McKinney Philharmonic Orchestra Unveils Its 2023-2024 Season  

Featuring American Icons and Multicultural Composers, the MPO is Celebrating Culture & Heritage 

McKinney, TX - [7/16/2023] - The McKinney Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2023-2024 season, promising a captivating journey. With a lineup that showcases a diverse range of composers, celebrates iconic figures, and fosters community engagement, this season will be the most memorable and meaningful yet.

Under the guidance of Artistic Director and Conductor, Jason Lim, the MPO remains committed to its core values of artistic and educational excellence, impact and connection to communities, and innovation. The 2023-2024 season embodies these values and strives to create unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Our classical series takes center stage, beginning with the Summer Evening season opener, serving as a farewell to the scorching Texas heat, featuring Kodaly’s Summer Evening, the second movement of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Summer, and concluding the evening with the dazzling Symphony No. 4 by Beethoven. 

The Family Halloween Concert is designed to make symphony concerts an enjoyable experience for the whole family. Witnessing record attendance of children and families the last couple of years, this concert brings the magic of Disney and video games to the symphony stage, featuring enchanting melodies from World of Warcraft, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, and many more. Preconcert activities will delight kids and costumes are encouraged. 

Continuing the beloved McKinney tradition, the "All-Star Christmas Concert" returns for its 6th annual edition. This unique and entertaining concert presents favorite Christmas songs with fresh arrangements by talented performers, including McKinney’s first lady, Maylee Thomas.

The "POPS" series takes the spotlight next, celebrating the legendary composer John Williams. Building on the tremendous success of our first John Williams concert in 2021, this year's event features a delightful selection of film scores, including beloved classics like Jaws, E.T., and Jurassic Park. Prepare to be captivated as the MPO brings these iconic melodies to life.

The MPO proudly presents the “Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald” concert to commemorate Black History Month and Women’s History Month. Honoring two incredible women, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tatiana Maylady Mayfield, this unique event pays homage to their remarkable contributions to music. Witness the fusion of their timeless artistry and revel in the jazz-filled atmosphere.

The season’s classical series continues with the extraordinary "Mozart's Requiem" concert, a collaboration with the Dallas Philharmonic Choir, an all-Chinese chorus. Join us as we pay tribute to Mozart's final work. The harmonious fusion of the MPO's symphonic mastery and the choir's mesmerizing vocals will create an unforgettable musical experience.

"This season is a celebration of culture and heritage," said Lim. "By including diverse composers, thought-provoking pieces, and celebrating American icons like John Williams and Ella Fitzgerald, we aim to create a season that resonates with our audience on multiple levels. Join us for an extraordinary musical journey that will leave a lasting impact."

Tickets for the 2023-2024 season are available beginning July 11th. Take advantage of the opportunity to experience the magic and artistry of the McKinney Philharmonic Orchestra. Visit mckinneyphilharmonic.org for more information and to secure seats for these unforgettable performances.

About McKinney Philharmonic Orchestra:

The McKinney Philharmonic Orchestra is a leading cultural institution dedicated to artistic excellence, educational enrichment, and community connection. The MPO strives to inspire and uplift audiences through captivating performances and innovative programming, fostering a love for symphonic music in the community and beyond.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jason Lim 

Artistic Director & Conductor 

McKinney Philharmonic Orchestra

info@mckinneyphilharmonic.org

Conductor Jason Lim, music director of the McKinney Philharmonic in McKinney TX, is the winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Programming, 2021, the Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award, in the professional orchestra division. Jason was selected from applications reviewed recently from all across the United States. The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts is the nation's most comprehensive series of non-profit competitions in the musical and theater arts, unique in scope and structure, designed to recognize and reward the best performing artists, ensembles and composers in the United States based on submitted recordings. The American Prize was founded in 2009 and is awarded annually in many areas of the performing arts. Applications for the 2022 contests are being accepted through the covid-extended deadline of September 14, 2021. (theamericanprize.org)

Link to official announcement: http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/2021/08/winners-orchestral-programming.html

About the Award: The American Prize—Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award in Orchestral Programming honors the memory of the great Lithuanian conductor, Maestro Vytautas Marijosius, music director of the Lithuanian State Opera, and for nearly thirty-five years Director of Orchestral Activities at the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, CT. The Prize recognizes and rewards the best achievement in the unique field of orchestral programming, where the selection of repertoire by knowledgeable, creative and courageous music directors builds orchestras and audiences, educates young people and adults, and enriches the community.  

