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• Julia Kay Laskowski
• Julia Kay Laskowski

Julia Kay Laskowski, a Houston celebrity, has performed with every prominent theater in Houston, including the two premier Broadway theaters, Theater Under the Stars and the Alley Theatre.

She sang the title role in Always. . . Patsy Cline for 18 months – the longest-running musical ever in Houston and again in Iowa and at the Texas Repertory Theater in North Houston.

Laskowski is a graduate of California Institute of the Arts, where she began her career as an opera singer. Her operatic experience includes Micaela, Queen of the Night, Zerbinetta, Donna Elvira, Anina and Rosina.

She is also famous for her impeccable comedic talent. Just ask anyone who was lucky enough to catch her performance of Zombina in the musical comedy, “Zombies from the Beyond”. She also played the title role of Miss Lulu in an off-Broadway production in New York. Currently,  she is performing her original musical Country Gravy and Other Obsessions, with her partner Patti Rabaza, and touring Italy for concerts and vocal seminars in August 2011.

Among the works FBSO will perform include “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” from Richard Wagner’s opera “Lohengrin,” “Emperor Waltz” by Johann Strauss, “Hungarian March” by Hector Berlioz and “Irish Tune” by Percy Grainger. Christopher Henselman, a 16-year-old pianist who has twice performed at Carnegie Hall, will be a featured guest artist as the winner of FBSO’s 2012 Young Artist Concerto Competition.

Also in town for the celebration is Canadian composer Dr. Monte Keene Pishny-Floyd, FBSO’s conductor-in-residence. Planning surprises for FBSO patrons after the concert are three musicians who joined the orchestra during its inaugural season in 1992: Sandy Chapman, Marilyn Conger and Becky Walker.

Reserved adult tickets for Far Away Places are available for $10 and $15. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult, but need a reserved ticket. Discounts are available for seniors, students and military, as well as groups of 10 or more.

Tickets may be ordered at www.fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642.

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Accompanying Photo: FBSO_FarAwayPlaces.jpg
Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra musicians prepare to transport concertgoers around the world during their February 19 Far Away Places concert. Standing on the platform of the historical 1879 rail car at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum are Andrea Cope, percussion, and Fangming Zhu, violin. At ground level are Katherine Leskin, cello, and Ashley Clift, clarinet. Serving as conductor is FBSO patron Tom Chapman.

About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters student musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition that includes a cash prize for the winner and the opportunity to perform with the Orchestra.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Christopher Henselman, a 16-year-old pianist and Austin, Texas resident, was recently named the Grand Prize Winner of the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 12th Annual Young Artist Concerto Competition. Cellist Andrew Shiau and violinist Melissa Du, students in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, received honorable mentions.

Henselman will be a featured guest artist as the Fort Bend Symphony presents Far Away Places, a concert featuring music from around the world, on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Stafford Centre. He will perform the first movement of Prokofieff’s “Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 16.”

Reserved adult tickets are $10 and $15. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult, but need a reserved ticket. Discounts are available for seniors, students, military and groups of 10 or more. Tickets may be ordered at fbso.org and 281.276.9642, or purchased at the Stafford Centre box office on the day of the performance. The Stafford Centre is located at 10505 Cash Road in Stafford, Texas.

Henselman, a runner-up in FBSO’s 2009 concert competition, has won a host of international, state and regional awards. As a winner in the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition (New York City) at ages 9 and 10, he performed twice in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall with works by Bach, Shostakovich, Debussy and Toch.

The third-year student at Austin’s Veritas Academy has earned multiple prizes in the United States Open Music Competition in California, the United States International Duo Piano Competition in Colorado and the Debose National Piano Competition in Louisiana.  

Shiau, a junior at Jersey Village High School, has won concerto competitions sponsored by the Houston Youth Symphony, Clear Lake Symphony and Houston Civic Symphony. He is a three-time honoree of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Orchestra.

Du began her violin studies at the age of 6. The Cypress Falls High School sophomore has been named to the TMEA All-State Symphony Orchestra and Houston Youth Symphony. She also has wins in concerto competitions sponsored by the Clear Lake and Houston Civic Symphonies.

