The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra Announces its 2026-2027 Season!
- Lauren Arie
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
September 3, 2026 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORT WORTH, TX — The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra proudly announces its upcoming season, bringing together extraordinary young musicians for a dynamic lineup of orchestral, chamber, jazz, and community performances. From beloved masterworks and holiday traditions to a special residency and concert with internationally acclaimed violinist Midori, the season offers exciting musical experiences for audiences throughout North Texas.
Tickets for all performances are available on our website three weeks before each concert. Main Concert Series performances may have multiple start times.
Main Concert Series
Opening Fall Concert
October 11, 2026 – Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU
The season begins with a thrilling opening concert day of multiple FWYO ensemble performances. The Youth Orchestra closes the program with Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 by George Enescu, a powerful start to the new season.
Holiday Spectacular! and Jazz for Toys for Tots
December 12-13, 2026 – Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU
FWYO’s holiday weekend brings two beloved community traditions together. The Holiday Spectacular will feature FWYO musicians alongside local choirs for an evening of festive music, while
FWYO Jazz brings its annual Jazz for Toys for Tots performance to the community, combining lively music with a holiday toy drive benefiting local children and families.
Spring Concert
February 28, 2027 – Carroll Fine Arts Complex
The season continues in the new year with an inspiring afternoon of music featuring all of FWYO’s orchestras and wind ensembles in multiple performances.
FWYO with Midori
April 18, 2027 – Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU
FWYO will welcome internationally acclaimed violinist Midori for a special multi-day residency, giving students the opportunity to learn from and perform alongside one of the world’s most celebrated violinists. The residency will culminate in a special concert with Midori and FWYO ensembles, featuring Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64.
More information about this special collaboration to come soon!
Finale Concert
May 16, 2027 – Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU
The season concludes with a celebration of FWYO’s graduating seniors, who will be recognized for their years of dedication. The Youth Orchestra will perform music from its upcoming international performance tour, offering audiences a preview of the repertoire students will take abroad! Repertoire will include Beethoven's Egmont Overture and many other exciting pieces!
FWYO Global
From June 2–11, the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra’s premier Youth Orchestra will embark on an international performance tour through Germany and France. Students will perform and experience the rich musical and cultural traditions of Bonn, Germany; Trier, Germany; Nîmes, France; and Paris, France, serving as young ambassadors for Fort Worth through music and building connections across cultures.
More information about FWYO Global coming soon!
If you'd like to help support financial aid for this performance tour, you can make a donation here!
Other Program Performances
Side-by-Side with FWSO
November 15, 2026 – Carroll Fine Arts Complex
FWYO’s Youth Orchestra performs Enigma Variations by
Edward Elgar alongside the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.
FREE! Fall Chamber Recital
December 14, 2026 – Orchestra Hall
FWYO’s chamber musicians present an intimate program in Orchestra Hall. This concert will feature all chamber students including groups formed by principal players from the Youth Orchestra, promising performances of exceptional artistry.
FREE! Suzuki Winter Recital
December 15, 2026 – Orchestra Hall
FWYO’s youngest musicians take center stage in this joyful group concert, showcasing the progress and enthusiasm of the organization’s Suzuki program students.
FREE! Jazz Showcase
February 26, 2027 – Orchestra Hall
FWYO Jazz highlights their mid-season repertoire in this exciting performance at our home in Orchestra Hall.
FREE! Jazz & Chamber Finale
May 1, 2027 – Kimbell Art Museum
FWYO Jazz and Chamber programs present their finale at one of Fort Worth's most iconic and intimate locations.
FREE! Suzuki Finale
May 4, 2027 – Orchestra Hall
The Suzuki program will celebrate another year of musical growth with its annual finale performance, highlighting the dedication and accomplishments of FWYO’s youngest musicians.
About FWYO:
Celebrating 60 years of extraordinary music education during the 2024-2025 season, the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra has won local, national, and international recognition as one of the finest youth orchestra programs in the United States. Through ten programs - including four major orchestras, two wind ensembles, a jazz band, Early Childhood Music, FWYO Suzuki School, and chamber programs - the FWYO delivers high-quality musical instruction to nearly 500 students ranging in age from four to eighteen years, representing communities throughout North Texas.
Founded by a community group headed by Betty Utter and under the direction of conductors Ezra Rachlin and John Giordano, the FWYO was founded to promote and inspire the continuing development of musical talent in qualified area youth through intensive education in classical orchestral rooted music and performance. The programs offer students the opportunity to further develop their talent as well as their leadership skills, self-discipline, confidence, and pride in personal achievement. Many of the nearly 20,000 alumni of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra program have gone on to become members of major symphony orchestras, music educators, or leaders in their fields.
The Orchestra's accomplishments include international concert tours in Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the Far East; music festivals in Switzerland and Washington, D.C.; and numerous other concert appearances across Texas and the Southwest. Its most recent tour in 2024 was to Spain with performances in Barcelona, Valencia, and Cullera. The Youth Orchestra has also been honored to perform with artists such as Van Cliburn, Jose Feghali, Yakov Kasman, Tamàs Ungàr, and John Owings, and composers Morton Gould and Samuel Adler. In 2021, the FWYO also received 2nd in the Youth Orchestra Division of the prestigious American Prize and 3rd place in the 2024 American Prize. The Wind Ensemble also won 1st place in the American Prize Youth Band division in 2024.
Under the leadership of Music Director Dr. Germán Gutiérrez since 2000 and Executive Director Andrew Reynolds since 2021, the FWYO has become one of North Texas’ most prestigious performing arts organizations. In addition to its educational programs, the FWYO owns and operates historic Orchestra Hall, located in Foster Park, which has been home to numerous performing arts organizations since 1975.
Press Inquiries: Lauren Arie - larie@fwyo.org / 817-923-3121 x18
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