EPSO performs Windborne’s THE MUSIC OF JOURNEY

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THE EL PASO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
PERFORMS WINDBORNE’S

 THE MUSIC OF JOURNEY
Saturday, March 29, 2025, 8pm Plaza Theatre

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 10AM

El Paso, TX – The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is ready to rock you with The Music of Journey at 8 pm Friday, March 29, 2025, at the Plaza Theatre.  It’s sure to deliver a memorable evening of Journey’s iconic songs, including Don’t Stop Believin’, Open Arms, Any Way You Want It, Faithfully, and Who’s Cryin’ Now, among others.

The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will perform journey’s unforgettable music with guest conductor and arranger Brent Havens. It will feature the return of El Paso favorite Brody Dolyniuk on vocals and a band that rocks. As a devout classic rock fan, Brody’s enthusiasm, vocal ability, and onstage energy are a perfect fit for Windborne Music’s Symphony shows, which continue to win over audiences around the globe.

A USA Today poll named Journey the fifth-best American rock band in history. The San Francisco band’s songs have become arena rock staples and are still played on rock radio stations around the world. Sales of Journey music have resulted in two gold albums, eight multi-platinum albums, and one diamond album (including seven consecutive multimillion-selling albums between 1978 and 1987). The group has had 18 Top 40 singles in the U.S., six of which reached the Top 10.

Tickets go on sale, Friday, November 22, 2024 at 10am
TICKETMASTER.COM, PLAZA THEATRE BOX OFFICE, EPSO.ORG or (915) 532-3776
Tickets are $85, 70, 60 and 45 plus fees.

 WHO’S WHO WITH THE BAND:

Berklee-trained arranger/conductor Brent Havens has written music for orchestras, feature films and television. His TV work includes movies for ABC, CBS, ESPN and The Family Channel, commercials, and cartoons. He worked with the Doobie Brothers and the Milwaukee Symphony. Recent film work includes the score for the film Quo Vadis, a remake of the 1956 gladiator film. Havens is arranger/guest conductor for all of Windborne’s symphonic rock programs.

Vocalist Brody Dolyniuk remembers mimicking voices as a child. He is a gifted, self-taught musician who plays several instruments and has a particular knack for capturing the voices and mannerisms of classic characters from music, TV, and movies. His first professional gigs were at piano bars, where he learned to charm audiences and expand his musical repertoire. With a longing to perform the music of the rock bands that inspired him, Brody assembled Yellow Brick Road, one of Las Vegas’ most successful classic rock bands. Brody joined Windborne Music in 2009 for the Music of Queen show but is versatile enough to front Windborne’s Rolling Stones, Who, U2, and Journey shows (and is an on-call stand-in for others, including Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd).

The Music of Journey is generously sponsored by the Panetta Villareal Foundation, Agua, Duck Duck Goose and Crystal Montessori.  The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is supported in part by the Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

 

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CONTACT:
Rosemary Flores
El Paso Symphony Orchestra
(915) 532-3776
rosemary@epso.org

Plaza and Chavez Theatre Clear Bag Policy

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As of September 1, 2024, El Paso Live implemented a new clear bag policy at all their venues: the Plaza Theatre, Abraham Chavez Theatre, and McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. The clear bag policy will strictly limit the size and types of bags permitted inside the venues.

 Below are El Paso Live’s new policies on bags, security measures, and cashless transactions:

Under the Clear Bag Policy, attendees are encouraged only to bring the following permitted items:

  • One clear bag per guest that is made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC, with dimensions no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”.
  • Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap. These clutches are subject to search.
  • Each ticket holder, including children, is allowed to bring an approved clear bag and a clutch purse.

Security Measures:

  • Metal detector screening and a search of all carried items will occur at all venue entrances. Guests with prohibited items will be asked to return them to their vehicle.
  • Diapers and wipes may be carried in a clear bag; however, diaper bags will not be permitted.
  • Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at designated security gates. Guests requiring this service are encouraged to notify security staff before scanning.

Important Notice: There are no provisions exist to check prohibited bags or items at any El Paso Live venues. Guests will be required to return prohibited items to their vehicles or dispose of them at the entrance. El Paso Live is not responsible for any items left behind, lost, stolen, or damaged.

Cashless Transactions: In addition to the clear bag policy, all El Paso Live venues will operate as cashless facilities. Guests are encouraged to be prepared for cashless transactions at all concessions and parking entrances. This change is part of El Paso Live’s ongoing effort to enhance efficiency and provide a safer, more convenient experience for all attendees. [NOTE: EPSO BOX OFFICE WILL TAKE CASH.]

