News Roundup, June 29, 2023
As we noted before, the symphonic orchestra and various chamber groups have all closed shop for the summer, but there will be lots of good music in the upcoming weeks thanks to two music festivals this month: The Cactus Pear Music Festival of chamber music, that’s been going on for years, and a brand- new series of concerts presented by the Unheard-Of Ensemble.
The two fests are different. While the Cactus Pear presents a wide range of music, from several centuries of music-making, the newest kid-on-the-bloc focuses exclusively on new music. And they mean new, composed by living composers. The Unheard-Of Ensemble was formed in 2014 by San Antonio pianist and AGARITA Chamber Ensemble’ artistic director, Daniel Anastasio, and his New York colleague, clarinetist, Ford Fourqurean when they were still graduate students. They were eventually joined by two more musicians, violinist Matheus Souza and cellist Iva Casian-Lakos.
For this summer’s concert series, they – and a few guest musicians – will perform the music of ten living composers whose works were selected from submissions received from around the world. Prior to public performance, these compositions were “workshopped” with several experienced composition professors from several universities, including UTSA and UT Austin.
Venues for the six upcoming concerts, include San Antonio College, Mission Conception, the Evergreen Garden Center, and other places. For more information and to see the list of events, refer to our article from June 26 on this site: https://artsalivesa.com.
Cactus Pear Fest lasts two weeks and presents concerts in a number of different venues. Since founder, Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio decided to retire after serving as artistic director of the fest for 26 years, the 2023 programming was handled by her successor, Jeffrey Sykes, who was Stephanie’s mentor when she was first planning and organizing the 2-week showcase.
The first concert will take place in Wimberly on July 6. Subsequent First Week concerts will take place at San Antonio and Boerne. There will be seven live performances of 4 different programs. Just about all the famous composers are represented, including living ones. And there’s a premiere of a newly commissioned work by John Wineglass for a piano quintet titled “And the Summer was Over.” This piece will be part of the 4th concert, “New Wine in Old Bottles,” at Trinity Baptist Church.
But there’s too much going on to summarize it all here. Go to https://www.cpmf./cpmf-season-27 to see all programs, locations and performers.
For something very different, you may want to see and hear some Mariachi music.
Young talented and award-winning mariachi vocalists from around the U.S. will come together June 30th for a grand performance during the Mariachi Extravaganza Summer Recital. The event will feature the finalists from the 28th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza National Vocal Competition, and participants from the Mariachi Extravaganza Summer Camp. The highlight of the show will be 50 young vocalists, adorned in traditional trajes and Mexican-style dresses, singing as a choir. (June 30 at 7:30 p.m.; Alvarez Theater at the Tobin Center; tickets start at $35; tickets@tobincenter.org)
To mark the 4th of July Holiday, there will be at least one, big patriotic concert, “An Alamo City Fourth” performed by the Heart of Texas Concert Band, which is part of Alamo City Arts. Guest performers include the River City Ringers of San Antonio, The Cedar Mountain Chorale, vocalist Elizabeth Hailing, and organist Geoffrey Waite. Bravo! A special feature of this concert will be a re-enactment of a Civil War era battle of the bands. According to the release, bandsmen of the era – friendly rivals before the conflict – were known to serenade the soldiers of the other side when the bands of the two armies were close enough to make it pissubke. “Truly an event to remember for years to come.” We agree, and look forward to the 2023 concert. (July 4 at 3 p.m.; Trinity Baptist Church, 319 E. Mulberry Ave., 78212; free)
Shifting to yet another music type, acclaimed singer/songwriter, Joey McIntyre’s Solo Joe Tour will stop for a show at the Alvarez Theater July 7. “The stage is home to me,” said the artist, who has performed at so many great stages and arenas, “but there’s something about doing a tour like this: very intimate, very up-close and personal, that really hits me right in the heart.” (July 7 at 8 p.m., Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater, Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle; tickets are $59.50 – $89.50. Tickets@tobincenter.org or call 210-223-8624)
Country music is always big in Texas. The Randy Rogers Band will perform this Sunday. Appearing with him will be William Beckman. (July 2, 8 p.m. to midnight.; Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 FM306, New Braunfels, 78132.)
At the famed John T. Floore’s Country Store, you will have a chance to enjoy acoustic guitarist, Aron Lewis; (June 30 at 9:30 p.m., and Mike Wayne will entertain from 7 p.m. (14492 Old Bandera Rd., Helotes, 78203; 210-695-8827; $35-$125; www.liveatfloores.com)
Also, remember the Latin Music Series at the San Antonio Zoo – Jungle Boogie Latin Nights. The next one is on July 1, 5-9 p.m.; free. (San Antonio Zoo, 3903 St. Mary’s St., 78212; for more info call 210-734-7784 or email to info@sazoo.org)
Speaking of history, we want to mention Historic Plaza Days at Main Plaza. You are invited to celebrate ancestors through music, history, fun and food. Activities include drumming and a blessing by the Tehuan Band of Mission Indians. Music will be provided by E3 and food will be available for purchase. (June 30, July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; presented by Main Plaza Conservancy. You can reach them at 210-225-9800; info@mainplaza.org)
On the theater front, there are a couple of openings. At the Magik Theatre, the musical,
“The Lightning Thief” will open July 1. It is an adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestseller young people loved. Set to an original rock score by Rob Rokicki, this is a mythical adventure deemed “worthy of the gods,” says the press release. (July 1 to Aug. 6; times vary, and there is a range of special performances, so check out the Magik’s website: www.magiktheatre.org)
“The Mountain King” is still playing at the Overtime Theatre through June 30th
And there a new production at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center featuring the youth company with a beautiful name of Grupo Animo. The youth company that includes young people between the ages 13-18 was created 30 years ago. Every summer, the young thespians are guided by professionals through a four-week summer experience. This summer’s production is titled: “Unfiltered & Unsolicited,”-30 Years Later: We Are Getting Stronger.” Among their instructors are two founding members of the program, Nicholas Valdez and Clint Taylor. (July 1 at 7 p.m.; Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St.,78207; box office 210-271-3151; free; www.guadalupeculturalarts.org)