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Come beat the heat with your Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) as they begin their annual Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park in the spring! All ages, including pets, enjoy relaxing Sunday evenings with different musical ensembles presented by the ASO.

Renowned violinist Stefan Jackiw joins the Austin Symphony Orchestra for an exhilarating opening night. The evening begins with Gabriela Ortiz’s evocative Kauyumari, a tribute to the sacred blue deer of the Huichol people. Jackiw then brings his signature virtuosity to Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2, a work brimming with lyricism and rhythmic vitality. The program culminates in the grandeur of Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3, the “Organ Symphony,” where the majestic organ fills the hall with breathtaking power.

Celebrate a night of brilliance with legendary pianist Emanuel Ax as he performs Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, a masterpiece that blends drama, elegance, and virtuosity. The concert opens with Valerie Coleman’s Seven O’Clock Shout, a vibrant tribute to frontline workers. The evening concludes with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 3, the Polish, a rarely performed gem brimming with sweeping melodies and infectious dance rhythms.

Experience the power and passion of Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony with your Austin Symphony Orchestra. From its unmistakable opening motif to its triumphant finale, this masterpiece embodies resilience and revolution, cementing its place as one of the most celebrated works in classical music. The program also explores rhapsodic brilliance, beginning with Franz Liszt's fiery Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, followed by Debussy’s Première rapsodie, a dazzling showcase for clarinetist Stephen Girko. Pianist Alex Maynegre-Torra then brings to life Gershwin’s electrifying Second Rhapsody. The evening also features Enescu’s vibrant Romanian Rhapsody No. 1, making for a night of unforgettable musical storytelling.

Experience a night where classical meets fusion. Miguel Espinoza Fusion blends jazz, flamenco, and world music in their captivating Camino Desconocido alongside other original works. Mezzo-soprano Laura Mercado-Wright lends her rich voice to selections from Falla’s El sombrero de tres picos (The Three-Cornered Hat), while the evening opens with Copland’s lively Danzón Cubano, setting the tone for an unforgettable celebration of musical diversity.

Join cellist Annie Jacobs-Perkins for an evening of rich storytelling and dynamic energy. The concert opens with Mendelssohn’s whimsical A Midsummer Night’s Dream overture, followed by Bloch’s deeply expressive Schelomo, a Hebraic rhapsody for cello and orchestra. The lively Polka and Fugue from Weinberger’s Schwanda, the Bagpiper leads to a vibrant finale with Bernstein’s beloved Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.

Get ready for an evening where cinematic drama and symphonic grandeur collide. The night opens with Bernard Herrmann’s suspenseful Psycho: A Short Suite, arranged by Palmer. Violinist Nancy Zhao then takes center stage for Korngold’s lush and romantic Violin Concerto. The evening concludes with Strauss’ awe-inspiring tone poem Also sprach Zarathustra, famously immortalized in 2001: A Space Odyssey.