September 25th at the Alys Stephens Center brings a night of film-favorite music, cocktails and dancing to benefit the AS0 in their season’s largest philanthropic event
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) kicks off the 2026-2027 season in cinematic style with “Opening Night in Hollywood,” the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Alys Stephens Center. The concert of classics from the silver screen will be conducted by Principal POPS! Conductor Chris Confessore and will feature a full evening of entertainment, bringing together corporate benefactors and individuals committed to raising funds to support the state’s only full-time professional orchestra.
“‘Opening Night’ – formerly the Maestro’s Ball – is designed to be both a meaningful investment in the Orchestra’s future and a genuinely fun, celebratory night out, welcoming guests of all ages and backgrounds,” said ASO President Mark Patrick. “We have the privilege of sharing the magic of music with more than 47,000 students across Alabama each year, in addition to providing the state with a world-class orchestra that presents not only the finest in classical music, but an engaging program of free concerts open to the community year-round. This fundraiser makes it all possible.”
Chef Frank Stitt is on board for the Orchestra’s single most important philanthropic event of the year. He and Pardis Stitt are creating an impressive hors d’oeuvres menu for a cocktail reception that guests will enjoy before a concert of film favorites performed by the ASO’s world-class musicians. Following the concert, guests will cross the street to the Abroms-Engel Institute for Visual Arts for a lively after-party featuring more nibbles, drinks, a live party band, and dancing with Orchestra musicians joining the celebration.
Karen and Phil Carroll are hosting the benefit, joined by Philanthropy Chairs Lindsey and John Lacey and family, and Courtney and Bryson Stephens. The Philanthropy Committee includes friends of the ASO Dell S. Brooke, F. Dixon Brooke Jr., Matt Bungo and Joe French, Bronwyne and John Chapman, Anna and Jason Comer, Douglas Croker, Lindsay and Chris Cutshall, Anne DeBardeleben, Whitney DeBardeleben Sr., Christine and Mike Denniston, Carmen and Trey Echols, Virginia DeBardeleben Fleener, Mary and Braxton Goodrich, Maura and Will Goodwyn, Jonathan Hoffmann, Laura and Clarence James, Maggie and Tyler O’Connor, Lisa and Craft O’Neal, Karen and Joel Piassick, Zac Riddle, Jessica and Ranson Roussel, William J. (Rusty) Rushton IV, Liz and Brad Sauls, Mallie and Jay Whatley.
Event Details: “Opening Night in Hollywood” Benefiting the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Friday, September 25, 2026, at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, Birmingham, Ala. Cocktail Attire.
For tickets, sponsorship information, or event details, contact Olivia Sowell, ASO Philanthropy and Campaigns Officer, at [email protected] or 205-314-6955.
