AUSTIN, Texas — From timeless classics to Broadway favorites and even movie magic, the Austin Symphony Orchestra is making February a month to remember for music lovers.

Sierra Waggoner sat down with Music Director and Conductor Peter Bay to get a closer look at what audiences can expect from the orchestra’s Masterworks and Pops Series this season.

{p}Sierra Waggoner sat down with Music Director and Conductor Peter Bay to get a closer look at what audiences can expect from the orchestra’s Masterworks and Pops Series this season.{/p}

Sierra Waggoner sat down with Music Director and Conductor Peter Bay to get a closer look at what audiences can expect from the orchestra’s Masterworks and Pops Series this season.

Classical music enthusiasts will be delighted by the Masterworks Series, which blends traditional pieces with iconic works inspired by literature. Bay explained the inspiration behind the opening program. “The Masterworks Series kicks off with West Side Story, which, of course, is based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. To open the program, we have music inspired by Shakespeare from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, written by Felix Mendelssohn many years ago,” he said.

Classical music enthusiasts will be delighted by the Masterworks Series, which blends traditional pieces with iconic works inspired by literature. Bay explained the inspiration behind the opening program. “The Masterworks Series kicks off with West Side Story, which, of course, is based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. To open the program, we have music inspired by Shakespeare from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, written by Felix Mendelssohn many years ago,” he said. Courtesy: Austin Symphony Orchestra

Classical music enthusiasts will be delighted by the Masterworks Series, which blends traditional pieces with iconic works inspired by literature. Bay explained the inspiration behind the opening program. “The Masterworks Series kicks off with West Side Story, which, of course, is based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. To open the program, we have music inspired by Shakespeare from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, written by Felix Mendelssohn many years ago,” he said. Courtesy: Austin Symphony Orchestra

Adding to the evening’s allure, the orchestra will feature a world-class soloist. “Between these pieces, we have an incredible cellist named Annie Jacobs Perkins, who’s going to play a wonderful work called Schelomo, which is the Hebrew word for King Solomon. She’s a remarkable artist. I met her a few years ago when she came to Austin. She works with painters, dancers, and even cheesemongers — all while playing her cello!” Bay said.

. “Between these pieces, we have an incredible cellist named Annie Jacobs Perkins, who’s going to play a wonderful work called Schelomo, which is the Hebrew word for King Solomon. She’s a remarkable artist. I met her a few years ago when she came to Austin. She works with painters, dancers, and even cheesemongers — all while playing her cello!” Bay said. Courtesy: Austin Symphony Orchestra

. “Between these pieces, we have an incredible cellist named Annie Jacobs Perkins, who’s going to play a wonderful work called Schelomo, which is the Hebrew word for King Solomon. She’s a remarkable artist. I met her a few years ago when she came to Austin. She works with painters, dancers, and even cheesemongers — all while playing her cello!” Bay said. Courtesy: Austin Symphony Orchestra

For those who love a mix of classical and contemporary, the Pops Series is the perfect introduction. It brings movies, Broadway, and even video games to life with a live orchestral soundtrack. “Masterworks is primarily classical music, but as you hear, West Side Story crosses over to Broadway and film. For example, not this weekend, but the following weekend, we are screening Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, while the orchestra performs the soundtrack live. Later this year, we have a video game program where the orchestra will play favorite game music, and the games will be displayed on a large screen above the orchestra,” Bay said.

Performing live alongside films requires precision and coordination. Bay gave a peek behind the scenes at how the orchestra stays perfectly in sync. “We all have earpieces with a click track, like a metronome, to keep the tempo and coordinate with the film. I also have a TV monitor in front of me to stay perfectly in sync with the movie,” he said.

Tickets are available directly from the Austin Symphony Orchestra website, ensuring fans get the best prices and seating options. “Please go to austinsymphony.org. Do not go to Ticketmaster or StubHub, as they tend to upcharge. You can also call (512) 476-6064. We have wonderful people ready to help you with tickets and seating,” Bay said.

{p}Tickets are available directly from the Austin Symphony Orchestra website, ensuring fans get the best prices and seating options. “Please go to austinsymphony.org. Do not go to Ticketmaster or StubHub, as they tend to upcharge. You can also call (512) 476-6064. We have wonderful people ready to help you with tickets and seating,” Bay said.{/p}

Tickets are available directly from the Austin Symphony Orchestra website, ensuring fans get the best prices and seating options. “Please go to austinsymphony.org. Do not go to Ticketmaster or StubHub, as they tend to upcharge. You can also call (512) 476-6064. We have wonderful people ready to help you with tickets and seating,” Bay said.

With everything from Shakespeare-inspired classics to cinematic and video game favorites, the Austin Symphony Orchestra is making it easy for audiences to enjoy music in a way that’s fun, accessible, and unforgettable.