Fredericksburg Community Orchestra to Present Van der Stucken Festival Concert

The Fredericksburg Community Orchestra will present the 2026 Van der Stucken Festival on Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph's Halle (212 W. San Antonio) in Fredericksburg.

The festival honors Frank Van der Stucken, a composer and conductor born in Fredericksburg in 1858 who became an internationally renowned musical leader.

The evening will feature Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" performed by guest soloist Dr. Fagner Magrinelli Rocha with the Fredericksburg Community Orchestra and musicians from Angelo State University's Symphony Orchestra.

Vivaldi's beloved work consists of four violin concertos depicting the seasons through music—from spring bird songs and summer thunderstorms to autumn hunting scenes and winter's icy landscape.

About the Soloist

Dr. Rocha serves as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Orchestral Activities at Angelo State University. He is also Music Director of the Big Spring Symphony and Concho Valley Youth Orchestra, and concertmaster for the San Angelo Symphony and Ballet San Angelo orchestras.

An accomplished conductor, violinist, and educator, Dr. Rocha has performed throughout North and South America and Europe. He frequently serves as guest conductor for honors and youth orchestras and maintains an active presence in Texas public schools.

Dr. Rocha's recent work includes composing original music for Angelo State's centennial campaign and appearing in the upcoming film "Texas Rhapsody" as conductor, actor, and violinist, scheduled for Amazon Prime release in 2026.

About Frank Van der Stucken

Born in Fredericksburg in 1858 to Belgian immigrant parents, Van der Stucken returned to Europe at age eight to study music. He trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp and in Leipzig, and was mentored by Franz Liszt.

Returning to the United States in 1884, Van der Stucken became director of New York's Arion Society and later conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, where he championed both American and Flemish composers. He also served as dean of Cincinnati's College of Music.

The concert is sponsored by Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance and H-E-B.

Van der Stucken Festival 2026