A high school senior at Comeaux High School in Lafayette has lots of reasons to celebrate. He's a violinist whose recent performance earned him a $2,500 scholarship to UL. He did so by playing a song composed by his sister. What started as a dream by a boy turned into a reality as he received a scholarship with the help of his household. Anisen Thibodeaux is no stranger to strings. As a young boy, he picked up the violin in third grade.

Acadiana Symphony celebrates its 40th anniversary season, 'This is Forty'. KADN talks with Alicia Zeringue about the concert lineup and guest artists.

The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra has just gotten back from their first-ever international tour to Poland. Several ASO representatives stopped by KRVS to fill us in on how they managed to successfully pull something off on such large of a scale. They also discuss with us what they gained from the experience, what they plan on doing moving forward and more.

The 1720 Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius violin is said to be one of the world's most legendary instruments. Its mysterious history and whereabouts after it went missing for 200 years, has inspired much speculation, and many tellings of its story, including the 1998, Academy Award winning film, The Red Violin. The story of how it came into the hands of its current owner is just as fascinating.

The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra will go on its first international tour next month alongside violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn, who performs on one of the world's most legendary instruments.
The musicians will also play concerts in Lafayette and Abbeville with Pitcairn and her red violin before they leave for Poland.
"Any type of venture outside of its home for a performing arts organization is a sign of an organization growing and achieving a new artistic level and sort of stronger placement and footprint on the culture map, especially if you can make those ventures to prominent places," said Mariusz Smolij, the orchestra's music director and conductor. "We are going to play in the most prestigious permanent venues in Poland and important international festivals and important historical places. It's a high quality professional tour, not just a trip abroad, where we will appear in places that anybody would like to play."

The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra & Conservatory of Music held its premier fundraising event, the Mad Hatters Luncheon and Style Show, on March 22 at Le Pavillon in Lafayette. The mid-day soiree included a gourmet lunch along with a style show featuring local models highlighting spring fashions from Acadiana boutiques.
The Mad Hatter's Luncheon & Style Show is ASO's longest running fundraising event, with 100% of the proceeds supporting ASO's music education programs.

Dappled with pretty little picnic scenes, the park comes alive at 3 p.m. when the acclaimed Acadiana Symphony Orchestra begins a two-hour-long concert, led by Music Director and Conductor Mariusz Smolij. In past years audiences have been treated to well-known tunes specially arranged for the outdoor setting that includes a medley of pop, Broadway musical songs, movie themes and jazz. "Often, people perceive an orchestra as a serious ensemble, but it can be a lot of fun too," Smolij says of the varied repertoire.

The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra treated seniors and staff at Avanti Senior Living in Lafayette to some wonderful music.
A string quartet with the symphony shared the sounds of Mozart with the residents on Friday, March 8.
They couldn't resist getting into the music and tapping along as the ensemble played for them.
The symphony's maestro also explained to the residents that much like Acadiana, the symphony is a melting pot.

March 7th at the Heymann Center will be a night of greatest hits by one of the most popular American classic rock bands of all time - The Eagles - performed by tribute band, 7 Bridges, and Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. This concert will feature original songs, accompanied by specially curated symphonic arrangements, to offer the audience a unique experience of the music that defined a generation.

Alicia Zeringue, Director of Strategic Communications, with Acadiana Symphony Orchestra stopped by to share the details of an incredible collaboration on March 7th.

Alicia Zeringue, Director of Strategic Communications with Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and members of the 7 Bridges Band, stopped by News15 at Noon to share the details about their epic collaboration on March 7th.

The Iberia Cultural Resources Association hosted their 14th annual Prelude to Spring concert with the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra at St Peter's Catholic Church Sunday afternoon.
The orchestra played a variety of tunes both classical and symphonic as well as some from Broadway shows. They started the evening off with a high-energy selection of songs from "West Side Story" followed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Minuet" from Symphony No. 39. This "Minuet" was traditionally a dance performed at balls for royalty, and included a six-step choreography. Next up was a duo of songs from the play "Peer Gynt" including "Anitra's Dance" and "In the Hall of the Mountain King".

