It was a brisk February afternoon when Alexander Mickelthwate arrived at Edmond’s Cross Creek Stables.
As Music Director for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, it’s typically more customary to see him in a tuxedo than Wranglers and boots.
But on this day, the Maestro was fulfilling yet another of his goals since moving to Oklahoma five years ago. That goal? Riding a horse.
“Growing up in Germany, I idolized America,” Mickelthwate said. “When I moved to the United States, I had the opportunity to experience living on both coasts--conducting the New York City Philharmonic, as well as the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Then for 14 seasons I was in Winnipeg. Now Oklahoma City is my home, and I don’t want to be anywhere else. Oklahoma has such a colorful heritage, and I want to experience it all.”
On this day at Cross Creek Stables, Mickelthwate is thinking about the next OKCPHIL Pops concert, “The Texas Tenors.” As part of the Chickasaw Nation Pops Series, the concert brings the Emmy Award-winning vocal trio to the Civic Center Music Hall for two performances, March 17 & 18.
“The Texas Tenors have a repertoire ranging from country to classical to Big Band,” Mickelthwate said. “Last summer, the OKCPHIL accompanied Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli during his Oklahoma City concert. It was fantastic. And with the Texas Tenors, it will be that times three! I am not conducting this concert, but I will be there. I just got a new cowboy outfit from Tener’s—hat to boots! I'm looking forward to wearing it for this concert! It will be so much fun!”
The Texas Tenors landed as finalists in the popular show “America’s Got Talent,” and have gone on to become one of the most sought-after musical acts.
“They truly have a mass appeal,” Mickelthwate said. “This will be a fun change of pace, and I hope our OKCPHIL family of friends will join us.”
Tickets for all OKCPHIL performances are on sale at okcphil.org or by phone at 405-TICKETS.
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