WT Symphony Orchestra to Showcase ‘Unmistakably American’ Music at February Concert

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — The West Texas A&M University Symphony Orchestra will offer a musical celebration spanning from sea to shining sea at its next concert.

The Orchestra’s “Music of America” concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall on the Canyon campus of West Texas A&M University.

“The rhythmic drive, the spacious sounds, the jazz elements – everything on this program showcases beloved music that is unmistakably American,” said Dr. Mark Bartley, associate dean of music, director of orchestral activities, and WT’s Lilith Brainard Professor of Music. “The orchestra is thrilled to be joined by three School of Music faculty, each presenting postcards featuring various styles from across America.”

Dr. Sarah Rushing, assistant professor of piano, will be featured on “American Rhapsody” by Peter Boyer. Evgeny Zvonnikov, Harrington instructor in violin, is soloist for “Souvenirs D’Amerique” Opus 17 by Henri Vieuxtemps. And Douglas Storey, associate professor of clarinet, will be featured on “Latin American Chronicles” by Daniel Freiberg.

The concert also will feature the overture to “West Side Story” by Leonard Bernstein, “Dances in the Canebrakes” by Florence Price, and the “Billy the Kid” ballet suite by Aaron Copland.

Admission is free. For information, call 806-651-2840 or visit wtamu.edu/music.

Fostering an appreciation of the arts is a key component of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

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