Events to Remember Magazine

Classics series features fall theme

As summer wanes, folks will be trading in their swimsuits, shorts and sandals for sweaters and jackets, with thoughts turning to cooler weather. Soon, everything will be pumpkin‐spiced, with falling leaves and shorter days. Getting into the autumn spirit, Oklahoma City Philharmonic presents two fall‐themed concerts in the Inasmuch Classics Series.

“Gothic Midnight” celebrates an early Halloween Oct. 7 with music from Bach, Liszt and Berlioz.

“I’m fascinated by two very different things — Halloween and the French composer Hector Berlioz,” said Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate, music director for OKCPHIL. “In this program, I’m putting them together. Although Halloween will be at the end of October, we will celebrate a bit early.”

The concert features masterworks with otherworldly associations,

Mickelthwate said.

“The roots of Halloween stem from the early Middle Ages,” he said. “On All Hallows Eve, Christians placed flowers on the graves of their loved ones. In the Gaelic culture, the end of October

Film enthusiasts are sure to remember Janet Leigh’s iconic shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” or perhaps the first time Daniel Craig swaggered onto the screen as James Bond.

Now, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic is bringing the music from those films to life in “From Chinatown to La La Land,” the first in the Chickasaw Nation’s Pops Series. Golden Globe‐nominated guest conductor and compos‐er Brian Byrne brings the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to Civic Center Music Hall for two exciting performances, Nov. 3‐4.

“I wanted to give the audience a kind of 100‐year whirlwind tour of film music and song in Hollywood,” Byrne said. “These are scores I loved and grew up listening to in Ireland. John Williams, Korngold, Max Steiner, Howard Shore, Henry Mancini.”

The program includes something for everybody, from Disney’s “Wish Upon a Star” to John Williams “Star Wars.” Other features include “Windmills of Your Mind,” “The Way We Were,” “Over the Rainbow,” “Jaws Main Theme,” and Henry Mancini’s magnificent “Moon River.” And that’s just a sample.

“Audiences can expect a mix of classic Hollywood and new film scores from the last 90 years, Byrne said. “The titans of Hollywood who invented these film scores as we know it to more modern scores like the Lord of the Rings and La La Land. This will be a fun night of movie music magic!”

Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate says he’s fascinated with Halloween and the French composer Hector Berlioz and is putting them together for Oct. 7’s OKCPHIL performance of “Gothic Midnight.”

marked the end of harvest. Spirits and fairies were supposed to be more active, and many different traditions developed—all the way to our time of witches, skeletons, and ghouls.”

See Classics, Page 14

As the Oklahoma City Philharmonic prepares to launch its 35th season, also returning is the Discovery Family Series. The first performance is Sunday, Sept. 10, 2 p.m. at Civic Center Music Hall.

Sponsored by the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, Discovery is affordable fun for the entire family.

“I am thrilled to join the incredible musicians of the OKCPHIL to lead their youth programming this year,” said Guest Conductor Dr. Shanti Simon. “Discovery concerts are engaging, interactive, and exciting! These events are created to See DISCOVERY, Page 14

‘La La Land’ opens Pops schedule

Discovery is good, affordable family fun

A part of the community

AAs he prepares for his sixth season leading the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate has become part of the community.

“It’s amazing, and also quite humbling,” Mickelthwate said. “My morning routine usually consists of studying at Harvey Bakery in Midtown. Quite often customers will approach me and say they saw me on television or on the side of a bus. To me, that signifies what we are doing at the OKCPHIL is resonating with the community, and making everyone feel welcome.”

The OKCPHIL has been a source of joy and inspiration for 35 years, enriching Oklahoma and its communities through orchestral music. When Mickelthwate came on board, he brought with him an eagerness to build on the successes of the past and pave the way for the future.

“Oklahoma City should be known as a breeding ground for fun and creativity,” he said. “That’s my thing. In our first season, we were always surprised how the audiences were really open to the contemporary. It’s crazy how embracing the audience is for adventurous, fun new things. This season, we are tempering the con‐temporary with traditional. I think audiences will be pleased with what they hear.”

