Stomping rhythms, celebratory anthems, iconic opening vamps, and a six-minute hit song that has everyone singing along and bobbing their heads – The Music of Queen is part of the musical fabric of generations. Courtesy of our friends at Jeans ‘n Classics, the works of Freddy Mercury and the band are brought to life in a dynamic way that takes the beloved melodies into a new realm, blending rock band, chorus and full orchestra. It’s a sonic experience you’ll want to experience LIVE with the ETSO.

The unique spirit of our nation has been the source of inspiration for countless writers and composers through the years. ETSO brings two of those voices to the stage for a concert celebrating America in music. The words of American icons, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, take center stage for two works: The speeches and writings of our 16th president give voice to Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. And

You will feel the full power of live music as the forces of the ETSO multiply to bring you Gustav Mahler’s monumental final symphony, his Symphony No. 9. In this moving work, Mahler explores the very mysteries of life in a way that only music can express.

A violent spring thunderstorm, the hot summer sun, cooling autumn breezes, and the icy chill of winter. East Texans are used to sudden changes in weather, and you will experience all four seasons in just one evening courtesy of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra. 

Passion and Romance – You’ll find them both in the East Texas Symphony Orchestra’s 2024/2025 season opening night concert. Acclaimed pianist Arturo Nieto-Dorantes displays his virtuosic skills with Richard Lee and the ETSO in a performance of the Concierto Romantico by Manuel Ponce, the “father” of Mexican classical music. The concert also features Franz Liszt’s evocative Les Preludes and concludes with the vibrant Symphony No. 7 of Ludwig van Beethoven, which the composer himself thought was one of his best works. This trio of pieces provides a fitting celebration to launch the new season.

Free Community Concert at Bergfeld Park for Labor Day Weekend!

The ETSO season concludes with the World Premiere of a piece commissioned by the orchestra. Written by Dr. Kyle Gullings, Associate Professor of Music Theory and Composition at UT Tyler, the work celebrates the traditions surrounding the East Texas passion for high school football. The concert also features other sports-themed works, including Olympic-inspired pieces by John Williams, Vangelis’s popular theme from “Chariots of Fire,” and P.D.Q. Bach’s transformation of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 into a sporting event. The entire family will enjoy this uplifting end to the 2023/2024 season.

Richard Lee and the East Texas Symphony Orchestra are excited to partner again with the Tyler Junior College Academy of Dance for a program featuring original choreography to two ballet favorites. Aaron Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from “Rodeo”, originally choreographed by Agnes de Mille, features the familiar and infectious Hoedown. Igor Stravinsky’s fiery modern masterpiece The Rite of Spring, created for Ballets Russes in 1913, brings a contrast in style to the Cowan Center stage. Rounding out the program, the ETSO performs Copland’s stirring Appalachian Spring.

Countless students face barriers in accessing private lessons because of financial constraints, transportation limitations, or proximity to teachers. Learn how the national nonprofit Through the Staff responds to this issue. Dominique Reilly, Jessica Wu, Chandler Skinner, and Marianne Gedigian will discuss how their innovative virtual instruction model supplements and enhances music programs, serving as an impactful DEI solution.