Young Texas Artists Announces Speaker Series for Supporters
‘Classical Music and Art Through the Centuries’ Kicks Off Nov. 16 in Conroe
Nonprofit arts organization Young Texas Artists (YTA) is launching a speaker series about the connections between classical music and visual art for members of YTA Circle, a group for YTA supporters.
The four-part monthly series, “Classical Music and Art Through the Centuries,” will feature 25 to 30-minute interactive discussions featuring representatives from the Conroe and Houston art scenes.
The first discussion takes place 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Conroe Art League’s headquarters, The Madeley Fine Art Gallery, at 127 Simonton St. in downtown Conroe, 77301.
“Often, music is loosely inspired by paintings, and then opera, in particular, directly inspires subsequent paintings, said artist Joseph Staley, who is facilitating the speaker series. “Sometimes people are focused on the art or the music, but rarely do we find the intersections. When we do, it’s a way to keep academic scholarship fresh and original.”
Additional discussions will take place Dec. 14, Feb. 1 and April 4 at the same time and location.
YTA is best known for its annual Young Texas Artists Music Competition for emerging Texas classical artists; the next competition takes place March 7-9, 2024.
YTA also bolsters the arts in the Lone Star State and has hosted several exhibitions, curated by Staley, featuring emerging Texas visual artists.
Members of YTA Circle support YTA’s efforts. Circle members enjoy multiple benefits, including presentations on the arts; socializing and snacking at wine and cheese events; discounts to such YTA events as the Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue gala; and Classical Connections, YTA’s annual newsletter.
“YTA Circle is a wonderful group of Young Texas Artists lovers who support our organization and encourage the enjoyment of classical music and other fine arts,” YTA President/CEO Susie Moore Pokorski said. “We are excited to be gearing up for an enlightening season with opportunities to gather throughout the year.”
Staley, an experienced curator, said he has found preparing “Classical Music and Art Through the Centuries” rewarding, and he wants to pass that enthusiasm along to the people who attend the discussions.
“I’m excited to open people’s eyes to these previously unexamined subjects,” he said, adding that the series programming is being designed for a wide range of arts interests and backgrounds.
“Classical Music and Art Through the Centuries” is for YTA Circle members, and there is no charge for their admission.
YTA membership is $75 per couple or individual — and individuals are welcome to bring a friend to Circle events.
On the first night of the speaker series, YTA Circle Members, both individuals and couples, who bring a guest will receive goodie bags for themselves and their guests.
For information about joining YTA Circle, visit https://ytamc.com/yta-circle.
About Young Texas Artists:
Young Texas Artists, founded in 1983, is a one-of-a-kind nonprofit presenter of music competitions and events, career development programs and cultural enrichment outreach. The nationally acclaimed Young Texas Artists Music Competition and the YTA Career Development Program provide professional guidance, mentoring and highly sought performance experience. An Official Music Competition of the State of Texas, it is one of the few competitions in the nation with four performance divisions: Voice; Piano; Strings; and Winds, Brass, Percussion, Harp and Guitar. The YTA contest is open to classical artists, ages 18-30 (20-32 for Voice), who are Texas residents or attend a Texas music school. Over the years, Young Texas Artists has helped produce many distinguished professionals who have gone on to join orchestras, opera companies, universities and music schools around the world. youngtexasartists.org
Affiliations:
Young Texas Artists is a member of the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance, the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Cultural Trust and Texans for the Arts.
Young Texas Artists, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded and headquartered in Conroe, Montgomery County.
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