Fort Worth Opera 78th Season Returns to Bass Performance Hall

Fort Worth Opera 78th Season Returns to Bass Performance Hall

Fort Worth Opera Sets the Stage for Vibrant 78th Season with a Diverse Production Lineup Emphasizing Artistic Collaboration, and Marking the Company’s Thrilling Return to Bass Performance Hall

From Operatic Concerts to Classical Productions the 2023 – 2024 Season, Under General & Artistic Director Angela Turner Wilson, Will Celebrate the Best of Fort Worth Opera While Ushering in a New Chapter

Fort Worth, TX (June 8, 2023) — Fort Worth Opera (FWO) proudly announced today details surrounding its upcoming 2023-2024 operatic season with seasonal subscription renewals officially available now and individual tickets available in mid-July. Under the deliberate and thoughtful leadership of General & Artistic Director Angela Turner Wilson, Fort Worth Opera seeks to build upon the multi-faceted legacy of the past decade by offering a tapestry of artistic programming that harmonizes with the vision of cultivating dynamic creative collaborations and crafting transcendent, socially relevant works of art. Patrons can look forward to experiencing poignant classic works, modern, socially compelling productions, a regional premiere, and a nationwide Spanish language premiere. The season will reach a crescendo with Fort Worth Opera’s highly-anticipated return to Bass Performance Hall. Turner Wilson wants to welcome the whole Fort Worth community to revel in the transformative power of opera during the company’s 78th season

From the company’s commitment to finding and propelling young, emerging talent onto the national stage, to producing socially relevant and contemporary works, Turner Wilson will utilize her deep-seated passion and vast knowledge of the art form to curate a dynamic season. With her career as a critically-acclaimed soprano with over a decade of experience in education at Texas Christian University, she stands as a pillar of expertise, poised to take on this important role and usher the company into its next chapter.

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When asked what supporters can expect for the upcoming season, General & Artistic Director of Fort Worth Opera, Angela Turner Wilson, said, “As the General & Artistic Director of this storied organization, I’m thrilled about our new season which embodies both the legacy and future of this beloved art form. We’re building on the dedicated work of our predecessors, honoring the great works of the past while also looking forward to the future with renewed commitment.” 

FWO’s 15th season. ‘La Bohème’ at Will Rogers Auditorium (1960): Enrico di Giuseppe (Rodolfo), Lee Venora (Mimi), Richard Torigi (Marcello), and Jacquelynne Moody (Musetta). 

As the oldest, continually running opera company in Texas and with Turner Wilson at the helm, Fort Worth Opera takes great pride in continuing to produce engaging, diverse, and relevant work that represents the vibrancy of the Fort Worth community. The season package available today includes the first production of the season, La Médium, a highly popular, short, two-act dramatic opera by Gian Carlo Menotti. Fort Worth Opera will present the work translated into Spanish at the Rose Marine Theater, marking the national premiere of the Spanish language production (the work previously premiered in Spanish in Puerto Rico in 1989). Beloved traditional works are also included, such as Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème, the semi-staged production marks Fort Worth Opera’s triumphant return to Bass Hall. Patrons will be delighted to know that this isn’t a typical “semi-staged” performance. Fort Worth Opera will fully embrace the true definition of the term by including gorgeous costumes, engaging dramatic staging, breathtaking projections, and the masterful Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performing on stage alongside the remarkable cast. Contemporary opera lovers can’t miss the regional premiere of the culturally meaningful modern project, dwb (Driving While Black). This heart-wrenching production will challenge conventions, ignite conversations, and evoke profound introspection. Additionally, An Evening with Morris Robinson, an operatic recital curated by the Metropolitan Opera star and Grammy Award-Winning Bass himself, is included. The evening will focus on works from the classic canon and traditional Black spirituals, honoring the Juneteenth Holiday. 

Beyond that, FREE and community partnership events include Wintersong: A Musical Holiday Celebration & Sing-a-long, a celebratory holiday concert and sing-a-long which is FREE to the public. Back by popular demand, in partnership with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) is Amahl and the Night Visitors, the beloved one-act opera also composed by Gian Carlo Menotti (ticketing available through BRIT). Patrons can also enjoy special performances by the Hattie Mae Lesley Resident Artists in the one-act opera The Tragedy of Carmen as well as the Resident Artists’ Scenes Showcase (more information forthcoming). 

Collaborative partnerships with vital performing arts organizations take center stage this season, including The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Artes de La Rosa, and Texas Christian University’s Opera Studio. The company will continue to purposefully broaden the accessibility of opera by staging productions at both traditional and unconventional venues, including the Van Cliburn Concert Hall, the Kimbell Art Museum, the Rose Marine Theater, The Modern Museum of Art, and the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT).

