Upcoming Concerts
Artistic Director, Dr. Michelle Perrin Blair, leads the NTSO in their 23rd Season “ROOTS.”
“Always come back to your roots,” my grandmother said. Roots are those tangible and intangible things that connect us, bind us, center us, and ground us. Roots are community. Roots are reality. As in nature, our roots nourish us, protect us, and sustain us. In a lot of ways, our roots give our lives meaning.
North Texas Giving Day
Support the New Texas Symphony Orchestra
Support the New Texas Symphony Orchestra during North Texas Giving Day and help us continue presenting free orchestral performances throughout Dallas.
As Dallas’ premier all-volunteer community orchestra, NTSO brings musicians and audiences together through accessible concerts, diverse programming, and meaningful community partnerships. Every contribution helps support our musicians, guest artists, performance expenses, and free public concerts.
Early giving begins August 27, and North Texas Giving Day culminates September 17.
Nature
Guest Composer, Lisa Neher
The New Texas Symphony Orchestra opens its 2026–2027 “ROOTS” season with “Nature,” a musical exploration of the forces that nourish, protect, sustain, and sometimes overwhelm us.
PROGRAM
Lisa Neher, Twister
Takashi Yoshimatsu, And Birds Are Still, Op. 72
Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 (“Pastoral”)
Through storms, birdsong, and Beethoven’s enduring tribute to the countryside, Nature examines humanity’s connection to the natural world and the roots that ground all living things.
Admission is free.
Holiday Gathering @ NorthPark Center
Celebrate the season with the New Texas Symphony Orchestra at Holiday Gathering, part of NTSO’s 2026–2027 “Roots” season.
This free community concert brings people together through familiar holiday music and the traditions, memories, and shared experiences that connect us. Join NTSO at NorthPark Center for an evening of festive orchestral music for the entire family.
Holiday Gathering @ The Shops at RedBird
Celebrate the season with the New Texas Symphony Orchestra at Holiday Gathering, part of NTSO’s 2026–2027 “Roots” season
This free community concert brings people together through familiar holiday music and the traditions, memories, and shared experiences that connect us. Join NTSO at The Shops at RedBird for an afternoon of festive orchestral music for the entire family.
Tradition
Guest soloist, James Palmer
The New Texas Symphony Orchestra continues its 2026–2027 “ROOTS” season with “Tradition,” a program exploring the customs, stories, and cultural influences passed from one generation to the next.
PROGRAM
Bock/arr. Lang, Fiddler on the Roof Overture
Cécile Chaminade, Konzertstück with James Palmer, piano
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Capriccio Espagnol
Gabriela Lena Frank, Three Latin American Dances
Spanning theatrical, European, Spanish, and Latin American influences, “Tradition” celebrates the musical inheritances that help communities remember where they came from and understand who they are today.
Admission is free.
Spiritual
Guest soloist, James Rodriguez
The New Texas Symphony Orchestra presents “Spiritual”, the third orchestral concert of its 2026–2027 “ROOTS” season.
PROGRAM
Giovanni Gabrieli, Canzona Prima a 5
Carlisle Floyd, Pilgrimage, with James Rodriguez, baritone
Christopher Theofanidis, Rainbow Body
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Symphonic Variations on an African Air
Through music of pilgrimage, transcendence, heritage, and reflection, “Spiritual” explores the beliefs and deeper meanings that sustain individuals and communities.
Admission is free.
Chamber Connections
The New Texas Symphony Orchestra concludes its 2026–2027 “Roots” season with Chamber Connections, an intimate performance highlighting the relationships among musicians, music, and community.
Presented in a smaller chamber setting, the concert will offer audiences an opportunity to experience individual instruments and ensembles more closely while celebrating the connections at the heart of the season.
Program, location, and admission information will be announced.
Spring Chamber Concert
NTSO presents a powerful evening of chamber music in a striking architectural space, offering an intimate and immersive experience for all. Join us on Saturday, May 30 at 7:00 PM, for our Spring Chamber Concert, set within one of Dallas’s most architecturally striking and serene spaces, the Interfaith Peace Chapel at Cathedral of Hope
WE HONOR
Join us for an inspiring finale featuring Maria Grenfell's jubilant Fanfare for a City, Alexander Glazunov's lyrical Alto Saxophone Concerto with guest artist Roy Allen, and Antonín Dvořák's beloved Symphony No. 9 "New World"—a masterwork that honors the rich tapestry of American musical heritage.
