On March 14 and 15, the Houston Symphony presents John Adams’ El Niño, which features spectacular guest soloists along with the Houston Symphony Chorus. A special addition for this production: 25 members of the Houston Grand Opera Children’s Chorus, who range in age from 10 to 17. We talked with both chorus directors—Betsy Cook Weber, Houston … Continued
Even longtime Houston Symphony subscribers may be surprised to learn that Houston Symphony Chorus members are all volunteers. Led by Houston Symphony Chorus Director Betsy Cook Weber, the Chorus features gifted vocalists from all walks of life, each bringing their passion for music to every performance. From a German-language cantata to a contemporary Spanish-language oratorio, … Continued
From Harry Potter to Carmina Burana, from Mahler to Messiah: the 2018–19 Season challenged Houston Symphony Chorus and made for a memorable year. Houston Symphony Chorus Director Betsy Cook Weber and Chorus Manager Anna Diemer share their favorite moments from last season, with a look ahead to what’s coming up next—including auditions open to all … Continued
In June, 40 singers from the Houston Symphony Chorus joined Chorus Director Betsy Cook Weber and Chorus Manager Anna Diemer for a concert tour across Poland and Germany. In this post, Anna shares memories of the trip. Our unforgettable June tour—five concerts in five cities!—culminated with an invitation to sing at the Bach Festival in … Continued
“It almost unfolds like a flower—you can almost see and hear the generations of believers for whom the kingdom of heaven has been opened.” That’s how HS Chorus Director Betsy Cook Weber describes one of her favorite choral masterpieces, Bruckner’s Te Deum. This major work has inspired many attempts to translate its heavenly beauty into … Continued
The Houston Symphony has made its home in the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts since it opened on October 2, 1966. The Story Behind Jones Hall Jones Hall is named after a man who financed extensive construction in downtown Houston, published the Houston Chronicle, and served in the Federal Government during the Great Depression … Continued
On September 29 and October 1 & 2, 2016, the Houston Symphony performs Haydn’s masterpiece, The Creation. Learn more about the concert here. When it comes to grand choral works from the classical era, most symphony fans will immediately think of Mozart’s Requiem. Full of darkness, terror and passages of transcendent beauty, this is one … 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
By: Aurelie Desmarais Senior Director, Artistic Planning Houston Symphony When the calm of a beautiful morning was shattered on September 11, 2001, it seemed that all normal activity would cease. It was impossible to imagine that regular life would, or could, continue. Yet in the aftermath of this history-altering day, the instinct to move forward … Continued
What is it about Handel’s Messiah that makes it such an amazing masterpiece year after year? At first blush, performing the same piece each season could become repetitive and less interesting, but it doesn’t. How can a piece of music feel different each time you perform it, even though nothing on the page has changed … 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
The anticipation is palpable here at the Houston Symphony. Everyone is buzzing about this weekend’s upcoming performances of The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses. Check out a preview of what’s in store here: Balcony seats are now available for Friday and Saturday nights! But hurry, tickets are going quickly!
On Sunday morning, the Houston Symphony announced its upcoming 2011-12 season of Classical, Pops and Family concerts. In line with the Symphony’s mission, enriching concerts fill each weekend with inspiration and bring innovative, first-class performances to the extensive cultural scene in Houston. Dynamic guest artists, Music Director Hans Graf and Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski … Continued
As I pondered this entry earlier this week, I was determined to explain why I have done Messiah for 23 straight years, especially due to my original wandering from section to section (Tenor2 to Bass1 to Bass2, back to Tenor2) since my joining the Chorus in 1986. But then I noticed that the other bloggers … Continued
This next post comes from William McCallum, who has been a Houston Symphony Chorister for over 12 years! I have been a member of the Houston Symphony Chorus for over 12 years and this will be my eighth season singing Messiah. During the day I am an internal medicine physician and work predominantly with cancer … Continued
Ahead of the orchestra’s performances of Handel’s Messiah in Candlelight this weekend, we invited members of the Houston Symphony Chorus (who, by the way, just celebrated their 1000th performance!), to write about their experience preparing for such a huge piece. Our first entry comes from Susan Scarrow, the manager of the Houston Symphony Chorus. In … Continued