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 forward to the performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 (Sept. 13, 15 & 16). The big symphonies of Mahler show off an orchestra’s prowess. There is a sensation shortly into the first movement, as in most epic tales, when you suddenly feel a journey has started and there’s no turning back. The piece in live performance takes on a life of its own.” —Joan DerHovsepian, Associate Principal Viola
2) Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
“In addition to all of our concerts with Andrés, I’m really looking forward to Fabien Gabel’s concert (Oct. 26–28). The suites of Bernard Herrmann and Korngold represent the film music of two of the greatest film composers of all time and in the case of Korngold, I think one of the greatest composers, period. Paired with Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto and Tempest Suite and conducted by one of our favorite guest conductors, this should be a very special week.” —Brinton Averil Smith, Principal Cello
3) The Seven Deadly Sins
“I am looking forward to Kurt Weill’s The Seven Deadly Sins (Nov. 2–4) which is a fabulous, not often played theatrical/symphonic work. The concert features Storm Large who is an electric performer.” —Daniel Strba, Viola
4) The Ella Fitzgerald Songbook
“The Ella Fitzgerald Songbook (Valentine’s Day weekend). I love the music and the singers!” —Anne Leek, Associate Principal Oboe
5) Eschenbach and Josefowicz
“Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony with Christoph Eschenbach (Feb. 28, March 2 & 3). The magic Christoph shared with the Houston Symphony is still palpable and Bruckner’s Fourth was a work that we toured Europe with back in 1997, so it will be amazing to recreate this with our beloved former Maestro.” —William VerMeulen, Principal Horn
6) Bluebeard’s Castle
“Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle (May 16 & 17). It is something that most people only get to play or hear once in a lifetime; it’s an epic piece and has amazing soloists!” —Mark Nuccio, Principal Clarinet
“I am most looking forward to Bluebeard’s Castle. Bartók’s musical language is such an appealing and unique combination of folk melodies, complex harmonies and unusual rhythms. I have always enjoyed Bluebeard’s Castle, but I have not yet performed it!” —Richard Harris, Trumpet
Click here to browse these musician picks and more! Want the best price? Mix-and-match 4 or more of your own picks from our Classical and/or Pops concerts as part of a “Pick Your Own” package, or choose one of our specially curated subscription packages. You’ll enjoy the best seats, exclusive benefits and up to 25% off single ticket prices!
