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Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Category: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Performing Arts [Edit]
1280 Peachtree St NEAtlanta, GA 30309
Neighborhood: Midtown
(404) 733-4900
- Nearest Transit:
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Arts Center
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
21 reviews for Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
21 reviews in English
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Review from Will P.
After my first time hearing the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, I was absolutely blown away. So, I waited until the next time before I reviewed to make sure it wasn't an anomaly - you know, like Lindsay sober.
Last night's 2011 Holiday concert, based on a program made famous by Robert Shaw and impeccably led by Shaw-disciple Norman McKenzie, clinched it for me: this is one of the best cultural experiences in the city, hands down. It's also one of the finest choirs I've ever heard.
Full disclosure: my honey sings in the choir and really enjoys the tutelage of Mr. McKenzie and his fellow choir geeks. But I can set that aside and tell you confidently that, if you're not going to hear this choir, or the symphony at all, you're an idiot.
Yes, there, I said it. Get off your damn couch or out of the bar or step away from Taco Mac for a day and go hear these folks. It will change you. I promise.
On that point, last night I was moved to a new place for a number of reasons. The ASO concertmaster, violinist David Coucheron, did a Vivaldi solo that was sublime - expert, nuanced and masterful. I'm not so big into violin but I was hanging on to every note - particularly because it was set against the a choir concert. The ASOC's male voices last night were especially compelling, although I was sitting house-left and couldn't hear the gals as much.
The pinnacle of the evening, though, was the Morehouse College Glee Club, which was performing opposite another, female singing group from Gwinnett. I'm a huge fan of gospel, but their performance transcended the genre altogether because their director had them in a remarkable, tightly controlled unison that blew everyone away. They are apparently quite the sought-after group, performing around the country and with various different groups. I made a promise to myself last night that I'd go and see one of their concerts so I can hear the whole set instead of sprinkled in with other performers. Well done.
I'd be remiss issuing this review without stating how much I loathe this hall itself. We need to solve our differences, whatever they may be, so we can move to the next phase with our city's symphony and build the future. This concert venue is an embarrassment for a city wanting, needing and deserving a world-class hall along the lines of Sydney Opera House, and it continually frustrates me that the sound quality lessens the impact of an otherwise stellar music program.
Still, go see these folks as soon as you can. You can even lift a pint in celebration at Taco Mac afterward.Listed in: The Culture Club
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Review from Belle S.
4/14/2012
Watched Joshua Bell here in September. It was wonderful music, a great show and comfortable venue. I am glad it wasn't overly crowded for the night. I ran into a few of my professors here and they were surprised I enjoy the Orchestra :) But really, it was a great experience.
A downside is that parking can be crazy (so arrive early) and this place will spam you like crazy to donate. I'm a poor student, so I'm quite bothered by their repetitive and aggressive attempts to gather money. -
Review from Lucy W.
Updated - 2/27/2012
Who would have thought I would be such a regular patron of the Atlanta symphony?!? Since my first review, I have frequented many a symphony concert, including several with special guest stars both at the Woodruff and at Chastain (Idina Menzel, Patti Lupone). So far, my favorite performances have been those concerts, and the Super Pops events, that usually have a visual reference, with singers, actors or movie screen to enhance the wonderful music. I've actually been quite emotional at the beauty of some of the music...the first violin and first cello in particular...hearing the violin in Scheherazade (which represents the captive Scheherazade winning over the sultan) was a thing of beauty.
I have found that the best seats to hear a concert are further back in the orchestra area. You get to take in the full scope of the stage and the musicians, and the acoustics are more favorable.
Atlanta is very lucky to have such talented musicians and conductors (both classical and pops) in the city. It's also pretty affordable, especially if you compare to what a symphony ticket in other cities cost.
One HUGE deterrent to being a symphony regular is the constant phone calls asking for donations and the over abundance of mailed brochures. Best thing is to not buy tickets online...just go to the box office window, so they don't get ahold of your phone number or address.Listed in: See a show!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/27/2010
Loved attending the Disney Pops concert by the Atlanta Symphony- the music from Disney movies was… Read more »
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Review from Betsy L.
