Author: Amy Bishop

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: FW Symphony’s Principal Cello brings a Schumann favorite to Bass Hall

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Cello Allan Steele has been playing cello since the age of four, but this weekend will be his first time to play Schumann’s Cello Concerto. In this feature with WRR’s Amy Bishop, he talks about his favorite part of the work, and the enduring popularity of the other piece on… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Meet the flutist joining Dallas Bach Society for a benefit concert

In this podcast, WRR’s Kurt Rongey talks with Siberian flutist Taya König-Tarasevich and the Dallas Bach Society’s James Richman about their upcoming concert at Zion Lutheran Church. Tarasevich also discusses her period instrument group Verità Baroque and how they’re creating enchanting virtual reality experiences for experiencing baroque music in German castles. Plus, James Richman previews… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: An evening of darkness and light with Dallas Chamber Music Society

Dallas Chamber Music Society is launching into its 80th season with the acclaimed Brentano String Quartet, performing a program balanced with lighter and heavier fare by Haydn, Britten, and Mendelssohn. Violinist Serena Canin and DCMS Executive Director spoke with WRR’s Amy Bishop about the concert, plus gave a quick glimpse into what else is on… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: CMI opens its season with music of Brahms, Bach, Ysaye & Ravel

“We have thirty artists over those six programs who hail from ten different countries….I wish that our world leaders could get along as well as the musicians of the world, who just want to make beautiful music together,” says Philip Lewis, founder and Artistic Director of Chamber Music International. In this feature with WRR’s Amy… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: A deep dive into Shakespeare Dallas’ production of Julius Caesar

The assassination of Julius Caesar was more than two thousand years ago, but it resonates more than ever today. In this podcast, WRR’s Amy Bishop discusses the story of Caesar with actor T.A. Taylor, who stars in Shakespeare Dallas’ production of Shakespeare’s theatrical retelling of the historical event.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Here’s how Verdigris Ensemble plans to transcend audiences this season

“The whole season really is based around establishing Dallas as a cultural hub, so all four of our concerts are different stages of that,” says Sam Brukhman, Founding Artistic Director of Dallas-based Verdigris Ensemble. The group is embarking on another bold new season of new works and immersive storytelling, which they’ve titled “Transcend.” In this… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth welcomes the Balourdet Quartet

Since 1989, the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth has been bringing the crème de la crème of the world’s chamber musicians together for performances – some who have been playing together for decades, and others who are just beginning their upward trajectory, such as the Balourdet Quartet. Artistic Director Gary Levinson chats with Amy… Read more »

WRR Classical Countdown 2024 results

You voted for your favorites and we counted them back! Here WRR listeners’ favorite pieces of classical music for 2024: 1          Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 ‘Choral’    2          Bach, JS: Brandenburg Concertos     3          Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 ‘From the New World’ 4          Barber: Adagio for Strings,… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: In 15 years, ATTPAC has helped transform Dallas’ arts district

Dallas’ AT&T Performing Arts Center is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a series of community events this fall. In this feature with WRR’s Amy Bishop, ATTPAC’s CEO Warren Tranquada explains how the center served as the catalyst for the Dallas Arts District, and shares details on how North Texas can take part in the celebration.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: TACA awards $670k in Catalyst Grants to Dallas arts groups

TACA’s Donna Wilhelm Family President and Executive Director Maura Sheffer points out that this kind of support has always been critically important for arts organizations, but even more so now, as many try to return to their pre-pandemic vitality. She spoke with WRR’s Amy Bishop about the other work TACA has been doing recently to… Read more »