WE FLY
Join us for an exhilarating evening featuring Quinn Mason's joyous Inspiration! Festive Overture, a rediscovered Romantic masterpiece in Léon Boëllmann's Variations symphoniques with guest cellist Laura Ospina, and a breathtaking cosmic journey through excerpts from Gustav Holst's epic The Planets.
A Rainbow of Music
Winter Chamber Concert
The New Texas Symphony Orchestra proudly presents A Rainbow of Music, a chamber music concert celebrating diversity, unity, and the vibrant beauty symbolized by the rainbow.
JOY | The Shops at RedBird
Kick your holiday spirit into high gear and celebrate with the NTSO at our annual holiday concert at The Shops at RedBird!
JOY | Northpark Center
Get swept up in the excitement of the season! Celebrate with the NTSO at NorthPark Center for our annual holiday concert and start the festivities in style.
WE OVERCOME
Our season opens with a powerful evening of music born from struggle and resilience, culminating in Margaret Bonds' extraordinary Montgomery Variations—a seven-movement masterpiece that transforms the spiritual "I Want Jesus To Walk With Me" into a profound journey through the civil rights movement, from the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott to the tragic 1963 Birmingham church bombing.
North Texas Giving Day
The New Texas Symphony Orchestra (NTSO), Dallas' premier community orchestra, is an all-volunteer, nonprofit performing arts group. At the heart of NTSO is the belief that music has the power to bring people together. By sharing the joy of FREE live performances for ALL, we aim to bridge the gap between musicians and the audience, fostering a sense of unity and creating memorable experiences that resonate long after the final note fades.
Retirement Celebration for Dr. Kathryn D. Brownlee
Join us as we acknowledge our founder’s outstanding 21-year tenure leading the premier community orchestra of Dallas.
Summertime
The NTSO concludes the 21st season with a special Chamber Concert at Central Commons on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., featuring the NTSO Strings and other orchestral ensembles.
Program
Summer Dreams, op. 47 (1901, orch. 2022) Amy Marcy Cheney Beach (1867-1944), arr. Kenneth Atkins
This delightful piece for NTSO Strings captures the essence of summer. Kenneth Atkins’ arrangement brings a fresh orchestral perspective to Beach’s original work.
MusicLounge x Skinny Cooks
In collaboration with Swan Strings and the South Dallas Cultural Center, the NTSO is proud to join and support our friends Skinny Cooks for this special performance.
Wisdom
Skinny Cooks joins the NTSO for an eclectic collection of original music on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Moody Performance Hall.
Program
Procession of the Nobles (Cortege) from Mlada Suite (1903) Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908)
This majestic piece exudes grandeur and wisdom, with a regal march showcasing Rimsky-Korsakov’s orchestration mastery.
Skinny Cooks Brianne Sargent and Nigel Newton
Featuring guest artists Skinny Cooks, these original works will bring contemporary insights and innovative sounds, reflecting modern wisdom and creativity.
Symphony No. 8, op. 88, B.163, G major (1889) Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 combines Bohemian folk music with classical traditions, showcasing his mature compositional style and a deep understanding of musical wisdom.
Adventure
Inspired by music from Sweden and Russia, this concert, which will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Moody Performance Hall, features a newly commissioned work by young Dallas composer and graphic artist Zion Pullman.
Bränningar, op. 19 (Breaking Waves) (1895) Helena Munktell
This orchestral work captures the adventurous spirit of the sea with musical depictions of breaking waves and the power of nature. Munktell was one of the first Swedish women to gain recognition as a composer.
Scenes from Zeeskyzii (2024) Zion Pullman
This new commission for the NTSO promises fresh and exciting musical landscapes. As a contemporary piece, it will likely explore innovative sounds and themes. We will also feature Mr. Pullman’s artwork.
Symphony No. 2 in C minor, op. 17 <1872; rev 1879-80> Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
One of the beloved Russian composer’s most joyful works, this symphony reflects Tchaikovsky’s early commitment to using local folk tunes for many of his themes.
