Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off
23rd season with Mexico's Three Tenors

The Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off its 23rd season with the December 12 and 13 performances of Mexico's Three Tenors, the first in Nuevo Laredo and the second at the Laredo Civic Center. Ricardo Rodriguez, Cesar Rodriguez, and Manuel Acosta will be accompanied by pianist Eric Steinman in operatic selections from Rossini, Bizet, Donizetti, and Puccini, as well as favorite Spanish and Mexican pieces.
The Philharmonic's second concert presents sisters Beatrice and Christina Long in "The Long Piano Duo" on Saturday, March 15, at the Laredo Civic Center. The duo will perform selections from Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Schumann, Ravel, Stone, and others.
On Monday, April 28, maestro Richard Kilmer conducts the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra in "Viva Mexico!," a tribute to Mexican classical and contemporary orchestral music including selections by Silvestre Revueltas, Carlos Chavez, Manuel Ponce, and Agustin Lara. The Laredo Philharmonic Chorale makes a special appearance at this concert which begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Laredo Civic Center.
Guitar virtuosos Los Tecolines of Mexico City make their Laredo debut with a Pops Concert Friday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Laredo Civic Center Ballroom.
According to the Laredo Philharmonic's executive director Scott Rose, the diversity of the 23rd season's programming of musical productions is a departure from the Philharmonic's traditional all-orchestra concert program. "An exciting departure," Rose said. "Those who appreciate classical music will find it in our programming, but they will also find an energized program that reflects an appeal to a broader segment of music lovers in both Laredos."
Rose said that members of the Philharmonic and its board are doing all possible to promote the new season. "We have mailed out our color brochure which includes information for ordering season tickets, which will cost $70 for adults for all performances and $15 for students. We have a very informative web site at www.laredophilharmonic.org, which provides a great deal of information about the season and about who we are," Rose said. "You can even listen to samples of the music of each of the upcoming performers."
"As we have every year, we are urging Laredoans and Nuevo Laredoans to support the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra with ticket purchases, donations, and pledges, all of which will improve the quality of the performances this year," Rose said.
Of the upcoming collaboration between the Laredo Philharmonic, Texas A&M International University, and Laredo Community College, Rose said, "We are looking forward to what will likely become an incredible mix of talents, not only in a musical sense, but in a creative vein that will see to the sustainability, promotion, and growth of the Philharmonic. It is very exciting to contemplate what that collaboration will mean to the Philharmonic in the way of a new home, new members of the orchestra, and the direction that a new conductor will set. I think we will witness some very creative solutions to keeping the Philharmonic a viable venue for the arts in this community."
The affiliation provides the LPO with furnished offices, services, and utilities, employs a music director who will have a joint LCC-TAMIU academic appointment, and provides performance opportunities and assistance with fundraising and publicity.
Rose credits TAMIU president and longtime LPO member Dr. Ray Keck and LCC president Dr. Ramon Dovalina for initiating the collaborative agreement between the LPO, TAMIU, and LCC. "He had this in the works for the last two years. Dr. Keck found a very creative solution not only to keep the Philharmonic on an even keel but also to place its future in a creative, collaborative atmosphere of individuals who have at heart the best interests of the Philharmonic," Rose said, adding that despite the academic umbrella for the Philharmonic as of next year, fundraising will continue to meet this year's needs of rent, operating expenses, and the cost of musicians.
"The idea that we will have a music director for the Laredo Philharmonic who will be a maestro and an academic instructor is a very exciting concept when you consider that part of the Philharmonic's mission is education. The new relationship between the LPO, TAMIU, and LCC will only enhance the educational aspect of our mission," Rose said.
"We are asking Laredoans and Nuevo Laredoans to embrace our program and the Philharmonic and to enjoy the upcoming season with us," he said.