The Austin Chamber Ensemble started life as a wind quartet in 1981 but has grown over the years to include a wide variety of instruments. The group mostly performs works by masters such as Shostakovich, Debussy, Chopin, and Schumann, with the occasional addition of vocals. Performances are held in intimate venues, including private homes and local churches.

UNIVERSITY AREA. Austin City Limits is a long-running, much-praised live music program airing on public television. The show captures the spirit of the Austin music scene like no other, and while it started out primarily hosting country acts, it now includes something from virtually every genre. Performers have included Tracy Chapman, the Pixies, Sheryl Crow, Alison Krauss, BB King, and Hank Williams Jr. To obtain tickets, call the KLRU Hotline (512-475-9077) for details on dates, times, and ticket distribution. Tickets are often gone within five minutes, so wherever the distribution point is, get there quick.

UNIVERSITY AREA. Austin's first professional opera company was founded in 1986 and has had the distinction of hosting many internationally known guest performers over the years. Past productions have included classics like La Traviate, Don Giovanni, La Bohème, Faust, The Magic Flute, and Aïda, as well as the contemporary Dead Man Walking by Jake Heggie. The ALO performs at UT's Bass Concert Hall but will move to the Long Center for the Performing Arts upon completion of construction in 2007.

The Austin Symphony has an active schedule of performances, including classical, pops, and family series, not to mention several additional holiday performances and free summer concerts at Wooldridge Park. Most performances take place at Bass Concert Hall at UT's Performing Arts Center, although a few can be found at the Riverbend Centre. The symphony will move to the Long Center for the Performing Arts upon completion of construction in 2007.

Ballet Austin was founded in 1956 as a civic volunteer organization. Today, it's a world-class professional dance company with a strong community outreach program and an academy for established and aspiring dancers. The ballet's annual production of The Nutcracker is an Austin holiday favorite. Most performances are currently held at UT's Bass Concert Hall, but the company will move to the Long Center for the Performing Arts upon completion of construction in 2007.