Houston Symphony to Offer Host of Concerts this Summer

HOUSTON (June 2, 2015) - The Houston Symphony will embrace this summer with a fun and diverse line-up of free concerts June 2-July 7, including 10 performances in various neighborhoods around Houston as part of its Summer Community Concert Series, five performances as part of the ExxonMobil Summer Symphony Nights at Miller Outdoor Theatre, and a free July 3rd performance at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

These free performances are relaxed, dynamic and designed for the whole family. This summer, the Houston Symphony features an array of guest performers from the many diverse communities of Houston, including Mirron Willis (The Ensemble Theatre and Houston Shakespeare Festival) narrating Copland's Lincoln Portrait; The CityWide Grassroots Chorus; traditional Chinese instrumental virtuoso, Changlu Wu; and the well-known local Mariachi ensemble Mariachi Los Gallitos.

"In alignment with the Symphony's vision to become America's most successful and relevant top-ten orchestra, we are delighted to bring the full Houston Symphony out into the community for these free performances at many of the area's churches, schools and community centers," said Steve Wenig, Director of Community Partnerships. "This year's program more deeply reflects our commitment to inclusivity by featuring many guest artists from the community including Mariachi Los Gallitos, The CityWide Grassroots Chorus and Pipa virtuoso Changlu Wu."

The summer concerts follow an electric inaugural season from music director Andrés Orozco-Estrada, during which time his dynamic "Musically Speaking" concert series was conceived. During his inaugural year, the symphony welcomed guest renowned artists including Alison Balsom, Itzhak Perlman, and André Watts. Additionally, the organization received its largest donation from an individual since 2006, a $5 million gift from Margaret Alkek Williams.

Summer Community Concerts

(Performed at various venues across Greater Houston)

Orchestral music is a blend of musical sounds and ideas that stem from a vast variety of cultures, many of which are highly represented in Houston. For that reason, this year's Summer Community Concerts celebrate and honor Houston's diversity by recognizing the musical contributions of its diverse population. The concerts will feature culturally relevant programs held at various community centers in greater Houston, including several presentations in honor of the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth, a significant milestone and holiday that celebrates freedom.

Included at each performance is the ever-popular instrument petting zoo, a hands-on, interactive activity that allows children and adults of all ages to touch and play instruments that represent each of the orchestra's instrument families. The instrument petting zoo will be open 45 minutes prior to each concert.
(Full concert schedule follows below).

ExxonMobil Summer Symphony Nights at Miller Outdoor Theatre

(Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030)

The Houston Symphony has been performing during the summer months at Miller Outdoor Theatre for more than 70 years. Sponsored in part by the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, these concerts are free and open to the public. This summer, Houstonians can hear great classical music under the stars on June 18, 20, 23, 26, and 27, in addition to the annual July 4th Star-Spangled Salute concert. Admission is free, but tickets are required for the seated area. Visit www.milleroutdoortheatre.com for more information.
(Full concert schedule follows below).

July 3rd Concert @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

(The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380)

The Houston Symphony is honored to help the city celebrate America's birthday with a bang at the annual Star-Spangled Salute on July 3. The free Independence Eve performance, which has been a tradition at The Pavilion for 25 years, features a selection of patriotic favorites.

The Symphony will also appear at The Pavilion for eight other concerts from May through October, with free mezzanine and lawn seating. A full concert schedule can be found at www.woodlandscenter.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.