The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra has begun rehearsals for its 59th Season at its home in Orchestra Hall near Foster Park. This season promises to be an exciting one, culminating with a special tour to Spain in June for the top Orchestra!
Dr. Germán Gutiérrez once again leads as FWYO Music Director and conductor of the flagship Youth Orchestra for his 24th season. Other conductors include Brian Coatney with the FWYO Philharmonic, Brian Youngblood with the FWYO Wind Ensemble, Sammy Branch with the String Orchestra, and Amanda Musser with the Jr. String Orchestra. Bree Ahern will debut as faculty chair of the FWYO Chamber program following a successful pilot last spring, and Patty Purcell also leads a passionate group of FWYO Suzuki instructors.
Ensemble Season Overview
October 8, 2023: FWYO Opening Fall Concert - Brahms Symphony 1
TCU Van Cliburn Concert Hall
Featuring the Jr. String Orchestra, String Orchestra, Philharmonic and our flagship Youth Orchestra in two separate performances, the Fall Opening Concert will close with Brahms' Symphony No. 1 and de Falla's Interlude and Dance from "la vide breve" under the direction of guest conductor Mitchell Manlapig.
December 17, 2023: FWYO Holiday Spectacular!
Sponsored by Central Market
I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA
FWYO's annual holiday concert will be just a little bit more spectacular this year! Featuring the FWYO Jr. String Orchestra, String Orchestra, Wind Ensemble (beginning its third season), Philharmonic Orchestra, and flagship Youth Orchestra in three different performances, the final performance of the evening will feature Ballet Frontier performing selections from Bizet's Carmen and several local choirs will join for a holiday sing-along. Don't miss this special holiday tradition!
February 25, 2024: Young Virtuosos and Winter Concert
TCU Van Cliburn Concert Hall
Featuring the FWYO Jr. String Orchestra, String Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Philharmonic Orchestra, and flagship Youth Orchestra in three different performances, the Young Virtuoso's concert will feature several winners of our concerto competitions performing with the Philharmonic and Youth Orchestras. Don't miss the premier performances of these amazing soloists!
April 6, 2024: Side-by-Side with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Chisholm Trail High School Performing Arts Center
Watch as the young members of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra's top Orchestra perform with members of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, which includes some alumni of the FWYO. This tradition of apprenticeship is a powerful performance not to be missed!
May 5, 2024: FWYO Finale
Location I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA
Featuring the FWYO Jr. String Orchestra, String Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Philharmonic Orchestra, and flagship Youth Orchestra in three different performances, our finale concert ends the season with a blast! See our ensembles at their best as we close the season, award scholarships, and recognize our graduating seniors. The Youth Orchestra performance will feature Ravel's Rapsodie espagnole and other works from the upcoming tour.
June 6 - 16, 2024: The Youth Orchestra tours in Spain
Valencia, Llira, and Barcelona, Spain
Following an exciting season, the Youth Orchestra will embark on its 15th international tour! Conductor Dr. Germán Gutiérrez and members of the Youth Orchestra will serve as musical ambassadors as they perform in several coastal cities in Spain.
FWYO Chamber
Following a successful pilot, the FWYO Chamber music program continues a full season featuring small groups of musicians working together.
Dates tentative pending student availability. Check fwyo.org for details.
December 16, 2023: FWYO Chamber Recital
FWYO Orchestra Hall
April 27, 2024: FWYO Chamber Recital
Venue TBD
FWYO Suzuki
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki's string education is known internationally for producing some of the most talented musicians in modern history. FWYO Suzuki nurtures the next generation of incredible musicians through lessons in Violin, Viola and Cello.
October 8, 2023: Dr. Suzuki's birthday celebration at the Fort Worth Japanese Society
Fort Worth Japanese Society Building
As a celebration of Dr. Suzuki's birthday, FWYO Suzuki performs a demonstration at the Fort Worth Japanese Society.
December 13, 2023: Group Class Concert
FWYO Orchestra Hall
April 10, 2024: Group Class Concert
FWYO Orchestra Hall