Arts & Culture

Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev on tap

An easy description for the Mid Texas Symphony program at Brauntex Theatre Sunday afternoon is, 'music just right for children of all ages.'

"Every time I hear it, there is just such passion," says director David Mairs. "Whether I was playing it (on french horn), or conducting it, or even just listening, I think Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony is such a masterpiece, with hummable melodies!"

Throwing spaghetti against the wall may be a good metaphor for San Antonio filmmakers Taylor James Johnson and Dylan Cody Altman.  The act itself would likely find a welcome home in one of the duo’s short films, which often take the form of pop culture parodies, full of outrageous behavior.  Whether it’s a mash-up of “Taken” and Stephen Spielberg’s “Hook,” or lending a hand as an actor in a fellow filmmaker’s sci-fi genre film, the camera loves Johnson, and he loves working with the camera. And the duo are prolific, releasing over a dozen films online this year so far. 

Thursday the field narrowed to eight competitors and will go down to five pianists for the finals at the San Antonio International Piano Competition.

After a busy summer that included concerts in Italy, South Africa, New Zealand, and a recording with Renee Fleming, Sebastian Lang-Lessing leads his first concert of the season.

"It's the most exciting concert!" said Lang-Lessing. "Of course, I'm going to say that about every concert."

The varied program includes violinist Baiba Skride in Robert Schumann's Concerto in d minor.

"Baiba and I were to have performed several times, and it has just never worked out, so I am very excited to have her solo in San Antonio, in one of the most dramatic works."

It is the splendor of multiple choirs & brass in this 400th anniversary celebration of Venetian composer Giovanni Gabrieli (d.1612). Special guest artists will include the San Antonio Brass, strings, and the choirs from First Presbyterian Church and St. Paul's Episcopal Church to culminate in a performance of nearly 150 musicians.