THIS PERFORMANCE IS PART OF THE
POP S S E RI E S
THIS PERFORMANCE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Joella & Steven P. Mach
THIS PERFORMANCE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Mrs. Carolyn and Dr. Michael Mann
LIVESTREAMING OF HOUSTON SYMPHONY CONCERTS IS MADE POSSIBLE BY
Barbara J. Burger
THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR GENEROUS SEASON SPONSORS
The Classical Season is sponsored by
THE ROBERT CIZIK FAMILY Principal Corporate Guarantor Official Airline
Official Health Care Provider
The Houston Symphony is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.
Preferred Jewelry Partner
THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR GENEROUS SERIES SPONSORS
Gold Classics
Favorite Masters
RAND G ROUP
Great Performers
POPS Series
Family Series
AS THIS HOLIDAY MUSIC LIFTS YOUR SPIRITS, PLEASE CONSIDER A GIFT TODAY. Text MUSIC to 41444 to help secure a $210,000 match from the family of Jan Barrow, Barbara and Pat McCelvey, and Eric Brueggeman. OR VISIT US AT HOU S T ON SY MPHON Y.ORG / DON AT E
ARTIST BIOS
MICHAEL KRAJEWSKI CONDUCTOR
Known for his entertaining programs and clever humor, Michael Krajewski is a much sought after conductor of symphonic pops. He is principal pops conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony and previously served as principal pops conductor of the Houston Symphony and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, as well as music director of The Philly Pops. As a guest conductor, Michael has performed with The Cleveland and Philadelphia Orchestras; the Boston and Cincinnati Pops; the San Francisco, Baltimore, Detroit, Indianapolis, Seattle, Dallas, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and National symphony orchestras; and numerous other orchestras across the United States. In Canada, he has led Ottawa’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, and the Edmonton and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestras. Other international appearances include performances in Dublin and Belfast with the Ulster Orchestra as well as performances with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and Spain’s Bilbao Symphony Orchestra. Michael is the conductor of the video Silver Screen Serenade with violinist Jenny Oaks Baker that aired worldwide on BYU Broadcasting. On recordings, he has led the Houston Symphony on two holiday albums: Glad Tidings and Christmas Festival. His collaborative programs have included such artists as flutist James Galway, mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne, pianist Alicia de Larrocha, guitarist Ángel Romero, and pop artists Rufus Wainwright, Jason Alexander, Roberta Flack, Judy Collins, Art Garfunkel, Wynonna Judd, Kenny Loggins, Ben Folds, Doc Severinsen, Patti Austin, Sandi Patty, Ann Hampton Callaway, Chicago, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Chieftains, Pink Martini, Rockapella, Cirque de la Symphonie, The Doo Wop Project, Classical Mystery Tour, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and The Midtown Men. With degrees from Wayne State University in Detroit and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Michael furthered his training at the Pierre Monteux Domaine School for Conductors. He was a Dorati Fellowship Conductor with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and later served as that orchestra’s assistant conductor. He was resident conductor of the Florida Orchestra, and for 11 years, served as music director of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. Michael lives in Orlando, Florida, with his wife, Darcy. When not conducting, he enjoys travel, photography, and solving crossword puzzles.
ARTIST BIOS CHELSEA CYMONE VOCALIST
The ability to command the stage is not something every singer possesses; Chelsea Cymone does! A native of Houston, Chelsea has been singing since she was five years old. With a foundation deeply rooted in the Baptist Church, Chelsea comes from a family of singers who have influenced her throughout her life. Chelsea’s love for classical music developed during her time as a student at Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA). After graduating from high school, Chelsea attended Prairie View A&M University on scholarship, with a concentration in operatic performance. She quickly became a shining star! Chelsea began to explore her options in music, singing locally as a background vocalist, and honing her gift began to open doors. She has performed several times as the featured artist for Houston’s Christmas and Thanksgiving parades, and made her debut as a featured soloist with the Houston Symphony in 2018. Chelsea has been a background vocalist for Motown Gospel’s Gene Moore, Chanté Moore, Mya, Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, Regina Belle, and Kenny Latimore, and recently toured internationally with Grammy nominated artist Ella Mai. With hopes of bringing a fresh sense of artistry back to the music industry, she aspires to be one of the most sought-after entertainers, vocalists, songwriters, and vocal producers while simultaneously working on original music. Chelsea Cymone sums up her life philosophy with: “Make your passion your paycheck.” She is working every day to do just that.