Concert series continues despite funding losses

The Corpus Christi Cathedral Concert Series has been operating for a long time without having to charge for attendance; this year may be the last year it will be free, Cathedral choir director Lee Gwozdz said.

“Many of the public incorrectly believe the concerts are performed by musicians who work for free,” Gwozdz said. 
But the concert series put on by the cathedral is anything but free.

Gwozdz said many reasons have led to the uncertainty, including the state of the economy, the loss of funding resulting from state and city budget cuts for the arts.

“We pay performers, we provide food, air and car transportation, and hotel accommodations to all of the musicians who perform. That’s why we’re so grateful to our supporters,” Gwozdz said.

Concert series sponsors include CITGO, Frost Bank, The Kleberg Foundation, The King Ranch Family Trust, Omni and the Coastal Bend Community Foundation.

“They are the ones that make it possible for all to attend,” Gwozdz added.

Season 28 of the Cathedral Concert Series 2011-12 will begin on Oct. 30. There will be a total of six concerts this season. Five of the concerts will be performed in Corpus Christi Cathedral and one in Jones Auditorium at Texas A&M University in Kingsville.

The first concert of the season will be “All Hallows Eve with Dee, Lee and Friends” on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. The concert performers include opera star Dee Donasco, a product of the Cathedral Choir, Gwozdz, the Cathedral Festival Brass and Percussion and the Brass Ensembles from Texas A&M Corpus Christi and Kingsville.

Highlights from this surround sound experience will be J. S. Bach’s famous Toccata in D Minor, Mozart’s haunting Queen of the Night Aria and music of the season including an audience surprise treat.

The second concert will be in Jones Auditorium at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. The Kingsville Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gwozdz will perform the concert entitled “The King Ranch at the Silver Screen.”

The performance will feature Oscar winning film scores. There will only be one performance and only 900 seats are available for this one. This concert is not free, however. Ticket sales begin at $10. For tickets call (361) 593-2804 or order online at www.kingsvillesymphony.org.

“A Cathedral Holiday New Year’s Spectacular! A Touch of Frost!” will be performed on Friday, Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 31, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Seating passes for the concert are $2. The fee is for those wanting to reserve a seat. Attendees may be able to get in free, but it is not guaranteed. This concert draws capacity crowds and features over 200 singers, dancers and musicians.

Members of the Cathedral Choirs and members from the Cathedral Festival Orchestra will perform in the production that celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany. There will be an added performance celebrating of the 30th anniversary of the Coastal Bend Community Foundation. Call (361) 888-7444 to obtain passes.

The Romeros, the Royal Family of Guitar will perform on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. Following the Romeros family will be the United States Naval Academy Men’s Glee Club on Thursday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m.

The season will end with the latest addition of the concert series, the Centennial Choral Spectacular. Performances from members from the Cathedral Choirs and the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra will entertain. This concert will be on Friday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m.

The concerts are family oriented for children from fifth grade and up. Bringing toddlers and babies to the concerts is discouraged, as they may sing or cry, distracting the musicians.