ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
TO PERFORM FREE BENEFIT CONCERT
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, AT 7 PM

"Music of Recovery, Healing & Hope" -
Concert Proceeds to be Donated to American Red Cross
to Assist Disaster Relief Efforts Following Terrorist Attacks

ATLANTA - - The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra today announced they will perform a special, free concert on Sunday, September 30, at 7 pm in Atlanta Symphony Hall to benefit the Red Cross' efforts to aid the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. New Music Director Robert Spano, along with the ASO conducting staff, will lead the ASO and the ASO Chorus in an evening of uplifting and healing music. The evening will also feature readings by notable community leaders Governor Roy Barnes and former UN Ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young.

"Our goal is simple, do our part to help and provide a special evening of music that speaks to the heart in this challenging time," said ASO President Allison Vulgamore.

The program will include Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man and Lincoln Portrait and Barber's Adagio for Strings with selections from Mozart's Requiem. Maestro Robert Spano will narrate "Lincoln Portrait", former UN Ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young will read selections written by Walt Whitman and Governor Roy Barnes will read selections by Thomas Paine.

The concert is free to the public. No tickets are necessary. This concert was made possible with generous support from BellSouth. Donations for the American Red Cross will be taken at the door. The concert will be simulcast in the Galleria. For more information call the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office at 404-733-5000 or log on to www.atlantasymphony.org.

ABOUT THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA:
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is one of the youngest American orchestras to achieve prominence on the global stage. Now in its 57th season, the ASO has earned 18 Grammys and is the Southeast's largest arts organization. The ASO recently appointed Robert Spano as Music Director and Donald Runnicles as Principal Guest Conductor. Their partnership clearly signals a dynamic, new era for the ASO and an enlightening experience for Atlanta music lovers.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS:
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by the voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. To help the victims of this and other disasters, contributions can by made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 404-876-3706, 1-800-HELP-NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting www.redcrossatlanta.org. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may also be sent to: American Red Cross, P.O. Box 101590, Atlanta, GA 30392.