Spotlight on the Center’s Resident Companies: The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra

The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is an Alaska gem, with a vibrant, professional 80-member ensemble of some of Alaska’s most talented musicians. With a rich history of more than sixty years, the ASO has grown into a thriving, dedicated core of musicians who set the standard for symphonic music performance and education here in Anchorage and throughout the state.

With Maestro Randall Craig Fleischer’s guiding hand, the ASO has consistently won critical acclaim from the press and enthusiastic approval from audiences. Throughout the season, the Symphony proudly offers events for every age group, from a  five Classic Concerts series that feature breathtaking solo performances by world renowned artists, three Special Events and Young People’s Concerts to exciting Neighborhood Concerts. The ASO  is invested in spreading the love of music with their numerous educational and outreach programs for all ages and a conscious effort toward making the arts accessible to everyone.

The ASO is proud of its musical heritage and grateful to its pioneering founders who sought to enrich the splendor of the Last Frontier with the glorious sounds of live symphonic music.

Music Director, Randall Craig Fleischer expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, "Each season, in designing our program, I try to take you on a variety of colorful, engaging, emotional journeys. We strive to strike a balance between works we all know and love and new experiences. Join us for another season of amazing orchestral music. I'm looking forward to a great concert season and to seeing you in the Atwood Concert Hall."

This season The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra will perform a wide variety of concerts, sure to appeal to everyone. They open the season with Fiesta! on September 22. This Opening Night concert will sizzle with Hispanic and Latin American flair! Disco fans should get their tickets now for Dancing Queen: The Music of Abba on October 26 and 27. Broadway lovers should not miss Wicked Divas featuring Broadway alums Julia Murney and Emily Rozek on February 9. Bring the kids to see the silent film classic, The Mark of Zorro, December 1,  featuring the original 1920s score performed live by the Symphony! Exhilarating violinist Elmar Olveira joins the ASO for an Epic Evening on November 10. This concert earns its name with two symphonic giants on the program, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7. Local favorite, Susan Wingrove will perform a piano concerto by Jennifer Higdon on January 19, for Sentimental Journey. The ASO weaves classic tales through music with Storytellers on February 23, and closes the season in a big way with Berlioz’ Damnation of Faust on April 20.