Beethoven’s Fifth – The World’s Most Famous Symphony

Is it possible for a work of art to become too famous for its own good? Like Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa or Shakespeare’s “To be or not to be” soliloquy, Beethoven’s Fifth is a work that has been so often reproduced, excerpted and remixed that it has become as easy to ignore a as … Continued

Hans Graf Talks Ravel & Debussy

This weekend, the Houston Symphony welcomes back Conductor Laureate Hans Graf for a program of Debussy and Ravel. Recently, I got to ask Maestro Graf a few questions about this shimmering program of musical Impressionism. Calvin Dotsey: Ravel is known as one of the greatest orchestrators of all time. In terms of orchestration, do you … Continued

How to Dress Like a Virtuoso: Issa’s take on Sarah Chang

Aside from being a world class violinist, Sarah Chang is also quite the classical music fashionista. In this post, local Houston fashion blogger Issa of we wear things discusses Sarah’s signature style and gives us a few tips on how to get that glamorous virtuoso look.   As you may have heard violin super star Sarah … Continued

How to Dress Like a Virtuoso: Sunday Beach on Sarah Chang

Aside from being a world class violinist, Sarah Chang is also quite the classical music fashionista. In this post, local Houston fashion blogger Lauren Mills of Sunday Beach discusses Sarah’s signature style and gives us a few tips on how to get that glamorous virtuoso look. This weekend the Houston Symphony welcomes international violin superstar … Continued

Q&A with Sarah Chang

Recently, I had the opportunity to ask violin virtuoso Sarah Chang some questions about her up-coming performances of Barber’s Violin Concerto with the Houston Symphony this weekend. Calvin Dotsey: When did you first learn and perform this concerto? Sarah Chang: I adore the Barber Concerto! I learned it only 2 years ago, and absolutely fell … Continued

A Tribute to Maestro Frühbeck de Burgos

The acclaimed Spanish-born conductor Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, revered in the orchestra field and beloved by Houston Symphony musicians, passed away on June 11, 2014. In tribute to Maestro Frühbeck de Burgos and his legacy, the Musicians of the Houston Symphony decided to share their April 8-10, 2011 performance, which Frühbeck de Burgos guest conducted. … Continued