Standing Ovations, Texas Pride
Young Texas Artists (YTA) brought together the best of Texas, from downhome traditions to world-class classical talent, during its 2026 gala and music competition in March.
Texas Arts
Where Are They Now? Brennan Blankenship
Soprano Brennan Blankenship, the 2017 and 2019 Young Texas Artists (YTA) gold medalist in Voice, recently sat down for an interview with YTA to discuss the nonprofit’s impact on her career and what she has been up to recently.
Young Texas Artists Music Competition Showcases Promising Classical Musicians
Arts nonprofit Young Texas Artists (YTA) will bring eight rising classical music stars to the stage Saturday, March 14.
Young Texas Artists’ Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue Gala Celebrates Spirit of Texas
Young Texas Artists’ 2026 Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue gala will be a grand, boot-stomping salute to Texas.
The Key Note: Composing Community
Matthew Kent Everett believes deeply in collaboration. Since launching The Woodlands Diversion in 2023, he has centered the nonprofit on collaboration among arts organizations and across genres, from classical music to dance, visual art, literature, theatrical arts, and film. Those collaborations move the organization closer to its goals of enriching the fine arts culture in … Read more
YTA Medalist Performs with Texas Medical Center Orchestra
The Texas Medical Center Orchestra’s 2024–25 season opened with “Cathedrals of Sound,” a concert featuring Szuyu Su, Young Texas Artists’ 2025 Silver Medalist in Piano and Audience Choice Award winner. (See video below). The concert took place Sept. 27, at South Main Baptist Church in Houston. Su performed Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major, … Read more
Where Are They Now? Bronwyn White
Soprano Bronwyn White won Young Texas Artists’ Gold Medal in Voice in 2022, which followed a Silver Medal in 2019. She recently spoke with us about her career and her memories of competing with YTA. It’s been more than three years since you last competed with YTA. How would you say your experiences with the … Read more
Expert Advice: Antoine Plante
Antoine Plante serves as artistic director and co-founder of Houston’s Mercury Chamber Orchestra, now in its 25th anniversary season. Over the years, he has overseen the ensemble’s growth from a Baroque-focused group to a versatile chamber orchestra recognized for its inventive programming and community engagement. Earlier this year, Plante agreed to tell us about his … Read more
The Key Note: Conversations in Music
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
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.