These concerts are among the most innovative programs around for introducing young people to classical music. Through the use of modern technology the audience gets an “up-close look” at the orchestra. Four video cameras zoom in on the Maestro and the musicians as they are playing…images are projected on a giant screen behind the orchestra and VOILA… the audience can see what they hear and hear what they see! See it all in “Symph-O-Vision.” I can tell you that the kids went wild — in a very symphony-appropriate way! You can see on my seating charts all the schools that were there today.
The performance featured ballerinas, dancers, video, emcee, conductor, and, of course, the symphony! I have seen many, many, many symphony programs for public education, but they have NEVER been like this one. This is by far the best, most thought-out instructional program. What else would Austin produce but the best?
The youth-oriented program includes Aaron Copland’s “Hoedown,” “Waltz" from Sleeping Beauty, Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird: Infernal Dance and many more, performed with the University of Texas Department of Theatre and Dance, Dance Repertory Theatre, choreographed by Associate Professor of Dance, David Justin.
What a pleasure it was to attend this event. On behalf of AISD, I thank the Austin Symphony Orchestra for all it has done and does for our students.
