The cultural landscape of Vero Beach is set to flourish this year as the Atlantic Classical Orchestra (ACO) unveils its highly anticipated 36th season. Under the leadership of Music Director David Amado, the orchestra has curated a “soaring repertoire” designed to take audiences on a journey through jazz-infused classics, Russian masterworks, and innovative contemporary pieces.
This season promises a blend of beloved standards and intellectual engagement, hosted primarily at the Community Church of Vero Beach. From the influence of African-American traditions on Western music to a unique symphonic metamorphosis involving live piano demonstrations, this year’s lineup is remarkably diverse.
Masterworks Series Highlights
The season’s Masterworks Series kicks off in January and runs through April, featuring four distinct programs:
January 22: Borrowed & Blue
The season opens with a rhythmic exploration of how African and African-American musical traditions influenced global composers. Featuring pianist Tao Lin, the evening includes Kurt Weill’s jazz-inspired suite from Three Penny Opera and George Gershwin’s iconic Porgy and Bess Symphonic Picture.
“Many of the tunes from the ‘Three Penny Opera’ became jazz standards. ‘Mack the Knife’ is probably the most famous one. It’s sort of incredible. This is what was going on in Berlin, but we identify it with American jazz.” — David Amado, ACO Music Director
Between these jazz-influenced giants, the orchestra will perform Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 5, known as the “Egyptian,” written during the composer’s travels along the Nile.
February 12: Into the Night
The second concert takes a turn toward the dramatic with works by Russian masters. Violinist Hina Khuong-Huu, winner of the Elmar Oliveira Violin Competition, will join the orchestra for Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2. The program also features the Rimsky-Korsakov arrangement of Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain and closes with Tchaikovsky’s enchanting The Sleeping Beauty Suite.
March 12: Town and Country
Spring brings a celebration of American landscapes and pastoral serenity. This concert highlights ACO Concertmaster Leonid Sigal and Cellist Julian Schwarz. A centerpiece of the evening is Finding Religion, a 2018 work by young composer Paul Frucht, which Amado describes as “beautiful” and “approachable.” The program is bookended by Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite (performed in its original, intimate 13-instrument configuration) and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 (“Pastorale”).
April 9: Themes and Variations
The Masterworks finale spotlights local talent, with ACO Principal Horn Karen Schubert performing Mozart’s Concerto No. 4. The program also includes Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn. In a unique twist for the second half, Music Director David Amado will step away from the podium to play the piano alongside Tao Lin. They will perform Weber’s original piano duets before the orchestra plays Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis of those very themes, allowing the audience to hear the evolution of the music in real-time.
Chamber Series and Special Events
Beyond the main stage, the ACO is continuing its partnership with the Vero Beach Museum of Art for the Chamber Music Series. These intimate concerts will be held at the VBMA Leonhardt Auditorium at 3 p.m. on the following dates:
Additionally, the Vero Friends of ACO will host their annual Benefit Concert on January 12 at the Orchid Island Beach Club. This special event begins at 4:30 p.m. and features a “Violin Virtuosity Concert” followed by a cocktail reception.
Ticket and Venue Information
All Masterworks Series concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the Community Church of Vero Beach. Residents and visitors interested in experiencing this season’s ambitious musical offerings can find more information or purchase tickets by visiting the Atlantic Classical Orchestra website or calling their box office directly.
