Stories /
03-01-25

Top Twelve Classical Highlights of 2024

By KMFA 89.5, Staff Submission.
Austin Unconducted performs the World Premiere of 2024 Draylen Mason Composer-in-Residence Sophie Mathieu's "Night Poem" in the Draylen Mason Music Studio at KMFA.

 

KMFA'S TOP TWELVE CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF 2024!

2024 was an unforgettable year for Austin’s classical music scene, filled with breathtaking performances, groundbreaking premieres, and moments that moved and inspired us all. From Yo-Yo Ma’s masterful concert at Bass Concert Hall to Sam Lipman's beautiful score for MoonFall and the return of the Here Be Monsters New Music Festival, KMFA is proud to celebrate the Top 12 Classical Highlights in Austin for 2024—a showcase of the talent, creativity, and passion that define our city’s vibrant arts community.

This year's list was compiled by a committee of KMFA staff and on-air personalities including Chief Executive Officer George Preston, Director of Broadcasting & Content Anthony McSpadden, Director of Events Stacey Hoyt, On-Air Personalities Dianne Donovan, Jeffrey Blair, Jess Griggs, and Sara Schneider, Underwriting Sales Consultant Soozie Selfridge, and Director of Sales & Marketing Todd Hogan. 

These remarkable moments are listed in no particular order. 

1. Sophie Mathieu: Innovating and Inspiring as KMFA’s First Local Composer-in-Residence

 
Click on the link above to watch KMFA Director of Content Anthony McSpadden's conversation with Sophie Mathieu.
 
 
In 2024, KMFA proudly welcomed Sophie Mathieu as the Draylen Mason Composer-in-Residence, marking a historic first as the program’s first Austin-based composer. Throughout her residency, Sophie’s work exemplified innovation, mentorship, and community engagement, leaving an indelible mark on Austin’s classical music scene.
 
Sophie spent the year captivating audiences with her compositions and inspiring young minds through mentorship. She led workshops and Q&A sessions with Central Texas students at Akins High School, Anderson High School, and other institutions. These sessions explored her creative process, including improvisation activities and her acclaimed song cycle Infinity Songs. Inspired by the texts of astrophysicist Haochen Wang, Infinity Songs reflects Sophie’s passion for blending music and science.
 
A standout moment of her residency was the commission of her evocative new work, Night Poem, which delves into the profound mysteries of the nocturnal world. Masterfully utilizing the textures and timbres of the string orchestra, the piece received its world premiere by Austin Unconducted as part of its Offbeat Series concert in September. KMFA further extended the reach of Night Poem by releasing a visually stunning music video on its YouTube channel, allowing audiences worldwide to experience its beauty.
 
Sophie’s residency not only celebrated the legacy of Draylen Mason but also demonstrated the power of music to connect, inspire, and innovate. Her mentorship of young musicians and her groundbreaking compositions have set a new benchmark for this program and cemented her place as one of KMFA’s Top 12 Classical Highlights in Austin for 2024.
 
Video by Jack Kloecker.

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2. Yo-Yo Ma’s Unforgettable Performance at Bass Concert Hall


As part of the 2023-24 Texas Performing Arts season, the legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma delivered an unforgettable performance at Bass Concert Hall, captivating audiences with his extraordinary artistry and profound expression of humanity.

Known for his ability to connect deeply with listeners, Yo-Yo Ma’s concert was a masterclass in both technical brilliance and emotional depth. The program featured an exquisite selection of works that showcased the cello’s rich, expressive range and underscored why he is considered one of the most celebrated musicians of our time.

This extraordinary evening at Bass Concert Hall reaffirmed the power of live music to inspire and bring people together. Yo-Yo Ma’s performance was not just a highlight of the Texas Performing Arts season but also a defining moment for Austin’s classical music scene in 2024.

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3. Austin Opera: Cruzar la Cara de la Luna


Austin Opera presented a truly unique and powerful production of Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, an innovative work that has come to define the concept of a “Mariachi Opera,” that captivated packed houses at the Long Center.

The performances not only introduced a new orchestration of the acclaimed piece but also brought together an audience that deeply connected with the story’s timeless and poignant themes. The opera, which tells a deeply human tale of family, migration, and cultural identity, felt as though it could have happened yesterday. The emotional impact on the audience was palpable and for many, including KMFA’s Night Music host Jess Griggs, it was an evening of tears—of the best kind.

More than just a performance, Cruzar la Cara de la Luna accomplished what one hopes for in a new opera: it introduced new audience members to the art form while forging a profound connection with all who experienced it. This production demonstrated the extraordinary ability of opera to tell relevant and resonant stories.

Photo from Austin Opera.

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4. The Miró Quartet: Grammy®-Nominated Excellence

 
Click the link above to watch Dianne Donovan's conversation with Joshua Gindele about the album and video.
 
The Miró Quartet, one of Austin’s most treasured ensembles, achieved a significant milestone in 2024 with their Grammy® nomination for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance for their album Home.
 
