Austin Civic Orchestra

Parts of the Whole
2025-04-12 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Abiding Love Lutheran Church, 7210 Brush Country Rd, Austin, TX, 78749, United States
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Use CapMetro Bus #333 for public transportation.
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We keep costs low, so that more can enjoy the concert.

Join us for an evening of music as chamber ensembles from the ACO present an evening of chamber music . Eleven ensembles from two to 6 players will be featured on stage for an exciting evening of live chamber music.
Program

Guitar Quintet No. 4 “Fandango” by Luigi Boccherini (7 minutes)
Quiet City by Aaron Copland for trumpet, English Horn and piano (9 minutes)
Hungarian Dances 1, 2, 4, 5 for piano duet by Johannes Brahms (9 minutes)
Jazz suite for Violin and Jazz Piano Trio, Romance 5:51, Caprice 7:13, Slavonic Dance (8:58) , Valse Lente (3:53) by Claude Boling
Tango from Espana for Woodwind Trio by Isaac Albeniz, arr by Bill Holcombe and Bill Holcomb Jr (2.5 minutes)
Trio No. 1, Allegro Moderato by J. Cambini for Woodwind Trio (6 minutes)
Tea for Two for Woodwind Trio (1 minute)
Kass’s Theme by Manaka Kataoka, arr. Patti Rudisill for Sting Quartet (2:30)
Married Life by Michael Giacchino, arr. Michelee Taylor-Cohen for Sting Quartet (2:54)
Merry-Go-Round of Life by Joe Hisaishi, arr. Jen Mathers for String Quartet (5:00)
Sound of Music Medley by Rogers & Hammerstein, Arr. Jennifer Hwo for String Quartet (5:30)
Carmen Suite No. 1, Prelude, Aragonaise, Seguedille, Les Toreadors by Bizet for 5 horns and trombone (8:11)
Gotango by Philippe Rose for Clarinet, Flute, Percussion, Double Bass and Piano (3:21)
Views of the Blues by Gordon Lewin (6:32) for Clarinet duet
Basso Profundo e Amore by Jose Daniel Vargas for string bass and bass trombone (7 minutes)

KMFA Radio is a media sponsor for the Austin Civic Orchestra.

This event was made possible, in part, through the support of Associated Chamber Music Players (www.acmp.net). The mission of ACMP is to stimulate and expand the playing of chamber music for pleasure among musicians worldwide, of all backgrounds, ages and skill levels, by connecting people and supporting chamber music activities for individuals, groups and institutions.
Join ACMP – Membership is FREE!

Paint to Music: The Art All Around Us
2025-05-18 15:00 - 16:30 | Bates Recital Hall, 2406 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
Dr. Veronica Salinas, Conductor (biography) (EN ESPAÑOL)
Claudia Chapa, Mezzo-soprano (biography) (EN ESPAÑOL)
Join us for our annual Paint to Music concert, an event designed to ignite your imagination through the power of music. Head over to Bates Recital Hall, where the orchestra will take you on a journey with Ingrid Stölzel’s 2018 work, City Beautiful, inspired by the architectural movement from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Experience the heartfelt performance of O ma lyre immortelle from Sapho as Claudia Chapa joins with the orchestra. The concert will culminate in a captivating rendition of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, accompanied by a slideshow featuring artwork crafted by talented elementary students from the area.

City Beautiful by Ingrid Stölzel
O ma lyre immortelle from Sapho by Charles Gounod, Claudia Chapa, Mezzo-soprano
Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky, arr. Ravel
Program Notes: IN ENGLISH or EN ESPAÑOL

TICKETS
Get bus information, directions and parking information.
Need financial assistance with tickets? Check out this page.
Please consider making a donation when purchasing a ticket.
We keep the ticket prices low, so that more can enjoy the concert.

KMFA Radio is a media sponsor for the Austin Civic Orchestra.

Concert in the Park: Anime Music — Friday Night
2025-06-06 20:00 - 22:00 | Lampkin Pavilion in Rosewood Neighborhood Park, 1182 N. Pleasant Valley, Austin, United States
Dr. W.P. Sterneman III, Associate Conductor
Matthew Pavon, Guest Conductor
Guest Artist, Diego Rivera, Saxophone
Date: June 6 and 7
Time: 8 PM
Location: Rosewood Park Pavilion, 1182 N. Pleasant Valley Road Parking Information
Free, but tickets recommended.
FREE TICKETS to FRIDAY’s concert
FREE TICKETS to SATURDAY’s concert
Join the Austin Civic Orchestra for a free concert at Rosewood Park in Austin, featuring music from Anime.
Pack your blanket and picnic goodies for our annual park concert. Throughout the evening, you’ll enjoy performances of music from over two dozen Anime titles. Kona Ice will have a food cart on-site, offering their delicious shaved ice up through intermission. During intermission, you can enjoy a special Cosplay Parade that highlights the amazing talents of local cosplayers. Even better, come in costume to participate in the parade!
To top off the night, a raffle will offer one lucky audience member the thrilling chance to conduct the orchestra in Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever! This could be your big moment!
List of Anime to be performed

