Staff Picks for the 2025–26 Season

July 14, 2025

Staff Picks for the 2025–26 Season

Our new season is just one month away (and we’re counting down the days!) Need a little help deciding which concerts to see? Houston Symphony staff members are here for you! Read on for a few of their top concert picks.

“I’m looking forward to The Music of Elvis. Elvis was my grandpa's favorite singer, so it'll be sentimental to hear those songs I grew up listening to with him.” –Alex Canales, Development Ticketing Concierge

“I'm most excited for my favorite large scale repertoire—Stravinsky's Firebird, Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10, Mahler's Symphony No. 9. These pieces are beautiful and so demanding, and I know our terrific Houston Symphony is more than up to the task!” –Katie Salvatore, Major Gifts Officer

“I'm excited most for The Planets, Icon: The Voices That Changed Music, and Elf in Concert!” –Mariah Martinez, Email Marketing Coordinator

“The season opener with Firebird, followed by Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7!” –Cedric Leazene Mayfield, Education & Community Engagement Project Manager, Evaluation

"The Music of Billy Joel!" –Priya Kurup, Senior Associate, Group Sales

“I am excited to see Disney’s Fantasia, along with 100 Years of Epic Film Scores. I absolutely love film music, and the addition of the chorus to this program is intriguing.” –Tanya Lovetro, Director of Budgeting and Financial Reporting

“I’m looking forward to the concert featuring Grieg’s Peer Gynt. It’s one of the works that first “hooked” me on classical music as a child, and it’s captivating music that draws you in.” –Katy Judd, Director of Marketing

“Tristan and Isolde: Juraj conducting the Houston Symphony in Wagner with that cast (!!!).” –Eric Skelly, Sr. Director of Communications

“I’m excited for Joshua Bell’s return.” –Heather Fails, Database Administrator

“Mahler 9, Shostakovich 10, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert, and 100 Years of Iconic Film Scores.”–Meghan Miller, Special Events Associate