“The Irving Symphony Orchestra is presenting more than just music this season,” writes Deborah Fleck in Saturday’s (11/14) Dallas Morning News. “In an area rich in symphony orchestras—10 professional ensembles in North Texas and three in Irving alone—the 46-year-old organization adds visual arts, dancing and other artistic features to the concert experience. What’s more, the ISO is dedicating its entire 2009-10 season to this interdisciplinary venture. … For the next concert, ‘Sonic Visions’ today, the symphony is collaborating with the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth. Painting and music will come together as the orchestra plays American West-inspired masterworks, such as Aaron Copland’s Billy the Kid, while Western art shows on giant screens. … The changes seem to be working. Audiences are growing, with a 24 percent increase in ticket revenue in 2008-09 season from the previous season. … The League of American Orchestras selected the ISO to premiere Chasing Light by American composer Joseph Schwantner in its 2008-09 season. Four of the six concerts this season are North American premieres. Symphony magazine will include the orchestra in an article next spring about progressive orchestras nationwide that are incorporating artistic material in concerts.”
Posted November 16, 2009
