Last night, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra made a triumphant return to the historic Carver Theater, marking their first performance at the venue since 1935. The orchestra commemorated this occasion with a spectacular program featuring the world premiere of “Birmingham Concerto No. 1” by acclaimed composer Brian Raphael Nabors.

A Birmingham native, Nabors (born 1991) is a versatile composer, keyboardist, and conductor. He graduated from Huffman High School in 2009 and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory and Composition from Samford University in 2013. During his time at Samford, Nabors directed the university’s Gospel Choir and worked as a director and accompanist with various local churches.

The performance occurred at the historic Carver Theatre for the Performing Arts, a beloved landmark in the 4th Avenue Business District. Established in 1935, the theater underwent a significant $160,000 remodel in 1945, reopening with modern amenities and 1,300 new seats. As a cultural hub, the Carver Theater played a vital role in the community, providing a space for African Americans to enjoy first-run movies during the era of segregation.