Houston Symphony Brings Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' to Life with PSYCHO-FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

Featuring one of the most iconic scenes in film history - the infamous shower scene - Alfred Hitchcock's suspense thriller Psycho revolutionized the horror film genre, leading to critical acclaim and four Academy Award nominations including Best Supporting Actress for Janet Leigh and Best Director for Hitchcock.

Bernard Herrmann's bone-chilling score and music built around strings creates the perfect suspense and brings the film and scenes frighteningly alive. John Goberman, the creator and producer of film and concert presentations, adds "the screech of the violins is real and the drip of the shower drain going down the double basses make you glad you are just watching. This concert presentation of this great film is a unique experience for both the orchestra and the audience."

Francesco Lecce-Chong will conduct this special screening on Friday, Oct. 27, at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts in Houston's Theater District. Due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey on Jones Hall, the Theater District Parking Garage is closed until further notice. See houstonsymphony.org/Plan-Your-Visit/Directions-Parking/jones for a list of nearby alternatives.

About Francesco Lecce-Chong
A captivating presence on the podium, American conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong has garnered acclaim for his dynamic performances, commitment to innovative programming and passion for community engagement. He is currently music director and conductor of the Eugene Symphony, associate conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and principal conductor of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Also active as a guest conductor, he has appeared with orchestras around the world, including the National Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony and Hong Kong Philharmonic.

Francesco began conducting at age 16 in his hometown Boulder, Colorado. At Mannes College of Music and Curtis Institute of Music, he studied with Otto-Werner Mueller. And he has worked with many internationally celebrated conductors, including Bernard Haitink, David Zinman, Edo de Waart and Manfred Honeck.

He began his post as music director and conductor of the Eugene Symphony in the 2017-2018 season, following in the path of renowned predecessors Marin Alsop and Giancarlo Guerrero.

The pianist and composer champions the work of new composers and the need for arts education. As associate conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO) from 2011-2015, he curated and presented the works of both active and lesser-known composers, including two works commissioned by the orchestra and two U.S. premieres. He also helped create the first MSO Composer Institute, providing performance opportunities for young American composers.

About the Houston Symphony
During the 2017-18 season, the Houston Symphony celebrates its fourth season with Music Director Andrés Orozco- Estrada and continues its second century as one of America's leading orchestras with a full complement of concert, community, education, touring and recording activities. The Houston Symphony, one of the oldest performing arts organizations in Texas, held its inaugural performance at The Majestic Theater in downtown Houston June 21, 1913. Today, with an annual operating budget of $33.9 million, the full-time ensemble of 88 professional musicians presents nearly 170 concerts annually, making it the largest performing arts organization in Houston. Lear more about the company at houstonsymphony.org.

PSYCHO-FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA. Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. Francesco Lecce-Chong, conductor. $35 - $125 For information, please call 713-224-7575 or visit www.houstonsymphony.org. All programs and artists are subject to change.

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