The Christmas Concert, featuring Marc Broussard, will be presented by the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with Kean Miller, on Thursday, December 14 at 7 pm in the Heymann Performing Arts Center.
One of Acadiana's many beloved holiday celebrations, this annual concert is the Symphony's longest running tradition. For more than 25 years, the Symphony has partnered with local musicians from all over Acadiana to offer audiences a holiday music experience that includes just the right blend of classical and popular melodies.

Who wants to go to the "Danger Zone" with us? Want to "Dance with Somebody Who Loves Me?" Want to go for a ride in a "Pink Cadillac"? Of course, you do.
We can go all 80s music fun with the Acadiana Symphony this Tuesday night, October 17 as we party on top of the Vermilion Parking Garage all to benefit music education in Acadiana.
This year's theme is Totally Awesome 80s! featuring a fun and elevated evening of food, cocktails, and the 80s greatest hits.

Acadiana Symphony Orchestra announced that it will perform Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in Concert, Thursday, October 26, 2023, 7PM, at the Heymann Performing Arts Center, as part of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series. Iya Tsyrkot, ASO Violinist, along with David Boudreaux, ASO pianist, and Alicia Zeringue, ASO Marketing Manager, stopped by News15 at Noon to share the details and perform!

Get your tickets for Harry Potter in concert at AcadianaSymphony.org or the Heymann box office.

Acadiana Symphony Orchestra will perform Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in concert on October 26. Here's a sneak peak. You can get tickets AcadianaSymphony.org.

The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra are set to perform "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in Concert" in October.
ASO announced on Friday that the "Harry Potter" concert will happen Thursday, October 26 at 7 p.m., at the Heymann Performing Arts Center, as part of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series. The concert will feature ASO's music director and conductor, Mariusz Smolij, conducting the Symphony in a live performance to match the film. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the entire film on a high-definition, 40-foot screen, while hearing John Williams' unforgettable score.

If you love the Harry Potter series, then no doubt you will want to be at the Heymann Performing Arts Center in Lafayette on Thursday, October 26, 2023. The performance will begin at 7:00 pm.
That's the night that the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra presents Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in concert.
You'll be able to sit back and enjoy the film with John Williams' complete score being performed as the full film plays on the big screen.

Acadiana Conservatory of Music accepts applications and conducts auditions annually, from young musicians interested in joining one of two youth orchestras: Acadiana Symphony Youth Orchestra (ages 13+) and Acadiana Symphony Preparatory Orchestra (for ages 8+). All new musicians must audition.
Auditions are held in the form of video submissions. The deadline to submit your video is Saturday, August 19, 2023.

Acadiana Symphony Orchestra Executive Director, Dana Baker gave highlights of the 23-24 Reflections Season, and an opportunity to build your season with a 50% discount on tickets.

ASO's Marketing and Communications Manager, Alicia Zeringue talks about the launch of Season 39 - Reflections on Passe Partout.

Photo Essay
The Iberia Cultural Resources Association presented the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra for a musical tribute to military veterans Sunday in New Iberia.

ASO's Marketing and Communications Director, Alicia highlights, and Education Director & Ticketing Manager, Michael Zeek, preview the ensemble's 39th season.

Photo Spread
Symphony Sunday in the Park was held under pleasant skies on April 2 in New Iberia's City Park. Folks relaxing on picnic blankets and chairs enjoyed the music performed by the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. The Iberia Cultural Resources Association presented the event.

ASO is pleased to welcome Acadiana localite, UL alum, and Ragin Cajun enthusiast, Brad Burley to our team. As the new Director of Fund Development, Brad will lead the organization's fundraising objectives, dedicating his time to advancing development strategies that align with ASO's organizational strategic goals.

