Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of TDP Throughout 2013-14 Season

Throughout the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's 2013-14 season, the Orchestra will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking Talent Development Program(TDP).

The Talent Development Program, which identifies musically-gifted and motivated African American and Latino youth and prepares them for acceptance into top music programs in preparation for careers as professional musicians, has now become a model for other orchestras across the country. The Azira G. Hill Scholarship Fund, which lies at the heart of the program, was established in November 1999 and provides financial assistance that allows TDP students to attend prestigious national summer music study programs at Interlochen Center for the Arts, Tanglewood Music Center, and more.

The Talent Development Program will present a range of celebratory events during the 2013-14 season, including the annual Musicale and Aspire Awards on Sunday, October 27, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. Every year, the nationally-recognized program showcases many of its current students at this free performance. Returning TDP alumnus Stanford Thompson - the CEO of the El Sistema-inspired program Play On, Philly! - will host the evening. Chelsea Tipton II, Music Director of the Symphony of Southeast Texas, will be the first recipient of the Aspire Award in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to music education.

The Musicale, held in support of the Azira G. Hill Scholarship Fund, will take place in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center. The performance is free and open to the public. Tickets are required, and are available at aso.org.

For more information about the 20th anniversary celebration of the Talent Development Program, visit tdp20.org.