Even longtime Houston Symphony subscribers may be surprised to learn that Houston Symphony Chorus members are all volunteers. Led by Houston Symphony Chorus Director Betsy Cook Weber, the Chorus features gifted vocalists from all walks of life, each bringing their passion for music to every performance.
From a German-language cantata to a contemporary Spanish-language oratorio, to film scores by John Williams, the Chorus must be able to perform a huge variety of music—which perfectly suits the talented, hard-working vocalists. Here are just a few of the stories of the approximately 230 Houston Symphony Chorus members you will see and hear this season, beginning with Mendelssohn & Mahler on October 4–6.
Randy Eckman, tenor
“Maintaining a warm social atmosphere enables you to be vulnerable on stage with your 150 closest friends.”
Chorus member since: 2015
Occupation: Aerospace engineer
Chorus role: I am the newly appointed social chair. It’s important as performers to stay engaged with the joy inside that energizes our performance, so maintaining a warm social atmosphere helps with that and really enables you to be vulnerable on stage with your 150 closest friends.
Which concert are you most looking forward to this season?
Hard to pick! Probably Beethoven + López. Beethoven has always been my favorite composer, and it will be exciting to explore his Choral Fantasy. Additionally, I had the privilege of meeting Jimmy López Bellido earlier this year. I also happen to be a fan of his work, so it will be meaningful for me to get to perform his Dreamers Oratorio.
Of the pieces you have performed with the Symphony, which has been your favorite?
Easily Dvořák’s Te Deum. It’s such a beautifully orchestrated piece, and it’s so emotionally dynamic. It was the first Houston Symphony concert after Hurricane Harvey. You could tell how meaningful it was for the audience to have this music to help process what we had all just experienced. It was just as meaningful for us to finally be performing again after that crazy time!
Michael Kessler, bass/baritone
“I love doing big music, in a big way, at a high level.”
Chorus member since: 2014
Occupation: Head choir director at Pearland High School
As a vocalist who performs professionally, why is it important to you to continue to volunteer for the Houston Symphony Chorus?
I first started with the Chorus because I didn’t want to be the kind of choir director who got into it because they love singing, but then doesn’t sing anymore. I’ve continued because I love doing big music, in a big way, at a high level. There isn’t another organization in the city that can offer what the Chorus does: the chance to perform exquisite choral/orchestral works with some of the very best musicians in the world. And even if there was another group that could offer something similar, they wouldn’t have Betsy Cook Weber. She’s a constant inspiration to me. Even at studying under her for five years at the University of Houston, I still learn something new every time I work with her and that makes me a better singer, teacher, director, and conductor.
Which concert are you most looking forward to this season?
I always enjoy learning new music. I’m particularly looking forward to Mendelssohn & Mahler and Beethoven + López, because I’ve never performed this music before.
Of the pieces you have performed with the Symphony, which has been your favorite?
I love Verdi’s Requiem. There are few pieces of music in my mind that are as emotionally raw and visceral as that work.
Brian Lassinger, bass
“We forged closeness and memories that will last a long time.”
Chorus member since: 2014
Occupation: Physician assistant
How was this summer’s trip to Europe with the Chorus?
It was astounding to perform with regional orchestra and soloists under the direction of our intrepid leader Betsy Cook Weber. I think the best times for me were spending time with different groups and individuals from the Chorus, whether we were seeing the sights of Europe together or I was sitting beside somebody on the bus. We forged closeness and memories that will last a long time.
Which concert are you most looking forward to this season?
Mendelssohn & Mahler! This is the first major work of either of these composers that I will be performing. They were such masters of choral craft.
Of the pieces you have performed with the Symphony, which has been your favorite?
Brahms’s A German Requiem. This piece, in its seven movements, towers above all the others I think because of its beautiful cadences, rich and accessible harmonies, and overall tone of great peace and triumph.
Jim Moore, tenor
“Participation requires much more dedication and commitment.”
Chorus member since: 2003
Occupation: Retired from insurance industry; former vocal music teacher
How has the Houston Symphony Chorus changed over the years?
Quality has greatly improved. Participation requires much more dedication and commitment.
Which concert are you most looking forward to this season?
Singing with Andrea Bocelli is always an amazing experience, and one I look forward to with joyful anticipation!
Of the pieces you have performed with the Symphony, which has been your favorite?
Mozart’s Requiem. The sheer genius of this piece, coupled with amazing melodies, makes it my favorite of all time.
Carolyn Rogan, alto
“My association with the Chorus and Symphony has truly enriched my life.”
Chorus member since: 1986, when it was called the “Houston Symphony Chorale.” I’m now in my 34th consecutive season and credited with 819 concerts sung!
Occupation: Retired, after working many years in the “Oil Patch” as an executive assistant
How has the Houston Symphony Chorus changed over the years?
It has been my honor and privilege to make music with three exceptional chorus directors, each unique in his or her own way: Virginia Babikian, a renowned soprano; Dr. Charles Hausmann, who served for 28 years; and now Betsy Cook Weber—under her direction, our musicianship has never been better than it is now! I’m certain that the Chorus will continue to improve under her excellent leadership. My association with the Chorus and Symphony has truly enriched my life!
Which concert are you most looking forward to this season?
I enjoy learning new works, so I’m especially pleased to be selected to sing John Adams’s El Niño and Jimmy López Bellido’s Dreamers Oratorio.
Of the pieces you have performed with the Symphony, which has been your favorite?
In 1989, Maestro Christoph Eschenbach directed Mahler’s Resurrection. I still remember the emotions I experienced during our first rehearsal with the orchestra; the combination of Mahler and Eschenbach was almost overwhelming.
Kat White, alto
“To lose your sense of self in a mass of sound—it was a profound experience I’ll never forget.”
Chorus member since: 2013
Occupation: Grant writer for the Houston Zoo
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve been to about two dozen countries, and wherever I go, the weirdest adventures seem to find me. There’s the time I white-knuckled it through Beijing traffic in a sidecar driven by a mad Frenchman; the time I explored Puebla with a professional nude model-turned-aspiring clown who I met on the plane; and, of course, the trip to Croatia with my Czech rugby team, where we played against a Bosnian team made up of UN peacekeepers from the United Kingdom. I can’t explain it. I’m a magnet for hijinks.
Which concert are you most looking forward to this season?
Very Merry Pops. I’m a sucker for holiday cheer!
Of the pieces you have performed with the Symphony, which has been your favorite?
Performing Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand with Christoph Eschenbach and 430 musicians on stage. To have that many voices moving as one under the lightest flick of the baton—to lose your sense of self in a mass of sound— it was a profound experience I’ll never forget.
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