The 2021–22 Classical Season comes to a crescendo with the highly anticipated weekend featuring Beethoven’s joyous Ninth Symphony. The final work completed by Beethoven, this choral symphony is often regarded as his greatest and one of classical music’s most remarkable pieces overall. Harkened with illusions of wine and nature in a reflection of when “All men become brothers,” this momentous piece spotlights a cast of esteemed soloists who join the Houston Symphony and Chorus for this performance.
Read on to learn more about the featured artists who breathe life into the Season closer:
Meagan Miller, soprano, is an acclaimed graduate of Juilliard known for her expansive vocal colors and textures. She has appeared in Wagner’s Lohengrin and Tannhäuser and also held title roles in R. Strauss’s Daphne and Ariadne auf Naxos with the Vienna State Opera. In addition to her work on the opera stage, she is also a champion of new American music, having premiered numerous pieces written specifically for her.
Sasha Cooke, mezzo soprano, friend and frequent collaborator with the Houston Symphony, Sasha Cooke makes her third appearance this Season for Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Recipient of two Grammy Awards, Sasha studied right here in Houston at Rice University before training at Juilliard. No stranger to opera and concert stages nation, she frequently performs new works as well as classic masterpieces. Most recently, she released a new C, “how do I find you” featuring works by former Houston Symphony Composer-in-Residence, Jimmy Lopez-Bellido, among others.
Eric Cutler, tenor, made his debut during the 2017–18 Season at La Monnaie in the title role of Wagner’s Lohengrin. He is regarded as one of today’s leading “jugendlich-dramatisch” tenors and has made appearances on stages across the United States, Canada, Australia, and much of Europe. Cutler was the recipient of the Richard Tucker Award in 2005 and has been praised internationally for his performance in all of Mozart’s major operatic tenor roles.
Mark S. Doss, bass-baritone, having held roles in Carmen, Salome, Aida, The Flying Dutchman, La Traviata, and many other well-known productions, Doss’s illustrious career has taken him to prestigious opera houses spanning the globe. The Grammy Award-winning vocalist has also been recognized with the National Institute for Music Theatre’s George London Opera Prize as well as the Planet Africa’s Entertainment Award.
Jones Hall will be awash with talent for this can’t-miss Season closer, conducted by Music Director Designate Juraj Valčuha. Tickets for this are selling quickly and can be purchased here. Join the Houston Symphony and Chorus to “… sing more cheerful songs, more songs full of joy!”
By Mark Bailes