The schedule for Festival International, which runs from April 26-30, was released Fiday, giving a timetable to where the dozens of international and local artists will be playing during the free event. Lauren Daigle, who was born in Lake Charles and grew up in Lafayette, will headline the festival.
Scène Laborde Earles Fais Do Do Stage
9-10:15 a.m.: Amis du Teche (Louisiana)
10:45-11:45 a.m.: Acadiana Symphony Youth Orchestra ft. The Magnolia Sisters (Louisiana)
12:15-1:30 p.m.: Blue Monday Allstars (Louisiana)
2-3:15 p.m.: RAM (Haiti)
3:45-5:15 p.m.: Lafayette1823.org Presents: A Celebration of Zydeco ft. Rockin' Dopsie Jr. and special guests (Louisiana)
5:45-7 p.m.: Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba(Mali)
7:30-8:45 p.m.: JP Bimeni & the Black Belts (Burundi/UK/Louisiana)

Gregory Harrington, an accomplished violinist from Ireland, joined News15 at Noon to share the details on his upcoming performance at the Acadiana Center For The Arts. Harrington performs Sunday at 3PM. Tickets are on sale now!

According to Executive Director Dana Baker for Acadiana Symphony Orchestra (ASO), Acadiana Center for the Arts (ACA) will host the Symphony on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 7 pm to present Love, Sax & Tango - A Cultural Revolution. The Valentine's Day event will incorporate a relatively new concept in classical music that challenges orchestral norms: saxophone as the focal point of the concert. Karèn Devroop, South Africa's leading saxophonist, will join the Symphony to perform a romantic collection of tango and other love songs composed by visionaries like Astor Piazzolla and George Gershwin, as well as the guest artist himself. Tickets are on sale now.

Virginia Luque plays classical and flamenco music in a Spanish romantic style, combining extraordinary technical virtuosity, with beautiful tone and musicianship. She recently recorded Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with the London Symphony Orchestra, at Abbey Road Studios.

ASYO Music Director & Conductor, Dragos Filip discusses the youth orchestra and their performance with the Symphony for the annual Christmas concert, at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.

Acadiana Symphony Orchestra is going to catapult you into the spirit of the season with an amazing Christmas Concert.

Every year, the Acadiana Symphony brings generations together with the sounds of the season at its annual Christmas Concert, this year scheduled for December 13th. The theme - "Do You Hear What I Hear" - pairs the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra with guest artist Christopher "Burris" Hochkeppel.

ASO Marketing & Communication Manager Alicia Zeringue, and Education Director, Michael Zeek discuss the organization's upcoming Christmas concert.

Mimi and ASO Executive Director, Dana Baker talk about their initial connection years ago, how the ASO started, and events that are coming up!

From The 705: Dana Baker, Executive Director of the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, is no stranger to Live Events, Concerts and Nonprofits. Chief Memory Maker of her own event planning company, Baker Girl Social Club she boasts an extensive background with Lafayette's own Festival International and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from the University of Louisiana - Lafayette.

ASO Marketing & Communications Manager, Alicia Zeringue discusses the organization's 2022 Christmas concert at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.

ASO Marketing & Communications Manager, Alicia Zeringue sits down with KRVS General Manager, Cheryl Devall, to talk about ASO's 38th season, Turning Points, and Symphony in the Sky.

Acadiana Symphony Orchestra's Symphony in the Sky is back for its fifth year on Tuesday, October 18, with Symphony Night Fever - an evening of disco's greatest hits, performed by the Symphony and local guest vocalists, on top of the Vermilion Street parking garage, in downtown Lafayette, at 5:30pm.

What do you get when you cross a "Star Wars" fan and a music fan? The perfect patron for this awesome concert being planned by the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are on sale now for "Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert", the first Masterworks performance of the season from the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. The concert is set for Thursday, September 22 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.

In a new collaboration launching this fall, the Acadiana Center for the Arts and the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra present The Listening Room Chamber Music Series-offering experiences of high quality symphonic music in intimate settings. For these concerts, the ACA's Devin Moncus Theater is converted into a parlor environment, setting the stage (literally) for exciting performances of classic musical works performed by traveling ensembles and musicians from around the world.

This season, the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra is pleased to offer 7 Masterworks concerts, as well as 4 NEW chamber music concerts, as part of ASO & AcA's NEW series, The Listening Room.

