2012-2013 Houston Symphony Classical Brochure

Graf's Farewell A Grand Finale Season

2012ď‚&#x;2013 Season

Graf’s farewell season ushers in a

new era for the Houston Symphony.

Hans Graf will conduct his grand finale season with the Houston Symphony in 2012–2013. Come experience a season-long celebration of his twelve years as Music Director, the longest tenure in Houston Symphony history.

“The years have flown by, filled with so many outstanding performances and events. There have been many landmarks during this time, and I think that this twelfth season will bring new highlights – thrilling, challenging and rewarding.” – Hans Graf, Music Director

Table of Contents Subscriber & Donor Rewards.........................................4 Season Highlights..........................................................5 2012–2013 Classical Season.........................................6 Choose Your Package....................................................12 Hans Graf Farewell Concerts........................................14 2012–2013 POPS Season.............................................16 2012–2013 Family Season...........................................18 Symphony Specials......................................................19 Make a Donation..........................................................20 Order Season Tickets....................................................22

Subscribers have rewards!

Being a season ticket holder is the best way to experience the Houston Symphony. Save up to $730 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 can exchange without the exchange fee.

SAME GREAT SEATS – Your seat is YOURS for all the concerts in your package. Plus, you will have first access to keep or upgrade your seats during renewals for the Centennial Season in 2013–2014!

PRIORITY FOR SYMPHONY SPECIALS – You get advance access to the best seats before the general public.

DISCOUNTS & PRIORITY ON ADDITIONAL TICKETS – You get advance access and 10% off additional tickets to any subscription concert.

Donors have even more rewards!

• Donor-only events and private rehearsals • Valet parking • Access to the Green Room and Patron Lounge See page 20 for more details.

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2012–2013 Specials and Season 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, 2012. See page 19 for a full listing of specials.

Hans Graf’s farewell season features opening and closing concerts you will not want to miss.

Opening Night with Bolero Orchestral Showcase

September 8, 2012, 7:30 pm Hans Graf, conductor Thomas LeGrand, clarinet John Thorne, flute Judy Dines, flute Alexandra Adkins, violin Sophia Silivos, violin

Opening Night Sponsor

SOUND

PLUS

VISION

Smetana: The Moldau Debussy: Rhapsody for Clarinet and Orchestra Smetana: Dance of the Comedians Doppler: Finale from Concerto for Two Flutes and Orchestra Moszkowski: Finale from Suite for Two Violins Ravel: Bolero “It fills my heart with pride, joy and gratitude to be part of this great Houston Symphony family with all its excellent and dedicated members who make the music.”

– Hans Graf To kick-off the 2012–2013 season, Maestro Graf has planned a delightful program that you are sure to love, while showing off the virtuosity of some of our Houston Symphony musicians. The program culminates with Ravel’s famous Bolero. Its recurring melody and driving rhythm build from instrument to instrument, from section to section in an ecstatic crescendo encompassing the full orchestra.

A Graf Farewell May 17, 18, 2013, 7:30 pm Erin Wall, soprano Bernarda Fink, mezzo-soprano Houston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, director Mahler: Symphony No. 2, Resurrection “Of all of Mahler’s symphonies, Resurrection has the most uplifting ending. There is a spiritual element in it that is hard to beat.” – Hans Graf Join us as we celebrate Hans Graf and his invaluable contribution to your Houston Symphony. Our beloved maestro steps onto the Houston Symphony stage for the last time as our Music Director, to lead the orchestra and chorus in Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 2.

Season Highlights Great Works

Friday ACCESS Concerts

Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique Debussy’s La Mer Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 Dvorák’s New World Symphony ˇ

With NPR’s Morning Edition music commentator Miles Hoffman as host. See page 23 for more details.

Great Artists Hans Graf, Music Director Lang Lang, piano Leonidas Kavakos, violin Garrick Ohlsson, piano

Best of Brahms Experience 3 weekends of great works composed by the German master, and one of Graf’s favorites – Johannes Brahms.

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Frank Huang, concertmaster Eric Halen, associate concertmaster Brinton Averil Smith, principal cello

2012-2013 1 Classical Season 2

Best of Brahms – Weekend 1 September 14, 15, 16, 2012

Best of Brahms – Weekend 2 September 20, 22, 23, 2012

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Best of Brahms – Weekend 3

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Lang Lang Plays Beethoven

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Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique

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Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique Symphony

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The Inextinguishable

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Schumann Plus Bruckner’s 6th

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ˇ Dvorák’s New World Symphony

September 28, 29, 30, 2012

October 18, 20, 21, 2012

October 26, 27, 28, 2012

November 1, 3, 4, 2012

November 16, 17, 18, 2012

December 1, 2, 2012

January 11, 12, 13, 2013

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Mahler & Mendelssohn

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Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet

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Wozzeck in Concert

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Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Plus Kavakos

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Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast

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Spanish Masters – Rodrigo & Falla

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Debussy’s La Mer

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Mozart’s Symphony No. 40

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Chopin & Beethoven

January 31, February 2, 3, 2013

February 14, 16, 17, 2013

March 1, 2, 2013

March 7, 9, 10, 2013

March 15, 16, 17, 2013

April 5, 6, 7, 2013

April 11, 13, 14, 2013

May 3, 4, 5, 2013

May 9, 11, 12, 2013

Best of Brahms The 2012–2013 Season kicks off with 3 weeks of the Best of Brahms.

