We sat down with longtime Symphony supporters, and upcoming 2023 Opening Night Concert and Gala chairs, Stephen and Mariglyn Glenn, to discuss their love of music, what they love most about the Houston Symphony community, and what guests should expect from next season’s Opening Night festivities. Do you have a background in music? If not, … Continued

Brahms and Dvořák were both great composers of the 19th century, but why pair them together in a concert? Read on to learn more about the relationship between Brahms and Dvořák ahead of the Houston Symphony’s concert of Brahms Piano Concerto & Dvořák Symphony No. 8 March 10–12. The relationship between mentor and mentee is … Continued

Hi, kids! Today we are going to talk about the beat in music using the “Imperial March” from Star Wars! But what exactly is a beat? I’m glad you asked! The beat in music is a steady pulse that you feel in your body, kind of like your heartbeat or a clock tick. It’s what … Continued

If you haven’t already, read the first part of the blog series! Continuing our decade-by-decade journey of 100 years of Broadway history, we begin with the 1960s to examine how each epoch of the last century put its distinct mark on the musicals you know and love today! Don’t forget to check out the first … Continued

Music is a universal language. Through music, we can connect and learn about the diverse perspectives of other cultures and lived experiences. The Houston Symphony is proud to highlight the repertoire of composers from diverse and historically underrepresented backgrounds. In 2020, we committed to include musical selections composed by women and people of color on … Continued

Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto was the last major instrumental composition he composed; it was likely premiered in Prague on October 16, 1791, less than two months before his untimely death at age 35. Mozart composed it for the clarinet virtuoso Anton Stadler, a friend and a fellow Free Mason. Little more is known of their relationship, … Continued

This Spring, the Houston Symphony presents not one, not two, but three tributes to different epochs of Broadway’s illustrious 100+ year history of musicals. From the rag-tag jazz influences of Cole Porter to the epic rock-opera ballads on the frontlines of the French Revolution, concert-goers are in store for a well-rounded revue of Broadway’s evolution … Continued

The 2022–23 Student Concert Series is back in full swing! Jones Hall recently welcomed back thousands of students for a series of exciting and educational Symphony concerts. As students wrap up their first semester and prepare for winter break, the HoustonSymphony is gearing up for even more concerts in the new year. The Student Concert … Continued

Thank you for sharing an incredible year with the Houston Symphony! We kicked off 2022 with world-renowned musical ensemble Pink Martini as part of our Bank of America POPS series and welcomed back former Houston Symphony Music Director Christoph Eschenbach to conduct Beethoven and Brahms Symphony No. 1.

The first of two festivals the Houston Symphony performs this season highlights some of the works that scandalized the artistic establishments of their day. Read on to learn more about the pieces the Symphony will perform during the Riots & Scandals Festival January 13–22 and others that had less than desirable performances. The Miraculous Mandarin … Continued

January 13–15 marks the first weekend of the Houston Symphony’s Riots & Scandals Festival, featuring works that scandalized the artistic establishments of their day paired with Yefim Bronfman’s interpretation of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Read on to discover this passionate, virtuoso cornerstone of the piano repertoire. All Voices at Once After a busy season … Continued

This January, the Houston Symphony presents its Riots & Scandals Festival, a two-week festival highlighting works that scandalized the artistic establishments of their day. The program on January 20, 21 & 22 features Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring and Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, played by the sensational Khatia Buniatishvili. Read on to discover one of … Continued

When our musicians are not on the Jones Hall stage playing for the Houston community, they are making memories with their family and friends. Here’s how some Houston Symphony orchestra and chorus members spend their holidays. Brinton Averil Smith Principal Cello Janice and Thomas Barrow Chair

Nothing says “holiday” like the Houston Symphony tradition of Very Merry Pops! This year, on December 15, 17, and 18, Broadway star N’Kenge joins the Symphony, Chorus, and creator of Very Merry Pops and former Houston Symphony Principal POPS conductor Michael Krajewski. We caught up with Conductor Krajewski to give you a sneak peek inside this … Continued

ABOVE: Community-Embedded Musician, Dave Connor, instructs DeLUXE K!ds students This past September, the Houston Symphony, in partnership with the 5th Ward Cultural Arts District’s DeLUXE Theater and the American Festival of the Arts (AFA), launched DeLUXE K!ds In Harmony, a community-based music education program that provides exceptional violin training and social development to elementary students … Continued

The orchestra librarian’s job is to guarantee that the right music is in the right place at the right time for all orchestral rehearsals and performances. Before each rehearsal begins, the Houston Symphony Librarians work closely with the Music Director and guest conductors to prepare the music for the orchestra, allowing rehearsal time to be … Continued