Alabama Symphony Orchestra

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After an 18-month pause for the pandemic, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra returns to live concerts

The COVID-19 pandemic halted performances last year, but now, live concerts are back.

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Roger James Retires From Alabama Symphony Orchestra After 35 Years

COVID-19 put an abrupt end to the 99th season of the ASO and that meant no public send-off for those who are retiring. Roger James reflects on learning to play the violin, how to keep the passion when playing familiar songs, and when to make an exit.

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Three Mini Stories To Make You Smile During The COVID-19 Crisis

There's so much news about the coronavirus it can be overwhelming. So here are three bright moments in the midst of the pandemic.

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ASO Director Reacts to Political Crisis in Venezuela

Venezuela’s political crisis is at a boiling point. There are food shortages, and dozens have died in recent violent protests. Carlos Izcaray, music director of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, has seen Venezuela’s downward spiral firsthand and shares his experience.

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Composer Martin Kennedy Debuts Original Work: ‘Forest Dark and Stars Above’

Every year, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra features an up-and-coming composer. This season, it’s Alabama native Martin Kennedy. Thursday night, the orchestra gives the world premiere of Kennedy's Forest Dark and Stars Above. Kennedy spoke with WBHM's Michael Krall about his approach to composing. Their conversation began with Kennedy describing the piece and features some of Kennedy’s other music.

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Violinist Mayumi Masri Not Silenced by Tragic Accident

After an accident that almost severed her arm, an Alabama Symphony Orchestra violinist is working to play as she once did.

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Musical Healing: ASO’s Izcaray Begins Second Season

A new season of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra kicks off this weekend. The symphony’s music director Carlos Izcaray dealt with quite a bit of personal adversity last season. But he says he was fortunate to have been able to keep working throughout the ordeal. Friday and Saturday’s Masterworks concert includes works by Haydn and Beethoven. We begin […]

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Alabama Symphony Orchestra: Carlos Conducts Copland

WBHM's Michael Krall talks with Carlos Izcaray about this weekend's upcoming Masterworks concert.

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After 35 Years, ASO Musician Proud to Call Birmingham Home

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra features 53 full-time musicians from all over the world, each with a unique story. Kevin Kozak moved to Birmingham 35 years ago to join the group and currently plays 2nd horn. Mary Scott Hodgin speaks with Kevin about his journey to Alabama and why he has remained with the ASO for […]

Season Opener! Carlos Izcaray Leads the Alabama Symphony Orchestra

This weekend, newly appointed Music Director Carlos Izcaray conducts the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in a program featuring both modern and romantic works. Izcaray (pronounced “eez-ca-RYE”) spoke with WBHM’s Michael Krall about the program, his management style, and about how audiences might approach a modern, contemporary work. The conversation began with Izcaray talking about why he moved his […]

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Interview: Wye Oak

Thursday night, the band Wye Oak, Brooklyn composer William Brittelle, and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra collaborate on innovative orchestral re-imaginings of Wye Oak songs. WBHM's Michael Krall spoke with band member Andy Stack about the concert and the band's sound...

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Alabama Symphony Orchestra Appoints New Conductor

Carlos Izcaray performs his first concert as music director designate during two Masterworks concerts this weekend. He spoke with WBHM's Michael Krall...

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Leon Botstein: Music is so important because it has no purpose

UAB has awarded the 2014 Ireland Distinguished Visiting Scholar Prize to Dr. Leon Botstein. The award brings to campus outstanding scholars who are recognized as leaders in the arts and sciences. While at UAB, Botstein conducted a special performance of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra at UAB's Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Botstein also lectured and met with students and faculty in the UAB College of Arts and Sciences. He spoke with WBHM's Michael Krall

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Vivian Fung: Harp Concerto World Premiere with ASO

Composer Vivian Fung is in town rehearsing her Harp Concerto with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The world premier is Thursday night at the Alys Stephens Center. Fung spoke with WBHM's Michael Krall.

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Stephen Hough: Playing the piano isn’t enough

Stephen Hough is one of the world's leading pianists, but he's also been described a as a renaissance man -- excelling as a writer and composer. It's all part of his creativity beyond the piano. But it also adds to his creativity and his musical personality. He performs with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Friday and Saturday night.

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Meet Danail Rachev: ASO Guest Conductor

Since the 2011-2012 season the Alabama Symphony Orchestra has been led by esteemed guest conductors from all over the world. One of these conductors could eventually become the new Music Director and Principal Conductor of the orchestra. This weekend Danail Rachev continues that trend and pays a return visit to Birmingham.

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Yotam Haber: A More Convenient Season

A work of new music by composer Yotam Haber will have its world premiere Saturday night at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center. Featuring the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, “A More Convenient Season” was written specifically for and about Birmingham’s Civil Rights struggle. WBHM’s Michael Krall spoke with Haber about the piece….

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Interview: Justin Brown on Sibelius and conducting the ASO

This weekend, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s masterworks series features two works by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Music Director Laureate Justin Brown talked with WBHM’s Michael Krall about the concert, as well as his new role with the ASO. Brown says that right from the start, Sibelius made a mark on the Finnish nation….

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Hilary Hahn interview

Not only is Hahn one of the world's top violinists, but several years ago she gave the world premier performance and recording of the Violin Concerto by Edgar Meyer. This weekend, with the ASO, Hilary Hahn revisits the Meyer Violin Concerto - a work that was specifically commissioned for her.