MIDORI PLAYS MENDELSSOHN, Mozart and More Set for Houston Symphony, Oct 2013

The Houston Symphony's October calendar has something for music lovers of all ages and backgrounds. Classical music enthusiasts will have an opportunity to come to both Jones Hall and Sugar Land Baptist Church to see the Symphony's Music Director Designate Andrés Orozco-Estrada conduct the concert Midori Plays Mendelssohn, featuring Japanese American violin superstar Midori on October 17-20. Then, on October 24, 26 and 27, the Symphony's newly appointed Principal Oboist Jonathan Fischer will take the solo spotlight in Mozart and Schumann to perform Mozart's tuneful Oboe Concerto.

The Symphony's POPS concerts will continue in October with Classic Soul on October 4-6. Conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski, the performance will feature guest vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Darius de Haas for an evening of smooth grooves, easy rhythms and timeless top 40 hits of this iconic genre.

Families are invited to attend to attend Saturday morning Peter and The Wolf concerts on October 26 to get to know the instruments of the orchestra through the beloved story of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. During its Centennial, the Symphony is collaborating with its sister arts organizations for each family concert. In October, Jeffrey Bean from the Alley Theatre will narratePeter and the Wolf.

The annual free fall concert presented by the Mexican Institute of Greater Houston, Lunada, will take place on October 12 at Miller Outdoor Theatre. The concert will celebrate the sounds and energy of Latin American music with guest soloists from theSphinx Virtuosi ensemble, a Detroit-based ensemble comprised of outstanding young Black and Latino string players.

Unless otherwise noted, all concerts take place at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, 615 Louisiana Street, in Houston's Theater District. For tickets and information, call (713) 224-7575 or visit www.houstonsymphony.org unless otherwise noted. Tickets may also be purchased at the Houston Symphony Patron Services Center in Jones Hall (Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). All programs and artists are subject to change.

OCTOBER LINEUP:

Friday, October 4, 2013, 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 5, 2013, 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 6, 2013, 7:30 p.m.

Classic Soul

Michael Krajewski, conductor

Capathia Jenkins, vocalist

Darius de Haas, vocalists

Classic Soul is back! Join Mike and guest vocalists for an evening of smooth grooves, easy rhythms and timeless top 40 hits of this iconic genre. Hear music from the kings and queens of classic soul, including Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Feel the spirit of an era with songs like "Natural Woman," "Let's Stay Together" and "Me and Mrs. Jones." Then, tap your toes to the rhythms of hits such as "Midnight Train to Georgia," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours" and "I Heard it Through the Grapevine."

Saturday, October 12, 2013, 7:30 p.m.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

6000 Hermann Park Drive

Houston, TX 77030

Lunada

In collaboration with the Mexican Institute of Greater Houston, Lunada will spotlight Sphinx Virtuosi, a Detroit-based ensemble comprised of outstanding young Black and Latino string players. Admission is free for this concert, but tickets are required for the seated area. Tickets are available the day of the performance from the Miller Theatre Box Office between 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.. Any remaining tickets are released one hour before the performance time. Visit www.milleroutdoortheatre.com for more information.

SUGAR LAND SERIES

Location:

Sugar Land Baptist Church

16755 Southwest Frwy
Sugar Land, TX 77479

Thursday, October 17, 2013, 8:00 p.m. (Sugar Land Baptist Church)

Midori Plays Mendelssohn

Andrés Orozco-Estrada, conductor

Midori, violin

Gubaidulina: Fairytale Poem

Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto

Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2

The unrivaled Midori joins the Houston Symphony to perform Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. When she lifts her violin to her shoulder, experience the unique intimacy of Midori's playing, which will sing out Mendelssohn's heart-rending passages with grace and delicacy. Then, let the Houston Symphony immerse you in the luxurious romance of Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2.

Friday, October 18, 2013, 7:30 p.m. (ACCESS Concert)

Saturday, October 19, 2013, 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 20, 2013, 2:30 p.m.

Midori Plays Mendelssohn

Andrés Orozco-Estrada, conductor

Midori, violin

Gubaidulina: Fairytale Poem

Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto

Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2

The unrivaled Midori joins the Houston Symphony to perform Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. When she lifts her violin to her shoulder, experience the unique intimacy of Midori's playing, which will sing out Mendelssohn's heart-rending passages with grace and delicacy. Then, let the Houston Symphony immerse you in the luxurious romance of Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2.

Thursday, October 24, 2013, 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 26, 2013, 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 27, 2013, 2:30 p.m.

Mozart and Schumann

Hannu Lintu, conductor

Jonathan Fischer, oboe

Salonen: Helix

Mozart: Oboe Concerto

Schumann: Symphony No. 2

Our newly appointed Principal Oboe Jonathan Fischer takes the solo limelight in Mozart's tuneful Oboe Concerto. The twenty-one-year-old Mozart was just beginning to write a series of showcase pieces - both for himself and for his friends - that would later become some of his most important works. Also enjoy Robert Schumann's burst of inspiration in his Symphony No. 2. Its energetic and whimsical Scherzo - with a sweet and melodious second theme - is one of the composer's most famous works.

Saturday, October 26, 2013, 10:00 a.m.

Saturday, October 26, 2013, 11:30 a.m.

Peter and the Wolf

Robert Franz, conductor

Jeffrey Bean, narrator from the Alley Theatre

No piece is more of a family classic than Peter and the Wolf. This favorite work will be brought to life through narration by a special guest actor, and joined by a cast of characters speaking through the instruments of the orchestra. Come dressed as your favorite character!

During the 2013-14 Centennial Season, the Houston Symphony celebrates its 100th year as one of America's leading orchestras with a full complement of concert, community, education, touring and recording activities. The Houston Symphony is one of the oldest performing arts organizations in Texas whose inaugural performance was held at The Majestic Theater in downtown Houston on June 21, 1913. Today, with an annual operating budget of $30.4 million, the full-time ensemble of 87 professional musicians is the largest performing arts organization in Houston, presenting more than 280 concerts for 280,000 people, including 84,000 children, annually. For tickets and more information, visit www.houstonsymphony.org or call 713-224-7575.

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