The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to unveil the highly anticipated 2024-2025 season. As the FWSO enters its third year under Music Director Robert Spano's leadership, the level of artistry and musical excellence continues to soar. With a renewed sense of passion and dedication, the orchestra is set to deliver an exhilarating lineup of performances that will captivate audiences.
Spano's collaboration with the musicians has resulted in the addition of exceptional talent to the core orchestra, filling about a dozen vacancies. The orchestra's sound has been elevated to new heights, thanks to the collective efforts of Spano and the musicians. The 2024-2025 season promises to be a true celebration of their remarkable achievements.
The symphonic series will showcase a stellar lineup of renowned conductors, guest artists, and collaborations. Violist James Ehnes, pianist Angela Hewitt, and the orchestra's very own FWSO Principal Cellist Allan Steele will grace the stage, along with Principal Violist DJ Cheek and the incredible Concertmaster, Michael Shih. The performances will be conducted by Music Director Robert Spano, Principal Guest Conductor Kevin John Edusei, as well as James Conlon and Jane Glover.
In a continuation of the popular theater of a concert
series, the FWSO will present a mesmerizing concert rendition of Wagner's The Flying Dutchman, featuring world-class opera singers including Greer Grimsley, Heidi Melton, Ray Aceto, and more. This extraordinary evening promises to transport the audience into the heart of Wagner's timeless masterpiece.
FWSO will continue to present its ever-popular Pops Series including a variety of films in concert such as Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Stars Wars: Return of the Jedi, and many other family-friendly popular concerts.
This season will also feature some special concerts that audiences will love. Some of the hottest films with live orchestra include Frozen in Concert and Black Panther in Concert. The season will culminate with a not-to-be-missed Gala concert, featuring the exquisite voice of acclaimed soprano Joyce DiDonato.
The day the FWSO board hired Keith Cerny as President and CEO and Robert Spano as Music Director, I knew great things would happen for this orchestra and for the Fort Worth Community. Under the guidance of Keith Cerny, the FWSO has flourished, gaining recognition for its commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement. Music Director Robert Spano has been instrumental in shaping the FWSO's repertoire and performances. His ability to connect with both musicians and audiences has resulted in unforgettable musical experiences that resonate with all who attend.
FWSO Board Chairman, Mercedes T. Bass enthusiastically comments. With Keith Cerny and Robert Spano at the helm, the FWSO is poised to reach even greater heights, solidifying its place as a world-class orchestra.
Upon his arrival in Fort Worth, FWSO Music Director, Robert Spano expressed, Two years ago, I embarked on what has been a wonderful journey with this orchestra and these marvelously talented musicians. I am very much looking forward to a new season of passionate music-making, continuing our commitment to excellence and exploration, and sharing transcendent experiences with our audiences.
FWSO President and CEO, Dr. Keith Cerny states, Having had the great privilege of working for five years with Board Chairman Mrs. Mercedes Bass, and the Board, musicians, and staff, I am delighted with the artistic quality and innovation currently demonstrated by the FWSO. It has been a career highlight for me to work with the FWSO's exceptional Music Director Robert Spano, as we conceive and execute a wide range of orchestral concerts, commissions, chamber music, and Theater of a Concert projects. I know that Maestro Spano's third season with the FWSO will be every bit as exhilarating as his first two.
2024-2025 FWSO Season Line Up
FWSO 2024-25 Symphonic Series
All Symphonic Series concerts are presented at Bass Performance Hall.
Opening Weekend: Tchaikovsky's Sixth and Sibelius' Violin Concerto
September 6,7,8, 2024
Robert Spano, conductor
James Ehnes, violin
- BERLIOZ: Roman Carnival Overture
- SIBELIUS: Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47
- TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, Pathétique
The season kicks off with Tchaikovsky's final—and perhaps greatest—symphony, preceded by Sibelius' artic Violin Concerto and Berlioz's Roman Carnival Overture.
Mozart and Strauss
September 27, 28, 29, 2024
Kevin John Edusei, conductor
- MOZART: Overture to Don Giovanni, KV527
- ZEMLINSKY: Sinfonietta, Op. 23
- R. STRAUSS: Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64
Strauss captures the wonder and triumph of summiting a mountain in his An Alpine Symphony, paired here with music by Mozart and Zemlinksy.
The FWSO's Allan Steele: Schumann Cello Concerto and Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique
October 11,12,13, 2024
Robert Spano, conductor
Allan Steele, cello
- DEBUSSY: Prélude l'aprés-midi d'un faune, L. 86
- SCHUMANN: Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129
- BERLIOZ: Symphonie fantastique
Berlioz drew inspiration for his famous Symphonie fantastique from his own substance-fueled hallucinations, a sharp contrast from Schumann's passionate but formal cello concerto.
