ASO attempting new format, collaboration with Paramount

It’s a new year and a new feel at the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

The ASO is in the midst of a season ticket campaign for its 56th season, which starts next month.

“We’re always pleased to know that there are people in Austin who appreciate the arts,” said Terry Dorsey, ASO co-president.

The ASO begins with a bang as artists involved with the Minnesota Opera and choirs from each of Austin’s elementary schools will collaborate with the ASO for its opener, “Mozart, Moldau and MacDowell,” which takes place Oct. 28 at Knowlton Auditorium.

The season continues with a Christmas show featuring dancers from Jane Taylor’s Academy of Dance on Dec. 9 at Knowlton Auditorium.

The ASO gets a little experimental as the orchestra will partner with acoustic guitarist Billy McLaughlin to perform “Blue Jeans, Billy and Beethoven,” at the Paramount Theatre on Feb. 24, 2013, a first for the ASO. The orchestra will pare down for the performance, leaving part of the brass section out of the show.

“This Paramount show is an experiment to see how that venue will work for us,” Dorsey said. “That’s a bright spot, a different thing than usual for our season.”

Dorsey said the ASO was interested in partnering with the Paramount to strengthen ties between arts organizations in the community.

In addition to a few experiments in venue, orchestra members are experimenting with the pieces. Dorsey said there will be one piece per performance selected by an orchestra member, as part of an initiative to give the orchestra members a chance to play some of their favorite pieces.

The ASO will wrap up its season with its annual Young Artists Concert on April 14 at Knowlton Auditorium.

56th Austin Symphony Orchestra

Oct. 28: ‘Mozart, Moldau and MacDowell’

Dec. 9: Jane Taylor’s Academy of Dance Christmas show

Feb. 24: ‘Blue Jeans, Billy and Beethoven’

April 14: Young Artists Concert

Season pass: $50

More info: Call Marge Dunlap at 507-433-5647