San Antonio Philharmonic: A rebirth of world-class music in the heart of Texas

SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Symphony was disbanded two years ago, but those determined to keep world-class music in our city came together to form the San Antonio Philharmonic (SA Phil).

Joining us to talk about this "rebirth" are Executive Director Roberto Trevino and Stephanie Westney, violinist and philharmonic board secretary.

Individual and season tickets are available now at saphil.org.

The San Antonio Philharmonic made history in 2022 by offering its inaugural season spearheaded by musicians dedicated to sharing the soul-filling power of great music with San Antonio. With the opening season’s enthusiastic audiences and acclaim in and beyond Texas, the SA Phil will continue with its second season, beginning in September.

The 10 classical programs are designed to satisfy listeners’ curiosity for what is new and reacquaint them with works that define symphonic music featuring internationally acclaimed soloists and conductors. New music by critically acclaimed living composers will add dimension and color to the program and show what classical music can be. Violinist Randall Goosby, a big hit in the first season, will return in May, 2024.

Conductor Jeffrey Kahane, former conductor of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and music director of the Sarasota Music Festival, will lead the opening concerts of the Classics season with guest violinist Chee-Yun on September 22 and 23. The program features Juan Pablo Contreras’ Mariachitlán, Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, and Stravinsky’s Suite from The Firebird (1945).

Throughout the season the SA Phil will delve into the mighty Symphony No. 5 by Beethoven, Symphony No. 4 by Mahler, Piano Concerto No. 2 by Rachmaninoff, and thrilling works by Mozart, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Dvoák, Stravinsky, Villa-Lobos, Mussorgsky, and others known not only in concert halls but in film, TV, and popular culture.

The San Antonio Mastersingers will join the Phil in two magnificent works.

The Classics season will take place at First Baptist Church of San Antonio, 515 McCullough in downtown San Antonio. The Philharmonic is grateful for the gracious hosting of First Baptist Church.

The SA Phil plans to partner with multiple school districts, San Antonio Public Libraries, the San Antonio Symphony League, Avenida Guadalupe Association, The Public Theater of San Antonio, YOSA, Hearts Need Art, local hospitals, and several churches around Bexar County to provide free access to Philharmonic musicians, live music, and mentoring.

Brian Petkovitch, San Antonio Philharmonic president and bassoonist, said that in crafting the Classics season with guest soloists and conductors, the Philharmonic musicians kept their city at the front of their thinking.

“We wanted to choose music that will be familiar to audiences but also introduce them different repertoire that help redefine what ‘classical’ music can be in the 21st century,” he said. “With each concert, we always strive to lift listeners to a place that moves and inspires them, not merely entertains.

“Through our school and community concerts, the musicians have seen so much more of our city and county firsthand and are more adamant than ever to reflect its amazing diversity. Our composers, conductors and soloists come from a rich mix of cultures and will introduce San Antonio to artists both familiar and just beginning to make a mark in the classical world.”