Backstage Pass: Daniel Strba, viola

Violist Daniel Strba began his professional career at age 17 when he became a member of the United States Army Chamber Orchestra in Washington, D.C. where he performed for official state functions at The White House. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Chicago’s DePaul University and a master’s degree from the Cleveland Institute … Continued

Inside Bluebeard’s Castle: Bringing Bartók’s Masterpiece to Life

On May 16 and 17, the Houston Symphony presents a spectacular, semi-staged production of Bluebeard’s Castle featuring world-renowned singers Michelle DeYoung and Matthias Goerne. In this post, the production’s creative director, Adam Larsen, discusses his vision for Bartók’s fascinating operatic masterpiece. Get tickets and more information here. When we asked the musicians of the Houston Symphony which concerts … Continued

Backstage Pass: Joan DerHovsepian, associate principal viola

Joan DerHovsepian became a member of the Houston Symphony in 1999 and has been associate principal viola since 2010. She is an artist teacher of viola at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and a faculty guest at the New World Symphony. This summer, she joins the faculty of the National Orchestral Institute. Annually, Joan … Continued

Otherworldly Vision: Ives’ Symphony No. 4, IV. Finale

On May 9, 11, and 12, the Houston Symphony concludes its season-long exploration of Charles Ives’ groundbreaking Symphony No. 4. In this post, discover the work’s otherworldly finale, the ultimate goal of Ives’ spiritual vision. You can learn more about the first, second, and third movements in previous posts. Get tickets and more information here. Ives’ … Continued

Apocalyptic Prophecy: Rachmaninoff’s The Bells

On May 9, 11, and 12, the Houston Symphony presents Rachmaninoff’s The Bells, a monumental choral symphony that Rachmaninoff regarded as his best work. In this post, discover how this powerful work, inspired by the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe, prophesied the turmoil Russia would face in the 20th century. Get tickets and more information here. During … Continued

I <3 NYC: Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm" Variations

On May 9, 11, and 12, the Houston Symphony presents award-winning American pianist George Li in not one, but two virtuoso works for piano and orchestra. In this post, discover how the first of these pieces, George Gershwin’s delightful “I Got Rhythm” Variations, paints a picture of contemporary New York in sound. Get tickets and … Continued

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