Jane Glover Conducts Mozart
October 25, 26, 27, 2024
Jane Glover, conductor
Angela Hewitt, piano
- BRITTEN: Suite on English Folk Tunes
- MOZART: Piano Concerto No. 25 in C Major, KV503
- RAVEL: Le tombeau de Couperin
- MOZART: Symphony No. 31 in D Major, KV297/300a, Paris
Mozart's 25th piano concerto and his 31st symphony premiered fully eight years apart and showcase the prodigy's stylistic range to captivating effect.
Spano Conducts Beethoven and Jake Heggie
December 6, 7, 8, 2024
Robert Spano, conductor
Key'mon Murrah, counter-tenor
Urban Bush Women, dancers
Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, choreographer/director
- HEGGIE: Earth 2.0
- BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55, Eroica
A world premiere piece by Jake Heggie, Earth 2.0 fuses music and dance in a celebration of our planet before the orchestra turns to Beethoven's Eroica
symphony. The Earth 2.0 commission is generously supported by the Eugene McDermott Foundation.
Dvorák's New World
and Mozart's 40th
January 3, 4, 5, 2025
James Conlon, conductor
- MOZART: Overture to Der Schauspieldirektor, KV486
- MOZART: Symphony No. 40 in G minor, KV550
- DVORÁK: Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, From the New World
In a program that bridges the new American world with the old European sensibilities, Dvor?k's New Worl
symphony contrasts Mozart's 40th.
The FWSO's Michael Shih and DJ Cheek: Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante
January 17, 18, 19, 2025
Kevin John Edusei, conductor
Michael Shih, violin
DJ Cheek, viola
- R. STRAUSS: Don Juan, Op. 20
- MOZART: Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major, KV364/320d
- SIBELIUS: Symphony No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 82
The FWSO's own Michael Shih and DJ Cheek join forces in Mozart's elegant Sinfonia Concertante in a program of Mozart, Strauss, and Sibelius.
Musical storytelling Spano Conducts: Scheherazade and The Rite of Spring
January 31, February 1, 2, 2025
Robert Spano, conductor
gloATL, dancers
Lauri Stallings, choreographer/director
- RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Scheherazade, Op. 35
- STRAVINSKY: The Rite of Spring
Hear the tales brought to life: Scheherazade and The Rite of Spring are two of the most striking, evocative works in the classical canon. This concert is generously supported by Aaron Howard and Corrie Hood-Howard.
Spano conducts Mahler's Ninth
March 14, 15, 16, 2025
Robert Spano, conductor
- MAHLER: Symphony No. 9
Mahler's ninth and final symphony opens with a stuttering rhythm, a symphonic representation of the great composer's failing heart as he grappled with his mortality.
Wagner's The Flying Dutchman
April 11, 12, 13, 2025
Robert Spano, conductor
Greer Grimsley, bass-baritone
Heidi Melton, soprano
Kyle Van Schoonhoven, tenor
Ray Aceto, bass
Luretta Bybee, mezzo-soprano
Bille Bruley, tenor
The season concludes with Wagner's tempestuous The Flying Dutchman in a semi-staged production, a tale of a ghost sea captain finding redemption in love.
FWSO 2024-25 Chamber Series
All Chamber Series concerts are presented in the Kimbell Art Museum's Renzo Piano Pavilion at 3PM. 3-Concert Chamber Series Package is $69
Mozart, Schulhoff, and Korngold
November 24, 2024
- MOZART: Serenade No. 12 in C minor, KV388/384a
- SCHULHOFF: Divertissement for Oboe, Clarinet, and Bassoon
- KORNGOLD: Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 1
At 13, the composer Korngold had already published a stunning piano trio that captured Europe's ear before he fled the Nazis to start a new life in Hollywood.
Brahms and Schoenberg
February 23, 2025
Robert Spano, piano
- SCHOENBERG: Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4
- BRAHMS: Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25
Schoenberg's Transfigured Night captures the composer's sensations on meeting his wife-to-be, a beautiful memorial to the first stirrings of love.
Mendelssohn, Barber, and music for two pianists
May 4, 2025
Robert Spano, piano
Pedja Mužijevic, piano
- MENDELSSOHN: Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20
- BARBER: Summer Music, Op. 31
- DEBUSSY: En blanc et noir
Mendelssohn's Octet is sheer charm, a brilliant synthesization of youthful, 16-year-old optimism and genius-level musical sophistication.
FWSO 2024-25 Season POPS Series
All Pops Series concerts are presented in Bass Performance Hall.
Kings of Soul
October 18, 19, 2024
Michelle Di Russo, conductor
Chester Gregory, vocalist
Darren Lorenzo, vocalist
Michael Lynche, vocalist
Bringing center stage the music of legendary artists Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Otis Redding, The Temptations, Al Green and others, in an evening of soulful rhythms. Featured hits include Just My Imagination,
Try a Little Tenderness,
Dance to the Music
and Get Ready.
