Official Program of
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Latin American Classical with the
Houston Symphony September 6, 2012 Sponsored by
The
Wortham Foundation
Tonight in the Plaza
ontents
Sept. 6
Tonight in the Plaza ........................................................................ 1 Letter from the President & CEO .................................................. 2 Latin American Classical ............................................................... 3 Biographies ..................................................................................... 4 Houston Symphony Orchestra ..................................................... 5 Sponsor Spotlight............................................................................ 6 Encore ............................................................................................. 6 ShowTime ........................................................................................
7
Concert Etiquette .......................................................................... 7
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s 2012 Performing Arts Season Presented by
7-8 p.m. Performance by The Woodlands Show Chorus Decorate Your Ambassador ID Badge with The Pavilion Partners Instrument Petting Zoo with The Pavilion Partners Meet Community Bankers & Barkley and Get a Beaded Necklace with Woodforest National Bank Bean Bag Toss with Century 21 Realty Partners Coloring & Car Display with Audi of America Guess the Vegetable with American Diabetes Association, a Community Share Partner Performance by Mercury Musicians & Register to Win Free Tickets with Mercury: The Orchestra Redefined, a Community Share Partner Register to Win “Best Seats in the House” and $100 Gift Card with Tommy Bahama and Market Street—The Woodlands
and Sponsored by
On the Patio
The
official automobile of The Pavilion
Wortham oundation F
official airline of The Pavilion
7:15-7:45 p.m. Pavilion Talk with Ira J. Black
The North Plaza is sponsored by
Credits Cindy DuBois – Editor in Chief Courtney Galle – Managing Editor Our Mission Founded in 1990, The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides diverse, high-quality performing arts events for the entertainment and enrichment of a broad regional audience. Through numerous educational and community outreach programs, The Center is a catalyst for attracting new audiences to the performing arts and building strong ties between the arts and educational institutions.
1 • www.woodlandscenter.org
Program design by Don Crouch, imagineer Jason Vieaux cover photo by Tyler Boye
Letter from the President & CEO
The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands Home of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2005 Lake Robbins Drive • The Woodlands, TX 77380 Phone: 281-364-3010 Fax: 281-364-3011 www.woodlandscenter.org info@woodlandscenter.org
Welcome to the 23rd season of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, also known as the Summer Home of the Houston Symphony. Tonight, the Houston Symphony performs a Latin Americanstyle concert under the direction of Maestro Hans Graf featuring renowned classical guitarist Jason Vieaux. On Sept. 21, the Symphony returns for a concert featuring the best of Johannes Brahms, with special guests Frank Huang on violin and Brinton Averil Smith on cello, as well as Graf on the podium.
Officers Jeffrey H. Shipley – Chairman of the Board Jerry MacDonald – President and CEO Joseph P. Ash – Vice Chairman Mark E. Ellis – Secretary Jeff Young – Vice President Lori Figaro – Treasurer
The Symphony’s 2012-13 season marks Hans Graf’s final season as Music Director of the Houston Symphony, his grand finale after serving 12 years at the helm of this world-renowned orchestra. I am thrilled you are here to help us celebrate his farewell season. We continue to provide free mezzanine and lawn seating for all our performing arts events thanks to our generous sponsors. I would like to thank The Wortham Foundation in particular for providing complimentary seating for tonight’s performance. We even provide free lawn chair rentals for your family to enjoy the performance on the lawn. Please take advantage of this great opportunity and bring your family, friends and neighbors to The Pavilion this season to enjoy a memorable evening under the stars. I want to thank our performing arts sponsors and board of directors for their continued support. I also would like to thank you, our guests, for supporting The Pavilion simply by being here and listening to one of the country’s greatest symphonies. Enjoy the show!
Board of Directors
John H. Beaird Gary Becker David D. Dunlap Carol P. Garner Jeffrey R. Harder Jason K. Harris Gregory T. Kelleher Paul R. Kenworthy, MD Daniel E. Kolkhorst George Lindahl III Julie V. Mayrant Ralph C. McIngvale
C. Grant Mitchell Steve A. Morrow Steven W. Nance Diane Nielsen Julie Rock Maryann T. Seaman Larry Shaffer Raymond I. Wilcox Marsha K. Williams Brian Wing Janet S. Wong Hank Wood
Director in memoriam Jerry MacDonald President & CEO
Cynthia Woods Mitchell (1922 - 2009)
Staff Jerry MacDonald – President & CEO Margaret Jones – Executive Assistant Cindy DuBois – Director of Marketing & Education Courtney Galle – Marketing & PR Manager Lori Figaro – CFO Jenny Lewis – Accounting Assistant Heather Reding – Human Resources Manager Paula Smith – Senior Accountant Christine Scully – Director of Development Leslie Williams – Volunteer & Special Events Coordinator Jeff Young – Vice President of Operations Mike Bevel – Operations Department Collin Bolen – Assistant Box Office Manager Carla DeHart – Administrative Coordinator Paula Jauregui – Maintenance Department Victor Maldonado – Maintenance Department Matt Meyer – Assistant Operations Manager Josie Reeves – Box Office Manager Kelly Rich – Event Manager Joey Rincon – Overnight Security Supervisor David Schlauch – Operations Manager Chad Sonnier – Operations Department JD Villaseñor – Director of Premium Seat Sales
Hans Graf cover photo by Bruce Bennett September 2012 • 2
Conductor Biography
Thursday, September 6, 2012 – 8 p.m. Hans Graf, conductor Jason Vieaux, guitar
Falla Suite No. 1 from “El Sombrero de tres picos” (“The Three-Cornered Hat”) I. Introduction: Allegro ma non troppo—Afternoon: Allegretto Mosso II. Dance of the Miller’s Wife (Fandango): Allegro ma non Troppo III. The Grapes: Vivo Rodrigo Concierto de Aranjuez for Guitar and Orchestra I. Allegro con spirito II. Adagio III. Allegro gentile
Intermission Revueltas Sensemayá Falla Suite No. 2 from “El Sombrero de tres picos” (“The Three-Cornered Hat”) I. The Neighbor’s Dance (Seguidillas): Allegro ma non troppo II. The Miller’s Dance (Farruca): Poco vivo—moderato assai III. Final Dance (Jota): Poco mosso—Allegro ritmico, molto moderato e pesante Please turn off all cellphones during the concert. Photography and video are not allowed, including with cellphones, at the request of the Houston Symphony. 3 • www.woodlandscenter.org
Known for his wide range of repertoire and creative programming, the distinguished Austrian conductor Hans Graf is one of today’s most highly respected musicians.
