Shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra did something that many feared might not happen — they walked on stage for opening night.
Dressed in tails and black dresses, the musicians were followed on stage by conductor Robert Spano.
The crowd roared, giving them an extended standing ovation that lasted nearly a minute. Spano then opened the 2012-2013 season — considered to be in doubt, with the just-finished lockout — with a rousing version of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” as the audience sang along.
“I am glad the audience welcomed the symphony back. And the singing of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’? Magnificent,” said George Lopos, who along with his wife, Linda, have been ASO subscribers since 2005. “There was a little more investment tonight of the audience. We were glad to see them on the stage, because we were worried that this wouldn’t happen.”
Joined by violin virtuoso Midori, the ASO kicked off a new season at Symphony Hall before a sold-out, albeit not full, crowd, who received cards as they walked to their seats that said, “Thank you from the musicians. Your support makes our music possible.”
But unlike other years, this year’s opening came at a cost. Less than two weeks ago, the players and ASO management settled a bitter labor dispute that saw, as part of a new two-year contract, musicians take significant pay cuts, among other concessions.
The work stoppage threatened the start of the season, and its end left a bitter taste in the mouths of some musicians.
“They are reducing their livelihood. I’d be angry,” said audience member Heather Bowles of Chamblee, adding that she understood the musicians’ unhappiness. “I’d be more than angry. I’d be agitated.”
Even with a new contract in hand, the orchestra still faces a potential $20 million deficit and a $5 million annual shortfall. ASO officials believe the salary cuts will account for half of that annual shortfall, with the other half coming from more aggressive fundraising.
But on Thursday night — at least for two hours — it was all about Midori, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.
Spelman College organist Joyce Johnson, who attended with her husband, Aaron, was literally beaming at the chance to hear the musicians again. The couple was hosting Dean Jamieson, president of the American Guild of Organists, and his wife, Lela, who were in town from Seattle. The Jamiesons couldn’t find seats together, but that was fine by them.
“It felt like I was on stage with Midori,” Jamieson said. “It was so beautiful.”
For Milt Shlapak, who has been a subscriber for “35-40 years,” opening night was a chance to put on his favorite tux.
“I was concerned for everyone, especially the musicians, during this difficult time,” he said. “Everyone is not happy, but I am looking forward to a season of great performances.”
Leading up to the opening, there had been some concerns that the musicians would not be as sharp, since they started rehearsals a couple of days late.
But the audience roared with approval at the end of each piece.
At the end of the concert, Spano, who had been silent throughout the lockout, excitedly greeted people outside the Woodruff Arts Center.
“I feel great to be with my orchestra,” he told a reporter.
Asked if he felt the orchestra performed well, he continued to shake hands and hug fans, before replying, “Yes. Absolutely.”
But Midori was more restrained in her comments.
“I enjoyed playing,” she told a reporter as she stood in the lobby signing autographs and taking pictures with people.
Asked whether the orchestra played well, she said, “You’re putting me in a very difficult position.”
Her handlers then led her away.
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