“Ronda Respess can vividly recall the days when the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra transitioned from an organization with part-time musicians to one with full-time performers,” writes Everett Catts in Thursday’s (11/14) MDJOnline.com (Marietta, GA). “Respess, who plays second violin with the orchestra … was one of the full-time musicians Music Director Robert Shaw hired in 1969 as it made that change…. The organization is commemorating its 75th anniversary during the 2019-20 season…. Robert Mann served as the acting conductor in 1966 and 1967. Then came Music Directors Robert Shaw (1967-88), Yoel Levi (1988-2000) and Robert Spano (2001-present), who will retire at the end of the 2020-21 season…. The orchestra hosts more than 150 concerts each year at Symphony Hall and other venues…. It also records music on its in-house label, ASO Media…. The orchestra and chorus have recorded over 100 albums and won 28 Grammy Awards…. It also hosts a free community concert series, Around the A, which brings popup performances to venues across metro Atlanta.” Executive Director Jennifer Barlament described the orchestra’s growth over the years as “really quite remarkable…. We look forward to creating transformative orchestral experiences for the next 75 years and beyond.’ ”
Posted November 15, 2019
