Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
Alabama Symphony Orchestra to present + record “Inspired By Alabama” on Oct. 30—get tickets now
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The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is producing an album of Alabama-composed work, recorded LIVE in Birmingham. The coolest part? You can attend the recording session on October 30 during the once-in-a-lifetime concert called Inspired by Alabama.
Read on for why this project is so important and how you can help bring the legacy of classical music to our state for future generations.
Event details
- What: Alabama Symphony Orchestra presents Inspired by Alabama
- When: Wednesday, October 30 | 7-9PM
- Where: Alys Stephens Center—Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
- Cost: $22+
- Tickets | Donate
Behind Inspired by Alabama
DYK the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is the only full-time orchestra in our state? It’s also been around for more than a century.
This has put them at the heart of incredible classical music created by astounding Alabama composers.
To preserve the legacy of classical music in our state, the ASO will be recording an album entitled Inspired by Alabama. This will occur during a live concert at the Alys Stephens Center on October 30.
This once-in-a-lifetime concert will feature three distinctive Birmingham- and Alabama-centric classical composers.
Recording Inspired by Alabama
Producing the Inspired by Alabama album is a massive undertaking for the ASO. Recording must be done properly with top engineers and equipment. This is necessary to achieve the specific sound quality needed and ensure it receives the recognition it deserves.
The great news? You can help bring this project to fruition by purchasing a concert ticket to the show on October 30 or donating to the ASO.
3 selected works featured
Letters from Birmingham by Brian Raphael Nabors (2022)
This new symphonic composition was written by rising classical star and Magic City native Brian Raphael Nabors. It features four movements that take listeners on an entertaining and triumphant musical exploration of our city’s past and present.
Here’s a closer look at each movement:
- Sloss—the orchestra turns into a working steel factory with a percussion section inspired by the sounds of the most prominent pig-iron blast furnace in the city.
- Tuxedo Junction—you’ll glimpse jazz and swing rhythms and the vibrant celebration of nightlife and dance clubs in historic West Birmingham.
- March—a reflection on the civil rights struggle, then and now, and its history in Birmingham.
- The Magic City—a rambunctious finale celebrating Birmingham’s culture + spirit, while highlighting the efforts that continue to make it great.
Negro Folk Symphony by William Levi Dawson (1934)
This incredible composition by William Levi Dawson received instant acclaim during its 1934 premiere.
The masterpiece showcases choral octavos, primarily based on Black spirituals and widely performed in churches today.
Fun Fact: In 1935, the ASO (then the Birmingham Civic Symphony Orchestra) was the second orchestra to play the piece and the first organization in the South to present it to the public.
Stars Fell on Alabama by Mitchell Parish and Frank Perkins (1934)
—Arranged for orchestra by Amerigo Marino
You’ve likely heard of the Stars Fell on Alabama. It’s one of the most iconic songs in jazz history and one of our region’s most treasured jazz standards.
During the October 30 concert and live recording, the piece will be arranged for the orchestra by Amerigo Marino.
Here are some interesting things to know about Amerigo Marino:
- He was the ASO’s 4th music director + conductor—a position he held for 20 years.
- He was the first violinist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Under his tenure, the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra became the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
Want to support the ASO? Get your tickets to the Inspired by Alabama concert on October 30 or donate directly to the organization now.
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