Apocalyptic Prophecy: Rachmaninoff’s The Bells

On May 9, 11, and 12, the Houston Symphony presents Rachmaninoff’s The Bells, a monumental choral symphony that Rachmaninoff regarded as his best work. In this post, discover how this powerful work, inspired by the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe, prophesied the turmoil Russia would face in the 20th century. Get tickets and more information here. During … Continued

I <3 NYC: Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm" Variations

On May 9, 11, and 12, the Houston Symphony presents award-winning American pianist George Li in not one, but two virtuoso works for piano and orchestra. In this post, discover how the first of these pieces, George Gershwin’s delightful “I Got Rhythm” Variations, paints a picture of contemporary New York in sound. Get tickets and … Continued

The Bad Boy of St. Petersburg: Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 1

On May 9, 11, and 12, the Houston Symphony presents award-winning American pianist George Li in not one, but two virtuoso works for piano and orchestra. In this post, discover how the young Prokofiev flouted conventions and got the better of his professors with his Piano Concerto No. 1. Get tickets and more information here. One … Continued

Notes from the Soloist: Brinton Averil Smith on d’Albert’s Cello Concerto

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

The French Connection: The Houston Symphony Performs the Music of France

On March 8, 9 and 10, the Houston Symphony presents a delectable all-French program featuring mezzo-soprano Susan Graham and Debussy’s La mer. In this post, Grammy Award®-winning conductor Ludovic Morlot introduces listeners to this sumptuous repertoire. Get tickets and more information here. Bach. Beethoven. Brahms. Classical concert life is often dominated by Teutonic geniuses, but throughout history, … Continued

Virtuoso Passion: d’Albert’s Cello Concerto

On March 29, 30 and 31, the Houston Symphony presents Carl Orff’s spectacular masterpiece, Carmina Burana. Houston Symphony Principal Cello Brinton Averil Smith opens the concert with d’Albert’s passionate Cello Concerto. In this post, discover this virtuoso cello showpiece and the stormy love-life of the composer who wrote it. Get tickets and more information here. Even … Continued

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