For the inquisitive of all ages, Conversations of Note explore how art, history, and society intertwine. These intimate dialogues feature ASO artists and provide participants with a unique view into the world of music.

Moderated by ASO Insider and Program Annotator Ken Meltzer Conversations of Note will explore a variety of subjects including the ASO’s innovative Theatre of a Concert, the Marriage of Jazz & Classical, and the Composer as Teacher. Join in the dialogue!

Admission is complimentary and RSVPs are strongly encouraged.

* special guests to be announced
** dates subject to change

Reservation Procedures
Complimentary admission. Due to space limitations RSVPs are strongly encouraged. To RSVP for this event please call (404) 733-4850. For additional information contact Melanie Darby.

The ASO’s innovative Theatre of a Concert represents a unique mix of creative musical programming and visual enhancements. Does that sound a bit like opera? And that is why we have two renowned opera directors on the panel. James Alexander, who staged the ASO’s popular La Boheme and Dr. Atomic, has returned to the ASO to stage Stravinsky’s The Nightingale. Mr. Alexander will be joined by Atlanta Opera General Director Dennis Hanthorn and our own Robert Spano fresh off a successful summer production of Wagner’s Ring Cycle. With a plethora of experience and energy, these talented men will compare and contrast the elements of opera and the theatre of a concert.

Gershwin, Bernstein, Ravel, and Marsalis…an electric evening is planned as Robert Spano leads a discussion of the quintessential American music and the influence of jazz in classical music.

Sunday January 24, 2010, 7:00pm
Symphony Hall Stage

* Guest Panelist: ASO Music Director Robert Spano

Classical music, past and present, is featured part of many of the greatest films and often time the first exposure for many people to this fabulous genre. Osvaldo Golijov’s soundtrack for Francis Ford Coppola’s 2007 Youth Without Youth is the spring board for this Conversation! Another teaser – we are inviting Mr. Golijov to join in the dialogue. If he is unavailable then you may be visiting with another member of the Atlanta School of Composers.

Sunday February 28, 2010, 7:00pm
Symphony Hall Stage

* Guest Panelist: ASO Music Director Robert Spano

“…a surpassing look at love from the standpoint of flowers, animals, humankind, and the angelic choir…” – to quote the ASO’s Season Brochure. Mahler was a master ‘painter’ with his orchestral palette. Let Robert Spano be your guide in an exciting exploration of the musical canvas.

Wednesday May 19, 2010, 7:00pm
Symphony Hall Stage

*Guest Panelists to be confirmed

The arts are languages composed with rhythm, form, and style. Poetry and music intertwined in inspiration. Is it any wonder that composers are inspired by prose; that individuals hear music in poetry? Walt Whitman’s poetry and Oliver Knussen’s composition are the inspiration for our exploration.

**Sunday May 30, 2010, 7:00pm
Symphony Hall Stage

Guest Panelists: Jennifer Higdon, & Michael Gandolfi

The Master Teacher inspires and draws inspiration from his/her students. The Atlanta School of Composers is the highlight of this Conversation as Jennifer Higdon, and Michael Gandolfi discuss the historic and contemporary role of the composer as teacher.

Tell your friends and family about this free ASO offering. Email or call to RSVP for one or more of these fabulous and fascinating events.

Conversations RSVP Line (404) 733-4850
melanie.darby@woodruffcenter.org