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"The Houston Symphony is an integral part of my Houston life. Each Season opening is like coming to visit a dear friend."- Frank Pugliese, Subscriber
"Each time I hear music, I am reminded of the miracle of creativity and co-operation behind the sounds I hear. The composer, the performers, the conductor and the audience each contribute their part to the whole experience."- Susan Giesecke, subscriber
"I appreciate all of the talent and hard work of your group and look forward to each season."- Pat McCutcheon, subscriber
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Monthly Archives: February 2011
Music is a part of our lives
Rita & Blair Justice
The Houston Symphony has been woven through our lives for decades. We’ve both served as trustees and on committee, had the pleasure of getting to know some of the musicians and their families, and many music directors. But it’s the musical experiences that fill our souls and hearts. Whether it’s Mahler or the Mariachi Orchestra, Pink Martini or Purcell, we are always grateful for our amazing symphony. Thank you, HSO!
-Rita & Blair Justice, donors and subscribers
Music makes you feel at home, no matter where you are
Mark in 1977
I have always enjoyed music. My parents had a subscription to the Houston Symphony for many years. My first memory of going to the Symphony was in junior high school. My family was downtown at an event that was not interesting to me so my dad bought me a ticket to the Symphony – it was summer and I was wearing shorts so the seat in the top balcony allowed me to enjoy the music without feeling too self-conscious.
Playing the trombone was a large part of my youth. I gave it my all when I competed in state competitions and performed with the marching band at school. A highlight was having the privilege of playing with the Houston Symphony at the Festival of Schools back in 1983 and 1984. Performing Tchaikovsky and Dvořák symphonies alongside Allen Barnhill is something I will never forget.
Photo courtesy of Mark Smith
Although I no longer play, music continues to have an influence on my life. My second date with my now wife was at the Houston Symphony. We have been subscribers ever since. Together we also experience music worldwide, from comedic Chinese opera, to the surprisingly melodic yet rudimentary instruments of Burkina Faso, to a quick weekend jaunt “across the pond” to hear the London Symphony’s rendition of Romeo and Juliet or the Proms in Gothenburg, Sweden. Even going on safari brings us to Maasai chants, Samburu instruments, and common church hymns with an African beat. Music has a way of making you feel at home wherever you are.
But we always enjoy coming home to Jones Hall to hear our Houston Symphony. I tend to like the large orchestral works while my wife favors chamber music, so the variety of music performed by the symphony is much enjoyed. Our favorite recent memory was at the end of the Verdi Requiem — the piece was so moving that instead of immediate applause the audience just sat in silence until the echoes from the music stopped. We look forward to many more moments in the future seasons.
-Mark Smith, donor and subscriber