For more information on El Paso Live’s clear bag policy and cashless operations, please visit ElPasoLive.com.  If you have any questions or concerns about attending an El Paso Symphony concert, please do not hesitate to call us at (915) 532-3776.  We truly appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you throughout our season!

 

THE EL PASO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES ITS 2024-2025 SEASON

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For 94 years, EPSO has cultivated community through classical music. “As we embark on another exciting season, I am filled with a profound sense of anticipation and gratitude. It is your unwavering support and enthusiasm that fuel our passion for bringing extraordinary music to life,” Music Director Bohuslav Rattay says.

The maestro adds that the new season, which kicks off September 14 with a “Latin Night” gala, offers “a rich tapestry of performances that will take us on a journey through time, across continents, and into the depths of human emotion. From the beloved classics that have stood the test of time to contemporary works that challenge and inspire us, our program reflects the diverse and dynamic world of music today.”

EPSO’s season begins with dinner, dancing, and La Loteria on “Latin Night,” a fundraiser celebrating 94 years, at 6:30 pm on Saturday, September 14, at the El Paso Country Club.

The classical series opens at 7:30 pm September 20-21 at the Plaza Theatre with the captivating sounds of Vivaldi’s masterpiece, The Four Seasons, composed to mirror the spirit of each season through descriptive sonnets, and Mahler’s thrilling Symphony No. 1.

As part of our long-standing commitment to partnership with local arts groups, we will join forces with the El Paso Opera for “Great Italian Areas” at 7:30pm October 18-19, 2024 at the Plaza Theatre.

The first half of the season concludes with “Christmas in Vienna” at 7:30pm December 6-7 at the Plaza Theatre, which will showcase the incredible voices of The Choral Union and the talented Candice Reyes as we capture the enchanting spirit of wintertime in Vienna.

Also this fall, EPSO is thrilled to continue the Harry Potter film series with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert™ at 7 pm November 9 at the Plaza Theatre.  The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will accompany the film on the big screen, performing Oscar®-winning composer John Williams’ musical score.

The second half of the season begins January 24-25, 2025, with “Beethoven – Love in the Age of War,” our annual collaboration with El Paso Pro-Musica.  The program will include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 and Piano Concerto No. 3, with critically acclaimed pianist Awadagin Pratt. The February 21-22, 2025, concerts will embrace Romeo & Juliet and the theme of love. Our 94th season will conclude April 25-26, 2025, with “Fabulous Finale – Classical Trio,” featuring the music of Dvořák, Rachmaninoff, and Stravinsky.

Download Season Brochure here: EPSO Brochure 2024-2025 Final

SEASON TICKETS:  Season tickets are available through the El Paso Symphony Orchestra (915) 532-3776. Season ticket prices (6 classical concerts): $246, $210, $183, $102, $72 plus fees. Discounts for the season tickets are 20% senior and active-duty military, 30% educator, and 50% students.

SINGLE TICKETS for classical concerts are on sale now. Individual prices are $49, $44, $37, $23, and $17 plus fees.  Student tickets for $9 and $12 plus fees are available. Tickets may be purchased at epso.org, ticketmaster.com, or by calling the EPSO office (915) 532-3776.

LEARN MORE:  Join EPSO prior to each performance at Opening Notes, 6:30pm in the Philanthropy Theatre, to get insights on the program, composers, and artists.

The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is supported in part by the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For further information, contact EPSO at (915) 532-3376 or email rosemary@epso.org. The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is presented with the support of the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Tocando Music Project Student, Daniel Moreno, selected to attend the internationally renowned National Seminario Ravinia: Orchestras for All

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El Paso, TX — Eight-year Tocando Music Project student Daniel Moreno has been selected to participate in the internationally renowned National Seminario Ravinia: Orchestras for All this July at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois.

The major music festival will engage more than 130 teenage students from El Sistema-inspired orchestra programs from around the United States, Canada, Mexico, Greece, and Sweden from July 7-10, focusing on orchestral training, community building, and performance. Students will receive mentorship from members of the National Orchestral Institute + Festival (NOI+F) and work under the artistic leadership of famed conductors Marin Alsop, Ravinia Chief Conductor, and Jessica Altarriba, Lead Seminario Conductor. The Seminario will culminate in a performance side-by-side with NOI+F musicians in the Pavilion at the Ravinia Festival on July 10.

Daniel is a freshman at Bowie High School. He has been enrolled in the Tocando Music Project, a project of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, since the 2nd grade and the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestras since the 7th grade. As Tocando’s first Student Teaching Assistant, he has received private lessons throughout the year and assists Tocando’s Teaching Artists.

