2011-2012 Houston Symphony Classical Brochure

Music inspires 2011ď‚&#x; 2012 Season

Music inspires...

Joy, passion, sorrow, elation, hope.

Music inspires the full breadth of human emotion.

Be inspired.

Come experience the Houston Symphony.

Kiju Joh, violin

EMOTION TABLE OF CONTENTS 4  Subscriber & Donor Rewards 5  Season Highlights 6  2011–2012 Classical Season 12  Choose Your Classical Package 14  New! Friday ACCESS Concerts 15  2011–2012 Family Season

16  2011–2012 POPS Season 18  Symphony Specials 20  Make a Donation 22  Music Inspires You— Tell Us Your Story 23  Order Season Tickets (713) 224-7575  houstonsymphony.org  3

SUBSCRIBERS HAVE REWARDS! Being a season ticket holder is the best way to experience the Houston Symphony. Save up to $700 and receive these added benefits: BEST PRICE—Save up to 40% off the price of individual tickets.

All subscriptions are discounted.

FREE SEAT EXCHANGES—You can exchange your tickets to another performance when your schedule gets in the way. Only subscribers to six or more concerts get to exchange without the exchange fee.

SAME GREAT SEATS—Your seat is YOURS for all of the concerts in your package. Plus, you have first access to keep or upgrade your seats during renewals.

PRIORITY FOR SPECIAL CONCERTS—You get advance access to the best seats before the general public.

DISCOUNTS FOR ADDITIONAL TICKETS—You get advance access and 10% off additional tickets to any subscription concert.

DONORS HAVE MORE REWARDS!  Donor-only events and private rehearsals  Valet parking  Access to the Green Room and Patron Lounge See page 20 for more details.

2011–2012 SEASON AND SPECIALS HIGHLIGHTS SYMPHONY SPECIALS HIGHLIGHTS Only subscribers can purchase tickets to Symphony Specials NOW before they go on sale to the general public on August 1, 2011.

Opening Night: Ode To Joy

Hans Graf, Music Director

September 9 & 10, 2011, 7:30 pm Hans Graf, conductor Houston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, director Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 Be part of the powerful kickoff to the 2011-2012 Season and feel the contagious energy and joy of this towering classic.

A Linda Eder Christmas December 13, 2011, 7:30 pm Houston’s sweetheart turned Broadway and recording superstar Linda Eder returns to the Jones Hall stage for her first ever holiday performance with your Houston Symphony.

Orbit – An HD Odyssey

Photo Credit: NASA

Sequel to The Planets – An HD Odyssey February 18, 2012, 7:30 pm SOUND PLUS Join us for the world premiere of the VISION second film in our HD Odyssey series— this time focused on Earth.

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS Great Works

NEW! Friday ACCESS Concerts

Carmina Burana Beethoven’s Fifth Mozart’s A Little Night Music Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 3

With NPR's Morning Edition music commentator Miles Hoffman as host.

Great Artists Hans Graf, Music Director Frank Huang, concertmaster André Watts, piano Emanuel Ax, piano Hilary Hahn, violin

See page 14 for details.

RachFest!

Experience a special 3-week festival featuring all four Rachmaninoff piano concertos.

See page 9 for details.

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Kevin Dvorak, cello

Music inspires PERSONAL CONNE

"Music is a powerful unspoken language. When I he Symphony live, I feel connected to the musicians an me on a deeper level." – Janet Clark, Houston Symphony Patron

ECTION

ear the Houston nd those around

2011–2012 CLASSICAL SEASON 1Brahms' Violin Concerto September 16, 17, 18, 2011

2Richard Strauss’ A Hero’s Life September 22, 24, 25, 2011

3Watts Plays Beethoven’s Emperor September 30, October 1, 2, 2011

4Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe October 20, 22, 23, 2011

5Brahms' Second Symphony November 10, 12, 13, 2011

6Emanuel Ax Plus Tchaikovsky 3 November 18, 19, 20, 2011

7RachFest 1 – Rach 3 January 5, 7, 8, 2012

8RachFest 2 – Rach 1 & 4 January 13, 14, 15, 2012

9RachFest 3 – Rach 2 January 19, 21, 22, 2012

ˇ & Polovtsian Dances 10Dvorák February 10, 11, 12, 2012

11Beethoven’s Fifth February 23, 25, 26, 2012

12Petrenko Conducts Prokofiev March 16, 17, 18, 2012

13Mozart’s A Little Night Music March 22, 24, 25, 2012

14Hilary Hahn Plus Enigma March 30, 31, April 1, 2012

15Petrouchka & Beethoven April 13, 14, 15, 2012

16Two Faces of Shostakovich May 3, 4, 2012

17Totally Mozart May 11, 12, 13, 2012

18Carmina Burana May 17, 19, 20, 2012

1Brahms' Violin Concerto September 16, 17, 18, 2011 Hans Graf, conductor James Ehnes, violin Jalbert: World premiere HS commission Brahms: Violin Concerto Dvorák: Symphony No. 6 ˇ One of the pillars of the concerto repertoire, Brahms’ Violin Concerto was dedicated to dear friend and legendary violinist Joseph Joachim. You’ll hear some of Brahms’ most tender, lyric melodies, brilliant technical fireworks and a sprinkle of Hungarian folk rhythms. Plus hear Jalbert's new work to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Olga Kern, piano

2Richard Strauss’ A Hero’s Life September 22, 24, 25, 2011 SOUND PLUS Hans Graf, conductor VISION Olga Kern, piano Rouse: Odna Zhizn – One Special Life Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 2 R. Strauss: Ein Heldenleben – A Hero’s Life Imagine the knight in shining armor, lance held high. Noble, determined and charming, he conquers his enemies, wins countless battles, champions peace and always gets the girl! This deliciously ironic musical self-portrayal shows Strauss’ acute sense of humor at his compositional height.

André Watts, piano

3Watts Plays Beethoven’s Emperor September 30, October 1, 2, 2011 David Afkham, conductor André Watts, piano Beethoven: Coriolan Overture Schubert: Symphony No. 8, Unfinished Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5, Emperor Striking in manner, Beethoven’s brilliant Emperor concerto opens with a shining piano cadenza. Get ready to experience a work as original and exciting as anything Beethoven ever wrote. At the keyboard, we welcome back legendary American pianist, André Watts.

4Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe October 20, 22, 23, 2011 Gilbert Varga, conductor Daniel Mueller-Schott, cello Haydn: Symphony No. 49, La Passione Haydn: Cello Concerto in D major Ravel: Mother Goose Suite Ravel: Daphnis and Chloe Suite No. 2 Poetic and ethereal, Daphnis and Chloe evokes a meadow of nymphs on a spring afternoon. Come hear some of Ravel’s most splendorous, colorful music.

5Brahms' Second Symphony November 10, 12, 13, 2011 Christoph Koenig, conductor Houston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, director Zhou: A Thousand Years of Good Prayer Schubert: Mass No. 3 Brahms: Symphony No. 2 Like a call from afar, deep in the Austrian countryside, the Second Symphony’s opening theme blossoms into an everflowing stream of rich melodies. You’ll be captivated by the complexity of this seemingly cheerful masterpiece.

Emanuel Ax, piano

Kirill Gerstein, piano

RachFest!

Rachmaninoff has enchanted music lovers for generations with his incredibly romantic themes. Come experience a special 3-week festival—RachFest!— paying tribute to this most beloved Russian composer, featuring artist-inresidence Kirill Gerstein performing all four Rachmaninoff piano concertos.

7RachFest 1 – Rach 3

6Emanuel Ax Plus Tchaikovsky 3 November 18 , 19, 20, 2011 FRIDAY Hans Graf, conductor ACCESS CONCERT Emanuel Ax, piano Golijov: Last Round Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 25* Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 3* Houston Symphony favorite Emanuel Ax returns performing Mozart’s majestic Piano Concerto No. 25. Also on the program is Argentinean composer Osvaldo Golijov’s Last Round, which was created in homage to the great tango master, Astor Piazzolla.

You’ll be mesmerized by a piece that evokes the sensuality of the Argentinean tango.

SOUND January 5, 7, 8, 2012 PLUS Edward Gardner, conductor VISION Kirill Gerstein, piano Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3 Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances

8RachFest 2 – Rach 1 & 4 January 13, 14, 15, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Kirill Gerstein, piano Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 1 Rachmaninoff: Isle of the Dead Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 4

9RachFest 3 – Rach 2 January 19, 21, 22, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Kirill Gerstein, piano Rachmaninoff: Vocalise Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 3

*Friday Access Concert only includes these works.

