Variety is the key word when it comes to describing the new season as Allentown’s historic Miller Symphony Hall marks its 125th anniversary.

Originally named the Lyric Theatre when it opened its doors in 1899 and home to the Allentown Symphony Orchestra (ASO), the building has transformed itself from an indoor market into the premier theatre that exists today and is enjoyed by thousands of people each year.

The ASO recently announced its 2024-25 concert season, which includes pieces from the likes of Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, Louis Armstrong and William Grant Still as well as the celebrated film music of John Williams, and the rock and roll of Billy Joel and Chicago accompanied by the full orchestra.

I recently spoke with Diane Wittry (musical director / conductor), Al Jacobsen (executive director) and Lori Beneyton (marketing director) about the anniversary and what to expect from this exciting new season.

Q: This year not only marks the 125th anniversary of Miller Symphony Hall but also Wittry’s 30th season as musical director and conductor. What thoughts come to mind when you think about these milestones?

Diane Wittry: For me, what comes to mind is how far we’ve come as an organization and orchestra as well as the addition of different types of concerts and our outreach to schools and the partnerships with the community we’ve built and maintained. We’ve met every challenge along the way and continue to grow. It’s been very exciting.

Al Jacobsen: The theater opened in 1899 and the orchestra itself dates back to 1951, so when I think about the milestone I think about some of the amazing performances and artists that have graced the stage like Duke Ellington, John Phillip Sousa and his band, The Marx Brothers before they made it big, and speakers like Booker T. Washington and President Teddy Roosevelt.

Read the rest of my Morning Call Interview by Clicking Here.