Chandor Gardens Foundation News

Chandor Gardens Foundation is excited to present the next installment of the ongoing Wine & Words Speaker Series with writer, story teller and humorist Dave Lieber speaking about his play and companion book AMON! The Ultimate Texan on Friday, October 3, 2025 in the Great Room of Chandor Gardens at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm).

Dave Lieber wrote AMON! The Ultimate Texan the story of “Mr. Fort Worth”, one of the most amazing Texans who ever lived. Born in a log cabin and with only an eighth-grade education, Amon G. Carter Sr (1879 – 1955) became Texas’ most powerful media overlord. Presidents put up with him because he owned the largest newspaper, radio and television station in Texas. He had a big heart, but a bigger sense for business and for the future. He was one of a kind and the play the companion book – brings the story of this remarkable Texan back to life.

Dave’s play and companion book AMON! The Ultimate Texan debuted in 2019, and was a smash hit. The play has already been performed more than 60 times and counting. The book presents 100 classic photographs from the era that bring Amon Carter to life. In his play and companion book Dave highlights Amon Carter's legacy and his rivalry with Dallas, where he felt businesses were being stolen from Fort Worth. Carter was the owner of Fort Worth’s newspaper, radio station, and TV station, which gave him an iron grip on the city and as much as he loved Fort Worth, he hated Dallas.

Flashy, excessive, impulsive and powerful, the pretend-cowboy manipulated presidents with gifts and hobnobbed with celebrities.  At every turn, Carter fought arch-rival Dallas. He liked to say that “Fort Worth is where the West begins which means Dallas is where the East peters out”. Dallas, or Little D as he called it, was his public enemy #1. Anytime he could take a swipe at Dallas, by carrying a sack lunch to Little D so he wouldn’t have to spend any money over there, he did it. His hobby was stealing businesses away. Why do you think American Airlines is here [Fort Worth], not over there [Dallas]?

Texas is what it is today – a leader in industry, especially aviation – in part because of the work Carter did in the first half of the 20th century. A one-man economic development department for Fort Worth and vast West Texas, Carter is credited with luring a trillion dollars’ worth of businesses to his beloved state.

Dave Lieber is a masterful story teller, funny, engaging and one of Texas’ most popular speakers!

The book AMON! The Ultimate Texan will be available for purchase at this event and Dave will be available to sign copies after the presentation.

Tickets $35 (includes wine & beer)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

About Dave Lieber:

Dave Lieber, a humorist and storyteller, has used stories to help change our world, and is one of Texas' most popular speakers. He has worked as a Texas newspaper columnist for more than 30 years – first at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and now at The Dallas Morning News where he writes the twice-weekly investigative “Watchdog” column. In 2019, he received top prize in the nation’s largest column-writing contest. A judge stated, “Through a lively combination of consumer advocacy and investigative reporting, Lieber’s columns were models of suspenseful storytelling and public service.”

Dave works to expose corruption and make positive change. He is founder of a consumer rights movement —  WatchdogNation.com — which shows Americans how to protect themselves from thugs, thieves, scammers, and corporate skulduggery.

In addition, he is the 2022 winner of the Ernie Pyle Award for excellent writing from the Ernie Pyle Legacy Foundation.

Dave is also a certified professional speaker, one of only a thousand in the world. He specializes in teaching strategic storytelling to businesses, groups and individuals.

He is the author of ten popular books. His most recent two are;  Dandy Don Meredith – The First Dallas Cowboy and SEARCHING FOR PEROT - My Journey to Discover Texas' Top Family.

Dave became a playwright with his hit -- AMON! The Ultimate Texan -- about the legendary Texas powerhouse publisher, Amon G. Carter. Carter ran the state’s largest newspaper as well as the biggest radio and TV stations in Texas. The book is a companion piece to the theatrical production of the same name, also written by Dave. The play won several awards and has played over 60 times and counting in many Texas cities.

The book tells all the classic stories of one of America’s best known (pretend) cowboys. Amon knew presidents, celebrities and even his paperboys. His effect on the Lone Star State, its history and growth, is astounding. And the stories of his life are amazing!