Through her unwavering dedication, Turner Wilson aspires to create a vibrant opera company that the Fort Worth community can take great pride in. She continued, “Our patrons can expect reliably high-quality productions that showcase the best of what opera and the performing arts community of Fort Worth have to offer. We’re dedicated to creating art that is not only beautiful but also relevant and truly representational of today’s world. I’m confident that our upcoming season will be a testament to our unwavering passion for this art form and a promise to our patrons that this breathtaking art form will always be here, and Fort Worth Opera will always be here, producing exceptional, purposeful works for our community.”

Fort Worth Opera 2023 – 2024 Season Lineup

* Included in Season Package

** Available to Add-On to Season Package or for Single Ticket Purchase 

Dinner with the Stars **

September 22, 2023 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm 

Fort Worth Club | 306 W Seventh St. 

Hosted by Joe Illick & Underwritten by Simmons Bank & Visit Fort Worth

Launching the season will be the fundraising dinner, “Dinner with the Stars,” hosted by Joe Illick, Music Director Emeritus and dear friend to the company. The dinner will support the arts organization’s efforts to continue producing high-quality operatic experiences. 

Featured Soloist Include: 

  • Vanessa Becerra – Soprano

  • Siphokazi Molteno – Mezzo-soprano

  • Alok Kumar – Tenor

  • Kofi Hayford – Bass

La MédiumSpanish Language National Premiere *

Presented by Fort Worth Opera

October 20, 2023 | 7:30 pm

October 21, 2023 | 7:30 pm

October 22, 2023 | 2:00 pm

Rose Marine Theater|1440 N Main St 

By Composer and Librettist Gian Carlo Menotti

Directed by Malena Dayen 

Putting complex women at the forefront and deepening collaborative ties, Fort Worth Opera will present La Médium, a one-act opera by Gian Carlo Menotti; tickets start at $50. Internationally recognized director, performer, and visual artist Malena Dayen will direct the production. Dayen previously directed the Fort Worth Opera’s 2023 production of Aida

The opera tells the story of Madame Flora, played by Janara Kellerman, a fraudulent medium who pretends to communicate with the dead, along with her two assistants, Monica, played by Cristina María Castro and Toby – a silent friend. The opera explores Madame Flora’s descent into madness as she begins to experience a series of terrifying events during her séances. La Médium delves into themes of sanity and the supernatural and will be performed in Spanish with English titles at the Rose Marine Theater. Perfectly timed with Halloween just around the corner, this chilling opera can’t be missed!

Amahl and The Night Visitors **

Presented by Fort Worth Opera featuring Hattie Mae Lesley Resident and Studio Artists

December 8, 2023 | 2:00 pm

December 9, 2023 | 11:00 am + 3:00 pm

December 10, 2023 | 2:00 pm

Botanical Research Institute of Texas | 1700 University Dr. 

Written by Gian Carlo Menotti 

Ringing in the holiday season will be the highly celebrated annual partnership with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) and the return of Amahl and the Night Visitors. The beloved one-act opera composed by Gian Carlo Menotti. It tells the heartwarming story of a young boy named Amahl and his mother, who are visited by three kings to see the newborn baby Jesus. The story is a poignant reminder of the generosity and power of love, featuring operatic and folk music elements. Its themes and characters are beautifully crafted to resonate with the collective experiences of people from all walks of life, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and delight audiences across the globe. 

Wintersong: A Musical Holiday Celebration & Sing-a-long **

Presented by Fort Worth Opera featuring Hattie Mae Lesley Resident and Studio Artists

December 16, 2023 | 2:00 pm

Location TBD

Closing out 2023, the Fort Worth Opera will present Wintersong: A Musical Holiday Celebration & Sing-a-long, a FREE community concert featuring Christmas songs, timeless carols, holiday favorites, opera classics, and more performed by Fort Worth Opera’s Hattie Mae Lesley Resident and Studio Artists. 

dwb (Driving While Black) Regional Premiere *

Presented by Fort Worth Opera in Collaboration with the Kimbell Art Museum and Texas Christian University

February 16, 2024 | 7:30 pm

February 17, 2024 | 7:30 pm

Van Cliburn Concert Hall | 2900 W Lowden St.

Secondary Performance Location: 

Kimbell Art Museum | 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd

February 24, 2024 | 2:00 pm

Composer – Susan Kander; Librettist – Roberta Gumbel

Ticket Prices: $20, $35, $55

Launching in 2024 and in concert with Black History Month, Fort Worth Opera presents dwb (Driving While Black), a montage of poetic and haunting moments examining the trials and triumphs Black mothers experience as their children come of age in a society plagued by racism and inequality. Described as “deeply affecting and innovatively conceived” by Opera News, this modern work will surely be a profoundly compelling work that will stay with audiences long past curtain call. The opera is composed by Susan Kander and features a libretto by Roberta Gumbel. Performances will take place at Van Cliburn Concert Hall and at the Kimbell Art Museum.

To accompany the performance of dwb (Driving While Black), Fort Worth Opera will also host a symposium on February 17, 2024, that will delve into the themes explored in the opera. The symposium will be held at a location and time yet to be announced. 