“Tank!” – From Cowboy Bebop
“Fairy Tail Main Theme” – From Fairy Tail
“il vento d’oro” – From JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind
“Detective Conan Main Theme” – From Detective Conan
“Theme from Lupin III ’78″ – From Lupin the Third
“Only My Railgun” – From A Certain Scientific Railgun
“Demon Slayer Corps Theme” – From Kimetsu no Yaiba
“Sincerely” – From Violet Evergarden
“Old Memory” – From Yosuga no Sora
“Ugoku, Ugoku” – From Girls’ Last Tour
“Hajimari No Senritsu” – From Sound! Euphonium
“One Summer Day” – From Spirited Away
“Madoka Magica Medley” – From Puella Magi Madoka Magica
“You Say Run” – From My Hero Academia
“Guren No Yumiya” – From Gekijouban Shingeki No Kyojin Zenpen (Attack on Titan)
“Pokémon Theme” – From Pokémon
“Doraemon’s Song”– From Doraemon
“Tonchin Kanchin Ikkyu San” – From Smart Ikkyu San
“Butter-Fly” – From Digimon
“Requiem of Silence” – From Re:Zero
“We Are!” – From One Piece
“Naruto Main Theme” – From Naruto: Shippuden
“Pegasus Fantasy” – From Saint Seiya
“Seigi Shikkou” – From One Punch Man
“Merry Go Round of Life” – From Howl’s Moving Castle
“On a Clear Day” – From Kiki’s Delivery Service
“The Legend of Ashitaka” – From Princes Mononoke
“Tonari No Totoro” – From My Neighbour Totoro

Please consider making a donation with your free ticket.
We keep costs low, so that more can enjoy the concert.
Support is provided in part by:

KMFA Radio is a media sponsor for the Austin Civic Orchestra.

Concert in the Park: Anime Music — Saturday Night
2025-06-07 20:00 - 22:00 | Lampkin Pavilion in Rosewood Neighborhood Park, 1182 N. Pleasant Valley, Austin, United States
Dr. W.P. Sterneman III, Associate Conductor
Matthew Pavon, Guest Conductor
Guest Artist, Diego Rivera, Saxophone
Date: June 6 and 7
Time: 8 PM
Location: Rosewood Park Pavilion, 1182 N. Pleasant Valley Road Parking Information
Free, but tickets recommended.
FREE TICKETS to FRIDAY’s concert
FREE TICKETS to SATURDAY’s concert
Join the Austin Civic Orchestra for a free concert at Rosewood Park in Austin, featuring music from Anime.
Pack your blanket and picnic goodies for our annual park concert. Throughout the evening, you’ll enjoy performances of music from over two dozen Anime titles. Kona Ice will have a food cart on-site, offering their delicious shaved ice up through intermission. During intermission, you can enjoy a special Cosplay Parade that highlights the amazing talents of local cosplayers.
To top off the night, a raffle will offer one lucky audience member the thrilling chance to conduct the orchestra in Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever! This could be your big moment!
List of Anime to be performed

“Tank!” – From Cowboy Bebop
“Fairy Tail Main Theme” – From Fairy Tail
“il vento d’oro” – From JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind
“Detective Conan Main Theme” – From Detective Conan
“Theme from Lupin III ’78″ – From Lupin the Third
“Only My Railgun” – From A Certain Scientific Railgun
“Demon Slayer Corps Theme” – From Kimetsu no Yaiba
“Sincerely” – From Violet Evergarden
“Old Memory” – From Yosuga no Sora
“Ugoku, Ugoku” – From Girls’ Last Tour
“Hajimari No Senritsu” – From Sound! Euphonium
“One Summer Day” – From Spirited Away
“Madoka Magica Medley” – From Puella Magi Madoka Magica
“You Say Run” – From My Hero Academia
“Guren No Yumiya” – From Gekijouban Shingeki No Kyojin Zenpen (Attack on Titan)
“Pokémon Theme” – From Pokémon
“Doraemon’s Song”– From Doraemon
“Tonchin Kanchin Ikkyu San” – From Smart Ikkyu San
“Butter-Fly” – From Digimon
“Requiem of Silence” – From Re:Zero
“We Are!” – From One Piece
“Naruto Main Theme” – From Naruto: Shippuden
“Pegasus Fantasy” – From Saint Seiya
“Seigi Shikkou” – From One Punch Man
“Merry Go Round of Life” – From Howl’s Moving Castle
“On a Clear Day” – From Kiki’s Delivery Service
“The Legend of Ashitaka” – From Princes Mononoke
“Tonari No Totoro” – From My Neighbour Totoro

Please consider making a donation with your free ticket.
We keep costs low, so that more can enjoy the concert.
Support is provided in part by:

KMFA Radio is a media sponsor for the Austin Civic Orchestra.

