The Amarillo Symphony announces its Centennial Season.

AMARILLO, Texas – The Amarillo Symphony announces its 100^th anniversary season, September 2023-April 2024. Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor George Jackson, the season will feature world-renowned guest artists, collaborations with the Amarillo Master Chorale and the Harrington String Quartet, new music commissions, and powerful works commemorating the history and looking toward the future of the orchestra.

Patrons interested in purchasing a season subscription to the Amarillo Symphony may call the Symphony office at 806.376.8782. Single tickets will be on sale in late July; visit amarillosymphony.org for more information.

2023-2024 Season Concerts:

• Rhapsody in Blue – An American-inspired program featuring pianist Michelle Caan on Gershwin's classic work and Aaron Copland's Friday-Saturday, September 15-16 at 7:30PM in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

• ¡Celebraciones! – A celebration of the region's rich Hispanic heritage featuring Mariachi singer Nayelli Peña, Trio Los Reyes, and the Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra. Friday-Saturday, October 13-14 at 7:30PM in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

• Brahms and Bluegrass – A mix of music genres featuring Brahms's Symphony No. 1 and soprano Sara Hershkowitz singing Barber's Knoxville Summer of 1915 and a Bluegrass surprise. Friday-Saturday, November 17-18 at 7:30PM in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

• HAPPY Holiday Pops – An Amarillo holiday tradition with carols, classics, and sing-a-longs, sponsored by Happy State Bank. Saturday, December 16, at 2:00PM and 7:30PM in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

• Bach to Bartók – A dual showcase featuring Mahan Esfahani on harpsichord performing Bach's Concerto in D minor and the Amarillo Symphony featured in Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra. Friday-Saturday, January 19-20 at 7:30PM in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

• Mahler's Fifth Symphony – A collaboration with the Amarillo Master Chorale in a performance of Mahler's magnificent Symphony No. 5 and a new composition by Amarillo College professor Dr. Nathan Fryml. Friday-Saturday, February 23-24 at 7:30PM in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

• A Spring Symphony – A spring opener featuring Schumann's fitting "Spring" Symphony and violinist Aubree Oliverson on Dvorák's Violin Concerto. Friday-Saturday, March 8-9 at 7:30PM in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

• Beethoven's Ninth Symphony & HSQ – The Centennial Season finale featuring the Amarillo Master Chorale and special guest solo vocalists in a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, plus new music written for the Harrington String Quartet by Grammy Award-winning composer Christopher Theofanidis. Friday-Saturday, April 19-20 at 7:30PM in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

Brief History of the Amarillo Symphony

The Amarillo Symphony is the largest and most active performing arts organization in the Texas Panhandle. It was founded in 1924 as a 12-piece ensemble called the Philharmonic Club. The group grew from a small volunteer organization to an orchestra of 56 musicians by the 1930s. However, with droughts, dust storms, the Great Depression, and World War II, the Symphony had suffered significant hardship by the end of the 1940s. Thankfully, a new Music Director, A. Clyde Roller, along with violinist and businessman Eddie Melin, worked with Symphony President Lee Bivins to restore the orchestra. Dr. Roller became a pivotal figure in the orchestra's artistic growth during this era. Mr. Melin, as the Symphony's new manager, implemented sound financial procedures and community programs focused on fundraising and education. The Symphony Guild, founded in 1955, contributed greatly by improving community and financial support. By the late 1960s, the Philharmonic had officially changed its name to the Amarillo Symphony.

In 1968, it began playing in the Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium, where it remained for almost four decades. Through the remainder of the 20th century, the Symphony increased its ranks of musicians, raised its artistic level, and established outstanding community and educational programs. In 2006, the Symphony began performing in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class concert hall funded almost entirely by private support from the great citizens of Amarillo.