La Bohème Semi-Staged Performance*

Presented by Fort Worth Opera in Partnership with The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

April 5, 2024 | 7:30 pm

April 7, 2024 | 2:00 pm

Bass Performance Hall | 525 Commerce St.

By Composer – Giacomo Puccini; Librettist – Luigi Illica & Giuseppe Giacosa

Ticket Prices: $22, $60, $100, $135, $165, $195

Celebrating its grand return to Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth Opera presents a semi-staged performance of La Bohème, a timeless story of young love set in the heart of 19th-century Paris. The opera follows the lives of a group of Bohemian artists as they navigate poverty, friendship, and romance. La Bohème is a poignant and insightful portrayal of the complexities of love, loss, and friendship, set against the backdrop of bohemian Paris. It is a classic love story that has resonated across generations, a favorite of opera lovers and novices alike. Its cultural impact continues to be felt as it has inspired many modern-day artists like Broadway writer Jonathan Larson (Rent) and Hollywood director and producer Baz Luhrmann, among others. La Bohème will be presented in Italian with English and Spanish supertitles at Bass Performance Hall. Fort Worth Opera will fully embrace the true definition of “semi-staged” by including gorgeous costumes, engaging dramatic staging, and breathtaking projections. As an added benefit, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will perform on stage alongside the remarkable cast! This poignant and visually striking production will be directed by Chuck Hudson and conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya. 

A proud moment for Fort Worth Opera, this production will showcase the thriving vibrancy which exists in the opera world. Turner Wilson and team intentionally chose a diverse cast of performers to wow audiences! The cast list includes award-winning Elizabeth Caballero, a Cuban-America lyric soprano who immigrated to the U.S. in the 80s and will play the title role of Mimi. Playing her lover Rudolfo is tenor Alok Kumar, a rising star in the world of opera, who was born in India and moved to the United States at a young age, on top of his international performance career, Kumar has had a highly successful career as a lawyer and currently engages in immigration advocacy work. Joining the cast as Colline is Kofi Hayford, a Ghanaian-American bass who is swiftly building his reputation as an accomplished young singer. Fort Worth Opera’s great wish for all attendees to see themselves reflected on stage! To take a fun and engaging look back at La Bohème’s history at Fort Worth Opera, which first took the stage in 1948, visit HERE.

An Evening with Morris Robinson *

Presented by Fort Worth Opera

June 18, 2024 | 7:30 pm 

Location TBD

Hosted by Morris Robinson

Ticket Prices: $50 

Capping off the 2023 – 2024 season is a one man show performed by All-American college football player and 2022 Grammy Award-winning bass Morris Robinson! Robinson will present works from the classic cannon and as well as traditional Black spirituals in honor of Juneteenth. 

2023 – 2024 Fort Worth Opera Young Artist Program 

Hattie Mae Lesley Resident Artists

A discovery and training program for emerging young opera singers, the Hattie Mae Lesley Resident Artist program offers professional experience to exceptional performers every year. This group of highly talented and driven young opera singers is selected through a nationwide audition process. Contracted for one full season, they come to Fort Worth Opera to work for a professional opera company in order to further or launch their performance careers. 

The 2023 – 2024 Season Resident Artists Are: 

  • Su Hyeon Park – Soprano

  • Kaswanna Kanyinda – Mezzo

  • Wonjin Choi – Tenor

  • Sergio Manzo – Baritone

2023 – 2024 Season Fort Worth Opera TCU Studio Artists

Fort With Opera is proud to partner with the Texas Christian University (TCU) School of Music to provide their Artist Diploma students with an enriched experience during their time at TCU. From educational operas to chorus and cover roles on the main stage, this program has proven to give the student a hybrid learning environment where they can work professionally while completing their degree plan.

The 2023 – 2024 Season TCU Studio Artists Are: 

  • Katherine Watson – Soprano

  • Ruby Warren – Mezzo

  • Andres Losada – Baritone

Additionally details to follow as the season continues. For more details surrounding subscription packages, visit: https://www.fwopera.org.

For more information about Fort Worth Opera or to set up an interview with Angela Turner Wilson, please contact Ivy Lopez at iv*@ho***************.co. 

Fort Worth Opera At-A-Glance

SOCIAL CHANNELS: Facebook| Instagram | Twitter| Youtube: @FortWorthOpera

TICKETS: Season package renewals available NOW through June 26, 2023 at a reduced rate. Please Note: single tickets for season add-on productions are currently available but seats will not be assigned until after June 23, 2023. New season package purchases available today. Seats will be assigned no later than July 1, 2023. Single tickets available for purchase on all production mid-July.  For more information, please call 817.731.0726 or toll-free at 1.877.396.7372. For latest up-to-date ticket information, visit www.fwopera.org

ABOUT FORT WORTH OPERA 

Founded in 1946, Fort Worth Opera is now in its 78th season.  We continue our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, collaboration and access in order to better serve our community. The company’s Civic Impact programs bring opera directly into the community making performance experiences accessible to all. The Children’s Opera Theatre program reaches about 40,000 students across North Texas each season with live, interactive performances.  Fort Worth Opera strives to continue our mission to educate, entertain, and expand the horizons of current and future audiences and artists through variety and artistic integrity.

