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
At the end of May 2020, the Houston Symphony bids farewell to two retiring musicians: Michael McMurray, double bass and assistant librarian, and Wayne Brooks, principal viola. Mike and his fellow bassists and librarians share fond memories of the outstanding musician’s many years with the Houston Symphony—and what lies ahead for Mike now. In Mike’s words To me, music is … Continued
At the end of May 2020, the Houston Symphony bids farewell to two retiring musicians: Wayne Brooks, principal viola, and Michael McMurray, double bass. Wayne and his fellow violists share fond memories of the treasured musician’s many years with the Houston Symphony—and what lies ahead for Wayne now. In Wayne’s Words Music has been my … Continued
As we all stay at home, many families are looking for enriching activities to do together, and the households of Houston Symphony musicians are no different. Some have been involving their children in joyous music-making and encouraging you to do the same through video and photos shared on the Houston Symphony’s YouTube channel and social … Continued
“Music is ultimately about sharing what you love with your audience.” On Friday, May 15, Brinton Averil Smith, principal cello invites online viewers into his home for a livestream performance with his wife, pianist Evelyn Chen, and their daughter, Calista Smith, a vocalist who is also trained as a violinist. Before their Living Room Concert, … Continued
Social distancing is hard for everyone, but it’s especially challenging for musicians who live to play music together and share it with others. At the Houston Symphony, we cannot wait until we can safely play concerts for you again, but until then, here’s an update from the members of the orchestra. What activities have you … Continued
The Houston Symphony presents the second installments of its new Living Room Series, a response to home isolation and social distancing, on May 8. Mark Nuccio, principal clarinet, teamed up with some creative friends to make his recital extra special: on Friday, viewers can take a trip around the world through drinks paired with each … Continued
On March 14 and 15, the Houston Symphony presents John Adams’ El Niño. The work is a retelling of the Nativity story through Adams’ mesmerizing music and diverse texts, which were gathered from ancient and contemporary sources by Adams and his longtime collaborator, theater director Peter Sellars. Guest conductor David Robertson has championed contemporary composers … Continued
Earlier this month, Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada paid his first visit to the new campus of Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, just a few blocks from Jones Hall in downtown Houston. “The energy that was in the room was so huge,” said Kinder HSPVA senior Nicholas Wesley, who plays viola. “His … Continued
On October 25, 26, and 27, the Houston Symphony presents Wagner + Beethoven 2, a program of thrilling orchestral masterpieces by two of history’s most revolutionary composers. The selections from Richard Wagner’s operas Tannhäuser and Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg offer moments for the brass section to shine. Allen Barnhill, principal trombone, discusses the challenges and … Continued
This month, the Houston Symphony welcomes a new concertmaster: Yoonshin Song. After a rigorous and exhaustive three-year search that considered 39 top candidates from around the world, our musicians, Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada, and orchestra administrators at last found a violinist to fill the shoes of Frank Huang, who left the Houston Symphony to become … Continued
Houston Symphony musicians work hard to perform for more than 400,000 people in the Houston area every year—but how do they spend their time away from their instruments? Many exercise in their spare time: some are tennis players, runners, and—like Jarita Ng, viola, and Mark Nuccio, principal clarinet—fans of cycling. Jarita worked to create custom … Continued
As Halloween approaches, Houstonians across the city are stocking up on candy and getting their costumes ready. Many Houston Symphony musicians get especially excited about this gleefully ghoulish holiday. We asked them about their favorite costumes, ghost stories and music for Halloween. Here’s what they had to say. Robin Kesselman, principal double bass Is there … Continued
From Itzhak Perlman and Rhapsody in Blue to Home Alone with Live Orchestra and the artistry of Cirque de la Symphonie, our 2018–19 season boasts over 90 spectacular concerts. Which performances are the Houston Symphony musicians especially looking forward to? Read below for a few of their top picks! 1) Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony “I’m looking … Continued
What is the Houston Symphony thankful for this year? We surveyed our musicians and staff to find out! From being back in Jones Hall after Hurricane Harvey to playing great music for you, we have a lot to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us onstage and behind-the-scenes. WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR … Continued
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
Last week, two of Houston’s many community orchestras joined forces with Robert Franz and the Houston Symphony for two evenings of side-by-side rehearsals. The Houston Civic Symphony rehearsed with the Houston Symphony on Tuesday, September 2, and the Texas Medical Center Orchestra rehearsed with them on Wednesday, September 3. Each member of each community orchestra … Continued
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
Near the end of each season, the Houston Symphony Society holds its annual board and trustees meeting. This year, our Principal Cellist Brinton Averil Smith spoke to the attendees on behalf of the musicians. His speech turned out to be so much more than a board address. We hope you will read it, draw inspiration from … Continued
One of the most exciting things about playing with the Houston Symphony is having the opportunity to perform with legendary guest artists on a regular basis. This weekend, we are excited to host Grammy® Award winning trumpeter Chris Botti. When we found out we would have the opportunity to interview him for our blog, we thought … Continued