Graf was chosen to be the Music Director of the Houston Symphony in 2000 and began his tenure with the orchestra in September 2001. Prior to his appointment in Houston, he was the music director of the Calgary Philharmonic for eight seasons and held the same post with the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine for six years. He also led the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra from 1984 to 1994. He is a frequent guest with all of the major North American orchestras. His recent and upcoming guest engagements include appearances with the Cleveland and Philadelphia orchestras, the New York and Los Angeles philharmonics, the Boston, San Francisco, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Detroit, Dallas, Baltimore, Vancouver, Indianapolis and National symphonies and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, among others. He made his Carnegie Hall debut with the Houston Symphony in January 2006 and returned to Carnegie leading the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in March 2007. He and the Houston Symphony were invited to appear at Carnegie Hall in January 2010 to present the New York premiere of “The Planets—An HD Odyssey,” featuring exclusive high-definition images from NASA’s exploration of the solar system accompanied by Holst’s famous work, “The Planets.” They returned to Carnegie Hall in May 2012 to participate in the Spring Music festival. Graf’s recent and upcoming international appearances include the Vienna and London philharmonics, Vienna Symphony, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, as well as the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Deutsches Symphony Orchestra, Bavarian Radio Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic and Malaysian Philharmonic. In October 2010, he led the Houston Symphony on a tour of the United Kingdom which included performances in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester and two performances at the Barbican in London. Graf and the Houston Symphony performed two concerts in Moscow as part of The Festival of the World’s Symphony Orchestras in June 2012. Graf has participated in such prestigious European festivals as the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Bregenz and Aix en Provence and appeared at the Salzburg Festival for 12 consecutive seasons. His recent US festival appearances include Tanglewood, Blossom Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival and the Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago.
Biography
Jason Vieaux
Latin American Classical
Hans Graf
September 6 Program
Cited as one of the “youngest stars of the guitar world” by The New York Times, Jason Vieaux has earned a reputation for putting his expressive gifts and virtuosity at the service of a remarkably wide range of music. He makes his Houston Symphony debut with tonight’s performance.
Highlights for 2012-13 include concertos with Toronto, Spokane, Augusta , Ga, and Silicon Valley symphonies, a performance of the Lukas Foss Concerto for the New Hampshire Music Festival, duo recitals with acclaimed harpist Yolanda Kondonassis and accordion/ bandoneon virtuoso Julien Labro, solo recitals in Austin, Texas, at the Mannes School of Music and California’s La Guitarra Festival, and a South American sojourn with Curtis On Tour. In May 2012, the Jason Vieaux Guitar Academy was launched in partnership with ArtistWorks Inc., an unprecedented technological interface that provides a 1-on-1 online study exchange between Vieaux and guitar students. He has already made 11 commercial CDs with Azica Records and a new CD of solo guitar encores is planned for a 2013 release. “Bach: Works for Lute, Vol.1” hit No. 13 on Billboard’s Classical Chart after its first week and received rave reviews by Gramophone, The Absolute Sound and Soundboard. “Images of Metheny” features music by American jazz legend Pat Metheny. “Sevilla: The Music of Isaac Albeniz” made several top 10 lists the year of its release. Vieaux’s CDs and live performances are regularly broadcast and his work is featured in Acoustic Guitar, MUSO and Gramophone. He is a regular contributor to NPR’s “Deceptive Cadence,” a blog series on classical music. In 2011, Vieaux co-founded the Guitar Department at The Curtis Institute of Music with guitarist David Starobin, while continuing to head the Guitar Department of the Cleveland Institute of Music. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) and is affiliated with Philadelphia’s Astral Artists, for which he gives outreach concerts. His primary teachers were Jeremy Sparks and John Holmquist. In 1992, he was awarded the prestigious GFA International Guitar Competition 1st Prize, the event’s youngest winner ever. He also is honored with a Naumburg Foundation top prize, a Cleveland Institute of Music Alumni Achievement Award and a Salon di Virtuosi Career Grant. In 1995, Vieaux was an Artistic Ambassador of the U.S. to Southeast Asia, concertizing in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, India, Bangladesh, Myannmar and Nepal. Vieaux is represented by Jonathan Wentworth Associates, Ltd.
An experienced opera conductor, Graf first conducted the Vienna State Opera in 1981 and has since led productions in the opera houses of Berlin, Munich, Paris and Rome, among others. His extensive opera repertoire includes several world premieres including “Parsifal” at the Zurich Opera and “Boris Godunov” at the Opera National du Rhin in Strasbourg. Continued on page 4 of Sept. 21 program (see reverse) September 2012 • 4
Houston Symphony Orchestra Hans Graf, Music Director Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair Michael Krajewski Principal Pops Conductor
Sponsor, Cameron Management
First Violin Frank Huang, Concertmaster Max Levine Chair Eric Halen, Associate Concertmaster Ellen E. Kelley Chair Assia Dulgerska, Assistant Concertmaster Cornelia and Meredith Long Chair Qi Ming, Assistant Concertmaster Fondren Foundation Chair Marina Brubaker, Hewlett-Packard Company Chair Alexandra Adkins MiHee Chung Sophia Silivos Rodica Gonzalez Ferenc Illenyi Si-Yang Lao Kurt Johnson Christopher Neal Sergei Galperin Second Violin Jennifer Owen, Principal Tina Zhang, Associate Principal Hitai Lee Kiju Joh Mihaela Oancea-Frusina Ruth Zeger Margaret Bragg Martha Chapman Kevin Kelly Tong Yan Christine Pastorek Amy Teare Sarah Ludwig* Viola Wayne Brooks, Principal Mr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Legacy Society Chair Joan DerHovsepian, Associate Principal George Pascal, Assistant Principal Wei Jiang Linda Goldstein Sheldon Person Fay Shapiro Daniel Strba Mr. and Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Chair Thomas Molloy Phyllis Herdliska Cello Brinton Averil Smith, Principal Janice and Thomas Barrow Chair Christopher French, Associate Principal Haeri Ju** Jeffrey Butler Kevin Dvorak Xiao Wong Myung Soon Lee James R. Denton Anthony Kitai Hellen Weberpal* 5 • www.woodlandscenter.org
Sponsor Spotlight
Robert Franz Associate Conductor Sponsor, Beth Madison
Double Bass David Malone, Acting Principal Eric Larson, Acting Associate Principal Mark Shapiro Robert Pastorek Burke Shaw Donald Howey Michael McMurray
Trumpet Mark Hughes, Principal George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Chair John DeWitt, Associate Principal Robert Walp, Assistant Principal Anthony Prisk Speros P. Martel Chair
Flute Aralee Dorough, Principal General Maurice Hirsch Chair John Thorne, Associate Principal** Judy Dines, Acting Associate Principal Allison Jewett** Gina Hughes* Rebecca Powell Garfield*
Trombone Allen Barnhill, Principal Bradley White, Associate Principal Phillip Freeman
Piccolo Allison Jewett** Rebecca Powell Garfield** Oboe Jonathan Fischer, Principal Lucy Binyon Stude Chair Anne Leek, Associate Principal Colin Gatwood Adam Dinitz English Horn Adam Dinitz Clarinet David Peck, Principal Thomas LeGrand, Associate Principal Christian Schubert Alexander Potiomkin*** E-Flat Clarinet Thomas LeGrand Bass Clarinet Alexander Potiomkin*** Tassie and Constantine S. Nicandros Chair Bassoon Rian Craypo, Principal Stewart Orton Chair Eric Arbiter, Associate Principal American General Chair Elise Wagner J. Jeff Robinson** Benjamin Atherholt* Contrabassoon J. Jeff Robinson** Benjamin Atherholt* Horn William VerMeulen, Principal Robert Johnson, Acting Associate Principal* Brian Thomas Robert and Janice McNair Foundation Chair Nancy Goodearl Julie Thayer** Wade Butin*
Black Forest Ventures Delivers the Arts to The Woodlands
Bass Trombone Phillip Freeman Tuba Dave Kirk, Principal Timpani Ronald Holdman, Principal Brian Del Signore, Associate Principal Percussion Brian Del Signore, Principal Mark Griffith Matthew Strauss Harp Paula Page, Principal
Black Forest Ventures, an ardent supporter of the arts in The Woodlands community, is excited to support the performing arts at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion by providing free mezzanine and lawn seating at The Pavilion’s Holly Jolly Symphony Spectacular Dec. 7. The Woodlands-based asset management company focuses on Commercial Real Estate, Hospitality and Aviation investments. Black Forest Ventures owns the Hubbell & Hudson Bistro & Market near The Pavilion, along with two popular eateries in The Woodlands - Black Walnut Café and the Hubbell & Hudson Kitchen. The Hubbell & Hudson and Black Walnut Café concepts were born in The Woodlands and have become a destination for concertgoers before and after events. “Black Forest Ventures has created more than 500 jobs in Montgomery County by providing great amenities to the community,” said Haydar Kustu, director of marketing and business development for Black Forest Ventures. “Sponsoring The Pavilion’s performing arts events is just one more way we embrace our involvement in the community.” Hubbell & Hudson offers one-of-a-kind catering in The Woodlands and will be part of The Pavilion’s holiday festivities. Black Walnut Café will soon be opening its fifth location in the Greater Houston area on Memorial Drive.
Encore The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands would like to thank the following contributors for their financial support of our 2012 Performing Arts Season and Educational Outreach Programs as of Aug. 27 printing deadline. $100,000 - $249,999
$5,000 - $9,999 cont.
$500 - $999
In-Kind
Live Nation George P. Mitchell The Pavilion Partners
Black Forest Ventures CB&I Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Entergy Fidelity Investments FMC Technologies Carol & Phil Garner Ironman Foundation John P. McGovern Foundation Memorial Hermann The Woodlands TETRA Technologies, Inc. Union Pacific Foundation Winstead PC
Suzanne & Ed Ellis Lillian & Jess Hargis Judy & Charles Lano JoAnne & Randy Lowry Gayelene & Ralph McIngvale Brenda & John Mizell Sandy & Steve Morrow Janet Wong & Ronald Mullins Arla & Gerald Neuberger Cindy Notarainni Jadzia & Richard Olson Shannon & Brian Wing Melissa & Jeff Young
ARAMARK Sports & Entertainment Houston Community Newspapers & The Courier & The Villager Main Event EMS PepsiCo Rico’s Mexican Grill Simply Tutoring Sweet Tomatoes Tommy Bahama United Airlines
$2,000 - $4,999
$250 - $499
Century 21 Realty Partners City of Shenandoah EMI Exxon Volunteer Contributions Houston Northwest Medical Center Huntsman Kinder Morgan Foundation Market Street—The Woodlands Renewal by Andersen Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates
Nancy & Tom Battle Louise & Dr. Henry Bethea Debra & Michael Caliel Dixie & Bret Cope Gaye & Bill Craig Karol & James Dreibelbis Anne & David Dunlap Keith & Grady Ferry Bob Hurt Jan & Greg Jewell Ed Jones Conchita & Eric Ladwig Annice & John Nanninga Shelly & Michael O’Neil Cheryl & Ron Ridlehuber Arlene & Sol Sachs Peg & Tim Welbes
$75,000 - $99,999 The Wortham Foundation
Keyboard Scott Holshouser, Principal Neva Watkins West Chair
$50,000 - $74,999
Orchestra Personnel Manager Steve Wenig
$25,000 - $49,999
Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager Michael Gorman Librarian Thomas Takaro Assistant Librarians Erik Gronfor Michael McMurray Stage Manager Donald Ray Jackson Assistant Stage Manager Kelly Morgan Stage Technician Toby Blunt Zoltan Fabry Cory Grant * Contracted Substitute ** Leave of Absence *** Regular Substitute
The Woodlands Development Company Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Audi of America Lindahl Family Foundation Woodforest National Bank $15,000 - $24,999 ARAMARK Sports & Entertainment Devon Energy H-E-B PepsiCo $10,000 - $14,999 Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Insperity KPMG, LLP Linn Energy Wells Fargo The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival $5,000 - $9,999 Aon Hewitt AT&T Becker Family Foundation
$1,000 - $1,999 Delvin & Joe Ash Barb & Stephen Crain Candi & Gerald Glenn Sheryl & Fred Greene Tricia & Jerry MacDonald Julie & Jerry Mayrant Whitney & Derek McCoy Suzanne & Robert Potter Vicki & Michael Richmond Maryann T. & Timothy Seaman
The Pavilion Partners Fine Arts Scholarship Donors: $1,000 Charissa & Steve Arizpe Dana & Chris Baker Nelda & Jim Blair Sylvia Caracio Anne & Dave Dunlap Susan & Dan Fordyce Carol & Phil Garner Lisa & Fred Koetting Linn Energy Julie & Jerry Mayrant Arla & Gerald Neuberger Dr. Judith Ragsdale Maryann T. & Timothy Seaman Sheryl & Hank Wood
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion acknowledges the financial support of The Woodlands Township that is generated by the Event Admissions Tax for its performing arts and educational programs. September 2012 • 6
September 2012 • 7
ShowTime ShowTime is a list of events scheduled for The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, including start times and ticket prices. Information is subject to change. Please check our website for the latest event information.
Tickets also are available at all outlets, including Fiesta, select H-E-B and Walmart locations and Media Magic, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.