Fort Worth Opera is sponsored in part by gifts from The Arts Council of Fort Worth & Tarrant County, The City of Fort Worth, the Texas Commission on the Arts, Visit Fort Worth, and OPERA America. Additional funding for Fort Worth Opera provided by Claytor Family Charitable Foundation Inc., Hattie Mae Lesley Foundation, Sid W. Richardson Foundation, Amon G. Carter Foundation, Crystelle Waggoner Charitable Trust, DuBose Family Foundation, Robert D. & Alma Moreton Foundation, Virginia Hobbs Charitable Trust, The Rea Charitable Trust, The Burnett Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Ann L. & Carol Green Rhodes Charitable Trust, The Thomas M., Helen McKee & John P. Ryan Foundation, North Texas Community Foundation, The Red Oak Foundation, Alcon Foundation, Fifth Avenue Foundation, Garvey Texas Foundation, Mary Potishman Lard Trust, Barbara Ann Baldridge Foundation, Marriott, Sewell Automotive, JP Morgan, Luther King Financial, Fisher Family Trust, and Simmons Bank. American Airlines is the Official Airline of Fort Worth Opera.

2023 Cliburn Junior Free Festival Events

2023 Cliburn Junior Free Festival Events

The Cliburn is excited to announce the public festival schedule of the Third Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival, taking place June 8–17, 2023, in Dallas, Texas.

The active festival portion of the Cliburn Junior is just as, if not more, beneficial to the musicians joining us in Dallas as the competition. The Cliburn taps its vast network of artists and teachers to bring in a wide swath of experts for masterclasses, artists conversations, and performance discussions. A series of small group workshops led by industry specialists takes participants through topics such as stagecraft, personal branding, conservatory and college admissions, and career pathways. Furthermore, a number of community concerts provide valuable performance experience and introduce the Dallas community to these extraordinary young artists, through partnerships with NorthPark Center, Dallas Public Libraries, and Children’s Health.

Festival teaching artists are: Greg Anderson, Janina Fialkowska, Wu Han, Daniel Hsu, Stanislav Ioudenitch, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Bridget Kibbey, Jon Kimura Parker, Pamela Mia Paul, Valentina Peleggi, Benjamin Rossen, and Kasey Shao.

All of these Festival events are open to the public to attend, free of charge. The full public schedule is below and at cliburn.org/2023-cliburn-junior-festival.

Tickets to Competition performances are on sale now at cliburn.org/2023-junior-tickets.

JUNIOR FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

FESTIVAL CONCERTS

Seven Junior artists will each perform 18-minute recitals for members of the Jury. Festival concerts will be held at Caruth Auditorium at SMU.

Festival Concert 1
Saturday, June 10  I  10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Artists and program to be announced.

Festival Concert 2
Sunday, June 11  I  10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Artists and program to be announced.

COMMUNITY CONCERTS

Junior artists will perform in public concerts around Dallas.

Concert at NorthPark Center
Sunday, June 11  I  2:00 p.m.
Artists and program to be announced.

Concert at Dallas Public Library Bachman Lake Branch
Sponsored by Children’s Health
Wednesday, June 14  I  4:00 p.m.
Artists and program to be announced.

Concert at Dallas Public Library Vickery Park Branch
Sponsored by Children’s Health
Thursday, June 15 I 4:00 p.m.
Artists and program to be announced.

MASTERCLASS PERFORMANCES

Junior artists will play for and learn from these renowned musical figures. All masterclasses will be held at O’Donnell Recital Hall at SMU unless otherwise noted.

Masterclass
with Wu Han, piano
Artistic Co-director, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Wednesday, June 7  I  1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 8  I  10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Masterclass
with Stanislav Ioudenitch, piano
2001 Cliburn Gold Medalist
Friday, June 9  I  10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Masterclass
with Janina Fialkowska, piano
2023 Cliburn Junior Jury Chairman
Tuesday, June 13  I  10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Masterclass
with Yoheved Kaplinsky, piano
Piano Department Chair, The Juilliard School
Wednesday, June 14  I  10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 15  I  2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Concerto Masterclass
with Valentina Peleggi, conductor and small ensemble
2023 Cliburn Junior Final Round Conductor
Thursday, June 15  I  10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Caruth Auditorium at SMU

Masterclass
with Jon Kimura Parker, piano
Keyboard Chair, Shepherd School of Music, Rice University
Friday, June 16  I  10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

JURY SYMPOSIUM

Saturday, June 17  I  11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Moderated by Buddy Bray with members of the jury. Members of the 2023 Cliburn Junior Jury will examine how training, technique, and artistic sensibilities have changed, and discuss their own approach to and experiences in their careers in music. They will also look at repertoire, programming, and what it takes to build a career today—and how those considerations play into their decisions. Featuring jury chairman Janina Fialkowska, Jane Coop, Adam Golka, Carol Leone, Anton Nel, Roberto Plano, Katia Skanavi, Jeffrey Swann, and Orion Weiss.

