Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WHO: The Austin Symphony Orchestra
WHAT: The Hartman Foundation "Concerts in the Park"
WHEN: Summer Sundays, June 1- August 24, 7:30pm
WHERE: Hartman Concert Park, Long Center City Terrace Lawn
COST: FREE
CONTACT: Don Hill, Director of Public Relations - 476-6064 x 213

AUSTIN SYMPHONY MOVES ANNUAL HARTMAN FOUNDATION CONCERTS IN THE PARK SUMMER SERIES

Series Sponsor: The Hartman Foundation
Media Sponsors: Time Warner Cable/News 8 Austin, Austin American-Statesman & Majic 95.5 FM
This project is funded in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division and by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts

Kids frolicking, couples lounging on blankets, old friends in their trusty folding chairs, lone bicyclists and pedestrians who have been distracted from their destinations--all united by the sound of music. The Hartman Foundation "Concerts in the Park," presented by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, brings together ardent enthusiasts and unwitting attendees alike just as similar events did in town centers years ago.

In its sixth summer season, these free ensemble concerts will move to the Hartman Concert Park in front of the Long Center City Terrace and will run on Sunday evenings from June 1st through August 24th at 7:30pm. A gift from the Hartman Foundation, these concerts are presented to the Austin community in thanks for its continued, generous support. Each Sunday a different ensemble of the Austin Symphony will be featured at the new Hartman Concert Park located on the grounds of the Long Center for the Performing Arts performing music from jazz and light classical to pops selections and film scores. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and blanket and make it a group outing.

The music and atmosphere will reflect a simpler time when performances of familiar classics in downtown gathering places were commonplace. It is the hope of the Hartman family that these free and very informal outdoor events will provide an opportunity for Austinites to become acquainted or reacquainted with the classical music experience. These enchanting outdoor park concerts, which last one hour, are an ideal opportunity for Austinites to enjoy some of the Capitol City's greatest pleasures - the fine music presented by the Austin Symphony and the magnificent cityscape views of downtown Austin.
Summer 2008 Schedule

June 1 - Large String Ensemble (Classical)
June 8 - Big Band (Swing)
June 15 - Brass Ensemble (Father's Day Theme)
June 22 - Woodwind Ensemble (Classical)
June 29 - Big Band (Audience Requests)
July 13 - Brass Quintet (Patriotic Theme)
July 20 - Mixed Woodwind Ensemble (Light Classical)
July 27 - Large String Ensemble (Light Classical)
August 3 - Big Band (Count Basie; Duke Ellington)
August 10 - Brass Ensemble (Pops)
August 17 - Woodwinds/Brass Ensemble (Pops)
August 24 - Season Finale (Mixed; Variety)

The concerts are FREE and additional information is available at the Austin Symphony website, www.austinsymphony.org, or by calling 512-476-6064 or 1-888-4-MAESTRO (Toll-Free).