Austin Civic Orchestra

Happy Holidays!
2022-12-17 19:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Bates Recital Hall, 2406 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
TICKETS for all
Celebrate winter break with “Happy Holidays!” at the Bates Recital Hall at the Butler School of Music on the UT – Austin campus. The December 17th program includes dances from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite as well as many seasonal favorites.
Full program:

ANDERSON: A Christmas Festival
PROKOFIEV: Troika from Lt. Kije Suite
Trad./arr. Custer: Chanukah Festival Overture
TCHAIKOVSKY: Dances from The Nutcracker
GUARALDI/Pugh: A Charlie Brown Christmas
TORME & WELLS/Lowden: The Christmas Song
STEPHENSON: BaSOON it will be Christmas
GRUBER/Davis: Stille Nacht
ANDERSON: Sleigh Ride

Katherine Altobello O’Brien and Tim O’Brien were scheduled to sing “The Christmas Song”, but had to cancel. An instrumental version of the piece may be performed.
The ACO continues to embrace the classics as well as explore the future. In order for classical music to truly realize its potential as a relevant and important art form it must embrace its future as much as its past. With this in mind, the ACO will maintain its commitment to experiment with programming that presents beloved classics alongside new and/or eclectic works, some of which might be considered off-beat, cross-genre, or even radical.
TICKETS for all

Texas Rising Stars
2023-01-28 19:30 - 21:00 | Bates Recital Hall, 2406 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
Free TICKETS
The Austin Civic Orchestra partners again with The University of Texas at Austin for the 9th Texas Rising Stars concert at Bates Recital Hall. The winners of the Butler School of Music’s String Concerto Competition perform concerti accompanied by the orchestra.
This collaborative concert between the Butler School of Music and Austin Civic Orchestra was conceived by UT professor Brian Lewis and is funded in part by the David and Mary Winton Green Chair in String Performance and Pedagogy.
This concert is free – a gift to the Austin community.
Full program:

VERBYTSKTY: Ukrainian National Anthem
READ THOMAS: Of Paradise and Light
MOZART: Violin Concerto #5 in A, Allegro aperto
Margaret King, violin

KOUSSEVITZKY: Double Bass Concerto, Op.3, Allegro
Tony Sanfilippo, double bass

WALTON: Violin Concerto, Andante tranquillo
Benjamin Kronk, violin

Get directions and parking information.
Free TICKETS
The ACO continues to embrace the classics as well as explore the future. In order for classical music to truly realize its potential as a relevant and important art form it must embrace its future as much as its past. With this in mind, the ACO will maintain its commitment to experiment with programming that presents beloved classics alongside new and/or eclectic works, some of which might be considered off-beat, cross-genre, or even radical.

Black Voices
2023-02-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Southwestern University’s Alma Thomas Theater, 1001 E University Ave, Georgetown, TX, 78626, United States
TICKETS
Each year the Austin Civic Orchestra travels north to Georgetown to perform in Southwestern University’s Alma Thomas Theater.
J. Michael Cooper and ACO Assistant Conductor, W.P. Sterneman will present a pre-concert conversation entitled Florence Price and Margaret Bonds, Speaking Truth to Power — A Conversation for Today at 6:45 p.m. in the Caldwell-Carvey Foyer.
The concert opens with the Pearl Amster Percussion Chamber Ensemble (directed by Jordan Walsh) performing a selection by Ayanna Woods. Next, Music Director, Lois Ferrari leads the ACO string section in a performance of Florence Price’s Andante Moderato, followed by the second movement of the Lalo Cello Concerto with guest artist Prudence McDaniel. The second half of the concert will feature the Texas premiere of the orchestrated version of Credo by Margaret Bonds, with the Southwestern University Chorale (directed by Holly Dalrymple), soprano Natalie Howard, and baritone Chaz Nailor.
Program:

AYANNA WOODS: Triple Point for Percussion Quartet performed by the Pearl Amster Percussion Ensemble
FLORENCE PRICE: Andante Moderato for String Orchestra
ÉDOUARD LALO: Cello Concerto, Intermezzo: Andantino con moto – Allegro presto, Prudence McDaniel, cello
——————
MARGARET BONDS: Credo with the Southwestern Chorale
Natalie Howard, soprano and Chaz Nailor, baritone
1. I Believe in God
2. Especially Do I Believe in the Negro Race
3. I Believe in Pride of Race
4. I Believe in the Devil and His Angels
5. I Believe in the Prince of Peace
6. I Believe in Liberty
7. I Believe in Patience

The ACO continues to embrace the classics as well as explore the future. In order for classical music to truly realize its potential as a relevant and important art form it must embrace its future as much as its past. With this in mind, the ACO will maintain its commitment to experiment with programming that presents beloved classics alongside new and/or eclectic works, some of which might be considered off-beat, cross-genre, or even radical.
Southwestern University faculty, staff and students receive free admission by showing their university ID at the ticket table.
TICKETS

Parts of the Whole, Part II
2023-04-01 19:30 - 21:00 | Abiding Love Lutheran Church, 7210 Brush Country Rd, Austin, TX, 78749, United States
Join us for an eclectic evening of music as seven chamber ensembles from the ACO present an evening of chamber music written by Brahms, Beethoven, and some lesser known but very deserving composers, including Daniel Adams and Uribe Duarte. Trios, quartets, quintets and larger ensembles will be featured on stage for an exciting evening of live chamber music.
Program:
KERKORIAN: Fanfare and Fugue
HUMPERDINCK (arr. Fanchin): Evening Prayer from Hansel & Gretel
5 Sirens and a Sackbut
DURATE: Three Costa Rican Dances: Flor de Receda, Dudas, Planguita
Bassoon Quartet
ADAMS: Talea
Percussion Ensemble
GABRIELI: (King, editor): Canzona per Sonare No. 1 “La Spiritata”
KOMPANEK: Killer Tango
Brass Quintet
BEETHOVEN: Grand Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 3, Allegro con brio
String Trio
GERSHWIN: Three Preludes
Clarinet Quartet
BRAHMS: Piano Quartet No.1 in G minor, Op.25, Rondo alla Zingarese: Presto
Piano Quartet
The ACO continues to embrace the classics as well as explore the future. In order for classical music to truly realize its potential as a relevant and important art form it must embrace its future as much as its past. With this in mind, the ACO will maintain its commitment to experiment with programming that presents beloved classics alongside new and/or eclectic works, some of which might be considered off-beat, cross-genre, or even radical.
PURCHASE TICKETS

Paint to Music: Shostakovich 5
2023-05-20 19:30 - 20:30 | Bates Recital Hall, 2406 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
Join the Austin Civic Orchestra at Bates Recital Hall at the University of Texas at Austin for its final formal concert of the 22-23 season. Music Director Dr. Lois Ferrari has chosen the powerful Symphony No. 5 by Dimitri Shostakovich for her final performance as music director of the ACO, a position she has held since 2002.
Paint to Music is a pre-concert event at 6:45 pm in room 2.610 where a slide show of the artwork created by area students will be presented.
Afterwards, in the Recital Hall, the orchestra will perform Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 as the sole selection on the concert.

SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47

Moderato
Allegretto
Largo
Allegro non troppo

The ACO continues to embrace the classics as well as explore the future. In order for classical music to truly realize its potential as a relevant and important art form it must embrace its future as much as its past. With this in mind, the ACO will maintain its commitment to experiment with programming that presents beloved classics alongside new and/or eclectic works, some of which might be considered off-beat, cross-genre, or even radical.
PURCHASE TICKETS
Parking for Bates Recital Hall

From Stage to Screen — Performance 2
2023-06-10 20:30 - 22:00 | Sheffield Hillside Theatre at Zilker Park, 2206 William Barton Drive, Austin, TX, 78746, United States
Join the Austin Civic Orchestra for this free concert at the Zilker Hillside Theater. This year we feature the music that made a successful transition from the stage as a musical to a full screen movie. Bring your blanket or low chair with plenty of water to sit on the hillside in the setting sun to enjoy the concert.
As is the tradition, we end with Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever with several raffles for audience involvement on stage during the piece. This could be you!
The program includes selections from:

Cabaret – music by John Kander and arranged by Ted Parson
Fiddler on the Roof – music by Jerry Bock and arranged by Felton Rapley
Cats – music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and arranged by Bob Lowden
The Sound of Music Selection for Orchestra – music by Richard Rodgers and arranged by Robert Russell Bennett

Intermission

A Chorus Line – music by Marvin Hamlisch and arranged by Bob Lowden
The Producers – by Mel Brooks
Chicago – music by John Kander and arranged by Ted Ricketts
Les Misérables – music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and arranged by Bob Lowden
The Stars & Stripes Forever March by Sousa

See this map with parking information.
The ACO continues to embrace the classics as well as explore the future. In order for classical music to truly realize its potential as a relevant and important art form it must embrace its future as much as its past. With this in mind, the ACO will maintain its commitment to experiment with programming that presents beloved classics alongside new and/or eclectic works, some of which might be considered off-beat, cross-genre, or even radical.

In Nature's Realm
2023-09-23 19:30 - 21:00 | St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa Drive, Austin, TX, 78759
TICKETS
Tickets available online and at the door.

Brent Baldwin, Guest Conductor (biography)
Isaac Bustos, Guitar (biography)
Join the Austin Civic Orchestra at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church for the opening concert of the 2023-24 season. Featured compositions include The Red Pony by Aaron Copland, Out of the Silence by William Grant Still, and Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquín Rodrigo, featuring the amazing classical guitarist Isaac Bustos. A new Baldwin-penned work will also receive its premiere.

William Grant Still: Out of the Silence
Joaquín Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez featuring Isaac Bustos, Guitar
Brent Baldwin: In Time Like Air
Aaron Copland: The Red Pony Film Suite
I. Morning on the Ranch
II. The Gift
III. a. Dream March / b. Circus March
IV. Walk to the Bunkhouse
V. Grandfather’s Story
VI. Happy Ending

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

Mexican Gems & Spanish Treasures
2023-11-05 16:30 - 18:00 | St. Andrew’s Dell Fine Arts Center, 5901 Southwest Parkway, Austin, TX, 78735, United States
TICKETS
Tickets are available online and at the door.

Dr. Veronica Salinas, Conductor and ACO Music Director Finalist (biography)
Dr. Elizabeth Janzen, Flute (biography)
Drea Pacot, Flemenco Dancer

Join the Austin Civic Orchestra for a Sunday afternoon concert at St. Andrew’s Dell Fine Arts Center as guest conductor and ACO Music Director Finalist Dr. Veronica Salinas leads the Orchestra in a celebration of Hispanic culture.
Enjoy the Spanish tunes, dramatic storytelling and brilliant orchestration of De Falla’s The Three Cornered Hat with featured Austin artist, Flamenco dancer Drea Pacot.
Be enchanted with the intense lyricism and melodic vulnerability of Grandos’ Intermezzo.
Champion new music as Dr. Elizabeth Janzen, an established prominent musician in North America performs the Texas premiere of D’Colonial Californiano for Flute and Orchestra by Gabriela Ortiz, one of the foremost composers in Mexico today.
Dance out of the hall after the lively Danzón No.2 by Arturo Márquez – one of the leading composers of contemporary Mexican art music.
Concert Repertoire:

Manuel de Falla – The Three Cornered Hat: Suite 1 & 2
featuring dancer Drea Pacot
Enrique Granados – Goyescas: Intermezzo
Gabriela Ortiz – D’Colonial Californiano for Flute and Orchestra
featuring Dr. Elizabeth Janzen, Flute
Arturo Márquez – Danzón No.2

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

Happy Holidays!
2023-12-17 16:00 - 17:30 | Bates Recital Hall, 2406 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
TICKETS
Tickets will be available online or at the door.
Get directions, bus routes & parking information.
Need financial assistance with tickets? Check out this page.

Jarred Kennedy, Guest Conductor (biography)
Jessica Mathaes, Violin (biography)
Guest conductor Jarred Kennedy leads the ACO in our annual Happy Holidays! concert, featuring new and old seasonal favorites! We are thrilled to share the Bates Recital Hall stage with violin soloist Jessica Mathaes, Concertmaster of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, for our most festive concert of the year.
Looking for more? Attend the pre-concert talk by Associate Conductor Dr. W.P. Sterneman III at 3:15 pm in MRH 2.614. His topic will be “No Artistic Merit and the Death of Ballet: Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Debut”.
DONate Now
Please consider making a donation when purchasing a ticket or by clicking the button above. 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.