Dave’s other books include his popular Dave Lieber’s Watchdog Nation: Bite Back When Businesses and Scammers Do You Wrong, which shows American’s how to fight back and win against corporate abuse of customers and actual scammers.

His popular The Dog of My Nightmares: Stories by Texas Columnist Dave Lieber includes nearly 100 wonderful stories that make you laugh and cry.

On a personal note, Dave is co-founder of one of North Texas' largest children's charities, Summer Santa, which serves thousands of children each year through a volunteer service that has no office or paid staff. His work for Summer Santa earned him the Will Rogers Humanitarian Award which goes to the U.S. newspaper columnist whose work produces positive effects on the lives of readers.

                           Amon Carter

Experience an unforgettable salon concert with pianist Carter Johnson, one of today’s most exciting rising stars in classical music!

Fresh from making history as the first Canadian finalist at the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, winner of the 2025 Dublin International Piano Competition, and winner of the 2023 Weatherford College International Piano Competition. Johnson brings his brilliant artistry, warm stage presence, and deeply communicative playing to the beautiful and intimate Great Room of Chandor Gardens on the evening of Thursday, October 2. Johnson has captivated audiences worldwide — now it’s your turn to be mesmerized.

This is a rare chance to hear an artist at the very forefront of his career. Johnson’s concerts are captivating journeys, where music comes alive with storytelling, passion, and brilliance. Be part of a transformative musical experience with one of the most talked-about pianists of his generation. Seating is limited so secure your tickets today.

Tickets are $35 (selection of wine and beer included)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Program for the evening:

Maurice Ravel (17’)
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61
i. Modéré, très franc
ii. Assez lent, avec une expression intense
iii. Modéré
iv. Assez animé
v. Presque lent, dans un sentiment intime
vi. Vif
vii. Moins vif — Tempo I
viii. Épilogue. Lent

Hanna Kulenty (5’)
AtlantissSolo for piano (2022)

Sergei Prokofiev (14’)
Waltz: Cinderella and the Prince, op. 102/1
Scherzo in E minor, op. 52/6
Vision fugitive in E minor, op. 22/16
Suggestion diabolique, op. 4/4

[intermission]

Robert Schumann (37’)
Davidsbündlertänze, op. 6

Carter Johnson’s Bio:

Celebrated for his warm stage presence, compelling musical personality, and provocative repertoire choices, Canadian pianist Carter Johnson is known for making classical music speak to all kinds of audiences. With playing described as “sincere, communicative, and intelligent”, “drop-dead gorgeous”, and even “the greatest thing since sliced bread” (Gramophone), Johnson’s competition laurels include being a finalist in the 2025 Van Cliburn International Competition (the first Canadian in history to do so), the first prize winner of the 2025 Dublin International Competition, and silver medalist in the 2024 Gina Bachauer International Competition.

First prizes in other international competitions include the 2023 Concours Hauts-de-France, the 2021 International Competition of Polish Music, the 2020 Valsesia International Competition, the 2024 Heida Hermanns International Competition, and the 2023 Weatherford College International Competition. Other awards include the prize for the most promising pianist not proceeding to the final in the 2023 Sydney International Piano Competition, a finalist prize in the 2023 Walter Naumburg Competition, the best performance of the commissioned work in the 2024 Gina Bachauer Competition, and the best chamber music performance in the 2025 Dublin Competition.

Johnson rose to prominence in his home country when in 2018 he was declared the winner of two of Canada’s most important national competitions, garnering both the grand prize in the OSM Competition and the first prize in the CMC Stepping Stone competition.

He has performed with orchestras including the Montréal Symphony Orchestra, the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre Métropolitain, the Utah Symphony, the Poznań Philharmonic Orchestra, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestra of the Americas. Venues in which he has performed include the Maison Symphonique, the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, Bass Performance Hall, the Kaufmann Concert Hall at 92nd Street Y, the Shenzhen Concert Hall, Salle Bourgie, and the Warsaw National Philharmonic Hall. Johnson maintains a close relationship with Angela Hewitt, who has been an important mentor and chamber music partner ever since hearing him perform Bach in Leipzig.