Born and raised in Frankfurt, Germany, Mickelthwate grew up in a home filled with classical music. He received his degree from the Peabody Institute of Music, and has worked with orchestras in Atlanta, Winnipeg and Los Angeles.

He is music director emeritus of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in Canada, and in 2022, accepted the position of Music Director for the prestigious Bear Valley Music Festival in Bear Valley, California. In early 2023, Mickelthwate traveled to Hanoi where he was guest conductor at the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra. See Mickelthwate, Page 14

Q & A with Brent Hart, OKCPHIL executive director

BBrent Hart has been affiliated with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic for well over a decade, from board member to serving two terms as president. This spring, he took the helm as executive director. We asked his thoughts on the first six months in his new role.

1. What’s it been like switching gears from being on the Board of Directors to leading the organization?

It has been a tremendous privilege to be welcomed so graciously by the staff, musicians and board members. Every day there are new things to learn, people to meet and processes to figure out. Devoting the majority of my thought each day to making a difference it the community is a dream job.

2. Joy and Inspiration—two key components of the OKCPHIL mission. Former Board President Jane Jayroe‑Gamble once said, for her, “Music has a way of going inside, leaving nothing empty.” In your daily life, what role does music play?

Music is my happy place, where I go to find energy, hope, joy and relaxation. I have an eclectic taste in music so I’m continuously bouncing back and forth listening to new artists or going back to old favorites.

3. Recently you completed an in‑depth training course in New York City. Can you share a bit of what that experience was like?

I was part of a cadre of 36 orchestra professionals from around the country and abroad who participated in a 10‐day program on the campus of Juilliard. Much like stu‐dents, we stayed in dorms and devoted the full ten days to lectures and Q&As from the leaders of our industry, group discussions, mentoring sessions and debriefs over lunches and dinners. It was an intense learning environment and immeasurably beneficial experience that was beyond what I could have ever imagined. See HART, Page 14

Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate says he believes the OKCPHIL is making everyone feel welcome.

Sept. 3, 3:30 p.m.

Youthful Brilliance

Bright Music presents Yountful Brilliance featuring selections by Francis Poulenc, Beethoven and Joseph Weber. For tickets, visit brightmusic.org.

First Baptist Church of OKC Bright Music

Sept. 7, 4 ‐ 8 p.m.

The Hole Shebang!

The United Way of Central Oklahoma is celebrating its 2023 Centennial Campaign Kickoff with a cornhole tour‐nament. Live music, food trucks and entertainment will be featured in this evening of celebration. For more, visit unitedwayokc.org.

Scissortail Park

United Way of Central Oklahoma

Sept. 7, 6 p.m.

A Royal Celebration

Cristo Rey OKC invites guests to cele‐brate another amazing year with cock‐tails, delicious food and an evening of dancing to the upbeat music of Take Cover. For more information, visit cristoreyokc.org.

Cristo Rey OKC

Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club

Sept. 8, 6‐8 p.m.

Boots, Bandanas & Barbecue

Put on your boots and head over to the Oklahoma Governor's Mansion to cele‐brate with Governor and First Lady Stitt at their annual benefit event night. Head Country BBQ is catering with a perform‐ance from Tulsa country group Voth. A new silent dessert auction will be fea‐tured at this year’s event. Visit fom.ok.org for more.

Oklahoma Govenor’s Mansion

Friends of the Mansion

Sept. 8, 7 p.m. ‐ midnight

Renaissance Ball

The OKC Museum of Art kicks off its sea‐son with The Renaissance Ball, a black‐

tie gala including dinner and dancing. Cocktails and valet provided. Visit okcmoa.com for more.

Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Sept. 9, 8 p.m.

Classics: Tchaikovsky

Listen to the classical music of Tchaikovsky, performed by guest artist Anastasiya Petryshak on the violin and the OKC Philharmonic. For tickets, visit okcphil.org. Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Philharmonic

Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Season Opener Joshua Roman

Solo cellist and accomplished composer Joshua Roman’s debut features Brahams’ Cello Sonata No. 2 and Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances. For more information, armstrongauditorium.org.

Armstrong Auditorium

Armstrong Auditorium Performing Arts Series

Sept. 13‑Oct. 1

Concerto

A behind‐the‐scenes look at the creation of Tchaikovsky’s 1878 violin concerto in collaboration with Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. For tickets, visit lyrictheatreokc.com

Lyric’s Plaza Theatre

Lyric Theatre

Sept. 14‑24

Oklahoma State Fair

Rides, livestock, fried food and more. For a complete schedule, visit okstatefair.com.

OKC Fairgrounds

Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Forever Motown

Straight from NYC, this all‐star cast of nine brings a full stage production of hit

songs from Motown. For more information, visit occc.edu.

OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center

OCCC Performing Arts Series

Sept. 14, 6‐8 p.m.

Taste of Northwest

OKC’s Northwest Chamber hosts its annual food festival with diverse sweets and treats. Visit nwokc.com for more.

Cantera Event Center

Northwest OKC Chamber

Sept. 15, 6 p.m.

Steak and Grape Wine‑Pairing Event

Join the Oklahoma Beef Council for a wine pairing dinner benefiting Pepper’s Ranch. The evening is to include a four‐course meal developed by Chef Kurt Fleischfresser and a live auction. For tickets, see bit.ly/steak_grape.

Will Rogers Theatre

Pepper’s Ranch

Sept. 15, 7 p.m.

Ballet Under the Stars

Grab some blankets and chairs for a night of classical ballet music and dances with students from the Yvonne Chouteau School and with professional dancers. This family‐friendly event is free for all ages with a movement class to enjoy. Visit okcballet.org for more.

Scissortail Park OKC Ballet

Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.

Music for Mallets, Bows and Reeds

Join Brightmusic for a program featuring percussions, strings, cellos and more. For more, brightmusic.org.

First Baptist Church of OKC Brightmusic

Sept. 20, 11:30 a.m.‐1 p.m.

Feed Babies Luncheon

Annual luncheon to benefit Infant Crisis Services. To learn more, visit infantcrisis.org/feedbabies.

Infant Crisis Services

Sept. 21, Cocktails, 6 p.m.; Dinner, 7 p.m.

John F. Kennedy Community Service

Award Reception & Dinner

Honoring John Kennedy & Marnie Taylor, this event recognizes Oklahomans whose philanthropy efforts have reshaped the community. For details, go to sfflc.com. The Civic Center Hall of Mirrors

Santa Fe Family Life Center

Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Spiderman: Into the Spider Verse

Live in Concert

Watch Spiderman live in concert with Brooklyn teen Miles Morales as he navigates a world of parallel univers‐es. This performance includes sym‐phonic orchestral music combined with hip‐hop and features a DJ scratcher live on stage. Tickets are available at okcbroadway.com.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Broadway

Sept. 22, 6 p.m.

Oklahoma City Cattle Barons Ball

Join us for a night of live entertainment, music, raffles

and silent auctions. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum American Cancer Society

Sept. 26‑Oct. 1

SIX Broadway’s Tony Award‐winning musical of the six wives of Henry VIII is coming to Oklahoma to turn histori‐cal tragedy into girl power. Purchase tickets at okcbroadway.com. Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Broadway

Sept. 28, 5:30‐8:30 p.m.

Fashion for a Passion

The Oklahoma City Chi Omega Alumnae Association is hosting a fash‐ion event to benefit Hearts for Hearing. The runway show and shop‐ping will start after wine and hors d’oeuvres. Visit heartsforhearing.org for more information.

CK & Co. in Nichols Hills Plaza Hearts for Hearing

Sept. 28, 6‐10 p.m.

Homestead Social

The Harn Homestead hosts a night of din‐ner and live music under the stars. This annual fundraiser is a beloved tradition for supporters and friends of the Harn Homestead. For more information, see harnhomestead.com

Harn Homestead

Sept. 28

Broadway Bash!

