After Rachmaninoff fled Russia in 1917, he composed only six original pieces during the remaining twenty-five years of his life. Having lost nearly everything in the revolution, he was determined to restore his family to its former standard of living as quickly as possible, which meant giving up composing in favor of pursuing a career … Continued
On May 1, 3 & 4, the Houston Symphony presents Beethoven 7 & Mozart, a program featuring one of Beethoven’s most popular symphonies. In this post, discover how Irish folk music may have inspired this “apotheosis of the dance.” Though Beethoven began sketching ideas for a new symphony almost as soon as his Sixth had … Continued
On Feb. 15 & 16, the Houston Symphony presents Duke Bluebeard’s Castle featuring world-renowned singers Gábor Bretz and Ekaterina Gubanova. In this post, discover the dark secrets that lie behind Bartók’s fascinating operatic masterpiece. Get tickets and more information here. Duke Bluebeard’s Castle is a miraculous accomplishment. The first efforts of most opera composers (Wagner, Verdi, … Continued
On May 25 & 26 the Houston Symphony presents John Adams’ El Niño, an opera-oratorio written to celebrate the dawn of the new millennium in 2000. In this post, discover the diverse texts—ranging from Christian apocrypha to 20th century Mexican feminist poetry—that retell the Christmas story in this modern masterpiece. In 1999, the Théâtre du … Continued
On April 26, 27 & 28 the Houston Symphony presents Carl Orff’s spectacular masterpiece, Carmina Burana. In this post, discover how a once-obscure medieval tome inspired one of the most popular pieces of music of all time. Get tickets and more information here. On March 29, 1934, Carl Orff received a much anticipated parcel with … Continued
Best known for the famous Hallelujah Chorus, Handel’s Messiah is one of the most performed pieces of classical music in history. Get ready for the Houston Symphony’s annual presentation of this masterpiece. By the time George Frederick Handel began composing Messiah in 1741, he was at the height of his powers, recognized as one of London’s leading … Continued
Subscribe now for exclusive savings, priority seating, special event invitations, discounts at top local restaurants, and more!
VIEW PACKAGES