Featuring American Idol contestant finalist Michael Lynche, Broadway performers Chester Gregory and Darren Lorenzo, join the FWSO in this showcase of soulful rhythms and melodies.
Home for the Holidays
November 29, 30, 2024
Michelle Di Russo, conductor
Jasmine Habersham, soprano
Texas Boys Choir
Santa's marking up his list and setting his sleigh's course for Bass Performance Hall! In this season of joy and togetherness, music-lovers young and old are invited to join in the greatest caroling session in the city. The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra's holiday favorite, Home for the Holidays
concert, features collection of favorite holiday tunes and a visit from ol' Kris Kringle himself. Guaranteed to bring a smile to the entire family!
Sci-Fi Symphony
January 10, 11, 2025
Michaelle Di Russo, conductor
Would Star Wars be Star Wars without John Williams' might trumpet blasts? Would Ridley Scott's Alien have been nearly as creepy without the magic of Jerry Goldsmith's haunting score? Would the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park have felt nearly as majestic without the warmth of that famous melody in the strings? Don't miss the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra's tour of some of the greatest scores in sci-fi movie history, including music from Star Trek, X-Files, Alien, Jurassic Park, Star Wars and more.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
January 24, 25, 2025
Scott Terrell, conductor
The film that gave the world one of its greatest movie heroes, Indiana Jones, is back and better than ever before! Relive the magic on the silver screen with the original great adventure—Raiders of the Lost Ark—with John Williams' epic score performed live to picture by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra! Originally released in 1981 as a collaboration between George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Raiders redefined the possibilities of adventure cinema and launched actor Harrison Ford to a legendary status. Indiana Jones is the classic hero for this adventure set in the 1930s, as the quick-witted and hardy archaeologist goes on the hunt for the Lost Ark of the Covenant. Often facing insurmountable odds, Indy always manages to succeed in the nick of time, joined by endearing companions and opposed by notorious villains. With an impressive team of supporting actors including Karen Allen, John-Rhys Davies, Denholm Elliott, and Paul Freeman, combined with innovative special effects techniques by Industrial Light & Magic, Raiders has captured the spirits of movie-goers for generations and continues to inspire adventures yet to come.
Tony Bennett: The Official Musical Celebration
February 7, 8, 2025
Evan Roider, conductor
Fall in love again with the smooth sounds of the legendary Tony Bennet. Audiences can expect an unforgettable journey through Bennett's chart-topping hits and heartfelt ballads, such as I Left My Heart in San Francisco,
Rags to Riches,
Because of You,
and more that have touched the hearts of millions around the world with a live orchestra, full band, and world-class vocalists on stage. The only official Tony Bennett celebration in a live concert experience performing the legendary artist's hits for all fans of all ages!
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
April 4, 5, 2025
Miguel Harth-Bedoya, conductor
I am a Jedi, like my father before me ...
In the spectacular climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Darth Vader readies the second Death Star to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) joins his droid allies R2-D2 and C-3PO, along with Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), to free his comrade Han Solo (Harrison Ford), imprisoned by the vile crime lord, Jabba the Hutt. Reunited, the Rebels race to the moon of the planet Endor where they launch a desperate attack upon the entire Imperial Fleet. But the ultimate battle is between father and son, as Luke faces Darth Vader one last time, for the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.
FWSO 2024-25 Season Family Series
All Family concerts are presented at 11:00AM. All Ages are welcome. Family concerts are supported by John Wells and Shay McCulloch-Wells.
3-Concert Family Series Package:
Adult Season Tickets–$64
Children Season Tickets–$36
Fly Dance Company Breakin' Classical
October 19, 2024
Bass performance Hall
Michelle Di Russo, conductor
Ready to wow
your little ones? Perfect for ages 3-10, FLY Dance Company's talented hip-hop dancers will keep your youngsters on the edge of their seats with jaw-dropping breakdance moves set to a mix of classical favorites!? The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will turn classical music on its side with this hip-hop meets classical live experience!
Mozart's Magnificent Voyage
February 8, 2025
Bass Performance Hall
Michelle Di Russo, conductor
This popular adaption of two Classical Kids stories features Mozart's young son, Karl, who longs to be taken from his boarding school to spend more time with his famous father. An old traveling trunk serves as a magic chest that reveals an incredible journey back in time to Mozart's childhood and into the fantastic world of Mozart's great opera, The Magic Flute. Along the way, Karl comes to understand Mozart's extraordinary life as a traveling prodigy, his passion for composing, the pressures of family and fame, and the common bonds they both share. Audiences will enjoy twenty three excerpts from some of Mozart's most famous pieces as they magically weave in and out of the drama, including themes from The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni, popular selections from The Magic Flute, and more!
