Whether you’re a classical music enthusiast, or a novice looking to expand your musical experiences, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a great area for classical music lovers, especially those on a budget. Here’s a complete run down of affordable classical music events to check out this November:
TOTALLY FREE
Winners of the Cliburn International piano competition held every four years in Fort Worth return to the Dallas-Fort Worth area as a part of the Cliburn in the Community initiative. On 11/3, 2017 silver medalist Kenny Broberg will perform in Martin Hall at the Texas Wesleyan University at 7:30 and 2017 bronze medalist Daniel Hsu will perform at the Fort Worth Central Library on 11/2 at 6:30. This is great place to start if you’re only beginning to tread in the waters of classical music. After hearing Kenny and Daniel work magic in the final round of the Cliburn competition at Bass Performance Hall, I can guarantee this is one you can’t miss.
Fine Arts Chamber Players recently announced its Bancroft Family Concerts. The monthly concerts run from October to May–with the exception of December–and they’re held at 3pm on Saturdays at the Dallas Museum of Art. DSO Principal Harp Emily Levin and guitarist Colin Davin feature 11/11; Seating is free, but first-come, first-serve, so get there a little early–last time I went to a FACP concert, there was only standing room left.
Pro tip: subscribe to Steinway Hall’s notifications to be reminded about their Steinway Artist Concerts. Each one is located at the Steinway in Plano, Dallas, or Fort Worth. Past artists include Luis Sanchez, Lu Beiwen, and Eldred Marshall. They’re all free, but you’ll need to RSVP, as there are a limited number of seats.
$20 OR LESS
If you’re looking for the traditional orchestral classical music experience, head on over to the Meyerson Symphony Center on 11/24 or 11/25 for an evening of Schumann and Prokofiev. Tickets start at $19. Last time I heard the DSO, violins sparkled, flutes flickered, and the orchestra played with an exceptionally fine refinement of tone.
Been a while since you’ve heard some Shostakovich? Stop by Fort Worth’s iconic Bass Performance Hall 11/10-12. All performances feature pianist Behzod Abduraimov. On the program is Shostakovich’s 1st Piano Concerto, an exciting and lively piece that’ll be sure to excite your inner classical music fan. Tickets start at $20.
$30 OR LESS
Held at the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth, Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth (CMSFW) presents “Outside the Shadow of Beethoven,” a concert featuring the highly acclaimed Atrium Quartet. Indulge in the works of Beethoven, Brahms, and Shostakovich for $25.
Same place: The Cliburn continues its trend of affordable and accessible concerts through Cliburn at the Modern. On 11/4 at 2PM, pianists Alex McDonald, Kenny Broberg, Catharine Lysinger, Evan Mitchell, Jonathan Tsay, and Shields-Collins Bray will perform some of American classical music’s greatest hits. General admission tickets start at $25.
The Dallas Bach Society’s 35th Anniversary season is underway with a focus on Baroque music. The next concert is 11/18 at 7:30 and features works by Mozart, Haydn, and Bach. $30 gets you a ticket.
FIN
I’m finishing up this list with concerts featuring Stephen Hough’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Honestly, hearing Hough with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra – one of the greatest orchestras in the nation – is an experience I’d recommend to anyone. These concerts, held at the Meyerson Symphony Center 11/2-11/5, start at $35. I’ll see you there – we’ll chat about how Hough tackles this legendary piece.
