News Roundup, 5/8/2025
NEWS ROUNDUP, 5/9/2025
Lots of good music coming our way!
The San Antonio Philharmonic is ready for its season finale and is inviting music lovers to “Phil the Hall” for the last concert of the season. On the program: Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection,” conducted by Music Director Jeffrey Kahane and featuring the mighty San Antonio Mastersingers and soloists Erica Petrocelli (soprano) and Josefina Maldonado (mezzo-soprano). Kahane has described this monumental work as one that changed his life the first time he heard it in high school. Now he’s bringing it to San Antonio. The press release says that “Resurrection” is “a symphonic masterpiece that explores the universal themes of life, death and transcendence.” (May 23 & 24; at 7:30 p.m. (doors: 6:30 p.m.) Scottish Rite Hall, 304 Ave. E, 78205; get tickets by calling 888-246-3185 or online, at majesticempire.com.)
Musical Bridges Around the World – MBAW – has brought to town a special Mother’s Day offering, the genre-defying quartet Invoke, that will close its season. The concert will transform the historic San Fernando Cathedral into a vibrant showcase of American musical traditions, from Appalachian fiddle tunes to contemporary chamber works – an inspired alternative to traditional Mother’s Day celebrations. (May 11 at 7 p.m. at the San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Main Plaza; free tickets but registration required at https://tinyurl.com/mbaw-invoke)
The South Texas Symphonic Orchestra will present a free, All-American concert honoring all branches of the United States armed forces this weekend (May 10, at 6 p.m. in the recital hall on the UTSA campus. “We want to honor those who have served, those who currently serve and their families. Included in the program will be John Williams’ “Summon the Heroes” written for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, and “Remember the Fallen” featured in the movie “Saving Private Ryan.” The orchestra will also perform a special tribute to all branches of the US armed forces.
Now in its 9th season, the 76-member South Texas Symphonic Orchestra continues to perform symphonic works to under-served populations. Free and open to the public VIP seating is available for a donation of $20; more at www.stxso.com.
Two music ensembles, The Prickly Pear Clarinet Ensemble and The Fiesta Flutes of San Antonio
will honor those who serve with an evening “of stirring music and heartfelt tribute.” The concert will feature patriotic selections, American classics and uplifting melodies to celebrate military members. (Military Appreciation Concert; May 29 at 7:30 p.m.; Zion Lutheran Church of San Antonio. 9944 Leslie Rd., 78254; non-ticketed event. To learn more about the two groups visit
www.PricklyPearClarinetEnsemble.com or www.FiestaFlutes.com)
The Youth Orchestra of San Antonio, specifically YOSA Philharmonic, the most advanced group, will present “The Firebird” by Stravinsky, a fairy tale ballet based on Russian folklore, featuring San Antonio Youth Ballet dancing to the music. (May 11 at 7 p.m.; Tobin Center. tickets are $12-$34 at https://www.tobincenter.org/)
Alamo City Arts presents the famous ballet “Coppelia” featuring the Alamo City Symphony Viva and the Alamo City Dance Company. (May 10 at 2 and 4:30 p.m. at Thiry Auditorium at Our lady of the Lake University; tickets are $20-$45; 210-434-6711; for more info go to www.alamocityarts.org)
This is the time of the year for the Tejano Conjunto Festival, hosted by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center May 15-18. The fest includes three days of performances at Rosedale Park (303 Darmouth St.) May 16-18 and a free seniors dance on May 15 at Progresso Hall (1306 Guadalupe St.) New this year, in celebration of the festival, the Guadalupe will be hosting a free event May 15 at 7 p.m. at the Latino Bookstore inviting the public to visit an exhibition featuring the collection and photography of local community archivists and artists. The fest is the first and longest running conjunto festival in the country. For more info call 210-271-3151 or visit info@guadalupeculturalartscenter.org.
Dance of another style will be performed by the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio: “The Little Mermaid” – at the Majestic Theater. (May 16-17) Audiences will feel immersed “under the sea” thanks to captivating sets and a treasure trove of special effects. Gravity-defying aerial acrobats will appear to float in water as they fly through the air, with waves all around. (May 16 at 7 p.m. and May 17 at 2 and 7 p.m.; doors open an hour before showtime. The Majestic is at 224 E. Houston, 78205). For ticket info visit www.majesticempire.com/events/the-little-mernaid/)
Speaking of ballet, check the upcoming season of Ballet San Antonio, our professional ballet company: info@balletsanantonio.org.
“Natural Legacy” is the new exhibit at Bihl Haus Arts, that features paintings and sculptures by Terry Allen Jones and Lauren Browning. One of Browning’s stunning works included in the show, is a hand-carved, bristlecone pine sculpture titled “Venerable Witness.” The artist commented that her pieces may be the only carved bristlecone sculptures in existence. (Opens May 9 at Bihl Haus Art, inside the gates of an apartment complex at 2803 Fredericksburg Rd.)
The Dock Space Gallery in Southtown has become very active. Right now, it features the work of interdisciplinary artist Maria Brown and the UTSA MFA candidate Marcus Ckarke. (107 LoneStar Blvd, 78204.)
Do you remember the huge yet angelic voice of the English songstress, Sarah Brightman?
Well, she is coming back with a Christmas spectacle titled “A Winter Symphony.” The concert will take place at the Majestic Theater on Dec. 20. Tickets can be purchased at www.MajesticEmpire.com.
Here’s something unusual: The Listener’s Gallery presents Feeling Tone”- An immersive Sound and Technology Exhibition exploring sound and technology as pathways to connection. Opened May 2, Mercury Project Contemporary Art Space, 538 Roosevelt Ave., San Antonio 78210; Artists involved are: Pamela Martinez; Joshua Alexander (Savannah, Georgia), Stevan Zivadinovic, Daniel N Jackson and Levy RZ; www.teletextile.org. Mercury Project Contemporary Art Space, 538 Roosevelt Ave, 78210.; to contact Teletextile email teletextile@gmail.com
In brief: Urban-15 seeks percussionists to work with their dancers for their upcoming performances. Interested drummers can call 2190736-1500 or email events @urban15.org.
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