Where Are They Now? Graeme Steele Johnson

Smiling young man holding clarinet.

Graeme Steele Johnson. Photo by Dylan Hancook.

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.

Major Milestone: Young Texas Artists Presents 40th Finalists’ Concert & Awards March 8

Woman plays piano at music competition

Daeun Han performs “Totentanz, S. 126” by Franz Liszt during the 2024 Young Texas Artists (YTA) Music Competition Finalists’ Concert & Awards. Han won YTA’s Grand Prize and Gold Medal in the Piano division. Photo by Dave Clements.

This year marks YTA’s 40th classical music competition — 40 years of championing rising stars in classical music and inspiring audiences. And the public is invited to see it all unfold. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Crighton Theatre, 234 N. Main Street, in the Downtown Conroe Cultural District.

Ray Benson: Distinctively Texas

Man with white beard, wearing cowboy hat

Ten-time Grammy Award winner Ray Benson, founder of Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel, will be a special guest at Young Texas Artists’ 40th anniversary celebration and master of ceremonies during the YTA Music Competition & Finalists’ Concert March 8. Photo by Mike Shore.

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

Young Texas Artists 40th Anniversary Bash to Feature Texas Music Legend Ray Benson

Man with white beard, wearing cowboy hat

Ten-time Grammy Award winner Ray Benson, founder of Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel, will be a special guest at Young Texas Artists’ 40th anniversary celebration and master of ceremonies during the YTA Music Competition & Finalists’ Concert March 8. Photo by Mike Shore.

Texas arts nonprofit Young Texas Artists (YTA) is about to celebrate a big anniversary with a big party featuring a huge name in Texas music, Ray Benson, as the special guest. YTA is going all out with its 40th anniversary celebration, The Stars at Night, which takes place Saturday, March 8, in the Downtown Conroe … Read more

Young Texas Artists Launches New Season Featuring Its 40th Classical Music Competition

Audience listens to lecture in art gallery

The “Classical Music and Art Through the Centuries” lecture series for YTA Circle, a group for YTA supporters, begins Thursday, Sept. 26.

Young Texas Artists (YTA) is celebrating a major milestone in its 2024-25 season: the 40th annual Young Texas Artists Music Competition. The new season also features the “Classical Music and Art Through the Centuries” lecture series, YTA’s Classic Cabaret kick-off party honoring renowned classical pianist James Dick, and the Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue gala.

A Letter from Susie Pokorski, President/CEO

Dear Friends, I want to give you all an update on Young Texas Artists (YTA), along with my thanks. I am sorry I cannot respond to everyone individually, because so many of you have been such an important part of the last few days.  It’s been a wild ride. First, I must give my heartfelt thanks to … Read more