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10Dvorák ˇ & Polovtsian Dances

12Petrenko Conducts Prokofiev

February 10, 11, 12, 2012 ˚ conductor Jakub Hruša, Houston Symphony Chorus Dvorák: ˇ Te Deum Borodin: Polovtsian Dances Dvorák: Slavonic Dances ˇ Janácek: Taras Bulba ˇ Czech conductor Jakub Hruša ˚ has put together a compelling mix of sublimely tuneful music, lively folk dances and a riveting musical story of a bloodthirsty warlord.

March 16, 17, 18, 2012 Vasily Petrenko, conductor Chloe Hanslip, violin Elgar: Cockaigne, In London Town Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5 Winner of the Fourth Prokofiev Conducting Competition, Petrenko has already reached stardom in the classical music world. Hear him conduct Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony.

13Mozart’s A Little Night Music March 22, 24, 25, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Mozart: Serenade No.10 for 13 winds, Gran Partita Stravinsky: Apollon Musagète Mozart: Eine kleine Nachtmusik Delight in Mozart's most graceful work.

A Little Night Music will lighten your heart and fill your evening with joy.

Colin Currie, percussion

11Beethoven’s Fifth February 23, 25, 26, 2012 John Storgårds, conductor Colin Currie, percussion Brahms: Tragic Overture Rautavaara: Incantations for Percussion and Orchestra Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 Experience the drama of Beethoven’s most famous work. You’ll hear the contrast between breathless tenderness and the powerful, triumphal finale. Plus, meet Colin Currie, a star in the world of solo percussion, for whom Rautavaara composed the provocative concerto, Incantations.

Hilary Hahn, violin

14Hilary Hahn Plus Enigma March 30, 31, April 1, 2012 FRIDAY Alexander Shelley, conductor ACCESS CONCERT Hilary Hahn, violin Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 1* Elgar: Sospiri Elgar: Enigma Variations* “Hahn is one of those rare performers who can dazzle you with the warmth of her personality and knock you dead with the dexterity of her technique...”

– Los Angeles Times *Friday Access Concert only includes these works.

Pablo Heras-Casado, conductor

15Petrouchka & Beethoven SOUND April 13, 14, 15, 2012 Pablo Heras-Casado, conductor PLUS VISION Jon Kimura Parker, piano Schumann: Overture to Manfred Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 Stravinsky: Petrouchka (1947) "Heras-Casado is the real deal.

With the young Simon Rattle's curly hair, searing intensity, benign smile, and clear communication with the orchestra, Granada-born Heras-Casado is truly a conductor beyond convenient pigeonholes, with an enormous repertoire..."

–San Francisco Classical Voice

17Totally Mozart May 11, 12, 13, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Albina Shagimuratova, soprano Rian Craypo, bassoon Mozart: Symphony No. 31, Paris Mozart: Vorrei spiegarvi, oh Dio Mozart: Bella mia fiamma – Resta, oh cara Mozart: Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra Mozart: Symphony No. 38, Prague In this delightfully all-Mozart evening led by Maestro Hans Graf, experience a musical ride from Paris to Prague. Plus hear two awe-inspiring concert arias with internationally acclaimed coloratura, soprano Albina Shagimuratova. It’s Totally Mozart!

Frank Huang, violin

16Two Faces of Shostakovich May 3, 4, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Mikhail Svetlov, baritone Shostakovich: Anti-Formalist Rayok Shostakovich: Symphony No. 11, The Year 1905 For his entire life, Shostakovich struggled with various political regimes, falling in and out of favor many times. In the Anti-Formalist Rayok, hear Shostakovich railing against his oppressors with biting sarcasm. The 11th Symphony represents the politically accepted Shostakovich, yet still full of searingly powerful commentary.

Saturday and Sunday subscribers will attend the Friday performance.

18Carmina Burana SOUND May 17, 19, 20, 2012 PLUS Hans Graf, conductor VISION Frank Huang, violin Marc Molomot, tenor Hugh Russell, baritone Houston Symphony Chorus Bach: Es ist genug Berg: Violin Concerto Orff: Carmina Burana By popular demand, the Houston Symphony will close its season with Carmina Burana, a giant of the classical repertoire. The theme "O Fortuna" from the cantata has become a staple in popular culture wherever there’s need for drama.

