Symphony in Summer sets dates

Birmingham residents who love classical music, as well as those who just want to enjoy a family-friendly summer night under the stars, can find a special atmosphere at the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Symphony in the Summer. This annual season-ending concert series at Railroad Park will be June 10-11 at 8 p.m. and June 12 at 6 p.m. Admission to the concerts is free.

“When the weather cooperates, there is something truly magical about being entertained and inspired by beautiful symphonic music under the stars with the downtown Birmingham skyline on one side, Regions Park in the background,” said Curt Long, ASO president and executive director. Attendees this year will also be able to watch the concert on large video panels, Long added.

Music Director Carlos Izcaray will lead the ASO in “A Symphonic Celebration” on June 10. The ASO — conducted by Christopher Confessore — will present “Tchaikovsky Under the Stars” on June 11. The symphony, again conducted by Confessore, will present “Family Fun Day” on June 12.

The concerts were held at Railroad Park for the first time in 2011 and, according to Long, attendance for the three-day weekends — as estimated by the city of Birmingham — has grown steadily, from about 8,000 the first year to about 18,000 in 2015. 

“I hope this will be a record crowd again this year,” Long said.

The growing vitality of downtown should help boost attendance, according to Long, who said that “more and more people have moved into the city, there is more nightlife to enjoy, restaurants are staying open later (and) safety has been addressed with additional security all around the city.” 

For more information, go to alabamasymphony.org.