El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestras and El Paso Symphony Orchestra
Over 150 Musicians – All On One Stage
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 3 pm Abraham Chavez Theatre
Kira Smith, 12th grader at YISD Young Women’s Leadership Academy and
winner of the 2026 El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition
to be the featured soloist.
El Paso, Texas – The El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestras (EPSYO) will present the 18th annual Side-by-Side Concert on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 3:00 pm in the Abraham Chavez Theatre. EPSYOs will be joined by their parent organization, the El Paso Symphony Orchestra (EPSO), in a tradition that has been taking place with orchestras across the country for over half a century. This concert showcases all the components of EPSO’s artistic and educational mission in one terrific event that celebrates and expands the idea of playing “side by side” to the larger culturally rich community.
The El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestras (EPSYO) consists of four different performing ensembles. The Side-by-Side concert pairs each ensemble with a counterpart to introduce younger musicians to more experienced performers. The final act of the concert features the students from EPSYO’s top ensemble performing alongside members of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, culminating in a thrilling musical experience with nearly 150 musicians on stage. “What could be more meaningful for our students than performing onstage alongside the professional musicians of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra? It is a tradition we deeply cherish,” says Nathan Black, EPSYO General Manager.
The winner of the 2026 El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition, Kira Smith, will be a featured soloist with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, performing the first movement (Allegro moderato) of Domenico Dragonetti’s Concerto for Double Bass.
Kira Smith is a 12th-grade student at The Ysleta ISD Young Women’s Leadership Academy. She is a three-time Texas All-State Musician and has been playing the string bass for over seven years. For the past four years, Kira has been a member of the top High School TMEA All-Region Orchestra and Jazz Band. She is also an active participant in the El Paso Youth Jazz Ensemble and performs with local jazz and rock bands.
In addition to her musical achievements, Kira competes in her school’s theater, rugby, golf, and academic competition teams. She has received medals and awards in UIL One-Act Play, Academic Decathlon, and High-Q competitions.
Led by conductors Nathan Black, Jose Rios, Rodrigo Maldonado, and Shannon Clark, the concert will feature music by composers Sibelius, Dvorak, Stravinsky, and Respighi, among others.
Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at epso.org, or by calling the EPSO office at (915) 532-3776. Prices are $37, $33, $25, and $18 plus applicable fees. Discounts for children ages 4-12 are available.
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra is presented with the support of the Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
RECAP:
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 3:00 pm, Abraham Chavez Theatre
El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestras and El Paso Symphony Orchestra
Conductors: Nathan Black, Jose Rios, Rodrigo Maldonado and Shannon Clark
Featuring Kira Smith, 2026 EPSYO Concerto Competition Winner
Tickets prices: $37, $33, $25 and $18 plus applicable fees. Discounts for children ages 4-12 are available.
Tickets at www.epso.org or call (915) 532-3776