Ben Folds (Courtesy of his website)
Ben Folds to join lineup for West Texas Symphony’s 61st concert season
The West Texas Symphony has announced its musical programming for the exciting 2023-2024 season.
Multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter and pianist Ben Folds is among the performers. In October, Folds will perform with the West Texas Symphony as part of his “What Matters Most Tour.”
Through the talent and dedication of over a hundred professional musicians, under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Gary Lewis, West Texas Symphony presents eight main stage concerts, eight chamber events (6 instrumental and 2 choral), its Voices of the Permian Basin youth choir, music education outreach programs and additional community performances for which its full orchestra — and individual musicians — perform, according to Executive Director Ethan Wills.
The 61st season recently kicked off with “Happy 150th, Rachmaninoff,” a continued celebration of Rachmaninoff’s most popular works for orchestra and special performance by Grammy Award Winning violist, Richard O’Neill.
In November, “An Americana Salute to Our Veterans” will honor service members and showcases popular Americana repertoire.
In December, the orchestra presents West Texas’ favorite holiday kick-off event, Sounds of the Season.
Photo courtesy of the West Texas Symphony.
In February, Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto is paired with Schubert’s Fifth Symphony for the annual event WTS Spotlight, featuring co-principal trumpet of the West Texas Symphony, Ben Fairfield.
In March, world-renowned composer, arranger, and jazz pianist Wally Minko presents a world-premiere performance with the Symphony.
At the April 2024 Masterworks finale, the orchestra will celebrate Brahams! performing favorite works by the composer, a second iteration of the recently-performed side-by-side performance with local students, and Samuel Coleridge–Taylor’s Violin Concerto with featured violinist Rueben Kebede.
Finishing the season is Fantasy! where all ages are welcome for this fun and exciting concert of popular music from movies, gaming, and the fantasy realm.
“Whether you purchase a subscription, donate, purchase a single ticket, or bring friends, you ensure quality musicianship remains in West Texas,” Wills said. “If you have never been to the Symphony, now is the time to join us!”
New season subscriptions go on sale July 12. Individual concert tickets on sale Aug. 2. Multi-tiered pricing levels are available to choose from, including highly-discounted student ticket pricing. Visit WTXS.ORG for more information.
