Professional musicians typically feel an intimate connection with their instruments. As vehicles for self-expression, musical instruments are like musicians’ voices, and after hours of practice, rehearsal, and performance, an instrument can begin to feel like a natural extension of a musician’s body. These precious works of art often have unique, even dramatic backstories, with mysterious … Continued
“Music is ultimately about sharing what you love with your audience.” On Friday, May 15, Brinton Averil Smith, principal cello invites online viewers into his home for a livestream performance with his wife, pianist Evelyn Chen, and their daughter, Calista Smith, a vocalist who is also trained as a violinist. Before their Living Room Concert, … Continued
On March 29, 30 and 31, Houston Symphony Principal Cello Brinton Averil Smith performs Eugen d’Albert’s passionate Cello Concerto. In this post, Brinton explains how a great cellist of the past inspired him to champion this unknown masterpiece. Get tickets and more information here. Eugen d’Albert’s Cello Concerto is something of a novelty today. Even most … Continued
Scandal has rocked the Houston Symphony after an anonymous source leaked disturbing photos that appear to depict a physical confrontation between Houston Symphony Principal Cellist Brinton Averil Smith and world-renowned cello superstar Yo-Yo Ma. The attack is alleged to have occurred after Ma’s sold-out, one-night-only appearance with the Houston Symphony last February. The cause of … Continued
What do Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony have in common? Answer: All three pieces went unplayed for decades only to become concert hall staples when rediscovered by later generations. This same process of musical rebirth will unfold at Jones Hall this April when Principal Cellist Brinton Averil Smith performs a … Continued
As part of Subscriber Appreciation Month, we reached out to two longtime subscribers, Ann Friedberg and Ben Newman, to ask them about their relationship with the Houston Symphony. Here’s what Ann had to say. Calvin Dotsey: When did you first become interested in classical music? Was there a special family member, friend or teacher who … Continued