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
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
Social distancing is hard for everyone, but it’s especially challenging for musicians who live to play music together and share it with others. At the Houston Symphony, we cannot wait until we can safely play concerts for you again, but until then, here’s an update from the members of the orchestra. What activities have you … Continued
Earlier this month, Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada paid his first visit to the new campus of Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, just a few blocks from Jones Hall in downtown Houston. “The energy that was in the room was so huge,” said Kinder HSPVA senior Nicholas Wesley, who plays viola. “His … Continued
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
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