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

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.

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Very Merry Pops

Jones Hall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Houston Symphony Chorus

Jun 12, 2025

Andrea Bocelli In Concert

19 - 21 Sep, 2025

Opening Weekend: Valčuha Conducts Stravinsky’s Firebird

5 - 7 Dec, 2025

Handel's Messiah

11 - 14 Dec, 2025

Very Merry POPS

27 - 29 Mar, 2026

Grieg’s Peer Gynt

12 - 15 Dec, 2024

Very Merry Pops

4 - 6 Oct, 2024

Opening Weekend: Dvořák’s New World

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