Name: WRR101 Focus on the Arts: TACA awards $670k in Catalyst Grants to Dallas arts orgs by Classical 101 WRR
Duration: 2 min 31 s
Description: TACA's Donna Wilhelm Family President and Executive Director Maura Sheffler points out that this kind of support has always been critically important for arts organizations, but even more so now, as many try to return to their pre-pandemic vitality. She spoke with WRR's Amy Bishop about the other work TACA has been doing recently to champion the arts in Dallas County.

"I think the audience will be amazed by how well a children's chorus can perform a piece of music that's as complex as this one," says Ellie Lin, Artistic Director of the Dallas Symphony Children's Chorus, who is presenting the world premiere of a work written especially for the chorus. Hear more about the chorus and the new commission by Andrea Basevi in this feature with WRR's Amy Bishop.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Dallas Symphony Children's Chorus gears up for a world premiere

"The goal is to keep bringing people out to share these timeless stories out under the stars," says Jenni Stewart, Interim Executive and Artistic Director of Shakespeare Dallas, presenting its 52nd season of Shakespeare in the Park this summer. In this feature with WRR's Amy Bishop, Stewart talks about their upcoming productions of "Twelfth Night" and "The Odyssey."

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Shakespeare in the Park returns with drama, comedy & romance

From being stung by a wasp onstage, to having a heat stroke mid-performance, it takes a special fortitude to be an actor in a production of Shakespeare in the Park. In this podcast, WRR's Amy Bishop speaks with Mikaela Baker, who plays Olivia in "Twelfth Night" and Adrian Godinez, who plays Odysseus in "The Odyssey," for a deep dive into their characters and the experiences that come with performing outside during a Texas summer.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: The joys and challenges as an actor for Shakespeare in the Park

McKinney's popular Independence Day celebration started back when the city had a modest population of about 20 thousand residents. Today, their population is well over 200 thousand, but the city still strives to create a small hometown feel for their festivities. In this feature, WRR's Amy Bishop speaks with Ryan Mullins, Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of McKinney to get the details on this year's event, which includes some new attractions.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: What to expect at McKinney's popular 4th of July celebration

“The concerts I’ve been to since I’ve been an Executive Director there have been phenomenal and it's such a pleasure to be able to offer something so wonderful at no cost to people who might otherwise not be able to see a concert in a whole year," says Morgan Vaughan, Executive Director of Basically Beethoven. The organization formerly known as the Fine Arts Chamber Players for the past 43 years decided it was time to update their name to reflect their signature summer series. In this feature with WRR's Amy Bishop, Morgan gives an overview of this year's highlights.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Basically Beethoven is back, but with a slight change

"The orchestra just keeps getting better and better, and the European tour demonstrated the depth of admiration in Europe for the Dallas Symphony, which is so special to see,” says Kim Noltemy, whose last day as President and CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra was June 28th. She has gone on to assume the role as the new CEO of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In this feature with WRR's Amy Bishop, Noltemy reflects on her six years with the DSO, and her optimism for the organization's future under her successor.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: A farewell interview with DSO's Kim Noltemy

TACA's Donna Wilhelm Family President and Executive Director Maura Sheffler points out that this kind of support has always been critically important for arts organizations, but even more so now, as many try to return to their pre-pandemic vitality. She spoke with WRR's Amy Bishop about the other work TACA has been doing recently to champion the arts in Dallas County.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: TACA awards $670k in Catalyst Grants to Dallas arts orgs

Dallas' AT&T Performing Arts Center is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a series of community events this fall. In this feature with WRR's Amy Bishop, ATTPAC's CEO Warren Tranquada explains why the center served as the catalyst for the Dallas Arts District, and shares details on how North Texas can take part in the celebration.

WRR101 FOCUS ON THE ARTS: In 15 years, ATTPAC has helped transform Dallas' arts district

Since 1989, the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth has been bringing the crème de la crème of the world’s chamber musicians together for performances – some who have been playing together for decades, and others who are just beginning their upward trajectory, such as the Balourdet Quartet. Artistic Director Gary Levinson chats with Amy Bishop about the program, as well as CMSFW's new family concert series.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: TACA awards $670k in Catalyst Grants to Dallas arts orgs

Classical 101 WRR

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