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Off the Record 2011

Celebrating the classics

Austin Pictures: A celebration of art, music and film

There is an event brewing like no other ever produced in Austin. It’s an event that any fan of music, art, and/or film will appreciate.

It's called Austin Pictures and it's a massive collaboration of artists for one night of celebration featuring Austin Symphony Conductor Peter Bay, the Miro String Quartet, classical guitar genius Jorge Caballero, a new work by composer Joseph Williams II, a 150-member classical guitar orchestra, paintings by 11 distinguished young Austin artists and a film about their work.

The Austin Classical Guitar Society (ACGS) is the force behind his massive effort unfolding on October 1st at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater.

Now don’t stop reading just because you saw the world “classical.” Trust me, the ACGS (which is world renowned, by the way) is on to something really cool and original. It's so unique the Alamo Drafthouse is helping to produce it, KLRU is filming it for air and KMFA 89.5 FM will be broadcasting it live.

The night will begin with the premiere of Austin Pictures composed by John Williams II. Maestro Peter Bay will lead the Miro String Quartet and 150 middle school and high school guitarists from Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico through five movements: Hill Country, Floating on Lady Bird Lake, Dance of the Grackles, Violet Crown with Cicadas and Capital City Construction.

The evening will also include a solo performance by Peruvian guitarist Jorge Caballero. Alone, he will play Pictures at an Exhibition, said to be one of the most famous orchestral pieces of all time and the inspiration behind Austin Pictures. It's made up of 11 musical themes that will come to life on canvas thanks to area high school artists commissioned to translate the music into art. There will also be a short film about the student's work and experiences produced by film students at McCallum High School.

“The event highlights and encourages these diverse talents by placing them on the stage of Austin’s newest state-of-the-art theater," said ACGS Executive Director Matthew Hinsley. "Through innovation and partnership, the Austin Classical Guitar Society’s Austin Pictures will encourage an artistically rich lifestyle for everyone it reaches."

Even if you're not a classical arts aficionado (and I fall into that category) it's impossible not to be inspired by the effort being put forth by so many artists and members of our community, to showcase the remarkable talent that exists in our area. In an effort to give you better insight into the significance of this evening, ACGS has put together a series of interviews with the key players involved. Below are interviews conducted by Matthew Hinsley with Alamo Drafthouse Founder Tim League, the Miro Quartet, Maestro Peter Bay, and composer Joseph Williams II.

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