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CLASSICAL CONCERT PACKAGES You have options! Choose an 18-, 9- or 6-concert package.

Classical concerts are Thursday/Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm.

FIDELITY INVESTMENTS CLASSICAL SERIES

18 concerts on Thursday/Friday, Saturday or Sunday The best value and the ultimate Houston Symphony experience!

Purchase all 18 concerts and save up to 40% off the cost of individual tickets.

SPECTRUM

9 concerts on Thursday, Saturday or Sunday 1Richard Strauss’ A Hero’s Life September 22, 24, 25, 2011

2Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe October 20, 22, 23, 2011

3Brahms' Second Symphony November 10, 12, 13, 2011

4RachFest 1 – Rach 3 January 5, 7, 8, 2012

6Beethoven’s Fifth February 23, 25, 26, 2012

7Mozart’s A Little Night Music March 22, 24, 25, 2012

8Two Faces of Shostakovich May 3, 4, 2012

9Carmina Burana May 17, 19, 20, 2012

5RachFest 3 – Rach 2 January 19, 21, 22, 2012

FIRE

9 concerts on Friday, Saturday or Sunday 1Brahms' Violin Concerto September 16, 17, 18, 2011

2Watts Plays Beethoven’s Emperor September 30, October 1, 2, 2011

3Emanuel Ax Plus Tchaikovsky 3 November 18, 19, 20, 2011

4RachFest 2 – Rach 1 & 4 January 13, 14, 15, 2012

ˇ & Polovtsian Dances 5Dvorák February 10, 11, 12, 2012

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6Petrenko Conducts Prokofiev March 16, 17, 18, 2012

7Hilary Hahn Plus Enigma March 30, 31, April 1, 2012

8Petrouchka & Beethoven April 13, 14, 15, 2012

9Totally Mozart May 11, 12, 13, 2012

TOTAL GOLD CLASSICS

6 concerts on Thursday, Saturday or Sunday 1Richard Strauss’ A Hero’s Life September 22, 24, 25, 2011

2Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe October 20, 22, 23, 2011

3RachFest 1 – Rach 3 January 5, 7, 8, 2012

4Beethoven’s Fifth February 23, 25, 26, 2012

5Mozart’s A Little Night Music March 22, 24, 25, 2012

6Two Faces of Shostakovich May 3, 4, 2012

SHELL FAVORITE MASTERS

6 concerts on Friday, Saturday or Sunday 1Brahms' Violin Concerto September 16, 17, 18, 2011

2Emanuel Ax Plus Tchaikovsky 3 November 18, 19, 20, 2011

3RachFest 2 – Rach 1 & 4 January 13, 14, 15, 2012

4Dvorák ˇ & Polovtsian Dances February 10, 11, 12, 2012

5Petrouchka & Beethoven April 13, 14, 15, 2012

6Totally Mozart May 11, 12, 13, 2012

GREAT PERFORMERS

6 concerts on Thursday/Friday, Saturday or Sunday 1Watts Plays Beethoven’s Emperor September 30, October 1, 2, 2011

2Brahms' Second Symphony November 10, 12, 13, 2011

3RachFest 3 – Rach 2

4Petrenko Conducts Prokofiev March 16, 17, 18, 2012

5Hilary Hahn Plus Enigma March 30, 31, April 1, 2012

6Carmina Burana May 17, 19, 20, 2012

January 19, 21, 22, 2012

SOUND PLUS VISION

Underwritten by the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation

6 concerts on on Thursday/Friday, Saturday or Sunday These concerts combine music with concert video, dialogue, visual images or special lighting.

Please note that Sound Plus Vision subscribers sit in different seats at each concert.

1Richard Strauss’ A Hero’s Life September 22, 24, 25, 2011

2Vivaldi's Four Seasons November 26, 2011

3RachFest 1 – Rach 3 January 5, 7, 8, 2012

4Orbit – An HD Odyssey February 18, 2012

5Petrouchka & Beethoven April 13, 14, 15, 2012

6Carmina Burana May 17, 19, 20, 2012

Julie Thayer, french horn

NEW! Friday ACCESS Concerts with NPR's Morning Edition music commentator Miles Hoffman

Access the Music.

Access the Artists.

