The Key Note: Conversations in Music

Two parents with teen children dressed for special event.

Shannon Hesse (right) with her family. She and her husband, Anthony Kitai, met at the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) summer festival in Graz, Austria. He has been a member of the Houston Symphony cello section for 25 years.

As far as Shannon Hesse is concerned, the best way to play piano is to perform with others. “It feels like we’re having a conversation,” said Hesse, a regular collaborative pianist for the Young Texas Artists Music Competition. “We can share ideas and play off of each other. That, to me, is far more rewarding … Read more

Young Texas Artists Kicks Off 41st Season With Classic Cabaret

Woman playing piano.

Multiple Grammy Award-nominated pianist Petronel Malan mesmerizes the audience during Young Texas Artists' Classic Cabaret. Photo by David Hopper.

Young Texas Artists (YTA) kicked off its 2025-26 season in style Oct. 16 with a dazzling Classic Cabaret celebration in The Woodlands featuring exquisite live music and performances by distinguished YTA alumni.

Young Texas Artists’ New Season Features Classic Cabaret, Music Competition and Gala

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Petronel Malan

Young Texas Artists’ 2025-26 performing arts season will include a kickoff party, the Young Texas Artists Music Competition, a gala, and a lecture series.

Where Are They Now? Petronel Malan

Smiling woman

Petronel Malan

Petronel Malan, a multiple Grammy Award nominee and gold medalist of several international piano competitions, is Young Texas Artists’ 1998 Gold Medalist in Piano. She recently spoke with us about her career and her memories of competing with YTA. What are some of your favorite memories of competing with YTA? I remember that I had … Read more

Where Are They Now? Matthew Loudermilk

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Matthew Loudermilk

Matthew Loudermilk was Young Texas Artists’ 2008 Gold Medalist in Piano. He recently shared an update on his career with us. How would you say your experience with YTA impacted you and your music career? Well, it was a wonderful experience. It’s always delightful to win first — It’s a big encouragement. There’s a lot … Read more