Juraj Valčuha, Music Director
2025 –26 SEASON houstoN SYMPhONY
“THE LANGUAGE OF MUSIC IS COMMON TO ALL GENERATIONS AND NATIONS; IT IS UNDERSTOOD
BY EVERYBODY
, SINCE IT IS UNDERSTOOD WITH THE HEART .”
GIOACHINO
Classical series
“We once believed that a lack of information made the world unreadable. Today, drowning in an overwhelming flood of data, we face the opposite crisis: a world so saturated with information that it has become indecipherable. In this relentless noise, we are losing something profound—the ability to listen. Not just to each other, but to ourselves.
Music offers one of the rarest sanctuaries from this chaos. When we immerse ourselves in sound, we abandon words and enter a space where we can truly meet ourselves. In music, we surrender to a world where abstract beauty and grandeur lift us beyond the immediate, shifting our perspective on life itself.
In any era, this journey is vital. But today, it is essential. It is not just an escape—it is a remedy, a way back to clarity, to meaning, and ultimately, to ourselves.”
Juraj Valčuha Music Director Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair
SEPTEMBER 19, 20* & 21
JURAJ VALČUHA conductor
ANGEL BLUE soprano
HOUSTON SYMPHONY CHORUS
ANTHONY J. MAGLIONE director
HOUSTON CHAMBER CHOIR
BETSY COOK WEBER artistic director
J. WOLFE Liberty Bell
Houston Symphony Commission, World Premiere SCHMITT Psalm 47
STRAVINSKY The Firebird Suite
Magic springs from every moment of Stravinsky’s Firebird, from its ominous opening to its heart-pounding, brassfilled finale. If you’ve never heard Florent Schmitt’s Psalm 47, you’re in for a thrill: packed with searing drama and shattering intensity—and channeling the combined musical forces of a large orchestra, huge chorus, organ, and soprano soloist—this astounding choral masterpiece is the epitome of ‘epic.’ A Julia Wolfe world premiere kicks off this season-opening program in festive style.
OPENING NIGHT CONCERT & GALA
SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
For information visit houstonsymphony.org/OpeningNight or call 713.337.8523
Concert Sponsor and Lead Gala Underwriter
ESCHENBACH CONDUCTS MOZART & BRUCKNER
SEPTEMBER 27 & 28*
CHRISTOPH ESCHENBACH conductor
STATHIS KARAPANOS flute
ALLEGRA LILLY harp
W. A. MOZART Concerto for Flute and Harp, K. 299, C major
BRUCKNER Symphony No. 7
Showcasing the artistry of flutist Stathis Karapanos and Houston Symphony Principal Harp Allegra Lilly, Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp positively sparkles with delightful melodies and effervescent charm. From Mozart’s delicate grace, Christoph Eschenbach leads a foray into the vast, expansive sound-world of Bruckner’s stunning and immense Symphony No. 7.
JEAN-YVES THIBAUDET + THE THREE-CORNERED HAT
OCTOBER 10, 11* & 12
JUANJO MENA conductor
JEAN-YVES THIBAUDET piano
SARA COUDEN mezzo-soprano
FALLA La vida breve: Interlude & Dance
FALLA La vida breve: “Aria de Salud”
SAINT-SAËNS Piano Concerto No. 5, Egyptian
FALLA El sombrero de tres picos (The Three-Cornered Hat)
Composed during a vacation in Cairo, Saint-Saëns’s crowdpleasing Piano Concerto No. 5, Egyptian, runs the gamut from delicate grace to powerhouse virtuosity. Beloved for his captivating mix of dramatic flair and tour-de-force brilliance, Jean-Yves Thibaudet will leave you spellbound. And, castanets click, fiery flamenco rhythms blaze, and sensuous sonic colors saturate the stage in a rare complete performance of Manuel de Falla’s exuberant The Three-Cornered Hat
GERSHWIN & GRIMAUD: JAZZ MEETS SYMPHONY
OCTOBER 17, 18* & 19
CHRISTIAN REIF conductor
HÉLÈNE GRIMAUD piano
PERRY A Short Piece for Orchestra
WEILL Symphony No. 2
GERSHWIN Concerto in F
Filled with hummable themes and sultry jazz tones, Gershwin’s beloved Concerto in F will glisten and glow in the hands of Hélène Grimaud. Kurt Weill's talents ranged from symphonies to Broadway and popular music, and his irresistible Symphony No. 2 showcases his effortless gift for songwriting. The concert opens with Julia Perry’s action-packed A Short Piece for Orchestra
SHALL WE DANCE?
NOVEMBER 8 & 9*
GONZALO FARIAS conductor
DEBUSSY Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun)
GINASTERA Variaciones Concertantes
ENESCU Romanian Rhapsody No. 1
G. ORTIZ Antrópolis
HINDEMITH Symphonic Metamorphosis
The virtuosity of the Houston Symphony will be on full display with dazzling delights guaranteed to get your blood pumping and your toes tapping! Ginastera's Variaciones Concertantes crackles with Argentinian rhythms and the electrifying spirit of the malambo, while Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 unfurls an exhilarating whirlwind of Romanian folk-dance flavor. In Gabriela Ortiz’s showstopping Antrópolis, joyful percussion grooves transport you to the colorful dance halls of Mexico City. Shimmering music of Debussy sets the stage, and Hindemith’s splashy Symphonic Metamorphosis ends the program with a brass-filled bang.
COMPOSER AS HERO FESTIVAL
Join Music Director Juraj Valčuha and the Symphony for two concerts which explore the concept of the “Composer as Hero,” beginning with Shostakovich’s symphonic rebellion against authoritarianism, and ending with Strauss’s unabashed casting of himself as the main character of his own heroic adventure (complete with music critics as villains!)