The Jury Symposium will be held at O’Donnell Recital Hall at SMU.

ABOUT THE CLIBURN JUNIOR

The Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival was established in 2015 as another means for the Cliburn to use its standing and expertise to encourage tomorrow’s great artists, to provide a valuable forum for them to express themselves, and to give them an entrance to the next step of their journeys. Key ingredients are top international jurors, the media and webcast, Final Round performances with orchestra, and the festival atmosphere, which includes performance experience and artistic workshops—all put into place to make the program significantly useful for students of piano of the highest level.

2023 QUICK FACTS

COMPETITION  Four riveting rounds of Competition take place June 8–17, 2023:

  • Preliminary Round (24 pianists each performing 20-minute recitals, to include one virtuosic etude and one Bach Prelude and Fugue) at SMU
  • Quarterfinal Round (12 pianists each performing a 30-minute recital, to include one movement of a Classical sonata and one lyrical work) at SMU
  • Semifinal Round (6 pianists each performing a 40-minute recital, to include one work by a living composer and one substantial work of at least 16 minutes in length (phase one), and one concerto movement with piano accompaniment (phase two)) at SMU
  • Final Round (3 pianists each performing one complete concerto with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Valentina Peleggi) in a stunning conclusion at the Meyerson, followed by the Awards Ceremony directly after jury voting.
  • Tickets on sale now.

INTERNATIONAL  Applicants and competitors hail from all around the world. 2023 applications totaled 248, with pianists representing 44 countries, and the 38 selected competitors and participants represent 13 countries. Widespread media coverage is expected; 2019 outreach resulted in over 120 stories in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

THE JURY

  • Janina Fialkowska, jury chairman (Canada)
  • Jane Coop (Canada)
  • Adam Golka (United States/Poland)
  • Carol Leone (United States)
  • Anton Nel (South Africa/United States)
  • Roberto Plano (Italy)
  • Katia Skanavi (Greece/Russia)
  • Jeffrey Swann (United States)
  • Orion Weiss (United States)

SMU  Meadows School of the Arts is a leader in developing innovative outreach and community engagement programs, challenging its students to make a difference locally and globally. The university will serve as home to the 2023 Junior Competition, hosting most performances and festival events, and housing the competitors.

DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA  The largest performing arts organization in the Southwest, the DSO is committed to inspiring the broadest possible audience with distinctive classical programs and more. For the second time, the orchestra partners with the Cliburn to perform in the Final Round at the Meyerson Symphony Center under the baton of Valentina Peleggi.

FESTIVAL  In addition to the Competition performances, a variety of events aimed at artistic advancement of competitors, festival participants, and other pianists will be offered, including masterclasses, workshops, artist conversations, performance discussions, and free community performances around Dallas.

KEY DATES

  • June 8–9, 2023 – Preliminary Round (SMU)
  • June 10–11, 2023 – Quarterfinal Round (SMU)
  • June 14–15, 2023 – Semifinal Round (SMU)
  • June 17, 2023 – Final Round and Awards Ceremony (Meyerson)

LOGISTICS  Competitors and festival participants will be housed at SMU for the duration of the Competition and Festival. All travel (domestic and international) and lodging will be provided by the Cliburn.

PRIZES  The first-prize winner will receive a cash award of $15,000; second prize is $10,000; and third prize is $5,000. All three top prizes will also include $2,500 scholarships.

ABOUT THE CLIBURN

The Cliburn advances classical piano music throughout the world. Its international competitions, education programs, and concert series embody an enduring commitment to artistic excellence and the discovery of new artists. Established in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1962, the quadrennial Van Cliburn International Piano Competition remains the most visible expression of that mission and is, as always, committed to its original ideals of supporting and launching the careers of emerging artists, age 18–30. It shares the transformative powers of music with a wide global audience, through fully produced webcasts and by providing comprehensive career management and concert bookings to its winners. Rounding out its mission, the Cliburn also produces the Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival (third edition, June 8–17, 2023) for exceptional 13- to 17-year-old pianists and the Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition for outstanding non-professional pianists age 35 and older.

Over a four-year cycle, the Cliburn contributes to North Texas’ cultural landscape with over 170 classical music performances for 150,000 attendees through competitions, free community concerts, and its signature Cliburn Concerts series. It presents 1,000 Cliburn in the Classroom in-school, interactive music education programs for more than 200,000 area elementary students. During the same time period, it garners the world’s attention with more than 40 million views from 177 nations for competition webcasts; 300 concerts worldwide booked for competition winners; more than 10,000 news articles about the Cliburn and its winners; and regular national radio broadcasts to 245 public radio stations.

Major Underwriters and Acknowledgements for the 2023 Junior Competition
Bartolucci Family
Mercedes T. Bass
Texas Ballet Theater – Anne T. and Robert M. Bass
Capital One
Central Market
Children’s Health
Linda P. and William A. Custard
Hoblitzelle Foundation
Jean Baptiste “Tad” Adoue, III Fund at The Dallas Foundation
Junior League of Dallas
Cece Smith and Ford Lacy
The Eugene McDermott Foundation
Shirley and Bill McIntyre
The Morton H. Meyerson Family Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts
NorthPark Center
The Rea Charitable Trust
The Richard & Enika Schulze Foundation
Sewell Automotive Companies
Janny and Warren Strickland
Carolyn and Jere Thompson, junior
Carla and Kelly Thompson

Official Piano of the Cliburn
Steinway & Sons – North Texas / Houston

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Fort Worth Oktoberfest Returns September 21-23

Fort Worth Oktoberfest Returns September 21-23

Tickets Now on Sale for Fort Worth Oktoberfest  

Authentic German festival to be held at Trinity Park September 21-23, 2023.  

Tickets are on sale now for Fort Worth Oktoberfest – a three-day Munich-style celebration  of German culture. Early online ticket purchases are guaranteed a free 2023 commemorative Oktoberfest  stein.  

Fort Worth Oktoberfest guests enjoy the best in German food, bier and entertainment. Thursday’s ceremonial  ‘Tapping of the Kegs’ kicks off the fun and the festival continues through Saturday with carnival rides,  dachshund races, Siegi’s Sausage Brat Eating Contest, bier barrel rolling, stein hoist competitions, the  Oktoberfest Run und Ride and more.  

Live authentic German Music at Fort Worth Oktoberfest
Fort Worth Oktoberfest logo
Friends having fun at Fort Worth Oktoberfest

Entertainment will include German polka and party bands, on multiple stages. This year’s lineup includes  Grammy nominated Alex Meixner Band, Das Ist Lustig, Alpenmusikanten, Walburg Boys and new this year all  the way from Bavaria, the Happy Hour Oktoberfestband! 

Spaten will be on tap, along with other fall and Oktoberfest craft biers. Traditional German food including  bratwursts, pretzels, strudel, schnitzel and German potato pancakes will be offered along with carnival food  favorites. Festival goers can enjoy the air-conditioned Spaten Hall, Van Zandt Zelt and the new Karbach  biergarten with an additional stage featuring live entertainment. More artisan shopping vendors will be on  hand this year in the Marktstraße. In addition to traditional German collectibles and clothing, the Marktstraße  will feature handmade jewelry, woodwork, fine art, condiments, leather accessories and ceramics.  

Festival tickets range from $10-$20 and are available for purchase online. Advance tickets are guaranteed a  free 2023 commemorative Oktoberfest stein. While supplies last, a limited number of steins will be available  for tickets purchased at the gate. Admission is free for children under 12 years of age with a paying adult.  

Those looking for an exclusive VIP bierhalle experience, can purchase a table sponsorship to Fort Wurst, Fort  Worth Oktoberfest Corporate Night, which is held the Wednesday night before the festival opens to the  public. 

Visit www.fortworthoktoberfest.com for festival information and to purchase tickets.  

Fort Worth Oktoberfest is presented by Spaten and benefits Fort Worth Park and Recreation. Supporting  sponsors are Visit Fort Worth, 95.9 The Ranch and 92.1 Hank FM.

Bier Barrel Rolling at Fort Worth Oktoberfest
Stein Holding competition at Fort Worth Oktoberfest
Folks enjoying the bier variety at Fort Worth Oktoberfest
Sonidos Del Summer Concert Series

Sonidos Del Summer Concert Series

Sonidos Del Summer Concert Series will kick off on Saturday, May 6, 2023, in the heart of the Historic Northside District at Marine Park. Marine Park was founded in 1894 and previously served as a central gathering place for the community. Nostalgic stories are told of family-friendly events, outdoor movies, concerts, and festivals in the park. The mission of Sonidos Del Summer (Sonidos) is to bring Marine Park back to life with a FREE concert series that is family-friendly and alcohol-free.

Sonidos Del Summer concert series has been made possible by the GM on Main Street Grant Program by Main Street America and General Motors. In 2022, General Motors and Main Street America created a grant program to fund innovative placemaking initiatives in local commercial districts near GM facilities. The Historic Northside District and Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce place-making project was selected as one of six 2023 projects to be funded throughout the country. This grant has allowed an event like Sonidos to come to life. Sonidos is a three-part concert seriesthat will take place on the first Saturday of May, June, and July from 5pm to 10pm. Each date will consist of local musical performances, along with a vendor market, Boys & Girls Club Mobile Clubhouse Experience, and various food trucks. See below for details regarding each of the three concert dates.

Sonidos Del Summer 2023 Lineup

May 6th – Bidi Bidi Back to the Park: this concert will feature the Selena Forever Tribute band in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Selena y Los Dinos’ performance in Marine Park (1993). Selena’s performance in Marine Park is a fond memory for many Northside locals that reminisce about the frequent activities and festivals held in Marine Park in decades past. The event will be opened by DJ Kreate and DJ Raulito on the turntables. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Selena memorabilia and come sing their hearts out.

June 3rd – Amor y Cumbia: this concert will have a double-headliner featuring Quimikoz and Frequenzia. June is the month to celebrate love and there’s no better way to do so than with some live Cumbia that encourages dancing and singing along. The event will be opened by DJ Soy Capaz on the turntables.

July 1st – Northside 4th: this concert will feature Latin Express, which is made up of a family of Northside locals. This event will be a full-day 4th of July celebration that acts as a merger of the Northside Neighborhood Association’s yearly parade and Latin Express’ Block Party that has been put on for nearly 30 years. The event will be opened by DJ Jay Cantu.

Sonidos del Summer has been planned in collaboration with the following local organizations: Historic Northside District, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Northside Neighborhood Association, Artes De La Rosa, the National Hispanic Latino Law Enforcement Organization Fort Worth Chapter, the City of Fort Worth and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County. The Historic Northside District is thankful for the tremendous support from the community through volunteering and participating in committees, which is critical to the success of these events and any future initiatives.

To learn more about ways to get involved as a volunteer, vendor or event sponsor, contact Ivan Gutierrez (Iv************@fw***.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Iv************@fw***.org).

To learn more about the Sonidos Del Summer Events, click here: https://www.facebook.com/historicnorthsidedistrict

Texas Ballet Theater 23-24 Season

Texas Ballet Theater 23-24 Season

Dracula, Balanchine Return in Texas Ballet Theater’s 2023-2024 Season

Texas Ballet Theater logo

Leadership of Texas Ballet Theater (TBT) announced the nonprofit ballet company’s upcoming 2023-2024 season Tuesday night during a season celebration event at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

Dracula, an audience favorite last performed by TBT in 2015, will open the season with performances September 15-17, 2023, at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House in Dallas and October 6-8, 2023, at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. TBT Artistic Director Laureate Ben Stevenson, O.B.E., choreographed the ballet in 1997. The first production featured TBT’s Acting Artistic Director, Tim O’Keefe, in the titular role. 

“Having the opportunity to present Dracula is a full circle moment for TBT,” O’Keefe said. “Many of our artistic and production staff worked on the world premiere 25 years ago, myself included. I’m looking forward to working on this ballet with Ben [Stevenson] again and sharing it with our audiences, who have been eager to see it again.”

TBT will stage its annual production of Stevenson’s The Nutcracker for the holiday season. The company will perform the family-friendly ballet November 24 – December 3, 2023 at Winspear Opera House and December 8-24 at Bass Performance Hall.

The company will return to the stage after the holidays with Brilliants, a mixed repertoire production featuring four shorter ballets in one program. The featured ballets are Rubies, choreographed by George Balanchine; Grand Pas Classique, choreographed by Victor Gsovsky; Le Corsaire Pas de Deux, choreographed by Rudolf Nureyev and Without Borders, choreographed by Val Caniparoli and originally created on the company in 2016.

Brilliants will run February 23-25, 2024, at Bass Performance Hall and March 1-3, 2024, at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre.

Beauty and the Beast, choreographed by Lew Christensen, will end the season with performances May 3-5, 2024, at Winspear Opera House and May 17-19, 2024, at Bass Performance Hall.

Season packages start at $48. Patrons can purchase a package online at texasballettheater.org/season-packages or by contacting the Box Office at 877-828-9200 option 1.

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Concerts in the Garden 2023

Concerts in the Garden 2023

Lineup Announced for Concerts in the Garden 2023

Pat Green to Headline as Closing Act and Drone Show to Replace Fireworks

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra - Concerts in the Garden 2023

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is delighted to announce the lineup for the Concerts In The Garden Summer Music Festival, offering 11 outdoor concerts at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden May 26 – June 11 with a drone show in place of the traditional fireworks presentation.

Location: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107

Times: Parking lot, box office, and venue gates open at 6:30 PM and concerts begin at 8:30 PM

On-sale dates:

  • March 27: VIP at 9:00 AM and Subscriber Pre-Sale at 1:00 PM
  • March 28: Botanic Garden VIP and Member Pre-Sale
  • March 29: Public On Sale

TICKETS

Lawn tickets are $28. Children age 10 and under are admitted free on the lawn with a ticket if accompanied by an adult. Reserved seating at round tables of 4 is $40–$79 with a 20% discount for children 10 and under in price levels B and C. All single tickets go on sale to the general public beginning March 29. Purchase tickets online at www.fwsymphony.org or by calling the FWSO Box Office at 817-655-6000.

PARKING

Parking options include the following:

Valet Parking $37*

North/South Self-Park $22 in advance/$25 at the gate

Dickies Yellow Lot Prices vary and are available at the gate.

Shuttle service from the South Lot drops off at the South Entrance. A second CITG shuttle stop is also located in the middle of the Dickies Arena Yellow Lot. All shuttle service begins at 6:30 p.m. and runs continuously until 30 minutes after the concert ends. ADA-accessible shuttles are available from the South Lot only. A convenient designated Uber/Lyft Drop-Off is also available in the South Lot.

Parking may be purchased in advance at www.fwsymphony.org or by calling the FWSO Box Office at 817-665-6000.

*Limited quantities available

—FULL CONCERT SCHEDULE—

Friday, May 26 | Windborne’s The Music of Queen

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra 

Brent Havens, conductor

MiG Ayesa, vocalist

Performed by the FWSO and amplified with a full rock band and vocals, conductor/arranger Brent Havens will capture Queen’s distinct sound while presenting some familiar and lots many new musical colors.

 

Saturday, May 27 | Patriotic Pops

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra 

Taichi Fukumura, conductor

Michael Adams, baritone

In this all-American Memorial Day celebration at Concerts in the Garden, hear your favorite patriotic songs and marches in our exhilarating, first-ever, Memorial Day celebration, which offers a brand new “drone” fireworks display in the area. A celebration not to be missed!

Sunday, May 28 | The Music of Harry Potter

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

Taichi Fukumura, conductor

Hear the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra conjure your favorite tunes from the films that took young witches and wizards to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 

 

Thursday, June 1 | Preservation Hall Jazz Band*

*This concert will be performed without orchestra

This year, the world-famous ensemble is touring to celebrate 60 years of making great music in the Crescent City and around the world. The band’s singular style is filled with unmistakable harmonies, melodies, and rhythms that are the lifeblood of saloons, riverboats, street parades, and festivals that make New Orleans a musical mecca.

 

Friday, June 2 | Radio Highway Performs The Music of The Eagles*

*This concert will be performed without orchestra

Radio Highway returns to the Concerts In The Garden series to perform The Music of The Eagles featuring vocalists Glenn DeLaune, H.L. Wilson, Danny Miranda, and Eldon Sully. This rock ensemble captures The Eagles’ amazing vocal harmonies in a concert rich with melodies as you’ve never heard before! 

 

Saturday, June 3 | Chicago Nights starring Jason Scheff

Jason Scheff, vocalist/bassist for CHICAGO

Martin Herman, conductor

A tribute to this worldwide phenomenon by CHICAGO Nights starring Jason Scheff, long-time Lead Vocalist for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted band CHICAGO—“The Voice of CHICAGO across four decades.”

Sunday, June 4 | Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles*

*This concert will be performed without orchestra

The four musicians in Classical Mystery Tour look and sound just like The Beatles, but Classical Mystery Tour is more than just a rock concert. The show presents more than two dozen Beatles tunes transcribed note-for-note and performed exactly as they were originally recorded. Hear “A Hard Day’s Night” live, experience the beauty of “Yesterday” with an acoustic guitar and string quartet, and sway the night away with “Hey Jude.”

 

Thursday, June 8 | The Music of Led Zeppelin

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

Taichi Fukumura, conductor

The Music of Led Zeppelin lets audiences experience the music of one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Led Zeppelin, like never before—with a full symphony orchestra. With a full band and orchestra playing Led Zeppelin’s hits such as “Immigrant Song,” “Kashmir” “Stairway to Heaven,” “Whole Lotta Love,” and more! 

 

Friday, June 9 | REWIND: The Music of the 80s

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

Alex Amsel, conductor

This concert will feature the greatest 80s songs with a set list including George Michael, Mister Mister, Kool & The Gang, Joan Jett, The Cure, and more!

 

Saturday, June 10 | Star Wars

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

Taichi Fukumura, conductor

Hear selections from several of the Star Wars films that will take you to a galaxy far, far away. 

 

Sunday, June 11 | Pat Green*

*This concert will be performed without orchestra

Credited as one of Texas country’s modern-era founding fathers, Green has traveled many roads in the 25 years since his debut album, Dancehall Dreamer. A Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter with a restless creative spirit, his career has gone beyond the bounds of a “country star” to include the work of a painter, sculptor, philanthropist, family man and more. But one constant has remained – his vision.

About the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra under Music Director Robert Spano is deeply committed to uniting its community through performance, education, and outreach, reaching an audience of more than 200,000 annually. Since its beginnings in 1912, the FWSO has been an essential thread in the city’s cultural fabric and the very foundation of Fort Worth’s performing arts. The FWSO has performed at Carnegie Hall and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras. The FWSO has released 13 recordings – with several being world premiere releases – garnering international acclaim. The FWSO has embraced creative collaborations through residencies, partnerships, and commissions. As the principal resident company of the acoustically superb Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall, the Orchestra performs a full season of concerts featuring internationally acclaimed guest artists and works by living composers. The Orchestra performs and partners with the Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera, The Cliburn, and Performing Arts Fort Worth. Each summer at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the FWSO presents Concerts In The Garden – a series of family-friendly concerts that have become a city-wide tradition. The FWSO keeps exceptional musical experiences at the heart of its community. 

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