4/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic venue. I haven't seen the actual orchestra, but came for the Dean & Britta "13 Most Beautiful..." performance. Seats were great, everyone working there was super nice, sound was excellent. Parking is steep ($15) but we were running a little late and it was convenient.
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Review from Julie A.
5/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Atlanta, you have an impressive symphony orchestra! I didn't get what made a great symphony until I heard you perform. You all work in unison to create a full and rich sound.
The venue itself has great acoustics. I was sitting at the very last row at the back wall, but the music came through clear and surrounded me as if I was sitting at the very front.
We were there to see the Final Fantasy concert, and it was great seeing the visuals link up to the music (and even cooler to see Nobuo Uematsu himself sing in the choir). All-in-all a great experience, but make sure to get there at least 30 min early so you can find the place and then find parking. Parking is extremely hard to find unless you have a compact car.Listed in: ATLiens!
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Review from Kristin B.
Atlanta, GA
12/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
I was once nominated for a Grammy. Two of them, actually.
Well, sort of. In high school, I sang with a youth chorus that performed with the ASO and ASOC during their recording of Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" in 2002, and that recording received two Grammy nominations.
Cool story about my choir nerd background aside, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is quite simply awesome. We are so fortunate to have such a talented and world-renowned group right here in our city. The ASO has brought so many talented composers and conductors to support the work of the orchestra, and they have truly put Atlanta on the music map. Robert Shaw must have been a hard act to follow, but I can't imagine the caliber of the ensemble being any stronger than it is today.
Each time I go to an ASO concert, I resolve to attend more of them, as I've never left without being completely blown away, floating on a feeling of musical euphoria. Combine the Orchestra's talent with the equally impressive chorus, and I've been known to tear up during a performance. Yes, I am that girl.
I also appreciate the ASO's outreach to people beyond the typical symphony audience, whether by incorporating children's choirs and the Morehouse Glee Club into their concerts, sponsoring the highly competitive Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, providing low cost "family" concerts, performing in Alpharetta at the Verizon amphitheater, or their embrace of new media and group buying sites. Yes, the ASO really is "as good as it gets!"Listed in: It's a Date, Wheelin' & Dealin', Fancy Schmancy, Hellooo Midtown!
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Review from Mana T.
Winder, GA
1/12/2011
I came here because of an amazing Groupon deal I got with them. I had never been before. I'll admit it was a little confusing finding the exact place when getting off MARTA. Yes, the place is right in front of the station but there are a few restaurants and SCAD exhibits surrounding the Woodruff Arts Center.
The music overall was fantastic. I would love to go again at some point. I found most of the people that were there were dressed up (no tennis shoes and jeans). I had been a little iffy about feeling out of place if I dressed up.
I highly recommend taking MARTA to get here though. Afterwards there were quite a large group of concert goers who rode on the train, so you surely wouldn't be alone at night.
The event lasted 2 hours with a brief intermission. I couldn't have asked for better music and the staff seemed very friendly. I would love to attend the ASO again. -
Review from Angela M.
2/18/2009 ROTD 8/24/2009
Atlanta really is lucky to have such a talented organization in the community. In case you didn't know, the ASO has 26 Grammy's to its name, and one is prominently featured at the doors to symphony hall. They perform nearly every weekend at some venue or another, mostly at the Woodruff Arts Center. They seem to have a performance for anyone and everyone who loves music - from classical and prestigious to modern and popish - and at least one world premiere piece/event a year. We've really enjoyed the performances by Andre Watts and Itzhak Perlman, not to mention those featuring Rhapsody in Blue and La Boheme. Also, the holiday performance with the Morehouse Men's Chorus gave me a great dose of Christmas Spirit.