Prohibited Items ATMs are located in the North, South and Lawn plazas of The Pavilion. ATMs For most contemporary events, children 5 and under are admitted free to the lawn without a ticket. At most performing arts events, children are admitted free with their parents to the mezzanine and lawn areas. All children must have a ticket to sit in orchestra-level seating.
Tickets are available at The Pavilion Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the day of performances through intermission. American Express, MasterCard, VISA and Discover are accepted at The Pavilion Box Office.
Children
Tickets
Guest Information
Photo by Jeff Fitlow
Picnics are welcome at all performing arts events at The Pavilion. Guests can bring in any type of food item; however, beverages can not be brought into the venue. Guests are welcome to bring empty water bottles to fill at water fountains or to purchase beverages at our concessions stands.
For guests with hearing impairments, Ticketmaster’s TDD number is 800-755-6244. Groups of 20 or more are eligible for discounts for performing arts and selected contemporary events. For information, call 281-210-1127 or visit The Pavilion Box Office.
7 • www.woodlandscenter.org
To Picnic, or Not to Picnic?
Parking
Fashionably late? If you arrive after a performance has started, our ushers will do their best to seat you during an appropriate pause in the program. For certain performances, and at the request of the artist, guests seated in the orchestra section might have to wait until a transition is made between songs to proceed to their seats.
Bravo! As the applause dies down, the performers will put their instruments away and the leave the stage. The house lights will be turned on so guests can exit safely.
To ensure the enjoyment and safety of all our guests, the following items may not be brought into The Pavilion: glass bottles, cans, beverages, food (except picnic meals at performing arts events only), cameras, recording devices, weapons, aerosol cans, strollers, laser pointers, animals, tablets (iPads), laptops and lawn chairs.
Late Seating
After the Concert
Guests may park free of charge in lighted and patrolled lots convenient to The Pavilion. Preferred parking is available for all events in the on-site Town Center Garage. For most events, lots open 90 minutes prior to the performance.
Take a break from the outside world! Please turn off all cellphones and other audible electronics. Photography and videography are NOT allowed during the performances, including with cellphones, at the request of the artists. Tablets, such as iPads and Kindles, are not permitted into the venue because they are a distraction to other guests and the artists.
Not sure when to applaud and when not to? A good rule of thumb is to watch the conductor. The conductor should let you know when a piece is over by lowering both arms and turning to face the audience.
Cameras and Recording Devices
Electronic Devices
Applause
Food and Beverages
Guest should refrain from entering and exiting their seats while a performance is in progress. If you must leave your seat, please proceed quickly and quietly to the nearest aisle or ask the nearest usher for assistance. Please be courteous to other members of the audience.
At the request of the individual artists, cameras and recording devices are not permitted at our facility.
The Pavilion is a family-friendly venue and we love to see families at our performing arts events. However, please be courteous of both the orchestra and those around you by keeping youngsters from talking loudly and running around during the performance. Even if you are seated on the hill, loud children can be very distracting for everyone. We want all of our guests to have the most enjoyable concert experience possible.
lost and Found
During the Performance
Food and beverage items are available from The Pavilion concession areas in the North, South and Lawn plazas. Concessions are operated by ARAMARK Sports & Entertainment. Food can be brought in during all performing arts events; however, beverages are not allowed into the venue.
Children
To inquire about lost items, guests may ask a Pavilion staff member for assistance or call The Pavilion Administrative Office during business hours at 281-364-3010.
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion offers concertgoers live performing arts events in a picturesque setting featuring such world-renowned organizations as the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and Texas Music Festival Orchestra. The following information about concert etiquette will enhance your visit and help ensure that all of our guests enjoy their arts experience to the fullest.
Restrooms, Telephones
Concert Etiquette
Tours
Ticket Information
Prices do not include service charge. Tickets are available at all outlets, including Fiesta, select H-E-B and Walmart locations and Media Magic, by calling 800-745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets also can be purchased at The Pavilion Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on event days through intermission. The Box Office is located at the north entrance to The Pavilion at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands. For more information, call 281-363-3300 or visit www.woodlandscenter.org. Prepaid, preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $5 per vehicle for most performing arts events and $15 per vehicle for most contemporary events. Tickets for on-site parking can be purchased in advance at all locations and The Pavilion Box Office. Some service charges may apply. Advance purchase is not required, but guarantees a space the day of the show.
Permanent restrooms and telephones are located in all three plazas.
Oct. 20 Majic 102.1 35th Anniversary Show • 6:30 p.m. Featuring Jill Scott & Charlie Wilson $125 Res. Pit / $75 & $55 Reserved
Lawn Chairs
Holly Jolly Symphony Spectacular • 7:30 p.m. with the Houston Symphony Robert Franz, conductor $15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating courtesy of Woodforest National Bank, KPMG, LLP and Black Forest Ventures
Guided tours of The Pavilion can be arranged for groups by calling 281-364-3010.
Dec. 7
Special Events
Evening with Brahms • 8 p.m. with the Houston Symphony Hans Graf, conductor Frank Huang, violin / Brinton Averil Smith, cello $15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating courtesy of The Wortham Foundation
Hocus Pocus Pops • 7:30 p.m. with the Houston Symphony Robert Franz, conductor $15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating courtesy of H-E-B
For comfortable hillside seating, guests may bring blankets or use The Pavilion’s specially designed lawn chairs free of charge for all performing arts events.
Sept. 21
Oct. 12
First Aid
Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival • 12 p.m. with Shinedown, Godsmack, Staind, Adelitas Way, P.O.D., Duece and Redlight King $89.25 GA Pit / $55.25, $39.25 & $29.25 Reserved / $25.25 Lawn
Nov. 11 17th Annual Children’s Festival • 12 p.m. presented by Devon Energy $8 in advance / $10 at door
Trained medical professionals are on duty at all Pavilion events. If medical help is needed, ask any Pavilion staff member for assistance.
Sept. 15
Oct. 11 Gotye • 7:30 p.m. with Givers & Jonti $49.50 GA Pit / $43.50 Reserved
The 1,600-square-foot Woodforest Bank Club, located just off The Pavilion’s North Plaza, is available for lease year-round. Outfitted with large video screens, multimedia equipment with surround sound, a copier, fax and dedicated telephone and modem lines, the Club is designed for business meetings and special, private events. For rental information, call 281-363-0900.
Train • 7 p.m. with Matt Kearney $65 Res. Pit / $65, $49.50 & $29.50 Reserved / $20 Lawn
Nov. 10 17th Annual Children’s Festival • 10 a.m. presented by Devon Energy $8 in advance / $10 at door
Guests with Special Needs
Sept. 14
Buzzfest 29 • 12 p.m. with Three Days Grace, Silversun Pickups, 10 Years, Lit, Eve 6, The Toadies, Dead Sara, Tremonti, Red Jumpsuit Appartatus and more $150 GA Pit / $69 Reserved / $39 Lawn
The House of Blues Hospitality Tent provides a tented outdoor setting for pre- or post-concert gatherings at most contemporary concerts. For more information, call 281-363-0900.