JOURNEY TO LIGHT: VALČUHA CONDUCTS
SHOSTAKOVICH
10
NOVEMBER 21, 22* & 23
JURAJ VALČUHA conductor
BAIBA SKRIDE violin
BRITTEN Violin Concerto
SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 10
Under Joseph Stalin’s brutal regime, being an artist meant extreme censorship, unimaginable pressure, and life-or-death stakes. No composer of the era embodied this more than Dmitri Shostakovich, and in his Symphony No. 10—the first of his symphonies to be composed after Stalin’s death—his newfound artistic freedom unleashed an explosive torrent of earth-shaking emotional power. Music Director Juraj Valčuha leads this extraordinary darkness-to-light journey, and Baiba Skride heats up Jones Hall with Britten’s fiery Violin Concerto.
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND: TCHAIKOVSKY’S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1
NOVEMBER 28, 29* & 30
JURAJ VALČUHA conductor
BEHZOD ABDURAIMOV piano
L. ČEKOVSKÁ Houston Symphony Commission, World Premiere
TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto No. 1
R. STRAUSS Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life)
You’ll know it from the first note! Tchaikovsky’s famous Piano Concerto No. 1 has everything you could want in a piano concerto: jaw-dropping virtuosity, finger-flying fireworks, and impassioned melodies you’ll be humming on the way home. Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben serves up epic battle scenes, tender love scenes, and gripping drama, portrayed through soaring music.
Exuberant. Inventive. Eclectic. Fearless.
From Copland’s sunny pioneer spirit and William Grant Still’s thrilling fusion of classical, jazz, and blues, to John Adams’s hypnotic energy and Jennifer Higdon’s boundless musical worlds—and everything in between—American composers have made a unique and indelible impact on the classical canon. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, we’re presenting a full calendar year of Classical and Bank of America POPS concerts celebrating outstanding American composers, music, and musicians.
America250 Highlight: Join us March 20–22 for the World Premiere of Andy Akiho’s Timpani Concerto, written especially for Houston Symphony Principal Timpani Leonardo Soto!
MARIN ALSOP CONDUCTS BRAHMS 2
JANUARY 23, 24* & 25
MARIN ALSOP conductor
YOONSHIN SONG violin
BARBER Second Essay for Orchestra
BERNSTEIN Serenade (after Plato’s “Symposium”)
BRAHMS Symphony No. 2
Conducting legend Marin Alsop unlocks the luminous jewel case that is Brahms’s Symphony No. 2: overflowing with gorgeous melodies that melt the heart, it ends with a triumphant burst of pure joy. Love is the unifying thread in Bernstein’s Serenade, performed with dazzling virtuosity by Concertmaster Yoonshin Song. An all-American first half opens with Barber’s heartfelt Second Essay for Orchestra.
DOOMED LOVERS FESTIVAL:
SYMPHONIE ESPAGNOLE + SYMPHONIE
FEBRUARY 13, 14* & 15
RYAN BANCROFT conductor
CLARA-JUMI KANG violin
G. SMITH Tumblebird Contrails
LALO Symphonie espagnole
BERLIOZ Symphonie fantastique
FANTASTIQUE
Filled with sultry tango melodies, infectious Spanish dance rhythms, and dizzying displays of virtuosity, Lalo’s beloved showpiece will sizzle in the hands of Clara-Jumi Kang. Then, buckle up for classical music’s ultimate thrill ride: with its wild story of a lovelorn artist who overdoses on opium, plunges into a hallucinogenic nightmare, and envisions his own funeral in hell, Symphonie fantastique packs an emotional wallop unlike anything else in music.
TCHAIKOVSKY’S ROMEO AND JULIET
FEBRUARY 20, 21* & 22
JURAJ VALČUHA conductor
ALEXI KENNEY violin
HOLMÈS “La Nuit et l’Amour” from Ludus pro Patria S. GUBAIDULINA In Tempus Praesens
TCHAIKOVSKY Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy
SCRIABIN Le Poème de l'extase (The Poem of Ecstasy)
Instantly recognizable thanks to its use throughout pop culture, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet soars with tender poetry and heart-on-sleeve passion. Blazing with originality and raw intensity, Sofia Gubaidulina’s In Tempus Praesens (“For the Present Time”) is one of those works that must be witnessed live, and a spectacular experience awaits you with rising-star violinist Alexi Kenney. And, get swept away on a sea of glorious sound in Scriabin’s earth-shattering Poem of Ecstasy.
WAGNER’S TRISTAN AND ISOLDE
FEBRUARY 28 & MARCH 1
JURAJ VALČUHA conductor
TAMARA WILSON soprano (Isolde)
STUART SKELTON tenor (Tristan)
JAMIE BARTON mezzo-soprano (Brangäne)
DEREK WELTON bass (King Marke)
WAGNER Tristan and Isolde Act IIII
“Softly entwined in your magic, sweetly dissolved before your eyes; heart on your heart, mouth on mouth.”
–Tristan and Isolde Act II
In Wagner’s groundbreaking opera Tristan and Isolde, a romance for the ages plays out through some of the most revelatory and transcendent music ever written. Act II of this masterpiece has it all—searing passion, spellbinding drama, and staggering vocal feats. Experience the complete second act live in concert, performed by an all-star cast of singers and the Symphony, and hear why Tristan and Isolde is considered one of the greatest works of art ever created.
