Symphony celebrating centennial

Symphony celebrating centennial with free concerts, A-listers

When the Houston Symphony throws its yearlong 100th-birthday party next season, A-list guests will include cellist Yo-Yo Ma, soprano Renee Fleming and actress Sigourney Weaver. Also invited are as many Houstonians as the orchestra can draw to a pair of free events: a June 21 concert celebrating the centennial of the symphony's first performance - to the day - and a July Jones Hall music festival that will include a presentation of the annual Houston Chronicle Dollar Concert - which will be free this year.

When the season starts in earnest in the fall, big-name soloists will include violinist Joshua Bell, pianist Emanuel Ax, violinists Gil Shaham and Midori and pianist Yefim Bronfman.

John Adams, whose works have been popular with the orchestra, will conduct the group for the first time in January. Veteran Hollywood composer John Williams will conduct an evening of his own works, sharing the stage with Ma, who will play Williams' Cello Concerto. Popular-music performers scheduled include jazz singer Steve Tyrell, trumpeter Chris Botti and "Smash" star Megan Hilty.

Information about the centennial season is available at 713-224-7575 and houstonsymphony.org.

Read Full Article


Visit my Food Blog at http://southerncookingwithtodd.blogspot.com/