Texas New Music Festival brings an international roster of composers and performers to Houston for an eight-day celebration of new music. 

JULY 7 to 13, 2025

TICKETS:
GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING
$20 Regular
$10 Student/Senior

Please note that there is a 4 ticket limit per event, per order.

FESTIVAL PASS

Purchase a Full Festival Pass and save!
Get a ticket to all 6 events for only $40.

FESTIVAL LINEUP

Monday, July 7 at 7:00 PM

The Vista Trio

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

The Vista Trio is excited to present the opening night concert of the 2025 Texas New Music Festival. Their program will include five world premieres from emerging and internationally acclaimed composers. Formed in the Fall of 2018, the trio has since established itself as an ensemble known for its dynamic performances and commitment to chamber music. Comprised of faculty members from Texas A&M University- Kingsville, the trio regularly performs programs of diverse repertoire at venues across South Texas. In August 2023, the Vista Trio was invited to perform at the 51st Annual National Flute Association Convention, where they presented works by Koechlin, Dubois, and Pierné. Their performances continue to be recognized for their musicality and ensemble synergy. Their debut album is scheduled for release later this year.

TUESDAY, JULY 8

The Shen-Blahulyak Piano Duo

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Houston-based pianists Yan Shen and Olena Blahulyak join forces in an exciting program of works written by TNMF 2025 Guest Composers and Fellows Todd Frazier, David Lee Zamora, Eric Estrada, and Michael Ippolito. This compelling program for piano four hands brings to life bold new works composed for this year’s festival, celebrating the innovation and vitality of contemporary music. Olena Blahulyak, a Ukrainian pianist recognized internationally for her artistry, holds a Doctorate in Piano Performance from the University of Houston. She is known for her expressive interpretations of classical repertoire and her dedication to uncovering music by underrepresented composers of past eras. Olena also takes a particular interest in contemporary composers whose unique voices merit greater attention, and she seeks to bring their music to wider audiences. She remains active as a soloist and chamber musician and serves as artistic director of the Kingwood Methodist Concert Series. As a soloist and chamber musician, Dr. Shen has given concert tours in China, Europe and the USA. In 2020 Dr.Shen premiered 12 piano solo pieces with Texas New Music Ensemble. In 2023,she had one of the two leading main roles of the short film “The 13 th Note,” which has won numerous international film competitions, including the Best Original Music of London Independent Festival and 4 th Dimension Independent Film Festival in Chili. . During the 2022-2024 seasons, Dr. Shen gave solo recitals and concerto performances at the Texas Music Festival, Hong Kong City Hall, Kawai Piano Gallery in Houston, Bravura Concert Series and Memorial concert Series in Houston, Hunan Concert Hall Changsha Concert Hall, Ningxiang.

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THURSDAY, JULY 10

The Ponce Project

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Mezzo-soprano, Luisana Rivas, and pianist, Xuefei Liu, present a program of songs and solo piano works from Latin American Composers and Houston's own Isabelle Ganz. The Ponce Project Music Foundation, is dedicated to reviving and integrating Latin American classical music into the global repertoire. Through performances, educational initiatives, and scholarly work, it aims to elevate this rich musical heritage and foster appreciation worldwide.  

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FRIDAY, JULY 11

Texas New Music Ensemble

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Texas New Music Ensemble will present the first of two concerts of World Premiere performances of works written specifically for the 2025 Texas New Music Festival. Led by TNME Principal Conductor Felipe Tristan, the 12-piece sinfonietta will premiere works by composers from around the globe, representing the USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, China, and Korea. 

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SATURDAY, JULY 12

Joe LoCascio and Woody Witt

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Legendary Houston pianist Joe LoCascio and Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Woody Witt present a concert of original compositions and standard jazz repertoire. Their duo has a multi-faceted musical partnership that goes back to 1990. They have performed and recorded in various settings. They rely heavily on improvisation, and their ability to "play off" one another is key.  Their music combines intellect and urgency.  It is both in-the-moment and timeless. They have done multiple recordings together, including two duet albums, “Seasons Ago,”  featuring the music of Alec Wilder, and “Absinth,” which features the music of Billy Strayhorn.

SUNDAY, JULY 13

Texas New Music Ensemble

2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Texas New Music Ensemble will present the second of two concerts of World Premiere performances of works written specifically for the 2025 Texas New Music Festival. Led by TNME Principal Conductor Felipe Tristan, the 12-piece sinfonietta will premiere works by composers from around the globe, representing the USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, China, and Korea. 

*Online sales will end 30 minutes prior to the scheduled curtain time. At this time tickets may be purchased in-person at the box office.

The box office opens 2 hours prior to the performance time for WILL CALL and walkup sales.

All sales are final. No refunds or cancellations available after purchase.

Parking: For information on area parking CLICK HERE.

Area Restaurants & Bars: CLICK HERE for a list of area restaurants and bars.