Comedy group Duo Baldo performs for a full house at San Fernando Cathedral in downtown San Antonio. Credit: Robert Michaelson
As summer arrives in full swing, it brings new opportunities of growth and vibrancy. We’re thrilled to share highlights from the past few months and celebrate what your support has helped us accomplish across San Antonio and beyond!
This season, more than 2,600 guests filled the historic San Fernando Cathedral for an unforgettable series of concerts—all free to the public. From piano masterpieces and theatrical musical comedy to Sephardic Jewish ballads, African American spirituals, and American folk traditions, each performance showcased world-class talent.
A standout moment this season was the packed performance by Duo Baldo, whose unique blend of classical music and theatrical comedy had the audience laughing and applauding throughout. A YouTube clip of their rendition of Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5 has since gone viral—surpassing 3 million views and attracting comments in Dutch, Russian, Tamil, French, Korean, Arabic, and more. It’s a powerful reminder that music transcends language and connects us across cultures. This beloved series continues to make global music accessible to all, welcoming families, tourists, students, and longtime supporters while demonstrating the unifying power of live performance across generations.
“Every concert felt like a gift—beautiful music, world-class performers, and the remarkable cathedral setting. MBAW created something truly special this season, and we’re already looking forward to the next!”
Lily Barucky
The 2025-2026 season is already in the works, with even more exciting talent on the horizon. Stay tuned for announcements this summer!
Join Musical Bridges Around the World at your local San Antonio branch library to enjoy live music, clothing paper crafts, and sari-wrapping demos in partnership with VT Seva!
Tue 17 June, 1 PM………..Great Northwest Library*
Tue 17 June, 4 PM……….Johnston Library
Wed 18 June, 2 PM………Collins Garden Library
Wed 18 June, 5 PM………Pruitt Library
Sat 21 June, 10:30 AM….Forest Hills Library
Sat 21 June, 1:30 PM……Pan American Library
Sat 21 June, 4 PM……….Central Library
Tue 24 June, 2 PM……….Encino Library*
Sat 28 June, 11 AM………Cody Library
Sat 28 June, 2 PM………..Semmes Library
Events are free and to learn more, go to: mbaw.org/sapl
*Free ticket registration required
Did you see the people in yellow scarves at our events? Those were our incredible volunteers welcoming guests, ushering, and making sure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. Their warmth and dedication help create the inviting atmosphere that makes each event so special.
We’re especially grateful to the team from Chase Bank, whose presence at every public concert this season brought energy and commitment that resonated with both our team and the thousands of guests they helped serve. Partnerships like these strengthen the bridge between corporate engagement and cultural enrichment in San Antonio.
Interested in joining our volunteer family? Click here to fill out a quick interest form.
Thank you to our volunteers:
Ron Laby
Treshell Henefield
Teslen Yalch-Gonzalez
Solomon Akakiya
Maximillian Hart
Marina V Ivanenko
Dawn Lippard
Tim Lippard
Annette Rodriguez
Rebecca Buchanan
Joel Garcia
Connor Towns
Linda Wasserman
Robert Michaelson
Rolando Greenfield
Andrea Howard
Sean Cannady
Additional Anonymous
This spring, over 17,000 students across 134 elementary schools participated in Musical Sprouts, our culturally enriched curricula that combines music, geography, art, and social-emotional learning.
Throughout the season, students explored diverse cultures through interactive lessons and performances. From colorful Diwali dances to powerful songs of The Quilt (African American), students engaged with hands-on lessons that sparked creativity and curiosity. Many schools also hosted live performances from professional musicians, creating unforgettable experiences that reinforced classroom learning.
“Musical Sprouts goes beyond music – it brings culture, history, and storytelling to life. During Black History Month, our students experienced everything from spirituals to hip-hop, connecting each style to the time and stories behind it. It’s powerful, relevant, and deeply enriching for our entire campus.”
Jennifer Grimes, Librarian, Valley Hi Elementary (NISD)
At Brooke Army Medical Center, music serves as a powerful tool for healing. This spring, our military outreach program supported the Soldier Recovery Unit through interactive workshops and live performances. These sessions offer a creative outlet and a break from the intensity of recovery with rhythm exercises, songwriting, and group guitar sessions providing moments of peace, self-expression, and connection.
Pre- and post-workshop surveys this season revealed that 85% of participants felt a greater sense of belonging, 92% said music improved their overall mood, and 100% reported increased emotional well-being.
“It’s such a refreshing change of pace to experience live music in person. I love Spanish guitar, Flamenco music, and Mariachi so this was a joy.”
Anonymous Service Member
Music has the extraordinary ability to comfort, connect, and bring joy especially in our later years. This spring, our senior concert program brought live performances to over 300 seniors across San Antonio.
From lively Mariachi tunes to elegant classical pieces and heartfelt Spanish melodies, each performance was thoughtfully curated to inspire joy, spark memories, and encourage connection among older adults. Residents tapped their feet, sang along, and often shared personal stories tied to the music, reminders of how deeply these sounds are woven into the fabric of their lives.
2025 applications are open for the folllowing programs, with deadlines on 30 June. Read below to learn more.
MBAW Youth Ambassadors closed out their season with a concert at The Village at Incarnate Word, performing a lively program of classical music on a range of instruments that enriched seniors in the community. Students received both mentorship and support through the expert guidance of MBAW’s Artistic Coordinator Dr. Elena Portnaya, who holds two doctorates in piano and has performed thousands of concerts.
More than a performance opportunity, the Youth Ambassador program helps young musicians grow as leaders and community role models by volunteering their talents across San Antonio. They bring joy to others while building the confidence and compassion that shape the next generation of musicians.
Applications are now open for The Colburn-Pledge Music Scholarship, managed by MBAW. This scholarship provides college tuition assistance to young bowed string instrument players in the Greater San Antonio area who are preparing for careers in classical music.