Going to the symphony is a treat for Jimmy and myself, so we like to dress up. But we've seen plenty of folks in all sorts of attire, from jeans to tuxes, so it really is open to anyone and everyone. There's a wide range of prices available, and all the seats are good due to the very open, yet intimate feeling of the space.
The seats are pretty comfortable, and I've been known to nod off on more than one occasion. Some say it's an expensive nap, but it's just so relaxing with the beautiful music and low lighting - it's the best sleep that I get some months! At least Jimmy's never had to wake me up for snoring...
Also, Donald Runnicles - the not-primary conductor (not sure what his title is, but he only does 1 or 2 series a month, as opposed to Robert Spano) - does a great job of explaining the pieces during the show, which I've always appreciated since I don't know all that much about most classical music, despite 12 years of piano lessons.
Treat yourself to a night on the town at the ASO!Listed in: Yelp Thinks I'm Special!
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Review from Douglas O.
Atlanta, GA
1/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I greatly love visiting the ASO @ Woodruff. I prefer more of the Pops series but I have never had a complaint on the experience, from picking seats, buying and arrival.
Parking can be reserved online at the various parking areas within close walking distance to the ASO. I prefer the upper loge, either center or the far Left /Right. Seats in orchestra don't allow me to take in the beautiful movement of the symphony throughout the various pieces.
I was fortunate enough through a work event to join the ASO on stage, to understand the impact of harmony, working well together, leadership, among many other lessons one can learn from a symphony.
2012-#4 (1/4) -
Review from Sabrina M.
Atlanta, GA
11/2/2010 1 Check-in Here
When I think of going to the symphony, I think of glamming it up and taking in a night of sophisticated culture. Unfortunately, not everyone in Atlanta is on the same page. No worries. That's just me. Still, I enjoyed my recent evening at the symphony, even if I was all dudded up sitting next to people in jeans and tennis shoes.
The music was amazing and very moving. And the only reason why I didn't give 5 stars is that the following weekend I went to the Cobb Energy Centre and that place just blew this facility away. Sorry, ASO. But, you sounded great. Really! -
Review from Drew W.
Atlanta, GA
12/13/2006 2 photos
Atlanta is truly fortunate to have such an accomplished symphony given the city's relatively short history of supporting the fine arts. The symphony performs more than 200 concerts each year, ranging from concerts in Piedmont Park to their holiday shows in December. The symphony is very involved in the community and in reaching out to young musicians and schools.
Current Maestro Robert Spano is recognized nationally as one of the best in the field. The ASO has won numerous Grammy awards and Spano continues to push the envelope with the ASO's concert selections. If you haven't been to an ASO performance, you are missing out.
The ASO is hoping to build a new Symphony Center on 14th street next to the Woodruff Arts Center campus. The proposed new Symphony Center is an amazing design by Santiago Calatrava. It has the potential to be a true signature building for the city and give Atlanta more credibility as a fine arts supporter. All that is contingent on raising truly massive amounts of money to get the place built. The estimated price tag is $350 million. Compare that to Nashville's new center for around $100 million and you can see why some are balking at the price tag. -
Review from Lisa L.
Atlanta, GA
12/14/2006
The space is great - good view, good acoustics, good lighting. But lord help you if you get on their calling list, because it will takes years to drop off.
Student tickets are half price, and same day tickets used to be as well. If you are on their email list, keep an eye out for the free ticket offer that happens about once a year. -
Review from Blake B.
Atlanta, GA
7/18/2007
The ASO is a pretty nice little venue, which occasionally hosts other types of shows also (Sigur Ros played here last year I think, and supposedly it was amazing). It's your typical upscale symphony hall, located right next to the High Museum.
They tend to keep their play list pretty conventional here: Mozart, Beethoven, all the classics. It would serve them well to expand to more progressive pieces, but it's also nice to hear these classics live and by a very accomplished ensemble.
I agree with Stephanie: great place for a date. Plus you're right in line to go so many other Atlanta places within a five minute drive after. -
Review from Justin B.
Marietta, GA
7/20/2007
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra venue offers a spacious area for its guests to comfortably relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of an authentic live symphony.