What's a "listening room"? I'm glad you asked because this one is easy to explain. A listening room can be one of two things. First, it can be a dedicated space in your home or office optimally designed for listening to music. The quality of the room can vary, from a simple small room with a simple audio source to acoustically-designed rooms with multiple speakers, sound-deadening features, and a top-of-the-line audio source. The other kind of listening room is the kind of which we speak in this article. It is a music venue where patrons understand that the music comes first. No cell phones, no talking, no moving around during the performance: the music is not only the main event, but it's also the ONLY event.

ASO and AcA are pleased to premier their new chamber music series, with a presentation of the most famous chamber pieces, written by the biggest stars of the 19th Century European salons - Frédéric Chopin and Franz Schubert.

Nearly 15,000 elementary students within the Lafayette Parish School System will have an opportunity to experience the arts through the "Arts Experiences for All" program in the upcoming school year that begins in August.
In a presentation during the July 13 school board meeting, LPSS' Art Supervisor Paget Guidry said the Primary Academy and Creative Experience program would be expanded to include grades Pre-K through 5th grade to fulfill a vision of providing every student in those grade levels the opportunity to receive in-school and off-campus experiences in all art forms.

Acadiana Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has announced its 38th season premiere and if you are a Star Wars fan, this is something you won't want to miss. ASO's 38th season, Turning Points, will premiere with a complete screening of the 1977 blockbuster film, Star Wars: A New Hope.

The only good thing about something coming to an end is when it ends with a bang! That's exactly what the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra has planned for its 37th Season: "Live with the Symphony: The Soundtrack of Our Lives". The season ends on May 8th with a special Mother's Day performance.

Spring was in the air and hats were everywhere as the Acadiana Symphony's premier fundraiser made its debut back on the scene after a two-year hiatus thanks to COVID. The festive brunch and fashion show, presented by the Eddy Knight Family Foundation, was Monday, April 4 at Le Pavillon in Lafayette. This was the 30th annual event hosted by the Acadiana Symphony Women's League, a sub-committee of Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. In true Mad Hatters tradition, the style show included local clothing boutiques showcasing the latest and greatest spring fashions.

It's an amazingly fun tradition and it continues this Monday, April 4 after a two-year hiatus because of COVID. Thirty years of Mad Hatter's Brunch and Style show is all about supporting the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra which is hosted by the Acadiana Symphony Women's League to get children involved in the symphony. The event includes an amazing style show along with a wonderful lunch and the most amazing hats you have ever seen. But most importantly this event supports all of the youth programs of the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra.

Summer is quickly approaching, and the question "What are we going to do with the kids this summer?" has an easy answer. The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra's Summer Camps! Early bird registration for Acadiana Symphony Orchestra's 2022 Summer Camps is open now, and until April 1st, you'll be able to save up to $200

The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra in Lafayette raised more than $12,000 in less than a week to support Ukrainian people who live in regions targeted by the Russian invasion. According to Executive Director Dana Baker, the ASO has received donations from 92 people from nine cities in Louisiana, including Lafayette, Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, Arnaudville, Crowley, Kaplan, Baton Rouge, and Hammond, for a total of $12,654.48 as of Friday morning.

Marta Turianska is part of the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. Her family is part of the Ukrainian revolt against Russia. She says she speaks to her family in Ukraine daily as they describe the horrors of their everyday life. "It's crazy. For me, it's just evil," Turianska told News 10. For 12 days now, Turianska's family has been fighting for their home. On the phone with them, she hears the bombs, the sirens, and the military tanks and planes all around them.

The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and Conservatory of Music is reaching out to the community to help Ukrainian musicians who make up the symphony's family. On Friday, ASO asked for help and support to raise funds for three Ukrainian musicians who have worked with the orchestra for several years. They say these musicians, for nearly twenty years combined, have lived, worked, spent their money, and contributed to the Acadiana community.

The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra on Friday launched an online fundraising initiative to support three of its musicians who are originally from Ukraine and whose families live in the regions targeted by the Russian invasion. A post on the symphony's website reads: "Although our musicians are proud of their families for their strength and their courageous choice to defend their home, they are terrified for their safety."