You can read more about Maestro Marijosius here: http://rememberingmarijosius.blogspot.com/2010/11/t-o-t-h-e-r-e-c-i-p-i-e-n-t-o-f-h-e-v-y.html

Or visit the collection of his historic documents, programs and photographs here: https://marijosius.tumblr.com/

The artist provided this biographical sketch:

Recognized by the Denton-Record Chronicle as one of “2012’s Most Fascinating People,” the career of conductor Jason Lim is on the rise. Lim was born in Penang, Malaysia and began his formal training in viola performance when he won a scholarship to study at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts with Alice Waten. He commenced his studies at the Canberra (Australia) School of Music, and completed his bachelor’s degree with honors at the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney. Jason received his Master’s degree in orchestral conducting from the University of North Texas.

Known for his fine technique in performances and innovative programming, Jason began his conducting studies in Australia: first as an apprentice with the Canberra Youth Orchestra, and later as an Assistant Conductor with the Ku Ring Gai Philharmonic Orchestra in Sydney, a position that was awarded in conjunction with winning 1st Prize in the New South Wales Ministry of Arts Conducting Prize. Most recently, in a competitive selection process, Jason was selected by the Texas Commission on the Arts into the Texas Touring Roster Inclusion. In 2016-2017 Jason was the 1st Prize Winner of the American Prize Competition for professional conductors. In 2015 Jason was the 2nd Prize Winner. Additionally, In 2016 Jason received the Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for excellence in performing American Music.  In 2013 Jason made his European conducting debut with the Academic State Concert Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine in Kiev and in 2014 appeared as guest conductor with the Zabrze Philharmonic Orchestra in Poland and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Jason has also appeared as guest conductor with the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra and Johnstown Symphony Orchestras and has appeared as guest conductor with choruses around the globe. In addition, Jason's work extends to other art mediums such as visual arts and dance notably with collaborations with prominent dance choreographers like Bill Evans. Jason has also appeared as guest conductor of the Denton Bach Society and the American Baroque Opera Orchestra. 

When the Odysseus Chamber Orchestra moved to McKinney from Denton in 2014, the orchestra has grown and has become an art gem in the city of McKinney. 

The McKinney Arts Commission has embraced the orchestra and has given it all the support it needs. 

In 2019 the leadership of the orchestra and organization decided to make a name change. 

We are now called the McKinney Philharmonic Orchestra. 

It is a new direction for the orchestra are we are here to stay. 

For season tickets, visit:

www.mckinneyphilharmonic.org

Come hear Brave Combo like no other. This dynamic Grammy Award Winning Polka Group will join forces with the Odysseus Chamber Orchestra to add depth and gusto to hits we all know and love. These songs have been arranged with full symphony accompaniment. 

McKinney Mayor, George Fulller will appear as guest conductor.

DO NOT MISS OUT!

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE HERE:

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3675980

The Greater North Texas Youth Orchestra will complete its inaugural season and will be looking for to kick off the second season with auditions. This season saw, the orchestra and its young members perform great works from master composers like Aaron Copland, Sergei Prokofiev and Antonin Dvorak. The orchestra also performed for veterans on Veteran's Day working with local actor, Steve Powell and with distinguished  solo artists, Mikhail Berestnev on piano and Kathleen Long on cello. 

The orchestra will be conducting auditions in April, June and throughout the summer of 2018. 

This Greater North Texas Youth Orchestra also has programs unique to this region such as the Mentorship Program and the Side-by-side Program. These programs gives members of the youth orchestra the special opportunity to perform along side the Odysseus North Texas Chamber Orchestra. The Odysseus orchestra is the mother organization of the youth orchestra. This season, Shaunessy Renker, a senior from McKinney Boyd High School and concertmaster of the youth orchestra was selected to participate in all of the Odysseus Chamber Orchestra's subscription concerts. Furthermore, several students from the youth orchestra was selected to perform side-by-side with the Odysseus Orchestra in the Movie Magic concert in March, performing music of Star Wars, Star Trek, Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean and many more. This experience is only available with with the Greater North Texas Youth Orchestra. 

You can sign up for auditions at:

www.gntyo.org

Video Sample Below:

https://www.facebook.com/GNTYO/videos/435579290210523/?fref=mentions