On Sunday, I got to enjoy a wonderful performance of the Austin Symphony Orchestra with featured guest artist, Joshua Bell. My symphony-going friend and I are members of the Symphony BATS, an organization that encourages 20- to 40-something Austinites to attend symphony performances by enticing them with reasonably-priced tickets for first, second, or third row seats and following up with fabulous afterparties at art galleries and other trendy locations. They also host monthly happy hours during the symphony season, so it’s a great way to enjoy classical music and meet new people. If that sounds appealing to you, it’s not too late to sign up for this year’s season.

Mr. Bell’s performance of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D was spectacular and moving, as expected. The audience lept to its feet afterward, demanding an encore. He obliged with an excerpt from The Red Violin. His stage presence, however, seemed a bit arrogant, possibly because his chosen attire was a flowy navy shirt and pants rather than the traditional tuxedo of male orchestral soloists. More enjoyable to watch was always-charming ASO conductor, Peter Bay. Mr. Bay ably leads the ASO with joy and expertise. My favorite part was when Mr. Bay seemingly levitated off the podium during the final piece of the performance, Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in D.

After the performance, my friend and I went in search of the afterparty. Previous afterparties had been held at art galleries with ample parking options. This afterparty, however, was at the uber-trendy and expensive Estilo clothing boutique. It was very strange to walk around with drinks and hors d’oeuvres among $200 shirts and $500 dresses. We did get to mingle with Peter Bay and other concert-goers, so that was fun. But the setting was less-than-desirable for a reception. All in all, it was a great evening, strange party location notwithstanding.