BIRMINGHAM, Ala (WIAT) — It was a historic night at the Carver Theatre Thursday as the Alabama Symphony Orchestra took the stage to perform for the first time at the venue since 1935.
Leah Tucker, executive director at the Carver Theatre, described the performance as history in the making as it's a first-time collaboration between the orchestra and theater after nearly 100 years.
The venue, known for its history as a movie house and hub for nightlife in Birmingham's Black Business District. In the last few years, the theater has undergone major changes, putting on additional programming following a $5 million renovation project.
"I think we're making history because we're bring their patrons together with our patrons," Tucker said. "This just adds to our programming and adds to the type of performances that we're going to have and promoting."
The performance consisted of three sets of concertos, including the world premiere of "Birmingham Concerto No. 1" composed by Birmingham native Brian Nabors.
"It's a joy to come back and to always be able to not only give back but to be a part of everything," Nabors said. "It's interesting because I get to infuse a lot of Jazz, R&B, Neo Soul with what I grew up with these older instruments so it's really exciting."
That excitement was felt throughout the theatre by the attendees and the musicians contributing to the great show.
"I think this performance for us has been in the works for quit a long time. I think it's really fitting to be doing a concert that is sort of a love letter to the city of Birmingham to hopefully start our relationship with the Carver," said Valerie Sly, principal horn player with the ASO.
The Carver performance kicked off the season for the ASO, which has two more concerts scheduled in January and March.