Join us in celebrating 60 years of Lyric Theatre with the Board of Directors and the Broadway Bash Committee. For tick‐ets, visit lyrictheatreokc.com.

Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club

Lyric Theatre

Sept. 30, 8 a.m.

Down Syndrome Festival and 5K

The DSACO invites you to to help cele‐brate the extra 21st chromosome by cre‐ating a team, walking or running for acceptance and inclusions. For more information, seewww.dcfeativaland5k.com.

Myriad Gardens

Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma

Oct. 3, 5:30‐7:30 p.m.

Oklahoma’s Kid Governor

Program Reception

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy honors the 2023 Kid Governor Mila O’Brien. For tickets visit oica.org.

Will Rogers Theatre

Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy

Oct. 5

DRTC 70th Anniversary

Celebration

Celebrating 70 years with the Dale Rogers Training Center to increase community awareness for disability‐inclusive employ‐ment and current successful core programs for individual growth. More at drtc.org.

Embassy Suites, Oklahoma City Downtown Medical Center

Dale Rogers Training Center

Oct. 7, 8 p.m.

Gothic Midnight

A moody concert blend of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, Lisz’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. Purchase tickets at okcphil.org.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Philharmonic

Oct. 10‑15, 7:30 p.m.

To Kill A Mockingbird

The Academy Award winner

Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of the famous novel by Harper Lee is taking the stage this fall in Oklahoma. Purchase tickets at okcbroadway.com.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Broadway

Oct. 12

Voctave

A night full of Broadway show tunes and Disney classics from a powerful a capella group of 11. For tickets, visit occc.edu.

OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center

OCCC Performing Arts Series

Oct. 12‑22

The Antelope Party

An enchanting story of friendship turned dark comedy. The Rust Belt Ponies Meet‐Up Group for Adult Fans of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic gather weekly to visit Equestria — a land of enchantment aka Ben’s apartment in rural Pennsylvania. Buy tickets at okcrep.org.

OKC Rep Theatre

Oct. 13, 7‐10 p.m.

ARTonTAP

Celebrate 20 years of the OKC Museum of Art with a beer‐tasting event, small bites and live enter‐tainment on the Roof Terrace. Check out okcmoa.com for more.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Oct. 13, 6:30‐11 p.m.

Bingo for Babies

The 10th annual Bingo for Babies benefits Infant Crisis Services with an evening of dinner, drinks, live entertainment, bingo and a silent auction. isit infantcrisis.org/feedbabies.

Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club

Infant Crisis Services

Oct. 14, 7‐11 p.m.

XII OPUS Club Caberet

For over 20 years, OPUS, the Allied Arts biennial gala, has raised vital funds to elevate central Oklahoma’s arts and cultural community to new heights. Visit alliedartsokc.org.

Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club Allied Arts

Oct. 17

Reimagined Runway

An unconventional collaboration of mahota textiles and Oklahoma threads. Check out okisraelex‐change.com for more.

First Americans Museum Oklahoma Israeli Exchange

Oct. 17‑18, 6:30 p.m.

Bluey’s Big Play

This first ever theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award‐winning chil‐dren’s TV series features crafted puppets for a show of learning, fun and games. Purchase tickets at okcbroadway.com.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Broadway

Oct. 18, 11:30 a.m.‐1 p.m.

Chamber Forum

Another installment of the monthly chamber forum series from January through October 2023. Listen and discuss major challenges and suc‐cesses throughout Oklahoma City while finding ways to stay involved in the business climate, economy and community. For more informa‐tion, check out okcchamber.com.

100 N. Broadway Ave., Suite 3400 Greater OKC Chamber

Oct. 18, 11:30 a.m.‐1:30 p.m.

37th Annual Oklahoma Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor

Join the recognition of business and community leaders who have impacted the growth and develop‐ment of Oklahoma significantly. Details at okcu.edu.

Oklahoma City Convention Center

Oklahoma City University

Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m.

The Grand Masquerade Ball

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic hosts Maestro’s Ball 2023. Masquerade masks are encour‐aged for this black tie gala. For more information, visit okcphil.org.