DOOMED LOVERS FESTIVAL
Drama, passion, and heart-wrenching emotions abound in this three-week festival spotlighting tragic love stories told through music, from the all-consuming infatuation of Berlioz’s tortured artist, to Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, and the epic forbidden romance of a knight and a princess in Tristan and Isolde
MOZART + ELGAR’S ENIGMA VARIATIONS
MARCH 13, 14* & 15
VASILY PETRENKO conductor
JAN LISIECKI piano
NEWMAN Wuthering Heights Suite
W. A. MOZART Piano Concerto No. 9, K. 271, Jenamy
ELGAR Enigma Variations
Mozart’s genius is on full display in his elegant and highspirited Piano Concerto No. 9, and in the hands of Jan Lisiecki—recognized as one of today’s most astounding young talents—it promises pure magic. In his famous Enigma Variations, Elgar lovingly renders those nearest and dearest to him, creating a musical photo album filled with heartfelt warmth and profound emotional depth. The concerts open with romantic music from the 1939 film adaptation of Wuthering Heights.
BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH SYMPHONY + TIMPANI WORLD PREMIERE
MARCH 20, 21* & 22
JURAJ VALČUHA conductor
LEONARDO SOTO timpani
FARRENC Overture No. 2
A. AKIHO Timpani Concerto Houston Symphony Commission, World Premiere BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 5
The most famous four notes in history launch a towering masterpiece for the ages in Beethoven’s legendary Fifth Symphony. Award-winning composer Andy Akiho is known for bold, immersive music that shatters preconceptions, and you do not want to miss the world premiere of his Timpani Concerto, written especially for Houston Symphony Principal Timpani Leonardo Soto.
GRIEG’S PEER GYNT
MARCH 27, 28* & 29
DIMA SLOBODENIOUK conductor
HOUSTON SYMPHONY CHORUS
ANTHONY J. MAGLIONE director
SIBELIUS Pohjola�s Daughter
STILL Threnody: In Memory of Jean Sibelius
SIBELIUS The Captive Queen
GRIEG Selections from Peer Gynt
Featuring the ethereal “Morning Mood” and the hair-raising “In the Hall of the Mountain King”—both pop-culture staples you’ll recognize instantly—Grieg’s Peer Gynt is one of classical music’s most enduringly popular works. Prepare for a magical theatrical experience bringing the Peer Gynt story to vivid life. Bewitching works by Sibelius and William Grant Still round out a concert steeped in legend and enchantment.
ADAMS CONDUCTS ADAMS & APPALACHIAN SPRING
APRIL 18 & 19*
JOHN ADAMS conductor VÍKINGUR ÓLAFSSON piano
IVES The Unanswered Question
J. ADAMS Must the Devil Have All the Good Tunes?
J. ADAMS The Rock You Stand On COPLAND Appalachian Spring
Piano concertos don’t get any more fun than John Adams’s Must the Devil Have All the Good Tunes?, a showstopping whirlwind filled with funky grooves, propulsive rhythmic drive, and pop music influences from bebop to honky-tonk. Conducted by the composer himself, it’s the perfect showcase for Víkingur Ólafsson’s breathtaking piano prowess. To close this special celebration of American music, Adams leads Copland’s beloved Appalachian Spring, culminating in the stirring Shaker hymn, “Simple Gifts.”
DEATH & TRANSFIGURATION FESTIVAL
Our final three programs share a common thread: transformation. Strauss and Mahler created monumental works exploring life, death, and the ultimate mystery of what lies beyond earthly existence, while in The Elements and The Planets, music alters our everyday surroundings, transporting us to otherworldly realms of elemental force and celestial splendor. Come together, escape the ordinary, and be transformed.
JOSHUA BELL RETURNS: THE ELEMENTS IN CONCERT
MAY 7, 9* & 10
JURAJ VALČUHA conductor
JOSHUA BELL violin
WENDALL K. HARRINGTON projection design
PAUL VERSHBOW projection programming
K. PUTS, E. MEYER, J. HEGGIE, J. HIGDON, J. MONTGOMERY The Elements
WAGNER Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde
R. STRAUSS Tod und Verklärung (Death and Transfiguration)
Grammy Award-winning violin icon Joshua Bell unleashes cosmic grandeur and world-shaking virtuosity in The Elements, a stunning sound-plus-video experience which summons the elemental power of Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space through spellbinding music and immersive video projections. Eternal questions of love, death, and the hereafter are explored through soaring, transcendent music of Wagner and Strauss.
THE PLANETS + TCHAIKOVSKY’S VIOLIN CONCERTO
MAY 15, 16* & 17
ANDREW MANZE conductor
AUGUSTIN HADELICH violin
SOPRANOS AND ALTOS OF THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY CHORUS
ANTHONY J. MAGLIONE director
J. HIGDON blue cathedral
TCHAIKOVSKY Violin Concerto
HOLST The Planets
Houston favorite Augustin Hadelich returns for one of the most treasured works in all of music, Tchaikovsky’s lushly romantic (and dizzyingly difficult) Violin Concerto. Be transported to a world of soaring beauty and limitless possibility in Jennifer Higdon’s blue cathedral, which, in Higdon’s words, represents an imaginary journey “through a glass cathedral in the sky.” Then, fasten your seatbelts and blast off to menacing Mars, jolly Jupiter, and beyond as the Symphony performs Holst’s sonic, celestial showpiece, The Planets.
VALČUHA CONDUCTS MAHLER 9
MAY 22, 23* & 24
JURAJ VALČUHA conductor
MAHLER Symphony No. 9
For the grand finale to our classical season, Music Director Juraj Valčuha leads Mahler’s final completed work, the extraordinary Symphony No. 9. To hear one of Mahler’s symphonies live is to feel why it’s an experience unlike anything else in music, and the Ninth is one of his most remarkable—a monumental journey of epic proportions, ending with music of rare transportive power and time-altering beauty.
“The orchestra gave [Valčuha], and Mahler, a performance riveting start to finish.”