Oct. 6
Jason Aldean • 7:30 p.m. with Luke Bryan, Rachel Farley and Dee Jay Silver Sold Out
The Pavilion is accessible to guests with disabilities. For detailed information, consult our free brochure available at the Information Booths, call 281-364-3010, or visit www.woodlandscenter.org.
Sept. 8 Ford F-Series presents Toby Keith • 7 p.m. with Brantley Gilbert and Thomas Rhett $68.25 GA Pit / $68.25 & $48.25 Reserved / $28.50 Lawn
Oct. 26
Information Booths
Sept. 29 Florence & the Machine • 7:30 p.m. with The Maccabees $69.50 GA Pit / $59.50, $45 & $35 Reserved
Information booths are located at the gated entrances in the North, South and Lawn plazas. If guests have questions or concerns, they are encouraged to visit Pavilion volunteers who staff the information booths throughout the events.
Sept. 7 Kelly Clarkson & The Fray • 7 p.m. $79.50 Res. Pit / $79.50, $49.50, $39.50 & $29.50 Reserved / $20 Lawn
Jason Aldean
Find The Pavilion on...
Florence and the Machine
Toby Keith
Inclement Weather
Kelly Clarkson
Robert Franz
Gotye
Pavilion concerts are not canceled due to rain. If it rains on the day of the concert, guests are encouraged to wear rain apparel.
Train
Official Program of
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Evening with Brahms with the
Houston Symphony September 21, 2012 Sponsored by
The
Wortham Foundation
Tonight in the Plaza
ontents
Sept. 21
Tonight in the Plaza .......................................................................... 1
7-8 p.m. Performance by The Woodlands High School Chamber Orchestra
Letter from the President & CEO .................................................... 2
Decorate a Brahms Bookmark with The Pavilion Partners
An Evening with Brahms .................................................................. 3 Biographies ....................................................................................... 4
Instrument Petting Zoo with The Pavilion Partners
Houston Symphony Orchestra ........................................................ 5
Meet Community Bankers & Barkley & Get an Activity Book with Woodforest National Bank
Volunteer Spotlight ........................................................................... 6
Bean Bag Toss with Century 21 Realty Partners
Guest Information ............................................................................ 7
Coloring & Car Display with Audi of America Glow-in-the dark Necklaces & Balloons with CASA, a Community Share Partner
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s 2012 Performing Arts Season Presented by
Performance by Mercury Musicians & Register to Win Free Tickets with Mercury: The Orchestra Redefined, a Community Share Partner Register to Win “Best Seats in the House” and $100 Gift Card with Tommy Bahama and Market Street—The Woodlands
and Sponsored by
The
official automobile of The Pavilion
Wortham Foundation
official airline of The Pavilion
The North Plaza is sponsored by
On the Patio 7:15-7:45 p.m. Pavilion Talk with Ira J. Black
Credits Cindy DuBois – Editor in Chief Courtney Galle – Managing Editor Our Mission Founded in 1990, The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides diverse, high-quality performing arts events for the entertainment and enrichment of a broad regional audience. Through numerous educational and community outreach programs, The Center is a catalyst for attracting new audiences to the performing arts and building strong ties between the arts and educational institutions.
1 • www.woodlandscenter.org
Program design by Don Crouch, imagineer Frank Huang cover photo by Jeff Fitlow
Letter from the President & CEO
The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands Home of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2005 Lake Robbins Drive • The Woodlands, TX 77380 Phone: 281-364-3010 Fax: 281-364-3011 www.woodlandscenter.org info@woodlandscenter.org
Welcome to the 23rd season of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, also known as the Summer Home of the Houston Symphony. Tonight, the Houston Symphony performs a concert featuring the best of Johannes Brahms, with special guests Frank Huang on violin and Brinton Averil Smith on cello, as well as Hans Graf on the podium.
Officers Jeffrey H. Shipley – Chairman of the Board Jerry MacDonald – President and CEO Joseph P. Ash – Vice Chairman Mark E. Ellis – Secretary Jeff Young – Vice President Lori Figaro – Treasurer
The Symphony’s 2012-13 season marks Hans Graf’s final season as Music Director of the Houston Symphony, his grand finale after serving 12 years at the helm of this world-renowned orchestra. I am thrilled you are here to help us celebrate his farewell season. We continue to provide free mezzanine and lawn seating for all our performing arts events thanks to our generous sponsors. I would like to thank The Wortham Foundation in particular for providing complimentary seating for tonight’s performance. We even provide free lawn chair rentals for your family to enjoy the performance on the lawn. Please take advantage of this great opportunity and bring your family, friends and neighbors to The Pavilion this season to enjoy a memorable evening under the stars. I want to thank our performing arts sponsors and board of directors for their continued support. I also would like to thank you, our guests, for supporting The Pavilion simply by being here and listening to one of the country’s greatest symphonies. Enjoy the show!
Jerry MacDonald President & CEO
Board of Directors
John H. Beaird Gary Becker David D. Dunlap Carol P. Garner Jeffrey R. Harder Jason K. Harris Gregory T. Kelleher Paul R. Kenworthy, MD Daniel E. Kolkhorst George Lindahl III Julie V. Mayrant Ralph C. McIngvale
C. Grant Mitchell Steve A. Morrow Steven W. Nance Diane Nielsen Julie Rock Maryann T. Seaman Larry Shaffer Raymond I. Wilcox Marsha K. Williams Brian Wing Janet S. Wong Hank Wood
Director in memoriam Cynthia Woods Mitchell (1922 - 2009)
Staff Jerry MacDonald – President & CEO Margaret Jones – Executive Assistant Cindy DuBois – Director of Marketing & Education Courtney Galle – Marketing & PR Manager Lori Figaro – CFO Jenny Lewis – Accounting Assistant Heather Reding – Human Resources Manager Paula Smith – Senior Accountant Christine Scully – Director of Development Leslie Williams – Volunteer & Special Events Coordinator Jeff Young – Vice President of Operations Mike Bevel – Operations Department Collin Bolen – Assistant Box Office Manager Carla DeHart – Administrative Coordinator Paula Jauregui – Maintenance Department Victor Maldonado – Maintenance Department Matt Meyer – Assistant Operations Manager Josie Reeves – Box Office Manager Kelly Rich – Event Manager Joey Rincon – Overnight Security Supervisor David Schlauch – Operations Manager Chad Sonnier – Operations Department JD Villaseñor – Director of Premium Seat Sales
Brinton Averil Smith cover photo by Sandy Lankford September 2012 • 2
September 21 Program
Hans Graf, conductor Frank Huang, violin Brinton Averil Smith, cello Brahms Variationen über ein Thema von Haydn (“Variations on a Theme of Haydn”), Opus 56a Brahms Concerto in A minor for Violin, Cello and Orchestra, Opus 102 (Double) I. Allegro II. Andante III. Vivace non troppo
Intermission Brahms Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Opus 98 I. Allegro non troppo II. Andante moderato III. Allegro giocoso IV. Allegro energico e passionato Please turn off all cellphones during the concert. Photography and video are not allowed, including with cellphones, at the request of the Houston Symphony.