OKC Golf and Country Club

OKCPHIL

Oct. 22, 3 p.m.

Modern Masters

Join us for a night of live music

with world‐renowned, modern composers featuring R. Nathaniel Dett and Ariel Ramirez. For more, visit canterburyokc.com.

Civic Center Music Hall

Canterbury Voices

Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m.

VOCES8

The Grammy‐nominated British a cappella group is set to perform an array of musical genres for Oklahoma City audiences. For tickets, visit armstrongauditorium.org. Armstrong Auditorium

Armstrong Performing Arts Series

Oct. 27‑29

Hamlet

Watch the contemporary ballet from Shakespeare as a young man navigates through family drama. Stephen Mills has reimagined the classic story with modern sets

and costume design. Find tickets at okciviccenter.com.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Ballet

Oct. 27, 7‐11 p.m.

Haunt the Zoo All Grown Up

Visit the OKC Zoo for the best Halloween party around. Halloween lovers are invited to get their fill of chills and thrills. For more information, visit okczoo.org.

OKC Zoo

Oct. 30, 5 p.m.

Oklahoma City Public Schools

Foundation Wall of Fame

The Wall of Fame Humanitarian Awards celebrate public education at its finest, honoring OKC Public Schools alumni. For more infor‐mation, go to okckids.com/ wall‐of‐fame.

Skirvin Hotel

OKC Public Schools Foundation

Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.

Le Consort

Watch as the Paris‐based leading baroque chamber ensemble hits the stage, showcasing a journey through Europe’s baroque favorites. For tickets, visit armstrongauditorium.org

Armstrong Auditorium

Armstrong Performing Arts Series

Nov. 10‑11

Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend

Come and celebrate as rodeo legends are inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame.

For more, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Nov. 11, 8 p.m.

Folk Roots

Watch as Mark O’Connor performs the Improvised Violin Concerto with Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra. Ticket information is at okcphil.org. OKC Philharmonic

Nov. 11‑ Jan. 1, 2024, 5 p.m.

OKC Zoo Safari Lights

Make the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden your holiday destina‐tion and experience the beauty of OKC Zoo Safari Lights. This seasonal cele‐bration of wonder and illuminiation features larger‐than‐life light displays showcasing over 50 theme light sculp‐tures highlighting wildlife, aquatic ani‐mals and more. okczoo.org.

OKC Zoo

Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Fantasy for Clarinets

Brightmusic presents Guest Artist

Daniel Gilbert, clarinet ,in a program featuring clarinets, piano, viola and more.

First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City Bright Music

Nov. 15, 10 a.m.‐2 p.m.

Oklahoma Heritage Concert

Celebrate statehood day with a live performance by Oklahoma Opry. Visit

nationalcowboymuseum.org to learn more.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Nov. 16, 11:30 a.m. ‐1 p.m.

Celebrate Pink

Join us for Celebrate Pink, our annual luncheon and fashion show to benefit Oklahoma Project Women. For more information, visit oklahomaproject‐women.org/celebrate‐pink‐okc. Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club Oklahoma Project Women

Nov. 16, 11:15 a.m.‐1 p.m.

Global Vision Awards

Sister Cities International OKC pres‐ents the Global Vision Award to four well‐known Oklahomans the Honorable Dan Boren, the Busey Family, Dr. Dwight Lawson and Aldwyn Sappleton. For more, see sistercities.org.

Embassy Suites OU Medica Center

Sister Cities OKC

Nov. 16, 6 p.m.

2023 Paseo Arts Awards Dinner and Silent Auction

Each year the Paseo Arts Association honors artists and art supporters who have made a strong contribution to the arts in our community. Skirvin Hotel

Paseo Arts Association

Nov. 16, 5:30 p.m.

96th Annual Oklahoma Hall of Fame

Induction Ceremony

The Class of 2023 is to be formally inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame at this black‐tie event. Being inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is considered Oklahoma’s highest honor.

