Austin Symphony Orchestra celebrating 60th anniversary
Published 11:01 am Sunday, November 20, 2016
- Former Austin Symphony Orchestra Director Phil Burkhart leads the symphony in a performance for Austin elementary and middle school students in 2013.
By Ruth White
Austin Symphony Orchestra
There are many facets of Austin that its citizens have cause to be proud. One of which is its community-based Austin Symphony Orchestra. which has been delighting audiences with their excellence of performance to keep the classics alive for both young and old.
The ASO recently held a fashion show called “Remember When,” which showed off fashions over the years. Photo provided
Our symphony orchestra was first formed in 1956 with Paul Heltney as its first director, followed through the years to the present: Richard Larson, Dave Nordahl and Phil Burkhart. For the past 22 years Steve Ramsey has conducted the approximate 65-member orchestra. There are still a few musicians playing for the orchestra that were there in the beginning including Sue Franklin (cello), Sue Radloff (violin), Millie Masse (violin), and Marge Dunlap who formerly played violin but now has retired to handle vital tasks behind the scenes.
The symphony orchestra is supported by groups called Champion, Maestro, Friend and contributor. Each category represents a specific dollar amount. Since the orchestra’s conception, a women’s support group was formed called Women’s Association of the Austin Symphony Orchestra (WAASO).
Many from the Austin community came together for a one-of-a-kind show in 1967 called “The Anniversary Follies.”
Photo provided
This group of many members worked tirelessly to raise money in various ways. For many years they organized a formal ball which was so much fun and very successful.
In 1967 our community was given the opportunity to take part in a stage show under the direction of a New York director, producer and choreographer in which WAASO organized as a fundraiser formed 11 committees such as: advertising, costumes, publicity, tickets, scenery/lighting and more.
After weeks of securing sponsors and rehearsals, the show, called “The Anniversary Follies,” was on and so it was well received by the public. It was the talk of the town for weeks and became a lasting and joyous memory for all those who participated in this spectacular New York stage production.
Today, our fundraising benefits are organized by seven conscientious workers: Sonia Larson, Sue Radloff, Jan Gilbertson, Sue Grove, Natalie Brunell, Marge Dunlap and Ruth White. Our latest benefit called “Remember When” took place at the Historic Hormel Home where approximately 140 music enthusiasts were entertained with music provided by Holly Damager and Pat Hulet playing with oboes, a grand lunch, a fashion show and door prize drawings.
The fashion show involved five Austin stores: Belles and Beaus, Maurices, Shopko, South Central Athlete and Sterling Main Street.
The models showing off the latest fashions were Kenna Apold, Linda Baumann, Kia Nietzell, Christine Seppanen and Mandie Siems.
The fashion show drew attention to the fashions from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Cindy Belrichard, manager of The Matchbook Children’s Theatre costume shop graciously helped us select these vintage outfits which were modeled by Eva Deli and Ruth White.
Much planning and work is involved to support our symphony orchestra but it is well worth all the time and effort to preserve excellence of the performing arts, the cultural experience which is basic and essential to a growing and prosperous community.
