The Grammy® Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has announced its plans to continue presenting concerts in its 2020/21 season via digital broadcasts, continuing its virtual Behind the Curtain Series presented by Delta. The concerts will continue to be recorded in Atlanta Symphony Hall without a live audience and available to view for current 2020/21 subscribers, new Virtual Members or pay-per-view access.
“While nothing can replace the thrilling experience of hearing a performance live and in person, our pivot to virtual concerts this fall has been wildly successful, allowing the Orchestra to continue making music and sharing it with an even broader audience than before. Thanks to the creativity and determination of the ASO musicians, administrative staff and Board of Directors, our Behind the Stage series continues to provide inspiring, diverse, fresh and made-for-Atlanta musical experiences throughout the first half of 2021.“We are especially thankful to our subscribers and donors, who have sustained the orchestra through this challenging year and to our new Virtual Members who support the future of music; and we look forward to expanding our audience with a new pay-per-program option. What a great pleasure it has been to find this new sense of community through virtual concert experiences with ASO fans in Atlanta and far beyond.”
-Executive Director Jennifer Barlament
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will make future decisions regarding in‑person concerts in Symphony Hall based on the health and safety of both musicians and patrons. Streaming of concerts will continue throughout the 2020/21 season, affording subscribers and virtual members the opportunity to enjoy the ASO’s complete 76th season from the comfort of their home.
In addition to beloved and familiar works, the 13 spring 2021 Behind the Curtain concerts feature works by nine living composers, including Tyshawn Sorey, Sarah Gibson, Missy Mazzoli, Michael Abels, Clarice Assad, Carlos Simon, Jimmy López, Gabriela Lena Frank and Aaron Zigman.
Most of the Behind the Curtain concerts from January through June 2021 will introduce at least one new work to the Orchestra’s repertoire, with 10 ASO premieres and a world premiere of The Book of Spells by Brazilian-American composer Clarice Assad, performed by The Merian Ensemble. The Merian Ensemble is a chamber music group dedicated to the exploration of works by women, composed of ASO musicians Christina Smith (Principal Flute), Elisabeth Remy Johnson (Principal Harp), Emily Brebach (English Horn), Marci Gurnow (Clarinet), Jessica Oudin (Viola). Additional ASO premieres include William Grant Still’s Wood Notes, Fanny Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1, Tyshawn Sorey’s For Roscoe Mitchell, Carlos Simon’s An Elegy: A Cry From The Grave and more.
-ASO Music Director Robert Spano
“In this challenging and uncertain period, I am so grateful that we have been able to find new avenues to continue our commitment to presenting great symphonic music,” said Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Music Director Robert Spano. “We have configured our programming for smaller ensembles to allow proper social distancing and other safety protocols, and with travel restrictions, we have also placed a greater focus on local talent as well as ASO principal musicians as featured soloists. We are thrilled to be able to share the talents of these composers and performers, and connect to our listeners, who are as important to music- making as the performers themselves.”
Music Director Robert Spano will conduct four concerts, and Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles will lead two programs. Guest conductors include Maxim Emelyanychev, Gemma New, Nathalie Stutzmann, Hannu Lintu, Andrew Manze, James Gaffigan and Miguel Harth-Bedoya.
In addition to The Merian Ensemble, the ASO will also feature Concertmaster David Coucheron as a soloist. Featured guest artists include Robert McDuffie (violin), Seth Parker Woods (cello), Randall Goosby (violin), Pedja Mužijević (piano), Yefim Bronfman (piano), Irene Roberts (mezzo-soprano), Talise Trevigne (soprano), Stephen Hough (piano), Augustin Hadelich (violin), Jean-Yves Thibaudet (piano), Jessica Rivera (soprano).
A Bach and Beyond celebration will close out the season. More details to be announced in the coming weeks.
View the Spring 2021 Behind the Curtain Series Full Concert Listing
About Virtual Memberships
This spring, Virtual Members will enjoy extended viewing windows for one month after each premiere, access to the ASO Tech Squad for concierge service to walk patrons through account set-up and virtual concert viewing assistance, and privileges to exchange into other concerts within the spring series.
Virtual Memberships to the Behind the Curtain Series may be purchased for the full spring season ($130) or as a Compose Your Own membership (three or more concerts for $15 each). Patrons may also purchase pay-per-view access to any single concert for $20. To purchase, visit aso.org/memberships, or contact the Subscription Team at asosubscriptions@atlantasymphony.org or 404.733.4800.
About the Behind the Curtain Series
The ASO’s Behind the Curtain series gets you up close and personal with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Premiering from the stage of Symphony Hall straight to your living room, these high- definition virtual concerts feature never-before-seen views of the musicians and exclusive bonus content.