Dilorenzo: Santa’s Magical Journey
Silvestri, arr Brubaker: The Polar Express
Delius: Sleigh Ride
Korngold: Prelude -Serenade featuring Jessica Mathaes, Violin
Piazzolla: Four Seasons of Buenos Aires (Winter) featuring Jessica Mathaes, Violin

Intermission

Lauridsen, arr. Dackow: O Magnum Mysterium
Lovrien: Minor Alterations: Christmas Through the Looking Glass
Arr. Holcombe: Festive Sounds of Hanukkah
Anderson: A Christmas Festival

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

Texas Rising Stars
2024-02-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Bates Recital Hall, 2406 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
Free TICKETS
Get bus information, directions and parking information.

Jacob Schnitzer, guest conductor (biography)
The Austin Civic Orchestra partners again with The University of Texas at Austin for the 10th Texas Rising Stars concert at Bates Recital Hall. The winners of the Butler School of Music’s String Concerto Competition perform concerti accompanied by the orchestra.
ACO Guest Conductor, Jacob Schnitzer leads our outstanding student artists on works from Schumann and Sibelius.
The Orchestra concludes the concert with an innovative presentation of Holst’s The Planets. Local artist Laura Mercado-Wright composed interludes – titled Between the Planets – to fit between the movements of Holst’s composition. VAMP Vocals will perform each interlude as an introduction of the astrological characteristic of the following movement. VAMP will then be joined by singers from Austin Cantorum and the UT Chamber Treble Choir in the final movement of Holst’s Planets, Neptune.
Come at 6:45 PM to hear the pre-concert talk “We Don’t Talk About Pluto: Holst’s Missing Planet” presented by Associate Conductor Dr. W.P. Gus Sterneman in room 2.614.
Tickets for this concert are free, but we strongly encourage you to reserve your tickets in advance. Tickets are also available at the door.
This collaborative concert between the Butler School of Music and Austin Civic Orchestra was conceived by UT professor Brian Lewis and is funded in part by the David and Mary Winton Green Chair in String Performance and Pedagogy.
This concert has no admission charge – a gift to the Austin community.
DONate Now
Please consider making a donation when obtaining a ticket or by clicking the button above. We depend on individual donations to help us continue to bring concerts like this to the Austin Community.
Full program:

Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129 by Robert Schumann:
Nicht zu schnell (1st movement) performed by Katsuaki Arakawa
Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 byJean Sibelius
Allegro, ma non tanto (3rd movement) performed by Emmanuelle (Ellie) Sievers
Between the Planets by Laura Mercado-Wright and performed by VAMP Vocals with The Planets by Gustav Holst and performed by the Orchestra.

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

A “Rhapsody” of American Music
2024-03-09 18:00 - 19:30 | The Austin Stone Northwest, 9001 North FM 620, Austin, TX, 78726, United States
TICKETS
Tickets available online or at the door.
Directions to The Austin Stone Northwest
Need financial assistance with tickets? Check out this page.

Richard Frazier, Conductor and ACO Music Director Finalist (biography)
Joseph Choi, Piano
Join the Austin Civic Orchestra at The Austin Stone Northwest for an early evening Saturday concert of all American music!
We are thrilled to welcome Richard Frazier to the podium as the second of three finalists for the ACO Music Director position. Richard built this concert around Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, composed 100 years ago, and we are delighted to welcome Austin pianist Joseph Choi on stage as the soloist. The rest of the concert is filled out with music by American composers who thrived at the same time as Gershwin and were supportive of each other’s work. What an incredible way to kick-off your Saturday evening!
The ACO will begin with Hanson’s flowing three movement Symphony No. 2 (The Romantic), followed by John Williams’ The Cowboys Overture. After Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the concert concludes with the moving finale from Bernstein’s Candide Make our Garden Grow complete with soloists and a choir.
Come at 5:15 pm for a preconcert talk with our always entertaining Associate Conductor, W.P. Sterneman III (Dr. Gus). “100 years of Rhapsody”

