Houston is set to be the classical music capital this season with an array of captivating performances that celebrate the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. From the reflective solo cantatas in "In Praise of Virtue" at the Hobby Center to the dazzling Violin Concerto No. 1 with the Houston Symphony at Jones Hall, and the historically rich sounds of "Vivaldi, Handel, & Bach" at the Wortham Theater Center, there's something for every classical music enthusiast. Don't miss the powerful rendition of Bach's "St. John Passion" in March for a moving experience.

Celebrate Bach in Houston: Upcoming Concerts at Hobby Center, Jones Hall, and Wortham Theater

Houston is set to resonate with the timeless melodies of George Frideric Handel and other baroque masters. From the reflective 'Ich bin vergnügt' by J. S. Bach to the glittering 'Splenda l’alba in oriente' by Handel, and the emotionally charged oratorio 'Theodora,' these events promise to captivate audiences. Soprano Hannah DePriest and countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen will bring their talents to the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, while the Mercury Chamber Orchestra will take you closer to the genius of baroque music at the Wortham Theater Center.

Celebrate the Genius of Handel in Houston: A Musical Journey

Houston is set to be a hub of exquisite classical music performances featuring works by the great Joseph Haydn. Kicking off on September 26, 2024, with the Takács Quartet and Jeremy Denk at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, audiences will be treated to Haydn's String Quartets, Op.54. In October, the Mercury Chamber Orchestra will present 'Classical Piano Trios' across various venues in Houston, including the Museum of Fine Arts. Come February 7, 2025, the New York Philharmonic String Quartet will grace the stage at the Hobby Center, performing Haydn's String Quartets, Op.77. Finally, on May 23, 2025, 'Classical Collaborations' will bring together a delightful mix of sonata, symphony, and concerto pieces at the Hobby Center, showcasing Haydn's Symphony No. 48.

Experience Haydn in Houston: Stellar Classical Performances Await

Music lovers in Houston and Spring, TX, are in for a treat with a series of classical music concerts featuring works by the legendary Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. From 'Classical Piano Trios' performed by the Mercury Chamber Orchestra, to the 'Bach, Mozart & Brahm' concert by the Houston Symphony, and 'Classical Collaborations' at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, these events promise an exquisite journey through the timeless pieces of classical music.

Experience Mozart's Masterpieces Across Houston and Spring, TX

Claudio Monteverdi’s Madrigals of Love and War transformed a venerable genre—the Renaissance part song—into dramatic scenes that rival the flamboyant art of Caravaggio or Bernini. By updating an old musical form, Monteverdi created a repertoire that is both timeless and singular: few madrigals from any age hold a candle to these masterworks for multiple voices and instruments.

EPSG:4326

Madrigals of Love & War

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

In Praise of Virtue features soprano Hannah DePriest and countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen in two rarely heard solo cantatas: J. S. Bach’s beautifully reflective Ich bin vergnügt (BWV 84) and G. F. Handel’s glittering Splenda l’alba in oriente (HWV 166). Excerpts from Johann Adolph Hasse’s Marc-Antonio e Cleopatra set this noble love story with luscious melodies and spectacular virtuosity, in arias and duets for both soloists.

In Praise of Virtue

Ars Lyrica Houston proudly presents a new production of Handel's "Amadigi di Gaula," marking the most ambitious undertaking of their 2023/24 season. This Houston premiere, directed by Tara Faircloth and conducted by Matthew Dirst, features a cast of four rising stars in the operatic world, perfectly suited to bring to life the exceptionally beautiful score of one of Handel's magic operas produced during his prolific career in London.

The performances are scheduled for Friday, May 24, 2024, and Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 7:30 pm, with a live concert broadcast from Zilkha Hall at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. The cast, in order of appearance, includes Randall Scotting as Amadigi, Nicholas Garza as Dardano, Raven McMillon as Melissa, and Nola Richardson as Oriana, with additional roles and covers by Michael Skarke, Sarah Dyer, Christine Boddicker, and Joeavian Rivera.