With this new Houston Symphony concert experience, you’re given greater access to the artists, composers, music and the stories behind the music. ACCESS concerts conveniently begin and end earlier, while connecting you more deeply with the music you enjoy.

NPR's Morning Edition music commentator Miles Hoffman will be your musical host for each ACCESS concert, leading you through engaging commentary followed by a complete performance of each work on the program.

The ACCESS Experience:

Music inspires

INNOVATION

6:00 pm  Pre-Concert Mix & Mingle with Houston Symphony musicians, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar 7:00 pm  Concert with host, Miles Hoffman 8:30 pm  Post-Concert Q & A with the artists

2011–2012 Friday ACCESS Concerts Friday, November 18 Emanuel Ax Plus Tchaikovksy 3 Friday, March 30 Hilary Hahn Plus Enigma Friday, May 18 Carmina Burana

Miles Hoffman, host

Music inspires

KIDS

Anthony Kitai, cello Allen Barnhill, Principal trombone

FAMILY CONCERT SERIES Share the joy of music with your children!

1Once Upon a Dream: Princes & Princesses October 15, 2011 Robert Franz, conductor Royalty doesn’t only live in castles! Princes and Princesses have always lived in the hearts and imaginations of composers, whose music has brought their heroic stories to life. Hear music you know and love tell the tales of your favorite princes and princesses like Belle and The Beast, Aladdin and Jasmine, as well as Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. Who’s your favorite prince or princess? Dress in character!

2The Night Before Christmas December 3, 2011 Robert Franz, conductor ‘Twas weeks before Christmas and all through Jones Hall, our musicians made ready to play for you all! Celebrate the holidays with a special musical telling of Clement Clarke Moore’s magical tale of the annual Christmas Eve visit from jolly old St. Nick. Bring family and friends for a fun and engaging holiday celebration, including an audience sing-along and a visit from Santa.

3Music of The Little Mermaid March 10, 2012 Robert Franz, conductor Take a dip into wet and watery music, featuring Disney’s beloved theme to The Little Mermaid. Continue our under the sea voyage with Debussy’s La Mer and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Fish created by local child artists will help set this concert firmly at the bottom of the sea.

4Perfect Pitch: Music of Baseball April 28, 2012 Your Houston Symphony slides into home as we finish the season with the best music from the ballpark. Houston Astros' announcer and Hall of Fame Awardee Milo Hamilton will narrate Casey at the Bat. Hear this line-up made up of all-stars.

Concerts are Saturday mornings at 10 am & 11:30 am.

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Mark Hughes, Principal trumpet Julie Thayer, french horn

Music inspires FUN POPS Presenting Sponsor

2011–2012 POPS SEASON

Cynthia Woods Mitchell POPS at Jones Hall 1Viva Italia!

September 2, 3, 4, 2011 Michael Krajewski, conductor Join us for an evening of all things Italian! Hear iconic music from The Godfather and Jersey Boys, famous arias from La Traviata and The Barber of Seville and, of course, “Nessun Dorma!”

2Idina Menzel October 14, 15, 16, 2011

3Live & Let Die

The Music of Paul McCartney November 4, 5, 6, 2011 Michael Krajewski, conductor

4Very Merry Pops December 9, 10, 11, 2011 Michael Krajewski, conductor Houston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, director

5The Best of Spielberg and Williams January 27, 28, 29, 2012 Michael Krajewski, conductor The orchestra plays Mike’s favorite selections from Schindler’s List, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., Saving Private Ryan and more!

6Bowfire!

March 9, 10, 11, 2012 Robert Franz, conductor

7Tribute to John Denver with Jim Curry

April 5, 6, 7, 2012 Michael Krajewski, conductor Acclaimed John Denver tribute artist Jim Curry takes you back to the time when “Rocky Mountain High, “Take Me Home: Country Roads,” and “Leaving On a Jet Plane” topped the charts.

Sunday subscribers attend Thursday.

8Cole Porter’s Great American Songbook April 27, 28, 29, 2012 Brett Mitchell, conductor Hear your Houston Symphony and renowned vocalists perform Porter’s unforgettable music, such as “Night and Day,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “Begin the Beguine,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” and “Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall In Love.”

9Tiempo Libre: Hot in Havana!

