Fearless virtuoso Leila Josefowicz brings “stunning brilliance and high-voltage presence” (LA Times) to Stravinsky’s daring and invigorating Violin Concerto with guest conductor Dalia Stasevska on April 18 & 19. Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto dates from 1931, a year far removed from the heady epoch that produced the Scherzo fantastique, The Firebird, and Stravinsky’s other famous works … The post Passport to Neoclassicism: Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto appeared first on Houston Symphony ..read more

After Rachmaninoff fled Russia in 1917, he composed only six original pieces during the remaining twenty-five years of his life. Having lost nearly everything in the revolution, he was determined to restore his family to its former standard of living as quickly as possible, which meant giving up composing in favor of pursuing a career … The post A Guide to Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini appeared first on Houston Symphony ..read more

Fairytales have long enchanted audiences, weaving stories of magic, adventure, and transformation. Yet, many of the tales we know and love today have undergone significant changes over time. The dark, often gruesome stories collected by the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, and others, have been softened into the family friendly versions made famous by Disney. … The post From Dark Beginnings to Disney Dreams: The Evolution of Fairytales in Story and Sound  appeared first on Houston Symphony ..read more

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions that women have made in society. From the inception of the Houston Symphony, women have played a vital role in shaping the organization. The Symphony was founded in 1913 by Ima Hogg, a visionary philanthropist and Houston area arts advocate. Under the … The post Celebrating Women’s History Month: Women in the Houston Symphony appeared first on Houston Symphony ..read more

Ever wonder how a major symphony orchestra goes about buying an instrument? When the Houston Symphony finds itself in need of a new piano, for instance, it can’t just go to the nearest mall music store, or scour the ads to pick up Aunt Xenobia’s used upright. This is an instrument that has to meet … The post Yefim Bronfman Steinway Piano Selection appeared first on Houston Symphony ..read more

Opera is one of the most profound and thriving art forms in classical music. The collaborative blend of voice and instrument create works of art that has allowed the practice to thrive throughout the centuries. As we gear up for Viva Italia! Opera Beyond Words on February 7 & 9, let’s take a glimpse beyond … The post How Italy Blossomed an Art: A Journey Through Opera appeared first on Houston Symphony ..read more

On April 12 & 13, vocalist Isabel Marie Sánchez joins the Houston Symphony for a celebration of the iconic music of Selena. Get tickets and more information here. A small, four-piece rhythm section waits on stage. The house lights are low. The red seats are empty. Isabel Marie Sánchez, a young vocalist with a gleaming smile, … The post Selena Symphony: An Orchestral Tribute to the Queen of Tejano appeared first on Houston Symphony ..read more

On Feb. 15 & 16, the Houston Symphony presents Duke Bluebeard's Castle featuring world-renowned singers Gábor Bretz and Ekaterina Gubanova. In this post, discover the dark secrets that lie behind Bartók's fascinating operatic masterpiece. Get tickets and more information here. Duke Bluebeard’s Castle is a miraculous accomplishment. The first efforts of most opera composers (Wagner, Verdi, … The post Dare to Enter…Bluebeard’s Castle appeared first on Houston Symphony ..read more

On January 11th and 12th, the Houston Symphony reunites once again with former music director, Christoph Eschenbach in celebration of his 85th birthday and Bruckner’s 200th anniversary birthday. Though they were born more than a century apart, Eschenbach shares a connection with Bruckner as if they were close friends. It has been recorded that Bruckner … The post Celebrating Birthday Stars: Eschenbach and Bruckner appeared first on Houston Symphony ..read more

Johann Strauss Johann Strauss Jr. Josef Strauss On December 7 & 8, the Houston Symphony presents A Viennese Waltz Christmas featuring pieces from the Strauss Family: Johann Strauss, Johann Strauss Jr., and Josef Strauss. Discover the relationship between the Strauss’s and a highlight of one of the most well-known operettas in classical history. The Strauss … The post From One Strauss to Another: History, Relationship, and The Bat appeared first on Houston Symphony ..read more