HOUSTON SYMPHONY

On Thursday's show: Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez discusses overcrowding issues at the jail and a record number of in-custody deaths. And we meet the Houston Symphony's new conductor.

The Houston Symphony and 5th Ward Cultural Arts District launched DeLUXE K!DS — a new program that teaches kids how to play violin and much more — this year.

Ludwig Van Beethoven performed Symphony No. 5 for the first time in public in Vienna on this day in history, Dec. 22, 1808. It has become perhaps the world's most famous musical composition.

On Thursday's show: What do some economic indicators like the price of gas and groceries say about the Houston economy right now?

Episode: 2341 Richard Wagner conceives a sound, then invents an instrument to create it.  Today, horn player Roger Kaza tells us about the tuba Wagner built.

On Thursday's show: We take a closer look at the local real estate market as interest rates continue to rise. And violinist Joshua Bell talks about his performances this weekend with the Houston Symphony.

Houston Newsmakers: Houston mayoral candidate Amanda Edwards says her experience makes her right for the job

Houston Life Correspondent Melanie Camp busted down the stage door and broke in backstage at Hobby Center to chat with Houston Symphony Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke ahead of his show with artist Common.

Houston has a bunch of great places to celebrate Star Wars Day, here's just a few spots you can hit tonight or later this month.

On Friday's show: A major highway closure begins this weekend, we find out who the Texans selected in the NFL Draft, we learn what "agrihoods" are, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week, and Andrés Orozco-Estrada talks about his tenure with the Houston Symphony ahead of his final concert.

Broadway singer and actress, Capathia Jenkins, talks about her upcoming performance of Aretha Franklin's songs with the Houston Symphony. Plus, award-winning writer and biographer David Ritz shares experiences he had while working with the Queen of Soul herself.

Capathia Jenkins, Broadway singer and actress, talks about her upcoming powerful performance of Aretha Franklin's songs with the Houston Symphony April 22 - 24. Plus, award-winning writer and biographer David Ritz shares memories of compassion and other things he learned while working with the Queen of Soul.

“There’s nothing else like it anywhere in the orchestra field,” said David Connor, community embedded musician for the Houston Symphony.

The Houston Symphony celebrates the return of the holiday season with Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada leading the orchestra with highlights from favorite pieces of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” starting on Dec. 3-5.

Fans of the 2018 Marvel Studios hit “Black Panther” have a chance to see it in concert in downtown Houston.

The Houston Symphony is honoring the Bayou City’s rich Hispanic culture by bringing its annual Fiesta Sinfónica concert to Jones Hall.

On January 14 through 16, Harry Potter is returning to the Houston Symphony; tickets are available at houstonsymphony.org.

We meet three of Houston’s newest arts leaders and discuss their visions post-pandemic – including the future of live performance, equity and community impact.

The New York Philharmonic String Quartet performs works by Haydn, Shostakovich, and Brahms.

Celebrate Juneteenth early, the Houston Symphony’s return to Miller Outdoor Theatre, and “reel” pride in this week’s list of best bets.

The Houston Symphony ends its 2020-21 Bank of America POPS season May 28 - 30 at Jones Hall (and via livestream) with the songs from Broadway's golden age in "Find Your Dream: The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein." Santino and Jessica Fontana will join as guest vocalists.

Itzhak Perlman, the world-renowned violinist who will make a stop at Jones Hall this weekend, will hold an open rehearsal on Friday.

On Tuesday's show: We find out which Texas teachers are in for a big pay bump, City Councilmember Karla Cisneros fields your questions, and acclaimed violinist Itzhak Perlman discusses his concerts with the Houston Symphony this weekend.

A world-renowned violinist will make a stop to Jones Hall with a performance honoring Ludwig von Beethoven.

^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. Musical Storytellers: Winds of the Houston Symphony is scheduled for Friday through Sunday at Jones Hall. This was the perfect spot because this weekend the Houston Symphony, it’s the annual salute to music educators. Phillip Freeman, who normally plays bass trombone with Houston Symphony, will switch - or double, as the musicians call it - to this rarely seen apparatus. Musical Storytellers: Winds of the Houston Symphony takes place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana.

Music Illustrated: Virtual Reality in Concert with Houston Symphony pushes the limits of what art is and what it could be. Support UsWhen music, dance, and technology meet, the result is something unexpected. In short, Music Illustrated: Virtual Reality in Concert, will push the boundaries of how we view, appreciate and digest art. It's a synthesis of music, dance, drawing, and sculpture." Music Illustrated: Virtual Reality in Concert takes place at 8 p.m. on February 13 and 2:30 p.m. on February 14 at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana.

HOUSTON – The Houston Symphony has announced its programming from January, which will include two Classical Series programs that will celebrate Beethoven’s 250′s birthday, according to a news release. “Houston-based vocalist and saxophonist David Caceres—who makes his Houston Symphony debut—is featured in the program full of big band standards,” according to the release. Jan. 29-31Guest conductor Paolo Bortolameolli will lead the symphony in a performance that will continue the celebration of Beethoven’s birthday. The symphony’s Principal Cello Brinton Averil Smith will take center stage for the performance of Hayden’s Cello Concerto No. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets for the live performance or live stream can visiting the Houston Symphony’s website.

Christmas may still be a few weeks away, but Houston Symphony is getting started early with Houston Symphony's Very Merry POPS. All the holiday favorites are in the lineup: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Feliz Navidad,” “O Holy Night,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” plus more. "That hour will be packed full of holiday music. It’s still the traditional carols, but they are different arrangements that are really enjoyable," he continued. "We’ve been through a lot this past year, and people deserve the holiday cheer the symphony provides every year.

Guest Conductor Nic McGegan leads the Houston Symphony and a starry quartet of vocal soloists from the world of opera: soprano Angela Meade, mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges in her Houston Symphony debut, tenor Chad Shelton and bass Morris Robinson. McGegan most recently worked with Houston Symphony this year in Mozart's "Jupiter" and Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons." He said, "Houston Symphony is really on the cutting edge of doing these almost weekly online concerts. Houston Symphony is doing amazing programming and finding innovative ways of getting the music out to the audiences. Houston Symphony's A Baroque Christmas plays 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana.

Houston Symphony will present "American Strings: From Folk to Film" November 20 - 22. The exciting program spotlights all-American composers who helped shape the country’s musical landscape pertaining to popular music. I noticed a pattern where I had some early Americana fiddle music and then some film music, and then the idea came to me 'from fiddle to film.'" For the program, Reineke brought in a selection of pieces that cover multiple genres. Houston Symphony presents "American Strings: From Folk to Film" at 8 p.m. on Friday, November 20; 2:30 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 21; and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 22 at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana Street.

HOUSTON – This season of The Voice features not just one but two Houstonians, and the latest superstar got all four judges to turn in her blind audition while singing Un-Break My Heart by Toni Braxton. Desz’s mom suffered an aneurysm just months later and she performed for the first time during her funeral. The 30-year-old musician went on to perform all throughout college at Prairie View A&M University with the university’s choir, the Houston Ebony Opera and the Houston Symphony. She eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she became a part of Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir. To keep up with Desz’s musical journey, follow her on Instagram @deszmusicofficial or Facebook at DeSz Music.

And what's even better is that more and more women are picking up the torch where the gentlemen left off, which leads us to this weekend's Houston Symphony concert. In this livestream performance, Houston Symphony will shine a spotlight on extraordinary women composers, past and present. Although we saw female composers in the past, the quality we’re seeing now is undeniable, and it's a force," DerHovsepian said. I feel this program by the Houston Symphony is a perfect way of representing our city." Houston Symphony's 'Live from Jones Hall: Great Women Composers: Esmail, Price & Smyth' starts at 8 p.m. Saturday via Livestream.

HOUSTON – The Houston Symphony performs in its first concert Friday since the COVID-19 pandemic and in front of a small live audience. The musicians rehearsed on stage on Friday morning preparing for the first concert of the season. They’ll notice hand sanitizing stations and signs reminding them to wear their masks and social distance from others. Starting Saturday night and every Saturday, people can pay $20 to watch a live stream of the concerts on houstonsymphony.org. No word on when they’ll be able to offer tickets to the public.

KPRC 2 has launched the Stronger Houston, a series of reports that started this week focusing on how the inequities impact those who live in the Houston area. This week, the focus is on the disparity in the way COVID-19 impacts the communities of Gulfton and Bellaire. Nonprofit organizations around the community are figuring out a way to pivot to operate to continue to make a difference where its most important, said Reliant President Elizabeth Killinger. Symphony CEO John Mangum says while its not quite like being in Jones Hall the live stream production brings you right into the action. Jones Hall, Home of the Houston Symphony (Houston Symphony)

The Houston Symphony is returning to the stage for a new concert series. The symphony announced the series Live from Jones Hall will offer an intimate concert experience. The new series will introduce audiences to diverse and engaging programs during an hour-long live stream from Jones Hall at 8 p.m. each Saturday night in July and Saturday, Aug. 1. “I think it will be emotional for all of us when our incredible musicians return to the Jones Hall stage after a more than three-month absence. Virtual attendees can gain access to the private live stream performances by purchasing a $10 ticket online.