— Dallas Morning News
MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS SPOTLIGHT SERIES
Made possible through generous support from Margaret Alkek Williams, Spotlight Series performances feature outstanding conductors and artists, including Music Director Juraj Valčuha, other prestigious guest conductors, and renowned guest artists. These concerts include curated musical selections by some of the greatest composers of all time such as Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Stravinsky alongside contemporary works, offering audiences unique and inspiring musical experiences that will stay with them after they leave the concert hall. Thanks in part to the support of Margaret Alkek Williams, the Houston Symphony can serve audiences with extraordinary musical experiences reflective of our world-class orchestra.
“Once again, we�ve crafted a Bank of America POPS Series guaranteed to entertain and captivate our guests. I absolutely love the energy and enthusiasm our audiences in Houston bring to Jones Hall. This season, we relive some of our most cherished cinematic moments, pay tribute to our greatest icons, and celebrate Houston holiday traditions.
There truly is something for everyone to enjoy at the Houston Symphony. I can�t wait to see you all at Jones Hall once more.”
Steven Reineke Principal POPS Conductor
bank of america pops series
KING FOR A DAY: THE MUSIC OF ELVIS
OCTOBER 3, 4* & 5
STEVEN REINEKE conductor
FRANKIE MORENO vocalist, piano, and guitar
TONY MORENO bass guitar
GIOVANNI MORENO drums
MUNDO JUILLERAT lead guitar
ASHLEY KELLOUGH background vocalist
DRE YOUNG background vocalist
Put on your Blue Suede Shoes and celebrate The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with showstopping entertainer extraordinaire Frankie Moreno (named Las Vegas’s Headliner of the Year five times running). Accompanied by Steven Reineke and the Symphony, Frankie will leave you “All Shook Up” with electrifying renditions of Elvis Presley’s signature hits.
FROM STAGE TO SCREEN: BROADWAY MEETS HOLLYWOOD
OCTOBER 31, NOVEMBER 1* & 2
STEVEN REINEKE conductor
ELIZABETH STANLEY vocalist
HUGH PANARO vocalist
Join vocal powerhouses Hugh Panaro and Elizabeth Stanley in a dazzling concert featuring unforgettable songs from Broadway musicals inspired by iconic films, alongside beloved tunes from movie adaptations of Broadway's greatest hits. This magical evening will transport you through a seamless blend of cinema and theater, celebrating the timeless connection between stage and screen.
VERY MERRY POPS
DECEMBER 11, 13* & 14
BRETT MITCHELL conductor
ALI STROKER vocalist
HOUSTON SYMPHONY CHORUS
ANTHONY J. MAGLIONE director
Houston’s biggest holiday spectacle returns! Cozy up with friends and family and celebrate the best time of the year with Ali Stroker, the Houston Symphony, and a merry chorus. Featuring sparkling decorations, your favorite carols, and a special visit from Santa, this concert delivers instant holiday cheer.
“Very Merry Pops is always a great production for people of any age. It is always on my list of things to do during the Christmas Season. I�ve been attending for years, and I am never disappointed!”
– Judy, Houston Symphony concertgoer
*Performance
A NAT KING COLE NEW YEAR
JANUARY 2, 3* & 4
BYRON STRIPLING leader, trumpet, and vocalist
DENZAL SINCLAIRE vocalist
“L…is for the way you look at me…”
Enjoy an “Unforgettable” start to 2026 as Byron Stripling, Denzal Sinclaire, and the Houston Symphony Big Band perform the timeless hits of Nat King Cole, along with well-known songs by other jazz legends. Hear the songs you know and L-O-V-E, including “Mona Lisa,” “Nature Boy,” “When I Fall in Love,” “Just One of Those Things,” and more.
Performance does not include the Houston Symphony.
ARTURO SANDOVAL: JOURNEY TO FREEDOM
JANUARY 17 & 18*
THIAGO TIBERIO conductor
ARTURO SANDOVAL trumpet
Legendary jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval joins the Houston Symphony for a must-see evening of music and storytelling. Garnering countless accolades and honors, including 10 Grammys and the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors, Sandoval has a dynamic stage presence and his passionate playing has captivated audiences the world over. He’ll share a diverse and exhilarating program including traditional Son Cubano, Brazilian Samba, and jazz, along with fascinating personal stories from his life and career.
Program curated and produced by conductor Thiago Tiberio and Arturo Sandoval. Concept created by Thiago Tiberio.
PIANO MAN: THE MUSIC OF BILLY JOEL
FEBRUARY 6, 7* & 8
STEVEN REINEKE conductor
TONY DESARE piano and vocalist
Join us for the ultimate celebration of music’s one-and-only “Piano Man.” With his silky-smooth voice and amazing piano skills, Tony DeSare will have you in a “New York State of Mind” with pitch-perfect recreations of signature Billy Joel hits like “Just the Way You Are,” “Movin’ Out,” “Vienna,” and “Piano Man.”
DISNEY’S FANTASIA IN CONCERT
APRIL 3 & 4
STEVEN REINEKE conductor
This Easter weekend, treat the entire family to the classic that’s captivated generations—Disney’s Fantasia. Stunning animation fills the giant screen at Jones Hall while the Symphony brings the soundtrack to life, including favorites like Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Pomp and Circumstance, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and, of course, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
ICON: THE VOICES THAT CHANGED MUSIC
APRIL 24, 25* & 26
LUCAS WALDIN conductor
CAPATHIA JENKINS vocalist
RYAN SHAW vocalist
Elvis. Prince. Michael Jackson. Diana Ross. Whitney Houston. Stevie Wonder. Celebrate the greatest voices of all time in this powerhouse concert. Houston favorites Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw join forces with the Symphony for the biggest hits by the most iconic artists of all time, including beloved songs like “Purple Rain,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” “Lady Marmalade,” and “Hey Jude.”