Williams: The Cowboys Overture
Hanson: Symphony No. 2 in D-flat major, Opus 30, “Romantic”
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue featuring Joseph Choi, Piano
Bernstein: Finale from Candide (Make our Garden Grow)

Featuring: Zoe Chunghui Kim, Soprano; Jenny Ohrstrom, Soprano; Donghyuk Chung, Tenor; Trevor Shaw, Tenor; Evan K. Brown, Tenor; and Jake Skipworth, Baritone

DONate Now
Please consider making a donation when purchasing a ticket or by clicking the button above. 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.
KMFA Radio is a media sponsor for the Austin Civic Orchestra.

Parts of the Whole
2024-03-23 19:30 - 21:00 | Abiding Love Lutheran Church, 7210 Brush Country Rd, Austin, TX, 78749, United States
PURCHASE TICKETS
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.

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

4/4 for Four for Percussion Ensemble by Anthony Cirone
Viva La Vida by Guy Berryman, Jon Buckland, Will Champion and Chris Martin (arranged for violin duet by Julie Doubleday)
Por Una Cabeza by Carlos Gardel (arranged for violin duet by Augustine Hadelich)
Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar (Arranged for violin duet by Mark O’Connor)
Five Moods for Two Bassoons by Arthur Kelley
String Trio in C minor, Op 9 No 3, Allegro con spirito by Ludwig von Beethoven
Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, Op.47, Andante cantabile by Robert Schumann
Four for Tango for String Quartet by Astor Piazzolla
Carmen Suite No. 1 & 2 selections by Georges Bizet, arranged for six hands by Ernest Guiraud

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!

Triumph of the Creative Spirit
2024-05-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Bates Recital Hall, 2406 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
TICKETS
Get bus information, directions and parking information.
Need financial assistance with tickets? Check out this page.

Beau Benson, Conductor and ACO Music Director Finalist (biography)
Augusta Schubert, Violin (biography)
Join the ACO at our final indoor concert at Bates Recital Hall on Mother’s Day presenting a combination of works that are beloved by many. Led by Beau Benson, the ACO shares the fresh and vibrant palette of Quinn Mason’s orchestral writing; the beauty and passion of Bruch’s violin concerto, played by the phenomenal Augusta Schubert; and the cathartic journey that is Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony.
A slideshow of the artwork by youth in the Austin area will be a pre-concert event at 3:00 pm in room 2.614. See the digital copies artwork created by area students while they listened to a movement of Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony.
DONate Now
Please consider making a donation when purchasing a ticket or by clicking the button above. 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.

Quinn Mason: Inspiration Festive Overture
Max Bruch: Concerto no. 1 in g minor, featuring Augusta Schubert, Violin
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in f minor

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

Video Games Soundtracks — Performance 1
2024-06-07 20:00 - 22:00 | Lampkin Pavilion in Rosewood Neighborhood Park, 1182 N. Pleasant Valley, Austin, United States
Free TICKETS TO Friday’s Concert
Free TICKETS TO SAtURDay’s Concert

Lampkin Pavilion is near Bus Route #322
Free Parking Information!

W.P. Sterneman III, Associate Conductor (biography)
Join the Austin Civic Orchestra for this free concert at the Lampkin Pavilion in the northern part of Rosewood Neighborhood Park. This year’s concert features video games soundtracks. Bring your blanket or low chair with plenty of water to sit on the grass in the setting sun to enjoy the concert. Food carts from Mama Noy’s Kitchen and Mom & Pops All Natural Frozen Pops will be on hand with great selections for dinner and dessert.
As is the tradition, we end with Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever with several raffles for audience involvement on stage during the piece. This could be you!
DONate Now
Please consider making a donation when obtaining a ticket or by clicking the button above. We depend on individual donations to help us continue to bring concerts like this to the Austin Community.
Program:

Classic Video Games Medley
Wing Commander
Sea of Thieves
Clare de Lune
Super Mario Bros. Suite for Orchestra

Intermission

Genshin Impact
Minecraft Orchestral Suite
Suite from Video Games Live
Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Medley
The Stars & Stripes Forever March by Sousa

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

This project has been made possible (in part) by a grant from the Texas Music Office, Office of the Governor

This project is funded in part by a grant from HEB.

