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The
1996 Strike:
What the World is Saying About the ASO
from
R.E.M.
(probably
the most listened to rock group in the world today):
"We lend our support to our friends and fellow musicians in the
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. We recognize their excellence and feel fortunate
to have aworld class orchestra in our community. Each of us supports the
symphony, and asks that others do so as well--losing it would truly be
an unthinkable, major loss to our entire region."
from
Jessye Norman
(world famous opera and concert singer who hails from Augusta):
"I have always regarded the Atlanta Symphony as a first-rate group
of talented and devoted musicians who provide an invaluable service to
the Atlanta community through their outstanding performances and outreach
programs. An orchestra of such high quality and dedication deserves all
the support that the great city of Atlanta can provide. This your orchestra;
you have every reason to be very proud! "
from
John Williams (composer of the
theme for the Centennial Olympic Games as well as the most recognized
film score composer in the world), speaking about the previous night's
Centennial Olympics Opening Ceremony:
"It was a great night. Great performers...the Atlanta Orchestra
is fabulous. It's one of our country's best orchestras, really. It had
a great history here with Robert Shaw, the longtime conductor; now Yoel
Levi, who's the present Music Director. That orchestra's filled with fabulous
players. And I always love to say, these musicians, these players are
very like the athletes. They know what it's like to practice six hours
every day. And if you miss a day or two or three, you feel it and if you
miss five days, everybody hears it and know it. It's very like the athletic
--- the kind of dedication that it takes to get that good, to get that
far at whatever you do. We musicians, like everyone else, identify with
that..." (NBC's Today Show, July 20. 1996)
from
Itzhak Perlman (recognized
as the most famous violinist in the world today):
"They (the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra) are truly a first class
ensemble with a terrific sound."
from
Mark Watters (Music Director
of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies 1996 Centennial Olympic Games):
"Working with the mighty Atlanta Symphony for the Olympics has
been a tremendous experience. Music of every style imaginable was required
and they came through with flying colors at every turn. Their enormous
talent, pride, and enthusiasm have taken the music for the Centennial
Games to a level we never thought possible. They are a unique jewel in
the crown of this great city and should be treasured as such."
from
Yo-Yo Ma (world renowned cellist):
"It always gives me great pleasure to play with the Atlanta Symphony.
The spirit of the orchestra is infectious. It's a treat to see so many
fabulous young musicians playing this vibrant city."
from
Jennifer Larmore (GA native
soprano with a meteoric international career):
" I had a wonderful time working with the Atlanta Symphony! This
is an orchestra of the highest quality. I've worked with some of the greatest
orchestras from all over the world, and this one, in my opinion rates
up there with the best! "
from
Franz Welser-Möst (Music
Director of the London Philharmonic and frequent ASO guest conductor):
"Over the years I have worked with the Atlanta Synphony Orchestra
I always had a special place for them in my heart. The dedication of every
single player, the love of the music, the enthusiasm and the drive for
technical perfection is a wonderful and rare combination. The beauty in
the playing and the way this orchestra feels music together has and will
always touch me."
from
Joshua Bell (young American
violinist and international superstar):
"I feel very fortunate to have been able to perform with the ASO
on several occasions. My trip to Atlanta this year was truly a highlight
of my season and I am glad to say that the Atlanta Symphony remains among
the very top orchestras of the world. The city of Atlanta must be proud
to have such a fine orchestra and I wish the ASO continued success for
years to come."
from
Bobby McDuffie (internationally
renowned violinst and Georgia native):
"It is always a privilege to make music with the Atlanta Symphony
Orchestra. This Orchestra is not only the cultural jewel of the South,
but is a national treasure. As it's reputation continues to grow worldwide,
my Georgia pride swells."
from Atlanta
Mayor Bill Campbell :
"The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra greatly enhances the prestige
of our city and is Atlanta's cultural ambassador to the world. We need
to preserve the greatness of the ASO. It is a cultural jewel of Atlanta."
from
Shelton G. Stanfill (President
of the Woodruff Arts Center):
"For a city of this size to have the quality that this orchestra
represents is unbelievable. It would be tragic to lose any of that quality.
Excellence is expensive.
from
Billy Payne (President &
CEO of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games):
"We are fortunate to have in our midst one of the world's leading
orchestras. The South is already known around the world for its many contributions
to popular music. The ASO's Opening Ceremony performance will showcase
our region's great symphonic tradition."
from
Don Mischner (Executive Producer
of the 1996 Opening and Closing Ceremonies):
"To be able to tap the ASO and have the full orchestra is an achievement
in itself, something we never imagined possible. The cooperation, sense
of community, and Olympic pride exhibited by the Atlanta Symphony and
its members made their involvement a reality. Atlanta's Orchestra is not
only the best, it is also one of the most civic-minded."
from
William Fred Scott (conductor
of our Champagne Concerts & the Atlanta Opera):
"No conductor could be more fortunate that to have as a 'friend'
the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra-and I love and respect its members, both
collectively and individually. For the last 16 years, they have been my
gracious colleagues, my support system, my family. Very few events in
my musical life give me as much pleasure as the occasions when we perform
together. May they go from strength to strength is my hope. With support
and encouragement only good things should be possible-and the shining
beacon (which is the rightful place of this orchestra in our cultural
community) must never be allowed to grow dim."
from
Sylvia McNair (international
sensation soprano and Atlanta audience favorite):
"I love singing with the Atlanta Symphony! I first sang with your
orchestra 14 (ouch!) years ago when the Atlanta Symphony engagements were
the main things on my calendar. Things have changed a bit now: I make
regular appearances with the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic,
the London Symphony, the Boston Symphony, and the New York Philharmonic.
But there will always be time in my book to come to Atlanta!"
"Your
orchestra is playing so beautifully, in the last 15 months alone I've
done Bach, Mozart, and Poulenc with the ASO. Each piece was handled with
a style and a sensitivity appropriate to the period-not an easy task for
a group of musicians expected toplay like experts every week of the year
no matter WHAT or WHO is put in front of you! Your playing of the Bach
Matthew Passion was as delicate and accurate and lively as the 18th century
"specialist" orchestras I work with in Europe and your playing
last season of the Mozart Exultate Jubilate out-shone the Boston Symphony's
playing of that piece (with whom I sant it the following week) hands down!
TRUE."
"Best
of all there is a warmth among you all that makes working with you a great
JOY!"
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