Embassy Suites Convention Center Hotel

2501 Conference Dr., Norman Oklahoma Hall of Fame

Nov. 16‑18

Looking for Tiger Lily

A coming of age story full of song,

dance and drag hits the stage in part‐nership with Oklahoma Contemporary. Visit okcrep.org for ticket information. OKC Repertory Theater

Nov. 17, 6‐8 p.m.

20th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrate 20 years of Hearts for Hearing as it has established leading‐edge care for children and babies born hard of hearing. Go to heartsforhear‐ing.org to find out more.

Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club Hearts for Hearing

Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m.

Starlight Ball

Put on your best Gatsby outfit for the themed 21st annual Starlight Ball, including a cocktail hour, dinner and jazz dancing. Visit okchf.ejoinme.org for more information.

Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club Children’s Hospital Foundation

Nov. 24‑ Dec. 24

A Christmas Carol

With all new costumes, sets and stag‐ing, join Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghosts for a production of the classic Christmas tale. Get tickets at lyricthe‐atreokc.com.

Lyric Theatre

Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m.

On Your Feet! The Musical

Witness the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan with this live performance. Buy tickets at occc.universitytickets.com.

OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center

OCCC Performing Arts Series

Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m.

Ilya Yakushev

Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev is set to perform Rachmaninoff, Mussorgsky and Gershwin as one of the most awarded pianists of his generation. Visit armstrongauditorium.org for ticket information.

Armstrong Auditorium

Armstrong Performing Arts Series

Downtown in December

The annual winter experience includes festive events, outdoor attractions, performing arts, holi‐day shopping, family activities, toasty treats and refreshments, stunning light displays and much more. Many of the events are free and open to everyone, and organ‐izers are continuing to keep the community’s health a priority. For more information, downtownindecember.com.

Downtown OKC

Dec. 1‑2, 8 p.m.

A Very Merry Pops with Take 6 and Sandi Patty

Get ready for a winter extrava‐ganza as Grammy winners Take 6 and Oklahoma’s Sandi Patty per‐form classic holiday music. Visit okcphil.org for ticket information.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Philharmonic

Dec. 3, 5‐9 p.m.

Cowboy Christmas Ball

Celebrate the 28th annual Cowboy Christmas Ball featuring a night of entertainment for the whole family, including a live performance from Michael Martin Murphey, dinner, dancing and a visit from Santa. Visit national‐cowboymuseum.org/cowboy‐christmas‐ball/.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Dec. 3, 7 p.m.

Handel’s Messiah

Composed in the 18th century, experience George Frederick Handel’s Messiah with perform‐ances of ‘For unto Us a Child Is Born’ and the ‘Hallelujah Chorus.’

Civic Center Music Hall

Canterbury Voices

Dec. 6, 11 a.m. check‐in Women Who Care, Share Women Who Care, Share pro‐vides critical funding for YWCA OKC, the leading provider of vic‐tim services for domestic vio‐lence, sexual assault and stalking in Oklahoma County and the sur‐rounding area. While there is no cost to attend, guests will be asked to give a donation of at least $100.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Association

YWCA OKC

Dec. 8‑17

The Nutcracker Audiences will not want to miss Oklahoma City Ballet’s traditional version of The Nutcracker with choreography by Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur‐Nye.

Tchaikovsky’s spirited and famil‐iar score evokes warm childlike memories in the most glorious way as this colorful and extrava‐gant ballet takes the stage once again during the holiday season. The Nutcracker will include stu‐dents from the OKC Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School, plus live music from Canterbury Youth Voices and the OKCPHIL.

A sensory‐friendly performance of The Nutcracker is set to take place on Monday, Dec. 18, in partnership with AutismOklahoma. Check out okciviccenter.com for ticket information.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Ballet

Dec. 14, 11 a.m.‐1 p.m.

Annual Meeting

Join us for our annual meeting to celebrate the success of Oklahoma City and the Greater OKC Chamber’s review of the past year’s accomplishments. Tickets are $75 for chamber members and $100 for non‐members. Check out okcchamber.com for more.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Greater OKC Chamber

Dec. 26‑31

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical Watch the inspiring journey of how Grammy Award‐winner Tina Turner became the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. One of the world’s best‐selling artists of all time, Tina Turner won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more con‐cert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history.