The Houston Symphony announced it is now forced to make layoffs and other budget cuts to offset its projected $11 million deficit in the 2020-2021 season as the organization prepares for a reduction of sales due to capacity limitations. With COVID-19-based limitations on earned and contributed income, there are no revenue-based paths toward reaching a balanced budget in 20202021, officials for the Houston Symphony said. The symphonys staff count will be reduced by 21 positions, from a full- and part-time staff total of 83 to 62. Despite taking immediate pay cuts in March, staff members will now take on additional cuts to salary and benefits. Symphony musicians are working with management to identify what their contribution will be to finish closing the deficit.

The Houston Symphony reluctantly hit the pause button for the rest of its 2019-20 season. The Houston Symphony has announced it is cancelling the rest of its 2019-20 season as well as the Jones Hall performances scheduled for June in order to continue to follow social distancing rules involving the coronavirus. Previously the Symphony had cancelled performances through May 10. The Best of John WilliamsStar Wars and more with ChorusThe Music of Pink FloydCocoFilm with Live OrchestraThe Ima Hogg CompetitionNeighborhood Concert SeriesIn the meantime, the Symphony continues to post new videos on its new Listen At Home webpage, featuring musicians, blog posts, playlists and archived audio and video Houston Symphony performances. The Symphony is also asking for donations thee to help it continue its work.

EXPAND Pianist Benjamin Grosvenor will join the Houston Symphony during their two-week-long Schumann Festival. Photo by Patrick AllenIts all Schumann, all the time for the next two weeks over at the Houston Symphony, where a bunch of talented folks will take a deep dive into the life and work of Romantic composer Robert Schumann during the Schumann Festival. After, Music Director Andrs Orozco-Estrada will welcome Alley Theatre company member Jay Sullivan as Robert Schumann and lead the Symphony in Schumanns Symphony No. The titular Elliot is Elliot Ortiz, an Iraq War veteran from a military family (his grandfather, Grandpop, a veteran of Korea, and his father, Pop, a veteran of Vietnam). For more information, visit thehobbycenter.org.

On Thursdays Houston Matters: Texas refineries releasing excessive amounts of benzene, an irreverent take on the most serious issues of our time, the dangers of developing along Americas coasts, and why the Houston Symphony is devoting two weekends worth of concerts to one composer. On Thursdays Houston Matters: In 2019, Texas had six refineries releasing excessive amounts of the toxic pollutant benzene into local neighborhoods, according to a new report from Air Alliance Houston. A local professors series for the BBC offers an irreverent take on the most serious issues of our time. He takes a critical look at our countrys $3 trillion worth of property built near the coasts and in floodplains, which of course includes Greater Houston. And Andres Orozco-Estrada explains why the Houston Symphony is devoting two weekends worth of concerts to one composer.

2, Ad Astra, on Dec. 5, 7 and 8 at Jones Hall. Commissioned by the Houston Symphony, Ad Astra is the culmination of Lpez's third and final year as composer-in-residence. Ad Astra is dedicated to the people at NASA, and it's an homage to peoples desire to explore the stars," Lpez said. It's easy to get lost in the fanfare of the world premiere, but the second half of the programming offers its own treat as well. Shaham Plays Brahms + Lpez World Premiere takes place December 5 and 7 at 8 p.m. and December 8 at 2:30 p.m at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana.

Composer Jimmy Lpez Bellido is culminating his three-year residency with the Houston Symphony with a newly-commissioned work called Symphony No. We hear the vibraphone playing ad astra in Morse code, and the rest of the symphony follows, said Lpez. The Houston Symphony premieres Jimmy Lpez Bellidos Symphony No. 2, Ad Astra, dedicated to NASA, on December 5, 7 and 8 at Jones Hall. Listen to the complete interview with composer Jimmy Lpez Bellido on the podcast Unwrap Your Candies Now.