MAY 29, 30* & 31
STEVEN REINEKE conductor HOUSTON SYMPHONY CHORUS
ANTHONY J. MAGLIONE director
We’re rolling out the red carpet for the most famous movie-soundtrack moments in Hollywood history, from classic themes like King Kong and The Godfather to modern favorites like Pirates of the Caribbean and Gladiator. Join the Symphony and Chorus as we journey through Hollywood history in chronological order and relive the power of movie magic.
CHAMBER SERIES
Featuring members of the Houston Symphony in small ensembles, this concert series allows for a unique, up-close experience to the musicians and the music. Concerts will take place on September 28, November 23, March 15 and May 17.
Stay tuned! Location and repertoire will be announced at a later date.
pnc family series
Our PNC Family Series is the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the magic of live music!
Concerts take place in a casual, interactive space where kids can move, dance, and engage with the music.
“We loved the format of the family concert! The musicians performed so well! We loved the relaxed environment for families, the shortened format, the explanations to the audience, and the added visual—
Perfect for kids and adults alike.”
– Lisa, Houston Symphony concertgoer
FRIGHTFULLY
FUN! A HALLOWEEN CONCERT FOR
KIDS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1
10 & 11:30 A.M.
NICHOLAS HERSH conductor
Get ready for spooky thrills and musical chills! Bring your little ghosts and goblins to Jones Hall for a morning of frightful family fun! A haunted Symphony full of costumed musicians will perform boo-tiful music perfect for spooky season. Plus, enjoy free candy stations, Halloween-themed arts and crafts, and an Instrument Petting Zoo. And don’t forget to wear your costumes!
OH, WHAT FUN! A HOLIDAY CONCERT FOR KIDS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
10 & 11:30 A.M.
BRETT MITCHELL conductor
Gather the whole family and jingle all the way to Jones Hall for a sparkling concert guaranteed to put the “ho-ho-ho” in your holiday! Sing along to festive favorites, sip free hot chocolate, and meet Santa himself. With arts and crafts, an Instrument Petting Zoo, and a sprinkle of holiday magic, this concert will make spirits bright for the whole family.
WHEN INSTRUMENTS ROAMED THE EARTH
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
10 & 11:30 A.M.
GONZALO FARIAS conductor
RAWRR! Come ready with your best dinosaur roar, and join us on a Jurassic adventure, back to a time when Instruments roamed the Earth! Hosted by “paleo-musicologist” Sir Humphrey Treble Clef, this all-ages family concert is filled with laughs, multi-media projections, and on-stage action (and, maybe even a T-Rex sighting…). A perfect introduction to the instruments of the orchestra for young audiences.
Concert Extras:
Play a violin, slide a trombone, or bang a drum at our popular Instrument Petting Zoo!
ABRACADABRA! A MAGICAL MUSICAL ADVENTURE
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
10 & 11:30 A.M.
GONZALO FARIAS conductor
Abracadabra! Grab your magic wands (or batons) for a spellbinding musical adventure—we’re conjuring up a morning of magical musical fun! Bring your little wizards and witches to Jones Hall and have your magic conducting batons at the ready for magical moments from Harry Potter and more that will delight little wizards and their families.
Add these concerts to your subscription!
50TH ANNIVERSARY: JAWS IN CONCERT
JUNE 20, 2025, 7:30 P.M.
JONES HALL
Directed by Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg, Jaws set the standard for edgeof-your-seat suspense, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon and forever changing the movie industry. When the seaside community of Amity finds itself under attack by a dangerous great white shark, the town’s chief of police, a young marine biologist, and a grizzled shark hunter embark on a desperate quest to destroy the beast before it strikes again. Featuring an unforgettable score that evokes pure terror, Jaws remains one of the most influential and gripping adventures in motion picture history.
DISNEY AND PIXAR’S UP IN CONCERT
JUNE 21, 2025, 7:30 P.M.
JUNE 22, 2025, 2 P.M.
JONES HALL
Experience the return of a beloved animated classic on the big screen like never before! Join the quirky duo of Carl, a cantankerous 78-year-old balloon salesman, and Russell, an adventurous 8-year-old stowaway, as they embark on a laugh-out-loud and touching journey to a hidden world full of thrills and surprises. Enjoy this captivating film projected on a massive screen, accompanied by the Houston Symphony performing Michael Giacchino’s Academy Award-winning score live. It’s an unforgettable cinematic event that combines nostalgia with the magic of live music!
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE™ IN CONCERT
JUNE 27, 2025, 7:30 P.M.
JUNE 28, 2025, 2 P.M.
JUNE 29, 2025, 2 P.M.
JONES HALL
Grab your broom and get ready for the tasks ahead! The Triwizard Tournament comes to Hogwarts™ in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ in Concert. Relive the magic of Harry Potter™ soaring across the big screen in high definition and experience the music of a live symphony orchestra performing Patrick Doyle’s unforgettable score.
THE MUSIC OF JOURNEY
JULY 26, 2025, 2 P.M. & 7:30 P.M.
THE HOBBY CENTER
Prepare for an exhilarating night as the Houston Symphony presents The Music of Journey! The concert combines full rock lighting, an amazing rock band, extraordinary vocalist Juan Del Castillo, and the sonic power of the Houston Symphony. You’ll hear one mega-hit after the next—from “Any Way You Want It” and “Wheel In the Sky” to “Faithfully” and “Don’t Stop Believin’”—as we celebrate one of the biggest bands of all time.
VALČUHA CONDUCTS
WEST SIDE STORY
SEPTEMBER 12, 2025, 8:30 P.M.
MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE
JURAJ VALČUHA conductor
GINASTERA Dances from Estancia
REVUELTAS Sensemayá
BERNSTEIN Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
RAVEL Bólero
Kick off Hispanic heritage month with a FREE performance at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Led by Music Director Juraj Valčuha, the orchestra performs dance-inspired pieces by Revueltas and Ginastera. Bernstein’s beloved West Side Story is brought to life in all its rhythmic flair, and Ravel�s sultry Boléro caps off this celebration of music and community.
