Thoughts from Dr. Robert Ivany, President of University of St. Thomas

In Houston, we are blessed with a vibrant arts community, providing a multitude of performing arts opportunities where new memories will be made in this joyous season. At the University of St. Thomas, we look forward to adding another bright star to the performing arts community tree with our planned Performing Arts Center. We at the University of St. Thomas are extremely blessed to be in the heart of Houston’s museum district, near galleries, performing arts theaters and halls. How convenient since fine and performing arts are integral to our curriculum and a holistic Catholic liberal arts education. The arts are essential to our mission of educating leaders of faith and character. This discipline provides a deep understanding of people – people with passions, joys and sorrows – people from vastly different backgrounds. Leaders must be able to lead and appreciate how people are the same and how they differ. The performing arts are an enjoyable way to accomplish this.

New Vision, New Stars Benefit Concert
One day soon, our university will have a dedicated performing arts center on the corner of Graustark and West Alabama streets. To help us raise the necessary funds, the world-renowned Houston Symphony will perform the New Vision, New Stars Benefit Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 22 at Jones Hall in the Houston Theater District. Andrey Boreyko will guest conduct Stravinsky’s Suite from The Firebird, Ravel’s Pavane and Mussorgsky/Ravel’s Pictures at an Exhibition.

The University Singers, under the direction of Dr. Brady Knapp, will perform with the Houston Symphony on their world-class stage. This memorable fundraising event heralds the University’s vision for strengthening the visual and performing arts for our campus and the Houston community. Thanks to a generous grant from The Alkek Williams Foundation, UST has engaged Studio Red Architects to begin the design phase.

General public tickets begin at $35, $55 and $75, and can be purchased HERE or by calling 713-224-7575.

Click here for more information on the Performing Arts Center plans.