Southwest Symphony unveils 2022-2023 season lineup

Southwest Symphony this week announced the opening of its 2022-2023 Season, “Music for America,” featuring seven performances from September through June, including special guest Grammy award-winning Michael W. Smith.

Season tickets are available for $100 each and will include the specially priced concert by Michael W. Smith in January. Tickets are available at swsymphony.org, Music World and Q Systems Music & Sound. Individual tickets are available at the door for $25. Michael W. Smith concert tickets are limited to capacity seating and go for $40 for individual tickets and $20 for students.

Sept. 17

First up: One Hit Wonders, The Songs You Hate to Love! set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Tydings Auditorium, 1332 E Scharbauer St., in Hobbs.

Leanne Salgado, executive director at Southwest Symphony, said the performance will feature dancers, singers and band members evoking memories of the 60s through the 90s with period costumes and sets reminiscent of the times.

Nov. 7-8

In November, the Southwest Symphony Orchestra will present its Youth Series of Concerts, with this year’s theme being “SUPERHEROES!”  Lea County elementary students will be bused in on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 7-8, for a special educational performance from the orchestra. On Monday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m., there will be a public performance of SUPERHEROES! at Tydings Auditorium.

Dec. 10

On Saturday, Dec. 10, the Lubbock Christian University A Cappella Choirs will perform a special Christmas concert at St. Helena Cathlic Church at 7 p.m. The concert will present a “moving performance” featuring classic and traditional Christmas songs and hymns, Salgado said.

Jan. 14

On Jan 14, 2023, special guest, Grammy award-winning Michael W. Smith will perform with the Southwest Symphony Orchestra at Tydings at 7 p.m. The collaboration is presented through the Southwest Symphony Endowment Fund.

“Michael W. Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 35+ years,” Salgado said. “During his storied career, he’s written and recorded over 36 No. 1 songs, been honored with three GRAMMY® Awards and 45 Dove Awards, one American Music Award, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 15 million albums.”

Feb. 24

The Friday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m., Playing By Air “will captivate public audiences with a joyful fusion of music, juggling, and circus in which traditional theatricality meets absurd comedy” at Tydings Auditorium, Salgado said.

“The award-winning performers of Playing By Air will share their sense of playfulness and breathtaking feats in a production enjoyed equally by adults, families, and children,” Salgado said. “Audiences will be drawn into the performance with a contagious attitude of expressive play and creativity.”

April 14

The worldwide-touring Texas Guitar Quartet, which Classical Guitar Magazine hailed as “impeccable in every respect,” will perform at Hobbs First Assembly Church on Friday, April 14 at 7 p.m.

June 4

The Southwest Symphony Orchestra will perform American classics at this end of season concert at Tydings Auditorium on Sunday, June 4, at 3 p.m. The performance will include classics such as Hoedown from “Rodeo,” Armed Forces Salute, Summertime Medley and Memories of America Medley.

“Not only is the music geared toward audiences of all ages, but we also welcome active military, veterans and first responders free of charge to this end of season concert,” Salgado said.