Mayor Turner leads Houston Symphony in playing 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' to fire up Astros fansHouston Mayor Sylvester Turner conducting the Houston Symphony. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner conducting the Houston Symphony. Photo: Courtesy Of The Houston Symphony Photo: Courtesy Of The Houston Symphony Image 1 of / 7 Caption Close Mayor Turner leads Houston Symphony in playing 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' to fire up Astros fans 1 / 7 Back to GalleryHouston mayor Sylvester Turner showed his musical side by helping the Houston Symphony fire-up Astros fans for game 3 of the World Series. In a video produced by the Houston Symphony, Turner steps-up to the podium at Jones Hall to conduct the symphony as the musicians play Take Me Out to the Ballgame.Turner had a big smile while conducting, having fun as he goes through the song. Their next game is tonight in Washington D.C.ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Astros on the ropes, but not on the runAccording to a press release from the Houston Symphony, Turner and the symphony wished the Astros good luck following their afternoon rehearsal on Thursday.

By Briana Edwards/KPRC ContributorHOUSTON - The Houston Symphony is hosting its annual Fiesta Sinfónica concert on Sunday as it celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. The free event starts at 6 p.m. at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts. Fiesta Sinfónica will mark Laguna’s debut at the Houston Symphony. The concert is free to the public. Advanced tickets are sold out and stand-by tickets to the event will be made available onsite at the Jones Hall box office.

By Briana Edwards/KPRC ContributorHOUSTON - The Houston Symphony is hosting its annual Fiesta Sinfnica concert on Sunday as it celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. The free event starts at 6 p.m. at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts. Fiesta Sinfnica will mark Lagunas debut at the Houston Symphony. In February, the young singer showcased her talents at Houston Grand Operas Concert of the Arias where she received the Ana Mara Martinez Encouragement Award. Advanced tickets are sold out and stand-by tickets to the event will be made available onsite at the Jones Hall box office.

The Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning star performs with the Houston Symphony Sept. 6-8 at Jones Hall in Houston's Theater District. Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

The Houston Symphony performs in front of a screen showing Disney's "The Little Mermaid." HOUSTON - The Houston Symphony will perform the music to Disneys The Little Mermaid during a screening of the film at Jones Hall this Labor Day weekend at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 and 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 1. The event will close out the symphonys Summer Sounds Series and celebrates the 30-year anniversary of the films debut. Menken also scored Disney favorites such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Hercules.For tickets and information, call 713-224-7575 or visit houstonsymphony.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the Houston Symphony Patron Services Center in Jones Hall (MondaySaturday, 126 p.m.).

HOUSTON - Selena fans dressed the part as the Houston Symphony presented The Music of Selena this past weekend. ISABEL MARIE SANCHEZ is a total success in the musical tribute to SELENA with the HOUSTON SYMPHONY! #selena #comolaflor #houston #symphony vanessa viramontes (@vviramontes) July 13, 2019Houston Symphony - Music of Selena with @treyvaldez525. @ Downtown Houston https://t.co/i0O3YcdaBl Carissa Hernandez (@TheCariLand) July 13, 2019What a magical night at the Houston Symphony dedicated to the music of Selena! The Houston Symphony is the first orchestra to perform a full-length show dedicated to the music of Selena.

HOUSTON - Selena fans wont want to miss out this weekend as the Queen of Tejano music is being honored by the Houston Symphony as they present The Music of Selena.The Houston Symphony is the first orchestra to perform a full-length show dedicated to the music of Selena. ABOUT THE EVENTWhat: Iconic hits by Selena will be performed over two days. When: Friday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 13 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.Where: Jones Hall for the Performing Arts. Not only will you be coming in Selena-inspired outfits, but you'll also be able to have Selena-inspired drinks," said Ventura. So here we have a matching set that was inspired by that,"MONOCHROMATIC QUEEN Earrings: $44, Nordstrom Top: $30, Nordstrom Belt: $49, Nordstrom Bottoms: $75, Nordstrom Shoes: $120, NordstromFor this look we're really going for a neutral, but still very bidi bidi bom bom.

HOUSTON - Selena fans wont want to miss out this weekend as the Queen of Tejano music is being honored by the Houston Symphony as they present The Music of SelenaThe Houston Symphony is the first orchestra to perform a full-length show dedicated to the music of Selena. Concertgoers are encouraged to dress-up in their favorite Selena-inspired outfits. Ariela Ventura with the Houston Symphony, shares all the details. Not only will you be coming in Selena-inspired outfits, but you'll also be able to have Selena-inspired drinks," said Ventura. Check out these Selena-inspired outfits to get you ready for the big weekend.

