Arts Alive San Antonio

The San Antonio Philharmonic’s Classics VII concert will feature Liszt’s Paino Concerto No.1 with Ukrainian pianist, Illia Ovcharenko, at the piano.  Other pieces on the program are:
Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy,” Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story” and Dukas’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.”

The whimsical and spellbinding tale of Dukas’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” is a scintillating miniature masterpiece, made famous by Mickey Mouse in Disney’s “Fantasia.”
According to the press release, this program features a mix of enchanting melodies and powerful storytelling “where magic comes to life through vivid orchestration.” The concert will be conducted by Jeffrey Kahane. (March 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Scottish Rite Hall, 308 Ave. E, 78205; tickets are $25 0$85 at www.majesticempire.com/saphilpclassic7)

The Philharmonic is also planning to hold national auditions for three key positions in the orchestra – principal oboe, principal flute and principal horn.

The fabulous all-male KODO Ensemble will be at the Tobin Center soon. In Japanese, the word “Kodo” holds a double meaning. It can be translated as “heartbeat”, the primal source of all rhythm. However, this ensemble’s name is written differently, reflecting the group’s desire to play drums with the simple heart of a child. Whatever the name means, we remember seeing a Kodo ensemble years ago at the Majestic Theater and it was physically unique and impressive. (March 27 at 7:30 p.m., Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle, 78205; tickets are $34.50 at the box office, 210-223-8624 or tickets@tobincenter.org)

The AGARITA ensemble will have concerts on March 26 & 27 – Masterpieces of Innovation: String Quartets, with guest violinist Suliman Tekalli. It’s a program that traces a path through some of the most revolutionary moments in the history of the string quartet, showcasing how composers have challenged conventions and redefined the genre over time.  (At the Agarita Loft, 724 S. Alamo St. # 2 (second floor,) accessible by stairs only); 78205; free; more at www.agarita.org)

A cappella sensation, Voctave, has had more than 160 million social media views of their videos and their albums often debut in the top 10 on the Billboard charts. Hailing from Florida, the 11-member ensemble has performed across the globe. (March 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Tobin Center; tickets are $29.50; more info at info@tobincenter.org

Alamo City Arts will present Alamo City Symphony Viva’s Viva Mariachi  with Mariachi Campanas de America, in a program that is sure to be an entertaining collaboration.
( March 23 at 4 p.m.; Thiry Auditorium at Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 SW 24^th Street, 78207; 210-434-6711; for info www.alamocityarts.org)

First Baptist Church of San Antonio is hosting a Lenten Concert Series featuring Allyson Dawkins, principal violist of the San Antonio Philharmonic and Seth Nelson, organist at the church. (March 25 at 12, noon; free; First Baptist Church is located at 515 McCullough, 78215; 210-226-0363)

At the Frost Bank Center fans will mob the place to see Rise of the Roach Tour, Papa Roach and Rise Against; March 22 at 7 p.m.; tickets are $43-$420 at www.ticketmaster.com/papa-roach

At the Being Center at Tech Port Arena, you can see Luis Angel, El Flaco, and Luis Antonio Lopez, El Mimoso, who perform regional Mexican music, greatest hits and soulful ballads. (March 21
at 7 p.m. tickets at www.boeingcentertechport.com)

On the theater front we would like to mention a few things. The San Pedro Playhouse is opening a new production of “Romeo and Juliet” as a Shakespeare in the Park show, on March 25. It’s a short run that ends March 30. It promises to transport you to Verona where fueding families and young love collide in a timeless tale of love and tragedy. Obviously, the show will be set outdoors in the park that surrounds the theater building. Seating ranges from VIP tables for four to bringing your own blanket and lawn chairs. (210-733-7258 or email boxoffice@thepublicsa.org)

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center has announced that playwright Irene Chavez’s powerful script, “Las Comadres de Morales Street” has been chosen for its next theater production. The play is staged at the Jump-Start Performance Co. through March 30 at 710- Fredericksburg Rd.; 210-227-5867; Tickets are $12-15; www.info@jump-start.org.

The very active Overtime Theater is staging “Monday or the other Rape Play.” (March 21 – April 12, Fridays and Saturdays.; $15-$20; Gregg Barrios Stage; 4335 Vance Jackson, 78230, 210-557-7562; www.theovertimetheater.org)

The McNay Art Museum highlights the enduring influence of William Shakespeare in “Designing Shakespeare through the Ages,” on view March 27-July 6. The exhibition examines the changing conversations surrounding Shakespear’s plays. More than 85 works come together to promote understanding around the legacy of his work. We’ll tell you more after seeing the intriguing exhibition. (McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave., 78209; 210-824-5368)

Teen Night with the Contemporary is an opportunity for teens to view exhibitions, enjoy artist-led art activities, perform at the open mic and mingle with other art minded SA teens.
(March 21, 6-8 p.m.; Contemporary at Blue Star, 116 Blue Star, 78204; 210-227-6960; free)

The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum is inviting interested individuals to join the unveiling of 17 pieces of art adorning the windows of the new home of SAAACAM at the Kress-Grant building. The artwork will tell the stories of the area’s African descendants in the region through transformation, citizenship, persistence and healing. Meet the artists, curators and get a sneak peek of the new SAAACAM. (March 25, 5-7 p.m.; more info by calling 210-724-3350 or write to Admin@saaacam.org)
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