___Letter from the Editor___
Welcome!
In this forst issue of Classical Magazine, the performing arts in our southern
region take a giant step toward obtaining the recognition they deserve.
We will promote all the performing arts, including dance music, opera and
theater, with an eye toward letting the rest of the world know what we've
known all the time: how good we are! It won't be hard, because the
talent is here, as is the interest and enthusiasm for championing our artists.
What 
we
keep hearing is "what a good idea"! Well,our new magazine is a good
idea for a number of reasons, but perhaps the most important is the role
it can provide to make important connections between people and the arts.
With understanding comes acceptance and appreciation; our strength is knowledge.
It may not
be possible for all performing arts companies to claim big budgets.
What we do share (and it is an unparalleled strength), is the love
of an artistic form that includes a live audience. It is a kind of
love-glue that goes beyond the monetary, and connects everyone who has
been awed by opera, or Handel's Messiah; listened to a symphony
or watched the Nutcracker Ballet. That need to perform, and
the neede to experience the performance is what Classical is all
about, those are the connections we want to make in the months to come.
Every issue
will inform you about the celebrated and the unsung heroes as well,
those who make the performing arts happen, each has an important story
to tell. In this issue we've profiled Christoph Eschenbach and the Houston
Symphony, distinguished stars on the world stage; but there is also an
article by Oscar James Gonzales, who delinates the lide of Willis Ducrest,
and his decision to discard a professional career to become a teacher.
His decision changed the lives of hundreds of people. Elizabeth Ellison
shares the excitement of Tyler Texas' new venue for the performing arts.
Fort Smith, Arkansas, celebrates a new Music Director; Centenary College
in Shreveport, Louisiana, annouces an exciting addition to their School
of Music and James Levich provides a penetrating look at the Delta Festival
Ballet in New Orleans.
Our regular
departments will be varied; educational, like Meet the Classics, where
we'll tell you about some of the greatest performers the world has known;
but also the informational, we'll keep you informed about important competitions,
festivals, or pending art performances.
There's so
much more. You only have to turn the pages to see it all. Enjoy!
Jean Hurley
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