Back in 2019, John Slate and Kristi Nedderman from Dallas Municipal Archives found an old reel to reel recording from 1967 of Van Cliburn performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at SMU's McFarlin Auditorium. This is the only known recording of the concert, and was only aired once on WRR in 1977. In this special program, you'll hear that performance - as well as the backstory of the discovery.

Classical 101.1 WRR presents Cliburn Uncovered: A lost recording... rediscovered!

"As a person who gets the chance to go to the places like Whitmore, Carnegie, and take the music of Mozart, Strauss, Schumann, and Schubert, it would also be a good thing if I could take the music of young African American composers who had voices, who had something to say,” says American tenor Lawrence Brownlee, talking about the genesis of "Rising," his new album featuring poetry of the Harlem Renaissance set to music. DFW native Jeremiah Evans is one of the six composers who was commissioned for the project. WRR's Amy Bishop spoke with Brownlee and Evans about the special collaboration and their mission of uniting people.

WRR 101 Focus on the Arts: DFW composer and renowned tenor join forces to unite through music

"The mission of the organization is to bring the world's most renowned (and)the world's greatest chamber music ensembles to the city of Dallas," says John Batchelder, Executive Director of the Dallas Chamber Music Society. The organization opens its star-studded season with the acclaimed Orion Quartet ahead of the group's retirement after 36 years. In this feature, WRR's Amy Bishop speaks with both Batchelder and violinist Todd Phillips, one of the quartet's founding members for a look back... and a look forward.

WRR 101 Focus on the Arts: The Orion Quartet comes to Dallas before retiring after 36 years

"This was an opportunity to come in and help shape the future of my passion project, which is opera," says Fort Worth Opera's General and Artistic Director Angela Turner Wilson. In this feature, she chats with WRR's Nikki Velonis about her vision for the company, plus shares details of how to attend their swanky "Dinner with the Stars" event on September 22. More info on that: https://www.fwopera.org/

WRR 101 Focus on the Arts: FW Opera's General & Artistic Director's vision for the future

"It's incredibly danceable music," says Katie Puder, Avant Chamber Ballet's Artistic Director, describing Philip Glass' music to "Dracula." The ballet company will bring the story to life on stage at Moody Performance Hall in October, just in time for Halloween. Puder gives more details on her vision for the production in this feature with WRR's Amy Bishop.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Dracula comes to life through dance with Avant Chamber Ballet

“We love the artform that is concert curation – the kind of conversational possibilities it offers both between ourselves and the composers whose works we choose to play," says violinist Brigid Coleridge of the Merz Trio. Dallas Chamber Music Society will welcome the group in concert at SMU Feb. 12, 2024, marking the organization's inaugural Next Gen artist residency program. Coleridge spoke with WRR's Amy Bishop about what to expect in the concert, which contains repertoire ranging from Bingen to Monk.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Expect the Merz Trio's Dallas concert to be a 'collage' of sound

"To be intermingled with that sound is really incredible... I don’t think of it as me in the front and them in the back,” says saxophonist Branford Marsalis, the GRAMMY Award-winning instrumentalist and composer who will join the Plano Symphony Orchestra Feb. 17, 2024. In this feature, Marsalis chats with WRR's Amy Bishop about the program, as well as his recently announced new gig back in his hometown of New Orleans.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Branford Marsalis set to play Glazunov, Williams with Plano Symphony

"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 feature with WRR's Amy Bishop, Sam gives a quick overview of the season highlights.

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

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: A deep dive into Shakespeare Dallas' production of Julius Caesar

Familiar warhorse classical works are abundant this season, but the DSO is taking a great effort to incorporate works by contemporary composers - including multiple world premieres. In this feature with WRR's Amy Bishop, DSO VP of Artistic Operations Katie McGuinness gives a sampling of their offerings.

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

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 gives the backstories of each piece and explains how Bruce Wood Dance has carved its unique niche in the DFW arts community.

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

"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 internationally acclaimed percussion ensemble, Tambuco. In this podcast, WRR's Emilio Alvarez catches up with Guzman and Mason to chat about the concert and the exciting new work.

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

“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 Officer with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, but has accepted the post as CEO with the New Jersey Symphony. In this conversation with WRR's Amy Bishop, Terry shares his fond memories of North Texas and how an early introduction to the arts was life changing.