Graf has recorded for the EMI, Orfeo, CBC, Erato, Capriccio and JVC labels and his discography includes the complete symphonies of Mozart and Schubert, the premiere recording of Zemlinsky’s opera “Es war einmal” and the complete works of Dutilleux for BMG Arte Nova. His recordings with the Houston Symphony include works by Bartok and Stravinsky, Zemlinsky’s “Lyric Symphony,” Berg’s “Three Pieces from the Lyric Suite” and Mahler’s “Das Lied von der Erde for Naxos,” as well a DVD of “The Planets—An HD Odyssey,” available through the Houston Symphony. Graf has been awarded the Chevalier de l’ordre de la Legion d’Honneur by the French government for championing French music around the world as well as the Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria.
Hailed by Newsday for “extraordinary musicianship...forceful, sophisticated and entirely in the spirit of the music,” Brinton Averil Smith has performed throughout the world, receiving widespread acclaim for combining virtuosic technique with musical ideals rooted in the golden age of string playing. Smith is the principal cellist of the Houston Symphony and a faculty member of the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. His debut recording of Miklos Rózsa’s Cello Concerto with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra won praise throughout the international press, with Gramophone praising Smith as a “hugely eloquent, impassioned soloist.” His recording of chamber music of “Fauré” with Gil Shaham was chosen by numerous critics as one of the year’s best albums. As a chamber musician, Smith has collaborated with Gil Shaham, Yo-Yo Ma, Cho-Liang Lin, Lynn Harrell, Sarah Chang, Dawn Upshaw, members of The Beaux Arts Trio and The Guarneri, Emerson, Juilliard, Cleveland and Berg quartets. He was previously a member of the New York Philharmonic and the principal cellist of the San Diego and Fort Worth symphonies. His performances
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First prize winner of the 2003 Walter W. Naumburg Foundation’s Violin Competition and 2000 Hannover International Violin Competition, Frank Huang has an established career as a violin virtuoso. At the age of 11, his first performance with the Houston Symphony was in a nationally broadcast concert. Since then, he has performed with orchestras throughout the world, including the Cleveland and Genoa orchestras, Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Saint-Paul and Amadeus chamber orchestras, Indianapolis Symphony and the NDR-Radio Philharmonic Orchestra of Hannover. He has served as concertmaster of the Houston Symphony since 2010.
Frank Huang
Born in 1949 near Linz, Graf studied violin and piano as a child. He earned diplomas in piano and conducting from the Musikhochschule in Graz and continued his conducting studies with Franco Ferrara in Siena, Sergiu Celibidache and Arvid Jansons. He served as the music director of the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra in Baghdad during the 1975-76 season, and the following year began coaching at the Vienna State Opera. His international career was launched in 1979 when he was awarded first prize at the Karl Böhm Competition.
Brinton Averil Hans GrafSmith
Friday, September 21, 2012 – 8 p.m.
Hans Graf
Continued from page 4 of Sept. 6 program (see reverse)
Evening with Brahms
Biographies
Conductor Biography
Huang has performed on NPR’s “Performance Today,” ABC’s “Good Morning America” and CNN’s “American Morning with Paula Zahn.” His first commercial recording, comprised of “Fantasies” by Schubert, Ernst, Schoenberg and Waxman, was released on Naxos in 2003. Since the age of 15, he has performed in competitions with top prize awards in the Premio Paganini International Violin Competition and the Indianapolis International Violin Competition. He also received Gold Medal Awards in the Kingsville International Competition, the Irving M. Klein International Competition and the D’Angelo International Competition. Recent concerts include debuts in Wigmore Hall (London), Salle Cortot (Paris), Kennedy Center (Washington), and Herbst Theatre (San Francisco). He had his second recital in Alice Tully Hall (New York), which featured the world premiere of Donald Martino’s Sonata for Solo Violin. Huang is deeply committed to chamber music. He has attended the Marlboro Music Festival, Ravinia’s Steans Institute, The Seattle Chamber Music Festival and the Caramoor Festival, and frequently participates in Musicians from Marlboro tours. He was also selected by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center to be a member of the prestigious Chamber Music II program. Before Houston, Huang was the first violinist of the Grammy® Award-winning Ying Quartet and on faculty at the Eastman School of Music. Huang is on the faculty at Rice University and the University of Houston and he teaches during the summers at the Bowdoin International Music Festival, the Texas Music Festival and the Great Mountains Music Festival in South Korea. Huang performs in a trio with pianist Gilles Vonsattel and cellist Nicolas Altstaedt, and also serves as the concertmaster and leader of the Sejong Soloists, a conductorless chamber orchestra in New York.
