Robert Spano to Lead Atlanta Symphony in All-Vaughan Williams Program, 2/20 & 22

Music Director Robert Spano will lead the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) in an all- Vaughan Williams program February 20, 2014, at 8:00 p.m. and February 22, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center.

The program will include The Lark Ascending, with ASO Concertmaster David Coucheron as soloist, as well as Dona nobis pacem, featuring soprano Jessica Rivera, baritone Brett Polegato, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Mr. Spano will also lead the Orchestra in the composer's Fourth Symphony.

Tickets are $24-$75. Additional details are available at aso.org/allvaughanwilliams.

About the Repertoire:

VAUGHAN WILLIAMS The Lark Ascending- Vaughan Williams began composition of The Lark Ascending in 1914. With the outbreak of World War I, Vaughan Williams enlisted in the Army.

Symphony No. 4 - According to Vaughan Williams, his Fourth Symphony "was sketched in the end of 1931 and the beginning of 1932, and was completed in 1934".

Dona nobis pacem - Ralph Vaughan Williams composed his cantata, Dona nobis pacem, in 1936. The Huddersfied Choral Society commissioned the work as part of the celebration of its 100 anniversary.

About the Artists:

Music Director Robert Spano, currently in his 13th season as music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, is recognized internationally as one of the most imaginative conductors today.

Violinist David Coucheron joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) as Concertmaster in September 2010. At the time, he was the youngest concertmaster among any major U.S. orchestra.

Soprano Jessica Rivera is a frequent guest soloist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and is known for her work with contemporary composers. She originated the role of Kumudha.

Brett Polegato's artistic sensibility has earned him the highest praise from audiences and critics: "his is a serious and seductive voice" says The Globe and Mail.

About the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus: The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus was founded in 1970 by ASO Music Director Robert Shaw. Comprised of 200 auditioned voices, the Chorus is an all volunteer organization that performs on a regular basis with the ASO, and is featured on many of the Orchestra's recordings.

About the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), currently in its 69th season, is one of America's leading orchestras. It performs great music, presents leading artists, educates and engages music lovers. The ASO serves as the cornerstone for artistic development and music education in the southeast. It performs more than 200 concerts each year for a combined audience of more than a half million in a full schedule of performances. It also reaches more than 87,000 students and underserved members of the community through its education and community outreach programs.

Concert Previews: Audiences have the opportunity to learn more about the music they will be hearing at concerts with free Concert Previews given by composers, conductors, educators, and musical experts, all hosted by ASO Insider and Program Annotator Ken Meltzer. Thursday evenings, 7:00-7:30 p.m. in Atlanta Symphony Hall (unless otherwise noted). Concerts previews are free and open to all concert ticketholders. Speakers and locations are subject to change.

Single tickets for this performance are $24-$75. All single tickets for the 2013-2014 season are on sale now, and available online at atlantasymphony.org or by calling 404.733.5000. Tickets may also be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, and the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office, located in the Woodruff Arts Center at 15th and Peachtree Streets. Box office hours are Monday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.