Arts Alive San Antonio

NEWS ROUNDUP, Feb. 19, 2026

We often begin with music news and developments, and we will do so again this time but the news is not good. The San Antonio Philharmonic’s music director, Jeffrey Kahane, has resigned as the organization is facing financial and legal problems. It’s again time for symphonic music lovers to step in and help. We’ll leave it at that at this point.

“For composers in the 21^st century, it can feel like the possibilities for acoustic instruments, especially those that come from Western European tradition of classical music, have been exhausted,” wrote musician Daniel Anastasio in a recent press release. “What are composers experimenting with now, and how are they trying to find their own voice in an age of vast digital information, dwindling attention spans, and aesthetic ambiguity?”

If you have similar worries, you may join Anastasio as he explores these questions in a lecture on how today’s composers are redefining originality. (Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m.; Loft Lecture Series with Daniel Anastasio; Agarita Loft, 724 S. Alamo #2; free parking nearby.)

But here are some upcoming concerts:
The San Antonio Chamber Music Society is bringing one of the great wind quintets of our generation to San Antonio – The WindSync, which will be joined by pianist Anastasio. It will be
an American-themed concert filled with hopeful harmonies, infectious grooves and a unique arrangement of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” WindSync is a Houston-based quintet celebrated for bringing classical music to life through fresh, theatrically engaging performances.
The program includes works by Philip Glass, Kenji Bunch, Elliot Carter, Quincy Jones and George Gershwin. (March 1, at 3:15 at Trinity Baptist Church, 319 E. Mulberry; tickets are $25 at the door).

Camerata San Antonio is presenting the second part of its “Russian Mosaic” series, with its most gripping chapter yet: Soviet Russia. In their release, the musicians point out that during the Stalin era, every note was scrutinized. Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet in G minor was so popular it even won the Stalin Prize, but listen closely and you’ll hear the irony and private tension of a composer speaking in code. Also on the program is Gubaidulina’s searching 1957 Quintet.

As usual, the Camerata will play in three locations:  Feb.20 at 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville; Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in San Antonio, and Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church in San Antonio; student tickets are free.

The San Antonio Community Orchestra, one of the oldest in the state, had its start in the 1960s when Domenick Saltarelli, a teacher at Trinity University, created an orchestra that included Trinity students. When he retired, the orchestra continued to meet at the nearby Episcopal Church. The group is currently under the direction of conductor Matty Saltibus, and meets and performs on Tuesdays at the Coker Methodist Church (US.281 and Wurzbach Parkway.)

San Antonio Community Bands will unite for the largest Community Band Festival in Texas. The Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association will hold its 5^th annual Community Band Music Festival on March 28, from 10a.m. to 9 p.m. The GSACBA is composed of 11 community bands in the San Antonio area and more than 500 musicians will perform throughout the day. They have teamed up to present some amazing wind band music for the public. They have partnered with the Beethoven Maennerchor to present this festival in the outdoor Biergarten in the King William district. (March 28, 10 am to 9 p.m. (422 Pereida St., 78207)

Last chance to see Ballet San Antonio’s “Cinderella” is Feb.20-22 with a Buy one, Get one free offer at the Tobin Center.

On Feb. 20, don’t miss The String Queens at the Jo Long Theater at the Carver Center. More info at www.thecarver.org/event/the-string-queens/

YOSA – the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio will present AMERICA AT 250, a powerful program that marks 250 years of independence, with music and poetry that reflect the nation’s spirit. Guest soloist Ilan Morgenstern will perform a brand-new bass trombone concerto by rising film and game composer, Sterling Maffe. (March 1 at 7 p.m.; Tobin Center.)

Let’s look at the visual arts: The Dock Space Gallery will have a closing reception for heART2026, an annual Valentine’s Exhibition celebrating artist couples.

SA stages are coming alive with new productions.
Teatro Audaz San Antonio, “proudly” presents Nuestras Historias, fearless storytelling often underrepresented in mainstream theater. Audiences are invited to experience new work in an intimate setting and to connect directly with the artists shaping our city’s stories. (Location: 1310 S. Brazos St.; dates: Feb 21, 28 and March 7. )

Magik Theatre has a message: Get ready for this fiery, hilarious adventure your whole family will love. Magik Theater’s hit production of “Dragons Love Tacos” returns this spring of 2026 for a special limited run at Texas A&M University-San Antonio while the downtown theatre gets a magical renovation. This production will be performed at the Texas A&M San Antonio University Auditorium. For more call 210-227-2751 or go to info@majiktheater.org
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