The Fort Worth Opera Festival Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over 70 years. Founded in 1946, the orchestra has become a staple of the Fort Worth, Texas music scene, and has gained a reputation for excellence in performance. The orchestra was founded by Dr. Fritz Mahler, a renowned conductor and music educator. Dr. Mahler had a vision of creating a world-class orchestra in Fort Worth, and he set out to make that vision a reality. He recruited some of the best musicians in the area, and together they began rehearsing and performing. Over the years, the orchestra has had many talented musicians come and go, but there have been some mainstays who have been with the ensemble for many years. These include concertmaster Michael Shih, principal cellist Allan Steele, and principal bassist Brian Perry. The Fort Worth Opera Festival Orchestra has performed at many prestigious venues over the years, including the Bass Performance Hall, the Kimbell Art Museum, and the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. They have also performed at many festivals and events, including the Fort Worth Opera Festival, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, and the Texas Music Festival. One of the highlights of the orchestra's history was their performance at the 1998 Fort Worth Opera Festival. They performed the world premiere of the opera "With Blood, With Ink" by composer Daniel Crozier and librettist Peter M. Krask. The opera tells the story of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, a 17th-century Mexican nun who was a poet, scholar, and advocate for women's rights. The performance was a huge success, and the opera has since been performed by many other companies around the world. Another notable performance by the Fort Worth Opera Festival Orchestra was their collaboration with the Texas Ballet Theater in 2015. They performed the music for the ballet "Carmen," which was choreographed by Ben Stevenson. The performance was a huge success, and it showcased the orchestra's versatility and ability to work with other artists. The Fort Worth Opera Festival Orchestra has also won many awards and accolades over the years. In 2010, they were awarded the Fort Worth Mayor's Award for Excellence in the Arts. They have also been nominated for several Grammy Awards for their recordings, including their recording of "With Blood, With Ink." In addition to their performances, the Fort Worth Opera Festival Orchestra is also committed to music education. They offer educational programs for students of all ages, including masterclasses, workshops, and concerts. They also offer a summer music camp for young musicians, which gives them the opportunity to work with professional musicians and perform in a concert at the end of the camp. Overall, the Fort Worth Opera Festival Orchestra is a world-class ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the classical music scene in Fort Worth and beyond. With their commitment to excellence in performance and education, they are sure to continue entertaining and inspiring audiences for many years to come.

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