Passport to Neoclassicism: Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto

Fearless virtuoso Leila Josefowicz brings “stunning brilliance and high-voltage presence” (LA Times) to Stravinsky’s daring and invigorating Violin Concerto with guest conductor Dalia Stasevska on April 18 & 19. Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto dates from 1931, a year far removed from the heady epoch that produced the Scherzo fantastique, The Firebird, and Stravinsky’s other famous works … Continued

Save me from the grave and wise: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7

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

Selena Symphony: An Orchestral Tribute to the Queen of Tejano

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

A Messiah for the New Millennium: John Adams’ El Niño

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

10 Reasons Why Aretha Is the Queen of Soul

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

Living Room Series Concert Q&A with Joan DerHovsepian & Family

On Friday, May 22, Joan DerHovsepian, associate principal viola, invites you to an evening of music via livestream concert, the fourth of the Houston Symphony’s new Living Room Series. Joan will be joined by her musical family: husband Erik Gronfor is the assistant principal double bass in the Houston Grand Opera’s Orchestra, and daughter Clara, … Continued