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CANYON, Texas — A record-breaking ensemble will perform in the West Texas A&M University Symphony Orchestra’s next concert.

Nearly 100 musicians—including the Amarillo College Chamber Orchestra—will join forces for “Together” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 in Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall on WT’s Canyon campus. Admission is free.

“This collaboration celebrates the partnership between our two ensembles,” said Dr. Mark Bartley, WT’s Lilith Brainard Professor of Music and director of orchestral activities. “Music students from AC often transfer to WT to complete their bachelor’s degree, and many of our WT graduates now play as community members of the AC Chamber Orchestra.  It’s a thriving ecosystem for the musicians.”

Dr. Tina Carpenter, professor of music, will be featured on Edward Elgar’s “Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra.”

“When Tina, who began teaching here in 1986, said this would be her final year at WT, we knew we had to seize this last opportunity to showcase her remarkable artistry,” Bartley said.

The program will also include works by Ludwig van Beethoven, William Grant Still, Gustav Holst, and Charles Gounod.  Ensemble Next also will make a special appearance to perform music of Luigi Boccherini.

Ensemble Next offers select students weekly lessons with Evgeny Zvonnikov, WT’s Harrington lecturer in violin, as well as masterclasses with guest artists and performance opportunities across the region, state and beyond. Ensemble Next has performed with the WT Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music Amarillo in its first two years.

Fostering an appreciation of the arts is a key component of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign — which publicly launched in September 2021 — has raised more than $110 million.