Name: Opening Weekend: Valčuha Conducts Stravinsky’s Firebird
Start: 2025-09-21T14:00:00
Location: Jones Hall

Houston Symphony promises an unforgettable lineup of concerts, featuring legendary voices like Andrea Bocelli, vibrant choral renditions of holiday classics, and even the grandiose film scores of Hollywood. From the mystical tones of Stravinsky's Firebird to Grieg's evocative Peer Gynt, each performance is a testament to the enduring power of music. Join us as we explore these events that celebrate the diversity and richness of the musical arts, fostering a community of music lovers in the heart of Texas.

A Symphony of Culture: Houston's Musical Highlights

Experience an unforgettable musical season with the Houston Symphony, featuring a series of dynamic concerts that blend classical triumphs with modern masterpieces. From Andrea Bocelli's enthralling return to Stravinsky's legendary 'Firebird', and Handel's timeless 'Messiah' to a cinematic journey through epic film scores, this season promises a rich tapestry of sound and emotion. Audiences will be transported through time and genre, celebrating both the new and the beloved. Join this extraordinary celebration of music and artistic expression at the heart of Houston's cultural scene.

Houston Symphony's Stellar Season: A Journey Through Iconic Concerts

Join the Houston Symphony for an unforgettable summer and fall filled with captivating concerts and musical tributes. From the iconic scores of Spielberg and Williams to the powerful voice of Andrea Bocelli, experience movie magic, classical arias, and rock classics. With events like 'Jaws in Concert' and 'The Music of Journey,' there's something for every music lover. Each performance is a testament to the power of live music, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation that will captivate audiences of all ages.

A Symphony of Cinematic Splendor: Houston's Musical Events to Remember

Houston Symphony is set to offer an exquisite lineup of events that promises to captivate music enthusiasts. From Andrea Bocelli's iconic concert to a cinematic journey through epic film scores, the Toyota Center and Jones Hall will host a series of unforgettable performances. Each event brings forth a unique blend of talent and creativity, featuring renowned artists such as Angel Blue, Ali Stroker, and more. Join us as we explore the enchanting world of classical and choral music that awaits in the heart of Texas.

A Symphony of Stars: Unveiling Houston's Musical Masterpieces

The Houston Symphony is set to enchant audiences with a thrilling lineup of performances for the 2025-2026 season. From the soaring vocals of Andrea Bocelli at the Toyota Center to the electrifying interpretations of Stravinsky, Handel, and Grieg, music lovers are in for an unforgettable experience. This season not only spotlights iconic compositions but also introduces audiences to world premieres and cinematic musical journeys. Dive into the vibrant cultural tapestry woven by the Houston Symphony as it showcases a blend of classical masterpieces and contemporary creativity.

Houston Symphony's 2025-2026 Season: A Celebration of Music and Culture

Houston Symphony's 2025 lineup promises a rich tapestry of musical experiences. From rock-infused symphonic collaborations to cultural celebrations and family-oriented concerts, this season covers an eclectic mix of genres and themes. As the Symphony takes the stage with renowned conductors and acclaimed soloists, each performance promises to be a unique cultural event. Highlights include the electrifying Music of Journey, the culturally rich Valčuha Conducts West Side Story, and the vibrant Opening Weekend featuring Stravinsky's Firebird. Get ready for a musical journey like no other!

Houston Symphony 2025: A Year of Musical Mastery and Cultural Celebration

Embark on an extraordinary musical journey with the Houston Symphony's 2025-2026 season, where each concert introduces audiences to timeless classics and innovative premieres. From the iconic notes of Stravinsky's Firebird to the festive cheer of Very Merry POPS, these events showcase a rich tapestry of music and performance. Delve into the captivating world of choral works, celebrate cinematic soundtracks, and experience the magic of live music. Meet the renowned artists and discover the creative brilliance behind each event that promises to enthrall and inspire.

A Symphony of Culture and Celebration: Houston Symphony's 2025-2026 Season

Angel Blue

Juraj Valčuha

Betsy  Cook Weber

Anthony  J. Maglione

Houston Symphony

Houston Chamber Choir

Houston Symphony Chorus

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.”

Piano Man: The Music of Billy Joel

Jones Hall

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, on-stage action (and, maybe even a T-Rex sighting…) A perfect introduction to the instruments of the orchestra for young audiences.

When Instruments Roamed The Earth

Filled with sultry tango melodies, infectious Spanish dance rhythms, and dizzying displays of virtuosity, Lalo’s Symphonie espagnole 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.

Symphonie espagnole + Symphonie fantastique

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.

Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet

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.

Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde

Mozart’s genius is on full display in his elegant and high-spirited 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.

Mozart + Elgar’s Enigma Variations

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 Timpanist Leonardo Soto.

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony + Timpani World Premiere

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.

Grieg’s Peer Gynt

“The hottest artist on the classical music planet” (The New York Times). Superstar pianist Lang Lang performs a one-night-only recital at Jones Hall, featuring works by Chopin, Schumann, and more.

Lang Lang in Recital

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.

Disney’s Fantasia In Concert

One of the most astounding pianists in the world meets one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time as the “breathtakingly brilliant” (Gramophone) Víkingur Ólafsson shares an evening of Beethoven’s legendary final piano sonatas.

Víkingur Ólafsson in Recital

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.”

Adams Conducts Adams & Appalachian Spring

Inspired by the legend of The Firebird—a magical glowing bird from Slavic folklore—Stravinsky’s Firebird dazzles from first note to heart-pounding finale. It’s the music that made Stravinsky an overnight star, putting the world on notice that a genius had arrived. Soprano Angel Blue makes her Houston Symphony debut in Florent Schmitt’s beyond-epic Psalm 47, and a Julia Wolfe world premiere kicks off this celebratory, season-opening program.

Opening Weekend: Valčuha Conducts Stravinsky’s Firebird

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