“I think it’s really important for people to understand that these opportunities can happen for students in our neighborhood — in any neighborhood — but (they don’t) happen after (only) one year in an orchestra. This is the kind of thing that only happens after years of dedication, artistic growth, and hard work. After pushing through the tough days and committing to the process,” said Ana Maria Quintero Munoz, Tocando’s Director of Pedagogy and a Teaching Artist.

Daniel will attend the festival on a full scholarship from the Ravinia Festival and Tocando Music Project.

The El Paso Symphony Orchestra and Tocando are extraordinarily proud of Daniel’s hard work and diligence and hope that he is the first of many young musicians to receive this honor and represent our community throughout the world!

ABOUT TOCANDO MUSIC PROJECT: The El Paso Symphony Orchestra’s Tocando Music Project, in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s WMI, is an after-school program that provides music learning and performing opportunities to elementary and middle school students. Tocando’s mission is to empower children to improve their sense of community and opportunity. Music is used as a vehicle for children to acquire the valuable tools of teamwork, self-confidence, leadership, and academic success. Tocando began in September 2013 at Hart Elementary School in El Segundo Barrio. It expanded to Guillen Middle School in 2017, concentrating on schools in the feeder pattern of Bowie High School.  In January 2020, Tocando expanded to Tornillo, Texas, with programming currently at the intermediate school. Collaborations with UTEP create a pathway to college for students beginning in elementary school and continuing throughout their educations and careers.

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CONTACT:
Rosemary Flores
El Paso Symphony Orchestra
(915) 532-3776
rosemary@epso.org

Fantastic Classics

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EPSO Rings in the New Year with
“Fantastic Classics”
featuring Husband-and-Wife Team
Kurt Nikkanen, Violin & Maria Asteriadou, Piano

Artists presented in collaboration with El Paso Pro-Musica

Friday, January 19 & Saturday, January 20, 2024
7:30pm Plaza Theatre

 

El Paso, TX – Husband-and-wife duo, violinist Kurt Nikkanen and pianist Maria Asteriadou join the El Paso Symphony Orchestra led by Maestro Bohuslav Rattay on January 19 & 20, 2024, 7:30pm Plaza Theatre for the 18th annual collaboration with El Paso Pro-Musica.  The duo will perform Mendelssohn’s Concerto for Piano, Violin and Strings.  Heralded as “an artist with intense personality, virtuosic flair, unusual poise and intimate contact with style” by The New York Times, Greek pianist Maria Asteriadou is an acclaimed soloist performing with orchestra all over the world, a chamber musician and pedagogue. Together with her husband, violinist Kurt Nikkanen, she appears in recitals worldwide.  Nikkanen is an international soloist who performs with leading orchestras in the United States, Europe, Japan and the Far East.   Born in Hartford, Connecticut, he began his violin studies at age 3.  He made his Carnegie Hall debut at age 12 and two years later he was invited to perform the Paganini Concerto No. 1 with the New York Philharmonic for a Young People’s Concert. “I am eagerly looking forward to Mendelssohn’s rarely performed concerto for piano, violin and string orchestra. He never disappoints with his contrasting composing, moving from virtuosic passages onto beautiful and lyrical melodies.” says EPSO conductor Bohuslav Rattay.

The program opens with Beethoven’s Fidelio Overture and ends with the Debussy’s tone poem La Mer. Debussy had fond childhood memories of the sea, but when composing La Mer, he drew inspiration from art, preferring the seascapes in paintings and literature. Debussy creates a soundscape in three movements depicting the beauties of the sea, wind and waves. “La Mer is a triumphant feat by Debussy and a magnificent piece of music. Just beautiful!” says Rattay.

Tickets at ticketmaster.com, the Plaza Theatre Box Office or by phone (915) 532-3776.
Prices are $49, $44, $37, $23 and $17 plus fees.
Student tickets for $9 and $12 plus fees are available.

The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is presented with the support of the Museums and Cultural Affairs, the Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. This evening’s program is sponsored by PNC Bank.

LEARN MORE:   Join us prior to each performance at Opening Notes with Nathan Black, 6:30pm in the Philanthropy Theatre, to get insights on the program, composers and artist.