Video Games Soundtracks — Performance 2
2024-06-08 20:00 - 22:00 | Lampkin Pavilion in Rosewood Neighborhood Park, 1182 N. Pleasant Valley, Austin, United States
FREE TICKETS to saturday’s concert
Lampkin Pavilion is near CapMetro Bus Route #322
Free Parking Information!

W.P. Sterneman III, Associate Conductor (biography)
Join the Austin Civic Orchestra for this free concert at the Lampkin Pavilion in the northern part of Rosewood Neighborhood Park. This year’s concert features video games soundtracks. Bring your blanket or low chair with plenty of water to sit on the grass in the setting sun to enjoy the concert. Food carts from Mama Noy’s Kitchen and Mom & Pops All Natural Frozen Pops will be on hand with great selections for dinner and dessert.
As is the tradition, we end with Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever with several raffles for audience involvement on stage during the piece. This could be you!
DONate Now
Please consider making a donation when obtaining a ticket or by clicking the button above. We depend on individual donations to help us continue to bring concerts like this to the Austin Community.
Program:

Classic Video Games Medley
Wing Commander
Sea of Thieves
Clare de Lune
Super Mario Bros. Suite for Orchestra

Intermission

Genshin Impact
Minecraft Orchestral Suite
Suite from Video Games Live
Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Medley
The Stars & Stripes Forever March by Sousa

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

This project has been made possible (in part) by a grant from the Texas Music Office, Office of the Governor

This project is funded in part by a grant from HEB.

Auditions
2024-08-20 18:30 - 21:30 | Austin High School Orchestra Room, 1715 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
The ACO is looking for new members and substitutes for the following instruments:
Violin
Viola
Cello
Trombone (substitutes)
Tuba
Percussion (substitutes)
Harp (substitutes)

Register to audition here.
Auditions are held the evening of Tuesday, August 20 at the Austin High School Orchestra Room. 1715 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78703
You will be assigned a unique number and your information passed along to the the judges to maintain anonymity.
For the audition, prepare 3-5 minutes of music from the classical repertoire which shows the qualities included in our audition rubric (i.e. tone quality, technical facility, musicianship, etc.).
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 music 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. The ACO rehearses on most Tuesday evenings at the Austin High School Band Hall for two hours.

Pajama Party: Playing with Murder
2024-09-21 15:00 - 16:30 | St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 606 W 15th St, Austin, TX 78701, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Dr. Veronica Salinas, Conductor (biography)
Dr. W.P. Sterneman III, Narrator
Get ready for a Pajama Party!
TICKETS For all
Tickets will be available online or at the door.
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.
For our first concert of our New Beginnings season, come join the Austin Civic Orchestra in your PJs for a special program featuring a guest narrator. For her inaugural concert as the new ACO Music director, Dr. Veronica Salinas has selected a delightful youth-centered program that includes the hilarious A Grand, Grand Festival Overture with organ, vacuum cleaner and floor polisher as the soloists, Night on Bald Mountain by Mussorgsky, and another fun whodunit piece: The Composer is Dead by Stookey (with Gus Sterneman as narrator). We end with the delightful Bacchanale from Samson and Dalila.
Please note the kid-friendly start time of 3:00 PM.

A Grand, Grand Festival Overture, op. 57 by Malcolm Arnold with soloists on Organ, 3 vacuum cleaners, and floor polisher
Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky, arr. Rimsky-Korsakov
The Composer is Dead by Nathaniel Stookey, Narrator Dr. W.P. Sterneman III
Samson et Dalila: Bacchanale by Camille Saint-Saëns

Parking at St. Martin’s
Bus Routes
#18 goes to St. Martin’s
#1, 3, 30, 20, 801, 803 stop three blocks from St. Martin’s.
KMFA Radio is a media sponsor for the Austin Civic Orchestra.