have been broadcast throughout the world, including in the U.S. on CBS “Sunday Morning” and NPR’s “Performance Today” and “Symphonycast.” At age 10, Smith was admitted part-time to Arizona State University, studying mathematics, music and German. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics at age 17. He received his master’s and doctoral degrees from Juilliard, studying with renowned Cellist Zara Nelsova and writing on the playing of Emanuel Feuermann. September 2012 • 4
Houston Symphony Orchestra
Sponsor, Cameron Management
Robert Franz Associate Conductor Sponsor, Beth Madison
First Violin Frank Huang, Concertmaster Max Levine Chair Eric Halen, Associate Concertmaster Ellen E. Kelley Chair Assia Dulgerska, Assistant Concertmaster Cornelia and Meredith Long Chair Qi Ming, Assistant Concertmaster Fondren Foundation Chair Marina Brubaker, Hewlett-Packard Company Chair Alexandra Adkins MiHee Chung Sophia Silivos Rodica Gonzalez Ferenc Illenyi Si-Yang Lao Kurt Johnson Christopher Neal Sergei Galperin
Double Bass David Malone, Acting Principal Eric Larson, Acting Associate Principal Mark Shapiro Robert Pastorek Burke Shaw Donald Howey Michael McMurray
Trumpet Mark Hughes, Principal George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Chair John DeWitt, Associate Principal Robert Walp, Assistant Principal Anthony Prisk Speros P. Martel Chair
Flute Aralee Dorough, Principal General Maurice Hirsch Chair John Thorne, Associate Principal** Judy Dines, Acting Associate Principal Allison Jewett** Gina Hughes* Rebecca Powell Garfield*
Trombone Allen Barnhill, Principal Bradley White, Associate Principal Phillip Freeman
Second Violin Jennifer Owen, Principal Tina Zhang, Associate Principal Hitai Lee Kiju Joh Mihaela Oancea-Frusina Ruth Zeger Margaret Bragg Martha Chapman Kevin Kelly Tong Yan Christine Pastorek Amy Teare Sarah Ludwig*
Oboe Jonathan Fischer, Principal Lucy Binyon Stude Chair Anne Leek, Associate Principal Colin Gatwood Adam Dinitz
Viola Wayne Brooks, Principal Mr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Legacy Society Chair Joan DerHovsepian, Associate Principal George Pascal, Assistant Principal Wei Jiang Linda Goldstein Sheldon Person Fay Shapiro Daniel Strba Mr. and Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Chair Thomas Molloy Phyllis Herdliska Cello Brinton Averil Smith, Principal Janice and Thomas Barrow Chair Christopher French, Associate Principal Haeri Ju** Jeffrey Butler Kevin Dvorak Xiao Wong Myung Soon Lee James R. Denton Anthony Kitai Hellen Weberpal* 5 • www.woodlandscenter.org
Piccolo Allison Jewett** Rebecca Powell Garfield**
English Horn Adam Dinitz Clarinet David Peck, Principal Thomas LeGrand, Associate Principal Christian Schubert Alexander Potiomkin***
Bass Trombone Phillip Freeman Tuba Dave Kirk, Principal Timpani Ronald Holdman, Principal Brian Del Signore, Associate Principal Percussion Brian Del Signore, Principal Mark Griffith Matthew Strauss
The Pavilion salutes the Ferry’s for their dedication to the venue and to Partners, and for making volunteerism a family affair. For more information about The Pavilion Partners, visit www.woodlandscenter.org/partners.
Childrens Festival 1/2 Page Ad
Orchestra Personnel Manager Steve Wenig
Bass Clarinet Alexander Potiomkin*** Tassie and Constantine S. Nicandros Chair
Librarian Thomas Takaro
Horn William VerMeulen, Principal Robert Johnson, Acting Associate Principal* Brian Thomas Robert and Janice McNair Foundation Chair Nancy Goodearl Julie Thayer** Wade Butin*
Grady is a sales manager for Albemarle Corporation, a specialty chemical company. He enjoys golfing and fishing in his leisure time. He and Keith are avid campers and are planning a trip to the hill country this fall. However, they plan to return in time to bring their two grandchildren, Edward and Amelia, to the 17th Annual Children’s Festival in November.
Keyboard Scott Holshouser, Principal Neva Watkins West Chair
Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager Michael Gorman
Contrabassoon J. Jeff Robinson** Benjamin Atherholt*
When The Pavilion Partners was established as the official volunteer organization of The Pavilion, the Ferry’s trained to become event volunteers. Keith has served on the Partners board of directors in many different positions, including president. Keith also has served on the Children’s Festival committee for many years. Keith and Grady both enjoy volunteering in the Information Booths during large all-day festivals hosted by The Pavilion. Each event has its own unique flavor that makes it fun and exciting for them to volunteer.
The entire Ferry family has become involved with The Pavilion. Their daughter, Katy, worked her first job earning money for college as a parking attendant at The Pavilion. Their son, Jimmy, recently volunteered with Partners as a judge for The Pavilion Partners Fine Arts Scholarship program. For the Ferry’s, volunteering at The Pavilion is truly a family activity.
Harp Paula Page, Principal
E-Flat Clarinet Thomas LeGrand
Bassoon Rian Craypo, Principal Stewart Orton Chair Eric Arbiter, Associate Principal American General Chair Elise Wagner J. Jeff Robinson** Benjamin Atherholt*
Keith and Grady Ferry enjoy volunteering at the many events held at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The Ferry’s moved to The Woodlands from Louisiana 21 years ago with their four children. It was only a short time before their family attended its first Star-Spangled Salute concert with the Houston Symphony at The Pavilion. They were amazed that such a great event was held right here in their own hometown. Many more performing arts concerts followed with the Ferry family sitting on the lawn enjoying food from their picnic basket.
Assistant Librarians Erik Gronfor Michael McMurray Stage Manager Donald Ray Jackson Assistant Stage Manager Kelly Morgan Stage Technician Toby Blunt Zoltan Fabry Cory Grant * Contracted Substitute ** Leave of Absence *** Regular Substitute
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September 2012 • 10
Hans Graf, Music Director Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair Michael Krajewski Principal Pops Conductor
Volunteer Spotlight
ShowTime ShowTime is a list of events scheduled for The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, including start times and ticket prices. Information is subject to change. Please check our website for the latest event information. Gotye
Florence and the Machine
Toby Keith
Oct. 6
Sept. 8 Ford F-Series presents Toby Keith • 7 p.m. with Brantley Gilbert and Thomas Rhett $68.25 GA Pit / $68.25 & $48.25 Reserved / $28.50 Lawn
Sept. 29 Florence & the Machine • 7:30 p.m. with The Maccabees $69.50 GA Pit / $59.50, $45 & $35 Reserved
Sept. 7 Kelly Clarkson & The Fray • 7 p.m. $79.50 Res. Pit / $79.50, $49.50, $39.50 & $29.50 Reserved / $20 Lawn
Evening with Brahms • 8 p.m. with the Houston Symphony Hans Graf, conductor Frank Huang, violin / Brinton Averil Smith, cello $15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating courtesy of The Wortham Foundation
Sept. 21
Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival • 12 p.m. with Shinedown, Godsmack, Staind, Adelitas Way, P.O.D., Duece and Redlight King $89.25 GA Pit / $55.25, $39.25 & $29.25 Reserved / $25.25 Lawn
Sept. 15
Train • 7 p.m. with Matt Kearney $65 Res. Pit / $65, $49.50 & $29.50 Reserved / $20 Lawn
Sept. 14
Buzzfest 29 • 12 p.m. with Three Days Grace, Silversun Pickups, 10 Years, Lit, Eve 6, The Toadies, Dead Sara, Tremonti, Red Jumpsuit Appartatus and more $150 GA Pit / $69 Reserved / $39 Lawn
Oct. 11 Gotye • 7:30 p.m. with Givers & Jonti $49.50 GA Pit / $43.50 Reserved Oct. 12
Oct. 26
Robert Franz
Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean • 7:30 p.m. with Luke Bryan, Rachel Farley and Dee Jay Silver Sold Out
Nov. 10 17th Annual Children’s Festival • 10 a.m. presented by Devon Energy $8 in advance / $10 at door Nov. 11 17th Annual Children’s Festival • 12 p.m. presented by Devon Energy $8 in advance / $10 at door Dec. 7
Hocus Pocus Pops • 7:30 p.m. with the Houston Symphony Robert Franz, conductor $15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating courtesy of H-E-B
Holly Jolly Symphony Spectacular • 7:30 p.m. with the Houston Symphony Robert Franz, conductor $15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating courtesy of Woodforest National Bank, KPMG, LLP and Black Forest Ventures
Oct. 20 Majic 102.1 35th Anniversary Show • 6:30 p.m. Featuring Jill Scott & Charlie Wilson $125 Res. Pit / $75 & $55 Reserved Ticket Information
Prices do not include service charge. Tickets are available at all outlets, including Fiesta, select H-E-B and Walmart locations and Media Magic, by calling 800-745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets also can be purchased at The Pavilion Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on event days through intermission. The Box Office is located at the north entrance to The Pavilion at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands. For more information, call 281-363-3300 or visit www.woodlandscenter.org. Prepaid, preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $5 per vehicle for most performing arts events and $15 per vehicle for most contemporary events. Tickets for on-site parking can be purchased in advance at all locations and The Pavilion Box Office. Some service charges may apply. Advance purchase is not required, but guarantees a space the day of the show.
