EDITOR’S NOTE: The original headline on this post indicated that Brownlee would be retiring as artistic director of the NTSO following the symphony’s annual holiday concerts happening this weekend. That was incorrect; Brownlee’s retirement becomes effective in May 2025, at the end of NTSO’s current season.
Dr. Kathryn D. ‘Cathy’ Brownlee, the founder and artistic director of the New Texas Symphony Orchestra (NTSO), will conclude her tenure as conductor in May at the end of the organization’s 21st season. The announcement was made earlier this week. Brownlee will serve as AD through 2026 and then move on to the Board of Directors as conductor emeritus.
The announcement came before the show’s holiday performances this weekend. NTSO will perform its annual holiday concert Joy today (Friday, Dec. 6) at NorthPark Center in the main courtyard at 7 p.m. The orchestra will also perform Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Shops at Redbird at 2 p.m.
Along with this weekend’s performance, Brownlee’s final season will feature three more performances. The season will include Adventure on March 9 at Moody Performance Hall, Wisdom on May 11 at the Moody and Summertime on May 31 at the Latino Cultural Center.
Information about upcoming shows can be found here.
Brownlee started NTSO in 2004 to give amateur and volunteer musicians an opportunity to play in a full orchestra setting within the City of Dallas.Throughout her 21-year leadership, NTSO has earned recognition including the 2023 American Prize in Community Orchestra Conducting and second place in Non-Collegiate Orchestral Programming.
Her programming has ranged from classical masterworks to contemporary premieres and has featured collaborations with area artists and fostered community engagement throughout Dallas.
“The journey of building NTSO has been a highlight of my musical career,” Brownlee said in a press release earlier this week. “I’m deeply grateful to our dedicated musicians, supporters, and audience members who have made these past two decades extraordinary, and I look forward to supporting the orchestra’s continued growth in my role as artistic director.”
Brownless has served as Director of Orchestra for Cathedral of Hope UCC, Artistic Director for The Women’s Chorus of Dallas and Artistic Director for the Oak Lawn Band. She has worked with national artists Kristin Chenoweth, Sam Harris and Marvin Matthews, and local favorites including Denise Lee and Liz Mikel.
The NTSO Board of Directors will search nationwide for a new conductor and artistic director. The search committee will seek candidates who demonstrate exceptional musical abilities and a deep commitment to community engagement and creative innovation. The nationwide search begins immediately, with NTSO maintaining its commitment to enriching North Texas through orchestral music and community outreach.
“The New Texas Symphony Orchestra has been fortunate to have such a passionate and impactful leader for so many years,” Board Chair Alec Horton said in the release. “We wish Cathy all the best in retirement and are eager to carry forward her vision that has made the NTSO a beloved ensemble in our community.”
A celebration honoring Brownlee’s legacy will be announced in 2025, inviting the community to recognize her contributions to Dallas’s cultural landscape.