The ASO season opens with ‘spoonfuls of honey’
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra promised sparks flying on their opening night, Sept. 25, and they didn’t disappoint. ASO President and CEO Allison Vulgamore addressed a small pre-show gathering at Gallery 100, enthusing that having Bach, Beethoven and Brahms on the same program was “like having spoonfuls of honey.”
Conductor Robert Spano kicked off the concert with a rousing rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner,” encouraging the crowd to sing along. Unlike ballpark crowds, these people can sing. I swear the woman next to me was operatically trained. Regardless, it was a moving way to kick off a season of world-class concerts.
Arrangements for the Bach piece brought the orchestra’s talents into sharp relief, pianist Emanuel Ax was masterful during the Beethoven selection, and the Brahms selection was a thrilling closer. This week, the B-Loved classical series continues with three other selections from the masters and Peter Serkin on the piano.
