Robert Spano and Jean Yves Thibaudet Photo by Jeff Roffman
Yo-Yo Ma and Robert Spano Photo by Jeff Roffman
Victory Lap: Robert Spano’s Final Season as Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director
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he Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s (ASO) 2020/21 season celebrates Robert Spano’s 20th and final season as Music Director and the 50th anniversary of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Beginning in September of 2020, the ASO’s 76th season is packed with iconic masterpieces, six thrilling world premieres and countless captivating guest artists. Robert Spano leads Opening Weekend on Sept. 24 and 26 featuring violinist Gil Shaham performing Korngold’s Violin Concerto. Additional highlights include an evening of music by Franz Liszt with a dear friend of Spano and the ASO, Jean-Yves Thibaudet; as well as great artists returning to the Symphony Hall stage such as Yo-Yo Ma, Yefim Bronfman, Hilary Hahn, Seong-Jin Cho, Garrick Ohlsson and more. Everything Lasts Forever, a one-night special concert featuring music of the Atlanta School of Composers — Jennifer Higdon, Michael Gandolfi, Krists Auznieks and the ASO’s own Michael Kurth — celebrates Spano and the ASO’s commitment to new music and great American composers. The ASO will kick off the Chorus 50th anniversary on Oct. 15 as Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles and Director of Choruses Norman Mackenzie lead a onenight choral celebration, featuring choral favorites from Verdi’s Requiem, Orff’s Carmina burana, Brahms’ A German Requiem and more. Throughout the season, the Chorus
will appear in Symphony Hall for two CocaCola Holiday programs, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Liszt’s A Faust Symphony and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection” and Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms. conclusion of Spano’s 20-year tenure, Mahler’s Symphony No. 3. On June 10 and 11, 2021, Robert Spano’s illustrious 20-year tenure comes to a close as he leads the Orchestra and Chorus in Mahler’s colossal Third Symphony. “With its profound expression of love, I can think of no more fitting work with which to say thank you for 20 blessed years with the ASO,” says Spano. “Even as I reflect on my tenure here, I also look forward with anticipation and excitement to the next chapters in the ASO’s unfolding story. With these brilliant musicians and our devoted listeners, it will surely be amazing.” Subscriptions for the 2020/21 season are available now at aso.org.
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ASO Conductor, Robert Spano
