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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: November 2011
Introducing newbies to Symphony was “ultimate” for Floyd
Creative Commons License photo credit: Ovi G
I am from south-central Pennsylvania and how I got interested in symphonies is perhaps typical of many in my age group and from the area in which I was raised.
I am from a small town close to Gettysburg. I began singing at a very young age much to the chagrin of my sister. Our musical tastes were so different!
Leonard Bernstein rescued me on Saturday mornings with his Young People’s Concerts. Wow – I was transported to another world. I not only got to hear beautiful music, I was educated as to all the instruments and their place in a symphony. I was more than turned on to the symphony. I was imbued with it.
I have been a subscriber for a number of years to the Houston Symphony and am proud to be. For me, the best symphony took place last year when I had tickets for a performance but could not attend. I gave my two tickets to a University of Houston student who took his girlfriend, a University of St Thomas student. This was a first time for either to attend a symphony. For me their excitement transported me back to my first attendance at a symphony in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The U of H student sent me so many text messages the evening he and his girlfriend attended. Of course, I reminded him of phone decorum and do think he adhered to all the rules and regulations.
Seeing and hearing the symphony from two who never attended was for me the ultimate. I so wish I could expose more to our great symphony. Sometimes, all it takes is one experience. I was fortunate, I was a self-starter. Some, on the other hand, need a push. I freely give my tickets to college students when I cannot attend which is so very rare. I once gave a ticket to a university football player (but that’s another story).
Plus, he told me to never talk about the fact that he attended the symphony and was eager to go again.
-Floyd Robinson, subscriber
Question of the day: How were you introduced to symphonic music? Have you ever introduced someone else to symphonic music? Please share in the comment section below.
Get more ACCESS at this Friday’s concert – Emanuel Ax + Tchaikovsky 3!
Emanuel Ax, photo credit J Henry Fair
On Friday, Nov. 18, we’re embarking on a brand new concert adventure! While our regular Houston Symphony audiences can probably differentiate between Berlioz and Brahms at the drop of a hat, many people just don’t quite get what classical music is all about. Codas and concertos and cadenzas … what?
We decided that enough was enough – classical music can be interesting, fun and ACCESSible for everyone! Thus was born our new Friday ACCESS Series. For 3 different concert programs this year, we’re taking the Friday evening performance and giving it a twist. An earlier start time (7 p.m.) allows you to come straight from work, and no intermission and a shorter program will get you home before twilight. Before the concert, get the chance to mingle with Houston Symphony Musicians and ACCESS Series Host Miles Hoffman (NPR‘s Morning Edition Music Commentator), all while noshing on complimentary hors d’oeuvres and enjoying a cash bar.
Hans Graf, conductor
Before Emanuel Ax hits the piano for Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25 and the Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 3, Miles will guide the audience through the music. Through commentary and visual aids when necessary, get more deeply connected to the music and experience it like never before. Plus, after the concert, attend a special Q&A session with Miles, Hans Graf, Emanuel Ax and other Houston Symphony musicians!
Jump on board before it’s too late – the Friday ACCESS Series kicks off this Friday at 7 p.m.! For more information on the concert and to purchase tickets, click here.
Miles Hoffman, photo credit Mary Noble Ours
Want to get to know Miles Hoffman a little more? Check out some of the following links:
Date night out for Bryan, Trish and Houston Symphony POPS
Bryan and Trish Felt, POPS Subscribers
I have enjoyed enriching music ever since youth. My wife and I both grew up playing instruments in our schools’ band programs, and I into college. I cut my teeth on Maurice Abravanel and later Joseph Silverstein with the Utah Symphony, and after moving to The Woodlands in the mid-1990s, was introduced to the Houston Symphony at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. What a wonderful treat to have such a magnificent symphony right here in Houston.
We began purchasing season tickets to the POPS Series about 9 or 10 years ago. We make it a special date night and go out to dinner, the highlight the evening with the Houston Symphony POPS nine times a year. We also enjoy some of the Special Concert Series. This past year’s favorite Symphony Special was with Tony Bennett. It was a gift and honor to see him perform here in Houston.
My wife Trish and I look forward every month to our Houston Symphony night out with great anticipation. We are most pleased with the unique guest performers and artists, and the large variety of music that conductor Michael Krajewski lines up for each year’s schedule. We are often times richly rewarded and surprised with the talent of the guest performers that we are not very familiar with.
We are committed lifetime season ticket subscribers and love our Houston Symphony!
-Bryan and Trish Felt, Subscribers
