Well, the fat lady has finally sung in the Austin Symphony Orchestra`s long, long search for a new conductor. (I know that that metaphor really only ought to be used for an opera company, but hey, after two seasons of the ASO trying out conductors to succeed departing maestro Sung Kwak, I’ll take any phrase that has even the barest connection to classical music.) This week, the symphony selected Peter Bay, music director for Pennsylvania’s Erie Philharmonic and the principal guest conductor for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, to take the baton for the ASO. Bay was the last conductor to try out for the symphony’s music director post, appearing with the group as recently as the first week of December. He brings to the organization a fondness for contemporary works and may yet draw the ASO out of the 19th century, where it has developed an affinity for the grand Romantic works of the era, into the 20th century and perhaps even the 21st. Bay’s first appearance with the orchestra following his selection will be in February, when he will conduct a program devoted to the music of George Gershwin at Palmer Auditorium. Until his contracts with the Erie and Rochester orchestras expire, Bay will divide his time among Erie, Rochester, and Austin. He’ll spend roughly half the year in our town, but within the next two years, he’ll make Austin his principal residence. For more info, call 476-6064.
Light Three Candles for Austin Downtown Arts
The survival rate for publications these days will do little to convince you that we’re not yet a post-literate society. Fewer and fewer magazines and newspapers make it out of their infancy. That said, it’s terrific to see any magazine make it to its third birthday, but it’s an extra special thrill when said magazine is devoted to culture and the arts. Austin Downtown Arts, that classy little free periodical published by DiverseArts Production Group, has made it to its third birthday, and it’s celebrating the occasion with a Kwanzaa Celebration this Friday, December 19. As befits a magazine that covers music, visual arts, literature, dance, theatre, and performance, ADA’s birthday fest will feature a feast of culture. Following a literal feast of gourmet goodies from Thai Passion at 6pm, the Women’s Society of the Calabash Mystery will present a Kwanzaa Workshop at 7pm. Then, at 8pm, there will be a concert featuring Elias Haslanger, Inkululeko, Concerto Grosso, and Big Game Hunter. The festivities take place in the lobby of the State Theatre, 719 Congress. Tickets for the whole evening (buffet, workshop, and concert) are $25; tickets for just the concert are $10. For info, call 477-9438. And if you can’t make the celebration, just pick up a copy of ADA, read it cover to cover, and let them know about it. That may be the best way to show your appreciation for what they’re doing.
Send literary, performing, and visual arts news to: “Articulations,” PO Box 49066, Austin, TX 78765 or onstage@auschron.com
This article appears in December 19 • 1997 and December 19 • 1997 (Cover).