May 25, 26, 27, 2012 Michael Krajewski, conductor

POPS SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Tony Kishman

Idina Menzel

Live & Let Die

October 14, 15, 16, 2011 The Star of Rent, Wicked, and Glee debuts with the Houston Symphony!

This Tony® Award-winning Broadway powerhouse and star of Glee joins your Houston Symphony to dazzle you with hits from her starring roles in Wicked as Elphaba and in Rent as Maureen, songs from her album I Stand and more. This exciting performance will demonstrate why Menzel is selling out concert halls across the country!

The Music of Paul McCartney November 4, 5, 6, 2011 Michael Krajewski, conductor Take a walk down “Penny Lane” with the music of Paul McCartney. Tony Kishman of Beatles group Classical Mystery Tour has put together an all-new show featuring music from Paul’s iconic Beatles years, his hits with Wings and songs from his solo career. Hear everything from “Hey Jude” and “Band on the Run” to “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Live and Let Die.”

Bowfire!

Tiempo Libre: Hot in Havana!

March 9, 10, 11, 2012 Robert Franz, conductor Bowfire’s All-Star lineup of virtuosic fiddlers delivers a mix of Celtic, rock, bluegrass, Texas-swing and classical music. Add in beautiful vocals, electric step and tap dancing, lights and costumes, and you’ve got one fast-paced spectacle for the senses unlike any other.

May 25, 26, 27, 2012 Michael Krajewski, conductor Tiempo Libre, the sizzling, dance-inducing Latin music group will throw one big Cuban party with Mike and your Houston Symphony. The infectious, symphonicinfused tropical rhythms of these classically-trained musicians will make you feel like you’re on vacation, right in Jones Hall. Come celebrate, Cuban style!

SYMPHONY SPECIALS Only subscribers have priority access to purchase these special concerts before they go on sale to the general public on August 1, 2011.

Hans Graf, Music Director

Opening Night: Ode to Joy September 9, 10, 2011, 7:30 pm Hans Graf, conductor Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano Gordon Gietz, tenor Andrew Foster-Williams, bass-baritone Houston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, director Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is everlasting proof of Beethoven’s creative genius. Be part of the powerful kickoff to the 2011– 2012 Season and feel the contagious energy and joy of this towering classic, performed by Hans Graf, the Houston Symphony, Chorus and world-renowned soloists.

Note: The Opening Night Gala will take place following the Saturday, September 10th performance. Please note: a gala ticket includes your concert ticket for the Opening Night performance, in priority seating. Call (713) 337-8526 to make your reservations.

Vivaldi's Four Seasons

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Todd Rosenberg

SOUND

PLUS

November 26, 2011, 7:30 pm VISION Eric Halen, violin Delve into the meaning and context of this beloved musical work through a stunning visual and musical presentation. The first half of the program will offer a multimedia examination of the Four Seasons— sharing the illuminating stories found "inside" the music—followed by a full performance by the Houston Symphony with Associate Concertmaster Eric Halen.

Beyond the Score® is a production of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Christoph Eschenbach Returns

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor

December 6, 2011, 7:30 pm Christoph Eschenbach, conductor Mahler: Symphony No. 5 Former music director Christoph Eschenbach returns to the Jones Hall stage to lead the Houston Symphony in Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 5.

A Linda Eder Christmas December 13, 2011, 7:30 pm Superstar Linda Eder returns for an unforgettable holiday concert. Eder’s heavenly voice, joined by the sounds of your orchestra, are the perfect match for a divine evening of beloved Christmas classics like “Silent Night,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and "O Holy Night.”

Linda Eder

Handel’s Messiah in Candlelight December 16. 17, 18, 2011 Christian Knapp, conductor Houston Symphony Chorus Handel: Messiah "Rejoice Greatly" as this Houston tradition continues! The holidays wouldn’t be the same without Houston’s own performance of Handel’s Messiah with your Houston Symphony, Chorus and guest soloists.

Orbit – An HD Odyssey

PLACEHOLDER

Photo Credit: NASA

Sequel to The Planets – An HD Odyssey February 18, 2012, 7:30 pm SOUND Duncan Copp, producer/director PLUS Theofanidis: Rainbow Body VISION Copland: Appalachian Spring Adams: Short Ride in a Fast Machine R. Strauss: Also sprach Zarathustra Join us for the world premiere of the second film in our HD Odyssey series–this time focused on our planet. With striking images taken from NASA missions to Earth's orbit and accompanied by Strauss' epic tone poem "Also sprach Zarathustra," this event is not to be missed.

