I’m looking forward to the challenges of performing Wozzeck in early March. The work has a unique place in the repertoire, offering challenges (and rewards!) to every performer. During his tenure as Music Director, Hans Graf has frequently mentioned his desire to present the opera. I’m gratified to see his vision fulfilled. As your friendly … Continued
I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to learn and perform Alban Berg’s Wozzeck. This is one of the truly great works of art of the 20th century and yet, although nearly 100 years old, it is still so bracingly innovative that it continues to be a tremendous challenge for audiences and musicians alike. Therefore … Continued
As I have done many times in the past, I recently visited a high school in southern Texas. Their school’s choir had been chosen to sing for 3,000-4,000 audience members at our most recent Houston Symphony Family concert, Aladdin & the Arabian Nights. The air was filled with energy and anticipation. As I was being … Continued
One of my favorite things about conducting education concerts is the time just before the concert starts. I have made it my practice to stand in the lobby and greet our young concert attendees (usually with a bottle of hand sanitizer in my pocket) as they enter the lobby. I do this for a few … Continued
By: Dr. Dominic A. Aquila Vice President, Academic Affairs University of St. Thomas The Houston Symphony’s January 22nd program is a rich offering of French and Russian music from the first quarter of the 20th-century. Among many other qualities, the program’s three pieces–Stravinsky’s Firebird, Ravel’s Pavane, and Ravel’s orchestration of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition–reflect … Continued
One of the oldest projects of the Houston Symphony League, this competition was open to student musicians 18 years of age or younger who had not yet graduated from high school and who played any standard orchestral instrument or piano. This year’s competition took place at the Moores School of Music at the University of … Continued
I have a theory that people have two modes of existence. One is to do, and the other is to think. Some people are so focused on thinking about what they can or can’t do that they simply become ineffective or inactive. Conversely, others seem to do a lot, but don’t take the time to … Continued
In Houston, we are blessed with a vibrant arts community, providing a multitude of performing arts opportunities where new memories will be made in this joyous season. At the University of St. Thomas, we look forward to adding another bright star to the performing arts community tree with our planned Performing Arts Center. We at … Continued
It’s a new year and a time for new beginnings. In the spirit of newness, we thought we’d take a new approach for an interview with our featured soloists for next weekend’s performances of Copland’s Quiet City, on the same concert program as Dvořák’s New World Symphony. Read on as two of our own musicians … Continued
2013 — a great year to begin playing an instrument! The sounds of an instrument being played for the first time may not exactly be beautiful, but in just a few years of studying music, the benefits truly last a lifetime. Here are a few articles we found that describe research showing the effects of … Continued
This month, the Houston Symphony will begin its 2013 series of concerts with an exciting weekend of performances featuring American themed music. “The concert program is really a commentary on Hans Graf’s time here in the United States,” stated Aurelie Desmarais, the Houston Symphony’s senior director of Artistic Planning. “He is an Austrian trained conductor … Continued
What is it about Handel’s Messiah that makes it such an amazing masterpiece year after year? At first blush, performing the same piece each season could become repetitive and less interesting, but it doesn’t. How can a piece of music feel different each time you perform it, even though nothing on the page has changed … Continued
In just over a week’s time on November 28th, the Houston Symphony will have the exciting opportunity to perform once more with one of the world’s most inspiring operatic legends: Andrea Bocelli. Bocelli was last in Houston in December of 2010, and is returning by popular demand. The Tuscany native, who suffered the loss of … Continued
November is Subscriber Appreciation Month! It is subscriber appreciation month at the Houston Symphony. All month, we are celebrating the loyalty and contributions of our many dedicated subscribers by recognizing you with inserts in our November magazine at each concert. Please know how much we value the trust you place in us to provide you … Continued
Congratulations- you’ve got tickets to the Houston Symphony! But whether you’re a multi-year subscriber or a first time single ticket buyer, you may still be unaware of all of the things the Houston Symphony has to offer in addition to your tickets, often at little to no additional charge. Check the Symphony Secrets category of … Continued
Congratulations- you’ve got tickets to the Houston Symphony! But whether you’re a multi-year subscriber or a first time single ticket buyer, you may still be unaware of all of the things the Houston Symphony has to offer in addition to your tickets, often at little to no additional charge. Check the Symphony Secrets category of … Continued
Congratulations- you’ve got tickets to the Houston Symphony! But whether you’re a multi-year subscriber or a first time single ticket buyer, you may still be unaware of all of the things the Houston Symphony has to offer in addition to your tickets, often at little to no additional charge. Check the Symphony Secrets category of … Continued
Perhaps you’ve heard some of the buzz about The Midtown Men. You’ve seen a few photos of them looking as sharp and snazzy as Frankie Valli. You may have even seen one of their fantastic and entertaining YouTube videos. But the question remains: who are these Midtown Men and what makes their show so great? … Continued
JOHN GOBERMAN, producer of our upcoming performance of The Wizard of Oz- Film with Live Orchestra, is probably best known as the creator of LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER. Now in its 35th season, this award-winning series of television specials has brought the finest of the performing arts to American audiences. To produce the series, Mr. … Continued
When I first heard that we might be presenting The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, I think I leapt out of my chair and proclaimed that we HAD to do it! You see, I’ve loved video games for a very long time and the Zelda series is one of my all time favorites. … Continued