With nearly three decades of international acclaim, the Miró Quartet has been the quartet-in-residence at the University of Texas' Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music since 2003, playing a vital role in shaping Austin’s classical music landscape.
 
Home, their Grammy®-nominated album, is a profound exploration of the many meanings of “home”—a concept representing stability, safety, and connection. Featuring works by Pulitzer Prize-winning American composers Kevin Puts, Caroline Shaw, George Walker, and Samuel Barber, the album resonates with heartfelt emotion and artistry. The album was recorded in KMFA’s Draylen Mason Music Studio, where the quartet has also been working on their forthcoming album, continuing their creative journey in this vibrant space.
 
KMFA was honored to collaborate with the Miró Quartet in May to premiere their music video for "Over the Rainbow". This beautifully rendered piece celebrates their hometown of Austin, further cementing their deep ties to the community.

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5. An Intimate Recital: Key’mon Murrah & Donald Lee III at the Draylen Mason Music Studio

It’s not every day that a rising American countertenor asks to perform in your space—a testament to the growing reputation of KMFA’s Draylen Mason Music Studio as a cornerstone of Austin’s classical music scene.

The studio hosted an intimate recital featuring the extraordinary countertenor Key’mon Murrah and pianist Donald Lee III, captivating audiences with their remarkable artistry. Murrah’s soaring and ethereal voice, combined with Donald Lee III’s masterful piano accompaniment, delivered a program that ranged from classical to contemporary, showcasing the duo’s immense talent and emotional depth.

This stunning performance reinforced the Draylen Mason Music Studio’s standing as a sought-after performance space where artists and audiences can connect deeply. It also highlighted KMFA’s commitment to fostering extraordinary musical experiences that resonate long after the final note.

Photo by Jack Kloecker. 

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6. A Moving Revival: Conspirare’s Considering Matthew Shepard

In one of the most profound highlights of 2024, Conspirare brought their acclaimed oratorio Considering Matthew Shepard back to the stage as part of the Texas Performing Arts season. This revival was not only a powerful musical experience but also a deeply personal and emotional evening that left a lasting impact on all who attended.

Composed by Conspirare’s Artistic Director, Craig Hella Johnson, Considering Matthew Shepard tells the story of Matthew Shepard’s life, legacy, and tragic death through a compelling mix of music, poetry, and narrative. This revival brought renewed urgency to its themes of compassion, hope, and humanity.

The performance was made even more significant by the presence of Matthew’s parents, Judy and Dennis Shepard, who participated in a post-concert talkback with Craig Hella Johnson. Their heartfelt reflections and candid discussion added a deeply personal dimension to the evening, underscoring the enduring importance of Matthew’s story and the work’s role in fostering understanding and dialogue.

Click here to learn more about Matthew's story and the work being done to combat hate by the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

Click here to watch Dianne Donovan's conversation with Craig Hella Johnson about the show.

Photo provided by Conspirare. 

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7. Offbeat Series Presents: Insectum with Graham Reynolds

 
Click the link above to view the complete Insectum Offbeat Series concert in the Draylen Mason Music Studio, showcasing the remarkable creativity that made this concert an unforgettable highlight of Austin’s arts scene.

 

KMFA’s Offbeat Series brought audiences an extraordinary evening this year with Insectum, an innovative project by renowned composer Graham Reynolds. This groundbreaking performance delved into the fascinating, though often overlooked, lives of arthropods.

KMFA was thrilled to partner with Golden Hornet for the Austin premiere of Insectum as part of the Offbeat Series. This sold-out concert, featuring world premieres by Austin icon Graham Reynolds, percussionist and sound artist Susie Ibarra, and cellist Jeffrey Zeigler, who captivated audiences with its innovative blend of music, science, and art. The project drew inspiration from the pioneering imagery of artist-entomologist Maria Sibylla Merian and was developed in consultation with UT Austin entomologists Alex Wild and Jo-Anne Holley, who provided deeper insights during a pre-performance talk.

Photo and video by Jack Kloecker. 

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8. Sam Lipman’s Score Shines in the Premiere of MoonFall

It’s not every day that a new full-length story ballet makes its debut, but in May 2024, audiences were treated to the world premiere of MoonFall, a groundbreaking collaboration that brought together some of Austin’s most creative talents.

At the heart of the production was Sam Lipman’s full score, masterfully performed by Density512’s chamber orchestra under the baton of Jacob Schnitzer. The mysterious and evocative music provided the perfect foundation for this innovative production. Choreographed and directed by Dorothy Overby, with stunning performances by the dancers of Red Nightfall Dance Theatre, the ballet unfolded in an immersive environment enhanced by the mesmerizing projection designs of Yuliya Lanina.

The result was an extraordinary artistic achievement that exceeded all expectations. From the powerful score to the inspired choreography and the dazzling visual elements, MoonFall captivated audiences, leaving them both moved and delighted.

