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

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

The University of Texas at Tyler

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

Bergfeld 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!

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

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

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.

East Texas Symphony Orchestra

Jan 25, 2025

The Mystery Of Mahler

Feb 22, 2025

The Spirit Of America

Mar 29, 2025

One Voice: Music Of Queen

Nov 2, 2024

The Splendor Of The Seasons

Sep 21, 2024

¡fiesta!

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East Texas Symphony Orchestra