HOUSTON (January 16, 2013) – Houston Symphony President Robert A. Peiser and Executive Director and CEO Mark C. Hanson announced today that the orchestra has selected Colombian-born, Vienna-trained conductor Andrés Orozco-Estrada as its next Music Director. Orozco-Estrada, who will occupy the Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair, will serve as Music Director Designate during the 2013-14 … Continued
I have a theory that people have two modes of existence. One is to do, and the other is to think. Some people are so focused on thinking about what they can or can’t do that they simply become ineffective or inactive. Conversely, others seem to do a lot, but don’t take the time to … Continued
Guest Artist Byron Stripling will join the Houston Symphony January 18, 19 and 20, 2013 for our What a Wonderful World: The Best of Louis Armstrong concerts. Below are his thoughts on honoring the legendary New Orleans Jazz artist: Hello Texas friends. I can’t wait for January 18, 19 and 20 because I’ll have the … Continued
It’s a new year and a time for new beginnings. In the spirit of newness, we thought we’d take a new approach for an interview with our featured soloists for next weekend’s performances of Copland’s Quiet City, on the same concert program as Dvořák’s New World Symphony. Read on as two of our own musicians … Continued
This month, the Houston Symphony will begin its 2013 series of concerts with an exciting weekend of performances featuring American themed music. “The concert program is really a commentary on Hans Graf’s time here in the United States,” stated Aurelie Desmarais, the Houston Symphony’s senior director of Artistic Planning. “He is an Austrian trained conductor … Continued
In just over a week’s time on November 28th, the Houston Symphony will have the exciting opportunity to perform once more with one of the world’s most inspiring operatic legends: Andrea Bocelli. Bocelli was last in Houston in December of 2010, and is returning by popular demand. The Tuscany native, who suffered the loss of … Continued
Perhaps you’ve heard some of the buzz about The Midtown Men. You’ve seen a few photos of them looking as sharp and snazzy as Frankie Valli. You may have even seen one of their fantastic and entertaining YouTube videos. But the question remains: who are these Midtown Men and what makes their show so great? … Continued
JOHN GOBERMAN, producer of our upcoming performance of The Wizard of Oz- Film with Live Orchestra, is probably best known as the creator of LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER. Now in its 35th season, this award-winning series of television specials has brought the finest of the performing arts to American audiences. To produce the series, Mr. … Continued
We were lucky to have the chance to catch up with Three Dog Night’s long time producing and engineering team, Richard Podolor (producer) and Bill Cooper (engineer). Below, they share a few thoughts on why the band has been able to maintain such a high level of relevance, and how their orchestrations for symphony came … Continued
While in Moscow, our musicians had a little bit of time to explore the city before their performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Below, violist Daniel Strba offers an interesting perspective of how Moscow has progressed since his last visit there, over 20 years ago. Impressions of Contemporary Moscow By: Daniel Strba I was excited … Continued
Here at the Houston Symphony, we are fortunate to have wonderful musicians who are also wonderful writers, willing to share insights from their personal experiences and performers. Below is the third and final blog post submitted by Mark Hughes, Principal Trumpet. It was written shortly after the orchestra finished its second and final performance as … Continued
One of the downsides to touring is the lack of time the musicians have to adjust to different time zones. Anyone who has traveled abroad is familiar with the intense fatigue that is a fact of life during one’s first few days in another part of the world. It was this sleepiness that lead some … Continued
One of the downsides to touring is the lack of time the musicians have to adjust to different time zones. Anyone who has traveled abroad is familiar with the intense fatigue that is a fact of life during one’s first few days in another part of the world. It was this sleepiness that lead some … Continued
Often, when we see a performance by an ensemble from abroad, we think of how far the musicians have traveled to be there, and what that must be like. But sometimes we don’t realize just how big of an undertaking it is to transport an entire orchestra -and their instruments- to another continent. Below, Violinist … Continued
As the saying goes, “there is no rest for the weary!” Hot on the heels of our 11-12 season’s end, we at the Houston Symphony packed our bags and headed over to Moscow. We arrived safely on Wednesday and will have a little time to gather our bearings and familiarize ourselves with our surroundings before … Continued
Installment 8: Keeping Your Eye on the Ball By: Brooklynn Adelman, Houston Symphony Intern There is a great connection between music and sports. The ability of both activities to sell out stadiums and halls, maintain a massive fan base, and bring communities together is outstanding. The dedication shown by athletes as they train for hours … Continued
Installment 7: The Sound, er, Vision of Music By: Lauren Moore, Houston Symphony Intern Have you ever wondered what goes through a musician’s head when he performs, or even just sits down practice? Sure, some musicians are strictly business, carefully calculating the numerous technical details they’ve so diligently practiced over and over. Others simply let … Continued
Installment 6: Tomorrow, Houston’s very own Mercedes Smith, principal flutist of the Houston Grand Opera will be competing alongside San Francisco Bay Area native and pianist, Stephanie Ng, along with eight other musicians for the chance of a life time for a young musician – the opportunity to perform a complete concerto with the Houston … Continued
Installment 5: From New York City, 26 year old violinist Clara Lyon, who is currently a D.M.A. student at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and a Juilliard alumna, will be putting her interests in classic rock, electronic music and rap aside to compete as a semi-finalist in the Ima Hogg Competition. … Continued
Installment 4: Two Russian pianists were selected as semi-finalists and will be joining us in Houston to compete in the Ima Hogg Competition. 29 year old Anna Keiserman attended The Moscow State Gnessius Academy and is currently a student at the University of Minnesota. Anna mentioned that she thought her English was pretty good until … Continued