WRR 101.1 Focus on the Arts

In this feature, WRR's Emilio Alvarez looks at how AI is changing the way local colleges teach music. He spoke with the deans at three North Texas music schools: SMU, UNT and TCU , to learn more about how their music programs support their students, and how they are embracing this ever-changing technology.

In this podcast, WRR's Kurt Rongey spoke to Scott Yoo, conductor, violinist and TV host for the PBS classical music documentary series Now Hear This. They discuss how Anthony Bourdain influenced the show, the unexpected payoff that resulted from an awkward pre-concert lecture, and foraging for food in Iceland.

Photo courtesy of Crossover Media

Every year, TACA (The Arts Community Alliance) recognizes two individuals for their outstanding volunteer leadership and contributions to the arts in North Texas with the Silver Cup Award. Past honorees include some of Dallas’ most illustrious arts champions, including Mrs. Eugene McDermott, Mrs. Nancy A. Nasher, former mayor Mike Rawlings, Mrs. Edward S. Marcus, and Mr. William Winspear. The 2026 honorees are Nancy Carlson and Andy Smith, who have been committed to volunteerism and arts leadership in Dallas for decades. They joined Maura Sheffler, TACA’s Donna Wilhelm Family President and Executive Director, for a conversation with WRR's Amy Bishop to share their personal journeys in the arts, and why the believe that a thriving creative community requires volunteerism.

Note: The full conversation follows the five minute radio feature that aired on WRR101.

In a recent podcast conversation, WRR host Brooke Scholl speaks with Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth Artistic Director and violinist Gary Levinson about the ensemble’s May 9 season finale and the return of pianist Vadym Kholodenko to Fort Worth—an artist whose 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition victory cemented his deep connection with the city’s musical community. Levinson offers insight into the collaborative spirit behind the program at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, which features a new trio by living composer Ed Green alongside cornerstone chamber works by Johannes Brahms and César Franck. Joining Kholodenko are violinists Levinson and Jennifer Betz, violist DJ Cheek, and cellist Allan Steele. The conversation also looks ahead, with Levinson previewing the ensemble’s ambitious 2026–27 season.

Photo credit: Jean Baptiste Millot

Broadway legend Brian Stokes Mitchell is the recipient of SMU's 2026 Meadows Award , recognizing an artist of national or international renown who has soared to the utmost height of their profession. He'll perform with the Meadows School Orchestra and Choir at the Meadows at the Meyerson benefit concert March 31, 2026, then lead a master class at SMU the following day. Ahead of his visit, Stokes spoke with WRR's Amy Bishop about how it feels to be listed among the other illustrious award recipients, the satisfaction that teaching brings, and what's on the horizon with future projects.

North Texas audiences will travel back in time through the 1950s, 60s, and 70s with a groovy fundraiser for Bruce Wood Dance, then look forward to the company's big season finale in June 2026. In this interview, BWD Artistic Director Joy Bollinger joins Amy Bishop with details about each performance, including the specifics about the choreography and music. Plus, you'll get a sneak peek at BWD's 2026-27 season.

"People laugh, but I was in kindergarten when I chose to be a music teacher," says Pamela Jenkins, who did end up becoming a music teacher - and has been so for 35 years. Dallas Symphony Orchestra named Jenkins as the recipient of their 2026 Music Teacher of the Year, given to elementary school music teachers who demonstrate exceptional skills at connecting with students, while building their confidence through music education. In this feature, WRR's Amy Bishop visits with Jenkins and Jen Guzman, DSO's Director of Education, to learn what makes music education as rewarding for the teachers as it is for the students.

Fresh off his 2025 Cliburn Gold Medal win, pianist Aristo Sham returns to Texas to perform Brahms’ First Piano Concerto with the Waco Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Larry Loh, on Thursday, January 22nd. In this Focus on the Arts podcast, WRR host Brooke Scholl sits down with Aristo Sham to talk about life as a concertizing artist, the challenge and beauty of Brahms’ symphonic piano writing, and the realities of carrying vast repertoire while touring. The concert program also features Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst and Tchaikovsky’s 6th Symphony, promising a powerful and deeply expressive evening of music.

In an evening of classical Christmas carols performed by Dallas String Quartet, to a genre-crossing repertoire of more contemporary holiday tunes, Ion Zanca describes Christmas at the Winspear as a pop/rock holiday spectacular. The evening includes special guests Sons of Serendip (America's Got Talent) and Anja Nissen (The Voice Australia.) In this interview with Amy Bishop, Ion gives a sneak peek into the program that he hopes will be DFW's newest family friendly holiday tradition.

WRR weekend host Brooke Scholl sits down with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's assistant conductor Shira Samuels-Shragg to unpack her remarkable, last-minute debut leading the Dallas Symphony Orchestra after Music Director Fabio Luisi had to pull out due to a family emergency. With only days to prepare, Shira stepped onto the Meyerson podium to conduct a vivid program spanning Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3, Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, and not one but two world premieres: Jonathan Cziner’s powerful new Clarinet Concerto, written for DSO principal clarinetist Gregory Raden, and Jasmine Guo’s evocative The Sound of Where I Came From. We’ll hear how she navigated the intensity, the inspiration, and the whirlwind of bringing complex new music to life—while earning an ovation for her clarity, confidence, and artistry on a night that became newsworthy for all the right reasons.