Young Texas Artists (YTA) will be infusing the elegance, sparkle and breathtaking classical music that guests have come to expect at its season kickoff celebrations with a touch of country personality this year.
Classic Cabaret, beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, takes place at Dosey Doe, the historic concert hall at 25911 Interstate 45 North in The Woodlands, 77380.
It will be an evening of prize-winning musical talent, beloved classical songs — with a few country tunes mixed in for good measure — and a delicious meal featuring Southern and supper club favorites.
“Dosey Doe, which hosts nationally known artists across an eclectic mix of genres, is known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent acoustics,” YTA President/CEO Susie Pokorski said. “It’s an ideal location for Classic Cabaret and the perfect spot to embrace our supporters’ love for classical music and all things Texas.”
Kelli Estes, co-founder and executive director of Lone Star Lyric, will be the cabaret’s mistress of ceremonies. Houston-based Lone Star Lyric is a nonprofit opera and lyric theater.
Back by popular demand will be soprano Brennan Blankenship, a two-time gold medalist in YTA’s Voice Division and special musical guest at the 2026 YTA Finalists’ Concert and Awards program. In addition to performing leading roles in operas around the country, Blankenship is the executive director and co-founder of the Houston-based opera company HOPERA. The nonprofit empowers local artists and produces operas in casual settings like craft breweries. Blankenship’s performance at Classic Cabaret will include classic country and opera selections.
Also returning is renowned pianist Petronel Malan, a former YTA gold medalist. Malan, a recitalist, orchestral soloist and chamber musician, is a multiple Grammy® nominee and gold medalist of several international piano competitions. Born in South Africa, she was named among the “10 Most Inspirational Women in South Africa” and has received national honors for her live performances. Malan dazzled guests at YTA’s 2025 Classic Cabaret.
In addition to Blankenship and Malan, the Classic Cabaret entertainment lineup will include cellist Cirdan Vonnahme, YTA’s 2026 gold medalist in the Strings Division and Grand Prize winner. Vonnahme is also the 2026 first prize winner in the San Antonio Tuesday Musical Club Young Artist Competition. Earlier this year, he performed with the prestigious Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra and was a Tanglewood Music Center Fellow. Vonnahme, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, substitutes with Houston Grand Opera.
“This year’s Classic Cabaret brings together YTA’s past, present and future in a very special way,” Pokorski said. “We’ll welcome back two outstanding alumni, celebrate our 2026 Grand Prize winner and, through the generosity of our guests, help create opportunities for the talented artists who will come next.”
Classic Cabaret proceeds will help YTA secure valued performance prizes and meet advance expenses for the 2026-27 competition and other 42nd season programming.
For more details and reservations, visit https://youngtexasartists.org/classic-cabaret.