On April 12 & 13, vocalist Isabel Marie Sánchez joins the Houston Symphony for a celebration of the iconic music of Selena. Get tickets and more information here. A small, four-piece rhythm section waits on stage. The house lights are low. The red seats are empty. Isabel Marie Sánchez, a young vocalist with a gleaming smile, … Continued
This post is continued from a previous post, which you can read here. Last time, we discovered the Jaliscan origins of Mariachi music and the economic and social forces of industrialization and revolution that transformed the sound of Mariachi. The evolution of Mariachi music was far from complete, however; the plain clothes and humble status … Continued
We’re kicking off Classical Music Month with 10 movies that feature classical favorites! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUt4DfGnyJQ 1. Amadeus (1984) Mozart, Requiem Winner of 8 Academy Awards, Amadeus interweaves the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with that of Antonio Salieri for a gripping meditation on the nature of genius—in all its mysterious, awe-inspiring, unpredictable glory. The film is … Continued
On April 22, 23, and 24, the Houston Symphony pays tribute to Aretha Franklin, celebrated and known world-wide as the Queen of Soul. Despite the fact that she was one of the most famous people on the planet with one of the most distinctive voices the music industry has ever heard, there are still a … Continued
This Halloween, gather around the cauldron for some “double, double, ‘boil and bubble’” with this creative menu of family-friendly treats that is equal parts spooky and sweet. From munching on a hotdog mummy with bandages of dough, to serving up spine-tingling spaghetti and “eyeballs,” or wrapping up the evening with spider sandwich cookies, Halloween is … Continued
Bring in the Halloween season with these themed cocktail concoctions that are sure to put you in a spooky mood. Try these wickedly simple and delicious recipes, then experience classical music’s wildest ride—Symphonie fantastique—this Halloween weekend, October 29–31! Candy Corn Delight 2 oz. whipped cream-flavored vodka 3 oz. pineapple juice 2 oz. sour mix 2 … Continued
The lights are dimming, the audiences shuffle in, and the distant sound of instruments tuning up perfumes the air with their musical scent. From the first downbeat of the conductor’s baton, you are transported to another world—possible destinations include a dusty farm in the Oklahoma territory; the lush, green mountains of Salzburg; and the steamy … Continued
Show-stopping Broadway duo Santino and Jessica Fontana (yes, they are husband and wife!) return to the Houston Symphony to join Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke on May 28, 29 & 30 to close out the 2020–21 Bank of America POPS Series performing quintessential show tunes by Rodgers and Hammerstein. From New York City to Houston, … Continued
Since the Houston Symphony launched its Community-Embedded Musicians initiative in 2015, the musicians holding these specialized, hybrid performer-teaching artist positions have improved thousands of students’ and community members’ quality of life through music. As highly skilled musicians with a special passion and skill for community engagement, the Community-Embedded Musicians (CEMs) work in many different settings—schools, … Continued
Linda Goldstein, voila, has been a member of the Houston Symphony since July 1981. This month, she retires from the orchestra after playing for nearly 40 years on the Jones Hall stage. Learn more about Linda and take a look back at her long career below. Beginnings “I began my musical studies at age 11 … Continued
Allen Barnhill, principal trombone, heads into his 43rd year with the Houston Symphony. Since they haven’t seen each other at Jones Hall in a while, Chief Operating Officer Vicky Dominguez gave him a Zoom call to chat about his path to music, memories from his decades in the Houston Symphony, and a particular date that’s … Continued
Next week, Concertmaster Yoonshin Song takes center stage in Astor Piazzolla’s show-stopping, tango-infused “Las Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas (Four Seasons of Buenos Aires)”—inspired by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons—in Mozart + Piazzolla, led by Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada. We talked with Yoonshin ahead of her solo, discussing the music, her rehearsal approach, and working together with Orozco-Estrada again as he returns for the first time … Continued
Houston Symphony musicians are full-time members of the orchestra, but many still dedicate their spare time to serving our community by working with local schools and other community partners, such as hospitals, shelters, and senior care centers. This month, Dave Kirk, principal tuba, told us about his passion for bringing music into Houston-area communities. Why … Continued
This month, the Symphony takes the stage for the next installment of the Bank of America POPS Series, complete with a dazzling violin sensation and all the glamor of Hollywood. The marriage between music and film is everlasting, going back to its genesis during the early days of silent pictures. Before synchronized recorded sound was … Continued
To close out the end of Women’s History Month, we spoke with Director of Artistic Planning Rebecca Zabinski about inspiring women in the orchestral world—from composers who pioneered the path for future generations and influential women in music today transforming the classical landscape as we know it. Houston Symphony: Who are some inspiring women throughout … Continued
This April, we welcome renowned Baroque specialist and conductor Jane Glover to the teak walls of Jones Hall to lead the orchestra in a spirited Easter weekend program highlighting Bach’s sacred cantatas. During his lifetime Bach composed over 200 church cantatas, quickly solidifying his reputation as a gifted composer. Also included on this program is … Continued
March is Women’s History Month and the Houston Symphony is marking the occasion by talking with Joan DerHovsepian, acting principal viola; Aralee Dorough, principal flute; and MuChen Hsieh, principal second violin; about their musical influences and the women that have inspired and helped them along the way. Houston Symphony: Who are some of your female influences … Continued
Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the most beloved and influential composers of all time, his dazzlingly elaborate creations as astounding today as ever. Starting this Friday, March 26, Houston Symphony audiences will have the chance to hear no less than eight great Bach masterpieces over the course of two consecutive concert weekends, March 26–28 … Continued
Finnish conductor-composer Esa-Pekka Salonen joins the Houston Symphony on March 26, 27 & 28 for a concert featuring J.S. Bach arrangements by Webern, Berio, and Klemperer, plus a solo violin piece by Bach, Salonen’s own 2019 composition, Fog, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 round out the program of treasured classics presented with a contemporary twist. … Continued
According to John Rydman, President of Spec’s Wine, Spirits and Finer Foods and current Houston Symphony Board President, his experience with music education led to his success in life and business. Rydman began piano lessons in third grade, began playing saxophone in middle school band, and taught band to younger students in high school and … Continued