2025 Auditions
2025-08-19 18:30 - 21:30 | St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 606 W 15th St, Austin, TX 78701, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Auditions for the Austin Civic Orchestra’s 2025-26 Season are on August 19.
Location is St. Martin’s Lutheran Church located at 606 W. 15th Street.
The ACO is looking for new members and substitutes for the following instruments:

Principal Trombone
Principal Percussion
Section Violin
Section Viola
Section Cello
Section substitute for
Violin
Viola
Cello
Clarinet
Harp

Register to audition here.
You will be assigned a unique number and your information passed along to the the judges to maintain anonymity.
The audition consists of three excerpts as listed in 2025 ACO Audition Repertoire List and 2-3 minutes of the solo of your choice.
Each audition is blind and judged by at least two people.
The two judges will have a physical copy of the rubric to complete.
We ask that you provide a copy of the solo you are playing to the panel.

Admission to the orchestra and seating placement will depend on the results of the audition rubric and will will be announced by the Executive Director.
Please note: The Austin Civic Orchestra is civic organization and as such all members are volunteers and pay dues to play with the Orchestra. The ACO rehearses on most Tuesday evenings at the Austin High School Band Hall for two hours.

Musical Tales: A Journey Through Sound and Story
2025-09-27 16:00 - 17:00 | McCallum High School Fine Arts Center, 5600 Sunshine Drive, Austin, TX, 78756
TICKETS
Dr. Veronica Garcia, Conductor
Dr. W.P. Sterneman III, Associate Conductor
Leslie Wingo, Narrator
Jarrod Tuikka, Cello
Elizabeth Simpson, Bass Trombone

For our inaugural concert of the 2025-26 season, immerse yourself in a realm where music weaves tales, breathing life into captivating characters, thrilling quests, and fantastical moments. This concert features an exhilarating array of orchestral pieces, each one crafting a rich story through its melodies and rhythms.
Program (En español)
Edvard Grieg
In the Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46
Dr. W.P. Sterneman III, Conductor
Nkeiru Okoye
Phillis Wheatley: A Musical Journey
Leslie Wingo, Narrator
Camille Saint-Saëns
The Swan from Carnival of the Animals
Jarrod Tuikka, Cello
INTERMISSION
Leroy Anderson
The Typewriter
Dr. W.P. Sterneman III, Typewriter
Thom Ritter George
Concerto for Bass Trombone
Elizabeth Simpson, Bass Trombone
Hector Berlioz
March to the Scaffold and Dream of a Witches Sabbath from Symphonie Fantastique
about the program
about the artists
aCO concert roster
donate to the ACO
Tickets are available online or at the door.
TICKETS
Need financial assistance with tickets? Check out this page.
Please consider making a donation when purchasing a ticket. We work to keep the ticket prices low and depend on individual donations to help us continue to bring concerts like this to the Austin Community.
Plenty of free, onsite parking at McCallum High School.
Bus Routes
#1, #481 and #801 stop two blocks from McCallum High School
#337 Stops across 2222 from the High School.
Thanks to the following business who support the ACO:

Support for this concert is provided in part by:Be sure to visit your nearest HEB.
This project is supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Link Up: The Orchestra Sings
2025-10-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Austin ISD Performing Arts Center, 1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd, Austin, TX, 78723, United States
What Is Link Up?
Carnegie Hall’s Link Up pairs orchestras with schools in their local communities to learn about, listen to, and perform great music. Students in grades 3–5 are given the opportunity to join the orchestra in this highly participatory program, in which
they learn to sing and play an instrument in the classroom and perform with a professional orchestra from their seats at a culminating concert.
Since 2003, Carnegie Hall has partnered with professional, community, and university orchestras through Link Up to support their existing education programs, strengthen their
partnerships with local schools, and provide the highest quality print and digital curricula, resources, and professional development—all free of charge. In recent years, Link Up has
been implemented by more than 100 partner orchestras and served as many as a half million students and teachers.
Program Goals

Teach fundamental musical concepts to students in grades 3–5, including creative work and composition.
Introduce students to the symphony orchestra and the concert hall in their community, inspiring the next generation of musicians and orchestral music lovers.
Foster relationships between orchestras and their local schools.
Provide professional development opportunities for teachers and teaching artists.

