Both Dallas and Fort Worth symphony orchestras have been gearing up for the 2023-2024 season with ambitious programs aimed at dazzling audiences at different ends of the metroplex.
As September unfolds, the Meyerson Symphony Center in the heart of the Dallas Arts District at 2301 Flora St. will resound with melodies that captivate the soul. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is pulling out all the stops as it ushers in its 2023-2024 season.
Meanwhile, marching to the beat of its own drum at the Bass Performance Hall at 525 Commerce St., the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (FWSO) is chomping at the bit with a program blending classical music gems and pop music favorites.
Here’s a closer look at what both symphony orchestras have prepared for audiences this season.
Starting with the DSO, players dusted off their strings and keys to bring guests a taste of Mozart earlier this month.
Amadeus Live in Concert ran from September 1-3, which will be followed by Prohibition: The Music of Moulin Rouge, Boardwalk Empire, and More! from September 8-10.
Bringing audiences on a journey through the roaring 1920s, this audio-visual spectacle features hits from Rudy Vallée, Josephine Baker, and more. Musical arrangements were developed by Grammy winner Jeff Tyzik.
Then, from September 15-16, Latin American sensation Lila Downs will grace the stage. Downs, known for blending Mexican rancheras and corridos, boleros, jazz standards, hip-hop, and cumbia, will join the DSO to deliver spellbinding performances that often address social and cultural topics.
But that’s not all — a diverse lineup is planned from fall into winter.
In fact, Kim Noltemy, the DSO’s CEO, has no problem tooting her own horn, promising guests an eclectic blend of shows that will suit fans of all music genres.
“The entire season showcases many styles of music. Fabio Luisi and the orchestra will bring monumental works to life and present exciting world premieres. … Principal Pops conductor Jeff Tyzik will curate a toe-tapping season of performances of popular music and song,” Noltemy said, according to NBC 5 DFW.
“Whether you enjoy Brahms and Beethoven or Queen and John Williams, we have something that will entertain and delight,” Noltemy added.
Of particular note is the holiday program, with the Meyerson featuring Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert from October 27-29 in time for Halloween, as well as The Polar Express in Concert from December 15-17 to get guests in the mood for Christmas.
Check out the DSO’s full program through April 7 here.
Over in Fort Worth, Music Director Robert Spano leads the FWSO in a rapturous performance featuring the musical talents of the Cliburn Competition’s 2022 gold medalist Yunchan Lim as a piano soloist.
At just 18 years old, Lim has a resume that would make any veteran musician proud. He has already performed across several countries and is currently attending the Korea National University of Arts.
The FWSO’s opening concert Schumann and Brahms will take place from September 8-10.
“It is with great excitement that I return to my hometown, Fort Worth, to open the FWSO 23-24 season. The return of … Lim will be a musical event not to be missed — and the kind of program that reflects Fort Worth’s international and innovative performing arts scene that is really a treasure for this community,” Spano said, according to NBC 5.
Some noteworthy performances are on the horizon, such as Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky from October 20-22. The performance will include striking puppets bringing the characters to life through a collaboration with the Canadian theater group Old Trout Puppet Workshop.
Don’t forget the pops performances featuring Taichi Fukumura as conductor.
The FWSO is slated for performances such as the shaken but not stirred Bond and Beyond, inspired by everyone’s favorite dashing special agent from November 10-12, and Home for the Holidays, an FWSO tradition aiming to put everyone in the mood for Christmas with carols and more from November 24-26.
Check out the FWSO’s full schedule for this season through June 2 here.