The all-day FBSO Concerto Competition, supported by piano dealer Sherman Clay, attracted dozens of talented musicians, 18 and younger, from across the state.

Commenting on the high standards and outstanding talent exhibited by the young artists, FBSO competition chairperson Janet Larke said, “Classical music, with these young champions, is very obviously alive and well!”

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About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters student musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition that includes a cash prize for the winner and the opportunity to perform with the Orchestra.

Thompson joined the Sugar Land Community Orchestra, as FBSO was originally called, in 1994 after a call for musicians went out. One year later she auditioned and won an appointment to the prestigious role of concertmistress.
What the average concertgoer sees on stage versus what Thompson does off stage is probably equivalent to one line of a musical score. Yes, she tunes the orchestra. She also exchanges the customary handshake with Music Director Dr. Héctor Agüero to signal his thanks to the entire orchestra and the mutual respect and cooperation they share. She also performs violin solos, but these are just a fraction of her contributions.

“The concertmistress role is the most important role one can assume in an orchestra second only to the conductor,” said Agüero.
One reason is because custom calls for the concertmistress to serve as assistant conductor if the conductor is unable to fulfill this role. Thompson, whose full-time job is teaching math and technology to middle and high school students, said she wouldn’t dream of doing this in a concert, particularly since FBSO has an assistant conductor. She might, however, consider conducting a rehearsal.
Agüero said as concertmistress, Thompson serves a vital role in leading the string section and working with him to find solutions to any issues that might arise during concert preparation. “Sina has the final say on all aspects of bowings and anything string specific,” he said.

Bowing is the art and science of making sure string players stroke their bows in the same direction for both artistic and musical impact. While there are certainly logical ways for string players to move their bows, the direction the bow is played can affect the sound.

“If I use an up-bow it creates a crescendo,” explains Thompson of the increasingly louder sound. “If there are an odd number of pickup notes, we want to play the downbeat of the first full measure as a down-bow.  There’s also the visual element.”
Although Thompson would love to sit with all principal string players and go through the bowing, as an all-volunteer orchestra there just isn’t time. Instead she discusses and sets the bowings in rehearsals.
For Agüero the musical partnership he shares with Thompson makes his work easier. “Sina is very good at anticipating what I’m about to tell the strings and orchestra,” he said.

In addition to being a talented musician who sets bowings and shows string players how to technically execute Agüero’s instructions, Thompson possesses a charming and steady personality that makes her a natural leader. It is this role that has endeared her to her fellow musicians and makes her so valuable to FBSO.

“I affectionately call her ‘oh, wise one’,” said FBSO Board President Amy Billasch. “Because Sina has been with the orchestra for 17 years and served as president for eight of them, I know she has the historical and leadership background to give me sound guidance.”

Both Billasch and Agüero are quick to describe Thompson as the backbone of the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra.
During FBSO’s search for a new music director in 2006-07, Thompson was a vital member of the search committee, helping interview candidates, speaking with members and processing their feedback about potential conductors. Over the years, she has attended nearly every audition by prospective members, as well as the challenges between musicians for their chair placement within a section. This equips her to offer advice, if needed. She has also been known to counsel musicians who are not meeting the obligations that they agreed to when they joined the orchestra.
“Sina is a good leader and she’s always fair,” said violinist Sandy Chapman who has shared a music stand with Thompson for the past 17 seasons.

Chapman also notes that Thompson has given a lot of herself to FBSO and was responsible for writing a grant for many years that secured funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. FBSO received $10,000 yearly for six years until recent cuts in the federal budget. 

Under Thompson’s tenure as FBSO board president, FBSO started a Young Artist Concerto Competition. Now in its 11th season, the competition fosters student musicians by awarding them a cash prize and the opportunity to perform with the symphony during a live concert.

“I’m just happy Sina believes in the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra and has given so much of her time to it,” said Agüero.

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After our long hot summer, enjoy “Frosty the Snowman” and “Let it Snow!” Other seasonal favorites include “March of the Toys” and selections from “The Nutcracker.” Of course, no holiday concert is complete without Leroy Anderson’s classic “Sleigh Ride,” which was actually written during the heat wave of August 1946. Santa Claus will also be on hand distributing candy and holiday cheer.

Purchase tickets early to this popular concert by visiting www.fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642. As always, children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult, but they need a reserved ticket.

The Stafford Centre is located at 10505 Cash Road at Murphy Rd in Stafford, Texas.

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Accompanying Image: FBSO_DeckTheHalls.jpg
Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra members Kathryn Herod, French horn, and Lonny Yu, trombone, surround themselves with holiday trimmings at Tattle Tales Interiors & Gifts in preparation for FBSO’s December 4 Deck the Halls concert. (Photo by Coleman Locke)

About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – As the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra opens its 20th anniversary Season of Surprises on October 16, look for audience giveaways and the world premiere of “Fanfare: Texas Surprise.” The season opener, aptly titled In An English Garden, begins at 2 p.m. at the Stafford Centre and features selections by British composers like Edwin Elgar, William Walton and The Beatles.

FBSO and its music director, Dr. Hector Aguero, commissioned Canadian composer Monte Keene Pishny-Floyd to write the fanfare in celebration of the orchestra’s 20th anniversary season and Pishny-Floyd’s 70th birthday.

Pishny-Floyd has served FBSO’s composer-in-residence since 2006. The prolific composer has had his works performed in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America and Israel and on CBS. A doctoral graduate of the Eastman School of Music and an associate of the Canadian Music Centre, he has written more than 700 works in his lifetime.

In addition to the fanfare, In An English Garden features Walton’s “Crown Imperial,” Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1” and a medley of 14 popular songs by The Beatles entitled “All You Need is Love.” Also performing are the extraordinarily talented junior and senior division winners of the Houston Music Teachers Association/Houston Young Artist Concert Concerto Competition.

Adult tickets for In An English Garden are available for $10 and $15. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult, but need a reserved ticket. Discounts are available for seniors, students and military, as well as groups of 10 or more.

Tickets may be ordered at www.fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642.

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Accompanying Image: FBSO_EnglishGardenConcert_Web.jpg
Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra members capture the mood of their 20th season opener, In An English Garden, set for October 16 at 2 p.m. at the Stafford Centre. From left, Diana Quam, violin; Rufus Chaney, French horn; Joe Mack, bass; and Marilyn Conger, clarinet and a founding member of FBSO.  (Photo by Coleman Locke)

About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra will perform a free, outdoor concert as part of the second annual M.D. Anderson Pink Lighting event at Sugar Land Town Square on Saturday, Oct. 1 beginning at 7 p.m.

The concert features patriotic music and a salute to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as selections from FBSO’s upcoming 20th anniversary season of surprises. The concert is sponsored by Square Land Town Square.

Attendees should bring lawn chairs and wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness month.

The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra opens its 20th anniversary regular season on Sunday, Oct. 16 at the Stafford Centre. FBSO is under the musical direction of Dr. Héctor Agüero. More information about the upcoming season is at www.fbso.org.

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About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.

The 20th anniversary subscription series includes an exciting collection of concerts filled with audience requests:

In An English Garden on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011
Featuring music of Elgar, Walton, and the Beatles

Deck the Halls on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011
Featuring holiday favorites

Far Away Places on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012
Featuring music from around the world

On Broadway on Sunday, May 20, 2012
Featuring favorite Broadway hits

All concerts are held at 2 p.m. at the lovely 1,100-seat Stafford Centre located at 10505 Cash Road at Murphy Road in Stafford. Parking is free.

Season Ticket Information
Season subscriptions to the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 2011-2012 four-concert series are priced at $40, $60 and $100 and are available at fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642. Discounts are provided for seniors over 55, military with I.D., and students. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult, but must have reserved seats.

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The Hildebrandt Family
Mayor Leonard Scarcella
The Stafford Centre
The Ogletree Family
Becky Walker
Kaplan Test Preparation
Regina and Coleman Locke
Mr. & Mrs. G. Godfrey and Family
Rosalind Dworkin
CZ Luxe
A Little Ol’Factory
Julius & Beverly Baumann
Representative Charlie Howard
Hal Cooke
Opera in the Heights
The University of Houston Moore’s School of Music
Tejas Restaurant
Pho Nguyen Restaurant
Starbucks
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Teacher Heaven
Urban Kneads
Customized Massages
Diana Quam
Cynthia Whitty
John Gearhart
Huai-Mei Chiang
Robert, Amy, and Austin Billasch
Nancy Bowen
Fangming Zhu
Ashley and Ryan Clift
Dominique RØyem
Hector and Laura Agüero

Thank you to all our wonderful donors and volunteers for their support!

Concert-goers are sure to enjoy selections from a variety of cinematic genres including Star Wars, E.T., Bridge Over the River Kwai, James Bond 007 and many others. In addition to Star Wars, FBSO will perform a generous number of compositions by John Williams, one of the film industry’s best known composers.

In addition, 16-year-old Nina Sandberg, co-winner of the FBSO’s 10th Annual Young Artist Concerto Competition, will perform the 3rd movement of the Saint-Saens Violin Concerto No. 3.

Reserved seating is only $10 and $15 for adults. Children 12 and under are free with a reserved ticket. The standard discounts for seniors, students and military apply.

Tickets are available at www.fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642.

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About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Imagine floating in a Venetian gondola, walking the streets of Rome, or visiting the beautiful Tuscany countryside as the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra presents Viva Italia! on Sunday, Feb. 20.

Enjoy folk tunes like “Funiculi, Funicula,” a popular melody first composed in the 1880s and frequently included in modern movies and sitcoms like “Seinfeld.” Viva Italia! also features operatic selections like the whimsical “Cat Duet” by Rossini, music from “The Godfather” and the talented winner of FBSO’s Young Artist Concerto Competition.

This Italian festa of music begins at 2 p.m. at the beautiful 1,100-seat Stafford Centre, located at 10505 Cash Road, just off U.S. Highway 90 in Stafford. Reserved seating is only $10 and $15 for adults. Discounts are available for seniors 55 and over, students, military with I.D and groups of 10 or more. Children 12 and under are free with a reserved ticket.

To purchase tickets, visit www.fbso.org or call 281.276.9642.

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Accompanying Photo: Viva Italia.jpg
Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra members Henry Watts, Liesl Schindler, Bethany Hildebrandt, Matt Tolman and Jami Thomson prepare for an Italian musical festa as they join fellow FBSO musicians to present Viva Italia! on Sunday, Feb. 20 at the Stafford Centre.

About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra

Dr. Monte Keene Pishny-Floyd currently serve as Composer-in-Residence for the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra

Arts critics have praised the seasoned conductor for her boundless “energy and passion” and for her orchestras playing with “zest and style.” As conductor of Bayou City Concert Musicals, Røyem garnered high praise for her performance in Gentleman Prefer Blondes. A Houston Chronicle writer said she treated the score with “silken grace in the romantic turns, bouncy spirit in the rhythm numbers.”

Røyem is delighted to take on the new conducting role with FBSO and is already adding her dramatic flair that comes from years of working in theatre. “I enjoyed creating the invisible conductor for the Hauntcert concert. The audience heard the conductor’s footsteps and saw the pages of the musical score turn, but no one was there. It was fun to see the expressions of the audience as I peeked out from backstage.”

The Montrose resident is scheduled to earn her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Houston Moores School of Music in December. During her studies at UH, she was assistant conductor of the Moores Opera Center conducting operas like Cunning Little Vixen, Turn of the Screw and the regional premiers of Lucio Silla and Signor Deluso.

Serving as guest conductor with a number of regional performing arts groups has added to Røyem’s depth of experience that spans opera, musical theatre and classical music. Among the groups are Masquerade Theatre, Sugar Land Opera, Houston Civic Orchestra and HISD’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.

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About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – Experience the magic of the holiday as the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra presents “Deck the Halls” on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Stafford Centre. The popular concert features classic, seasonal favorites like “Sleigh Ride” and “A Most Wonderful Christmas,” as well as contemporary selections from the motion picture soundtrack of The Polar Express and a delightful blend of America’s favorite march with a Christmas favorite in “Jingle Bells Forever.”

Also featured are the remarkably talented junior and senior division winners of the Houston Music Teachers Association/Houston Young Artist Concert Concerto Competition who will perform with FBSO.

Purchase tickets early before the concert sells out at www.fbso.org or call 281.276.9642. Adult tickets begin at $10 and children 12 and under are free with a reserved ticket. Discounts are provided for students, seniors over 55 and military with I.D.

The Stafford Centre is located at 10505 Cash Road at Murphy Rd in Stafford, Texas.

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About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.

Cellist and FBSO President Amy Floyd Billasch said, “The open house is a great opportunity for prospective string players to mingle with orchestra members and to test their skills without the pressure of an audition.” String players can also evaluate the music played and experience the passion of Maestro Hector Aguero.

The 50-member volunteer musicians of FBSO work in a variety of professions including accounting, law, healthcare, education, research, homemaking and ranching. Some members are retired and others are high school and college students. Membership is free and each member receives complimentary tickets to the five regular season concerts.

To sign up for the Strings Open House or to learn more, please call 281.276.9642 or contact Katie Truax at audition@fbso.org

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About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – If you’re a musician looking for a group to perform with, then plan to take part in the August 21 auditions for the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 2010-11 season. The orchestra is currently accepting audition applicants and is particularly in need of additional string players.

Candidates should prepare a three- to five-minute solo and be ready to demonstrate their sight-reading skills. The auditions are open to all musicians of high school age and older.

In addition to violin, viola, cello and bass players, the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra has immediate openings for principal bassoon and second bassoon, English horn, oboe, principal harpist, trumpet and percussion. Both permanent and alternate positions are available with all musicians serving as unpaid volunteers.

The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra, now in its 19th season, enriches the lives of the community by presenting a repertoire of challenging classical pieces and modern pops music. Musicians practice on Tuesday nights from 7:15 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. and perform six concerts during FBSO’s regular season.

For details on scheduling an audition, please visit www.fbso.org or call 281.276.9642.

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About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.

The upcoming season marks the 19th for the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra and the third year under the musical direction of Dr. Héctor Agüero, Jr. Season tickets are now on sale – including a limited-time offer of buy-one-get-one free – for this family-friendly series sure to get even the youngest concert-goers tapping their toes.

Hauntcert on Oct. 17, 2010
Enjoy Halloween tunes and lots of treats including a Halloween costume contest for all ages.

Deck the Halls on Dec. 5, 2010
Capture the magic of the season with all your favorite tunes and a visit by a jolly old man.

Viva Italia! on Feb. 20, 2011
Enjoy a veritable "festa" of Italian music that will have you dreaming of gondola rides and more!

Special Spring Concert on March 26, 2011
Enjoy an intimate evening of music from some of the world’s greatest classical composers.

Night at the Movies on May 22, 2011
From drama to horror to comedy, you’ll enjoy wonderful songs from the world’s greatest movies.

All concerts are at the Stafford Centre, except the one on March 26. It will be held at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Katy.

Season Ticket Information
Season tickets to the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 2010-2011 five-concert series are priced at $50, $70 and $100 and are available at fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642. Discounts are provided for seniors over 55, military with I.D., and students. Children 12 and under are free, but must have reserved seats. For a limited time, the FBSO is offering buy-one-get-one free to promote affordable family fun.

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About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Young Artist Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.

Laura Agüero, director of fundraising for the orchestra, accepted the gift at the recent FBSO annual meeting. Leonardo Pierre, a TI digital signal processing engineer and FBSO cello player, presented the gift on behalf of TI.

“We are grateful for the generosity of TI,” said Agüero. “As an all volunteer organization, the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra depends on the support of the community to help us sustain and grow our family-friendly programming.”

Leonardo Pierre of Texas Instruments presents a check to Laura Agüero, director of fundraising for the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra.

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About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.

Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella said the early start would allow concert-goers time to attend fireworks after the concert. Among the musical selections the FBSO will perform is an extended version of The Star Spangled Banner.

“Freedom Rings” is sponsored by the City of Stafford and the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra in association with Impact a Hero. The Fort Bend Symphony is under the musical direction of Dr. Héctor Agüero, Jr.

For more information, please visit www.fbso.org or www.staffordcentre.org.

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About the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, enriches the lives of Fort Bend residents and surrounding areas with live symphonic music presented by its volunteer members. The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, represents an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of whom reside in the Fort Bend area. FBSO also fosters local musicians through sponsorship of an annual Concerto Competition and opportunities to perform with the Orchestra.