In Wednesday’s (4/3) Atlanta Journal-Constitution, James L. Paulk writes, “Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s 2013-2014 will feature five world premieres, an array of some of the best-known guest artists in the business, and ASO music director Robert Spano leading the orchestra and chorus for its annual visit to Carnegie Hall as well as Verdi’s massive opera, ‘Aida.’ The orchestra’s 69th season opens Sept. 26 with a concert featuring pianist André Watts performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3. … ‘Three new voices will be heard this season: Richard Prior, Jonathan Leshnoff, and Mark Gray. The engagement with living composers is a vital part of our musical experience, taking us on new journeys and refreshing our understanding of music of the past,’ Spano said. Oct. 3-5, Prior’s ‘American Symphony’ will be the first of the five world premieres on tap for this season. An Atlantan, Prior is head of orchestra studies at Emory University. Later in the season, the orchestra will give the first performances of works by Gray, as well as by Michael Gandolfi, Phillip Lasser and Charles Zoll. In addition, six works will have their Atlanta premieres, including new works from Leshnoff as well as Adam Schoenberg. … New this year is a series of five ‘First Friday’ concerts, beginning at 6 p.m. These hour-long concerts will feature ‘abbreviated versions’ of the week’s subscription concerts for those who like things early and short.”
Posted April 5, 2013
