Valley Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Maestro Peter Dabrowski’s 25th Season

2025/26 Masterworks Season Opens November 7 with Music of the Greats

McAllen, TX – The Valley Symphony Orchestra (VSO) proudly announces the official start of the 2025/26 Masterworks Season, a milestone year marking esteemed Music Director and Conductor Maestro Peter Dabrowski’s 25th year leading the orchestra. The season opens Friday, November 7 at 8:00 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center with Music of the Greats, featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Gabriela Martinez in a program of timeless works by Mozart, Sibelius, and Hindemith.

Over a quarter century, Maestro Dabrowski has shaped the VSO’s artistic profile and community reach, guiding performances across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, including McAllen, Edinburg, Harlingen, Brownsville, South Padre Island, and Reynosa, Mexico. Among his proudest achievements is the creation of the VSO Educational Concerts, which have introduced nearly 200,000 pre-college students to live orchestral music, many of whom have limited access to professional arts and cultural experiences.

“What a journey!” exclaimed Maestro Peter Dabrowski. “When I came to South Texas, I discovered an incredibly talented, dedicated community of musicians and partners at UTRGV and South Texas College. Because of their patience and trust, a professional orchestra was created that fulfills the cultural and educational needs of a sophisticated community. It is my goal to offer audiences the most attractive programming with brilliant soloists, mixing traditions, styles, and genres.”

Dabrowski, a native of Warsaw, Poland, serves as Professor of Music at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. His conducting résumé includes leadership roles with the Chicago Philharmonic and Chicago Chamber Orchestra and guest appearances with top ensembles such as the Poland National Philharmonic, Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Mexico City Philharmonic, and orchestras in Russia and Moldova. His work has been recognized by the Moscow International Music Festival and the Cross Drumming Festival (Warsaw), with civic honors from the Cities of McAllen, Edinburg, and Hidalgo’s Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame, as well as recognition from the Mexican Consulate in McAllen and the University of Texas–Pan American.

The Valley Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming Masterworks Season continues Maestro Dabrowski’s enduring commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, featuring the return of the VSO Chorale under the direction of outstanding conductors and collaborations with internationally acclaimed guest artists. For a quarter century, Dabrowski has led the orchestra with a vision of accessibility and artistry, introducing thousands of young students to symphonic music through the VSO’s Educational Concerts.

“A tremendous applause to all educators who make this possible,” said Dabrowski. “And to our patrons, partners, and the many volunteers and board members who champion this work – thank you for your generosity and commitment.”

The 2025/26 Masterworks Season opens with Music of the Greats on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 8 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. The program will feature works by Mozart, Sibelius, and Hindemith, with internationally acclaimed pianist Gabriela Martinez joining the orchestra for an unforgettable celebration of Maestro Dabrowski’s 25th season. Tickets are on sale now at valleysymphony.org.