In keeping with our motto, “Embracing the Classics. Exploring the Future,” last season the orchestra “explored” music written exclusively by American composers, past and present. This was an important undertaking since all music springs from the vernacular and we, as artists, should be inclined to contribute to the growing and evolving of music created by our fellow citizens.
This season, we are “embracing” the classic masterworks that have stood the test of time and have crossed boundaries to become appreciated and loved the world over. Just as it is important to evolve, it is also important to recognize the heritage of Western music and to showcase the works that have become a lasting part of our musical fabric. Through Destination: Europe, our 2018-2019 season, patrons can rediscover their favorite masterworks as we visit with celebrated composers across Europe and beyond.
A Musical Journey
Destination: Europe opened on Saturday, October 6 at 7:30 p.m. with the concert “Bella Italia!” featuring the music of Rossini, Puccini, Verdi, and Vivaldi alongside Respighi’s celebrated work, Pines of Rome. Other musical destinations of the season are the Czech Republic, Germany, and Russia, plus a look toward the future with the annual Texas Rising Stars performance — presenting the U.S. premiere of Canadian composer Roydon Tse’s Sinfonia Concertante — and two free Cosmos concerts in Zilker Park. Upcoming concerts include such masterworks as Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.
As always, admission is free for youth (18 years old and younger) to support the next generation of classical music enthusiasts. Tickets for adults are $15; tickets for seniors, members of the military, and higher education students are $10.