Open Mic X
Sunday,
November 8,
2026
- 3:00 pm
321 W Commerce St,
San Antonio, TX 78205
About the Program
Celebrating ten years of partnership, SOLI and Texas Public Radio make this stage San Antonio’s for an afternoon of contemporary classical music. Anyone can ask for a spot: students, teachers, and people who practice after work and on weekends, playing works written after 1970. TPR Texas Public Radio records the afternoon for Performance Saturday in December, taking a living room’s worth of preparation all the way to the airwaves. A decade in, the premise holds: new music belongs to everyone!
FAQs
For Performers
Who can perform?
Anyone with a contemporary classical piece they love. That includes middle school, high school, and college students; music teachers; adult learners and lifelong musicians; church, community band, and orchestra players; working professionals; and composers who bring their own performers. Open Mic veterans and first-timers are all welcome, and so are soloists and ensembles. All performances are live and in person.
What kind of music qualifies?
Your music should fit on a SOLI program. That means it is:
- written on or after 1970
- through-composed (written down, not improvised)
- primarily acoustic, with limited amplification. Electronics or prepared media are fine when the piece was written for them.
- contemporary classical in style
Pop, jazz, and method-book pieces do not qualify.
My piece was written before 1970. Can I still play it?
Maybe! If you have the perfect piece and it was written before 1970, contact us and we’ll talk it through.
Can I perform my own composition?
Yes, as long as it fits the guidelines above. On the registration form, include a link to a recording of the piece. If you don’t have one, a recording of something similar in style is fine. SoundCloud or YouTube links work well.
I'm a composer. Will SOLI perform my piece?
Composers are welcome to apply. Plan to bring your own performers, since Open Mic is a stage for the community. If you need help finding players, contact us.
How long can my performance be?
Each piece can be up to 7 minutes long. Most performers play one piece. If you’d like to play more than one, please submit a separate registration for each, and we’ll schedule additional pieces as space allows.
Do I need a live accompanist?
Yes. In the true spirit of performance, every part should be played live. If your piece calls for piano accompaniment, please bring a live accompanist. The only exception is a work written specifically for “prepared tape” or other prepared media.
Never worked with an accompanist before? Don’t let that stop you. Contact us, and we can suggest accompanists and help you through the process.
Can I bring a group?
Yes! Ensembles of up to eight performers are welcome. If your group is larger than eight, contact us before you register. The theater is an acoustic room, so plan for minimal equipment. A piano and music stands are provided, but there is no drum kit or bass amp on site. Please list any tech needs on the registration form, and be specific.
Are there age requirements?
Performers of any age are welcome. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must attend the performance with you and sign a simple release allowing your performance to be broadcast. We will send the release with your confirmation.
How do I apply?
Fill out the registration form on this page by the deadline. Registering is a request to perform, not a guaranteed spot. SOLI and TPR review every application and will confirm performers within three business days. SOLI reserves the right to decline an application.
Will I be on the radio?
Texas Public Radio records every performance and selects which ones to air on Performance Saturday. Some pieces do not translate well to radio, such as works that rely on a visual element, so not every performance will be broadcast. We’ll post the air date here once TPR announces it.
Will I get a copy of the recording?
TPR’s recording is made for broadcast and is not shared with performers. You are welcome to make your own recording of your performance.
What's the performance like?
It runs like a relaxed recording session. Each performance gets one take, with no retakes. Before you play, TPR’s Nathan Cone will chat with you briefly, radio style, starting from the bio on your registration form. Accepted performers receive a detailed arrival and logistics email.
Who do I contact with questions?
Send us a note through our contact form.
For the Audience
Do I need a ticket?
No. Open Mic is free and open to everyone, so just show up!
Can performers bring friends and family?
As many as you like! Bring your cheering section.
Where do I park?
Paid lots and street parking are available nearby in downtown San Antonio, including City Tower Garage, two blocks from TPR.
Can't make it in person?
Listen for selected performances on TPR’s Performance Saturday. We’ll post the air date on this page.
Repertoire
Luke Smedley, clarinet
Béla Kovács – Hommage à Manuel de Falla (1994)
Dale Benedict, piano
Dale Benedict – Victory (1995)
Mark Gurrola, voice and piano
Mark Gurrola – to Earth (2026), text by Amber Ortega
Drew Stephen, natural horn
Kevin Salfen – Alarum (2026)
Mark Gurrola, piano
Philip Glass – Etude No. 16 (2012)
Duo35: Berk Agar, guitar, and Eymen Geylan Agar, piano
Astor Piazzolla – Oblivion (1982) and Libertango (1974)
Will Abram, viola
Maurice Gardner – Tricinium Sonata for Solo Viola (1978), third movement
Nathan Cone, piano
Max Richter – A Catalogue of Afternoons (2004)
Dominic Valadez, flute
Astor Piazzolla – Tango Etude No. 3 (1987)
Craig McLaughlin, piano
Craig McLaughlin – Song Ukraine Peace (2011)
Nicholas Lucero and ensemble: violin, two violas, cello, and piano
Nicholas K. Lucero – Sleep Study No. 3 (2026), premiere
The Atonal Guitar Duo: Jared E. Davis and Kevin Metzger, electric guitars
Jared E. Davis and Kevin Metzger – Wash and Blocks (2022)