What the Flowers and the Animals Told Mahler in his Symphony No. 3

On May 30, 31 & June 1, the Houston Symphony closes its 2024–25 Season with a sonic wonder unlike anything else in music: Mahler’s Symphony No. 3.  Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 radiates dynamism, charm and eloquence, and it closes with one of the most glowing slow movements in the orchestral repertoire. But let’s be … Continued

The Story of Mariachi Music Continued

This post is continued from a previous post, which you can read here. Last time, we discovered the Jaliscan origins of Mariachi music and the economic and social forces of industrialization and revolution that transformed the sound of Mariachi. The evolution of Mariachi music was far from complete, however; the plain clothes and humble status … Continued

Developing the Whole Child: The Houston Symphony Elementary Residency

After three years of transformative educational experiences at Crespo Elementary, the Houston Symphony is planning to transition our intensive Elementary Residency to a new Houston ISD school for the 2018-19 through 2020-21 school years. As we embark on this transition, we have the opportunity to reflect on all we’ve accomplished at Crespo. According to Crespo … 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

The Houston Symphony’s New Ima Hogg Competition Residency

Above: Joseph introduces the clarinet and performs Bartók melodies to support the classroom lesson as part of the Elementary Residency at Crespo presented by BBVA Compass. Many Houston Symphony fans will remember the astonishing performance of the Nielsen Clarinet Concerto that earned Joseph Morris the 2017 Ima Hogg Competition top prize, or the equally spectacular rendition … Continued