Calling all ASO fans, especially families! Presented by the Hollidaysburg Area Arts Council, the annual Canal Basin Concert is a community favorite! From patriotic to Broadway to popular favorites and even a sneak peek at music from our 95th season - there will be music for EVERYONE at this FREE concert.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase (cash only), courtesy of Hollidaysburg Church of the Brethren.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of music with Altoona Symphony's Season 95 Opening Night concert featuring the breathtaking Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2, Stravinsky's enchanting suite from The Firebird, the jubilant Shostakovich Festive Overture (joined by members of the Altoona Brass Collective!), and an exciting fanfare written by Dr. Dave Villani.
This is a rare opportunity to experience the beauty, the power, and the majesty of these iconic works performed by a world-class pianist, Dudana Mazmanishvili. Ms. Mazmanishvili, who is based in Germany and performs worldwide, was a soloist with the ASO at the very beginning of her career.
You will be swept away by the haunting melodies, the lush harmonies, and the fiery rhythms of these masterpieces. Fondly dedicated to our dear friend and patron, Shirley A. Pechter, Season 95 Opening Night is not to be missed.
Prepare to be transported to a world of musical wonder at this incredible concert featuring Michael Torke's dynamic Bright Blue Music, Debussy's ethereal Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, the magnificent Howard Hanson Symphony No. 2, "Romantic," and a world premiere composed by Todd Goodman, former composer-in-residence of the ASO. This world premiere will feature the trio Eastern Standard, comprised of Heidi Lucas, horn; Zach Collins, tuba; and Jacob Ertl, piano.
The soaring melodies and pulsing rhythms of Torke's modern masterpiece, synergy of Eastern Standard, the otherworldly beauty of Debussy's prelude, and the grandeur of Hanson's "Romantic" symphony will take you on a thrilling journey through a colorful and vibrant soundscape.
It wouldn't be the most wonderful time of the year without the ASO Holiday Spectacular! Join us at the stunning Altoona Area High School Auditorium on Saturday, December 2, to ring in the holiday spirit. We'll be celebrating Season 95 with all of the holiday music magic you know and love: excerpts from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker featuring dancers from Cambria Dance Academy, a performance by our Altoona Youth Orchestra, heartfelt collaborations with local choirs, music from holidays around the world, and, of course, all of your holiday "orchestra favorites!"
NOTE: Seating is first come, first served.
ASO's own principal cellist and renown concert soloist, Kim Cook, takes the stage to perform Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations, a stunning showcase for the cello, full of virtuosic passages and beautiful melodies, making it one of the most beloved works in the instrument's repertory. Also included in this diverse program is Ibert's Homage à Mozart, a playful tribute to the famous composer, and Mozart's Symphony 32, a youthful, lively, and energetic short symphony. Perhaps new to most listeners will be Peggy Stuart's Pioneer Dances, a rousing tribute to the pioneers who built our country. The concert will close with Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring, the beloved American classic that captures the beauty of the Appalachian landscape.
The Altoona Symphony Orchestra and Indiana University of Pennsylvania Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Craig Denison, come together for an unforgettable evening of music by Italian composers! The audience will be swept away by the passion and drama of several Italian opera choruses, featuring excerpts from Verdi's La Forza Del Destino and Vivaldi's Gloria. The orchestra will also showcase well-known Italian symphonic works, including Rossini's William Tell Overture and Respighi's Pines of Rome. The combination of the powerful orchestra and stunning voices of the IUP Chorale will create a truly enchanting experience for all. Don't miss this incredible night of music that celebrates the rich history and culture of Italy!
The stage will be set for unforgettable night as Altoona Community Theatre (ACT) joins the Altoona Symphony Orchestra to perform some of the most beloved Broadway hits of all time. Featuring a talented cast of performers from our very own ACT, this collaboration promises to deliver a showstopping performance that will have you tapping your feet and singing along all night. Tunes from classic shows like Phantom of the Opera, Mama Mia!, and My Fair Lady make this a concert everyone will enjoy!
Don't miss your chance to witness the magic of live theatre and music coming together in one spectacular concert to end the Altoona Symphony's 95th Season.