Why Link Up?

Connects with the community
Develops and strengthens educational partnerships with schools and teachers.
Collaborates with local artists and arts organizations.
Creates a lasting impact on students through an interactive concert experience.

Support teachers with free educational resources

Provide teachers with access to high-quality educational resources, including curricular materials, professional development, and a wealth of digital resources.

Establish lasting partnerships

Create a lasting relationship with Carnegie Hall.
Join a global network of orchestras and educators

In 2025, the ACO will perform The Orchestra Sings! with AISD 3rd-5th graders.
Melody is one of the universal elements of music, and defines the music we know and love. Composers create melodies through a combination of rhythmic patterns, contours, and expressive qualities. Through the Link Up repertoire, hands-on activities, and a culminating interactive performance with the Austin Civic Orchestra, students will explore what makes a melody great.
Repertoire Highlights:

Thomas Cabaniss’s “Come to Play”
Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”
Reena Esmail’s “Ram Tori Maya”
Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony
Jim Papoulis’s “Oye”
Stravinsky’s Finale from The Firebird Suite
Nathalie Joachim’s “We Shall Not Be Moved”

This project is supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Great Waltz
2025-11-01 18:30 - 21:30 | The Texas Union Ballroom, 2308 Whitis Ave, Austin, 78712, United States
Dr. W.P. Sterneman, Associate Conductor
Since 1982, the Austin Civic Orchestra has acted as the “dance band” for the UT – Austin Texas Ballroom organization’s annual Great Waltz ball. Hundreds of residents from Austin participate in this delightful event, where the ACO provides the music for dancers to glide gracefully in the Ballroom of the Texas Union.
Tickets will be available for purchase through the Texas Ballroom in the fall.

A Lone Star Holiday: Music, Magic, & Merriment
2025-12-13 16:00 - 17:30 | McCallum High School Fine Arts Center, 5600 Sunshine Drive, Austin, TX, 78756
(En español)
Purchase Tickets
December 13, 2025 | 4 pm
McCallum High School Fine Arts Center
5600 Sunshine Drive
Austin, TX 78756

Dr. W.P. Sterneman III, Interim Music Director
TK Kenney, Narrator
Julia Watkins-Davis, Soprano
Maureen Broy Papovich, Alto
Bruce Douglas, Tenor
Jake Skipworth, Bass

Program
Bill Holcombe
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
TK Kenney, Narrator
Alan Silvestri y Glen Ballard, arr Jerry Brubaker
Concert Suite from The Polar Express
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Fantasia on Greensleeves
Georges Bizet
Farandole – L’rlesienne Suite No. 2
Bill Holcombe
Festive Sounds of Hanukkah
Golden Tickets winners come on stage
Leroy Anderson
Sleigh Ride
INTERMISSION
Peter Ilitch Tchaikovsky
Nutcracker Suite
Overture Miniature
Characteristic Dances: March, Coffee, Dance of the Sugar
Plum Fairy, Tea, Trepak, Mirlitons
Waltz of the Flowers

arranged by Lucas Richman
Christmas Sing-Along
Julia Watkins-Davis, Soprano
Maureen Broy Papovich, Alto
Bruce Douglas, Tenor
Jake Skipworth, Bass
Raffle to conduct the orchestra
J. Pierpont/Sousa, setting by Robert W. Smith
Jingle Bells Forever
Purchase Tickets

