A Jazzy Classic: Gershwin’s Influence on Classical Music

On September 30 and October 1 and 2, the Houston Symphony presents Gershwin Concerto in F, featuring Sibelius’s Symphony No. 1 and Gershwin’s Concerto in F, one of Gershwin’s many pieces that brought jazz into the classical world. One year after writing his fusion of jazz and classical music, Gershwin set out to show the … Continued

A Sequel to Rhapsody in Blue: Gershwin’s Piano Concerto

On September 27, 28, and 29, Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada presents Gershwin’s Piano Concerto & Porgy and Bess, a concert of 20th-century masterpieces from the Western hemisphere. Our guest artist is world-renowned pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, who performs Gershwin’s jazzy Piano Concerto in F. In this post, discover this uniquely American showpiece for piano and orchestra. … 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

A Kaleidoscope of America: Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue

On January 4, 5 and 6, conductor and pianist Jeffrey Kahane performs Gershwin’s legendary Rhapsody in Blue in its rarely heard original form for jazz band and piano. In this post, discover the circumstances surrounding the genesis of this iconic masterpiece. Get tickets and more information here. On January 3, 1924, the Gershwin brothers were … Continued

A Classical Veterans Day Playlist

Celebrate Veterans Day the classical way with this playlist of great American music. We hope this selection of familiar favorites and hidden gems brings the joy of music to your day. If you like having the freedom to listen to whatever music you want—thank a veteran! Copland: Lincoln Portrait Composed in 1942, Copland’s Lincoln Portrait … Continued