Michael Cavanaugh’s Big Break

Have you ever seen a movie where the “small town” musician gets their big break when a famous rock star notices them at a dive bar? That’s exactly what happened to Michael Cavanaugh! We caught up with piano-and-vocal talent Michael Cavanaugh ahead of his performance with the Symphony January 6, 7 & 8. Read below to … Continued

Inside the Music of Fantasia

For many, Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 were their first introduction to classical music. Through a combination of both widely-known and lesser-recognized pieces outside the classical music world with groundbreaking animation, these motion pictures are immortalized as part of Disney’s legacy. Read about the program below before seeing the stunning visuals and live music performed by the Houston Symphony … Continued

The Making of Fantasia: Disney’s Masterpiece

For many of us, Disney’s Fantasia was our first introduction to the playground of the imagination that is the orchestra. Walt Disney himself said, “In a profession that has been an unending voyage of discovery in the realms of color, sound and motion, Fantasia represents our most exciting adventure.” The story of how Disney’s most … Continued

Oh the Places We’ll Go: A Houston Symphony European Tour Itinerary

Led by Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada and joined by violin paragon Hilary Hahn, the Houston Symphony takes its talents to Europe March 9–March 19, 2018. One fantastic orchestra will tour eight illustrious cities and eight of the world’s most renowned concert halls and festivals. Klarafestival at BOZAR March 9 • Brussels, Belgium The Houston Symphony’s … Continued

Backstage Pass: Donald Howey, bass

Donald Howey, a member of the Houston Symphony since 1999, has performed with the Grand Teton Music Festival and the Sun Valley Summer Symphony and has been principal and soloist with the Houston Chamber Orchestra. He began playing the bass at age 15 in his hometown of Sudbury, Massachusetts.  Howey completed his Master’s degree in … Continued

Backstage Pass with Allen Barnhill, Principal Trombone

Principal Trombonist with the Houston Symphony, Allen Barnhill joined the orchestra in 1977 and has appeared as a soloist on numerous occasions. Winner of the Swiss Prize in the 1979 Geneva International Solo Competition, he was also featured in the 2008 world premiere of Cindy McTee’s Solstice for Trombone and Orchestra. As an ensemble collaborator, … Continued