The Houston Symphony will dedicate a full length show to the Queen of Tejano music this weekend. Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

Paganini School of Music is expected to open Aug. 1 at 411 Park Grove Drive, Ste. It will include a violin and cello showroom and lessons. Master classes will be taught by instructors from the Houston Symphony, Rice University and Sam Houston State University. Fall semester programs for all skill levels are set to begin in late August. 281-769-3609. www.paganinischool.com

Celebrate culture, in all its forms, with Fly Dance, The Music of Queen, Tai Chi, a K-Pop competition and a brunch-tastic Frida Kahlo birthday celebration. For information, visit milleroutdoortheatre.com. With a gift for capturing the voices and mannerisms of iconic characters, the Houston Symphony has booked the vocalist for this weekend's The Music of Queen. For information, visit discoverygreen.com. This event is hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Houston and the Houston Korean Education Center.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2001 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 281-364-3010. www.woodlandscenter.orgJuly 4View a parade and car showOak Ridge North marks the Fourth of July with its annual parade and car and truck show. 281-292-4648. www.oakridgenorth.comJuly 4Participate in holiday activities around townThe Woodlands Township hosts a variety of Independence Day activities, including the South County Fourth of July Parade around Market Street, themed Splash Day at city pools and Red, Hot and Blue Festival events taking place around the township. 281-210-3800. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.govJuly 4Read with a shelter animalThe Montgomery County Animal Shelter hosts a calming alternative to local fireworks shows for its dogs and cats. The Woodlands Childrens Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste.

CITGO Freedom Over Texas is scheduled for July 4 from 4-10 p.m. Thursday at Eleanor Tinsley Park, 500 Allen Parkway, and Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby. For information, visit freedomovertexas.org. The restoration of the National Historic Landmark to its Apollo-era configuration began in July 2017 and was coordinated by NASA Johnson Space Center with funds raised by the nonprofit Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of Johnson Space Center. Lunch with Apollo flight controllers is scheduled for July 16 and July 24 at noon Tuesday and Wednesday at Space Center Houston, 1601 Nasa Parkway. For information, visit houstonpublicmedia.org/tv8.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- You can't celebrate the Fourth of July without fireworks, and spectacular fireworks shows are a Houston specialty. Here are the places you can go to watch fireworks this year.Miller Outdoor Theater8:30 p.m.An evening of patriotic music from the Houston Symphony followed by fireworks.This year's annual Freedom Celebration will be held at 9 p.m. at the Katy Mills Mall/Typhoon Texas.Celebrate America's Independence at Kemah Boardwalk with live music and a patriotic firework show over Galveston Bay.9:30 p.m.Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens12 to 5 p.m.Unique blend of American history and fun for the entire family.Let freedom ring at Galveston's annual Independence Day Celebration, which features a parade of floats, decorated military vehicles and performers, followed by a 20-minute firework show over the Gulf.Parade kicks off at 7 p.m.Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.Presented by Texas Children's Hospital West CampusLaCenterra at Cinco Ranch23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., KatyFreddy Cruz with 104.1 KRBE will host the event kicking off at 5 p.m. with live music performances, games for the kids, food and culminates with the fireworks show around 9:15 p.m.Night program 7:30 p.m.Fireworks begin at 9:20 p.m.Kingwood Town Center Park3 to 9 p.m.Buffalo Run Park6 to 9:30 p.m.Free family fun and activities. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.Decorate your float, golf cart, bicycle, outfits and join the parade. Line up by 5:15 p.m. parade begins at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m.Independence Park6 to 10 p.m.Jimmy Burke Activity Center5 to 10:15 p.m.Texas Avenue Park5 to 10 p.m.Presented by CHI St. Luke's Health6 to 10 p.m.Celebrate at multiple locations around The Woodlands with food, live entertainment and family fun, with fireworks to finish off the evening! See link above for more information about locations.Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and celebrate America's birthday with a barbeque cook-off, fireworks show, cirque acts, family activities, and live music featuring headliner Pat Green.Valley Ranch Town Center2 to 10 p.m.Celebrate freedom at Karbach Brewing Co. with great food, cold beer and live music featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees CHEAP TRICK.6 p.m.Enjoy live music and fresh craft beer at Platypus Brewing on the Fourth, with a great view of Freedom over Texas fireworks at the end of the night.Noon to 10 p.m.CityCentreMarvel at a 15-minute firework display with live music from the People's Choice Band from 7 to 11 p.m.