Behind the Music

Apr 04 2025 20 ep. 14 mins 3
Behind the Music Podcast artwork

Join the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra's music director and conductor, Fouad Fakhouri, as he goes behind the scenes with our talented musicians and guests to speak candidly about their musical journey and reveal interesting snippets about upcoming concerts.

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Timeless Passage

Apr 04 2025 18 mins  
In this episode of Behind the Music, Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra Music Director Fouad Fakhouri speaks with composer Gala Flagello, the first composer to be featured on the podcast! They discuss her powerful work, Bravado, diving into the inspiration behind the piece, her approach to composition, and the role of new music in orchestral programming.Listen in before the concert a

Romantic Journey

Feb 28 2025 17 mins  
In this episode of Behind the Music, Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra Music Director Fouad Fakhouri sits down with world-renowned pianist Alessio Bax for an insightful conversation about the art of making music. They discuss the differences between recording as a solo artist versus working with others, the unique challenges and rewards of both approaches, and the type of music that

Global Voyages

Jan 16 2025 11 mins  
Join conductor Fouad Fakhouri and saxophonist Maria Torres-Melgares as they dive into the upcoming Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra concert, Global Voyages. Learn about Maria’s musical beginnings, her passion for the saxophone, and what makes Yoshimatsu’s Cyberbird such a compelling and dynamic piece. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look into the artistry and inspiration b

Fiesta Sinfónica

Oct 03 2024 24 mins  
Experience the vibrant pulse of Fiesta Sinfónica as the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra kicks off its season with a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. In this episode of Behind the Music, Maestro Fouad Fakhouri sits down with our first guest artist, acclaimed harpist Jaymee Haefner. A true expert and enthusiast of the harp and its repertoire, Jaymee shares fascinating storie

Blissful Impressions

Apr 01 2024 16 mins  
For the finale concert of the 2023-2024 season, Fouad Fakhouri welcomes internationally recognized clarinetist Julian Bliss to the stage. In this episode, hear how Julian got his very young start, how his love of jazz music and Benny Goodman has influenced his playing, and just how much he loves the clarinet! This concert will also feature two German masterpieces: Beethoven’s Egm

Rachmaninoff's Third - Anna Geniushene

Feb 05 2024 11 mins  
Maestro Fouad Fakhouri is joined by Anna Geniushene, 2022 Van Cliburn Silver Medalist. Join us as we explore Anna's Van Cliburn journey (including a special competitor!) and her upcoming performance of Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto with the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra. The program also includes a piece by Florence Price, the first African-American female composer

Bohemian Dreams

Jan 03 2024 10 mins  
Trumpet virtuoso Mary Elizabeth Bowden joins Maestro Fakhouri as they discuss her upcoming performance of a newly commissioned jazz-inspired piece titled Bohemian Queen by Brazilian-American Grammy Award nominated composer, Clarice Assad. The program includes Bowden's shining interpretation of Arutiunian’s Trumpet Concerto, Rossini’s infamous and exhilarating Overture to Wi

Western Swing at Sundown

Sep 27 2023 14 mins  
Round up your family and friends for the opening concert of our 76th season! In the first episode of the 2023-24 season, Maestro Fakhouri speaks with Dave Alexander about his roots, his classical music upbringing, and the exciting fusion he has created of symphonic orchestra and Western swing and traditional fiddle tunes. For more information about the concert and to purchase tic

Premieres & Finales

Apr 13 2023 12 mins  
As we wrap up the 75th Diamond Anniversary Season, listen to the epic collaboration of the WFSO and Dr. Thomas Wininger with the Midwestern State University and community choirs on Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. Also hear about the interesting projects that Dr. Wininger is working on with Wichita Falls locals.

Tchai[KOH]vsky Revisited

Feb 20 2023 18 mins  
Returning to the stage with the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, Grammy award-winning violinist Jennifer Koh chats with Maestro Fakhouri about her younger years and current projects she is exploring to promote new music. Jennifer also discusses her history with the piece she will be performing on February 25, 2023, the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto.  For more information about