Dare to Enter…Bluebeard’s Castle

On Feb. 15 & 16, the Houston Symphony presents Duke Bluebeard’s Castle featuring world-renowned singers Gábor Bretz and Ekaterina Gubanova. In this post, discover the dark secrets that lie behind Bartók’s fascinating operatic masterpiece. Get tickets and more information here. Duke Bluebeard’s Castle is a miraculous accomplishment. The first efforts of most opera composers (Wagner, Verdi, … Continued

Becoming Judith: Michelle DeYoung on Bluebeard’s Castle

On May 16 and 17, the Houston Symphony presents a spectacular, semi-staged production of Bluebeard’s Castle featuring world-renowned singers Michelle DeYoung and Matthias Goerne. In this post, star mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung discusses her take on the role of Judith in Bartók’s fascinating operatic masterpiece. Get tickets and more information here. “I think it’s one of the greatest pieces … Continued

Inside Bluebeard’s Castle: Bringing Bartók’s Masterpiece to Life

On May 16 and 17, the Houston Symphony presents a spectacular, semi-staged production of Bluebeard’s Castle featuring world-renowned singers Michelle DeYoung and Matthias Goerne. In this post, the production’s creative director, Adam Larsen, discusses his vision for Bartók’s fascinating operatic masterpiece. Get tickets and more information here. When we asked the musicians of the Houston Symphony which concerts … Continued

Top 6 Musicians’ Picks of the 2018-19 Season

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 … Continued

Modern Times: Bartók’s Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta

In 1934, the Swiss conductor Paul Sacher married Maja Stehlin, the widow who had inherited the Roche pharmaceutical fortune. Finding himself now one of the richest men in the world, Sacher poured his wealth into one of his greatest passions: new music. In 1926, Sacher had founded the Basle Chamber Orchestra, an ensemble dedicated to … Continued

A salute to Mexico’s Independence

Intern Keith has returned to the blogosphere to give us a little bit of history on some of the Mexican composers we’ll feature during Sunday’s Chevron Fiesta Sinfonica concert. The concert is set to begin at 6 p.m. and is FREE to the public. Even the astute music lover can’t be faulted for missing some … Continued