Artistry of the “Woman Composer”
2024-11-02 19:30 - 20:45 | South PAC at Cedar Park High School, 2150 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park, TX, 78613, United States
Dr. Veronica Salinas, Conductor (biography)
Dr. José Flores, Violin (biography)
The Austin Civic Orchestra continues their season with Artistry of the “Woman Composer”. You will be enchanted by these compositions crafted exclusively by women. The music is vibrant with imagery, showcasing unique harmonies and melodic evolution. The concert includes works by Dame Ethel Smyth, Reena Esmail, and Florence Price. The spotlight soloist is Dr. José Flores, who presents a concerto in a truly extraordinary manner – come and witness it yourself! The concert, led by Dr. Veronica Salinas takes place at Cedar Park High School, marking the Orchestra’s inaugural performance northwest of Austin.
Looking for more? Come at 6:45 PM for a pre-concert talk by the ACO Associate Conductor, Dr. W.P. Sterneman III on the life and work of Florence Price.
Date: November 2, 2024 at 7:30 pm (pre-concert talk at 6:45 pm)
Location: Leander ISD South Performing Arts Center at Cedar Park High School
2150 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park
Campus Map and Parking Information
Program:

The Wreckers: Overture by Dame Ethel Smyth
Concerto for You for Violin and String Orchestra by Reena Esmail, Dr. Jose Flores, violin
Symphony No. 1 in Symphony No. 1 in E Minor by Florence Price
1. Allegro [ma] non troppo
2. Largo, maestoso
3. Juba Dance: Allegro
4. Finale: Presto

TICKETS For All
Tickets will be available online or at the door.
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.

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

On a Winter's Eve: Happy Holidays! Saturday Concert
2024-12-14 16:00 - 17:30 | Bates Recital Hall, 2406 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
Dr. Veronica Salinas, Conductor (biography)
Ryan Heller, Chorus Austin Conductor
Go to the Sunday concert.
Our holiday concert sees us partner with Chorus Austin as we bring familiar classics and new works to life. We look forward to sharing the magic of the season with you!
Chorus Austin (Chamber Ensemble)

Deck the Hall arr. John Rutter
Lux Nova by Eric Whitacre
Mary’s Lullabyby Fredrik Sixten, Frank Gruber
Jingle, Bells James Pierpont, arr. David Blackwell
The Christmas Song arr. Peter Gritton
Go, Tell It On The Mountain arr. Marques L.A. Garrett

Austin Civic Orchestra

Greensleeves by Alfred Reed
Snow Maiden: Dance of the Tumblers by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Christmas Eve/Sarajevo by Paul O’Neill & Robert Kinkel, arr. Bob Phillips
Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson

Chorus Austin (Symphonic Choir) and Austin Civic Orchestra

“Tikkun Olam” (Heal the World)by Lucas Richman
The Chariot Jubilee by Nathaniel R. Dett, Jeremiah Tyson, Tenor
The Many Moods of Christmas, Suite 2 by Robert Shaw

Chorus Austin

Wonderful Peace by Gustaf Nordqvist

TICKETS
Tickets will be available online or at the door.
Get directions, bus routes & parking information.
Please consider making a donation when purchasing a ticket.
We work to keep the ticket prices low to help us continue to bring concerts like this to the Austin Community.

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

On a Winter's Eve: Happy Holidays! Sunday Concert
2024-12-15 16:00 - 17:30 | St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 3417 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd,, Austin, TX, 78721
Dr. Veronica Salinas, Conductor (biography)
Ryan Heller, Chorus Austin Conductor
Go to the Saturday concert.
Our holiday concert sees us partner with Chorus Austin as we bring familiar classics and new works to life. We look forward to sharing the magic of the season with you!
Chorus Austin (Chamber Ensemble)

Deck the Hall arr. John Rutter
Lux Nova by Eric Whitacre
Mary’s Lullabyby Fredrik Sixten, Frank Gruber
Jingle, Bells James Pierpont, arr. David Blackwell
The Christmas Song arr. Peter Gritton
Go, Tell It On The Mountain arr. Marques L.A. Garrett

Austin Civic Orchestra

Greensleeves by Alfred Reed
Snow Maiden: Dance of the Tumblers by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Christmas Eve/Sarajevo by Paul O’Neill & Robert Kinkel, arr. Bob Phillips
Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson

Chorus Austin (Symphonic Choir) and Austin Civic Orchestra

“Tikkun Olam” (Heal the World)by Lucas Richman
The Chariot Jubilee by Nathaniel R. Dett, Jeremiah Tyson, Tenor
The Many Moods of Christmas, Suite 2 by Robert Shaw

Chorus Austin

Wonderful Peace by Gustaf Nordqvis

TICKETS
Get directions, bus routes & parking information.
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 to help us continue to bring concerts like this to the Austin Community.

