The Abilene Philharmonic is the oldest and most established performing arts organization in Abilene. Its history traces back to September 1950, when community supporters organized a musical group called the Abilene Symphony Orchestra with Jay Dietzer, a recent graduate from the University of Texas, as its first conductor. Concerts were originally held in the old Abilene High … [Read more...]
Philharmonic Marks Maestro’s 20th Year with Festive Season
Make plans to join the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra for the opening night of its 74th season on Sept. 21 at the Abilene Convention Center. The 2024-2025 season holds special significance, as Maestro David Itkin celebrates his 20th year as Music Director. Listeners are invited to step onto the red carpet and enjoy mingling with fellow patrons while taking in the sounds of … [Read more...]
Pops at the Zoo Concert Features Brass Quintet
The Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra returns to the Abilene Zoo at 7:30 p.m. April 13 for “Pops at the Zoo.” This year marks the fifth consecutive season AbiPhil has staged an outdoor performance at the Abilene Zoo. What began as a pandemic-era workaround - 2020’s Interlude Outdoor Concert Series - has become a beloved annual tradition. “My husband and I love the … [Read more...]
Concert Will Celebrate Music of Acclaimed Film Score Composer
The Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra returns to the Abilene Convention Center at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 3 for the second concert of its Pops Series, “The Music of John Williams.” In addition to music from such classics as Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the evening will also feature the Abilene Philharmonic’s first-ever movie trivia … [Read more...]
Irish Christmas in America to Perform
The fiddle and the violin are the same instrument, played two different ways. Both styles have their devotees in West Texas, where music fans can already enjoy both the Western swing of Bob Wills and the more buttoned-down repertoire of Bach and Beethoven. A unique new melding of folk and classical styles will soon take flight at the Abilene Convention Center at 7:30 p.m. … [Read more...]