A Grammy-nominated pianist, a two-time gold medalist soprano and a Grand Prize-winning cellist share the stage Oct. 18 at Dosey Doe when Young Texas Artists (YTA) launches its 42nd season.

The fundraiser, called Classic Cabaret, runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the concert hall at 25911 Interstate 45 North in The Woodlands. Proceeds support performance prizes and expenses for YTA's 2026–27 competition season, according to the organization.

Three performers anchor the evening.

Pianist Petronel Malan, a former YTA gold medalist in 1998, returns after what the organization called a "show-stopping" set at last year's Classic Cabaret. Born in South Africa, Malan debuted with the Johannesburg Symphony at age 10. Her recording "Transfigured Bach" earned three Grammy nominations, including Best Instrumental Solo Album. YTA awards scholarships in her name.

Soprano Brennan Blankenship, a two-time YTA Voice Division gold medalist in 2017 and 2019, will perform Patsy Cline's "Crazy" alongside opera arias. Blankenship co-founded Hopera, a Houston-based nonprofit that stages operas in casual settings like craft breweries. The company has shared classical music with nearly 5,000 Houstonians.

Cellist Cirdan Vonnahme completes the lineup as YTA's 2026 Strings Division gold medalist and Grand Prize winner. Originally from Alaska, Vonnahme studies cello performance at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University and substitutes with Houston Grand Opera. He performed with the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra in 2026 and was named a Tanglewood Music Center Fellow the same year.

Kelli Estes, co-founder and executive director of Houston-based nonprofit Lone Star Lyric, will emcee.

YTA President and CEO Susie Pokorski told Woodlands Online on Oct. 1 that the lineup brings together two returning alumni and the organization's newest Grand Prize winner. Proceeds, she said, will help create opportunities for the next generation of young classical artists.

The dinner menu features Southern and supper club favorites.

YTA, founded in 1983, was designated an official music competition of the State of Texas by the Texas Senate in 2007. Its competition spans four divisions: Voice, Piano, Strings and Orchestral Instruments, and is open to Texas residents or students affiliated with a Texas music school.

Reservations are available on the YTA website.

Upcoming in The Woodlands:

  • Saturday, Oct. 3 — Meet the Fleet moves to Township Town Hall.
  • October — Woodlands Township hosts its annual Pumpkin Float and Halloween Bash.