This production promises an evening of awe with a runtime of approximately two and a half hours, including an intermission. The production team, led by Tara Faircloth (stage director) and Matthew Dirst (music director), alongside Christina Giannelli (lighting designer), Ryan McGettigan (set designer), Julius Sanchez (stage manager), Macy Lyne (costume designer), and Jenna Wallis (surtitles), ensures a visually stunning and musically enriching experience.

Tickets are available for both in-person attendance and digital access, with the latter offering a concert broadcast link emailed to digital patrons on the morning of the performance, allowing for season-long replay access.

Join Ars Lyrica Houston in celebrating their momentous 20th anniversary season with this production of "Amadigi di Gaula," a testament to their commitment to presenting world-class Baroque opera in Houston.

Amadigi di Gaula

**Event: Visions and Reveries**

**Date and Time:** Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 7:30 pm

**Location:** Zilkha Hall, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Houston, Texas. [View on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps)

**Description:**

Join Ars Lyrica Houston for an enchanting evening of baroque music titled "Visions and Reveries." This concert promises to transport audiences to the heart of the French baroque era, featuring a select ensemble of period-instrument specialists alongside one of our favorite sopranos. The program is a delectable prix-fixe menu of lyric cantatas on mythological themes by Elizabeth Claude Jacquet de la Guerre and Jean-Philippe Rameau, complemented by a sumptuous instrumental suite by François Couperin. These pieces, celebrated for elevating the genre to high art, promise an evening of awe and wonder.

**Artistic Personnel:**
- Lauren Snouffer, soprano
- Colin St Martin, traverso
- Manami Mizumoto, violin
- Maria Lin, violin
- Eric Taeyang Mun, cello
- Deborah Dunham, violone
- Richard Savino, theorbo & guitar
- Matthew Dirst, harpsichord & artistic director

**Program Highlights:**
- François Couperin: Sonade from L’Impériale
- Élisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre: Le Sommeil d'Ulysse
- Jean-Philippe Rameau: Cinquième Concert, Le Berger fidele

**Duration:** 1.5 hours, including intermission

**About the Program:**
"Visions and Reveries" delves into the evocative chamber works of François Couperin, Élisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre, and Jean-Philippe Rameau, exploring the themes of myth and allusion. The program showcases the blend of Italian and French chamber idioms, with pieces that feature a mix of fugal styles and dance movements, reflecting the rich musical traditions of the ancien régime.

**Tickets and Additional Information:**
While the live concert has passed, digital subscriptions and digital replay passes are available for those who wish to experience the magic of this performance. The online concert broadcast offers an opportunity to enjoy this exquisite program from the comfort of your home, with access all season long.

For more information on digital subscriptions, replay passes, and to learn more about Ars Lyrica Houston's 20th anniversary season, please visit our [official website](#).

**Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and sophistication of French baroque music with Ars Lyrica Houston's "Visions and Reveries."**

Visions and Reveries

**Fugal Games: A Celebration of Baroque Mastery**

Join Ars Lyrica Houston for an enchanting afternoon of Baroque music with the much-anticipated concert, "Fugal Games," on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 4 pm. This remarkable event will take place in the Duncan Recital Hall at The Shepherd School of Music, Rice University, located at 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005.

"Fugal Games" delves into the enigmatic and quintessentially Baroque art of fugue, celebrating the release of Artistic Director Matthew Dirst’s new book on Bach’s "Art of Fugue" and "Musical Offering." These compositions represent the pinnacle of learned counterpoint, and the concert will feature significant excerpts from both, alongside miniature marvels by George Philipp Telemann, providing a rich context for Bach's masterworks.

**Artistic Personnel:**
- Colin St-Martin on traverso & recorder
- Elizabeth Blumenstock on violin & viola
- Stephen Redfield on violin
- Sydney ZumMallen on cello
- Matthew Dirst on harpsichord & as the artistic director

The concert promises an immersive experience into the world of Baroque music, with a special focus on the fugal form, a technique that has fascinated composers and audiences alike for centuries. Following the performance, attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage in a short book talk and Q&A session with all the artists, offering deeper insights into the music and its historical significance.

