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“Concerts in the Park” Opens May 31

May 26, 2009
  • Who: Austin Symphony Orchestra
  • What: The Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park
  • When: Summer Sundays - May 31 - August 23, 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Hartman Concet Park at the Long Center City Terrace Lawn
  • Cost: FREE
  • Contact: Don Hill, Director of Public Relations, 4767-6064 x 213

Kids dancing, couples lounging on blankets, old friends in their trusty folding chairs, lone bicyclists and pedestrians who have been distracted from their destinations-all united by the sound of music. Residents of the “Live Music Capital of the World” are invited to come enjoy the original kind of live music…before electric guitars and amps.

The Hartman Foundation “Concerts in the Park,” presented by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, brings together ardent enthusiasts and unwitting attendees alike just as similar events did in town centers years ago.

In its seventh summer season, these free ensemble concerts take place at the Hartman Concert Park in front of the Long Center City Terrace and will run on Sunday evenings from May 31st through August 23rd at 7:30 p.m. A gift from the Hartman Family Foundation, these concerts are presented to the Austin community in thanks for its continued, generous support. Each Sunday a different ensemble of the Austin Symphony will be featured at the new Hartman Park, located on the grounds of the Long Center for the Performing Arts, performing music from jazz and light classical to pops selections and film scores. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and blanket and make it a group outing.

The music and atmosphere will reflect a simpler time when performances of familiar classics in downtown gathering places were commonplace. It is the hope of the Hartman family that these free and very informal outdoor events will provide an opportunity for Austinites to become acquainted or reacquainted with the classical music experience at Austin’s new gathering place for the arts. These enchanting outdoor park concerts, which last one hour, are an ideal opportunity for Austinites to enjoy some of the Capitol City’s greatest pleasures – the fine music presented by the Austin Symphony and the magnificent cityscape views of downtown Austin.

2009 Schedule
May 31 – Large String Ensemble (Classical)
June 7 – Big Band (Swing)
June 14 – Brass Ensemble (Father’s Day Theme)
June 21 – Woodwind Ensemble (Classical)
June 28 – Big Band (Audience Requests)
July 12 – Brass Quintet (Patriotic Theme)
July 19 – Large String Ensemble (Light Classical)
July 26 – Mixed Woodwind Ensemble (Classical)
August 2 – Big Band
August 9 – Brass Ensemble (Pops)
August 16 – Woodwinds/Brass Ensemble (Pops)
August 23 – Season Finale (Mixed, Variety)

The concerts are FREE and additional information is available at the Austin Symphony website, www.austinsymphony.org, or by calling 512-476-6064 or 1-888-4-MAESTRO (Toll-Free).