Earth, Wind & Fire

March 8, 2012, 7:30 pm You've heard the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire, but you've never heard them like this!

The power of your Houston Symphony will add a new twist to "Let's Groove," "Boogie Wonderland" and "After Love has Gone."

Carmina Burana

May 18, 2012, 7 pm Hans Graf, conductor Houston Symphony Chorus

FRIDAY

ACCESS

CONCERT

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ANNUAL FUND DONATIONS SUPPORT Performance Excellence, Education and Community Engagement

With Your Support…  More than 500,000 Houstonians will enjoy the Symphony this year.  Our Classical, Pops, Family and Holiday concert series will continue to feature the world’s best musicians and guest artists, inspiring as they entertain.  Our free concerts, master classes, competitions and small-ensemble recitals, broadcasts and more will bring the joy of music to every corner of Houston.  Our student concerts and music education programs will introduce symphonic music to more than 35,000 children from 20 school districts, in turn helping them succeed in class while building self-esteem.

Music gives voice and wings to the human spirit, but it cannot survive without your generosity.

Your gift does make a difference. Please make it today.

Add a gift to the bottom of your subscription form, call (713) 337-8500 to make your gift by phone or give online at houstonsymphony.org.

Music inspires

COMMUNITY

Thank you to our corporate partners.

The generous support of our corporate partners allows the Houston Symphony to reach new heights in our music, our education and our special events.

The Houston Symphony has a team of professionals dedicated to managing corporate relationships, and they will be pleased to answer your questions.

Please call (713) 337-8520 for details. Thank you to our 2010–2011 Season sponsors:

Fidelity Investments Classical Series

Pops Series Presenting Sponsor

Weatherford Family Concert Series

Opening Night Sponsor

TOTAL Gold Classics

Fiesta Sinfonica Sponsor

Shell Favorite Masters

Community Connections Sponsor

Cameron Explorer Concert Series

Lead Sponsor Kaddish

Andrews Kurth LLP

JPMorgan Chase

Bank of America  Beirne, Maynard & Parsons, LLP  Bloomberg, LLP  Boeing  CenterPoint Energy Cooper Industries  Crown Castle  Devon Energy Corporation  Fluor Corporation  Macy's Foundation Northern Trust  The Rand Group, LLC  Randalls Food Markets, Inc.  Smith, Graham & Company South Texas College of Law  Star Furniture  Swift Energy Company  Vitol Inc.  Wells Fargo World Group Management Services

A special thanks to our offical sponsors

The Official Health Care Provider of the Houston Symphony

The Official Airline of the Houston Symphony

Many thanks to these generous government supporters to the Annual Fund:

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Music inspires YOU Tell us your story.

This season, we'd like to know when and how music has touched and inspired you on a personal level. Your stories are what make the Houston Symphony's mission come alive.

Log on to houstonsymphony.org/musicinspires to share your story.

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ORDER SEASON TICKETS  Subscribers get the best seats before the general public.  Subscribers save up to 40% off individual ticket prices!

18-Concert Classical Series THU/FRI/SAT 8 pm

SUN 2:30 pm

Premium Price Level 2 Price Level 3 Price Level 4 Price Level 5

$1,485 1,152 918 729 567

$1,188 1,035 801 675 567

Price Level 6

324

315

6-Concert Classical Series Premium Price Level 2 Price Level 3 Price Level 4 Price Level 5 Price Level 6

9-Concert Classical Series THU/FRI/SAT 8 pm

SUN 2:30 pm

Premium Price Level 2 Price Level 3 Price Level 4 Price Level 5

$873 666 531 423 333

$711 603 459 387 324

Price Level 6

189

189

9-Concert Pops Series

THU/FRI/SAT 8 pm

SUN 2:30 pm

$606 492 378 300 234 120

$549 441 330 276 234 120

Premium Price Level 2 Price Level 3 Price Level 4 Price Level 5 Price Level 6

Classical Seating Chart GRAND TIER

FRI 8 pm/ SUN 7:30 pm

SAT 8 pm

$945 819 558 423 324 126

$990 837 603 441 315 126

Pops Seating Chart GRAND TIER

BOXES

ORCHESTRA BOXES

ORCHESTRA

BOXES

STAGE

STAGE

Premium Price Level 2 Price Level 3

BOXES

Price Level 4 Price Level 5 Price Level 6

Form a group and save! Some things are just too good to keep to yourself.