**Program Highlights:**
- J.S. Bach's Prelude and Fugue in D major BWV 874 and selections from the Musical Offering BWV 1079
- G.P. Telemann's Sonata VI from the Canons mélodieux TWV 40 and Fantasie in F Minor TWV 40:16
- An exploration of Bach's Art of Fugue BWV 1080

The concert will not be livestreamed, ensuring an exclusive experience for those in attendance. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority seating for 6-concert subscribers. Student tickets are available at a discounted rate with the use of a promo code and valid student ID.

Prepare for an afternoon of "Fugal Games" that promises to be a profound exploration of Baroque music's depth and beauty, led by the talented ensemble of Ars Lyrica Houston. This event is a must-attend for lovers of classical music and those intrigued by the intricate art of the fugue.

Fugal Games

The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University

Experience the profound beauty of "Awe and Wonder" with Ars Lyrica Houston on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 7:30 PM. This enchanting evening will take place at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, located at 4807 San Felipe St, offering a journey through major works for chorus and orchestra that explore the creation story and the incarnation of Christ.

The program features C. P. E. Bach's setting of Friedrich Klopstock’s "Morning Song on the Feast of Creation," blending Enlightenment thought with Christian theology, and Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s "Midnight Mass for Christmas," which infuses the canonical text with the melodies of French carols. Adding to the festive spirit, Heinrich Biber’s "Serenade of the Nightwatchman" promises to set an expectant tone for the holiday season.

The performance will showcase the talents of Julia Fox, Amia Langer, Michael Skarke, Sarah Dyer, Thomas O'Neill, Hayden Smith, Joeavian Rivera, and Christopher Besch, marking an Ars Lyrica debut for some. This event is a highlight of Ars Lyrica's 20th anniversary season, celebrating "20 Years of Magic."

Tickets are available for in-person attendance, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Special rates are offered for students with a promo code and valid ID. Please note, this concert will not be live-streamed.

Join us for an evening of "Awe and Wonder," where sublime simplicity and musical brilliance come together for a memorable holiday celebration.

Awe and Wonder

Saint Philip Presbyterian Church

**Ecstatic Visions: A Night of Baroque Splendor with Ars Lyrica Houston**

Join Ars Lyrica Houston for an unforgettable evening of Baroque music titled "Ecstatic Visions," taking place on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 7:30 PM in the Zilkha Hall at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. This concert promises to be a lush journey through the ecstatic and divine, featuring a selection of rapturous instrumental and vocal music that explores themes of love, happiness, and the sublime.

The highlight of the evening is Handel’s "Silete venti," a spectacular solo motet for soprano and Baroque orchestra that showcases the composer's mastery in creating operatic scenes within a deeply religious context. The performance will also include enchanting pieces by Johann Joseph Fux, Johann Schmeltzer, Jean-Philippe Rameau, and others, spotlighting the exceptional talents of Ars Lyrica ensemble members.

Featuring the virtuosic Sherezade Panthaki as soprano, alongside Kathryn Montoya on oboe/recorder and Andrew Fouts on violin, "Ecstatic Visions" is set to be a highlight of Ars Lyrica's 20th anniversary season, celebrating 20 Years of Magic.

The program will also feature works such as Jean-Philippe Rameau's Suite from Naïs, Giovanni Bassano's Divisions on "Onques amour," and more, culminating in a performance that runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes, including an intermission. All texts will be projected in English surtitles for the audience's convenience.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the beauty and ecstasy of Baroque music, brought to life by the talented artists of Ars Lyrica Houston. Digital subscriptions and replay passes are available for those who wish to enjoy the concert broadcast online, ensuring that you can be part of this magical evening from anywhere.

For more information and to secure your tickets, visit Ars Lyrica Houston's official website. Join us for "Ecstatic Visions" and let the music transport you to a world of awe and wonder.

