2011-2012 POPS Season Brochure

Be inspired by music you love

2011ď‚&#x; 2012 Pops

Music inspires...

Hearing music that brings back fond memories allows us to escape, reminisce, cherish and enjoy.

The Houston Symphony POPS takes you back and creates new memories.

Eric Larson, double bass

Memories TABLE OF CONTENTS 4  Subscriber & Donor Rewards 5  Season Highlights 7  2011–2012 Pops Season 10  Symphony Specials

14  Music Inspires You— Tell Us Your Story 15  Order Season Tickets

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Subscribers Have Rewards!

Being a season ticket holder is the best way to experience the Houston Symphony. Save up to $180 and receive these added benefits: BEST PRICE—Save up to 50% 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 can 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 12 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.

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

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

Photo Credit: NASA

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.”

Season Highlights Great Performers

Mike and More

Idina Menzel Bowfire Tiempo Libre

Viva Italia!

Live & Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney The Best of Spielberg and Williams (713) 224-7575  houstonsymphony.org  5 (713) 224-7575  houstonsymphony.org  5

Music inspires MIKE! "I invite you to experience these incomparable musical evenings. You’ll be inspired by the music you love performed by one of America’s finest orchestras—your very own Houston Symphony! Come and join us for the fun. I’ll see you there."

– Mike Krajewski, Principal Pops Conductor

Music inspires CONNECTION Kiju Joh with Houston Symphony Musician Sponsors April and Thomas Lykos 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

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

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

8Cole Porter’s Great American Songbook April 27, 28, 29, 2012 Brett Mitchell, conductor

9Tiempo Libre: Hot in Havana!

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

5 The Best of Spielberg and Williams January 27, 28, 29, 2012 Michael Krajewski, conductor (713) 224-7575  houstonsymphony.org  7

Tony Kishman

1  Viva Italia!

September 2, 3, 4, 2011 Michael Krajewski, conductor Poperazzi, the fabulous “pop-opera” vocal trio straight from Vegas, joins Mike and the orchestra 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 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!

3Live & Let Die:

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 decades-long solo career.

Hear everything from “Hey Jude” and “Band on the Run” to “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Live and Let Die.”

4Very Merry Pops December 9, 10, 11, 2011 Michael Krajewski, conductor Houston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, director Come celebrate the holidays with this annual family favorite, featuring Mike, the Houston Symphony and Chorus, and even Santa Claus!

5  The Best of Spielberg and Williams

8Cole Porter’s Great American Songbook

January 27, 28, 29, 2012 Michael Krajewski, conductor Hollywood’s Dream Team The orchestra plays Mike’s favorite selections from Schindler’s List, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., Saving Private Ryan, Jaws and more!

April 27, 28, 29, 2012 Brett Mitchell, conductor Cole Porter, the great American songwriter, was equally celebrated on Broadway, in Tin Pan Alley, and writing for the big screen. Hear the orchestra 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.”

6  Bowfire!

March 9, 10, 11, 2012 Robert Franz, conductor The ultimate string sensation!

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.

7  Tribute to John Denver with Jim Curry

April 5, 6, 7, 2012 Michael Krajewski, conductor John Denver tribute artist Jim Curry performs “Rocky Mountain High, “Take Me Home: Country Roads,” “Annie’s Song” and “Leaving On a Jet Plane,” with your Houston Symphony playing the original orchestrations written for John Denver. On the first half, Mike and the orchestra will share Americana favorites such as “Orange Blossom Special” and “Shenandoah.”

9Tiempo Libre: Hot in Havana!

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, symphonicallyinfused, tropical rhythms of these classically trained musicians will make you feel like you’re on vacation, right in Jones Hall. Come celebrate, Cuban Style!

Due to the Easter holiday, Sunday subscribers will attend Thursday.

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POPS 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.

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 the Houston Symphony. 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.”

Earth, Wind & Fire

March 8, 2012, 7:30 pm You’ve heard legendary Earth, Wind & Fire play R&B, soul, pop, rock and disco. But you’ve never heard them like this! The power of your Houston Symphony will add a new twist to these Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s chart-topping hits, including “September,” “Let’s Groove,” “Boogie Wonderland” and “After Love has Gone.”

ADDITIONAL Symphony Specials Opening Night: Ode to Joy

SOUND

PLUS

September 9, 10, 2011, 7:30 pm VISION 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.

Hans Graf, Music Director

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

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

PLACEHOLDER Photo courtesy of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Todd Rosenberg

November 26, 2011, 7:30 pm 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, 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.

Orbit – An HD Odyssey

Photo Credit: NASA

Sequel to The Planets – An HD Odyssey February 18, 2012, 7:30 pm Duncan Copp, producer/director Theofanidis: Rainbow Body 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.

Carmina Burana

May 18, 2012, 7 pm Hans Graf, conductor Houston Symphony Chorus Miles Hoffman, host (713) 224-7575  houstonsymphony.org  11

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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Order Season Tickets  Subscribers get the best seats before the general public.  Subscribers save up to 50% off individual ticket prices!

Pops Seating Chart

9-Concert Pops Series Premium Price Level 2 Price Level 3 Price Level 4 Price Level 5 Price Level 6

FRI 8 pm/ SUN 7:30 pm

SAT 8 pm

$945 819 558 423 324 126

$990 837 603 441 315 126

GRAND TIER

BOXES

ORCHESTRA

BOXES

Groups of 10 or more enjoy special discounts.

Call (713) 238-1435 or email groupsales@houstonsymphony.org.

STAGE

Premium Price Level 2 Price Level 3

Price Level 4 Price Level 5 Price Level 6

Thank you to: The summer home of the Houston Symphony.

For more information, visit pavilion.woodlandscenter.org

Exclusive Digital Media Partner

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.

1  Choose subscription package, seating and day.

Concert Series Name

Day of Week

Price Level

Location (Boxes/Grand Tier/Orchestra)

Number of Seats

Pops Series

2  Choose your Symphony Specials.

Concert

Date

Price Level*

Price per Seat X

= $

X

= $

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

5  Tell us how to contact you.

GRAND TOTAL

$ $ 7.00 $

Photos by Leah Polkowske with Elle Studios.

Artists and programs subject to change.

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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

Music you know Music you love

Adam Dinitz, English horn

On the cover: Mark Hughes, principal trumpet Julie Thayer, French horn

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

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

Get 9 concerts for as little as $126!

Join us for the 2011– 2012 Pops Season

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