Sept. 19, 20 & 21

Opening Weekend: Valčuha Conducts Stravinsky’s Firebird

About This Concert

Inspired by the legend of The Firebird—a magical glowing bird from Slavic folklore—Stravinsky’s Firebird dazzles from first note to heart-pounding finale. It’s the music that made Stravinsky an overnight star, putting the world on notice that a genius had arrived. Soprano Angel Blue makes her Houston Symphony debut in Florent Schmitt’s beyond-epic Psalm 47, and a Julia Wolfe world premiere kicks off this celebratory, season-opening program.

What To Expect?

Celebration vibes! It’s Opening Weekend, and we’re pulling out all the stops with large-scale works filled with eye-popping spectacle and rafter-shaking sonic force. Be part of the glamour and excitement of Opening Night at Jones Hall.

Drama & Fire from its eerie opening to its glittering, explosive finale, Stravinsky’s revolutionary Firebird will leave you spellbound.

World-renowned for her lustrous voice, Grammy Award-winning soprano Angel Blue makes her Houston Symphony debut.

Tickets

In-Hall Tickets

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Friday, Sept. 19

7:30 P.M. at Jones Hall

Saturday, Sept. 20

7:30 P.M. at Jones Hall

Sunday, Sept. 21

2:00 P.M. at Jones Hall

Livestream Access

Saturday, Sept. 20

7:30 P.M. at Jones Hall

Your Music. Your Season. Your Way.

Pick 3 or more concerts and enjoy big savings with our Pick Your Own Subscriptions. Choose your favorite performances — in-hall or livestream — and save up to 43%. Click Here to Start Saving

Your Music. Your Season. Your Way.

Pick 3 or more concerts and enjoy big savings with our Pick Your Own Subscriptions. Choose your favorite performances — in-hall or livestream — and save up to 43%.

Click Here to Start Saving

Join us for the Houston Symphony’s Opening Night Concert and Gala 

On Friday, September 19, 2025. This event marks the start of the 2025–26 Season and the fourth year of Juraj Valčuha’s artistic leadership as Music Director and Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair. The evening begins with a champagne reception, followed by the Opening Night Concert at 7:30 PM.

After experiencing the magic of Firebird, guests will be transported to The Corinthian Houston for the Gala, featuring an elegant seated dinner with wines specially selected by Lindy and John Rydman of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods.

Artists

Juraj Valčuha

Juraj Valčuha

conductor

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Angel Blue

Angel Blue

soprano

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Anthony J. Maglione

Anthony J. Maglione

director, Houston Symphony Chorus

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Betsy Cook Weber

Betsy Cook Weber

artistic director, Houston Chamber Choir

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Houston Symphony Chorus

Houston Symphony Chorus

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Houston Chamber Choir

Houston Chamber Choir

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Sponsors

Concert Sponsor and Lead Gala Underwriter

Concert Sponsor and Lead Gala Underwriter

The Cullen Foundation Maestro's Fund

Grand Guarantor

Video enhancement of Houston Symphony concerts is made possible by the Albert & Ethel Herzstein Foundation through a special gift celebrating the foundation's 50th anniversary in 2015

Extras

Additional Information

Doors Open:

60 mins. pre-concert

Prelude:

45 mins. pre-concert

Duration

Approx 90 mins

Intermission

60 mins. pre-concert

Age Limit

Age 6+

Visitor Info

Parking and Directions

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In-Hall Experience

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Ticket Policies

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Accessibility

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