The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs under music director Robert Spano and principal guest conductor Donald Runnicles. Complementing the orchestra is the 200-voice Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, enabling performances of large-scale symphonic/choral works. The season runs from September to May in the Woodruff Arts Center, and there are summer concerts in Chastain Park Amphitheatre and in various parks and churches.

The ASO's annual schedule is extensive. The main offering is the Master Season Series. Master Season concerts, held on selected Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings in the plush 1,762-seat Atlanta Symphony Hall, feature renowned guest artists such as violinist Robert McDuffie, cellist Marin Alsop, pianist Olli Mustonen, soprano Sylvia McNair, and mezzo-soprano Susan Graham. Also held during the season is a series of Sunday afternoon Family Concerts geared to children, Casual Classics on selected Saturday afternoons, holiday concerts during the Christmas season, and a tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr., in mid-January.

The ASO's Classic Chastain Series concerts are held in the 7,000-seat Chastain Park Amphitheatre from June to August. All except lawn seating is reserved. It's customary to bring elaborate picnics and wine to these events. The series features headliners such as Tony Bennett and Natalie Cole performing with the ASO. There are also free concerts in parks throughout the Atlanta area on summer evenings. These run the gamut from full symphony performances to light classical repertoires.

Note: At press time plans were underway for the construction of a $240 million Atlanta Symphony Center in Midtown.