Celebrate 100 years making music + FREE concerts with Alabama Symphony Orchestra

May is a BIG month for Alabama Symphony Orchestra. From a free concert benefiting the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama to a three-part concert series celebrating 100 years creating music, here’s what’s ahead and how you can see them perform live.

Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra’s FREE benefit concert, May 7

Enjoy the symphony and help a great cause. Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) has partnered with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama (CFB) for an inaugural Music for Food Concert on Saturday, May 7.

“This partnership is extremely special to us at the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra. We’re grateful for the opportunity to get our students involved in an initiative like this that will benefit neighbors in our community facing hunger.”

Kevin Fitzgerald, Artistic Director, Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra

The spring concert benefits the CFB through food donations from student musicians and concert attendees, so clear your pantries and bring a food donation to help those fighting food insecurity.

The concert, which closes out the 21/22 season, takes you on a journey to the stars through selections of Gustav Holst’s most iconic work. The performance also features two ASYO concerto competition winners performing the music of American composers Paul Creston and Charles Tomlinson Griffes.

Discover more ways to help fight food insecurity in Birmingham.

Event details:

When: Saturday, May 7 | 2PM
Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: Free
Registration required

100 years creating music

This May marks ASO’s 100th year making music in the state of Alabama. To celebrate this special occasion, they’ll be throwing a jubilant outdoor celebration at Railroad Park, May 27-29. Join them for the following three FREE unique concerts:

1. Symphonic Spectacular

What: Kick off the celebratory weekend with the Symphonic Spectacular. Hear works by American composers including Birmingham native Brian Raphael Nabors and a breathtaking finale by Antonin Dvorak. More info. 
When: Friday, May 27 | 8PM
Where: Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Cost: FREE

2. A Midsummer Night’s Dream & More

What: The good times continue with A Midsummer Night’s Dream & More. You’ll hear Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Overture to The Magic Flute, Felix Mendelssohn’s Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 3.
When: Saturday, May 28 | 8PM
Where: Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Cost: Free

3. Family Fun Day

What: Grab your crew for the exciting conclusion of A Century in Symphony. The Family Fun Day program features something for everyone, including a special solo appearance by ASO’s Concertmaster Daniel Szasz as well as a Memorial Day tribute.
When: Sunday, May 29 | 6PM
Where: Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Cost: Free

More ASO events

That’s not all ASO is up to. Here’s a rundown of six more concerts they’ll be performing this May:

1. Decorators’ ShowHouse 2022: Hallmark Farms

What: ASO’s annual fundraising event featuring the Orchestra, food trucks and tour of the 565-acre Hallmark Fairs in North Jefferson County. More info.
When: Now-May 8 | 10AM-5PM
Where: Old Hill Rd, 9484 Old Highway 31, Warrior, AL 35180
Cost: $25
Tickets

2. Mozart’s 40th Symphony

What: Hear the iconic melodies of heart-sweeping passion. Mozart’s 40th Symphony illustrates some of the darkest woes of the famed composer during the final summer of his life. More info.
When: Friday, May 6 | 11AM
Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $19+
Tickets

3. Mozart’s 40th Symphony & Brahms’ First Piano Concerto

What: Along with iconic melodies of Mozart’s 40th Symphony, expect a performance with Steven Spooner as he joins ASO for a performance of Brahm’s Piano Concert. More info.
When: Friday, May 6 – 11AM + 7PM | Saturday, May 7 – 7PM 
Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $10+
Tickets

4. SuperPOPS! Series: The Music of John Williams

What: Enjoy favorites from Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones by film composer John Williams. More info.
When: Saturday, May 14 | 7PM
Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $12+
Tickets

5. Masterworks – Ode to Joy: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

What: Celebrate the beginning of summer with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony—a beloved masterpiece that includes the unforgettable Ode to Joy. More info.
When: May 20 & 21 | 7PM
Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center – Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: $10+
Tickets

6. Concertmaster & Friends: Anthems of Alabama

What: Explore the musical accomplishments of beloved Alabamians including Bobby Horton and more. More info.
When: May 24 | 7:30PM
Where: Samford University Brock Recital Hall, 880 Montague Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229
Cost: $29
Tickets

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