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

"This is one of my favorite pieces – not only of the oboe repertoire, but in the classical music repertoire in general,” says Erin Hannigan, Principal Oboe with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, referencing Strauss' Oboe Concerto. She'll be in the spotlight as soloist with the DSO to perform the work Jan. 23-26, 2025 and chats with WRR's Amy Bishop about how she approaches each performance of such a demanding work for her instrument.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: DSO Principal Oboe Erin Hannigan will play one of her favorites this weekend

“Quite simply, the arts are an invaluable tool in brain health, and we want to demonstrate that actively through the activities at the Brain Health Week," says Bonnie Pitman, Director of Art-Brain Innovations at the University of Texas at Dallas’ Center for BrainHealth. The center is presenting its 3rd Brain Health week, full of art-centric events to explore the intersection of creativity and the brain. Hear the details in this feature with WRR's Amy Bishop.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: The Art of Brain Health

The mesmerizing true story of Isabelle Eberhardt is the subject of "Song from the Uproar" by American composer Missy Mazzoli, which Verdigris Ensemble is presenting February 28th – March 2nd at Theater 3. The groundbreaking multimedia opera tells the story of the young Swiss explorer who defied every convention – disguising herself as a man, joining the Algerian army, and ultimately meeting her fate in a desert flash flood. Through Mazzoli's dazzling score, which weaves together haunting vocals with striking visuals, audiences are transported into an unforgettable world of transformation and relentless pursuit of freedom. In this podcast, Verdigris Ensemble's founding Artistic Director Sam Brukhman joins WRR's Amy Bishop for a conversation about the performance.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Verdigris presents a groundbreaking opera about a woman ahead of her time

“I think this way of experiencing an orchestra concert is really great, especially for a younger generation, who might not have had any experience seeing and hearing a live orchestra before,” says Emily Marshall, Music Director and Conductor of Naruto: The Symphonic Experience. The show is on a cross-country tour of the U.S. with a stop at Fort Worth's Will Rogers Auditorium in March. In this feature, Marshall chats with WRR's Amy Bishop about what to expect at a concert that combines anime and symphonic music. 

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Anime and Symphonic Music intersect at this Fort Worth concert

The Texas Guitar Competition and Festival is an annual UT Dallas tradition, established 24 years ago. founded 23 years ago, but But this will be the first year without its beloved co-founder, the late Dr. Enric Madriguera, a longtime UT Dallas faculty member. In this podcast, WRR’s Amy Bishop speaks with Dr. James Wilder of the Bass School at UT Dallas about a special tribute planned in memory of the late Dr. Madriguera in the three-day event at the University. It includes a concert by GRAMMY-winning guitarist David Russell.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: 2025 TX Guitar Competition & Festival honors beloved co-founder

"This piece completely changed my thoughts on how music theater can be done...the piece is operatic in scope, which is one of the reasons why I thought it would be so fantastic for the students," says Michael Scarola, Visiting Professor of Practice at SMU's Meadows School of the Arts, who's directing their production of "Sweeney Todd." In this conversation with WRR's Amy Bishop, Scarola does a deep dive into the Meadows School production, which gives an opportunity for audiences to see young opera singers on the brink of their professional careers. 

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: SMU students bring the deliciously dark story of Sweeney Todd to the stage

What began as an old-school method of communication among four young composers during the COVID-19 pandemic, became the inspiration for a solo piano piece by Will Stackpole, which receives its world premiere in Dallas in March 2025. In this feature with WRR's Amy Bishop, Stackpole joins pianist/conductor Benjamin Hochman and Voices of Change Artistic Director Jon Cziner to talk about the uniqueness of the program, and why audiences need not be scared of new classical music. 

