Subtle Connections Across The World
May 9, 2026
Vadym Kholodenko and Friends
A Van Cliburn Gold Medalist in 2013 and a Fort Worth favorite, Vadym Kholodenko combines fierce pianism, an unrivalled breadth of repertoire, and a level of interpretative refinement that ascends to the realms of poetry.
Program includes:
Johannes Brahms — Violin Sonata No. 1 in G Major, Op. 78
Ed Green — Trio for Strings
César Franck — Piano Quintet in F Minor
*Artists or program may be subject to change.
2:00 p.m. at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
1:15 p.m. Pre-concert Conversation
The Artists
Piano
Vadym Kholodenko
Gold Medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2013 and a Fort Worth favorite, Vadym Kholodenko’s distinguished pianism and profound artistic gifts have led to invitations from many of the world’s finest orchestras and concert halls. Combining fierce pianism, an unrivalled breadth of repertoire, and a level of interpretative refinement that ascends to the realms of poetry, Mr. Kholodenko rises as an artist the likes of which the world has rarely seen since the great pianists of the Golden Age. He has forged strong musical partnerships with many leading conductors and has appeared on the world’s leading stages – from London, Paris, and Vienna to Boston, Chicago, and New York – where he is praised for his “iron-clad technique, capable of moments of crystalline delicacy” (The Guardian).
Photo by Jean-Baptiste-Millot
Violin
Gary Levinson
Gary Levinson is the senior principal associate concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the artistic director of the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth. Born in St. Petersburg, he began studying the violin at the age of 5 at the Leningrad Special Music School.
He and his family immigrated to the United States in 1977, and he began winning top prizes at international competitions. Known for his Bel Canto playing style and adroit technique, Mr. Levinson made his New York Philharmonic solo debut in 1991, coinciding with the completion of his master’s degree at The Julliard School.
Much sought-after as a chamber musician, he has collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma, Lynn Harrell, and Eugenia Zuckerman. He has recorded several CDs, including a bass and violin duo – performed with his father, renowned double bassist Eugene Levinson – written for and dedicated to the father-and-son team.
Gary Levinson travels and performs year round all over the globe, including to summer music festivals. He also mentors young musicians through the CMSFW2 emerging artist program.
Photo by AJK Images
Violin
Jennifer Betz
Jennifer Betz is a member of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Sedici Strings quartet.
She is from San Jose, California, and has played violin since the age of seven. She received her bachelor of music from Northwestern University in 2008.
Ms. Betz was a member of the Peninsula Music Festival from 2008 to 2018. She has also played with the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida.
In addition to playing violin, she enjoys running, reading, and traveling.
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Betz
Viola
D.J. Cheek
D.J. Cheek joined the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra as principal viola in August 2021 and made his solo debut with the orchestra in 2023, performing the Bartók Viola Concerto. He also plays principal viola at the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder and teaches at the Texas Chamber Music Institute and the Interlochen Adult Chamber Music Camp.
Mr. Cheek has played principal viola in the Jacksonville Symphony. In recent years, he appeared as guest principal with the Indianapolis Symphony and IRIS Orchestra in Tennessee, and as a substitute with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Orchestra.
He previously taught viola and chamber music at the University of North Florida and the National Music Festival. He has appeared at festivals, including Music@Menlo, the Perlman Music Program, Lucerne, Sarasota, Olympic and Yellow Barn.
He earned a master’s degree at New England Conservatory and holds a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College-Conservatory.
Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Cello
Allan Steele
Allan Steele, principal cellist with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, is a performer, composer, and teacher. He has premiered several works in chamber or orchestral settings by composers such as Mark Antony Turnage and Stephen Cohn, as well as performing the world premiere of Henri Lazarof’s Fifth Cello Concerto.
He frequently collaborates with the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth and the Olmos Ensemble of San Antonio, and he maintains an active string quartet with FWSO colleagues known as Sedici Strings.
Mr. Steele enjoys teaching and has held positions at Texas Christian University, University of North Texas, and Eastern Music Festival. He is always open to offering private lessons to students. He spends his free time designing video games and composing music.
Born in Chicago, Mr. Steele began studying cello at four years old. He attended the Music Institute of Chicago and performed for many years with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. He earned his bachelor of music at the Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles. Mr. Steele was a founding member of the classical music group MC2.
Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
