SUPERB DINNER & CONCERT
RELAXED SUPPER CLUB SETTING
Sunday, October 18, 2026
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
DOSEY DOE — HISTORIC CONCERT HALL
25911 Interstate 45 North | Spring, Texas 77380
EXCITING STARS
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
Brennan Blankenship, American soprano
2017 & 2019 YTA Gold Medalist
Country & Grand Opera Classics
Cirdan Vonnahme, cello
2026 YTA Gold Medalist & Grand Prize Winner
Concert Stage Favorites
Petronel Malan, piano
YTA 1998 Winner & International Concert Artist
Acclaimed Classics
BENEFITING
YOUNG TEXAS ARTISTS MUSIC COMPETITION
— Parking & Entry in Back —
Classic Cabaret 2026
is not to be missed!
Prize-winning talent, brilliant performances, timeless
melodies — best-loved classical plus a few country —
pre-concert reception, delicious dinner with Southern and
supper club favorites, all in a legendary venue with stage to
showcase these YTA All Stars…
Brennan Blankenship
American soprano Brennan Blankenship is an exciting, versatile performer in the world of opera. In 2017 and 2019, she earned gold medals in the Young Texas Artists Music Competition. Last spring, she returned to acclaim as a guest artist at our Finalists’ Concert & Awards. In addition to leading roles in operas around the country, she has established the Houston-based opera, HOPERA. It empowers local artists and produces quality productions in casual settings like craft breweries. HOPERA has employed more than 120 artists and shared opera and classical music with almost 5,000 Houstonians! The native Texan is no stranger to country music, wowing audiences with the definitive Patsy Cline “Crazy” and others she will reprise along with favorite opera arias at Classic Cabaret 2026.
Cirdan Vonnahme
Continuing a winning trajectory, cellist Cirdan Vonnahme won hearts along with a gold medal and the grand prize in the 2026 Young Texas Artists Music Competition, as well as first prize in the 2026 San Antonio Tuesday Musical Club Young Artist Competition. Originally from Alaska, Cirdan won the 2024 Alaska Concerto Competition and the 2017 Fairbanks Concerto Competition. Since 2013, he has participated in the Alaska Cello Intensive, touring Alaskan villages and state parks. This summer he performed with the prestigious Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra and was a Tanglewood Music Center Fellow. The rising star also substitutes with Houston Grand Opera. Additionally, Cirdan is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University.
Petronel Malan
Celebrated concert pianist Petronel Malan is renowned for her uniquely masterful and captivating style. As a recitalist, orchestral soloist, or chamber musician, she enthralls audiences worldwide. Petronel is a multiple Grammy® nominee and gold medalist of several international piano competitions. Born in South Africa, she debuted with the Johannesburg Symphony at age 10. She won all major national competitions before moving to the USA and completed her DMA degree at the University of North Texas. Although residing in the States, Petronel continues strong ties to South Africa. She was named among the “10 Most Inspirational Women in South Africa” and has received highest national honors for her live performances. At our 2025 Classic Cabaret, her performance was show-stopping! Petronel also advocates for classical music in schools, and scholarships are awarded in her name.
Mistress of Ceremonies
Kelli Estes
Founder & Executive Director, Lone Star Lyric Theater
MOST GRATEFUL APPRECIATION FROM YOUNG TEXAS ARTISTS
Your exceptionally thoughtful and generous support has enabled vital career opportunities for emerging Texas stars. Since 1983, YOUNG TEXAS ARTISTS has helped launch the careers of more than 3,500 classical musicians and has become a highly respected cultural jewel of Texas
The nationally-acclaimed Young Texas Artists Music Competition and the Career Development Program provide professional guidance, mentoring, and performance experience critical to progress and jobs. An Official Music Competition of the State of Texas, YTA is a one-of-a-kind program open to classical artists, ages 18-20 (20-32 for Voice), who are Texas residents or affiliated with a Texas music school. The four performance divisions are: Voice; Piano; Strings; and Orchestral Instruments.
YTA alumni include a Grammy winner and six nominations, a silver medalist in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, and others performing or teaching at major orchestras, opera companies, conservatories, and institutions around the world.
Proceeds from this evening help to secure valued performance prizes and meet advance expenses for the 2026-2027 Competition and other 42nd Season programming.
The YTA Music Competition, Career Development Program, benefit gala (Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue), YTA Circle, and other cultural events for the community are presented by YOUNG TEXAS ARTISTS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
