While gearing up for the start of our 2019–20 season in September, we asked our musicians which concerts they are most excited about this year. From Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess and Mahler’s epic Seventh Symphony to Hamilton’s Renée Elise Goldsberry and John Williams’s classics, discover what Houston Symphony musicians are most looking forward to!
CLASSICAL FAVORITES
Gershwin’s Piano Concerto & Porgy and Bess September 27, 28 & 29, 2019
“I’m especially looking forward to Catfish Row: Symphonic Suite from Porgy and Bess. Gershwin is one of my favorite composers, and Porgy and Bess is among the most inspired things he wrote—it’s great American music!” —Allen Barnhill, principal trombone
All-Strauss Thanksgiving November 29 & 30 + December 1, 2019
“Double bassists especially love playing the challenging and thrilling orchestral themes in Death and Transfiguration, Don Juan, and Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks. The hauntingly beautiful Four Last Songs with renowned soprano Miah Persson rounds out a perfect Richard Strauss concert!” —Michael McMurray, double bass
Shaham Plays Brahms December 5, 7 & 8, 2019
“Gil Shaham is one of the absolute best violinists today, and to be able to play one of the best violin concertos with him and Andrés will be special. I have to add, the Brahms violin concerto has one of the most important second bassoon excerpts, and I am looking forward to playing it!” —Elise Wagner, bassoon
Paganini + Pines of Rome January 9, 11 & 12, 2020
“Guest conductor Jader Bignamini is a rising star—and, like me, a clarinetist! I have heard so many wonderful things about his musicianship, and the program that he has chosen will certainly show off our terrific orchestra.” —Mark Nuccio, principal clarinet
“What I am most looking forward to is the amazing Augustin Hadelich—his technique is out of this world.” —Rodica Gonzalez, first violin
Schumann Festival February 8, 9, 13, 15 & 16, 2020
“The Schumann Festival, which encompasses all four of his symphonies, is a personal highlight. I always savor the chance to dive into a singular composer’s inner world. Schumann’s music is warm and elegant, full of grace and ease. And who would dare miss the gorgeous horn and trombone chorale in his Rhenish Symphony?” —Joan DerHovsepian, associate principal viola
Andrés Conducts Mahler 7 April 3, 4 & 5, 2020
“Mahler’s Symphony No. 7 is a piece that is not performed often enough. With leadership from our wonderful music director, Andres Orozco-Estrada, it is guaranteed to be a huge crowd pleaser near the end of the season.” —Mark Nuccio, principal clarinet
“I have never even had the opportunity to hear it live, much less play it. It is sure to be an unforgettable weekend.” —Robin Kesselman, principal double bass
“Mahler 7, period.” —Mark Hughes, principal trumpet
POPS PICKS
Renée Elise Goldsberry September 6, 7 & 8, 2019
“It’s hard for me to pick a favorite, I love everything, but I can say our season opener is going to be very special. We get to work with the fantastic Broadway artist Renée Elise Goldsberry. She’s the Tony Award-winning actress who originated the role of Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway musical smash-hit, Hamilton, so you’re going to be getting a lot of amazing Broadway music and some other potential surprises.” —Steven Reineke, principal POPS conductor
Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey October 11, 12 & 13, 2019
“There are so many exciting concerts this year in our POPS Series, but the one I am most looking forward to is Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey. I own and have used his guidebooks whenever I am on tour with an orchestra in an unfamiliar European city! I am eager to have the opportunity to work with Rick Steves and piece together my two passions, music and travel, into one unforgettable symphonic journey.” —Tim Dilenschneider, associate principal double bass
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back—In Concert November 8, 9 & 10, 2019
“I’m excited about this concert because it features my favorite Galactic Bad Guy: Darth Vader. Plus, Luke Skywalker grows up and matures in his Force abilities. Add to that my favorite Star Wars musical score by John Williams, and it’s a winner!” —Michael McMurray, double bass
“I am looking forward to Empire Strikes Back. Why? This doesn’t need an explanation, it’s Star Wars!” —Elise Wagner, bassoon
Sinatra and Beyond January 3, 4 & 5, 2020
“I am most excited about Sinatra and Beyond. Nothing beats Tony DeSare’s jazz-style piano playing.” —Rodica Gonzalez, first violin
Aretha: Queen of Soul April 17, 18 & 19, 2020
“I’m excited about our guest artist, Capathia Jenkins. I’ll never forget her voice from her performance with us last year—powerful, impassioned, and defiant, just like Aretha.” —Maki Kubota, cello
The Best of John Williams: Star Wars & More With Chorus! May 22, 23 & 24, 2020
“John Williams is one of the most important composers of his generation, and the Houston Symphony Chorus is excited to participate in what promises to be a fabulous evening of ‘Oh! I didn’t know he wrote that, too!’” —Betsy Cook Weber, director, Houston Symphony Chorus
“Anything John Williams related!” —Robin Kesselman, principal double bass
View the full season and subscribe or get tickets today at houstonsymphony.org
