Author: Amy Bishop

WRR 101 Focus on the Arts: Verdigris presents Rumi’s poetry like we’ve never heard (or seen) before

“This work has been in progress – and in process – for three years,” says Sam Brukhman, founding Artistic Director of the Verdigris Ensemble, speaking of their world premiere of “SHAMS.” The production includes poetry of Rumi, set to original music by internationally recognized composer Sahba Aminikia and improvisational art by Kevork Mourad. Hear Sam… Read more »

WRR 101 Focus on the Arts: Feel the intimacy of Beethoven at this TCU faculty recital

“The Archduke Trio is the pinnacle of Beethoven’s piano trios, and one of his iconic masterpieces,” says John Owings, the Herndon Professor of Music and Chair of the Piano Division at Texas Christian University. “Right from the beginning, you hear this sense of grandeur and nobility, (which) of course, befits the title, The Archduke.” Owings… Read more »

WRR 101 Focus on the Arts: The Competitors for The Cliburn’s Junior Competition have been announced!

“We received 248 applications, which is huge, considering the workload,” says Jacques Marquis, president and CEO of The Cliburn. “And that’s good also, because it means that the competition is well known in the world.” Some of the world’s best teen pianists will come to Dallas to compete for the gold June 8-17th in a… Read more »

WRR 101 Focus on the Arts: This teenage pianist in North Texas isn’t letting disability stand in her way

“Don’t let your disability hold you back,” says 16-year-old Grace Novacheck, a pianist who lives in Westlake, Texas. “You can try two, three, four, five, ten instruments until you get it right, and it can also lead to a lot of amazing opportunities.”Grace – who was born with Escobar Syndrome – had an amazing opportunity… Read more »

WRR 101 Focus on the Arts: Three classics and a world premiere for Dallas Opera’s next season!

“I think the thing that’s so exciting about it is (that) it’s three new-to-Dallas productions, plus a world premiere,” says Ian Derrer, The Dallas Opera’s Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO. “Not only do we have names that the audiences will recognize – and they’ve never seen these physical productions in Dallas before – but… Read more »

WRR 101 Focus on the Arts: Lumedia Musicworks Rocks the Baroque in a St. Pat’s concert

“I went in search of the Celtic tradition and dug into the baroque side of that and I discovered some pretty interesting things, like Led Zeppelin was influenced by Turlough O’Carolan’s piece called O’Carolan’s Dream,” says Julianna Emanski, Artistic Director of Lumedia Musicworks. Their upcoming concert of Celtic Baroque and rock music “mashups” is a… Read more »

WRR 101 Focus on the Arts: Texas Guitar Competition and Festival returns to UTD for its 21st year

“We started 21 years ago in an ice storm, and we’re still here,” laughs Enric Madriguera, co-director of UT Dallas’ annual Texas Guitar Competition and Festival, who also serves as the director of UTD’s guitar program. Classical guitar enthusiasts come to Dallas for the event every year for three days of concerts, master classes, and… Read more »

WRR 101 Focus on the Arts: Marin Alsop leads the Dallas Symphony in a musical pairing of Middle Eastern exoticism and Latin American flavors

“I think there is that exotic quality, and sort of the Arabian Nights element to Scheherazade that lends itself to the propulsion and the drive of these two Latin influenced pieces,” says Marin Alsop, referencing the three pieces she’ll be conducting with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra February 23-25, 2023. Along with Rimsky-Korsakov’s sultry musical retelling… Read more »