Tag: Classical music

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: A fond farewell from Dallas arts leader Terry Loftis

“I’m proud of the impact in the very short few years that I’ve been able to make in the arts, beginning with TACA right before the pandemic started,” says Terry Loftis, reflecting on his prolific work as a Dallas arts leader. The previous President and CEO of TACA was most recently Chief Advancement and Revenue… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Plano Symphony set for world premiere of Quinn Mason’s new work

“Forging the very special connection with Maestro Guzman has always been very beneficial and has kind of shaped this new piece I’ve written for the orchestra,” says North Texas-based composer Quinn Mason. Guzman will lead the Plano Symphony Orchestra in the commissioned world premiere of Mason’s Shine Time in a program that also includes the… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Bruce Wood Dance brings a Dallas premiere to the Moody

The Dallas-based Bruce Wood Dance company is kicking off its 15-anniversary season with the Dallas premiere of Jiri Kylian’s Songs of a Wayfarer in a program that also includes two audience favorites by Bruce Wood, plus a Mozart-inspired work by Lar Lubovitch. In this feature with WRR’s Amy Bishop, the company’s Artistic Director Joy Bollinger… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Germany’s Faure Quartett brings its passion for performance to Dallas

Now entering its 30th year as a piano quartet, the Faure Quartett is bringing its renowned musicianship to Dallas for a program of Brahms, Schubert, and Enescu, as part of Dallas Chamber Music Society’s current season. In this feature with WRR’s Amy Bishop, violinist Erika Geldsetzer talks about the thrill of performing each work, and… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Anne-Marie McDermott’s newest musical love

“The Amy Beach concerto is the newest love of my life,” says American classical pianist Anne-Marie McDermott, who will perform the piece with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Nov. 1-3, 2024. In this feature with WRR’s Amy Bishop, McDermott explains why she has been quick to adore the piece.

How DSO’s Pops season aims to reach more audiences

Every year, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents a pops season to complement their classical concerts by offering a variety of other genres -from pop music, movie scores, Broadway, and more. In this feature with WRR’s Amy Bishop, DSO’s director of orchestra operations and pops programming Tom Brekhus gives an overview of the concerts planned this… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: This Chickasaw classical composer is on a world premiere tour, with Fort Worth as his next stop

Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth welcomes the Dover Quartet to perform a newly commissioned work by Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, a Chickasaw American Indian classical composer and pianist. In this feature with WRR’s Amy Bishop, CMSFW Artistic Director Gary Levinson talks more about the concert, which includes a chance to meet the composer.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: A look at the past, present & future for Dallas Winds

After 40 years as founding Executive Director of the Dallas Winds, Kim Campbell has retired. Stepping in as his successor is Michelle Hall, who formerly managed the Victoria Symphony. In this conversation with WRR’s Amy Bishop, Campbell and Hall talk more about the early days of the Dallas Winds, their impact on the band community,… Read more »

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: A balance of the old and new for DSO’s 2024-25 classical season

Familiar warhorse classical works are abundant this season, but the Dallas Symphony Orchestra is taking a great effort to incorporate works by contemporary composers – including multiple world premieres. In this feature with WRR’s Amy Bishop, DSO Chief Artistic Officer Katie McGuinness gives a sampling of their offerings.

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 »