ABOUT THE PROGRAM Lone Star Holiday Concert ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas - (note by the composer) Clement Clarke Moore, an American poet born in New York City in 1779 is credited with the writing of “A Visit To St. Nicholas” for his children in 1822. It was first published anonymously in the Troy (New York) Sentinel in 1823. Moore was educated at Columbia College (now Columbia University). Clement Clarke Moore passed away in 1863, but his poem which begins– “Twas the Night Before Christmas” will live on forever. This music was commissioned for a Christmas Concert by the Philly Pops conducted by Peter Nero, and was designed to feature the Phillie’s star pitcher Tug McGraw. Since the premiere in the 80’s, many orchestras have featured a prominent citizen as the narrator: Radio and TV personalities, politicians, principals of schools, etc. — Bill Holcombe Concert Suite from The Polar Express – The Concert Suite from The Polar Express is a suite of four tunes from the 2004 Christmas-themed film starring Tom Hanks. The movie, which employed motion capture computer-animation, is based on the popular children's book of the same title by Chris Van Allsburg. The songs are “Believe,” which earned a Grammy Award, “The Polar Express”, “When Christmas Comes to Town” and “Spirit of the Season”. The music was composed by veteran movie music writers Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, and arranged by Jerry Brubaker. Fantasia on Greensleeves - The tune “Greensleeves” has worn a number of texts over the centuries, gaining its Christmas dress in the 19th century with William Chatterton Dix’s text “What Child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping.” Although Vaughan Williams composed a number of works for the Christmas season, his Fantasia on Greensleeves was not written with a Christmas connection at all. Building on Shakespeare’s reference to the popular 16th century folk tune “The Ballad of My Lady Greensleeves” in the play, The Merry Wives of Windsor, the composer combined it with a folk song from Norfolk to create atmospheric music for Sir John in Love, an opera based on that play. Vaughan Williams’ arrangement heard today is scored for flutes, harp and strings, a sound befitting either an Elizabethan drama or a lullaby for the nativity. — Linda Mack, Denver, CO, used by permission L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2 - Bizet’s short life of thirty-six years was largely filled with disappointments. In the end he was not even to know that his opera Carmen would become one of the most popular operas of all time, as he died three months following its disastrous premiere. Following early studies with his parents, he was enrolled in the Paris Conservatoire. There he excelled, winning many prizes including the premiere composition prize, the Prix de Rome, at age 19. Bizet had not done much travel prior to the trip to Rome, therefore the journey through the landscapes of the south of France and Italy made a particularly strong impression on the young man. This experience proved fruitful when in 1872 Bizet was engaged to provide incidental music for the Théâtre Lyrique production of Daudet’s L’arlésienne (The Woman of Arles). The composer provided twenty-seven pieces for stage orchestra to accompany the action, much of it played under spoken dialogue. Daudet was thrilled with the music that so eloquently captured the essence of Provence and its people, but the whole enterprise was not well received by the Parisian audiences and theater critics. A few musicians, including Massenet, understood the quality of the music and encouraged the composer to recast the music for concert use. Bizet quickly arranged four pieces for full orchestra, and that group, Suite No. 1, proved a success in the concert hall from its first hearing in November of that same year. It wasn’t until after the composer’s death that his lifelong friend, Ernest Guiraud, arranged four more pieces into the Suite No. 2. It is interesting to note that the Farandole is one of three Provençal folk tunes utilized in the complete incidental music. — Linda Mack, used by permission Festive Sounds of Hanukah - This festive medley celebrates all the most beloved songs of Hanukah, including “Maoz Tsur” (Rock of Ages), “Mi Y’ Malel” (Who Can Retell), “Hanukah, Hanukah,” “My Dreidel,” “S’ Vivon” (Spin, Dreidel), and “Hanukah, O Hanukah.” Sleigh Ride - The music of Leroy Anderson, a composer of distinctive and delightful miniatures, is firmly entrenched in American popular culture. Many of his works were introduced by the Boston Pops Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Fiedler. John Williams described Anderson as "one of the great American masters of light orchestral music." The Andersons spent the summer of 1946 at Painter Hill in Woodbury, Connecticut. It was here that he composed Sleigh Ride during a heat wave. Nutcracker Suite - A staple of musical holiday fare is Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. If people have not seen or heard of another ballet, they certainly recognize tunes that portray the sugar plum fairy or the waltzing flowers. The first performance of the Nutcracker Suite was performed in St. Petersburg March 7, 1892, as a sneak preview for the complete ballet, and was a great success with the public. It was the ballet itself, an adaptation from E.T.A. Hoffman’s fairy tale, The Nutcracker and the Mouseking, that had trouble gaining a foothold in the ballet repertory–in fact it was a 75-year journey to acceptance. Without the composer’s marvelous music, the ballet surely would not have survived. Today the story of the young Clara, her love for her “ugly” nutcracker, the growing Christmas tree, the battle between the toys and mice, Clara’s role in the release of the enchanted prince from his spell, and the journey through the snow to the kingdom of sweets where the sugar plum fairy reigns as queen, has become famous through live ballet performances, TV, film, cartoons, books, websites, and toys. While the Suite does not include much of the music that carries the plot of the story, it does present a sampling of the wonderful melodies and distinctive tone colors that characterize all the music of the ballet. Perhaps the most dramatic example of the care that Tchaikovsky took with color was his desire to use a new instrument, the celesta, to depict the lightness and grace of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Patented in Paris in 1886, the celesta (an instrument made of metal bars played from a keyboard) was not well known at the time. Tchaikovsky ordered an instrument for this piece, but asked that its purchase be kept a secret as he didn’t want another composer–particularly Rimsky-Korsakov–to “steal” his idea. The maneuver worked, the instrument has since become a regular orchestral keyboard instrument, but continues to be best known in its original role as the voice of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Suite begins as does the ballet, with an Overture, orchestrated with light strings and winds, which invites us to enter the magical world of the fairy tale. Immediately following is the March which introduces the Christmas party scene. The remaining pieces are all second act characteristic dances, which take place in the Kingdom of Sweets, illustrated by appropriate orchestral colors. 1) Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy; 2) Russian Dance (Trepak); 3) Arabian Dance (Coffee); 4) Chinese Dance (Tea); 5) Dance of the Mirlitons (reedpipes—kazoo-like instruments, but actually played by flute trio); 6) Waltz of the Flowers brings the suite to a grand conclusion with woodwind and harp introduction, then the horns lead the way to the dance. — Linda Mack, used by permission Christmas Sing-Along - Deck your concert hall with a joyful and heartwarming medley of some of the most beloved Christmas carols, including “Joy to the World,” “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “The First Noel” and “Deck the Hall.” A spirited sing-along guaranteed to delight audiences young and old! Commissioned by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, this arrangement has been a perennial favorite for numerous ensembles across the United States! Jingle Bells Forever – Jingle Bells Forever is a setting of two American favorites that weaves the melodic line from Pierpont’s “Jingle Bells” through Sousa’s unmistakable march style. Drawn from “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” Sousa’s immortal march that has become the official national march of the United States, the familiar strains provide the perfect accompaniment for the most festive of Christmas melodies. Sousa’s famous grandioso with the piccolo descant and trombone countermelody draw this new holiday concert standard to a rousing conclusion. — Robert W. Smith ABOUT THE ARTISTS Dr. W.P. Sterneman IIIDr. Gus, as he is affectionately known, earned his Doctorate in Opera/Musical Theatre Conducting at Arizona State University where his dissertation focused on Benjamin Britten as a conductor and musical interpretation and his Master’s degree at Butler University in Indianapolis with a double major in Instrumental Conducting and Music History. He also holds a Bachelors of Music in Music Theory from Southwestern University. Dr. Gus has been on staff with the Austin Civic Orchestra since 2014, currently serving as their Interim Music Director, having also previously performed with the ensemble in the horn section from 2002-2007. In addition to conducting the educational concert, Link-Up, and the Austin ISD Music Memory Contest, Dr. Gus leads the annual outdoor Pops Concert in June and the Great Masked Waltz Ball for the University of Texas Ballroom Dance Society. Dr. Gus joined the staff of Abiding Love Lutheran Church in South Austin in 2021 as their Director of Worship and Arts, overseeing all aspects of the music program, worship planning, and media technology. In addition to leading the Sanctuary Choir in weekly service, Dr. Gus occasionally joins the band Mixed Blessings on guitar, and directs the biannual Cantata Choir and Orchestra, recently having led Handel’s Messiah and John Rutter’s Requiem. From 2018-2024, Dr. Gus served as the Music Director for the Heart of Texas Chorus, an acappella barbershop chorus in San Marcos, and worked as an active clinician with the Barbershop Harmony Society. Dr. Gus has conducted a variety of ensembles from small chamber groups to full size orchestras, and has worked with ensembles from middle school through collegiate, amateur, and professional organizations on three continents. He has conducted orchestras, opera and musical theatre productions, wind ensembles, and choral organizations. In 2013, he received an AriZoni Award nomination for Best Music Direction in a Non-Contract Theatre for Little Women: The Broadway Musical at Arizona State University. A strong advocate for technology in the classroom, Dr. Gus has taught music technology courses at multiple universities, and has been actively involved with the Association for Technology in Music Instruction (ATMI), where he presented a paper on OpenSource music notation software in 2010. Dr. Gus spends his free time playing tabletop games with his wife, teaching his two children the finer points of musical theatre, and practicing his passion for lutherie and painting miniatures. He feels Menotti is the epitome of English text setting, but always comes home to Beethoven. He enjoys a good pun, but loves a really bad one. And coffee. Lots of coffee. TiWanna Kenney TiWanna Kenney or TK faithfully serves nonprofits and organizations as a high energy, no-nonsense community builder. This do-gooder is in the business of raising critical funds while bursting stereotypes and stigma. As the first African American woman (and currently only 1 of 3) to hold a Benefit Auction Specialist (BAS) designation from the National Auction Association, TK has been changing the face of the auctioneering industry since 2015 – literally. TK attended the University of Oklahoma, is an auctioneering graduate of McLennan Community College, a small business owner. TK grew up in a military family and was living in Germany when the Berlin Wall fell. She credits this momentous historical event with her burning desire for justice and equality. TK is a former Army reservist herself who, like so many others, was called to active duty after 9/11. Thank you for your service, TK. A bilingual (English/Spanish) nationally renowned speaker, TK regularly presents on leadership, empowerment, diversity and development. She also teaches auctioneering at her alma mater. When not busy changing the world, TK loves travel, culture and food (she even chooses vacation destinations throughout the world based on whether they offer Michelin-starred restaurants to enjoy!). One can often find her reading, cooking or volunteering. ACO CONCERT ROSTER VIOLIN IRaymundo Garcia, Concert MasterLeianna Pavon, AssistantRaymond D'AlessioErika ElderLaura JacobsVivian KwongAlissa MadsenLynn PetroDawn SmithSol SwordsSarah Uy VIOLIN IIDario Landazuri, PrincipalKyle Bryson, AssistantAlessandro Cavedoni-VillegasFerris DuhonAndrew GoolsbeeCarrie HoustonAdam MontenegroEvan Nave VIOLAEugene Gott, PrincipalMark Leger, AssistantJustin AndersonLizi LiJared LomanginoArt MonzingoIona OliveWilliam SatterfieldAmanda TofflemireRonda von SehrwaldPaul Zagieboylo VIOLONCELLOJarrod Tuikka, PrincipalTani Barr, AssistantBen BachmeierSarah CrawfordBrigid DeverClaire DittlemeirJacob LambertCaroline MageeHenry NachmanNicole PajarilloCaleb SeboldtJohn Whitney DOUBLE BASSJames Sproat, PrincipalGarrett JaynesLouis HandyAlan LopezNoah Miller FLUTEMarcia Gillespie-Norder, PrincipalMattie BakerAnna Coogan, Piccolo OBOEMadeline Warner, PrincipalElisa PinnoTrish Olives, English Horn CLARINETYuHua Oliphint, PrincipalLaura GormanLuis Corpus, Bass Clarinet BASSOONAmy Crandell, PrincipalMelissa Vauk HORNChristine Simpson, PrincipalAlyssa CollinsKathy NolenDenise Stiglich TRUMPETJose Yznaga, PrincipalRandy HowardDavid JonesRick Kutcher TROMBONERoss Ganske, PrincipalJesse NolenRobert Tung, Bass TUBAKenny Tsao PIANOLan-Thach Kratzke HARPLisa Lamb TIMPANIAlan Smith PERCUSSIONPaul Robertson, PrincipalMatt GarciaKyle GarzaSteven GarzaCollin Tracy

