By Douglas Croker
I have had a love of music all my life, yet I somehow overlooked one of Birmingham’s greatest musical treasures—the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO). In my almost 50 years in Alabama, I never thought to engage with it.
Like a precious heirloom tucked away in my nightstand drawer — it was always nearby, but I hadn’t recognized it. When I finally did, I was stunned by what I had been missing. Even if you love music, there’s a good chance you, too, have overlooked what the ASO has to offer. You are missing out – come and (re)discover it.
When I recently became involved with the ASO, I quickly realized how much I had underappreciated it. The talent, dedication, and passion behind this orchestra are extraordinary. These musicians and staff work tirelessly to create truly remarkable experiences: live performances at an artistic level that seem like genuine miracles. Think about it: fifty or more musicians working together in careful coordination to spontaneously create musical wonders right before your ears and eyes. They are instantaneous, unedited, unfiltered, organic, analog, live and in-person.
When you sit in that concert hall, the moment the conductor raises the baton, a charged anticipation fills the air. Then—the music! Strings swell around you, brass roars with majestic power, woodwinds weave intricate melodies, and percussion pulses with an energy you can feel in your chest. No recording, no speaker system, no computer can replicate the intensity, emotion, and sonic impact of a live symphony orchestra. It’s something you don’t just hear—you feel.
Yet, for all its excellence, the ASO—like many orchestras across the country—faces a growing challenge to reach and engage everyone who would love the symphony experience. Changing habits have made it harder for live symphonic music to compete for attention. Even before COVID-19, attendance was gradually declining, but the pandemic accelerated trends in streaming, digital consumption, and shifting entertainment priorities. While concert attendance has rebounded to a degree, the pace of audience growth in the face of increased production costs challenges ASO’s resources to spread awareness further.
These challenges of growing audiences make it likely that you don’t think of the ASO when planning a night out. Or, maybe you have thought of the ASO but haven’t found sufficient reason to attend. Perhaps you perceive that the orchestra is an elitist, high-culture experience reserved for tuxedos and hushed reverence. Let me say that hasn’t been my experience at all. Today, ASO concerts are easy, open, and inviting. Plus, ASO offers performances in an impressive range of genres. (The ability of the ASO to deliver such variety is yet another marvel). Imagine watching a Star Wars or Harry Potter movie while the orchestra plays the soundtrack live in real-time. Picture an evening filled with covers of the greatest hits of Aretha Franklin, rock anthems from the ’80s, or even hip-hop along with local artists taking the mic. And, of course,
the ASO still wonderfully performs the timeless works of the great composers—music that has endured for generations because of its genius and appeal to everyone.
Beyond my amazement in the orchestra’s artistic craft, I woke up to the deeply moving truth that the ASO is a home-grown Birmingham, Alabama institution; an asset both precious and personal. I remember fondly attending a few symphony concerts on school field trips as a child. The ASO is that same incredible orchestra. You might be surprised at how much the ASO engages with every corner of the State through its efforts in music education. You may also be surprised at the extent to which local businesses use ASO events as a means to entertain and prove the depth and quality of our arts scene to their customers and prospects. Fundamentally, the ASO is not some distant, impersonal entity; it is integrated into our city, our state and our economy in obvious ways and ways less-seen. Fundamentally, the ASO is OUR symphony — YOUR symphony — worthy of your time and support
So how can you help? It’s simple. Buy a ticket. Attend a concert. Bring your friends and introduce your family to the magic of live symphonic music. If you want to make an even greater impact, consider making a donation—every contribution helps sustain and propel this wonderous institution.
Imagine again that long-lost heirloom—a priceless ring tucked away with time. That’s what the ASO is for some of us: a forgotten treasure, waiting to be rediscovered. Now that you’ve found it, don’t let it sit untouched. Put it on. Experience it. Cherish it.