Storybook: Little Red Riding Hood
May 3, 2025
Van Cliburn Concert Hall, TCU
Michelle Di Russo, conductor
Join the Fort Worth Symphony for a family friendly concert that brings to life the tale of Little Red Riding Hood. This concert will feature music, dance, and a projected storybook as Little Red takes us on a journey to grandma's house. What dangers and adventure lie ahead, and how will the story end? Find out as you experience Little Red Riding Hood as never before!
FWSO 2024-25 Season Specials
Gala Concert Starring Joyce DiDonato
March 1, 2025 7pm
Robert Spano, conductor
Joyce DiDonato, soprano
Join us for a concert featuring the exquisite voice of acclaimed soprano Joyce DiDonato, performing a range of operatic repertoire and styles. A multi-Grammy Award winner and 2018 Olivier Award winner for Outstanding Achievement in Opera, Joyce DiDonato entertains audiences across the globe, and has been proclaimed perhaps the most potent female singer of her generation
by The New Yorker. With a voicenothing less than 24-carat gold
according to The New York Times, she has towered at the top of the industry both as a performer, a producer, and a fierce advocate for the arts.
Stars of the Symphony
August 31, 2024
Bass Performance Hall
Taichi Fukumura, conductor
DJ Cheek, viola
Tim Daniels, oboe
Kyle Sherman, trumpet
- BRUCH: Romance op. 85
- SIBELIUS: Swan of Tuonela
- TARTINI: Concerto in D Major
FWSO Principal Violist DJ Cheek, English horn soloist Tim Daniels and Principal Trumpet player Kyle Sherman take center stage for this special celebration of local talent.
Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas
November 2, 2024
Will Rogers Auditorium
Christopher James Lees, conductor
First released in 1993, Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas was directed by Henry Selick (James and the Giant Peach) and based on a story and characters by Tim Burton. The film follows the earnest-but-misguided adventures of Jack Skellington, Halloween Town's beloved Pumpkin King, as he attempts to take over the Christmas holiday. Against the advice of Sally, a lonely rag doll who has feelings for him, Jack enlists three mischievous trick-or-treaters—Lock, Shock, and Barrel—to help him kidnap Santa Claus. The film is rated PG.
Frozen in Concert
December 13 at 7:30PM
December 14 at 2:00PM
Will Rogers Auditorium
Deanna Tham, conductor
Fearless optimist, Princess Anna, sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man, Kristoff, and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. Voices include Kristen Bell (Anna), Jonathan Groff (Kristoff), Idina Menzel (Elsa), Josh Gad (Olaf), Santino Fontana (Hans), Alan Tudyk (Duke of Weselton). The film received the Academy® Award for Best Animated Feature.
Black Panther in Concert
March 8, 2025
Will Rogers Auditorium
Anthony Parnther, conductor
Massamba Diop, talking drum
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
In 2018, Marvel Studios' Black Panther quickly became a global sensation and cultural phenomenon, showing a new dimension of what Super Hero films could be. Rolling Stone raved, The film lights up the screen with a full-throttle blast of action and fun. That's to be expected. But what sneaks up and floors you is the film's racial conscience and profound, astonishing beauty.
Now you can relive the excitement of T'Challa becoming king and battling Killmonger all while the Forth Worth Symphony Orchestra performs Ludwig Goransson's Oscar®-winning score live to picture.
Mozart's Clarinet Concerto and Symphony No. 39
May 17, 2025
Arlington ISD's The Center for Visual and Performing Arts
Robert Spano, conductor
Stas Chernyshev, clarinet
- MOZART: Overture to Le nozze di Figaro, KV492
- MOZART: Clarinet Concerto in A Major, KV622
- MOZART: Symphony No. 39 in E-flat Major, KV543
This all-Mozart program pairs his sublime clarinet concerto and 39th symphony in a festive program of the utmost refinement.
About Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra under Music Director Robert Spano is deeply committed to uniting its community through presenting over 120 performances, education, and outreach concerts, reaching an audience of more than 150,000 annually. Since its beginnings in 1912, the FWSO has been an essential thread in the city's cultural fabric and the very foundation of Fort Worth's performing arts. The FWSO has performed at Carnegie Hall and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras. The FWSO has released 13 recordings—with several being world premiere releases—garnering international acclaim. The FWSO has embraced creative collaborations through residencies, partnerships, and commissions. As the principal resident company of the acoustically superb Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall, the Orchestra performs a full season of concerts featuring internationally acclaimed guest artists and works by living composers. The Orchestra performs and partners with the Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera, The Cliburn, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Dallas Black Dance Theater, The Old Trout Puppet Workshop, and Performing Arts Fort Worth. The FWSO keeps exceptional musical experiences at the heart of its community.
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Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
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