annually, the talented musicians of the ASO bring to life some of the world’s most treasured musical masterpieces and introduce listeners to exciting new works and composers.