Embark on a mesmerizing musical journey with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra as they present a triptych of enthralling performances that capture the essence of mystery, patriotic spirit, and iconic rock. From the enigmatic grandeur of Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 to the patriotic resonance of American classics inspired by the enduring words of Lincoln and Washington, and finally culminating in the jubilant anthems of Queen, these events promise a rich auditory tapestry. Conducted by Richard Lee, these performances at The University of Texas at Tyler will enchant audiences with their profound depth and vibrant energy.

East Texas Symphony Orchestra: A Musical Journey Through Mystery, Spirit, and Iconic Rock

Get ready for an exhilarating musical journey with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra's upcoming concert series. Featuring Mahler's monumental Symphony No. 9, a celebration of American spirit through iconic compositions, and a dynamic tribute to Queen, each event offers a unique experience. With conductor Richard Lee at the helm, these performances promise to captivate and inspire, bringing together diverse musical styles and stories at The University of Texas at Tyler.

Exploring the Symphony and Spirit: ETSO's Upcoming Concert Series

The East Texas Symphony Orchestra (ETSO) invites you to an extraordinary musical journey spanning six remarkable events. From the harmonious melodies of 'Symphony in the Park' to the audience-curated 'The Soundtrack of Your Life,' music enthusiasts are in for a treat. With performances featuring works by Mozart, ABBA, Beethoven, and more, each event promises a unique experience. Join celebrated conductors and talented musicians at various striking venues across Tyler, Texas, for an enriching exploration of classical and contemporary compositions.

A Symphony of Seasons: East Texas Symphony Orchestra's Unforgettable Events

As the East Texas Symphony Orchestra (ETSO) gears up for its upcoming season, music enthusiasts in Tyler, Texas, are in for a treat. From lively park performances to cherished classical symphonies, the ETSO's diverse lineup promises an unforgettable musical journey. The six-event series spans from August 2025 to March 2026, featuring talented conductors, musicians, and a variety of compositions that range from the rhythmically engaging works of ABBA to the profound symphonies of Beethoven. At the heart of these events lies a celebration of music’s enduring legacy and its ability to unite audiences through shared experiences.

East Texas Symphony Orchestra's Upcoming Season: A Harmony of Timeless Classics and Audience Favorites

Step into the world of orchestral brilliance with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra's 2026 season, where the audience becomes the curator, the trumpet takes center stage, and a symphonic journey through history awaits. From fan-favorite requests to a tribute to a 90-year legacy, these events promise to captivate music enthusiasts with varied programs and passionate performances. Join us to explore the power of music through the lens of community involvement, historical celebration, and classical masterpieces.

Orchestral Odyssey: East Texas Symphony Orchestra's 2026 Season Highlights

The season opens with a spotlight on you. You can help the ETSO decide if four beloved pieces of music should be raised to the status of masterworks. Enjoy works by Mozart, Mahler, Franck, and Bruch, and vote in real time on whether or not these works merit entering the canon of classical music. Guest soloist for the evening is violinist Timothy Chooi.

Opening Night: For Your Consideration

The University of Texas at Tyler

The East Texas Symphony Orchestra for its Fifth Annual Gala, Fields of Gold on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Willow Brook Country Club in Tyler. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of cocktails, dinner, and dancing to Emerald City Party Band while investing in the future of live symphonic music and music education across East Texas.

Fields of Gold Gala

Willow Brook Country Club

Join us for this special concert celebrating the 90th anniversary of the orchestra’s first performance.  That first concert, in 1936, took place at a time of great music, both classical and popular!  The entire program consists of works composed in or debuted in 1936, and as you can well imagine, features a wide variety of styles, as well as a lot of American composers:  George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Samuel Barber, and Aaron Copland.  Join us for this celebration of the start and launch into the future of ETSO.

A Ninety-Year Legacy: A Symphonic Celebration

Among, the brass instruments, the trumpet has a uniquely brilliant sound that immediately grabs the listener’s attention.  Our principal trumpeter, James Sims, will demonstrate the instrument’s unique quality in the short but challenging Concerto in E-flat by Franz Joseph Haydn.   Under the leadership of guest conductor Johannes Debus, the ETSO also brings life to Haydn’s “Farewell” Symphony and the second overture of Louise Farrenc.  Concluding the concert is one of the most famous classical works in history: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

From Brass to Beethoven

It’s you, the audience, who will craft this program.  Music Director Richard Lee will curate a concert made up entirely of works requested in our 2025 audience survey.  You’ll hear a cross-section of many submissions, along with the story of what makes the piece special to the requester.  It’s certain to be a n evening of fan favorites and new discoveries – all thanks to you.

The Soundtrack of Your Life

Undoubtedly Mozart’s most well-known concerto, his 21st piano concerto has found new audiences through popular culture. Its slow movement has been used in a Bond film (The Spy who Loved Me) as well as a Swedish romantic drama, Elvira Madigan, from which it has gained its more familiar name.  All of Mozart’s concertos require a very precise and subtle pianist.  The ETSO is happy to welcome Misha Berestnev to interpret this deceptively challenging work.  The remainder of the program consists of Tchaikovsky’s Mozartiana Suite, an homage to his favorite composer, as well as two works by Sibelius, including his stirring Finlandia.

Mozart and More

The Swedish quartet is well-known for great songwriting, tight harmonies, and incorporating classical instruments in their songs.  Other than the prominence of the piano, how can anyone perform Dancing Queen without violins, Chiquitita without a classical guitar, or Mamma Mia without a marimba?  The ETSO comes to the rescue!  Join us, along with Jeans n’ Classics – back after their triumphant Music of Queen show, for an evening of ABBA with the ETSO live!

