Tulsa Symphony Orchestra: Beach, Ravel, Stravinsky
Tulsa Performing Arts Center
March 14, 2026
With no fuss and no muss, last Saturday’s Tulsa Symphony Orchestra concert was elegantly and passionately brought to you by—women. In addition to TSO’s executive director, the conductor, and the concertmaster, about half of the orchestra Saturday were women. When I was a young pianist in the 1980s, the highest compliment I could hope for was, “You play like a man.” Now, not in New York or San Francisco, but here in deep-red Oklahoma, such a sentiment would be preposterous, and not just during Women’s History Month.
At the start of this program, the audience warmly welcomed Morgan Walker, who replaces the beloved Ron Predl as executive director. Ms. Walker is experienced, well-educated, and perfectly qualified for the role, where she will guide not only TSO but its collaborations with Tulsa Ballet and the Tulsa Chorale. I look forward to great things from her.
Next we met guest conductor Michelle Merrill, who kept the talking to a minimum and got right to the music. (While I appreciate the occasional anecdote from a conductor, I don’t need a musicology lecture; I’ve already read the program.) Maestro Merrill shook hands with concertmaster Rossitza Goza, and we were off to the races, starting with Amy Beach’s Gaelic Symphony. Beach (1867-1944) was the first American woman composer of classical orchestral music. She’s having a bit of a resurgence now, since the classical music world decided a couple of decades ago to program more people who aren’t old white dudes.