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Voices of Change welcomes Benjamin Hochman for a world premiere

"For me, there’s actually a bit of an emotional attachment to it, because the very first concert I ever conducted with the Dallas Winds as a guest 32 years ago was a concert called 'Marches in March.' So, in a way, it’s coming full circle here," says Jerry Junkin, Artistic Director for Dallas Winds. They're presenting their "Marches Madness" concert on Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 in a program of... well, marches.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Jerry Junkin's full-circle march with the Dallas Winds

It's not every day that Dallas audiences have the chance to see the Santa Fe Desert Chorale perform in North Texas - and it's even more rare to hear them paired with the Orpheus Chamber Singers for a concert. In this feature with WRR's Amy Bishop, Artistic Directors Joshua Habermann and J.D. Burnett talk about the events that led to their upcoming collaboration, and what to expect in this rare opportunity to see two professional choirs join forces for a night of music.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Orpheus Chamber Singers & Santa Fe Desert Chorale unite for a special concert experience

The Dallas Bach Society presents their Baroque-Carnatic Connection Concert at the Moody Performance Hall on March 16, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. It will also include dancers from the New York Baroque Dance Company and the Silambam Houston Dance Company. Kurt Rongey got a chance to talk with James Richman about this unique collaboration.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: A new artistic exploration for Dallas Bach Society

Organist and composer Zvony Nagy describes the Stained Glass Vespers series at Dallas' King of Glory Lutheran Church as an intersection of fine arts within a spiritual, contemplative space. In this feature with WRR's Amy Bishop, Nagy talks about an upcoming event at the church, where he'll provide organ improvisations on the narration of "The Seven Last Words of Christ" during the Lenten season. 

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Intersecting art & faith through improvisational organ

"Go big or go home" was one of Bruce Wood's most frequently used expressions, and the company is honoring his legacy with their upcoming Texas-inspired gala concert. In this feature with WRR's Amy Bishop, BWD Artistic Director Joy Bollinger gives a sneak peek into a night that'll include dancing, live music, rhinestones galore, and even real spurs.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Bruce Wood Dance is bringing the western bling for its upcoming gala

The Dallas Opera has announced its 68th season, which includes four mainstage productions, all new to Dallas as company or U.S. premieres. WRR's Amy Bishop recently caught up with Ian Derrer, TDO's Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO, for an overview of the season, which includes a version of Bizet's "Carmen" that may only be seen once in a lifetime. 

Dallas Opera announces 25-26 season, which includes a once-in-a-lifetime production of 'Carmen'

Nearing his 6th season as Music Director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Fabio Luisi has reached a new level of oneness with the musicians, to the point of almost "reading each other's minds." In this conversation with WRR's Amy Bishop, Luisi joins DSO's Chief Artistic Officer Katie McGuinness for an overview of the organization's milestone 125th anniversary season for 2025-26.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: DSO's mastery of Mahler & mindreading

"There's all the things we love about opera, right? Lust, rage.... all the wonderful things that, of course, unfortunately, are still timely - but it's such a beautiful story and such a beautiful opera," says American bass Raymond Aceto, who will join the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in the role of Daland for an upcoming semi-staged production of Wagner's "The Flying Dutchman." In this feature with WRR's Amy Bishop, Aceto explains why this performance with the Fort Worth Symphony will be a reunion with old friends.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Bass Raymond Aceto returns with the FWSO for another Wagner warhorse

“This is my favorite time of year, because I know that we’re planting the seeds that will not only contribute to the economy here, but that will truly be changing lives for our residents and our visitors,” says Martine Philippe, Director of the Office of Arts and Culture for the City of Dallas. She recently spoke with WRR's Amy Bishop about the impact that Dallas Arts Month has on the city's arts ecosystem, and shared highlights of a couple of new initiatives in this year's celebration.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: What's new about Dallas Arts Month 2025?

Spectrum Chamber Music Society began when a group of Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra musicians decided to get together and play chamber music for fun. Forty years later, they're still doing that for North Texas audiences. Perhaps their most ambitious feat is yet to come when they play a chamber ensemble arrangement of Mahler's Symphony No. 4, conducted by FWSO Music Director Laureate Miguel Harth Bedoya. In this feature with WRR's Amy Bishop, Spectrum's Dan Sigale tells the story of Spectrum and what has kept audiences coming back for four decades. 

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: FW's Spectrum Chamber Music Society goes BIG with a Mahler masterpiece

"French music is elusive, like perfume," says Piano Texas Founder and Executive Director Tamas Ungar. "It is something that cannot be touched and it is something that is inherently part of French culture." For the first time in Piano Texas' 38-year history, they are presenting a program of French music, performed mostly by French pianists. Hear more about the festival and its significance in Ungar's conversation with WRR's Amy Bishop.

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