Dancing Queen: The Music Of Abba

Symphony in the Park

Bergfeld Park

Stomping rhythms, celebratory anthems, iconic opening vamps, and a six-minute hit song that has everyone singing along and bobbing their heads – The Music of Queen is part of the musical fabric of generations. Courtesy of our friends at Jeans ‘n Classics, the works of Freddy Mercury and the band are brought to life in a dynamic way that takes the beloved melodies into a new realm, blending rock band, chorus and full orchestra. It’s a sonic experience you’ll want to experience LIVE with the ETSO.

One Voice: Music Of Queen

The unique spirit of our nation has been the source of inspiration for countless writers and composers through the years. ETSO brings two of those voices to the stage for a concert celebrating America in music. The words of American icons, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, take center stage for two works: The speeches and writings of our 16th president give voice to Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. And Composer Aaron Dworkin has used the life and words of America’s first president, George Washington, as the source of his work The American Rhapsody.  Dworkin, himself, will serve as narrator for the ETSO performance.  The concert also features special appearances by vocal and instrumental ensembles from Texas College and Jarvis Christian University, performing with the ETSO.

The Spirit Of America

You will feel the full power of live music as the forces of the ETSO multiply to bring you Gustav Mahler’s monumental final symphony, his Symphony No. 9. In this moving work, Mahler explores the very mysteries of life in a way that only music can express.

The Mystery Of Mahler

A violent spring thunderstorm, the hot summer sun, cooling autumn breezes, and the icy chill of winter. East Texans are used to sudden changes in weather, and you will experience all four seasons in just one evening courtesy of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra.

The Splendor Of The Seasons

Passion and Romance – You’ll find them both in the East Texas Symphony Orchestra’s 2024/2025 season opening night concert. Acclaimed pianist Arturo Nieto-Dorantes displays his virtuosic skills with Richard Lee and the ETSO in a performance of the Concierto Romantico by Manuel Ponce, the “father” of Mexican classical music. The concert also features Franz Liszt’s evocative Les Preludes and concludes with the vibrant Symphony No. 7 of Ludwig van Beethoven, which the composer himself thought was one of his best works. This trio of pieces provides a fitting celebration to launch the new season.

¡fiesta!

4th Annual Symphony in the Park

Award-winning singer/songwriter Rodney Crowell joins Richard Lee and the East Texas Symphony Orchestra for a very personal tribute to his friend and frequent collaborator, East Texas native Will Jennings.  A multi-Grammy and Oscar winning lyricist, Jennings has co-written countless hits, including “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic and “Up Where We Belong” from An Officer and a Gentleman.   In this concert, presented in partnership with Tyler Junior College, Crowell will share songs and stories from his many years working with Jennings.  You’ll hear brand new arrangements of many of these songs created exclusively for this concert.  TJC alumna, Julianne Casey will also make a special appearance to perform Jennings’s Oscar-winning works.

The Music Of Will Jennings

Tyler Junior College

In partnership with Tyler Junior College, ETSO will present a once in a lifetime event celebrating a total eclipse of the sun. The Eclipse Concert will feature East Texas Symphony Orchestra playing celestial favorites with beautiful visuals provided by TJC’s Earth & Space Science Center.

Totality Of The Sun

The ETSO season concludes with the World Premiere of a piece commissioned by the orchestra. Written by Dr. Kyle Gullings, Associate Professor of Music Theory and Composition at UT Tyler, “Gridiron Symphony” celebrates the traditions surrounding the East Texas passion for high school football. The concert also features other sports-themed works, including Olympic-inspired pieces by John Williams, Vangelis’s popular theme from “Chariots of Fire,” and Charles Ives’s take on the Yale-Princeton football rivalry. The entire family will enjoy this uplifting end to the 2023/2024 season.

Gridiron Symphony

Richard Lee and the East Texas Symphony Orchestra are excited to partner again with the Tyler Junior College Academy of Dance for a program featuring original choreography to two ballet favorites. Aaron Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from “Rodeo”, originally choreographed by Agnes de Mille, features the familiar and infectious Hoedown. Igor Stravinsky’s fiery modern masterpiece The Rite of Spring, created for Ballets Russes in 1913, brings a contrast in style to the Cowan Center stage. Rounding out the program, the ETSO performs Copland’s stirring Appalachian Spring.

Dance!

ETSO teams up with our friends at Jeans ‘n Classics for an evening celebrating the songs of the legendary trio, The Police, and the solo career of Sting. You’ll hear “Roxanne,” “Every Breath You Take,” “Fields of Gold,” and so much more.

Every Breath You Take

Popular works from the Broadway stage, classical theatre, and the opera house are in the spotlight for an evening of song – and Shakespeare, featuring soprano Julianne Casey and actors from the Texas Shakespeare Festival. Works include music from The Phantom of the Opera, Madama Butterfly, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and more.

Bravo! A Night at the Theatre

Soar with the sound of the flute as ETSO Principal Dominique Reilly performs music of Mozart. The concert also includes the audience favorite Flight of the Bumblebee along with energetic music by Robert Schumann and Louise Farrenc.

The Flute in Flight

The ETSO season concludes with a homage to strength and perseverance, as we feature the Texas Premiere of “Requiem for a Patriot” by Richard A. Nichols. Using the words of U.S. Presidents throughout history, this inspiring work reminds us of the resilience of a people through historic events. Dr. Julie Philley, President of The University of Texas at Tyler, and Dr. Juan Mejia, President of Tyler Junior College, will serve as narrators.

East Texas Symphony Orchestra

Nov 7, 2026

Every Breath You Take

Jan 30, 2027

Bravo! A Night at the Theatre

Feb 27, 2027

The Flute in Flight

Mar 20, 2027

Season Finale: Requiem For A Patriot

Sep 19, 2026

Opening Night: For Your Consideration

Aug 22, 2026

Fields of Gold Gala

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