On May 30, 31 & June 1, the Houston Symphony closes its 2024–25 Season with a sonic wonder unlike anything else in music: Mahler’s Symphony No. 3. Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 radiates dynamism, charm and eloquence, and it closes with one of the most glowing slow movements in the orchestral repertoire. But let’s be … Continued
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
After Rachmaninoff fled Russia in 1917, he composed only six original pieces during the remaining twenty-five years of his life. Having lost nearly everything in the revolution, he was determined to restore his family to its former standard of living as quickly as possible, which meant giving up composing in favor of pursuing a career … Continued
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
On Feb. 15 & 16, the Houston Symphony presents Duke Bluebeard’s Castle featuring world-renowned singers Gábor Bretz and Ekaterina Gubanova. In this post, discover the dark secrets that lie behind Bartók’s fascinating operatic masterpiece. Get tickets and more information here. Duke Bluebeard’s Castle is a miraculous accomplishment. The first efforts of most opera composers (Wagner, Verdi, … Continued
Happy national Bloggers Day! As we celebrate today, August 5, we’re excited to spotlight the top five blogs from our 2023–24 Season. These posts offer a deeper glimpse into the music and stories that brought them to life. Read more from the highlights of last season: #1: Wheel of Fortune: Orff’s Carmina burana On March … Continued