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

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

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

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.

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Grieg’s Peer Gynt

Jones Hall

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

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.

Handel's Messiah

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

Iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli returns to the Toyota Center this June, performing live with the Houston Symphony! Hear performances from Bocelli’s beloved repertoire, including classic arias, crossover hits, and famed love songs, along with selections from his uplifting solo album, Believe. One of the most recognizable voices in the entertainment industry, Bocelli is one of the best-selling classical artists of all time, having sold nearly 90 million records worldwide.

Andrea Bocelli In Concert

Toyota Center

Celebrate the holiday season with the Houston Symphony's "Very Merry Pops" concert at Jones Hall, a festive tradition that promises to fill the air with the merry sounds of the season. This year, the concert will be graced by the presence of Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez, who will join the Symphony and Chorus, adding her heartwarming vocals to the mix. Under the baton of conductor Lucas Waldin and with the Houston Symphony Chorus directed by Allen Hightower, audiences are in for a sparkling evening decked with boughs of holly.

The "Very Merry Pops" concert is part of the Houston Symphony's 2023-24 season and is available for purchase as part of a Pick Your Own subscription, offering savings and flexibility. The concert series runs from December 20th through December 23rd, 2023, with performances each evening at 7:30 PM at the iconic Jones Hall. This event is not only a celebration of holiday cheer but also a showcase of the Houston Symphony Chorus's talent, an ensemble with a rich history of performances under the direction of some of the world's most notable conductors.

Don't miss this heartwarming holiday tradition that brings family and friends together for an evening of joyous music and celebration. Secure your subscription now to be part of this festive experience.

Very Merry Pops

Juraj Valčuha and the orchestra kick off the season with one of the world’s most beloved orchestral works, Dvořák’s soul-stirring New World Symphony. This spotlight on great Czech composers also includes Martinů’s joyful Czech Rhapsody, written in celebration of Czechoslovakia’s 1918 independence.

Opening Weekend: Dvořák’s New World

The vibrant and eclectic style of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Adams is paired with biblical verse, modern Spanish-language poetry, and more in this contemporary take on the Christmas story, uniquely told from a mother’s point of view. Experience the power of this spellbinding masterpiece, which in Adams’s words explores “what is meant by a miracle.”

Adams’s El Niño

This is what ‘epic’ sounds like. A massive orchestra and huge chorus join forces in Jones Hall for Orff’s infamous ode to love, drink, and living life to the fullest, Carmina burana. Instantly recognizable thanks to its use in countless movies and commercials, a live Carmina is one of classical music’s most spellbinding and immersive experiences. Conductor Laureate Andrés Orozco-Estrada returns to lead these performances, which also include an exciting world premiere by Jimmy López Bellido.

Carmina Burana

Music Director Juraj Valčuha leads Brahms’s extraordinary A German Requiem. Written during a time of personal grief for Brahms, the Requiem offers music of time-altering beauty as a balm of comfort, peace, and uplifting hope to those experiencing grief and loss. The concerts open with Tōru Takemitsu’s emotionally powerful Requiem for strings.

Takemitsu + Brahms’s Requiem

Gather family and friends in Jones Hall—decked with boughs of holly—for a sparkling concert filled with the merry sounds of the season! Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez joins the Symphony and Chorus for this heartwarming holiday tradition.

Jones Hall will be filled with joyous refrains and exultant arias, including the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus, in this powerful presentation of the greatest story ever told.

Handel’s Messiah

Opening weekend will be “très magnifique” as Music Director Juraj Valčuha leads dazzling French masterworks! Spotlighting the Houston Symphony Chorus, Poulenc’s Gloria surges with playful spirit and celebratory fanfare. From a shimmering “musical sunrise” you’ll practically see to a rapturous ending guaranteed to bring down the house, Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe is live music at its most electrifying.

Opening Weekend: Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe

Mozart’s genius burns with brooding intensity in the legendary Requiem that was to become his own funeral music. Instantly recognizable thanks to its use in the multi-Academy-Award-winning film Amadeus, to experience it live is to feel its brilliance. Houston Symphony Artistic Partner Itzhak Perlman conducts orchestra, chorus, and outstanding vocal soloists in this must-see concert event.

Perlman Conducts Mozart Requiem

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 join the Symphony and Chorus as we.as we journey through Hollywood history in chronological order and relive the power of movie magic.

Lights! Camera! Music! 100 Years of Epic Film Scores

Rapturous, ravishing, romantic: Rachmaninoff’s music goes straight to the heart.

Rachmaninoff Festival: Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony

Step inside a winter wonderland and get into the spirit of the season with Houston’s ultimate holiday music tradition! Cozy up to your loved ones and make special memories with a sparkling concert full of treasured carols, sing-alongs, and even a visit from Santa Claus.

Filled with beautiful arias and exuberant refrains (including the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus), Handel’s Messiah is the ultimate Christmas time tradition—a powerful and moving experience, guaranteed to leave you uplifted.

Pirate abductions, passionate romance, and love that triumphs against all odds: one of the most beloved tales in ancient Greek literature is refracted through the dreamy glow of French Impressionism in Ravel’s sensuous Daphnis and Chloe. Experience every note of this masterpiece, from the famous “musical sunrise” to a wild whirlwind of a finale, absolutely guaranteed to bring you to your feet!

Houston Symphony Chorus

29 - 31 May, 2026

Lights! Camera! Music! 100 Years of Epic Film Scores

2 - 4 Oct, 2026

Rachmaninoff Festival: Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony

10 - 13 Dec, 2026

Very Merry Pops

18 - 20 Dec, 2026

Handel’s Messiah

14 - 16 May, 2027

Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe

27 - 29 Mar, 2026

Grieg’s Peer Gynt

11 - 14 Dec, 2025

Very Merry POPS

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Houston Symphony Chorus