Groups of 10 or more enjoy special discounts. Call (713) 238-1435 or email groupsales@houstonsymphony.org.

(713) 224-7575  houstonsymphony.org  23

1  Choose subscription package, seating and day.

Day of Week

Concert Series Name (Indicate Classical or Pops)

Price Level

Location (Boxes/Grand Tier/Orchestra)

Number of Seats

Price per Seat X

= $

X

= $

Family Concerts Choose time  10 am  11:30 am

Number of Adults Number of Children Number of Junior Patron(s)

X X X

$65 = $40 = $60 = (or $150 for 3 or more)

= $

Please include Junior Patron names below: Name__________________________________________ Name__________________________________________

2  Choose your Symphony Specials.

Concert

Date

Price Level*

Number of Seats

Price per Seat* X

= $

X

= $

X

= $

*Visit houstonsymphony.org or call for Specials pricing.

3  Make a contribution.

Thank you for subscribing! Please consider making an Annual Fund gift with your order. Your contribution will support the Symphony in reaching thousands of children through education and community engagement programs.

4  Total your order.

Split Payment Fee (if applicable; see step 6) Handling Fee

GRAND TOTAL

5  Tell us how to contact you.

$ $ $ 7.00 $

Photos by Leah Polkowske with Elle Studios.

Artists and programs subject to change.

Name

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6  Tell us how you’d like to pay. 

Full Payment 

Split Payment (Credit Card Only. Add $5 split payment fee.)

• 50% when we receive your order • 50% 4-5 weeks after your order is placed  Check Enclosed (payable to Houston Symphony)  American Express  Visa  MasterCard  Discover/Novus Credit Card Expiration Date Signature Auth. (office use only) • Call us at (713) 224-7575 for more payment options.

• Buy 10 or more subscriptions and save! Call (713) 238-1435.

1. ORDER VIA PHONE Call the Patron Services Center at (713) 224-7575, Monday–Saturday, 10 am–6 pm.

2. SUBSCRIBE ONLINE Visit houstonsymphony.org to order via our secure online subscription process.

3. ORDER IN PERSON Houston Symphony Patron Services Center at Jones Hall (615 Louisiana Street, Suite 102, Houston, 77002) Monday–Saturday, 10 am–6 pm.

4. ORDER VIA FAX OR MAIL Fax: (713) 247-0220 Mail: Houston Symphony Patron Services Center, 615 Louisiana Street, Suite 102 Houston, TX 77002

YOUR SYMPHONY CONCERT EXPERIENCE Get the complete Houston Symphony experience and customize it to your preferences! Learn as much as you want about the music in advance of the concert. Whatever your preference, we help you connect to an ultimate experience of music.

Connect to the Music in Advance  Visit houstonsymphony.org for music clips, video, and program notes or download the FREE iPhone & Android App to do it all on the go! 

Our SymphonE-Minders act as a helpful email reminder about your concert, send program notes directly to your inbox, and offer other helpful information.

Park with Ease Enjoy the convenience of prepaid parking.

To purchase vouchers in advance, call (713) 224-7575.

This year, subscribers who renew by February 25 receive FREE parking for their subscription.

Dine in Style Dine at one of the many restaurants that surround Jones Hall, including Perbacco, Sambuca, Birraporetti’s, Bistro Lancaster and more.

You can also dine in the convenient in-lobby Encore Café.

Explore the Music at the Concert Learn more about the music you’re about to hear at our FREE Prelude pre-concert talks, sponsored by Fluor, held 50 minutes prior to each classical concert.

(713) 224-7575  houstonsymphony.org  25

Music inspires

Eric Larson, double bass

On the cover: Eric Larson, double bass Kiju Joh, violin Kevin Dvorak, cello

Houston Symphony Society 615 Louisiana Street, Suite 102, Houston, Texas 77002

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Houston Symphony Society

Get 6 concerts for as little as $120!

Join us for the 2011– 2012 Season

houstonsymphony.org  (713) 224-7575