Concert Etiquette The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion offers concertgoers live performing arts events in a picturesque setting featuring such world-renowned organizations as the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and Texas Music Festival Orchestra. The following information about concert etiquette will enhance your visit and help ensure that all of our guests enjoy their arts experience to the fullest. Guest should refrain from entering and exiting their seats while a performance is in progress. If you must leave your seat, please proceed quickly and quietly to the nearest aisle or ask the nearest usher for assistance. Please be courteous to other members of the audience.
The Pavilion is a family-friendly venue and we love to see families at our performing arts events. However, please be courteous of both the orchestra and those around you by keeping youngsters from talking loudly and running around during the performance. Even if you are seated on the hill, loud children can be very distracting for everyone. We want all of our guests to have the most enjoyable concert experience possible.
During the Performance
Children
Electronic Devices
Applause Not sure when to applaud and when not to? A good rule of thumb is to watch the conductor. The conductor should let you know when a piece is over by lowering both arms and turning to face the audience. After the Concert
lost and Found
Take a break from the outside world! Please turn off all cellphones and other audible electronics. Photography and videography are NOT allowed during the performances, including with cellphones, at the request of the artists. Tablets, such as iPads and Kindles, are not permitted into the venue because they are a distraction to other guests and the artists.
At the request of the individual artists, cameras and recording devices are not permitted at our facility.
Bravo! As the applause dies down, the performers will put their instruments away and the leave the stage. The house lights will be turned on so guests can exit safely. To Picnic, or Not to Picnic? Picnics are welcome at all performing arts events at The Pavilion. Guests can bring in any type of food item; however, beverages can not be brought into the venue. Guests are welcome to bring empty water bottles to fill at water fountains or to purchase beverages at our concessions stands.
For most contemporary events, children 5 and under are admitted free to the lawn without a ticket. At most performing arts events, children are admitted free with their parents to the mezzanine and lawn areas. All children must have a ticket to sit in orchestra-level seating.
Late Seating
Food and beverage items are available from The Pavilion concession areas in the North, South and Lawn plazas. Concessions are operated by ARAMARK Sports & Entertainment. Food can be brought in during all performing arts events; however, beverages are not allowed into the venue. Tickets are available at The Pavilion Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the day of performances through intermission. American Express, MasterCard, VISA and Discover are accepted at The Pavilion Box Office.
Fashionably late? If you arrive after a performance has started, our ushers will do their best to seat you during an appropriate pause in the program. For certain performances, and at the request of the artist, guests seated in the orchestra section might have to wait until a transition is made between songs to proceed to their seats.
Cameras and Recording Devices
Train
Photo by Jeff Fitlow
Find The Pavilion on... The House of Blues Hospitality Tent provides a tented outdoor setting for pre- or post-concert gatherings at most contemporary concerts. For more information, call 281-363-0900. The 1,600-square-foot Woodforest Bank Club, located just off The Pavilion’s North Plaza, is available for lease year-round. Outfitted with large video screens, multimedia equipment with surround sound, a copier, fax and dedicated telephone and modem lines, the Club is designed for business meetings and special, private events. For rental information, call 281-363-0900. Special Events Guided tours of The Pavilion can be arranged for groups by calling 281-364-3010. Tours To inquire about lost items, guests may ask a Pavilion staff member for assistance or call The Pavilion Administrative Office during business hours at 281-364-3010.
Food and Beverages
Prohibited Items ATMs are located in the North, South and Lawn plazas of The Pavilion. ATMs Children
Kelly Clarkson
September 2012 • 7 Pavilion concerts are not canceled due to rain. If it rains on the day of the concert, guests are encouraged to wear rain apparel. Inclement Weather Information booths are located at the gated entrances in the North, South and Lawn plazas. If guests have questions or concerns, they are encouraged to visit Pavilion volunteers who staff the information booths throughout the events. Information Booths The Pavilion is accessible to guests with disabilities. For detailed information, consult our free brochure available at the Information Booths, call 281-364-3010, or visit www.woodlandscenter.org. Guests with Special Needs Trained medical professionals are on duty at all Pavilion events. If medical help is needed, ask any Pavilion staff member for assistance. First Aid For comfortable hillside seating, guests may bring blankets or use The Pavilion’s specially designed lawn chairs free of charge for all performing arts events. Lawn Chairs Permanent restrooms and telephones are located in all three plazas. Restrooms, Telephones Guests may park free of charge in lighted and patrolled lots convenient to The Pavilion. Preferred parking is available for all events in the on-site Town Center Garage. For most events, lots open 90 minutes prior to the performance.
To ensure the enjoyment and safety of all our guests, the following items may not be brought into The Pavilion: glass bottles, cans, beverages, food (except picnic meals at performing arts events only), cameras, recording devices, weapons, aerosol cans, strollers, laser pointers, animals, tablets (iPads), laptops and lawn chairs.
Parking For guests with hearing impairments, Ticketmaster’s TDD number is 800-755-6244. Groups of 20 or more are eligible for discounts for performing arts and selected contemporary events. For information, call 281-210-1127 or visit The Pavilion Box Office. Tickets also are available at all outlets, including Fiesta, select H-E-B and Walmart locations and Media Magic, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Tickets
Guest Information
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