Meet the SA Phil: the San Antonio Symphony’s revival

Classical music is back in the Alamo City with a brand new name — meet the San Antonio Philharmonic.

After three successful performances by the MOSAS Performance Fund, the musicians of the former San Antonio Symphony have come together to preserve the legacy of professional symphonic music in SATX.

Brian Petkovitch, San Antonio Philharmonic president and bassoonist, says the SA Phil is looking to “honor the history, diversity, and culture of our city” through new programming and outreach.

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Major concerts will be led by conductors such as Christopher Wilkins. | Provided by San Antonio Philharmonic

Here is a short Liszt of what you need to know:

  • Young People’s Concerts — A total of 36 free-admission performances are planned at nine local high school auditoriums for the group’s inaugural season.
  • A new logo — The Philharmonic partnered with SATX-based branding and marketing firm Robot Creative to create a new logo + website along with an approachable nickname (SA Phil).
  • 10 classical concerts + 3 pop concerts — “Forward Together/Adelante Juntos” concerts (named out of the desire to involve the entire community) will be led by top conductors such as Ken-David Masur, Sebastian Lang-Lessing, and Christopher Wilkins — see the season overview.
  • Guest artists galore — The SA Phil will feature renowned musicians from around the world such as concert pianists Jon Kimura Parker and William Wolfram, soprano Vanessa Becerra, and other outstanding established + emerging artists.
  • Partnering musicians — Additionally, two concerts with the San Antonio Mastersingers are also planned for the upcoming season.

The San Antonio Philharmonic’s major concerts will take place downtown at First Baptist Church of San Antonio, 515 McCullough Ave.

Tickets are now available for the entire season, a partial season, or individual concerts.

Two opening receptions are also slated for today, Thurs., Aug. 25, and Sat., Aug. 27 to visit with musicians + purchase tickets. Head to the historic Maverick Carter House, 110 Taylor St. for these events to continue supporting classical music in SATX.