As you purchase your ticket, we invite you to consider making a donation, or you can give separately on this page. Every contribution helps us keep our concerts affordable and accessible for the Austin community.

Thank you to the following business that support the Austin Civic Orchestra:

This project is supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts
and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Harmony for All: A Community Celebration of Music
2026-02-07 16:00 - 17:30 | Rodney And Mary Klett Performing Arts Center, 2211 N Austin Ave, Georgetown, TX, 78626
TICKETS
Dr. W.P. Sterneman III, Interim Music Director
Dr. Lois Ferrari, Music Director Emeritus (biography)
Matthew Stiglich, Guest Conductor
Adalia Stiglich, Harp (biography)
Austin Soundwaves Chamber Ensemble:
Miranda Barajas-Arellano, Double Bass
Jordyn Broaders, Flute
Alfredo González Hernández, Violin
Andrew Salazar, Euphonium
Alexander Sutton, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet

Music has the power to inspire, unite, and uplift, and this program is a testament to the strength of artistic collaboration. Featuring the talents of our volunteer civic orchestra and the young musicians of Austin Soundwaves, this concert bridges generations of artists, celebrating the impact of music education and community engagement.
Location: Klett Performing Arts Center at Georgetown High School, 2211 N Austin Av
Program:
Adoration by Florence Price, arr. by Alexandra Dee/Dr. Mora-Fallas
“American Quintet:” Finale from String Quartet No. 96, by Antonin Dvorak, arr. by Steve Winstead/Dr. Mora-Fallas
Austin Soundwaves Chamber Ensemble
Sixth Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman by Joan Tower
Harp Concerto Op. 25, Mvmt. 3 by Alberto Ginastera, Adalia Stiglich, Harp
Matthew Stiglich, Conductor
Voices Shouting Out: A Symphonic Work by Nkeiru Okoye
Dr. Lois Ferrari, Conductor
Symphony No. 8 by Dvorak
Tickets will be available online or at the door.
Need financial assistance with tickets? Check out this page.
Please consider making a donation with your ticket purchase.
We keep costs low, so that more can enjoy the concert.