The scene here is not really my cup of tea, due to the fact that I would most likely fall asleep during any performance; however, anyone who is even remotely interested in a large group of musicians playing a wide variety of instruments like the violin, cellos etc. would love the experience at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
The extravagant interior will make some individuals feel like they are part of the upper class society that hangs out here often, but will also make other individuals feel out of place like they are they only normal person among a large group of snobs.
I noticed a lot of grammar school kids come here also for their school field trip. Personally, if my teacher would have given me a field trip permission form to take to my parents when I was in elementary school, I most likely would have thrown it away and stayed home that day. -
Review from Stephanie S.
Chicago, IL
5/28/2007 1 photo
The Atlanta Symphony is world class. They are always playing new selections about every week with featured performers and different selection of composers.
This is a great place for a date. You can usually get tickets the same day as the performances.
With a student ID, you can get same day tickets for 15 dollars!!!
They also have special programs going on during different seasons. Check the website for the newest selections and schedules of events.
I am planning to attend the Summer Series "Sound of Music" on July 27/28 for the sing along to the Rogers and Hammersteins musical scores conducted by Robert Spano. "These are a few of my favorite things..."! -
Review from Laura R.
Atlanta, GA
4/20/2010 1 photo
Dear Atlantans: Go to the ASO!
In addition to the traditional music that likely comes to mind when most of us think of a symphony orchestra, the ASO seems to be working to stay relevant.
We saw them host and play with The Machine, a renowned Pink Floyd cover band. It was a great experience and definitely something worth trying - even if you don't think it's your thing.
The only thing I didn't like was that their venue near the High is painted white in the inside and it's completely distracting. The arrangement (view, lighting, and acoustics) were all great otherwise. I don't think there's a bad seat in the house. -
Review from Ansley A.
Atlanta, GA
6/30/2010
I love coming to concerts here. There doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. The rear balconies are to be avoided by those with a fear of heights! The very front orchestra pit seats offer amazing sound at the cost of not being able to see all of the instruments and players. You can sometimes get rush tickets meaning you can get a very good seat for a very low price (not applicable on Saturdays) but YMMV. I love the first and second chair violinists. Especially second chair. He's hot.
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Review from Rebecca O.
Atlanta, GA
2/9/2007
I love the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and I love its venue. The orchestra members are oh-so-talented, and the venue allows for nothing but good seats. Relatively small with pretty good acoustics. A standing ovation for this outstanding group.
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Review from T. Murray -.
GA
3/1/2007
This venue is phenomenal. Although I've never seen the orchestra in action I have been to this space for special events. First of all, it is a huge space that can seat a ton of people. The design is exactly what you would expect in the same complex that houses the High Museum. The website says a new home for the Symphony is being built and opening soon!
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Review from Margo R.
Atlanta, GA
2/9/2007
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is phenomenal. The talented musicians create lovely music, which translates to a pleasurable experience. If you haven't gone, you should definitely look into upcoming shows. No matter where you are seated you will enjoy the show. This is a great way to spend the evening.
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Review from Anna F.
Atlanta, GA
2/27/2009
I'm so proud of how talented and renowned a symphony we have in Atlanta, as well as of how packed the symphony hall was last night - indicating what a strong appreciation this city has for the arts. The performance was beautiful (Haydn's The Creation), showcasing not only the masterfully talented orchestra, but the great symphony choir and some fantastic guest singers... and of course, the incredible Maestro/Music Director Robert Spano, who was really amazing to watch. The ASO is extremely versatile, and their packed-out performance calendar consists of classical performances (obviously), pop pieces, oratorios, Broadway music presentations, special guests (like Yo-Yo Ma and Wynton Marsalis this year!), etc... so there's something for everyone to enjoy. Furthermore, the symphony hall's location (smack-dab in the middle of Midtown, connected to the High), makes for a fun night out in the city. Every Atlanta resident and visitor should definitely go support the ASO.