JOYFUL FANFARES: HOLIDAY BRASS SPECTACULAR!
DECEMBER 6, 2025, 2 P.M.
DECEMBER 7, 2025, 6:30 P.M. JONES HALL
Sound the trumpets—the Houston Symphony brass section welcomes you for a concert brimming with holiday cheer! Featuring exquisite classical works, treasured carols, and festive favorites, this concert is the perfect way to kick off the holidays.
HANDEL'S MESSIAH
DECEMBER 5, 2025, 7:30 P.M.
DECEMBER 6, 2025, 7:30 P.M.*
DECEMBER 7, 2025, 2 P.M.
JONES HALL
PATRICK QUIGLEY conductor
KATHRYN MUELLER soprano
REGINALD MOBLEY countertenor
JOHN MATTHEW MYERS tenor
DOUGLAS WILLIAMS bass-baritone
HOUSTON SYMPHONY CHORUS
ANTHONY J. MAGLIONE director
Hallelujah! Jones Hall will be filled with exultant arias and joyous refrains—including the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus—in this powerful presentation of the greatest story ever told.
This holiday season, the Nexus Health Systems Holiday Series at the Houston Symphony will bring the joy of music to more than 30,000 patrons across unforgettable concerts between Thanksgiving and the New Year! The Houston Symphony is deeply grateful to Nexus Health Systems for their extraordinary support in making this season’s holiday programming truly magical. NEXUS HEALTH SYSTEMS HOLIDAY SERIES
ELF IN CONCERT
DECEMBER 19, 2025, 7:30 P.M.
DECEMBER 20, 2025, 7:30 P.M.
DECEMBER 21, 2025, 2 P.M.
JONES HALL
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. This holiday season, relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in: Elf ™ in Concert!
STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI IN CONCERT
JANUARY 9, 2026, 7:30 P.M.
JANUARY 10, 2026, 2 P.M. & 7:30 P.M.
JONES HALL
“I am a Jedi, like my father before me.” Watch the thrilling final chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy on the big screen, and feel the full splendor and Force of John Williams’s soaring score, performed live by the Symphony!
LANG LANG IN RECITAL
APRIL 1, 2026, 7:30 P.M.
JONES HALL
LANG LANG pianist
“The hottest artist on the classical music planet” (The New York Times). Superstar pianist Lang Lang performs a onenight-only recital at Jones Hall, featuring works by Chopin, Schumann, and more.
Performance does not include the Houston Symphony.
VÍKINGUR ÓLAFSSON IN RECITAL
APRIL 17, 2026, 7:30 P.M.
JONES HALL
VÍKINGUR ÓLAFSSON pianist
The “breathtakingly brilliant” (Gramophone) Víkingur Ólafsson shares an evening of masterworks by Beethoven, Bach, and Brahms, including Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109.
Performance does not include the Houston Symphony.
subscriber benefits
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The biggest savings on tickets, insider access, and ultimate flexibility are just the beginning— when you become part of the Houston Symphony family, we do everything we can to ensure you’re getting the best of the best. Join our growing community of 8,000+ subscribers, and enjoy a premium experience with all the perks. CURATED PACKAGES PICK YOUR OWN SINGLE TICKETS
The same seats for each concert, renewable each season
Free seat upgrade for one performance
Priority access to the best seats at the best prices
Save on additional concert tickets
Flexible free ticket exchanges
Priority access to newly added performances throughout the season
Exclusive concert-day discounts at some of Houston�s best restaurants
Priority access to seating for Houston Symphony performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Invitations to subscriber-exclusive events and performances, including Open Rehearsals and a backstage tour of Jones Hall
Free pre-concert lecture before Classical Series concerts
Invitations to pre- and post-concert chamber music performances and parties at select concerts
Support the Symphony’s mission to bring music to more than 400,000 people each year
“I have been a season ticket holder for YEARS. The music is wonderful. The ushers and bar staff are friendly and courteous. The highlight of my week is to attend the Houston Symphony for a Sunday matinee!”
– Lynne S., Houston Symphony concertgoer
classical series season ticket options
9-concert packages
9-CONCERT SERIES A
Opening Weekend:
Valčuha Conducts Stravinsky’s Firebird
September 19, 20 & 21
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
Jean-Yves Thibaudet + The Three-Cornered Hat
October 10, 11 & 12
Juanjo Mena, conductor
Shall We Dance?
November 8 & 9
Gonzalo Farias, conductor
Thanksgiving Weekend:
Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1
November 28, 29 & 30
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
Symphonie espagnole + Symphonie fantastique
February 13, 14 & 15
Ryan Bancroft, conductor
Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde
February 28 & March 1
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony + Timpani World Premiere
March 20, 21 & 22
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
Adams Conducts Adams & Appalachian Spring
April 18 & 19
John Adams, conductor
The Planets + Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
May 15, 16 & 17
Andrew Manze, conductor
9-CONCERT SERIES B
Eschenbach Conducts Mozart & Bruckner
September 27 & 28
Christoph Eschenbach, conductor
Gershwin & Grimaud:
Jazz Meets Symphony
October 17, 18 & 19
Christian Reif, conductor
Journey to Light:
Valčuha Conducts Shostakovich 10
November 21, 22 & 23
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
Marin Alsop Conducts Brahms 2
January 23, 24 & 25
Marin Alsop, conductor
Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet
February 20, 21 & 22
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
Mozart + Elgar’s Enigma Variations
March 13, 14 & 15
Vasily Petrenko, conductor
Grieg’s Peer Gynt
March 27, 28 & 29
Dima Slobodeniouk, conductor
Joshua Bell Returns: The Elements in Concert
May 7, 9 & 10
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
Valčuha Conducts Mahler 9
May 22, 23 & 24
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
6-concert packages
FROST BANK GOLD CLASSICS PACKAGE
Eschenbach Conducts Mozart & Bruckner
September 27 & 28
Christoph Eschenbach, conductor
Gershwin & Grimaud:
Jazz Meets Symphony
October 17, 18 & 19
Christian Reif, conductor
Journey to Light:
Valčuha Conducts Shostakovich 10
November 21, 22 & 23
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet
February 20, 21 & 22
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
Grieg’s Peer Gynt
March 27, 28 & 29
Dima Slobodeniouk, conductor
Joshua Bell Returns: The Elements in Concert
May 7, 9 & 10
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
Opening Weekend:
Valčuha Conducts Stravinsky’s Firebird
September 19, 20 & 21
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
Shall We Dance?
