Valley Symphony Announces 61st Concert Season

Maestro Peter Dabrowski Promises Dazzling Performances by Virtuoso Performers

When Maestro Peter Dabrowski proudly described the six concerts that will be performed by the Valley Symphony Orchestra and Chorale during the 2013-2014 concert series, he promised this season to be the finest assemblage of stellar performances the Valley has seen. The VSO’s 61st year is also the 13th year of his tenure as the Conductor and Music Director of the internationally recognized Valley Symphony. The Valley is fortunate to have such a widely respected orchestra conductor. Musical Director Peter Dabrowski is regularly invited to be Guest Conductor of great symphonies in Mexico, Poland, Russia, Hungary, and other countries.

The first concert of the season begins at the Renaissance Center on Thursday, September 26, 2013. The September performance will feature music by three of the world’s most famous composers: Beethoven, Chaminade, and Tchaikovsky. Chaminade’s incredibly beautiful Flute Concertino, Opus 107 will serve as a show piece for virtuoso soloist, Dr. Krista Jobson.

Dabrowski promised this year’s concert season will be one never to be forgotten.” He added, “The Valley Symphony Orchestra and Chorale’s Vision is to improve life in a diverse community through artistic excellence in the performance and preservation of great music. Where else can they hear the classical music of Beethoven, Brahms, and Bach, and others of the 17th through 19th centuries,” he exclaimed. “Those men were musical geniuses. There will never again be musical giants like them. That is why we must keep their genius alive by live performances.”

Vivian Vargas, VSO Marketing Director, was just as ecstatic about the musical masterpieces that will be performed for Valley music lovers this concert season. The orchestra will perform at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance and the McAllen Civic Center again this year due to the continuing construction of their new fine arts auditorium on the University of Texas Pan American campus. “We are so grateful for their generosity.”

Vargas highlighted one more dimension to the rewards that will delight supporters of the treasure we know as the Valley Symphony Orchestra. “It’s this:” she said breathlessly, the audience will be introduced to the Valley Symphony Chorale’s new Choral Conductor during the 3rd concert scheduled for Friday, November 22, 2013. His name is Dr. David Means. We are anxiously awaiting his debut during the A Touch of Frost to Begin the Holiday Season to be performed at the McAllen Civic Center.
Doctor Means accepted the position as Director of Choral Studies at the University of Texas Pan American and has also been named Director of the Valley Symphony Chorale.

He comes to the Rio Grande Valley from Austin where he was Head Choral Director at the GRAMMY Award winning Fine Arts Academy of Westwood High School and other credits. Means will add dimension and depth to Valley music appreciation and performances. Doctor already has an international reputation as a featured singer and guest conductor at choral festivals all over the world. He has led concert tours in Japan, Europe, Asia, Germany, Belgium and Mexico. The Doctor also enjoys a worldwide reputation as a respected adjudicator and clinician.

“This is going to be a great season,” Vargas assured again. “The Symphony is greatly indebted to the generosity of The Texas Commission for the Arts, Austin; The National Endowment for the Arts, Washington, D.C.; and the cities of McAllen and Edinburg, and sponsors such as: Mercedes-Benz of San Juan, Frost, BBVA Compass, AEP, IBC Bank, Clark Knapp, and too many more to mention them all.

For more information about the Valley Symphony Orchestra’s 61st Anniversary season, you are invited to call Vivian Vargas at 661-1615. You may also visit www.valleyorchestra.org.