Austin Civic Orchestra presents Parts of the Whole

Austin Civic Orchestra brings its annual chamber concert, Parts of the Whole, to Abiding Love Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 17. It's the second show of the ACO's 2026-27 season, Journeys of Wonder and Beauty, which runs through June 2027 and closes with a free John Williams pops concert at the Zilker Hillside Theatre marking the composer's 95th birthday.

Parts of the Whole is the orchestra's chamber series, and the format is what gives it the name. Instead of the full orchestra playing together, the ACO musicians and their friends split into small ensembles. It's an intimate night that lets you hear the individual colors, textures, and voices that make up the larger sound. The program is led by Interim Music Director Dr. W.P. Sterneman III, and the ensembles range from a single solo moment to a 22-member string group.

There's a lot of ground to cover in one evening. The program includes a suite from Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, von Sehrwald's Purpose, Brahms' Trio in A Minor, and Beethoven's Trio in C major. You'll also hear Heinrich Hübler's Concerto for 4 Horns, Tarrega's Rosita and Recuerdos de la Alhambra, and Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro Harmoniemusik. The series is supported by the Associated Chamber Music Players, whose mission is to expand chamber music playing for pleasure among musicians of all backgrounds, ages, and skill levels.

Since 1978, the ACO has offered high‑quality performances that welcome both seasoned listeners and those discovering orchestral music for the first time. Each season features six to eight concerts designed with our community in mind — from beloved classical masterworks to pops and contemporary selections — all presented in convenient, inviting venues across Austin at affordable prices. Our educational programs for youth and adults deepen musical appreciation and open doors for learning, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re attending a concert, participating in a program, or simply exploring something new, the ACO is here to make orchestral music accessible, inspiring, and part of the cultural life of Austin.

The concert runs from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Abiding Love Lutheran Church, 7210 Brush Country Rd, Austin, TX 78749. General admission is $20, youth 18 and under are free, and military, seniors, educators, and college students are $15. A free option is available from the ticketing page.