Visit okcbroadway.com/ tina for tickets.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Broadway

Jan. 16‑21

Les Misérables

Witness the performance of the Tony‐award winning musical as it takes place in 19th‐century France. Tickets are at okcbroadway.com.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Broadway

Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m.

Jerry Herman: The Broadway Legacy Concert

For a night of musical theater’s great‐est songs, watch Jerry Herman’s live performance of showtunes and Broadway hits. Purchase tickets at occc.universitytickets.com.

Visual and Performing Arts Center

OCCC Performing Arts Series

Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m.

Masterworks for Winds

Brightmusic presents a selection of works for wind quintets and clarinet and strings.

First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City

Brightmusic

Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m.

Vida Guitar Quartet

Straight from the UK is Vida Guitar Quartet, performing European and South American hits along with songs from Bernstein’s West Side Story. Visit armstrongauditorium.org for ticket information.

Armstrong Auditorium

Armstrong Performing Arts Series

Jan. 25‑28

Under The Radar: On The Road

In collaboration with the Under the Radar Festival, Oklahoma City has an exciting show straight from the NYC festival. Visit okcrep.org for ticket information.

OKC Repertory Theatre

Jan. 26 ‑ 27, 8 p.m.

Mariachi Los Camperos

See a classic Mariachi ensemble formed in the early 1960s take the stage in OKC after performing at the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Visit okcphil.org for ticket information.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Philharmonic

Feb. 3, 8 p.m.

Brahms

Benjamin Schmid and his violin take on Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 4, Violin Concerto and Symphony No. 3. Purchase tickets at okcphil.org.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Philharmonic

Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m.

Italian Saxophone Quartet

The award‐winning Italian Saxophone Quartet has spent over 40 years perform‐ing, making it one of the longest‐lived groups active on the world stage. From New York to Moscow, the ISQ makes its way to Oklahoma City. Tickets can be purchased at armstrongauditorium.org.

Armstrong Auditorium

Armstrong Performing Arts Series

Feb. 9‑11

Giselle

This dramatic ballet follows the story of a young peasant girl’s passion for dancing

and how she came to her tragic demise. Purchase tickets at okcballet.org.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Ballet

Feb. 16‑17, 8 p.m.

Bravo Broadway!

This concert features a plethora of Broadway hits performed by a live orchestra. Purchase tickets at okcphil.org.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Philharmonic

Feb. 21‑Mar. 10

Wicked

From the Land of Oz to Broadway sensa‐tion, watch Elphaba and Glinda navigate friendship and defy gravity in this Oklahoma City production. Purchase tick‐ets at okcbroadway.com.

Civic Center Music Hall

OKC Broadway

Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m.

Joshua Henry

Hamilton star Joshua Henry takes the stage to perform funk, R&B and soul music in this live performance. Get tickets at occc.universitytickets.com.

OCCC Visual & Performing Arts Center

OCCC Performing Arts Series

Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.

Sofia Philharmonic of Bulgaria

Founded in 1892, the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra is set to per‐form an all‐Beethoven program with guest conductor Naden Todorov. Get tickets at armstrongauditorium.org.

Armstrong Auditorium

Armstrong Performing Arts Series

Feb. 29‑Mar. 9

Vietgone

Watch this all‐American love story unfurl by playwright Qui Nguyen as the show uncovers his own creation. Tickets are at okcrep.org.

OKC Repertory Theater

Since he’s been in Oklahoma, Mickelthwate has received numerous awards and honors, including being twice‐named “The Face of Music” by 405 Magazine. Newspaper OKC Friday named him one of the “Top 50 Most Powerful,” and the Ladies Music Club of Oklahoma City lauded him “Musician of the Year.”

Accolades aside, one of Mickelthwate’s goals is to tell Oklahoma stories through music.

