News Roundup, 1/30/2025
For its Classics V Concert, The San Antonio Philharmonic will play Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.1 in F Minor, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10 in E Minor. Jeffrey Kahane will conduct and pianist Natasha Paremski will perform “Chokfi” by Jerod Impichcchaachaaha Tate, described as a “mesmerizing composition.” He is an American (Chikasaw) Indian composer who expresses his native culture in symphonic music, ballet and opera. All his compositions have been commissioned by major American orchestras. (Jan. 31 & Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Scottish Cathedral, 308 Ave. E, 78205; tickets start at $25; for more info contact the Philharmonic at 210-201-6006 or sales@saphil.org)
Alamo City Arts will present the Heart of Texas Concert Band’s “The Broadway Magic of Rodgers & Hammerstein” “This enchanting concert” will bring to life the timeless melodies of this legendary duo.
(Feb. 2 at 3 p.m.; The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, 78249; 210-458-4011;
You can reach Alamo City Arts at 210-369-8311 or at www.alamocityarts.org)
Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW) is bringing the three medalists of the 2024 Gurwitz International Piano Competition back to San Antonio for a concert at the San Fernando Cathedral.
The three medalists are: Yungyng Guo of China (gold medalist), Tatiana Dorokhova of Russia (silver medalist) and Young Sung Choi of South Korea (bronze medalist). Choi also received the award for Best Performance of a work by a Spanish or Latin composer. A highlight of the upcoming concert will be four new works by Grammy Award-winning producer and composer, Michael Fine, a judge at the 1024 competition. (“Gurwitz Laureates in Concert;” February 9 at 7 p.m., San Fernando Cathedral, Main Plaza downtown; free tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gurwitz-laireates-in-concert-musical-evenings-at-san-fernando-cathedral-tickets-946585862797)
Grammy-nominated indie-folk musician, Gregory Alan Isakov, will be featured in “An Intimate Evening with Gregory Alan Isakov” at Stable Hall. He will perform songs from his acclaimed discography, including his latest album, “Appaloosa Bones.” (Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.; Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, 78215’
tickets are $55 – $119; for info call726-230-8223; online: www.stablehall.com/calendar)
The Classical Music Institute (CMI) is presenting “Slavic Winter” a concert that explores the rich emotional tapestry of Slavic music through masterpieces by Tchaikovsky, Arensky, Zarebski and Dvorak. The choices are great but not fully representative of Slavic lands. (Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m.; Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center; tickets start at $30, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts; box office
210-223-8624; tickets@tobincenter.org)
Judy Collins is still performing and touring. Her artistic journey began when she was 13 and she’s still going strong at 77. Reading her bio is rather intimidating. She also remains a social activist who represents UNICEF. This remarkable artist will be on stage at the Charline McCombs Theatre in a few days. (Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $49-$156, at the box-office or at www.majesticempire.com/events/judi-collins/empire-theatre/tickets/)
Another blast from the past is a touring production of the popular musical “Les Miserables,” one of the best- known Broadway musicals based on the famous French novel by Victor Hugo. (Six shows are planned at different times and days, so check the Majestic-Empire website.; Tickets are $29 – $210 at
www.majesticempire.com/events/les-miserables/majestic-theare/tickets/)
Guitarist Al Di Meola will perform at the Empire on his “Land of the Midnight Sun” tour. It celebrates the 50th anniversary of Al’s groundbreaking debut solo album, and promises fresh new pieces.
www.majesticempire.com/events/al-di-neola/)
At the Boeing Center at Tech Port Arena, you can see the trio that calls itself The Latin Mafia. This “mafia” is a trio of brothers- Mike (producer), Emilio (singer) and Milton (singer) De La Rosa who are touring the U.S. for the first time. (Jan. 31 at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7; 3331 General Hudnell Drive, 78226)
There’s good news on the dance front as well. You can experience the vibrant traditions of Mexico with Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, “a stunning celebration of Mexican folklore” through music, dance and costumes. (Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts; tickets start at $39.50, via phone 210-f223-8624; online at www.tobincenter.org or in-person at the box office.) The folkloric company was founded in 1952 by Amalia Hernandez who wanted to preserve the Mexican dance traditions.
On the local musical theater front, a brand-new musical has been created by the talented Rudolf Harst.
Titled “Ready or Not,” a one-man, one-act musical features original songs, stories and skits centered around the process of aging. Its premiere will take place Sunday. The press release describes the show as an uplifting journey through the realities of growing older, woven together with 11 original songs, performed on acoustic guitar, mountain dulcimer, mandolin, harmonica and flute. The songs encompass a range of music styles, from ballads to rock and polka. The production is directed by Chuck Squire.
(Feb.2 at 3 p.m. at URBAN-15, 2500 S. Presa, 78210.; a second performance will be scheduled for late February; tickets available at Eventbrite; suggesteddonations $5-$50)
At the Magik Children’s Theater, a new production – “Elephant & Piggie’s – “We Are in a Play” opens this Saturday, Feb. 1. “At its core, this play is about friendship in all its beautiful complexity,” says the announcement. A pre-show party in the park will run from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the show starts at 6 p.m.; use code FUN25 for 25% off tickets. (The show will run Feb.1- March 23)
The Wonder Theater is staging “9 to 5” The Musical, based on the 1980 hit film with songs from Dolly Parton. It was a story of three female co-workers who concoct a plan to get even with their sexist boss.
(Friday, Saturday and Sunday, check company’s website for hours; tickets are $18-$32; Wonder Theatre, 4522 Fredericksburg Rd.; Ste A-90; Blacones Heights, 78201; 210-2678388; info@wondertheatre.org)
URBAN-15 has issued a call for dancers 2025. It begins Monday, Jan. 27. Free classes will take place every Monday, 8-8:30 p.m. at URBAN-15’s studios at 2500 S. Presa; contact 210-736-1500 or events@urbab15.org. And the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio will host an open audition for its production of “The Little Mermaid.” Auditions open to ages 3-19; from Feb 1; more info at 210-482-7660 or email info@childrensballetofsanantonio.org
San Antonio Art League Juried Exhibition has issued a call for entries. More than 10,000 in awards will be presented to the winning artists. This year’s juried exhibition is the 95th open event of SAALM in 112 years. You can find out more by downloading the complete prospectus from SAALM’s site.
Asian New Year Festival celebrates the Year of the Snake with performances, arts and crafts, food and more. (Noon to 5 p.m., Feb.1-2; Rolling Oaks Mall, 6909 N. Loop 1604; free
—————————————————————–