Marta Turianska, a Ukrainian violinist at the Acadiana Symphony in Lafayette, was not checking the news when a friend from church texted, she was praying for her country. Turianska's life changed in minutes. When she turned on the news, she saw reports of the first explosions in Kyiv as Russia began the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.

If you are looking for something different to do for Valentine's Day, consider an evening of great music! The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra is presenting two intimate, back-to-back concerts on Valentine's Day with guest artist Scott Mulvahill. The performances Track 5 of the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra's 37th Season, Live with the Symphony: The Soundtrack of Your Life.

The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra's Christmas concert, a beloved holiday tradition in Acadiana, dazzled symphony fans at one of the most anticipated concerts this year. The ASO performed live with an audience at the Heymann Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Dec. 16, for the first time since March 2020. ASO's Christmas concert, Track 4: A Sleigh Ride Together, featured special guests Zachary Richard and the Acadiana Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Have you ever wanted to get a close-up and personal view of the inside of some of the nicest homes in Acadiana? Well, here's your chance - all while helping a great cause. Deck the Halls: A Christmas Home Tour is happening on Dec. 5. It's a holiday-themed fundraiser that supports the Acadiana Symphony Youth Orchestra's programs. The self-guided tour allows you to view the inside of four stunning homes in the famed Le Triomphe subdivision in Broussard.

The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra is holding its 3rd concert of the 37th season Friday, November 19, 2021. The title of this season is LIVE With the Symphony: The Soundtrack of Your Life, Volume 37.
The 3rd concert is titled "Track 3: A Walk to Remember", and it begins at 7 pm at St.
Pius X Catholic Church on Kaliste Saloom in Lafayette.

ASO is pleased to welcome Jillian Bradley to its team. As the new Director of Fund Development, Jillian will lead the organization's fundraising objectives, dedicating her time to advancing development strategies that align with ASO's organizational strategic goals.

When you attend a symphony performance, one would be very surprised to have a marching band show up. That is the exact response the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra was hoping for. Earlier this week, the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra held its "Symphony in the Sky", an annual performance held on top of the Downtown Lafayette parking garage. Alfresco. In the open air. Outside. Not indoors. (You get the picture.)

Symphony in the Sky has returned to Lafayette for the fourth year after being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra hosted the annual performance at the top of the Vermilion Street parking garage Tuesday night. The performance offered a unique performance of popular music, while attendees enjoyed good food and a great view of the city's downtown area at the same time. It also serves as a major fundraiser for the symphony.

Symphony in the Sky is back! After putting off the event due to the pandemic, the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra is bringing back one of Acadiana's favorite live performances to Downtown Lafayette. So, whether you're a 'son of a preacher man', feeling 'like a natural woman', or somewhere in between - you're gonna LOVE this year's Symphony in the Sky, honoring Aretha Franklin. The night will include sunset cocktails, pre party music provided by DJ Digital, and tacos from Tula Taco. Proceeds benefit ASO's music education programs.

After several months of postponed or canceled events, it's great to have live music back. Especially when the event is held in a VERY COOL venue! Symphony in the Sky is back LIVE from the rooftop of the Vermilion Street parking garage, Downtown Lafayette, Tuesday, Oct. 26. It's an evening of music, city views and food to support the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra's music education programs.

The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra is holding its 2nd concert of the 37th season Friday, October 8, 2021. The title of this season is LIVE With the Symphony: The Soundtrack of Your Life, Volume 37. (It's ASO's 37th season.) The 2nd concert is titled "Track 2: Untitled", and it begins at 7 pm at Acadiana Center for the Arts in Downtown Lafayette.

Acadiana Symphony Orchestra announced the hiring of a new staff member in September, to lead the organization in achieving its marketing and communications objectives. ASO is pleased to welcome Alicia Zeringue, who will dedicate her time to promoting the symphony's performances, educational programs and special events, as well as work to enhance ASO's community presence, and bolster its longstanding reputation of inspiring culture and driving economic development through music.

The boys (and girls) are back in town! The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra will be performing its first show of the 2021 season tomorrow night, its first concert in front of a live audience in 18 months.