El Paso Pro-Musica premieres America 250 concert; Mission Trail launches inaugural festival

El Paso Pro-Musica will premiere "Visions of Humanity and Unity" on Thursday, a commissioned America 250 project featuring works by five composers inspired by the Declaration of Independence, according to El Paso Matters.

The world premiere runs 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the University of Texas at El Paso's Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall, 500 W. University Ave. The program features the Arianna String Quartet, Grammy-winning cellist and EPPM Artistic Director Zuill Bailey, and pianist Dominic Dousa. The concert also commemorates Beethoven's 250th anniversary. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and military, and $5 for students. Information: 915-747-8163.

The inaugural Mission Trail Music Festival will celebrate the history, culture and communities of El Paso's Mission Valley on Saturday from 1 to 10 p.m. The festival stretches along the historic nine-mile Mission Trail with activities at multiple locations: the Mission Trail Visitor Center at 9065 Alameda Ave.; Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center at 305 Yaya Lane; Socorro Mission at 328 S. Nevarez Road; Licon Dairy at 11951 Glorietta Road; and San Elizario Placita at 1521 San Elizario Road.

The festival will feature live music, dance and cultural performances, local vendors, interactive activities and family-friendly entertainment. Attendees will have opportunities to visit area restaurants, shops, galleries and historic sites. Admission is free. Information: visitelpaso.com.

Other upcoming events in the Borderland include the Fall School Break Series at TecH2O on Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering hands-on water conservation activities for families at 10751 Montana Ave.; the Jewel Box Series premiere of "La Vida Inútil de Pito Pérez" at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Philanthropy Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave., for $18-$19; Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District on October 15 from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring special programming and an artisan market; and the El Paso Symphony Orchestra's "Heaven on Earth" at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Plaza Theatre, featuring soprano Meechot Marrero performing works by Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler.