May 15, 2025
Contact: Melanie McCraney
melanie@McCraneyPR.com
(205) 910-1323
Alabama Symphony Orchestra Announces Return of Symphony in the Summer at Railroad Park
Three Nights of Free Outdoor Concerts in the Heart of Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the much anticipated Symphony in the Summer, a beloved Birmingham tradition offering three nights of free, open-air performances in the beautiful setting of Railroad Park.
The series will take place Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 23 through Sunday, May 25 at 7:30 pm nightly, with each evening presenting a distinct musical experience, curated to delight audiences of all ages.
“Symphony in the Summer is our gift to the city,” said Mark Patrick, President of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. “Each performance explores a fresh perspective of the depth of orchestral music. Audiences have an opportunity to enjoy pieces ranging from symphonic classics to patriotic favorites and even a medley of show tunes, including a piece from Wicked.”
The tradition of free summer concerts by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra spans more than 40 years. Since 2011, these performances have found their home at Railroad Park, where they’ve entertained over 130,000 people and become a cherished annual gathering for music lovers throughout the region.
Concert Lineup:
Friday, May 23 – Carlos Izcaray, conductor:
- Izcaray– Puebla
- Tchaikovsky– Suite from Sleeping Beauty
- Beethoven– Symphony No. 5
Saturday, May 24 – Daniel Cho, conductor:
- Humperdinck– Prelude to Hansel and Gretel
- Coleridge-Taylor – Petite suite de concert
- Dvorak – Symphony No.7
Sunday, May 25 – Chris Confessore, conductor:
- Smith– The Star-Spangled Banner,
- Lowden- Armed Forces Salute
- Ward– America the Beautiful
- Williams- Superman March
- Berlin– Irving Berlin : A Symphonic Portrait
- Menken- Overture to Beauty and the Beast
- Powell– How to Train your Dragon
- Newley- “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
- Menken – “Out There” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- Schwartz- Highlights from Wicked
- arr. Waldin Abba Medley
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets to enjoy an unforgettable weekend of world-class music — all in a family-friendly, festival atmosphere. Guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages into the park, but there is bar service available from vendors on the premises.
For more information, visit www.alabamasymphony.org or follow the ASO on social media for updates and program details.
Symphony in the Summer is made possible thanks to the generous support of community sponsors and partners who share the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s mission of changing lives through music by entertaining, educating, and inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Thank you to Dale’s Seasoning, Joe Piper, Inc., Holle Family Foundation, Home Instead, Honda, Michael’s Restaurant, The City of Birmingham, Representative Jim Carns, and Alabama Tourism Department.
About the Alabama Symphony Orchestra:
The ASO serves nearly 100,000 individuals a year through concert series, youth programs, and educational and community engagement efforts to fulfill our mission to change lives through music. The 53 talented musicians of the ASO bring to life some of the world’s most treasured musical masterpieces and introduce listeners to exciting new works and composers, performing 100 concerts annually.