November 8 & 9
Gonzalo Farias, conductor
Thanksgiving Weekend:
Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1
November 28, 29 & 30
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
Symphonie espagnole + Symphonie fantastique
February 13, 14 & 15
Ryan Bancroft, conductor
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony + Timpani World Premiere
March 20, 21 & 22
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
The Planets + Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
May 15, 16 & 17
Andrew Manze, conductor
October 10, 11 & 12
Juraj Valčuha, conductor SHELL FAVORITE MASTERS PACKAGE GREAT PERFORMERS PACKAGE
Jean-Yves Thibaudet + The Three-Cornered Hat
Juanjo Mena, conductor
Marin Alsop Conducts Brahms 2
January 23, 24 & 25
Marin Alsop, conductor
Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde
February 28 & March 1
Mozart + Elgar’s Enigma Variations
March 13, 14 & 15
Vasily Petrenko, conductor
Adams Conducts Adams & Appalachian Spring
April 18 & 19
John Adams, conductor
Valčuha Conducts Mahler 9
May 22, 23 & 24
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
pnc Family series package
Enjoy all 4 concerts for $94!
Frightfully Fun!
A Halloween Concert for Kids
November 1
Oh, What Fun!
A Holiday Concert for Kids
December 13
When Instruments
Roamed the Earth
February 7
Abracadabra! A Magical
Musical Adventure
April 25
Concert packages
King for a Day: The Music of Elvis
October 3, 4 & 5
Steven Reineke, conductor
From Stage to Screen:
Broadway Meets Hollywood
October 31, November 1 & 2
Steven Reineke, conductor
Very Merry Pops
December 11, 13 & 14
Brett Mitchell, conductor
A Nat King Cole New Year
January 2, 3 & 4
Bryron Stripling, conductor
Arturo Sandoval: Journey to Freedom
January 17 & 18
Thiago Tiberio, conductor
Piano Man: The Music of Billy Joel
February 6, 7 & 8
Steven Reineke, conductor
Disney’s Fantasia in Concert
April 3 & 4
Steven Reineke, conductor
Icon: The Voices That Changed Music
April 24, 25 & 26
Lucas Waldin, conductor
Lights! Camera! Music!
100 Years of Epic Film Scores
May 29, 30 & 31
Steven Reineke, conductor
From Stage to Screen:
Broadway Meets Hollywood
October 31, November 1 & 2
Steven Reineke, conductor
Very Merry Pops
December 11, 13 & 14
Brett Mitchell, conductor
A Nat King Cole New Year
January 2, 3 & 4
Bryron Stripling, conductor
Piano Man: The Music of Billy Joel
February 6, 7 & 8
Steven Reineke, conductor
Icon: The Voices That Changed Music
April 24, 25 & 26
Lucas Waldin, conductor
Lights! Camera! Music!
100 Years of Epic Film Scores
May 29, 30 & 31
Steven Reineke, conductor
Enjoy world-class Houston Symphony performances from the comfort of home! Produced with multiple camera angles and state-of-the-art audio, our livestream concerts give you a fascinating up-close look at musicians, guest artists, and conductors.
6 OR MORE
$ 390 from $60 $270 $ 120 from $90
“Livestream concerts are an amazing opportunity to experience the magic of the Houston Symphony! Not only can you encounter the unsurpassed quality of the orchestra, conductors, programming, and guest artists, but you have the option to rewatch the concert streams for several days after the live performance.”
– Pamela J., Houston Symphony concertgoer
4 OR 5
I RARELY MISS A HOUSTON SYMPHONY CONCERT AND I HAVE TO SAY THIS SEASON THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO WOW ME WITH EXCEPTIONAL MUSIC-MAKING.
THE IMPROVED ACOUSTICS IN THE NEWLY RENOVATED JONES HALL REVEAL RICH LAYERS OF SOUND AND NUANCED COLORS , BUT IT’S THE MUSICIANS THEMSELVES WHO ARE RISING TO EVEN HIGHER LEVELS OF EXCELLENCE AND ARTISTRY, LED BY THEIR ALWAYS COMPELLING MUSIC DIRECTOR JURAJ VALČUHA.