This project is supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Parts of the Whole
2026-02-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Abiding Love Lutheran Church, 7210 Brush Country Rd, Austin, TX, 78749, United States
TICKETS
Join us for our annual chamber concert at Abiding Love Lutheran Church. Members and friends of the orchestra come together to create, rehearse, and perform in small ensembles, offering an intimate concert experience on Valentine’s Day.
Program TBD – check back in January

Need financial assistance with tickets? Check out this page.
Use CapMetro Bus #333 for public transportation.
Please consider making a donation with your ticket purchase.
We keep costs low, so that more can enjoy the concert.
This project is supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

This event was made possible, in part, through the support of Associated Chamber Music Players (www.acmp.net). The mission of ACMP is to stimulate and expand the playing of chamber music for pleasure among musicians worldwide, of all backgrounds, ages and skill levels, by connecting people and supporting chamber music activities for individuals, groups and institutions.
Join ACMP – Membership is FREE!

Texas Rising Stars
2026-03-28 19:30 - 21:30 | Bates Recital Hall, 2406 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
FREE TICKETS
Dr. W.P. Sterneman III, Interim Music Director
Matthew Pavon, Guest Conductor
Chris Tran, Guest Conductor
The Texas Rising Stars concert is a fantastic way to celebrate the talent of young musicians, showcasing the winners of the Butler School of Music’s String Concerto Competition. With the Austin Civic Orchestra and the string department at the University of Texas at Austin collaborating for the 12th time, it’s sure to be a memorable evening.
This concert reflects a commitment to making classical music accessible and supporting rising talent.

Overture in C Major by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel
Concerti – to be announced
Le Marchand d’oiseaux by Germaine Taillefairre

Get bus information, directions and parking information.
Please consider making a donation with your free ticket.
We keep costs low, so that more can enjoy the concert.
This project is supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Music Memory
2026-04-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Austin ISD Performing Arts Center, 1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd, Austin, TX, 78723, United States
Dr. W.P. Sterneman III, Interim Music Director
The Austin Civic Orchestra serves as the performing group for the final event of Music Memory. Collaborating with the Austin ISD Fine Arts department, teams of elementary students convene at the Austin ISD’s Performing Arts Center after they have listened to and learned about the 16 pieces featured in the contest list, both at home and in school. Each team utilizes an iPad to capture their responses. The orchestra performs a 15-second clip from the pieces in a random sequence, and the students are tasked with identifying both the composer and the title of the music. The enthusiasm displayed by the students is infectious, enhancing the enjoyment of the event for everyone involved.

The Extraordinary Woman
2026-05-09 16:00 - 17:30
TICKETS
Dr. W.P. Sterneman III, Interim Music Director
Ebonee Thomas, Flute (biography)
Throughout history, women have used intelligence, artistry, and resilience to shape the world around them. The Extraordinary Woman celebrates these voices through powerful orchestral storytelling, featuring music that embodies brilliance, strength, and boundless imagination.
Artwork created by Austin-area youth while listening to Scheherazade will be on display while the orchestra plays the piece.
Overture to the End of a Century by Larsen
Bilder vom Jahrmarkt (Scenes from a Fair) by Grete von Zieritz for Flute and String Orchestra. Ebonee Thomas, Flute
Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov
Get bus information, directions and parking information.
Need financial assistance with tickets? Check out this page.
Please consider making a donation when purchasing a ticket.
We keep the ticket prices low, so that more can enjoy the concert.

This project is supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Zilker Park Concerts - It's About Time
2026-06-05 20:30 - 2026-06-06 22:00 | Hillside Theatre at Zilker Park, 2206 William Barton Drive, Austin, TX, 78746, United States
FREE TICKETS
Dr. W.P. Sterneman III, Interim Music Director
Date: June 5 and 6
Time: 8:30 PM
Location: Zilker Park Hillside Theater
Each year, the ACO hosts a free pops concert in the park and we’re thrilled to return to the Zilker Hillside Theatre this year. Be sure to bring a blanket or low chair, along with your children, neighbors, and dogs as you relax on the hillside and enjoy the performance by the musicians and friends of the Austin Civic Orchestra.
This year’s concert is It’s About Time. The evening will be filled with favorites from Back to the Future, Somewhere in Time, Star Trek, Doctor Who, Groundhog Day, Avenger’s Endgame, Tenet, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, and Quantum Leap as the Orchestra, small ensembles and soloists take you out this time.
As a cherished tradition, we conclude the concert with Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, conducted by a lucky winner drawn from the audience. This winner could be you!
Please consider making a donation with your free ticket.
We keep costs low, so that more can enjoy the concert.
This project is supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
