The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presents its 75th anniversary season this year with the first concert weekend of its subscription series on Saturday, Sept. 29, 8 p.m., at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center and on Sunday, Sept. 30, 3 p.m., at the George Washington Masonic Memorial.
September’s program mixes grand with intimate symphonic works, anchored with Beethoven’s patriotic Symphony No. 7 preceded by Michael Torke’s transcendent “Javelin.” Maestro Ross and the ASO welcome violin soloist Alexander Kerr for Dvořák’s Romance in F minor and Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo capriccioso.
Raised in Alexandria and a graduate of T.C. Williams High School, Kerr is a masterful violinist who has collaborated with countless artists from Joshua Bell to Sarah Chang. He currently serves as concertmaster of the Dallas and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestras.
The 2018-2019 season marks the introduction of James Ross as the ASO’s new music director, who brings a wealth of international experience and innovative programming to the ASO. Maestro Ross is also the orchestra director of the National Youth Orchestra – USA at Carnegie Hall and conductor with the Orquestra Simfònica del Vallès in Barcelona. Ross serves on the conducting faculty at the Juilliard School and recently completed a 16-year tenure as professor and director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Maryland.
Besides the new maestro, ASO patrons will enjoy an improved concert experience this season, with a renovated concession station at Schlesinger Concert Hall. At 2:15 p.m. prior to each Sunday performance at the Masonic Memorial, Maestro Ross will present an interactive talk called “As the Baton Swings.” The talk will include insights about the program, geared toward younger attendees and novice symphony-goers. Additional pre-concert activities and celebratory experiences are also scheduled throughout the season at both venues.
The Alexandria Symphony is a fully-professional orchestra drawing from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region’s wealth of musical talent. Many musicians perform with other orchestras and top military bands. The ASO performs Saturday evenings at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center and Sunday matinees at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Adult subscriptions start at $68, and single tickets are $20-$80 for adults, $5 for youth (18 and under), and $10 for students (with ID). The ASO also offers senior, military, and group discounts. For tickets and more information, visit www.alexsym.org or call 703-548-0885.