– ARTS AND CULTURE TEXAS
performance calendar
June 2025
S Jaws in Concert
June 20
S Disney and Pixar�s Up in Concert
June 21 & 22
S Harry Potter and the Goblet of FireTM in Concert
June 27, 28 & 29
July 2025
The Music of Journey
July 26
September 2025
Valčuha Conducts West Side Story at Miller Outdoor Theatre
September 12
Opening Weekend:
Valčuha Conducts Stravinsky’s Firebird
September 19, 20* & 21
Eschenbach Conducts Mozart & Bruckner
September 27 & 28*
October 2025
King for a Day: The Music of Elvis
October 3, 4* & 5
Jean-Yves Thibaudet + The Three-Cornered Hat
October 10, 11* & 12
October 2025
Gershwin & Grimaud: Jazz Meets Symphony October 17, 18* & 19
From Stage to Screen: Broadway Meets Hollywood October 31, November 1* & 2
November 2025
From Stage to Screen: Broadway Meets Hollywood October 31, November 1* & 2
Frightfully Fun! A Halloween Concert for Kids
November 1
Shall We Dance? November 8 & 9*
Journey to Light: Valčuha Conducts Shostakovich 10 November 21, 22* & 23
Thanksgiving Weekend: Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1
November 28, 29* & 30
December 2025
Handel�s Messiah December 5, 6* & 7
Joyful Fanfares! Holiday Brass Spectacular
December 6 & 7
Very Merry Pops
December 11, 13* & 14
Oh, What Fun! A Holiday Concert for Kids
December 13
Elf in Concert
December 19, 20 & 21
January 2026
A Nat King Cole New Year
January 2, 3* & 4
S Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
January 9 & 10
Arturo Sandoval: Journey to Freedom
January 17 & 18*
Marin Alsop Conducts Brahms 2
January 23, 24* & 25
February 2026
Piano Man: The Music of Billy Joel
February 6, 7 * & 8
When Instruments Roamed the Earth
February 7
Symphonie espagnole + Symphonie fantastique
February 13, 14* & 15
Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet
February 20, 21* & 22
Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde
February 28 & March 1
March 2026
Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde
February 28 & March 1
Mozart + Elgar’s Enigma Variations
March 13, 14* & 15
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony + Timpani World Premiere
March 20, 21* & 22
Grieg’s Peer Gynt
March 27, 28* & 29
April 2026
Lang Lang in Recital
April 1
Disney�s Fantasia in Concert
April 3 & 4
Víkingur Ólafsson in Recital
April 17
Adams Conducts Adams & Appalachian Spring
April 18 & 19*
Icon: The Voices That Changed Music April 24, 25* & 26
Abracadabra! A Magical Musical Adventure
April 25
May 2026
Joshua Bell Returns: The Elements in Concert
May 7, 9* & 10
The Planets + Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto May 15, 16* & 17
Valčuha Conducts Mahler 9
May 22, 23* & 24
Lights! Camera! Music! 100 Years of Epic Film Scores May 29, 30* & 31
SUPPORT HOUSTON’S SYMPHONY
Connect more closely to the music you love and experience your Symphony in new ways while making a true difference to your orchestra and your city.
$4 MILLION Contributions from the Houston Symphony Endowment
$23 MILLION Annual Donations
$14 MILLION Ticket and subscription sales
Gifts of all sizes are needed and valued—and will unlock specific benefits just for you.
When you donate, you can unlock exclusive Classical or Bank of America POPS benefits such as invitations to elegant receptions, intimate Meet and Greets with orchestra musicians and guest artists, complimentary drinks in the donors’ lounges, valet parking, and so much more!
Please consider adding a gift to your subscription order and explore new music opportunities as a Houston Symphony donor.
In a typical season, your donations account for more than 1/2 of the Houston Symphony’s annual operating budget. When you buy tickets to a Symphony concert, your purchases ensure that 1/3 of the Symphony’s operating budget is secure, however, a contribution to the Annual Fund is instrumental in providing world-class performances and community engagement programs. Donate using our website Donate through PayPal
Middle School Students gathering in the courtyard of Jones Hall for a Harry and Cora Sue Mach Student Concert
Houston Symphony musicians performing at a donor event at ALARA Garage
Donors converse with Principal POPS
Conductor Steven Reineke at a Bank of America POPS post-concert Meet and Greet
A child receiving an introductory violin lesson during a Family Giving Circle Event at a PNC Family Series concert
thank you to our institutional partners
The Houston Symphony salutes our corporate, foundation, and government partners whose generosity allows the orchestra to reach new heights in music, education, and community engagement.
Diamond Guarantor
$1,000,000 or more
The Brown Foundation, Inc. ++
Houston Symphony Endowment ++ Houston Symphony League ++
The Wortham Foundation, Inc. ++
Premier Guarantor
$500,000 or more
The Alkek and Williams Foundation +
City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance
The C. Howard Piper Foundation
Grand Guarantor
$150,000 or more
The Cullen Foundation ++
The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts ++
The Hearst Foundation
The Humphreys Foundation +
Texas Commission on the Arts ++
Guarantor
$100,000 or more
City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board ++
The Houston Arts Combined Endowment Fund
The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation
MD Anderson Foundation ++
Underwriter
$50,000 or more
Albert & Ethel Herzstein Foundation + Beauchamp Foundation +
Houston Symphony Chorus Endowment
John P. McGovern Foundation ++
The Powell Foundation ++
The Elkins Foundation
Sponsor
$25,000 or more
William S. & Lora Jean Kilroy Foundation +
The Vivian L. Smith Foundation ++
The William Stamps Farish Fund
The Melbern G. & Susanne M. Glasscock Foundation + Sterling-Turner Foundation
Miller Theatre Advisory Board
EXPERIENCE YOUR
HOUSTON
Enhance your concert experience with these free extras!
From pre-Classical concert lectures and chamber music to post-concert parties on select performances, extend your visit to the Symphony and deepen your connection to the music along the way.
P.S. Your subscription benefits extend beyond Jones Hall!
The Houston Symphony is proud to partner with some of the hottest local restaurants around the city to offer subscriber-exclusive concert-day perks like complimentary wine or appetizers, shuttle transportation, dining discounts, and more.
Scan here to see a full list of our ever-growing partner restaurants
YOUR HOUSTON SYMPHONY
“As far as Houston�s concerned, it�s the ultimate night on the town. There�s just nothing like being overwhelmed by the music.”
– Stephen M., Houston Symphony concertgoer
