Dallas, October 16, 2025
News Summary
The Dallas Chamber Symphony held a concert at Moody Performance Hall, featuring Anton Nel as the soloist for Mozart’s K. 459 and the rare single-piano version of Poulenc’s Piano Concerto. The evening concluded with Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, showcasing the orchestra’s capabilities under Richard McKay’s direction. The concert received praise for its lively interpretation and emotional depth, with strong performances from the ensemble. Looking ahead, the symphony plans future programming featuring diverse musical styles and has announced its season opener featuring newly appointed principal cellist Eunghee Cho.
Dallas — The Dallas Chamber Symphony’s concert took place on a Tuesday night at Moody Performance Hall.
Key details
The concert program featured a rare performance of Francis Poulenc’s Piano Concerto, specifically the single-piano version. Anton Nel served as the soloist for both Poulenc’s and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 19 in F major (K. 459), which opened the program. Following intermission, the orchestra performed Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, led by music director Richard McKay.
What happened first
The program opened with Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 19 in F major (K. 459), with Anton Nel as soloist. The decision to pair Mozart’s classical clarity with Poulenc’s later 20th-century French sensibility emphasized contrast and range in pianistic style over a single evening.
Poulenc and Anton Nel
Nel, who is a professor at the University of Texas in Austin, took the stage for the Poulenc performance immediately after presenting Mozart. Nel expressed before performing Poulenc’s concerto that it is rarely played, running only about 20 minutes and lacking overt showiness. The Poulenc work exuded Gallic charm, wit, and mischief in this presentation, and some musical passages were heard as foreshadowing material from Poulenc’s later opera, Dialogues of the Carmelites.
Orchestral forces and leadership
Richard McKay noted that the Dallas Chamber Symphony plays only a few concerts each season with varying musicians. The concert featured a notably strong group of musicians, including recognizable players from the Fort Worth Symphony. Ensemble balance emphasized winds in several key passages, and detailed phrasing was a central feature of the orchestra’s approach under McKay’s direction.
Beethoven Seventh
The performance of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony highlighted the work’s energetic, dance-like character. The piece was played with lively momentum and clear rhythmic drive, reflecting a long-standing view of the symphony as a celebration of movement. In the scherzo the conductor altered the pacing slightly during the trio while maintaining overall energy in the movement.
Reception and character of the evening
The concert was received as a lively, dancing interpretation rather than a monumental or weighty account. Review notes emphasized Anton Nel’s ability to convey emotional depth in both the Poulenc and Mozart concertos, combining fast finger work with sensitivity to orchestral accompaniment. Wind instruments provided strong contributions across the program, and the ensemble’s phrasing was frequently intricate and attentive to shifts in character.
What comes next for the Dallas Chamber Symphony
The Dallas Chamber Symphony is set to open its season on October 14 with the newly appointed principal cellist Eunghee Cho. Eunghee Cho, born in California and influenced by his sister’s violin playing, transitioned from an interest in medicine to pursue a full-time music career. Cho has received numerous awards and is involved in a variety of musical roles, including teaching at the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston and directing various music ensembles. He emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration in his teaching and performing philosophy.
Planned future programming
The Dallas Chamber Symphony planned a French program for a future concert featuring works by Adès, Saint Saëns, and Bizet, highlighting diversity in styles. In related regional activity, the Dallas International Violin Competition named its winners just days after the Chamber Symphony concert, showcasing emerging violin talent.
FAQ
When and where did the concert take place?
The Dallas Chamber Symphony’s concert took place on a Tuesday night at Moody Performance Hall.
What rare work was on the program?
The concert program featured a rare performance of Francis Poulenc’s Piano Concerto, specifically the single-piano version.
Who was the soloist for the concertos?
Anton Nel served as the soloist for both Poulenc’s and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 19 in F major (K. 459), which opened the program.
What symphony was played after intermission?
Following intermission, the orchestra performed Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, led by music director Richard McKay.
What is known about Anton Nel’s professional role?
Anton Nel is a professor at the University of Texas in Austin, and has an active performance and teaching career across the U.S.
Who is the new principal cellist and when does the season open?
The Dallas Chamber Symphony is set to open its season on October 14 with the newly appointed principal cellist Eunghee Cho.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue and timing | Moody Performance Hall — Tuesday night |
| Main soloist | Anton Nel — Mozart K. 459 and Poulenc single-piano concerto |
| Major works | Mozart Piano Concerto No. 19 in F major (K. 459); Francis Poulenc’s Piano Concerto (single-piano version); Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony |
| Conductor | Richard McKay |
| Orchestra | Dallas Chamber Symphony with notable players from the Fort Worth Symphony |
| Season opener | October 14 with newly appointed principal cellist Eunghee Cho |
| Related events | Dallas International Violin Competition named its winners just days after the concert |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Adam Jackson to Perform Beethoven in Dallas
Additional Resources
- Dallas News: Concert Review
- Wikipedia: Dallas Chamber Symphony
- NBC DFW: Meet the New Principal Cellist
- Google Search: Dallas Chamber Symphony
- MSN: Prize Winning Pianist
- Google Scholar: Dallas Chamber Symphony
- NBC DFW: Summertime Violin Competition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas Chamber Symphony
- Texas Monthly: Harmony and Invention
- Google News: Dallas Chamber Symphony concert
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