A Night at the Opera
The East Texas Chamber Winds (ETCW) performed their eleventh annual summer concert, “A Night at the Opera,” on Saturday, June 13, 2026 in the Banita Ballroom of The Fredonia Hotel in Nacogdoches, TX. The performance was led by ETCW Founder and Artistic Director, Dr. Roy McLerran, and was attended by approximately eighty community members. The ETCW were honored to be awarded a Rural Grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, in support of this event. *
The concert showcased the talents of sixteen musicians, and included music inspired by two of the most famous European operas, “The Marriage of Figaro” (1786) by W.A. Mozart and “Carmen” (1875) by Georges Bizet. With the support of Humanities Texas, the ETCW were excited to invite Professor Nita Hudson from Stephen F. Austin State University to present a pre-concert lecture sharing the story and cultural significance of each of these works. Access the lecture handout here.
Prof. Nita Hudson pre-concert lecture
Centerpieces by Tracy Doss
The second selection, “Figures in the Garden” (1991), was composed by internationally celebrated British composer, Jonathan Dove, to mark the 200th anniversary of Mozart’s death. Each movement of this piece was inspired by an aria (solo) or serenade from “The Marriage of Figaro,” but presented with a modern twist. The final piece of the concert, “Serenade, Op.43” by Emil Hartmann (1836-1898), was the only work not associated with an opera, although its scale and dramatic character made it a natural fit with the larger concert theme. To enhance the evening, the Fredonia Hotel provided a cash bar and, in the spirit of the annual Texas Blueberry Festival, offered complimentary lemon blueberry cookies at the conclusion of the event. Videos of the pre-concert lecture and the performance will be available shortly on the “Archive” page.
In keeping with its mission to enhance the accessibility of cultural events, the ETCW is proud to offer its biannual concerts free to the community. These events are made possible by the generous support of East Texas music lovers. The donors for this season included: Charlotte Bock, Linda Goller, Jenny Henson, Charles and Barbara Mitchell, Betty Oglesbee, John and Sharon Oglesbee, and Gerri Lynne Ryan. Special thanks to the ETCW Board of Directors: Tracy Doss, Patti McLerran, Brandon Beavers, Tamey Anglley, (outgoing member) Barbara Mitchell, and Sharon Oglesbee and to the current ETCW members (Solfège Donors): Christopher Ayer, PJ and Callie DeJesus, Tracy Doss, Bobby McLerran and Cade Cameron, Patti and Rod McLerran, Catherine Minter, Jennifer Myrick, Rick and Sandi Russell, Curtis and Amber Vanegas, and Jan and Terri Wubbena for their continued support.
Additional thanks to the SFASU School of Music for the use of their rehearsal facilities and the music stands, Dr. Brad Meyer for providing the recording services, Tracy Doss for the lovely centerpieces, and San Augustine ISD for printing the concert programs. Send us your feedback about this event!
Full ensemble with Guest Lecturer, Prof. Nita Hudson
The ETCW will return to The Fredonia Hotel for their annual winter concert on Saturday, January 9, 2027.
*This program was supported by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this event or the associated print materials do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Humanities Texas.