One of Gene Wilder’s most iconic roles was playing the titular character in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” After a psychedelically horrifying trip through space and time, the five ticket holders wind up in the factory, where Wilder performs the song “Pure Imagination.” In it, he invites the golden ticket holders to follow him into the world of his creation … [Read more...]
Philharmonic to share stage with world’s most famous brass group
Canadian Brass has performed in virtually every major concert hall in the world, and on April 18 at 7:30 p.m., the brass quintet will take the stage of the Abilene Convention Center along with the Abilene Philharmonic. The two groups will join together in a performance of “New York Cityscape” by composer and conductor Jeff Tyzik. The Canadian Brass members will be dressed in … [Read more...]
Nelda Hodges Competition Inspires Young Musicians for Generations to Come
Many wish to leave a lasting mark on Abilene in an area of their passion, and that is exactly what Nelda and Eddie Hodges did when they formed the Nelda Hodges Young Artist Competition in 2008. For more than 60 years, the Hodges were involved in the community as generous donors and innovative leaders of the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, Foundation, and Guild. They had a … [Read more...]
Academy of Music to help Philharmonic reach wider audience
Contributed by the Abilene Philharmonic Helping every demographic and generation of the community have access to music has been a pillar of the Abilene Philharmonic Association since its inception. That effort was taken to a new level this past summer with the launch of the Academy of Music. The announcement of the Academy of Music comes in partnership with another … [Read more...]
Abilene Arts Groups Reach Out To Special Groups Around Abilene
Contributed by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council Camp started out rough for one little boy. He was recently adopted and feeling dejected that his biological mother had left him. He seemed bound and determined not to let his disposition be shifted by Camp Courage, a Hendrick Hospice Care camp for children who have experience loss of a loved one. But over time, the boy … [Read more...]