Ecstatic Visions

**Fallen Angels: A Baroque Exploration of the Paranormal**

Join Ars Lyrica Houston for an enchanting evening of Baroque music that delves into the mystical and paranormal, titled "Fallen Angels." This captivating concert took place on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 7:30 PM in the exquisite Zilkha Hall at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

"Fallen Angels" showcased an otherworldly program that spanned the harrowing "Judgement of Solomon" by Giacomo Carissimi to the spirited masques from Henry Purcell’s "Fairy Queen." The performance featured a stellar lineup of five extraordinary singers accompanied by a colorful Baroque orchestra, complete with period strings and winds, setting the stage for a season devoted to the magical aspects of music.

The concert highlighted the talents of Nola Richardson and Eliza Masewicz, sopranos; Jay Carter, countertenor; Thomas O’Neill, tenor; and Enrico Lagasca, bass-baritone, marking an Ars Lyrica debut for some. The program included a rich selection of works, such as Carissimi's "Judicium Salomonis," Alessandro Scarlatti's "Cello Sonata in C minor," and excerpts from Purcell's "The Fairy Queen," among others. The performance ran for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including an intermission, with all texts projected in English surtitles for the audience's understanding.

Audience members were treated to a night of sublime artistry, with the celestial voices of the singers and the elegant performance of the orchestra creating an entrancing experience. The concert was not only a showcase of musical excellence but also an exploration of themes like love, mystery, and the supernatural, as reflected in the Baroque era's rich tapestry of sounds and stories.

For those who missed the live performance, digital replay passes are available, offering a chance to experience the magic of "Fallen Angels" from the comfort of home. This concert set the tone for Ars Lyrica Houston's 2023/24 season, promising more mesmerizing performances that explore the awe and wonder of Baroque music.

Fallen Angels

A children’s play based on Ars Lyrica’s first children’s book, “Maria’s Magical Adventure” features a young girl named Maria who travels to the 17th century Italy to meet Antonio Vivaldi, who is in the process of creating his musical masterpiece, “The Four Seasons”.

The Discovery Series: Maria’s Magical Music Adventure

After a two-year postponement, the Grammy-nominated American ensemble Ars Lyrica Houston will make its San Diego debut. Their program "Crossing Borders" explores the intermingling of 17th- and 18th-century colonial and indigenous musical cultures in the regions now known as Latin America.

Ars Lyrica Houston

St James by-the-Sea

Back by popular demand, Crossing Borders celebrates the rich flowering of music across Hispanic cultures during the Renaissance and Baroque eras, from the “Old” to the “New” World. This festive holiday program includes villancicos and romances for voices and ensemble plus instrumental works that illustrate how music knits together cultures across time and space.

Crossing Borders

Old Meets New expands our own favored repertoire to include contemporary as well as Baroque music for period instruments. Featuring core string players with ALH Artistic Director Matthew Dirst at the harpsichord, this program features keyboard concerti by W. F. Bach and Karol Beffa and chamber works by Jean-Marie Leclair, Gregory Spears, and Emma Kent Wine.

Old Meets New

Alice Pratt Brown Hall

Handel’s final masterpiece tells the story of Theodora, an early Christian martyr, who is persecuted by a corrupt and wicked Roman president. Bacchanal and piety compete in this deeply moving oratorio, which features five soloists, chorus, and orchestra. Its central message, that faith triumphs over death, is common across religious traditions.

Handel’s Theodora

Classical Collaborations brings together the central genres of the Viennese classical “school”—concerto, sonata, symphony, and variations—while foregrounding the contributions of women to this fabled musical culture. Featured works include Marianna Martines’s Concerto in G Major for Fortepiano and Orchestra, Mozart’s “Auernhammer” Sonata in F Major (K. 376), Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 48 (“Maria Theresia”), and Josepha Auernhammer’s “Papageno Variations.”

Ars Lyrica Houston

Dec 17, 2024

Crossing Borders

Jan 19, 2025

Old Meets New

Mar 29, 2025

Handel’s Theodora

May 23, 2025

Classical Collaborations

Nov 8, 2024

Madrigals of Love & War

Sep 20, 2024

In Praise of Virtue

Articles & News

Ars Lyrica Houston