A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ETHAN WILLS
On behalf of the musicians, staff, and board of the West Texas Symphony, we wish the happiest of holidays to you and yours this season!
We are excited to continue reporting on the successes of your West Texas Symphony throughout the year 2024. As we head into the new calendar year 2025, make your resolution to continue supporting your West Texas Symphony!
CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR WEST TEXAS SYMPHONY
Let's start with what we've done, then we'll talk about what's to come…
We started off the 2024 calendar year with our Masterworks III performance that we like to call "WTS Spotlight". In this concert, we featured West Texas Symphony co-principal trumpet, Ben Fairfield!
Ben Fairfield performing with the West Texas Symphony Orchestra
The West Texas Symphony has been innovating and creating in the space of new programming for some years now. In March, we worked with pianist, composer, and arranger Wally Minko to produce a world-premiere Pops program for the Symphony Orchestra.
Wally Minko, with his band members at this innovative West Texas Symphony performance.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR UPCOMING 2025 CONCERTS
In April, we continued the tradition of our side-by-side concert with the help of local ISDs, our principal ensemble musicians, and UTPB Orchestra Director, Dr. Jean Gomez. In this concert, we welcome students from local ISDs and colleges to join our orchestra for our rehearsals and Saturday-night performance. Not a bad pairing for the last Masterworks of the 61st Season!
On left, Reuben Kebede performing Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s "Violin Concerto”. Pictured right are local students preforming with the West Texas Symphony. Both pictures were taken at our Masterworks IV concert in April 2024.
Then…this happened at our final Pops titled "Fantasy": WATCH HERE
We love our West Texas community!
62nd Season so far...
Cellist Ethan Blake performing with the West Texas Symphony Orchestra on September's opening night.
Our Fall Season featured six events. In addition to our three orchestral performances (featured above and below), the Permian Basin String Quartet and West Texas Winds performed their Fall Recitals.
Soprano Barbara Padilla and pianist Dr. Andrew Cooperstock joined the West Texas Symphony Orchestra for our Pops and Masterworks Performances
In summer 2024, we welcomed UTPB's new Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Brad Light, to lead our Chamber Chorale. Their first performance featured Dr. Bradley Vogel on the beautiful organ at St. Ann's Catholic Church. We look forward to Dr. Light's vision and work to strengthen relationships and increase participation from our choral community!
We welcomed our new Chorale Director, Brad Light, and the Chamber Chorale had their first performance in November.
Totaling eighteen 1-hour concerts for thousands of elementary students, our three instrumental chamber groups showcased their talents and instruments throughout the past two months.
Special thanks: These chamber concerts have been occurring each year, but it has grown larger thanks to the leadership of Beau Garza, Caryn Crutchfield, Dr. Aaron Hawley, Shari Riley, and the administrative staff of MISD and ECISD.
On left, Permian Basin String Quartet performing for students from MISD. On right West Texas Winds performing for students from ECISD.
Every year, the West Texas Symphony produces "Marvelous Melodies", a series of three daytime performances for over 5,000 students from MISD and ECISD. It is a valued component of local fine arts programs, and growing! If you would like to join MISD, ECISD, community organizations, and individuals to ensure this program continues for future seasons, contact development@wtxs.org.
Students enjoying the Marvelous Melodies concert with musical programming tailored specifically to elementary school children.
The 2024 Holiday Season featured a timeless mainstay 'Holiday Pops' and the 3rd annual 'Basin Brass Christmas Bonanza. Both were milestone performances: 'Holiday Pops' sold-out for the first time in several years, and the 'Basin Brass' Christmas performance held its highest attendance, welcomed Maestro Lewis as conductor, and had it's second annual San Angelo performance!
On left, Maestro Lewis rings in the holiday with the West Texas Symphony's "Sounds of the Season" concert. On right, the Lone Star Brass gets in the spirit for the 3rd-annual "Basin Brass Christmas Bonanza!".
To wrap up 2024, we joined the Midland Festival Ballet for our annual collaboration of The Nutcracker. This year, with the help of the ballet's partners and sponsors, an additional show was added due to high demand!
Spring 2025
We're performing a bit earlier for Masterworks III than is normal, so be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, January 11th!
CLICK FOR TICKETS to 'WTS Spotlight'
Fun fact: members of the Permian Basin String Quartet have been performing in the highly-advertised Candlelight Concerts.
CLICK FOR TICKETS to 'Her Melody'
Be sure to get your tickets to the two shows above, and mark your calendars with all of the upcoming public concerts featuring your West Texas Symphony in Spring 2025:
WTS SPOTLIGHT “DOVES & CROCODILES”
January 11 | 7:30 PM
PERMIAN BASIN STRING QUARTET
January 25 | 7:30 PM
CHAMBER CHORALE RECITAL
*DATE CHANGE | FOLLOW US TO STAY UP-TO-DATE
TONY DESARE “THE PIANO SHOW FEAT. RHAPSODY IN BLUE”
March 1 | 7:30 PM
WEST TEXAS WINDS RECITAL
March 22 | 5:00 PM
MIDLAND FESTIVAL BALLET "The Firebird"
Accompanied by West Texas Symphony
March 29
THE RIOT RITE OF SPRING
April 12 | 7:30 PM
VOICES OF THE PERMIAN BASIN
May 1 | 7:00 PM
LONE STAR BRASS
May 3 | 5:00 PM
SUPERMAN IN CONCERT
May 17 | 7:30 PM
Your West Texas Symphony is funded by a network of ticket sales, sponsorships, and individual donations. Donate HERE. You can also learn about the many avenues for supporting your West Texas Symphony by contacting development@wtxs.org.
We remain committed to our community and quality artistry.
See you in 2025!
