The Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the Birmingham Zoo are coming together on Sunday, October 5, at 5 p.m. for a roaring good time as they present “Symphony Goes Wild.” If you’ve ever wondered what the zoo animals are like “after hours,” this one’s for you! The family-friendly concert, sponsored by the Linn-Henley Charitable Trust, will feature a live performance of beloved animal-inspired orchestral works by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO), conducted by ASO Associate Conductor Daniel Cho—but that’s not all! The pre-concert activities will also include a visit to the real-life ambassador animals, the reptile exhibit, and the Alabama Wilds barn. Did I mention the face painting and interactive “instrument petting zoo”?
“The ASO is excited about this extraordinary opportunity to bring the community together with two foundational organizations in Birmingham,” states Mark Patrick, President of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. “Our mission is to provide music to the whole community, and partnering with the Birmingham Zoo allows us to create an experience that is both inspiring and accessible for all ages.” The ASO, around since 1933, has been providing moving pieces of music to Birmingham—no monkey business, just some great music!
“Partnering with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra is an ideal match,” says Chris Pfefferkorn, President & CEO of the Birmingham Zoo. “Our Zoo has always been a place of discovery, and this event allows us to expand that spirit through the power of music and the love for animals. It’s a one-of-a-kind evening we know our guests will never forget,” he shares. The performance will be one of many of the zoo’s ongoing 70th anniversary celebrations.
There are multiple ticket varieties, all already available to purchase online. If you’re looking to lounge on the lawn with a folding blanket (or maybe a foldable chair), general admission is for you ($15 for children, $20 for adults). Be sure to preorder a grab-and-go meal from Nourish 205 if you want to make it dinner and a show. Don’t worry, though—if you’re still hungry, concessions will be open all night.
The next level up for tickets is the VIP Silver ($125 per person), which starts off with a pre-concert reception filled with delicious food and an open bar. There will be limited reserved seating available in the plaza overlooking Henley Lawn, as well as a meet-and-greet with the talented ASO musicians.
You know what they say, though: Go for the Gold! The VIP Gold ticket ($200 per person) includes an exclusive pre-concert reception with multiple savory food stations and an open bar. Don’t worry about saving a seat; you’ll watch the performance from reserved balcony seating overlooking Henley Lawn. Not only can you meet the ASO musicians, you’ll also be able to talk with Music Director Carlos Izcaray and enjoy a post-concert Q&A with ASO Associate Conductor Daniel Cho. There are only twenty-six Gold tickets available, so don’t wait to buy yours!
Make sure to have your ticket on hand (print or digital) when you arrive, because they’re required for entry. Tickets are non-refundable, so make sure you go ahead and mark your calendar for the night of October 5 now. To buy tickets or learn more, visit the Birmingham Zoo’s website.