“When I first came to Oklahoma City, I read Sam Anderson’s book, ‘Boom Town,’ and from there I began study‐ing Oklahoma’s colorful history,” he said. “We have so many great stories, and seeing them come to life through music is awe‐inspiring. Two seasons ago, I programmed a Native American work by Jar0d Tate. We commissioned a piece by Jonathan Leshnoff commemorating the Oklahoma City Bombing. And last year we told the story of local civil rights icon Clara Luper through music composed by Hannibal Lokumbe. I want to continue bringing more of these stories to our audiences.”

He is active in the community, and in high demand for speaking engagements from Rotary to the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. When he’s not studying at Harvey Bakery, Mickelthwate is artist in residence at the University of Central Oklahoma where he enjoys working with the next generation of musicians, and conducting UCO’s symphony orchestra.

“My personal philosophy is that music has a way of reach‐ing us in a way nothing else does,” Mickelthwate said. “It goes deep inside, creating and facilitating beauty in a harsh world. We want the Oklahoma City Philharmonic to be meaningful, to be fun and a place where we are all one. I have often said we feel the love, Oklahoma City. And we are giving it right back.”

DISCOVERY From Page 3

connect with kids. They will experience the grandeur of the OKCPHIL in a casual, welcoming and thrilling environment where they can move around and express their joy for music as kids naturally do.”

The first performance is “Shining, Shimmering, Splendid: Sing Along with Phil.”

“This will be fun,” Simon said. “The audience will be invited to become part of the show, singing popular tunes from Disney and other artists. Other concerts later in the season feature the award‐winning and highly entertaining group ‘Sugar Free Allstars,’ as well as a circus‐themed event next spring.”

A Kid’s Club membership is also available, and each child will see their name in the Program Book. They will receive a laminated mem‐bership card, a “goody bag” at each concert, and an exclusive invitation to Phil the Penguin’s birthday party.

Additional information and tickets available at okcphil.org or by phone at (405)842‐5387.

HART From Page 4

4. Philanthropy has been an important part of your life, from Barbara Cooper’s Red Tie Night to the American Red Cross, and OKCPHIL alike. How important is it to give back to the community?

From an early age, I helped my grandparents with food drives and deliveries. I could see firsthand the impact of helping others and it had a lasting impact on me. I have been a volunteer and donor in various ways my entire life. It is so personally rewarding, some of my closest friends I have met through civic causes and vol‐unteering.

5. Outside your work life, what’s your passion?

I love traveling and meeting people. I am lucky to have been able to travel and meet people from all over the world, getting to learn about their culture, interests, beliefs and traditions. I carry each one of these experiences with me and it has helped me become more understanding of others and the world we live in.

6. Additional thoughts?

I encourage everyone to get involved with a project or organiza‐tion they are passionate about. The world needs more helpers, more beauty, more music – and could use your help.

CLASSICS From Page 3

Composer Hector Berlioz was born in 1803, just after the French Revolution, and his “Symphony fantastique” will be a large portion of the “Gothic Midnight” concert.

“Berlioz is the first completely independent composer, who’s creativity had nothing to do with his faith in God, the church, financial dependence on dukes or duchesses, or a sense of symmetry and beauty of the ancient Greeks,” Mickelthwate said. “Instead, the topic of his most famous work, the Symphony fantastique, are his love escapades and opium trips, ending with the famous ‘Witches Sabbath.’”

Then, on Nov. 11, three‐time Grammy Award‐winning fiddle player and composer Mark O’Conner headlines “Folk Roots.”

“Mark combines bluegrass, country, jazz, and classical,” Mickelthwate said. “I worked with him in Winnipeg several years ago and was so blown away that I thought it’s time to have him here in Oklahoma. Recently, I met country recording artist Pam Tillis, who told me Mark played on her first album many years ago, and is considered a genius among studio musicians.”

The first half of the concert focuses on musical roots in the Americas, with music from Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz and O’Conner. The second half features Hungarian composer Bela Bartok.

“It’s fascinating to discov‐er the musical roots of com‐posers,” Mickelthwate added. “What are the musi‐cal roots? Why would a cer‐tain piece of music only have been written by a cer‐tain composer at a specific time in history? I think audi‐ences will love what they hear in this concert.”