2015–16 ASU Symphony Orchestra season highlights trio of guest conductors and a lineup of timeless masterworks

Longing for the perfect evening of awe-inspiring music, led by internationally recognized conductors and performed by your ASU Symphony Orchestra? Our free concerts offer everything from contemporary works by living composers to masterworks by Shostakovich, Mahler and Stravinsky. And don’t miss the breathtaking talents of some of the School of Music’s top student musicians in the Concert of Soloists.

“This entire series of concerts is an exciting one, and the opportunity for our students to interact with these masterworks under the guidance of celebrated guest conductors makes this season truly unique,” says Jason Caslor, interim director of the ASU Symphony Orchestra.

Maestros taking the podium this season include Carl St. Clair, Karina Canellakis and Tito Muñoz. All three will bring their expertise and passion for orchestral repertoire to campus, continuing the tradition of exceptional guest artistry at the School of Music.

“As a student and future teacher of the arts, the dedication, experience and unwavering artistic sensitivity of our conductors has already left me a better musician,” says Kiefer Strickland, a masters in bassoon performance student and member of the orchestra. “I truly look forward to our upcoming concerts with the guest conductors, and know that the constant flow of inspiration will help hone my craft.”

ASU Symphony Orchestra: Carl St. Clair Conducts Shostakovich – Oct. 9, 2015
The ASU Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Pacific Symphony’s director and conductor, Carl St. Clair, presents Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Interlude No. 4 from Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk” and “Symphony No. 10.”

ASU Symphony Orchestra: Karina Canellakis conducts Mahler – Nov. 18, 2015
The Dallas Symphony’s assistant conductor, Karina Canellakis, conducts the ASU Symphony Orchestra in Gustav Mahler’s heart-rending “Symphony No. 9.”

ASU Symphony Orchestra Concert of Soloists – Feb. 1, 2016
This concert features performances by the winners of the ASU Concert of Soloists Competition, all backed by a full orchestra.

ASU Symphony Orchestra: Alive and Kicking – March 2, 2016
Jason Caslor, new associate director of bands and orchestras, leads a concert featuring composers who are alive and well. Highlights include the suite from “There Will Be Blood” by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood and “Danzon No. 2” by Marquez.

The ASU Symphony Orchestra: Tito Muñoz conducts Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” – April 27, 2016
Tito Muñoz, music director of the Phoenix Symphony, makes a special guest appearance at this monumental concert featuring Igor Stravinsky’s masterpiece “The Rite of Spring.”

All concerts are free and will be held at 7:30 p.m. in ASU’s Gammage Auditorium, on the Tempe campus.

Media Contact:
Heather Beaman
School of Music Communications Liaison
480.727.6222
Heather.M.Beaman@asu.edu