This weekend, the woodwind, brass, and percussion sections step into the limelight during Musical Storytellers: Winds of the Houston Symphony, a Bank of America POPS program spotlighting some of the greatest wind ensemble compositions of our time, led by Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke. For musicians of the wind sections, this program both challenges and … Continued
While we often hear about how studying music improves students’ academic achievement, music education programs can also play an important role in building community. A strong music education program can establish a trusting and nurturing community of students and families who look out for one another during challenging times. Houston Symphony musicians see this frequently in their work with schools throughout Greater Houston, and we’d like to shine a light on the example set by Waltrip … Continued
We continue our celebration of Women’s History Month by spotlighting female composers of the past and present. Enjoy the two playlists below. Women Composers of History Featuring Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn, Amy Beach & more Contemporary Women Composers Featuring Jennifer Higdon, Missy Mazzoli, Jessie Montgomery & more
The evolution of music as a multicultural medium underwent significant development throughout the 20th century as innovations in transportation and communication led to a more global society. As evidenced by the pieces on this weekend’s program, the blending of music across continents and genres transitioned the discipline into the postmodern world. The second movement of … Continued
This month, we are celebrating music educators in Houston and beyond for all they do to foster the love of music in their students. This year more than ever, teachers have had to overcome challenges to innovate and inspire students, and we’re proud to highlight their achievements during the Spec’s Charitable Foundation Salute to Educators concert on … Continued
This weekend, the Houston Symphony presents a one-of-a-kind fusion of music and VR technology when artist Topher Sipes creates breathtaking original imagery with Google’s 3D paint brush as the Symphony performs beautiful music, live. The program features romantic selections that will provide the perfect soundtrack to your Valentine’s date night. Take a sneak peek at … Continued
On February 13 and 14, music, dance, and technology blend into a one-of-a-kind experience for Music Illustrated: Virtual Reality in Concert. This groundbreaking event combines classical favorites such as Clair de Lune and Carnival of the Animals, performed by members of the Houston Symphony, together with mesmerizing visual art created by Topher Sipes. During the concert, Topher makes life-sized visual imagery using Google’s innovative … Continued
Traditions have long defined the customs of milestone holidays and that is no truer than with the sparkle and glamor that cements the welcoming of a new year. Despite moving us forward in time, the new year holiday seems to be forever entwined with the glitz of the Big Band era (roughly 1933–1945.) This could … Continued
The new year is off to a swingin’ start as we prepare for our next Bank of America POPS Series concert, In the Mood: A Big Band New Year on January 8–10, led by principal POPS conductor Steven Reineke. Whether joining us in-person at Jones Hall for socially distanced performances or via livestream at home, … Continued
One of the best parts of this season is spending time with family and relishing those shared holiday traditions. We got a glimpse into Associate Principal Horn Robert Johnson’s traditions with his family—his wife, Ariella Perlman, and their three sons, Ezra, Reuben, and Avi—as they got to work making potato latkes for the first night … Continued
As we enter into the holiday season—and perhaps one that’s admittedly slightly different than last year—the Houston Symphony is excited to present A Baroque Christmas. Whether you are joining us in-hall or for a livestream cozied up at home with some cocoa, our festive offering features famous arias from Handel’s Messiah, Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, and … Continued
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, most of us are busy with the hustle and bustle that the start of the holidays brings. To help celebrate, we asked Robin Kesselman, principal double bass, to share this favorite Thanksgiving recipe—a classic stuffing made with his homemade sourdough bread. The holiday season starts with Thanksgiving, combining the … Continued
Each holiday season, Houstonians eagerly await a plethora of events that officially signify the start of the most wonderful time of the year! The lighting of the Christmas tree at Bayou Bend Gardens, an evening stroll through tunnels of lights at the Houston Zoo, glittering galaxy displays at NASA, and the time-honored refrains of the … Continued
On November 20–22, Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke returns to Jones Hall for the next Bank of America POPS Series concert American Strings: From Folk to Film, a celebration of American music performed by the Houston Symphony strings section. The program boasts music as unique and varied as our nation—and here are just a few of … Continued
Perhaps no film-and-music pairing is as iconic as Psycho’s infamous shower scene and the shrieking string theme by which it’s accompanied. As the onscreen action takes a horrifying turn, the soundtrack turns from silence to a jarring, chaotic eruption that mirrors Marion Crane’s screams and heightens the shocking brutality as it unfolds. Composed by film score … Continued
Today marks the birthday of Hungarian composer and pianist Franz Liszt (1811–86). The greatest piano virtuoso of the Romantic era (and arguably of all time), Liszt’s astounding talent expanded the scope of what a piano could do, transforming the instrument into an expressive powerhouse that approached the range and complexity of a full symphony orchestra. … Continued
On Saturday, August 22, members of the Houston Symphony continue the livestream concert series Live from Jones Hall with an evening of two pieces by Mozart, as well as a double bass concerto by a composer described as “Brooklyn’s post-millennial Mozart,” Missy Mazzoli. Robin Kesselman, principal double bass, takes on the piece entitled Dark with … Continued
Today marks the birthday of English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958). One of the most important composers of the 20th century, Vaughan Williams’s prolific legacy includes nine symphonies, six operas, film scores, choral music, works for military band, and several now-standard hymn tunes. Forging an individual musical voice steeped in the folk song traditions of … Continued
On September 26, the Houston Symphony presents the second Classical series livestream performance of the season, Great Women Composers: Esmail, Price & Smyth. In addition to contemporary Indian-American composer Reena Esmail, the evening features selections by two 20th-century trailblazers: Florence Price’s exuberant String Quartet in A minor and Ethel Smyth’s Songs for Mezzo-Soprano, which features … Continued
This Saturday, the Houston Symphony kicks off its 2020–21 Classical Season with a livestream performance of Schubert’s Octet in F Major. Presenting concerts in the time of social distancing comes with many obstacles, but it also opens up new and exciting opportunities, including the chance to spotlight incredible music scored for smaller ensembles. Brimming with … Continued