How the iPad cured a top pianist’s stage fright

Anxiety and panic attacks crippled pianist Simone Dinnerstein on stage, despite a stellar career. She shares how one common device helped her overcome the fear.

A bummer time’ for piano: The instrument’s center stage in Fort Worth, but across the country, sales are falling

People are still playing piano, but the instrument's role in our homes is changing.

Vijay Iyer’s art of listening

The MacArthur fellow sits down with Lara Downes at the Big Ears Festival to discuss the creative states of improvising, composing and collaborating.

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: 30 Years of Dallas’ Beckles Dancing Company

“I think it’s the only dance company that I know of, that’s constantly working in South Dallas. People have come and gone and I’m still there,” says Loris Anthony Beckles, Artistic Director of Beckles Dancing Company, which is planning a very special celebration of its 30th anniversary May 30-31, 2025. In this feature with WRR’s... Read more »

Cliburn competition kicks off in Fort Worth with 28 pianists, after 2 drop out

Remaining competitors include 3 Russians and a Ukrainian, though organizers say the focus is on art, not politics

WRR101 Focus on the Arts: Verdigris and Bruce Wood Dance join forces to bring an ancient story to life

“The music begs for dance… it’s visceral in sound,” says Joy Bollinger, Artistic Director of Bruce Wood Dance Dallas. The company is teaming up with the Verdigris Ensemble for a production of SHAMS, described as a transformative true story of Rumi and his spiritual mentor, Shams Tabrizi, set to music by Iranian-American composer Sahba Aminikia.... Read more »

Ticket Giveaway: Beethoven’s “Eroica”

WRR101 is giving away tickets to Beethoven’s “Eroica” on Thursday, May 22 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Deadline to enter is Tuesday, May 20 at 11:59 AM – enter below! About the show: World-renowned violinist Leonidas Kavakos interprets Shostakovich’s Concerto, whose sonorities range from quiet contemplation to the most spectacular cadenza you’re ever... Read more »

WRR101 FOCUS ON THE ARTS: Expect the unexpected when HAUSER returns to DFW

“I like to really show the diversity of the cello, and of music… basically, the history of music in one night,” says Stjepan Hauser (known professionally as HAUSER), the international cello sensation and former member of classical crossover group 2CELLOS. In this feature with WRR’s Amy Bishop, Hauser gives a preview of what to expect... Read more »

This opera tells the story of ‘The Central Park Five,’ Donald Trump’s role included

In 1989, Trump took out full-page newspaper ads demanding the death penalty “for roving bands of wild criminals.” The Detroit Opera decided to program this work long before the presidential election.

Under the spell of Hildegard: A new album reboots ancient music

The 12th-century abbess, scientist and composer inspires new interpretations of her music, and new works, on an album spotlighting soprano Barbara Hannigan.