The Sphinx Organization, the group that’s been fostering diversity in classical music since 1996, has a programming chief for the first time ever.  Andre Dowell is new to the job but not to the Sphinx organization. In his new job, he says he wants Sphinx to keep moving forward in diversifying the classical music community via the organization’s many programs ..read more

Austin Opera is ending their 2023-24 season with the red-hot opera Carmen.  The cast is full of young singers, many of whom are making their debut with the Austin Opera.  CEO Annie Burridge is hoping this super popular work from Bizet will entice audiences back to the Long Center after the hibernation forced upon us by Covid.   ..read more

As the end of most performing arts seasons come to an end, the Grammy winning choir, Conspirare is going out with a blast of three programs featuring a 30th anniversary event and the post pandemic return of Conspirare’s Symphonic Choir.   Founder and Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson is celebrating the end of their 30th season with a musical bash.   ..read more

Why would a business school devoted to developing entrepreneurs invite an opera singer to lead a masterclass?  Babson College in Massachusetts did just that. They named Soprano Karen Slack as the school’s Artist In Residence.  She spent 3 days teaching, talking, and singing.  School administrators, like Anjali Bal, say that Slack and other artists like her, offer their students a different perspective on creating a thriving business ..read more

There may come a time when classical music and other types of music will be “prescribed” along with your medication.  A Canadian Pharmaceutical expert and researcher, Dr. Tony Kiang, is taking up a study to determine if listening to music while taking your medication would improve its effectiveness.  ..read more

The upcoming Solar Eclipse will darken the sky for a few minutes on April 8th.  Texas orchestras are providing the soundtrack with concerts celebrating the celestial event.  The Waco Symphony is having it’s 'Sci-Fi Spectacular'  Sun, Moon and Superstars concert.  The East Texas Symphony has collaborated with Tyler Junior College for a musical and visual feast.  Here are other eclipse related music events.    ..read more

Just in time for the solar eclipse, Austin Classical Guitar presents two programs ending its 2023-2024 season.  Your eclipse guests might enjoy classical guitarists the Beijing Duo or if they stay long enough, David Russell.  Perhaps there’s an amateur classical guitarist in your circle who might be brave enough to try Open Mic night at the Rosette.  ..read more

It’s a big successful time for Austin Soundwaves, a group that’s been teaching student musicians from all backgrounds since 2011. Their most recent expansion is their summer music camp. Their award-winning Executive Director Patrick Slevin says this “new” camp is a full day and offers classes they’ve never offered before. They are hoping the students will take their musical training to the next level and maybe even apply to be a Draylen Mason Fellow ..read more

During Black History Month, many organizations are celebrating what’s known as Black Excellence. The Department of Music at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas is presenting a performance by pianist Althea Waites this month. She may be under the radar of more well known pianist but her talent and experience has carried her through over a near 60 year career ..read more

A Grammy nominated Harpists is releasing a new piece of music in celebration of Mother’s Day (May 14th) and Mother Earth. Yolanda Kondonassis has added Wildflower to her digital album Five Minutes For Earth. It was composed for her by Cuban virtuoso trumpeter and composer Arturo Sandoval. There's also a music video of Wildflower. It’s part of Kondonassis’ dedication to the environment with her foundation, Earth At Heart ..read more