By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The performing arts center at the new Thompson High School will welcome one of its first major events in mid-September, as the Alabama Symphony Orchestra is set to perform a concert there.

The ASO will hold a concert beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 18, in the newly constructed performing arts center at the new high school on Warrior Parkway. Although admission is free, guests must have a ticket to attend, as the concert will have reserved seating.

“We are proud of our new Performing Arts Center and are excited for the community to see it,” said Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers. “We’ve been planning this event for a long time and look forward to welcoming ASO to our stage.”

Before the concert begins, guests will be able to arrive at 6 p.m. to hear the THS jazz band and Madrigals choir, and will be able to walk through the halls around the arts classrooms to see the students’ work.

“Having the Alabama Symphony Orchestra playing in Alabaster is a huge event for our kids and our community,” said Alabaster Board of Education President Adam Moseley. “This is the first of many events that this new facility will help bring to our city. It allows our kids to have such a wide range of experiences right here in our community.”

The Symphony plans a diverse yet familiar program for its first-ever concert in Alabaster. Guests will hear patriotic tunes, well-known Classical and Romantic themes, and modern selections from American composers, according to Alabaster Arts Council Director of Media and Artist Relations Jamie Cole.

“The program was carefully selected to entertain and move audiences while also perhaps introducing some new music,” Cole said. “The Arts Council is planning more events for this venue, but we can’t think of a better way to kick off our involvement with the new Performing Arts Center.”

Tickets are available now by visiting the Performing Arts Center box office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. weekdays, and are first-come, first-serve. Guests can also reserve tickets online to print at home by visiting alabastercityfest.com/aso. Any remaining tickets will be available the evening of the event, but those planning to attend should be advised that the concert is reserved seating and tickets may run out.

“The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to perform for the grand opening of the Thompson High School Performing Arts Center,” said Seth Noble, director of artistic administration for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. “We thank Alabaster City Schools for this invitation and are eager to share our mission of ‘changing lives through music’ with the city of Alabaster and Shelby County.”