Equally at home in the worlds of solo, concerto, chamber, and vocal music, Johnson has a particular interest in bringing light to lesser-explored parts of the repertory. Although his closest affinity is with the music of J.S. Bach and Robert Schumann, in the concert hall he is also a strong proponent of many composers of the earlier 20th century, including Paul Hindemith, Dmitri Shostakovich, Francis Poulenc, Charles Ives, Alfred Schnittke, Grażyna Bacewicz, and Karol Szymanowski. An avid connoisseur of art song, he has experience as a vocal coach and is enthusiastic about languages. Johnson’s own secondary instrument work has included studies in oboe, voice, and harpsichord.

Trained in elocution as a teenager, Johnson holds an ATCL with distinction in speech and drama from Trinity College London, and he regularly brings this expertise to his recitals in his discussions on the music that is being played — for audiences, they continue to be a highlight of his performances. This skill was recognized in the 2023 Sydney International Piano Competition, where he was awarded the Best Program Presentation in the Semifinal for his program design and verbal introductions. His performances of Poulenc’s setting of L’histoire de Babar le pétit éléphant, in which he plays the role of both pianist and narrator, are particularly beloved by audiences of every age and background.

Born in 1996 on Vancouver Island, Canada, Johnson began the study of piano at age 5 with Shelley Roberts, with whom he had the privilege of studying both performance and pedagogy for over 12 years. After continuing his studies with Michelle Mares, he completed a Bachelor of Music with Mark Anderson at the University of British Columbia. He then received a Master of Music from the Juilliard School under the direction of Joseph Kalichstein and Matti Raekallio, and continued to the Yale School of Music where he completed a Master of Musical Arts with Wei-Yi Yang. He is currently continuing at Yale where he is a candidate for a Doctor of Musical Arts.

Johnson currently resides in Connecticut with his wife Hannah and their sons Preston and Ambrose, where he maintains a busy schedule as a concert artist. In his spare time, he and Hannah enjoy cooking together, gardening, watching good films, and spending time outside as a family enjoying the charms of New England.

Chandor Gardens Foundation is excited to bring another exquisite evening of up-close and personal chamber music!

Chandor Gardens Foundation is pleased to bring Sedici Strings (16 Strings, in Italian), comprised of world-class musicians; Jennifer Betz (violin), Molly Baer (violin), Dmitry Kustanovich (viola), and Allan Steele (cello), all members of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, to the Great Room of Chandor Gardens, Weatherford, TX on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

For this concert Sedici Strings will be performing Haydn, Beethoven and Brahms string quartets (See the Program listed below).

The concert tickets include a complimentary pre-concert reception from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM with wine and hors d’oeuvres. Come enjoy this superb chamber music concert performed by four exceptional artists in the intimate atmosphere of the Great Room at Chandor Gardens.

Seating is limited, as such this event is expected to sell out quickly.

Tickets - $55 (includes wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

The evening’s program:

Joseph Haydn op.76 #3, C Major, "Emperor" (1797) – Duration: 27 minutes approx.

The quartet consists of four movements:

• Allegro (a lively, energetic movement in sonata form) 
• Poco adagio, cantabile (a slow, song-like movement with variations on the "Emperor's Hymn") 
• Menuetto allegro (a lively minuet) 
• Finale: Presto (a fast and spirited conclusion) 

The "Emperor" nickname comes from the second movement, which features variations on the "Kaiserlied" (Emperor's Hymn), a melody Haydn composed for Francis II, the Austrian Emperor. The Op. 76 quartets, including the "Emperor," are highly regarded as some of Haydn's finest works and a significant contribution to the string quartet genre. 

Ludwig Van Beethoven, op.18 #2, G Major (1800) – Duration: 24 minutes approx.

