Events
Mozart and More
Undoubtedly Mozart’s most well-known concerto, his 21st piano concerto has found new audiences through popular culture. Its slow movement has been used in a Bond film (The Spy who Loved Me) as well as a Swedish romantic drama, Elvira Madigan, from which it has gained its more familiar name. All of Mozart’s concertos require a very precise and subtle pianist. The ETSO is happy to welcome Misha Berestnev to interpret this deceptively challenging work. The remainder of the program consists of Tchaikovsky’s Mozartiana Suite, an homage to his favorite composer, as well as two works by Sibelius, including his stirring Finlandia.
The Soundtrack of Your Life
It’s you, the audience, who will craft this program. Music Director Richard Lee will curate a concert made up entirely of works requested in our 2025 audience survey. You’ll hear a cross-section of many submissions, along with the story of what makes the piece special to the requester. It’s certain to be a n evening of fan favorites and new discoveries – all thanks to you.
From Brass to Beethoven
Among, the brass instruments, the trumpet has a uniquely brilliant sound that immediately grabs the listener’s attention. Our principal trumpeter, James Sims, will demonstrate the instrument’s unique quality in the short but challenging Concerto in E-flat by Franz Joseph Haydn. Under the leadership of guest conductor Johannes Debus, the ETSO also brings life to Haydn’s “Farewell” Symphony and the second overture of Louise Farrenc. Concluding the concert is one of the most famous classical works in history: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.
A Ninety-Year Legacy: A Symphonic Celebration
Join us for this special concert celebrating the 90th anniversary of the orchestra’s first performance. That first concert, in 1936, took place at a time of great music, both classical and popular! The entire program consists of works composed in or debuted in 1936, and as you can well imagine, features a wide variety of styles, as well as a lot of American composers: George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Samuel Barber, and Aaron Copland. Join us for this celebration of the start and launch into the future of ETSO.
Dancing Queen: The Music of ABBA
The Swedish quartet is well-known for great songwriting, tight harmonies, and incorporating classical instruments in their songs. Other than the prominence of the piano, how can anyone perform Dancing Queen without violins, Chiquitita without a classical guitar, or Mamma Mia without a marimba? The ETSO comes to the rescue! Join us, along with Jeans n’ Classics – back after their triumphant Music of Queen show, for an evening of ABBA with the ETSO live!
One Voice: Music of Queen
Stomping rhythms, celebratory anthems, iconic opening vamps, and a six-minute hit song that has everyone singing along and bobbing their heads – The Music of Queen is part of the musical fabric of generations. Courtesy of our friends at Jeans ‘n Classics, the works of Freddy Mercury and the band are brought to life in a dynamic way that takes the beloved melodies into a new realm, blending rock band, chorus and full orchestra. It’s a sonic experience you’ll want to experience LIVE with the ETSO.
The Spirit of America
The unique spirit of our nation has been the source of inspiration for countless writers and composers through the years. ETSO brings two of those voices to the stage for a concert celebrating America in music. The words of American icons, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, take center stage for two works: The speeches and writings of our 16th president give voice to Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. And
Composer Aaron Dworkin has used the life and words of America’s first president, George Washington, as the source of his work The American Rhapsody. Dworkin, himself, will serve as narrator for the ETSO performance. The concert also features special appearances by vocal and instrumental ensembles from Texas College and Jarvis Christian University, performing with the ETSO.
The Mystery of Mahler
You will feel the full power of live music as the forces of the ETSO multiply to bring you Gustav Mahler’s monumental final symphony, his Symphony No. 9. In this moving work, Mahler explores the very mysteries of life in a way that only music can express.
The Splendor of the Seasons
A violent spring thunderstorm, the hot summer sun, cooling autumn breezes, and the icy chill of winter. East Texans are used to sudden changes in weather, and you will experience all four seasons in just one evening courtesy of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra.
Season Opener: ¡Fiesta!
Passion and Romance – You’ll find them both in the East Texas Symphony Orchestra’s 2024/2025 season opening night concert. Acclaimed pianist Arturo Nieto-Dorantes displays his virtuosic skills with Richard Lee and the ETSO in a performance of the Concierto Romantico by Manuel Ponce, the “father” of Mexican classical music. The concert also features Franz Liszt’s evocative Les Preludes and concludes with the vibrant Symphony No. 7 of Ludwig van Beethoven, which the composer himself thought was one of his best works. This trio of pieces provides a fitting celebration to launch the new season.
4th Annual Symphony in the Park
Free Community Concert at Bergfeld Park for Labor Day Weekend!
East Texas Symphony Orchestra: Gridiron Symphony
The ETSO season concludes with the World Premiere of a piece commissioned by the orchestra. Written by Dr. Kyle Gullings, Associate Professor of Music Theory and Composition at UT Tyler, the work celebrates the traditions surrounding the East Texas passion for high school football. The concert also features other sports-themed works, including Olympic-inspired pieces by John Williams, Vangelis’s popular theme from “Chariots of Fire,” and P.D.Q. Bach’s transformation of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 into a sporting event. The entire family will enjoy this uplifting end to the 2023/2024 season.
East Texas Symphony Orchestra: DANCE! featuring the TJC Academy of Dance
Richard Lee and the East Texas Symphony Orchestra are excited to partner again with the Tyler Junior College Academy of Dance for a program featuring original choreography to two ballet favorites. Aaron Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from “Rodeo”, originally choreographed by Agnes de Mille, features the familiar and infectious Hoedown. Igor Stravinsky’s fiery modern masterpiece The Rite of Spring, created for Ballets Russes in 1913, brings a contrast in style to the Cowan Center stage. Rounding out the program, the ETSO performs Copland’s stirring Appalachian Spring.
TMEA Clinic: "How Virtual Instruction Can Empower Students In Need"
Countless students face barriers in accessing private lessons because of financial constraints, transportation limitations, or proximity to teachers. Learn how the national nonprofit Through the Staff responds to this issue. Dominique Reilly, Jessica Wu, Chandler Skinner, and Marianne Gedigian will discuss how their innovative virtual instruction model supplements and enhances music programs, serving as an impactful DEI solution.
ConcertiaHTX Workshop: Developing a Portfolio Career
In this workshop, Dominique Reilly, flutist and arts entrepreneur, will guide you through the concept of a portfolio career, debunking the myth that success in the arts is limited to traditional paths like orchestral performing or teaching alone. Gain practical strategies for securing work, networking authentically, managing your online presence effectively, and understanding your unique financial situation. Drawing from her own experiences and perspectives, Dominique will share how you can leverage your unique skills and interests to build a career that suits you as an individual.