Arts Alive San Antonio

NEWS ROUNDUP, September 5, 2025

Let’s start with news from the Philharmonic, news that it is very proud of. The Orchestra is bringing to San Antonio the official world premiere of “Juan Gabriel: A Philharmonic Tribute,” a symphonic celebration honoring the life and music of one of Mexico’s most iconic artists.”

The program will feature Juan Gabriel’s greatest hits, reimagined for a symphony orchestra and guest vocalists and mariachi groups such as Mariachi Los Paisanos, plus mariachi bands from local schools. The Philharmonic also appointed Felipe Tristan to be the new associate director of the San Antonio Philharmonic.  

According to the announcement, the new tribute to Juan Gabriel is a world premiere production, that includes Gabriel’s most beloved hits, with special arrangements by composer Eduardo Magallanes, who crafted Gabriel’s original orchestration, alongside arrangements by Erick Pico. Celebrated chef Johnny Hernandez curates a series of culinary offerings. The concerts take place Sept. 12-14 at 7:30 p.m.at the Scottish Rite Hall, tickets at www.thundertix.com. Call 210-757-3434

Camerata San Antonio will perform “Nature’s Tapestry,” a program described as “warm and witty,” consisting of quartets. (Sept. 5 at 4 p.m.; $20; First Presbyterian Church Kerrville, 800 Jefferson St., 78028; 830-321-0303.) The program will be repeated in San Antonio at 3 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 11093 Bandera Rd., and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Christ Episcopal Church at 510 Bellknap.

Jose “Agauje” Ramos and the Buena Vista Orchestra will be at the Empire Theater Sept. 6 and 7, with Estrellas De Arte, Afro-Cuban Allstars, and other performers. (226 N. St. Mary’s St.; tickets are $118-$728)

You can still enjoy live music on deck at Arcadia Live in Kerrville. It’s a free community series featuring various performers on Friday nights. For more info call 830-3155483 or check
www.thearcadialive.org.

The chamber music quartet, Agarita, and guests, will perform a contemporary interpretation of Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” originally created by Max Richter. (Sept. 6 at &:30 p.m.; Chapel of the Incarnate World, 4503 Broadway; the concert is free but “sold out” at present. There is a waiting list at www.agarita.org)

The Witcher in Concert will be at the Majestic Theater Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. The announcement says: “This cinematic experience combines breathtaking in-game visuals with live music, making it a must-see event for fans of The Witcher and epic orchestral performances alike.”

On the theater scene you may not want to miss “Sweeney Todd” at the Wonder Theater. There are special nights for certain groups, like a Military & First Responders Night on Sept 6. The show closes on Sept. 21. Get more info at info@wondertheatre.org

On the visual arts front, there’s always news. An exhibit titled “Food Stories” is opening at the Bihl Haus Arts on Sept. 6^th at 6 p.m. The artist is Gina Davison who is exploring humanity’s complex relationship with food. The show aligns with FotoSeptiembre, San Antonio’s citywide photography festival. Opening reception takes place Sep. 6^th, 6-9 p.m.

You may want to visit a POP-UP Art Market every First Friday with Blue Moon at Blue Star, downtown. You may participate in creating a community mural; music and food will be around.
(403 Blue Star; free garage parking}

The Celebration Circle presents a Family Art Adventure, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; at 131 King William Park Gazebo. Free to all. Bring a water bottle, a chair and your creative spirit, says the press announcement. Live performances under the Gazebo. (King William Park, 131 King William St., 78204

September is also Fotoseptiembre month, celebrating culture and community. The opening reception is Sept. 5, from 6-9 p.m. at Centro Cultural Aztlan, 1800 Fredericksburg Rd. The lead artist and curator is Dr. Ricardo Romo, but there are many others, such as Kathy Vargas, Monica Saldana, Chris Hernandez, Oscar Castillo and others. You can call 210-432-1896 for more info. Free access to the gallery for all.

And a reminder: you can still see Sacred Art of Altars: One People. Many Paths at the San Antonio Art League and Museum.It closes on Sept. 7.

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