The quartet consists of four movements:

• Allegro (G major) 
• Adagio cantabile – Allegro – Tempo I (C major) 
• Scherzo: Allegro (G major) - Trio (C major) 
• Allegro molto, quasi presto (G major) 

This quartet is nicknamed "Komplimentier-Quartett" or "quartet of bows and curtseys" due to the graceful, elegant opening melody of the first violin. The quartet shows the influence of Haydn, but Beethoven also maintains his own unique style and voice throughout. The final movement is full of bright energy, relaxed spirits, and a sense of fun.

INTERMISSION – 20 minutes

Johannes Brahms, String Quartet #1, op.51 in C Minor (1873) – Duration: 33 minutes approx.

The quartet consists of four movements:

• Allegro
• Romanze - Poco adagio (somewhat slow)
• Allegretto molto moderato e comodo
• Allegro

Brahms’ style as a composer is characterized by extreme rigor in the treatment of his material, and a tendency for full, rich textures both of which are evident in all three of his string quartets, and especially in his first one, the C minor quartet. The sudden upward rush that opens the work sets the mood for a movement that has been called “robust and sentimental.” The intensity subsides for some lyrical interludes, but the turbulent mood soon returns. The second movement, which is designated as a Romanze (romantic or tender character), has a restrained, pensive quality. It is followed by a kind of sadness that permeates the third movement. The intensity that marked the opening movement returns in the final movement. The finale is fiery and impulsive.

Artists:

Jennifer Betz (violin)

Jen Betz has been a member of the first violin section of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra since 2012. Originally from California, she began playing the violin at age seven. She studied at the preparatory division in San Francisco Conservatory with Doris Fukawa and then with Zaven Melikian at the San Domenico School in San Anselmo, CA. She was accepted into the studio of Almita and Roland Vamos at Northwestern University and was also a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago from 2007-2008. After graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree, she moved to Miami to play with the New World Symphony as a Fellow for four years. There she worked closely with conductors Michael Tilson Thomas and Esa- Pekka Salonen. She now lives in Fort Worth with her husband, her beautiful daughter, and two rescued Labrador mixes.

Molly Baer (violin)

Molly Baer joined the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in 2012. Before moving to Texas, Molly was a violin fellow at the New World Symphony in Miami Beach. She graduated from the New England Conservatory in Boston as a student of Miriam Fried, and received her Master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Music, where she studied with Andrés Cárdenes. Molly has participated in the National Orchestral Institute, National Repertory Orchestra, Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan, and Music Academy of the West. Molly grew up in a suburb of Baltimore and enjoys returning to spend time with her family.

Dmitry Kustanovich (viola)

Dmitry Kustanovich joined the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in 2005. Dmitry is a native of St. Petersburg, Russia, immigrated with his family to the U.S. at age 5, settling in Worcester, MA. After completing violin studies at the New England Conservatory and Manhattan School of Music, Dmitry became a violist. He then attended the Curtis Institute of Music, working with Joseph de Pasquale. Dmitry has also performed with the Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Seattle Symphony orchestras. He has toured the U.S. and Europe, working with many of the world's greatest conductors. His summers at the Greenwood Music Camp and participation in Alexander Schneider's New York String Seminar propelled him into a career in music. In his spare time, Dmitry enjoys playing chamber music with his FWSO colleagues in their group Sedici Strings, road trips, hiking, cycling, baseball and chess.

Allan Steele (cello)

Allan Steele, principal cellist with the Fort Worth Symphony, is a performer, teacher, and composer. Mr. Steele maintains an active solo career and has performed with the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, the American Youth Symphony, and others. He has premiered several works in chamber or orchestral settings by composers such as Mark Antony Turnage and Stephen Cohn, as well as performing the world premiere of Henri Lazarof's Fifth Cello Concerto. Mr. Steele has studied with a number of notable pedagogues such as Tanya Carey, Hans Jensen, and Susan Moses. Music festival appearances include Indiana University's Summer String Program, The Meadowmount School of Music, and the Montreal International String Quartet Academy. He is a graduate of the Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, where he studied with Ronald Leonard. He is a regular in the chamber music scene, performing with musicians such as Edgar Myers, Paul Coletti, Arnold Steinhardt, and Vadym Kholodenko. Steele is a founding member of the classical music group, "MC2" and devotes much of his spare time to composing and arranging.