SIR STEPHEN HOUGH
Cliburn Sessions Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall
122 E. Exchange Ave., Suite 200, Fort Worth, 817-738-6536, cliburn.org

A pianist, composer and writer, Sir Stephen Hough will make his first appearance with the Cliburn Sessions at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall this January. The next night, he will perform at the Kimbell Art Museum as part of Cliburn at the Kimbell. Hough served as a juror for the 2022 Cliburn Competition and holds positions at several universities, including The Juilliard School. He has released 50 albums and, as a composer, has been commissioned by Wigmore Hall, the Louvre, Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quartet and the Cliburn. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2014, and was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2022. The Cliburn sessions concert is at 8 p.m. while the concert at the Kimbell is 7:30 p.m.
Tannahill’s: Jan. 29
Kimbell: Jan. 30

MICHAEL SHIH AND DJ CHEEK: MOZART’S SINFONIA CONCERTANTE
& MUSICAL STORYTELLING: SPANO CONDUCTS SCHEHERAZADE AND THE RITE OF SPRING
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
525 Commerce St., Fort Worth, 817-665-6000, fwsymphony.org

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra has several symphonic concerts to open up the new year. In mid-January, concertmaster Michael Shih and principal violinist DJ Cheek will be featured as the symphony performs Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante” and Sibelius’ “Fifth Symphony.” That concert will open with Strauss’ “Don Juan,” a tone poem that retells the story of a serial womanizer. Next up, music director Robert Spano guides the symphony through “Scheherazade” and the story of “1,001 Arabian Nights.” A collaboration with glo, an Atlanta-based dance group, will bring Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” to life in a night focused on musical storytelling. “The Rite of Spring” is rated R.
Shih and Cheek: Jan. 17-19
Scherazade: Jan. 31-Feb. 2

DESTROYING DAVID
Circle Theatre
230 W. 4th St., Fort Worth, 817-877-3040, circletheatre.com

Art and personal tragedy collide in “Destroying David,” the opening show for Circle Theatre’s 44th season. While exploring Michelangelo’s David, an art restorer intertwines their personal story with the statue’s history. Heartache sets the scene as the art restorer invites the audience on a private tour while intending to destroy the celebrated artwork. Perceptions of beauty and resilience and a quest for redemption will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Jan. 30-Feb. 22

COME FROM AWAY
Winspear Opera House
2403 Flora St., Dallas, 214-426-4768, broadwaydallas.org

Step back in time to Sept. 11, 2001 when planes across North America were forced to make emergency landings. “Come From Away” follows one such stop in Newfoundland, where 7,000 stranded passengers deplaned, not knowing what was in store. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high initially, but trust emerged along with enduring friendships and gratitude. “Come From Away” is a New York Times Critics’ Pick and features music by Tony award nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Jan. 14-19

PRIMARY TRUST
Stage West
821 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth, 817-784-9378, stagewest.org

“Primary Trust” follows Kenneth, a man living a quiet life in upstate New York. He spends days working at the local bookstore and nights at his favorite bar sipping mai tais. Everything changes when Kenneth unexpectedly loses his job and a journey of self-discovery begins. This regional premiere of “Primary Trust,” a Pulitzer prize winner, is being co-produced with Dallas Theater Center. Jan. 30-Feb. 16

MUSIC OF SAM COOKE
Bass Performance Hall
525 Commerce St., Fort Worth, 817-212-4280, basshall.com

A new show highlighting the life and music of Sam Cooke, starring Bradd Marquis alongside a live big band, is coming to Fort Worth. Cooke was one of America’s most iconic and talented musicians. He is known as the inventor of soul music while bridging the gap between Black and white audiences. By melding elements of R&B, gospel and pop, Cooke created a new sound. This world premiere concert features hits like “You Send Me,” “Only Sixteen,” “Chain Gang” and “Twistin’ the Night Away.” Jan. 20