In this special multi-week festival, Music Director Juraj Valčuha leads two programs that fearlessly embrace the full gamut of emotion, from the earth-shattering power of Mahler 6 to the heart-pounding triumph of Beethoven’s Eroica.
Tragedy & Triumph Festival: Valčuha Conducts Mahler 6
MARCH 15–17
Immense and intense: the full forces of the orchestra amass in Jones Hall for the all-encompassing drama of Mahler’s darkest symphony, culminating in the sonic and visual spectacle of earth-shattering “hammer blows of fate.”
Tragedy & Triumph Festival: Mozart + Beethoven’s Eroica
MARCH 22–24
Beethoven’s groundbreaking Eroica Symphony commands our attention from the dramatic opening chords to the triumphant conclusion. Seven-time Grammy Award-winner Emanuel Ax shines in Mozart’s exquisite Piano Concerto No. 25. Dedicated to her late father, Missy Mazzoli’s These Worlds in Us offers a powerful meditation on memory, grief, and joy.
Now through March 17, buy both concerts and save 25%!
Promo code: TRIUMPHANT
Week 1: Valčuha Conducts Mahler 6
What to expect:
- An epic, immersive experience channeling the full power of a huge orchestra
- A unique sonic and visual spectacle: Mahler 6 famously ends with “hammer blows of fate”—literal hammer blows performed by a percussion instrument invented just for this symphony
- A thrilling showcase for the Symphony’s virtuosity
Week 2: Mozart + Beethoven’s Eroica
What to expect:
- An unforgettable performance of one of Beethoven’s most beloved masterpieces
- Breathtaking music of Mozart, performed by seven-time Grammy Award-winner Emanuel Ax
- Music by “Brooklyn’s post-millennial Mozart” (Time Out New York), Missy Mazzoli
About the concerts:
PRE-CONCERT CHAMBER MUSIC
Before each Tragedy & Triumph Festival performance, enjoy an intimate chamber music performance with members of the Houston Symphony. Presented in Jones Hall, these performances replace the pre-concert talk and will begin at 7:15 p.m. on Friday/Saturday, and at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday.
MARCH 15, 16 & 17:
MAHLER Quartet for Piano and Strings in A minor
Featuring Yoonshin Song (violin), Joan DerHovsepian (viola), Brinton Averil Smith (cello), and Scott Holshouser (piano)
MARCH 22, 23 & 24:
MOZART Quintet for Piano and Winds in E-flat major
BEETHOVEN Quintet for Piano and Winds in E-flat major
Featuring Anne Leek (oboe), Christian Schubert (clarinet), Rian Craypo (bassoon), Ian Mayton (horn), and Tingting Yao (piano)
It's important to us that you have a great experience from the moment you walk into Jones Hall. Read our FAQ page for more on what to expect at your concert, or call or text our Patron Services team at 713-224-7575. We look forward to seeing you soon!
