Cowboys, Classics and Clara

OKCPHIL rounds out season with ‘Tenors,’ Bell and Luper

By Mark Beutler

IIt was a brisk February after‐noon when Alexander Mickelthwate arrived at Edmond’s Cross Creek Stables.

As music director for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, it’s typically more customary to see him in a tuxedo than Wranglers and boots.

But on this day, the Maestro was fulfilling yet another of his goals since moving to Oklahoma five years ago. That goal? Riding a horse.

“Growing up in Germany, I idolized America,” Mickelthwate said. “When I moved to the United States, I had the opportunity to experience living on both coasts‐‐conducting the New York City Philharmonic, as well as the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Then for 14 seasons I was in Winnipeg. Now Oklahoma City is my home, and I don’t want to be anywhere else. Oklahoma has such a colorful heritage, and I want to experience it all.”

On this day at Cross Creek Stables, Mickelthwate is think‐ing about the next OKCPHIL Pops concert, “The Texas Tenors.” As part of the Chickasaw Nation Pops Series, the concert brings the Emmy Award‐winning vocal trio to the Civic Center Music Hall for two performances, March 17 and 18.

“The Texas Tenors have a repertoire ranging from country to classical to Big Band,” Mickelthwate said. “Last summer, the OKCPHIL accompanied Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli dur‐ing his Oklahoma City concert. It was fantastic. And with the Texas Tenors, it will be that times three! I am not conducting this concert, but I will be there. I also just got a whole new cowboy outfit from Tener’s — hat to boots! I can’t wait to wear it for this concert!”

The Texas Tenors landed as finalists in the popular show “America’s Got Talent,” and have gone on to become one of the most sought‐after musical acts.

“They truly have a mass appeal,” Mickelthwate said. “This will be a fun change of pace and I hope our OKCPHIL family of friends will join us.”

Finishing the Season

Rounding out the remainder of the 2022‐23 season are concerts that show Mickelthwate’s creativi‐ty and depth, and will allow the orchestra to explore and exhibit their range of talents.

On Saturday, April 15, world‐renowned violinist Joshua Bell performs as part of the Inasmuch Foundation Classics Series.

“This concert will be huge,” Mickelthwate said. “I worked with Joshua before, and he was absolutely amazing. So humble, and such authentic emotional playing. Everyone will be in for a treat.”

Last season, the OKCPHIL presented the original 1977 film “Star Wars,” and performed for two sold‐out audiences. This year, on April 28 & 29, look for another sellout as OKCPHIL presents “Black Panther in Concert.” This groundbreaking film shattered box office records when it premiered in 2018. Now see this Academy Award‐winning action‐packed super‐hero thriller as you’ve never seen it before as the OKCPHIL plays the score live on stage.

And finishing the season, OKCPHIL’s final Classics concert will be a tribute to civil rights icon Clara Luper on what would have been her 100th birthday.

“During my first season with the OKCPHIL, Sam Anderson’s book ‘Boomtown’ came out,” Mickelthwate said. “It talked not only about the miraculous rise of the Oklahoma City Thunder, but delved deep into Oklahoma’s history. I learned all about Clara Luper and the sit‐ins she conducted.”

Mickelthwate says he had lunch with Luper’s daughter, Marilyn, and Joyce Jackson, who, as children, participated in those sit‐ins.

“What absolutely inspiring stories they told,” he added.

See COWBOYS, Page 14