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Austin Symphony Opens 100th Season

August 5, 2010
  • Who: André Watts with the Austin Symphony Orchestra
  • What: Opening Concert of the 100th Classical Season
  • When: September 10 & 11, 2010 - 8:00 p.m.
  • Where: Dell Hall, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr.
  • Cost: $19-$48
  • Contact: Don Hill, Director of Public Relations - 476-6064

Maestro Peter Bay and the ASO open the 100th season of classical concerts with performances of works by Schuman, Beethoven and Schumann. Renowned pianist André Watts returns to the Austin Symphony stage to kick off a two-year celebration of the Orchestra’s 100th Anniversary. Performances will be held on Friday and Saturday, September 10th & 11th at the Long Center for the Performing Arts’ Dell Hall. The concerts are proudly sponsored by Wells Fargo.

PROGRAM

Schuman – New England Triptych
Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58
Schumann – Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61

André Watts burst upon the music world at the age of 16 when Leonard Bernstein chose him to make his debut with the New York Philharmonic in their Young People’s Concerts, broadcast nationwide on CBS-TV. Only two weeks later, Bernstein asked him to substitute at the last minute for the ailing Glenn Gould in performances of Liszt’s E-flat Concerto with the New York Philharmonic, thus launching his career in storybook fashion. More than 45 years later, André Watts remains one of today’s most celebrated and beloved superstars.

Mr. Watts returns to the Austin Symphony stage to perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major. Maestro Bay has also included two special works on the program. William Schuman’s “New England Triptych” is being played in honor of the composer’s centennial and Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 2 will be performed in honor of his bicentennial.

Tickets for André Watts with the Austin Symphony range from $19 to $48. Student rush tickets are also available 20 minutes prior to performance for $5 cash and current student ID. Charge tickets online at http://www.austinsymphony.org where you will find seating maps, price options and a wealth of concert information. Tickets are also available at the Austin Symphony Box Office, 11th and Red River or call 476-6064 or 1-888-4-MAESTRO (toll-free).