Click here to watch Dianne Donovan's conversation with choreographer Dorothy O'Shea Overbey and composer Sam Lipman about the project.

Photo by Sarah Annie. 

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9. Tetractys New Music's Here Be Monsters II Festival

Tetractys New Music presented the second annual Here Be Monsters, a two-day festival that celebrated Austin’s dynamic indie-classical music scene. Since its debut in 2023, the festival has commissioned over 20 world premieres, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Austin’s contemporary classical music culture.

This year’s festival featured 20 performances by some of the city’s most innovative ensembles and artists, including Invoke, Highway Lights, Kraken Quartet, Density512, Golden Hornet, LOLA, One Ounce Opera, Panoramic Voices, Line Upon Line Percussion, Austin Unconducted, Inversion Ensemble, Beerthoven, and more. Each group delivered dynamic 20-minute sets, celebrating the unique identity of Austin’s music creators while pushing the boundaries of classical music.

Here Be Monsters II built on the success of its inaugural festival, which was named a "show not to miss" by the Austin Chronicle and expanded its reach with a dozen world premieres in 2024. KMFA is thrilled to partner with Tetractys New Music as we look ahead to planning another exciting weekend of music that highlights Austin’s vibrant indie-classical scene.

Click here to view performances from Here Be Monsters II on the Tetractys New Music YouTube page.

Click here to watch KMFA's Offbeat Frontiers episode with Julie Fiore and Chris Prosser about the festival.

Photo by Tzu-Chin Hsu. Video by Jack Kloecker. 

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10. A Masterful Journey: Anton Nel Performs Beethoven’s Piano Concertos with the Austin Symphony Orchestra

In two unforgettable performances at the Long Center, the Austin Symphony Orchestra presented Beethoven’s Piano Concertos with internationally acclaimed pianist Anton Nel, bringing one of the most celebrated cycles in classical music to life.

These concerts showcased Nel’s extraordinary artistry as he navigated Beethoven’s works with technical brilliance, emotional depth, and a profound connection to the music. Under the baton of ASO Music Director Peter Bay, the orchestra delivered a masterful accompaniment, making each concerto an exhilarating experience for audiences.

This monumental achievement reaffirmed the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s role as a pillar of Austin’s classical music scene, while Anton Nel’s interpretations elevated the concerts to unforgettable heights.

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11. One Ounce Opera: A Fresh Perspective on Opera

One Ounce Opera’s 6th Annual Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera (FSOO) delivered a bold and refreshing (yes, we said it!) experience that proved opera is more alive and accessible than ever.

Held at Austin’s iconic Museum of Human Achievement, the event showcased micro-operas that brought humor, emotional resonance, and contemporary storytelling to the forefront. With inventive direction, diverse musical styles, and captivating performances, FSOO once again redefined what opera can be for today’s audiences.

This year was more than just a celebration of contemporary opera—it was an award-winning triumph.

The production of “An Artist’s Regrets” received two wins at the prestigious B. Iden Payne Awards:

  • Outstanding Production of a Short Play for "An Artist's Regrets"
  • Maureen Broy Papovich for Performing in a Short Play

Mark your calendars for their 7th Annual FSOO, taking place February 21-23 and February 28-March 2, 2025—we know it will be another can’t-miss event!

Pictured: Founder & Artistic Director Julie Fiore, soprano Maureen Broy Papovich, and short opera creator Linda Nenno. Photo by James Wilkus.

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12. A Heavenly Evening: The Tallis Scholars Presented by Arts on Alexander

In April 2024, Austin early music fans were thrilled to welcome The Tallis Scholars back to town, courtesy of Arts on Alexander. Under the direction of Peter Philips, who has refined the group’s ethereal sound and signature blend over fifty years, the ensemble delivered an unforgettable evening of music at the acoustically rich Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

Their program, Darkness to Light, showcased the profound beauty of Tudor church music, featuring works by Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and other Renaissance masters. The performance moved and enchanted the capacity crowd, offering a transcendent journey through harmonies that bridged the gap between the past and the present.

Arts on Alexander’s presentation of The Tallis Scholars was a true highlight of Austin’s 2024 classical music calendar, reaffirming the ensemble’s standing as the gold standard in Renaissance polyphony and captivating the city’s vibrant early music community.

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Best New Venture of 2024

Nathan Felix’s Opera Austin Festival at KMFA

Earning the title of Best New Venture of 2024, composer and director Nathan Felix launched the inaugural Opera Austin Festival this past November at KMFA. This groundbreaking event brought a fresh, innovative approach to opera, featuring immersive performances, experimental storytelling, and a celebration of Austin’s diverse creative voices.

Held at KMFA, tthe festival challenged the very definition of opera in our time, drawing audiences into the dynamic possibilities of telling stories through music and words. The Opera Austin Festival was a thrilling addition to Austin’s cultural calendar and a promising start to what we hope will become a beloved annual tradition.

Click here to watch a video of Nathan Felix's La Malinche | Traitor Savior performed at Opera Austin Festival.