CELEBRATING A LEGACY: SHARON & ROBERT LIETZOW'S ENDURING IMPACT ON MUSIC
From early musical ambitions to festival pioneers, the Lietzows' influence resonates through 34 years of the Texas Music Festival.
As the 34th annual Texas Music Festival draws near, it's fitting to reflect on its remarkable journey since inception, a journey inseparable from the profound influence of Sharon and Robert Lietzow.
Sharon Lietzow's musical endeavors began early. While singing Bing Crosby's "Pistol Packin’ Mama" during a piano lesson with her cousins, her talent caught the attention of renowned Oklahoma teacher Nell Keaton Cook. Cook vowed to take Sharon on as a student when she turned seven, and she honored that commitment, mentoring Sharon through her high school years. Sharon's dedication and talent secured her a full-ride scholarship to Southern Methodist University (SMU).
Upon graduating from SMU and arriving in Houston, Sharon immersed herself in community engagement. She spearheaded the creation of the Junior League Music Therapy Program, a legacy initiative that endures to this day, and she joined the Tuesday Music Club, established by Houston Symphony Founder Ima Hogg, becoming an active member and later serving as its president. Later in life, she met Alecia Lawyer, a Juilliard graduate, and together they founded the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra.
Pictured: Alecia Lawyer (left) Sharon Lietzow (Right) | Photo by David A. Brown dabfoto.com
Pictured: Alecia Lawyer (left) Sharon Lietzow (Right) | Photo by David A. Brown dabfoto.com
These endeavors, among others, garnered her an invitation to join the founding board of the Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine. The only center of its kind in the country, the Houston Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine encompasses a specialized group of more than 100 physicians working collaboratively to address the specific demands placed on artists.
TMF alum, Erika Fish Johnson, performing at Houston Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine
TMF alum, Erika Fish Johnson, performing at Houston Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine
Eventually, Sharon would meet Robert Lietzow through family and mutual friends and their story with the Moores School of Music would soon begin. It started when David Tomatz, who was the director at the time, and philanthropist Betty Jukes, founder of the First Junior Woman’s Club of Houston, approached the Lietzows with a special request: to chair the opening performance. "Betty Jukes and Sharon drew a crowd that packed the venue. We even donated a box in the upstairs area. It was a full house and a fantastic time," he said.
"When Tomatz approached me in the late 80’s with the concept of a summer festival. Initially, I questioned the idea," Robert recalled. "My daughter had attended numerous summer programs nationwide. Why would kids choose Houston in the middle of summer? But I decided to entertain the notion," he admitted. "As it turned out, I was mistaken, and Tomatz's vision proved to be remarkable," Robert said. The Lietzows actively contributed to fundraising efforts, shaping the festival into the thriving event it is today.
Hans Graf conducting the Texas Music Festival Orchestra
Hans Graf conducting the Texas Music Festival Orchestra
As their involvement with the Texas Music Festival and the Moores School of Music grew, Sharon felt compelled to pursue her master’s degree. She auditioned for piano virtuoso and longtime , Abbey Simon. “When Sharon came back from her audition, she mentioned Abbey Simon being the best teacher but also the toughest and I told her if he’s the best, you have to do it,” Robert recalled.
Pictured: Cullen Professor of Piano Abbey Simon
Pictured: Cullen Professor of Piano Abbey Simon
Over time, the Lietzows' deepening involvement with the Moores School of Music led to their appointment as Co-Presidents of the Moores Society, now known as Friends of Moores, a position they held for four years. Friends of Moores is an organization that is committed to providing support for specific programs like the Texas Music Festival, Mariachi, Opera, Choir; and provides invaluable support of merit scholarships to over half of the students at the Moores School of Music.
In addition to their dedication to the Moores School of Music and other Houston initiatives, the Lietzows passionately championed emerging musicians, frequently hosting performances in their home. Among them was Kenny Broberg, a young talent pursuing his bachelor’s degree at the Moores School of Music.
"Kenny’s piano professor, Nancy Weems, reached out to Sharon one day," Robert recounted. "She said, 'I'm teaching this fantastic young man. Could he come over to your house and play something for you? He'd like to showcase his talent, but he just moved here from Minneapolis and doesn't know anyone in the area. Maybe you could invite some people over?' Well, he absolutely blew us away," Robert continued. "He kept coming back, impressing us each time. Eventually, he began entering competitions and consistently winning."
Kenny Broberg | Photo by Lee Clifford
Kenny Broberg | Photo by Lee Clifford
"Sharon took him to Joseph A. Banks and bought him his first suit," Robert recounted. "Coincidentally, the Steinway Gallery was conveniently located across the street from the store. So, we escorted him over to the Steinway Gallery, where he sat down at the piano to ensure he could play comfortably in his new attire. Sharon played a significant role in supporting Kenny," Robert emphasized. "In fact, it happened that the Van Cliburn auditions coincided with her son’s wedding week. While everyone else was enjoying the pool, Sharon was in our hotel room, listening intently to her computer," he said.
Broberg went on to win the 2021 American Pianist Awards and Christel DeHaan Classical Fellowship, the silver medal at the 2017 Van Cliburn, and the bronze medal at the 2019 Tchaikovsky competitions. He will return to the Moores School of Music to perform on June 13, 2024, at the Texas Music Festival as part of the Sharon Ley Lietzow Piano Series, created to honor Sharon Leitzow’s dedication to the arts.
From Sharon's early musical journey to Robert's pivotal role in shaping the festival's trajectory, their passion and commitment have enriched the lives of countless musicians and audiences alike. As the Texas Music Festival continues to thrive, it serves as a fitting tribute to the Lietzows' profound impact, ensuring that their legacy of excellence and generosity endures for generations to come.
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