Joy @ RedBird
The NTSO returns to the Shops at Redbird for this new holiday tradition in South Dallas on Saturday, December 7, at 2:00 p.m.
Program
A Christmas Festival Leroy Anderson
Chanukah Festival Overture Calvin Custer
Concert Suite from The Polar Express arr. Jerry Brubaker
Greensleeves Alfred Reed
How the Grinch Stole Christmas arr. Jerry Brubaker
Sleigh Ride Leroy Anderson
A Most Wonderful Christmas Robert A. Sheldon
Joy @ NorthPark
The holiday tradition continues at NorthPark Center when the NTSO returns for this highly popular annual concert on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the main courtyard. (Seating is limited; standing room on balconies and mall floor.)
Program
A Christmas Festival Leroy Anderson
Chanukah Festival Overture Calvin Custer
Concert Suite from The Polar Express arr. Jerry Brubaker
Greensleeves Alfred Reed
How the Grinch Stole Christmas arr. Jerry Brubaker
Sleigh Ride Leroy Anderson
A Most Wonderful Christmas Robert A. Sheldon
BingoNTSO - November 2024
Eat, Drink and be ‘Mary’ playing bingo! All proceeds benefit the NTSO. Reserve your table today at https://www.yelp.com/reservations/hamburger-marys-dallas-dallas?source=yelp_biz&date=2024-04-07&time=1830&covers=2.
Hope
Dallas-area Pianist Dr. Baya Kakouberi returns to the NTSO for a performance of the Fauré Ballade for Piano and Orchestra on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the Moody Performance Hall. Founder and Artistic Director Dr. Kathryn D. Brownlee conducts.
Program
The Moldau (1874) Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884)
This symphonic poem is part of Smetana’s more extensive work “Má vlast” (“My Homeland”). It vividly depicts the journey of the Vltava River from its source in the Bohemian forests, through the Czech countryside, to the city of Prague. The piece is known for its beautiful melodies and rich orchestration, capturing the essence of Czech nationalism.
Ballade for piano and orchestra, op. 19 (1881, rev. 1901) Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924),
This work features a lyrical and expressive piano part seamlessly integrated with the orchestra. It showcases Fauré’s mastery of melody and harmony. Renowned pianist Baya Kakouberi is the featured soloist.
Symphony No. 3 in C minor (1940) Florence Price (1887-1953)
Florence Price was the first African American woman to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra. Her Symphony No. 3 combines classical forms with African American musical traditions, including spirituals and folk music. This work reflects themes of resilience and hope.
North Texas Giving Day
Donate to the New Texas Symphony Orchestra on any date from September 1 through September 19, 2024 at https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/New-Texas-Symphony-Orchestra/welcome.
PLATINUM: Pictures
Pictures, the final performance of our 20th Anniversary PLATINUM Season, gathers inspiration from the visual arts.
Bingo - Eclipse Weekend
Eat, Drink and be ‘Mary’ playing bingo! All proceeds benefit the NTSO. Reserve your table today at https://www.yelp.com/reservations/hamburger-marys-dallas-dallas?source=yelp_biz&date=2024-04-07&time=1830&covers=2.
PLATINUM: Sun and Serenade
In celebration of the upcoming total solar eclipse, the NTSO presents Sun and Serenade as part of the organization’s 20th platinum anniversary. The concert marks the premiere performance and introduction of the NTSO Strings Orchestra.
PLATINUM: Stars
Stars, our 20th Anniversary PLATINUM Season’s second concert, gathers inspiration from the full solar eclipse visiting us in April 2024.
Holiday Concert @ The Shops at Redbird
NTSO is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year and thrilled to perform festive holiday music for our community. Join us for our FREE 2023 Holiday Concert at The Shops at Redbird.
Holiday Concert @ NorthPark Center
NTSO is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year and thrilled to perform festive holiday music for our community. Join us for our FREE 2023 Holiday Concert at NorthPark Center. in the first floor atrium beneath the food court.
PLATINUM: Tapestry
Our 20th Anniversary PLATINUM season opens with Tapestry, showcasing the spectrum of fabric we call symphonic music.
Stages: Beyond Boundaries
The New Texas Symphony Orchestra (NTSO) is excited to present our third concert of the 2022-23 season. Beyond Boundaries features composers stretching the boundaries of symphonic music into new territories.