RECAP:

Opening Notes: Friday, January 19 and Saturday, January 20, 2024, 6:30pm Philanthropy Theatre (Free)
Concerts: Friday, January 19 and Saturday, January 20, 2024, 7:30pm Plaza Theatre

“Fantastic Classics”
El Paso Symphony Orchestra
Bohuslav Rattay, Conductor
Kurt Nikkanen, Violin & Maria Asteriadou, Piano
Beethoven Fidelio Overture, op. 72c
Mendelssohn Concerto for Piano, Violin & Strings
Debussy La Mer

Tickets: $49, $44, $37, $23, $17 and $9 and $12 for students plus applicable fees. Tickets may be purchased at epso.org, ticketmaster.com, Plaza Theatre box office or by calling the EPSO office at (915) 532-3776.

The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is supported in part by the Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Opens EPSO Season in September

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YUNCHAN LIM, 2022 CLIBURN GOLD MEDALIST
Opens El Paso Symphony’s 2022-2023 Season

The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to welcome the 2022 Cliburn Gold Medalist, Yunchan Lim to El Paso to open its 2022-2023 season, September 23 & 24, 2022, 7:30pm Plaza Theatre.

Yunchan Lim launched onto the international music stage when he was 14. He won second prize and the Chopin Special Award in his first-ever competition, the Cleveland International Piano Competition for Young Artists in 2018. That same year, he stood out as the youngest participant in the Cooper International Competition, where he won the third prize and the audience prize, which provided the opportunity for him to perform with the Cleveland Orchestra. 2019 meant more accolades, when, at the age of 15, he was the youngest to win Korea’s IsangYun International Competition, where he also took home two special prizes.
 
Now just 18, he has performed across South Korea—including with the Korean Orchestra Festival, Korea Symphony, Suwon Philharmonic, and Busan Philharmonic Orchestras, among others—as well as in Madrid, at the invitation of the Korea Cultural Center in Spain. He also participated in the recording of “2020 Young Musicians of Korea,” organized by the Korean Broadcasting System and released that November. 
 
A native of Siheung, Yunchan currently studies at the Korea National University of Arts under Minsoo Sohn. Coming to Fort Worth, he says he is “looking forward to playing in front of the warmest and most passionate audience in the world.” 

Click here to learn more about Yunchan and watch him perform in the competition.

SEASON TICKETS TO THE EL PASO SYMPHONY’S 2022-2023 SEASON ARE AVAILABLE NOW! Call (915) 532-3776 for more information.

11th Annual Pop Goes the Fort

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 11th ANNUAL “POP GOES THE FORT”

INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT & FIREWORKS CELEBRATION

MONDAY, JULY 4, 7:30pm BIGGS PARK, FORT BLISS

 

El Paso, Tex. – The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is honored to perform and celebrate at the 11th annual “Pop Goes The Fort” concert in salute of the brave men and women of Fort Bliss and all those who served to protect our country. 

The free concert celebrating America’s Independence is on Monday, July 4, 7:30pm at Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd.  EPSO conductor Bohuslav Rattay will lead the El Paso Symphony in a patriotic and pops concert featuring the USO Show Troupe. 

The program will include traditional Sousa marches like The Washington Post and Stars and Stripes Forever and music from E.T., Jurassic Park, The Greatest Showman, Indian Jones plus more. In addition, members of the 1st Armored Division band will conduct and perform with the El Paso Symphony.  The concert will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display.

The concert is open to DOD (Department of Defense) I.D. holders and their guests. Civilians interested in attending can now get a Fort Bliss recreation pass. Information at https://home.army.mil/bliss/index.php/my-fort/all-services/gate-information. For information contact the MWR at (915) 568-3500.  Gates open at 4pm. No outside alcoholic beverages, glass containers or pets allowed. Food trucks available in the park.

 “This concert is a highlight in our season. What a wonderful blessing to get to start our season performing for our troops at Fort Bliss!” said Ruth Ellen Jacobson, Executive Director of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra Association.  “Bohuslav has put together an exciting and varied program mixing traditional patriotic music, contemporary patriotic music, and pop music.”

ABOUT THE USO: The only officially chartered entertainment group for The United Service Organizations (USO.) Each year, the USO Show Troupe provides entertainment and advocacy at over 200 military and civilian events world-wide. At the core of the group’s mission is lifting the spirits of American military, veterans, and their families. Each member serves as an ambassador for the USO programs, helping connect civilians with the many support opportunities available through the USO. A nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO in a non-partisan program created to provide U.S. citizens a direct means of supporting our military. The USO is not part of the U.S. government. It is recognized by the Department of Defense, Congress and President of the United States, who serves as Honorary Chairman of the USO.

The El Paso Symphony is working with the Fort Bliss, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) to make this event special. The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is supported in part by the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Pops Goes the Fort is sponsored by Phoenix Truck Driving School, Fort Bliss.  Fireworks spectacular sponsored by USAA.

