Austin Symphony Orchestra
Encyclopedia
The Austin Symphony Orchestra is the oldest performing group in Austin, Texas
. It was founded in 1911, and is celebrating its centenary year in 2011.
The inaugural concert was held on April 25, 1911. Initially, the orchestra consisted of 28 unpaid members and an unpaid conductor. It now has over 90 members, but is still not fully professional. It was not until 1948 that a paid Music Director was appointed - Ezra Rachlin
being the first appointee – and a regular concert series was presented. Rachlin remained in the post for 21 years, until 1969. The current, and eighth, Music Director of the Austin Symphony Orchestra is Peter Bay
, who has been in the post since 1997. Past Directors include Maurice Peress
(1970-73).
Ezra Rachlin organised a drive-in concert, the world's first, in 1948. The first children's concert was held in 1951.
The Centennial Gala Performance is scheduled for April 28, 2011, and will feature the violinist Itzhak Perlman
as soloist, as well as a performance of Alexandre Luigini
's Ballet égyptien
, which was played at the very first performance a century earlier.
Austin, Texas
Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of :Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 14th most populous city in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in...
. It was founded in 1911, and is celebrating its centenary year in 2011.
The inaugural concert was held on April 25, 1911. Initially, the orchestra consisted of 28 unpaid members and an unpaid conductor. It now has over 90 members, but is still not fully professional. It was not until 1948 that a paid Music Director was appointed - Ezra Rachlin
Ezra Rachlin
Ezra Rachlin was an American conductor and pianist.Rachlin was born in Hollywood and first showed an interest in the piano at the age of three. He gave his first full-length recital at age five. The Rachlins moved to Germany to assist Ezra in his studies...
being the first appointee – and a regular concert series was presented. Rachlin remained in the post for 21 years, until 1969. The current, and eighth, Music Director of the Austin Symphony Orchestra is Peter Bay
Peter Bay
Peter Bay is Music Director and Conductor of the Britt Festival Orchestra in Oregon, and Music Director of the Austin Symphony Orchestra.-Life:He graduated from the University of Maryland and the Peabody Institute....
, who has been in the post since 1997. Past Directors include Maurice Peress
Maurice Peress
Maurice Peress is an American orchestra conductor, educator and author. After serving as assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic under Leonard Bernstein beginning in 1961, Peress went on to stand as leader of the orchestra in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1962. In 1970, he also became leader...
(1970-73).
Ezra Rachlin organised a drive-in concert, the world's first, in 1948. The first children's concert was held in 1951.
The Centennial Gala Performance is scheduled for April 28, 2011, and will feature the violinist Itzhak Perlman
Itzhak Perlman
Itzhak Perlman is an Israeli-born violinist, conductor, and instructor of master classes. He is regarded as one of the pre-eminent violinists of the 20th and early-21st centuries.-Early life:...
as soloist, as well as a performance of Alexandre Luigini
Alexandre Luigini
Alexandre Clément Léon Joseph Luigini was a French composer and conductor, especially active in the opera house. As as composer, he is now remembered almost solely for his Ballet égyptien.-Life and career:...
's Ballet égyptien
Ballet égyptien
Ballet égyptien, Op. 12 , is Alexandre Luigini's best-known composition, and is the only one of his works in the standard repertoire....
, which was played at the very first performance a century earlier.