City: Albuquerque, NM

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (505) 881-8999

Address: 4407 Menaul NE

Description: In 2007 the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra celebrated its 75th anniversary as a major Albuquerque cultural institution. An estimated 130,000 people attend New Mexico Symphony Orchestra performances each year, and the orchestra is the state’s largest year-round performing arts organization, with around 100 musicians and staff. Over half of its annual performances are given in and around Albuquerque. The season runs from September to May, and its main home is Popejoy Hall, where most of its Classics Series and Pops Series concerts are performed. Classics matinees are also presented at the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Journal Theatre. The orchestra has been performing pops concerts since 1935; programs include movie music, best of Broadway, jazz, and rock. In the spring the Symphony Under the Stars outdoor concerts at the Rio Grande Zoo are a family favorite. The orchestra has evolved since it began as the Albuquerque Civic Symphony in 1932, giving its first concert in UNM’s Carlisle Gymnasium. It became the Albuquerque Symphony Orchestra in 1966, growing its reputation and performance quality under Musical Director Maurice Bonney and featuring an increasing number of highly regarded soloists. Finally, after Governor Jerry Apodaca declared it the official orchestra of the State of New Mexico in 1976, it changed its name to New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. It’s wise to buy tickets in advance for all performances, at the Web site, by phone, or at the box office at 4407 Menaul NE. However, tickets are available at the door 45 minutes in advance of performances, if there are seats remaining.