For information and further details on Pop Goes the Fort contact the MWR at (915) 568-3500.  

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EPSO’s Tocando Music Project honored with Manhattan Institute’s prestigious 2020 Civic Society Awards

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We are proud to announce that Ruth Ellen Jacobson, on behalf of Tocando Music Project, is a recipient of the Manhattan Institute’s 2020 Civil Society Awards.

Tocando and Ruth Ellen are 1 of 5 non-profits and their leaders selected from nearly 200 nominations from 37 states and 107 cities around the country. 

Each organization will be honored with a $25,000 prize at the annual Civil Society Awards event, which will be held virtually on October 29, 2020.

 About the Civil Society Awards: Based in New York City, the Manhattan Institute is a think tank whose mission is to develop and disseminate new ideas that foster greater economic choice and individual responsibility. For nearly 20 years, the institute has sought to support and advance America’s long tradition of civil society organizations and leaders who, with the help of volunteers and private philanthropy, address and prevent some of our nation’s most pressing public problems. Learn more about Manhattan Institute’s Tocqueville Project and Civil Society Awards program: Manhattan Institute 2020 Civil Society Awards  

Read the Manhattan Institute press release: FINAL – PR – Civil Society Awardee Announcement 2020

MUSE Summer Music Program

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EPSYO/EPSO present
“MUSE” Summer Music Program
Music ▪ Unique Experiences ▪ Social Connection ▪ Education
 July 13-17, 2020  ̶  9:30am-5:00pm daily
(All classes and activities will be held virtually using Zoom)
 
El Paso, Tex – The El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra and El Paso Symphony Orchestra are pleased to present “MUSE” a week-long virtual summer music program taught by the principal players and musicians of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra family to include EPSO Concertmaster Shannon Fitzhenry; Amalia Zeitlin, Principal 2nd Violin;  Ian Narlock, EPSO Principal Bass; Cara Luffey, EPSO Principal Bassoon; Richard Lambrecht, EPSO Principal Horn; Leo Valenzuela, EPSO Principal Percussion;  Joy Zalkind, EPSO 2nd Flute plus 9 other professional musicians.
 
The camp is open to everyone, recommended ages 10 and up.  Cost is $40 for the week-long camp and is free of charge to members of the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra and Orquesta Nueva Escuela Mexico (ONEM Cd. Juarez.)
 
Students will improve their musicianship; gain improvisation, recording, and active listening skills; while building social connections with fellow students in virtual group sessions, classes, faculty recitals and masterclasses.  The camp runs from Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17 9:00am to 5:00pm from the comfort of home.
 
To register or for more information about MUSE visit: https://www.epsyo.org/applyformuse/
 
MUSE students will learn the following and much more!

  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Leadership skills
  • Develop musical and social maturity
  • Confidence in performing
  • Commitment and dedication to continue practicing every day
  • Self-discipline, concentration, and good time management
  • Openness to feedback
  • Adaptability

Please call (915) 525-8978 or email saraipg@epsyos.org for any questions or concerns. The El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra is a division of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra. MUSE is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Communities For Peace

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Communities For Peace — a collaboration of El Paso’s leading music institutions — invites you to a special program of music and healing to honor the victims of the horrific mass shooting on August 3, 2019 in El Paso.

The world premiere of the 22-minute cantata — one minute for each of those lost in the shooting — will be unveiled at the 90th annual season-opening concerts of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. September 25-26 in the Plaza Theatre.

The performances will include a chorus from The University of Texas at El Paso, led by Dr. Elisa Wilson, and soloists from El Paso Opera. EPSO Music Director Bohuslav Rattay will conduct.

Communities For Peace is a collaborative effort of El Paso Opera, El Paso Pro-Musica, the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and The University of Texas at El Paso Department of Music.  It commissioned the cantata, which is being written by Cuban-American composer Jorge Martin, whose works have been performed by the Cecilia Chorus of New York, the Fort Worth Opera and the Florida Grand Opera.

Communities For Peace has joined with the El Paso Community Foundation to raise funds for this historic effort.

If you would like to donate, please go to epcf.org/peace.

#elpasostrong
Communities for Peace: epcf.org/peace, 915-533-4020
El Paso Opera: epopera.org, 915-581-5534
El Paso Pro-Musica: eppm.org, 915-747-8163
El Paso Symphony Orchestra: epso.org, 915-532-3776
The University of Texas at El Paso Department of Music: utep.edu/liberalarts/music, 915-747-5606