MuChen Hsieh, principal second violin, shares what’s inside her violin case. 1. VIOLIN by Boston violin maker Andrew Ryan. “I commissioned this violin in 2014 while living in Boston.” 2. CLOTH COVER protects the violin inside the case. “It came from the inside liner of a dress my grandma made for me.” 3. BOWS by maker … Continued
Did you know that many great works of art are inspired by other works of art? Even in classical music, composers will often use other pieces as the springboard for their own creativity. These activities were designed to help inspire creativity in children ages 7–11 as they make their own meaning from two pieces of classical … Continued
In honor of Claude Debussy’s birthday, John Mangum, Houston Symphony Executive Director/CEO and Margaret Alkek Williams Chair, shares a few favorite pieces by the French composer through recordings you can also enjoy as a YouTube playlist. As a fellow Leo, I’ve been called up to contribute a few words to mark Claude Debussy’s birthday this … Continued
National Vinyl Record Day is August 12, a day of vinyl appreciation and a commemoration of Thomas Edison’s invention of the phonograph. In celebration of the day, Brian Del Signore, principal percussion, shares memories of a vinyl record that has long shaped his appreciation of music—and you may be surprised to learn where he got … Continued
On Saturday, August 8, ensembles of Houston Symphony musicians present an evening of music via livestream. The centerpiece of the concert is one of the most enduringly popular pieces of classical music ever written: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Each of the piece’s four violin concertos spotlights a different Houston Symphony soloist. The violinists discuss what it’s … Continued
This series of activities is designed for kids ages 7–11 to have a personal experience with two works of classical music. The first four activities can each take anywhere from five to 15 minutes (or more), depending on your child’s interest. Activities 1 and 3 can be paired together for a 15-minute activity. How do … Continued
William Grant Still (1895–1978), one of the most versatile American composers, wrote more than 150 works in his lifetime. He built a career in a predominantly white world of classical music, bringing Black voices to an industry that didn’t fully accept composers of color. An Individual Style William Still blended Black and popular traditions with … Continued
Most people will probably agree that this new “normal” of social-distancing and working or learning from home has required us all to find new ways to stay motivated and socially engaged. Music students across Greater Houston are accustomed to learning music in a social environment, with encouragement from their peers in school ensembles, so music … Continued
On Saturday, July 25, the livestream concert series Live from Jones Hall continues with a performance spotlighting two of the Houston Symphony’s sections: percussion and brass. Leonardo Soto, principal timpani, and Matthew Strauss, associate principal timpani and percussion, discuss some of the night’s repertoire that also showcases the talents of Brian Del Signore and Mark … Continued
Winner of Third Prize at the 2013 Michael Hill International Violin Competition, violinist Boson Mo joined the Houston Symphony in 2019. Boson has been featured as a Young Artist in Residence of American Public Media’s Performance Today and has been broadcast both in the United States and internationally on Radio New Zealand and CBC Radio-Canada. … Continued
A native of Loveland, Colorado, cellist Jeremy Kreutz was appointed a member of the Houston Symphony in 2020 by Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada. He has been a fellow at the Aspen Music Festival, Round Top Institute, National Youth Orchestra of the USA, and the Pacific Music Festival in Japan, performing under conductors such as Marin … Continued
Even during the shutdown, many Houston Symphony musicians find ways to continue engaging with the community. During normal times, musicians visit senior living and retirement communities to bring joy to the seniors and contribute to their overall well-being. As one senior center partner states, “music is therapeutic in many ways . . . These performances … Continued
Community-Embedded Musician, David Connor, double bass, recently completed a virtual chamber music project with Houston-area students as part of the Symphony’s High School Residency program, presented by Occidental. Here, Dave reflects on the experience and shares some highlights from performances with students. Over the last two years, I’ve had the great opportunity to make monthly visits … Continued
For students on any instrument, building your ear is an important part of learning music. Learn more in this blog from Colin Gatwood, Houston Symphony oboe. Play along with music you love Pick a piece you like that you find really motivational and challenging. Through this process, you will not only build your ear, but … Continued
On Friday, June 26, Houston Symphony musician Matthew Roitstein, associate principal flute, performs the finale to the Living Room Series—a weekly livestream concert series showcasing the individual talents of Symphony musicians. Many performed their concert with musically talented loved ones, but Matthew’s concert features the biggest family ensemble of the series. Matthew discusses what it’s … Continued
Even without the ability to physically visit partners like schools, senior centers, and hospitals in person, Houston Symphony musicians continue to provide community and educational engagement opportunities—including virtual classrooms. Horn player Ian Mayton designed his high school sessions to work well in an online environment, providing next steps for students to continue on their musical … Continued
This month, we are pleased to welcome two new musicians to the orchestra:Amy Semes, associate principal second violin and Isaac Schultz, associate principal bassoon. Get to know these remarkable musicians as they share their stories. Amy Semes, born in Broomall, Pennsylvania, graduated from Rice University, Shepherd School of Music in 2019, where she received a … Continued
This month, we are pleased to welcome two new musicians to the orchestra: Isaac Schultz, associate principal bassoon and Amy Semes, associate principal second violin. Get to know these remarkable musicians as they share their stories. Isaac Schultz earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, where he … Continued
Professional musicians typically feel an intimate connection with their instruments. As vehicles for self-expression, musical instruments are like musicians’ voices, and after hours of practice, rehearsal, and performance, an instrument can begin to feel like a natural extension of a musician’s body. These precious works of art often have unique, even dramatic backstories, with mysterious … Continued
Hi, kids! Today we are going to talk about high and low sounds using the music Also sprach Zarathustra by Richard (pronounced REE-card) Strauss! THE CHALLENGE: We are going to use our bodies and objects around the house to demonstrate high and low-pitched sounds. We can pretend our bodies are rockets going up to space … Continued