January 28, 2025 - For Immediate Release
FORT WORTH, TX - The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO), a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s cultural and educational community, is thrilled to invite the public to its 60th Anniversary Concert and Reception on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU (2900 W Lowden St, Fort Worth, TX 76109). This extraordinary event will feature performances by FWYO’s flagship Youth Orchestra, as well as a special performance by an FWYO Alumni Orchestra. FWYO will also honor Dr. Germán Gutiérrez for his 25 remarkable years of leadership as Music Director.
The celebration begins with a concert at 3:30 PM, followed by a reception at approximately 5:15PM, providing an opportunity to recognize FWYO’s enduring legacy and its role in shaping music education in Fort Worth.
“We are proud to celebrate 60 years of nurturing young students through the transformative power of music,” - Andrew Reynolds, Executive Director
“This rigorous and life-changing experience has inspired creativity, built confidence, and fostered a sense of community for more than 20,000 students, with alumni now leading in business, education, the arts, and beyond across the globe. We look forward to many more years with the continued support of the Fort Worth community,” says Reynolds.
This event not only marks FWYO’s 60th anniversary, but also serves as a tribute to the organization’s mission to provide the highest quality music education and performance opportunities. Over the past six decades, FWYO has grown from a single orchestra to a dynamic organization featuring ten ensembles and programs. With nearly 500 students enrolled, FWYO works to provide financial aid for students in need, ensuring accessibility to music education for all.
“FWYO was more than just a place to play music - it was a transformative experience that shaped who I am today." - Dr. Johnny Cheng, FWYO Alumnus
Dr. Johnny Cheng, chair of the FWYO Alumni Committee, reflected on the orchestra’s impact, saying, "The skills I developed and the friendships I built continue to influence my life, both personally and professionally. I’m proud to be part of such a meaningful legacy.”
Tickets go on sale February 6, 2025. Concert tickets are $35 for adults, $10 for students. Tickets for the reception (Age 18+ only) start at $65. To purchase tickets, or to explore sponsorship opportunities, click here or contact the FWYO Box Office at info@fwyo.org or 817-923-3121 x18.
This event is sponsored by Solomon Bruce Consulting, LLC.
"We help businesses and organizations solve their most difficult problems through world-class experience and first-rate expertise."
About the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra
Celebrating 60 years of extraordinary music education during the 2024-2025 season, the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has won local, national, and international recognition as one of the finest youth orchestra programs in the United States. Through ten programs - including four major orchestras, two Wind Ensembles, a Suzuki School, Chamber Programs, Jazz, and Early Childhood Music Programs - the FWYO delivers high quality musical instruction to nearly 500 students ranging in age from six months to eighteen years, and represent communities throughout North Texas.
Founded by a community group headed by Betty Utter and under the direction of conductors Ezra Rachlin and John Giordano, the FWYO was founded to promote and inspire the continuing development of musical talent in qualified area youth through intensive education in classical orchestral rooted music and performance. The program offers students the opportunity to further develop their talent as well as their leadership skills, self-discipline, confidence, and pride in personal achievement. Many of the nearly 20,000 alumni of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra program have gone on to become members of major symphony orchestras, music educators, or leaders in their fields.
The Orchestra's accomplishments include international concert tours in Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the Far East; music festivals in Switzerland and Washington, D.C.; and numerous other concert appearances across Texas and the Southwest. Its most recent tour in 2024 was to Spain with performances in Barcelona, Valencia, and Cullera. The Youth Orchestra has also been honored to perform with artists such as Van Cliburn, Jose Feghali, Yakov Kasman, Tamàs Ungàr, and John Owings, and composers Morton Gould and Samuel Adler. In 2021, the FWYO received 2nd in the Youth Orchestra Division of the prestigious American Prize and in 2024 the Youth Orchestra received 3rd place and the Wind Ensemble won 1st Place.
Under the leadership of Music Director Dr. Germán Gutiérrez since 2000 and Executive Director Andrew Reynolds since 2021, the FWYO has become one of North Texas’ most prestigious performing arts organizations. In addition to its educational programs, the FWYO owns and operates historic Orchestra Hall in Westcliff that has been home to numerous performing arts organizations since 1975.