Austin Symphony Orchestra

The Austin Symphony Orchestra is the oldest performing group in Austin, Texas. It was founded in 1911, and is celebrating its centenary year in 2011.
The inaugural concert was held on April 25, 1911.Austin 360.com Initially, the orchestra consisted of 28 unpaid members and an unpaid conductor. It now has over 90 members, but is still not fully professional. It was not until 1948 that a paid Music Director was appointed - Ezra Rachlin being the first appointee – and a regular concert series was presented. Rachlin remained in the post for 21 years, until 1969.ezrarachlin.com The current, and eighth, Music Director of the Austin Symphony Orchestra is Peter Bay, who has been in the post since 1997.The Austin Symphony Past Directors include Maurice Peress (1970-73).Gershunoff Artists
Ezra Rachlin organised a drive-in concert, the world's first, in 1948. The first children's concert was held in 1951.
The Centennial Gala Performance is scheduled for April 28, 2011, and will feature the violinist Itzhak Perlman as soloistThe Austin Symphony, as well as a performance of Alexandre Luigini's Ballet égyptien, which was played at the very first performance a century earlier.Texas Home and Living, 18 March 2011
==References==
Category:American orchestras
Category:Organizations based in Austin, Texas
Category:Culture of Austin, Texas
Category:1911 establishments in the United States
Category:Musical groups established in 1911