Gathering Around the Oak Tree: An Exhibition Celebrating the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at 80
February 20, 2025
By Bob Scarr, Archivist
This year marks a significant milestone in the cultural fabric of Atlanta: the 80th anniversary of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO). To commemorate this remarkable journey, a special exhibition is on display in the lobby of the Memorial Arts Building throughout the first part of March. The exhibition follows a timeline highlighting key milestones in the ASO’s history. The 80th is known as the “Oak” anniversary and this exhibition draws a parallel between the strength and longevity of the oak tree and the enduring legacy of the ASO, which has firmly rooted itself in the cultural landscape of Atlanta and beyond.
History By the Numbers
One of the more compelling aspects of the exhibition is the focus on telling the ASO story with numbers. Here are just a few notable highlights:
- The Orchestra has performed in 8 different countries and 21 international cities. This global engagement serves as a reminder of music’s universal language, transcending geographical boundaries.
- The ASO’s impressive record of over 4,000 concert performances. This number is based on Subscription and Special concerts performed at our three home venues: Atlanta Municipal Auditorium, Tower Theatre and our current home at Symphony Hall.
- The ASO has performed in 475 venues in 30 states in various settings, from grand concert halls to intimate community spaces.
- The strength and longevity of the ASO can also be attributed to its artistic leadership. Over the past 80 years, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has collaborated with 5 Music Directors and 518 guest conductors, each bringing unique perspectives and interpretations to the Orchestra. The variety of artistic voices has enriched the ASO’s musical identity, allowing it to flourish and remain relevant.
- The ASO’s dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by its remarkable achievement of 27 Grammy Awards. Each Grammy recognition reflects the hard work and passion of the Musicians, the ASO Chorus, the Music Directors and the Recording Engineers. Such recognition has certainly elevated the orchestra’s status within the classical music community.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
In the second section, Putting Down Roots – A Home for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (1962-1968) , we welcome Music Director Robert Shaw and look forward to the move to what is now the Memorial Arts Building of the Woodruff Arts Center. From 1968-1978, The ASO Branches Out —the ASO Chorus is born, and the ASO celebrates a new era in Atlanta Symphony Hall.
In the next section, The ASO Grows the Canopy Worldwide (19791996) , we highlight significant milestones that helped establish the ASO’s international reputation. This era also marked the end of Robert Shaw’s tenure as Music Director and the welcoming of Yoel Levi, as the ASO’s third music director. From 1994-2008, we celebrate Offshoots in Innovation, solidifying our position as a forward-thinking leader in the classical music world. This period includes the appointments of Robert Spano as the orchestra’s fourth music director and Donald Runnicles as principal guest conductor.
Finally, A New Era (2009-present) showcases resilience and growth during a period of both adversity and achievement. This era includes the appointment of the ASO’s fifth music director, Nathalie Stutzmann.
Our exhibition celebrating the 80th anniversary of the ASO is a tribute to the past, present, and future of our beloved institution. It encapsulates the spirit of a community united through music and honors the contributions of countless musicians, conductors and guest artists. We hope you take a moment to stop by and reflect. For more information about the history of the ASO, visit: