Blog

Where Are They Now? Graeme Steele Johnson

Clarinetist Graeme Johnson spent a year reconstructing a piece no one had heard since 1897. His world premiere recording of Forgotten Sounds earned praise from The Washington Post and The New York Times. Discover the YTA alum behind this remarkable musical rediscovery.
Smiling young man holding clarinet.

Ray Benson: Distinctively Texas

When Young Texas Artists (YTA) holds its classical music competition finals on March 8, Texas music legend Ray Benson will be there to serve as master of ceremonies. Benson, a ten-time Grammy Award winner and founder of Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel, is helping YTA celebrate its 40th anniversary — he’ll also perform … Read more
Man with white beard, wearing cowboy hat

Apply Now for 2025 YTA Music Competition

The application period for the 2025 Young Texas Artists Music Competition continues through Dec. 31, 2024.
Woman wearing prize medal holding yellow roses and Texas flag poses with two men and a woman at classical music competition.

Video: Pianist James Dick

World-renowned pianist James Dick, founder of the Round Top Festival Institute, performs during the 2024 YTA Classic Cabaret celebration. 
Man plays piano for audience.

Make Your Reservations for YTA’s 40th Anniversary Party

Now is the time to make your reservations for Young Texas Artists’ (YTA’s) 40th anniversary party, “The Stars at Night.”
Couple dressed up for gala.

YTA’s 2024 Gold Medalist in Voice a Grammy Nominee

YTA’s 2024 Gold Medalist in Voice, soprano Krista Renée Pape. is now a Grammy Award nominee!
Woman in pink gown sings at Young Texas Artists Music Competition's Finalists Concert & Awards program.

Expert Advice: Matthew Dirst, Ars Lyrica Houston

Matthew Dirst shares insights on establishing Ars Lyrica Houston and offers advice for emerging artists.
Man in white dress shirt, black vest, black tie

Where Are They Now? Yena Lee

Young Texas Artists’ 2018 Gold Medalist in the Strings Division shares an update on her career.
Woman sits holding violin

The Keynote: YTA Alums Shine in World Premiere

When reviewers commended the world premiere of “The Righteous” for its stellar vocal performances last summer, their write-ups included praise for two Young Texas Artists (YTA) Gold Medalists in Voice. They are Baritone Michael Mayes (2002), currently a nominee for a DER FAUST (Germany’s most prestigious theater award), and soprano Elena Villalón (2020), who made … Read more
Man in suit performs in opera production

YTA Announces Stellar 2024-2025 Season

Young Texas Artists’ (YTA) 2024-2025 season is now underway. “This is a particularly meaningful season for us because it includes our 40th Young Texas Artists Music Competition, a major milestone for us,” YTA President/CEO Susie Pokorski said. “We’ve been helping emerging classical musicians in Texas launch successful careers since 1983. This season, we’re celebrating that legacy and looking … Read more
Man in tuxedo leaning on piano