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

Texas Rising Stars
2025-02-01 19:30 - 21:30 | Bates Recital Hall, 2406 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
Dr. Veronica Salinas, Conductor (biography)
Yida An, Violin
Aytahn Benavi, Guitar
Jason Sheng-Chieh Lan, Viola
Zichuan (Kevin) Wang, Violin
Performer biographies
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 11th time, it’s sure to be a memorable evening.
Key details:

When: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 at 7:30 pm.
Where: Bates Recital Hall, the University of Texas at Austin.
Tickets: Free but reserving in advance is recommended. Tickets will also be available at the door.

This concert reflects a commitment to making classical music accessible and supporting rising talent.

The Abduction from the Seraglio: Overture by W.A. Mozart
Guitar Concerto No. 1, Allegretto by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Aytahn Benavi, Guitar
Concerto for Viola and Orchestra, Andante comodo (1962 version) by William Walton, Jason Sheng-Chieh Lan, Viola
Violin Concerto in A Major, Op. 8, Allegro Moderato by Mieczysław Karłowicz, Zichuan (Kevin) Wang, Violin
Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 26, Allegro con fermezza by Aram Khachaturian, Yida An, Violin

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

Harmony for All: A Community Celebration of Music
2025-03-29 19:00 - 20:30 | McCallum High School Fine Arts Center, 5600 Sunshine Drive, Austin, TX, 78756
Dr. Veronica Salinas, Conductor (biography)
Dr. W.P. (Gus) Sterneman III, Associate Conductor
Dr. Melissa Melendez, Viola (biography)
Austin Soundwaves Senior Ensemble: Michael Chong, Violin; Allyson Chu, Violin, and Vic Ducea, Clarinet
Austin Soundwaves Junior Ensemble: Lukas Goris, Violin; Nancy Huynh, Violin; Yvette Zaurez, Alto Saxophone; Bryan Torres, Tenor Saxophone; Luismiguel Martinez, Piano
Join us for our exciting upcoming concert! We firmly believe in the transformative power of music to inspire, unite, and uplift communities. This program brilliantly showcases the strength that comes from artistic collaboration. Featuring the remarkable talents of our volunteer orchestra along with the young musicians from Austin Soundwaves, this concert emphasizes the significance of music education and community engagement, connecting generations of artists.
The concert will kick off with the brass and percussion boldly performing Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, followed by the Orchestra presenting Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2.
In a thrilling new collaboration with Austin Soundwaves, two select ensembles will deliver entertainment—one during intermission and the other opening the second half of the concert. The ACO is ready to enchant the audience with Le Grand Tango, featuring the outstanding guest soloist Dr. Melissa Melendez on viola, and will wrap up the concert with the playful 1712 Overture for Really Big Orchestra by Peter Schickele, better known as P.D.Q. Bach.
Program:

Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland
Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
During Intermission
Fleckish by Cathy Morris
March Militaire by Franz Schubert (arr: Daniel Kelley)
Austin Soundwaves Junior Ensemble
Terzetto in C major, Op. 74 (B. 148), I. Introduction: Allegro ma non troppo by Antonin Dvorak
Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla
Austin Soundwaves Senior Trio
Le Grand Tango for Viola and String Orchestra by Astor Piazzolla, Dr. Melissa Melendez, Viola
1712 Overture for Really Big Orchestra by Peter Schickele, aka P.D.Q. Bach

PURCHASE TICKETS
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.

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

Parts of the Whole
2025-04-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Abiding Love Lutheran Church, 7210 Brush Country Rd, Austin, TX, 78749, United States
PURCHASE TICKETS
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.

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.