“At the age of 16, the very first score I bought with my pocket money was a pocket score of Brahms Symphony No. 4. As I studied this masterpiece, my juvenile love of Brahms began to grow and has endured throughout my life. Even knowing his music for decades, Brahms still holds the power to surprise us, with something new to discover around every turn of phrase.” – Hans Graf

Garrick Ohlsson, piano

John Storgårds, conductor

1 Best of Brahms – Weekend 1

3 Best of Brahms – Weekend 3

September 14, 15, 16, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Garrick Ohlsson, piano Frank Huang, violin Brinton Averil Smith, cello

September 28, 29, 30, 2012 John Storgårds, conductor Jonathan Biss, piano

Program A – September 14, 16, 2012 Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 Brahms: Symphony No. 1 Program B – September 15, 2012 Brahms: Variations on a Theme of Haydn Brahms: Concerto for Violin and Cello Brahms: Symphony No. 4

2 Best of Brahms – Weekend 2 September 20, 22, 23, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Joshua Hopkins, baritone Houston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, director Frank Huang, violin Brinton Averil Smith, cello

Program D – September 28, 30, 2012 Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 Brahms: Symphony No. 3 Program E – September 29, 2012 Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 Brahms: Symphony No. 2 The New York Times calls him “young and impetuous, but firmly in control.” Jonathan Biss – one of the most exciting piano virtuosos on the classical music scene today – returns to the Houston Symphony to perform Brahms’ majestic Piano Concerto No. 2.

Program C – September 20, 22, 2012 Brahms: Tragic Overture Brahms: Nänie Brahms: Requiem Program B – September 23, 2012 Brahms: Variations on a Theme of Haydn Brahms: Concerto for Violin and Cello Brahms: Symphony No. 4 Houston Symphony Chorus

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6 Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique Symphony November 1, 3, 4, 2012 Juanjo Mena, conductor Augustin Hadelich, violin Bartók: Violin Concerto No. 2 Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, Pathétique The nickname “Pathétique” actually means “passionate” rather than “pitiful,” and Tchaikovsky’s final symphony is packed with passion. You’ll feel the power of fate in both life and death as you get caught up in the music’s sweep of emotion, complete with gorgeous violin melodies and blazing brass.

7 The Inextinguishable

Lang Lang, piano

4 Lang Lang Plays Beethoven 3 Concerts. 3 Different Concertos.

October 18, 20, 21, 2012 SOUND Pablo Heras-Casado, conductor PLUS VISION Lang Lang, piano Lindberg: Feria (Festival) Beethoven: Piano Concertos 2, 3 and 5 Schumann: Symphony No. 4 The New York Times’ ”hottest artist on the classical music planet” is heading back to Houston. Hear Lang Lang perform three of the most beloved Beethoven piano concertos in one weekend as he plays a different concerto each performance. Experience Beethoven’s joyful 2nd, the dramatic 3rd and the epic Emperor.

5 Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique October 26, 2012 – Friday ACCESS concert October 27, 28, 2012 – Standard concert format Andrés Orozco-Estrada, conductor William VerMeulen, horn FRIDAY Berlioz: Roman Carnival ACCESS R. Strauss: Horn Concerto No. 1 CONCERT *Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique One of the pillars of the symphonic repertoire, Symphonie fantastique brings you to a new world of sound, where images morph into music. Follow a young musician, afflicted by unrequited love and flooded with romantic passion. As he drifts from one fantastic dreamscape to another, obsessed by the image of his beloved, you’ll follow him from the tumult of a grand ball, to the peaceful contemplation of nature, and finally to his plunge into delirium in a sinister witch’s sabbath.

November 16, 17, 18, 2012 Thomas Dausgaard, conductor Stephen Hough, piano Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 3 Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 Nielsen: Symphony No. 4, The Inextinguishable Danish composer Carl Nielsen’s magnificent Symphony No. 4 is full of fiery rhythms and grand sweeping melodies. The famous battle of two timpanists thunders to a triumphant conclusion – the inextinguishable force of life is victorious!

Martin Helmchen, piano

8 Schumann Plus Bruckner’s 6th December 1, 2, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Martin Helmchen, piano Schumann: Piano Concerto Bruckner: Symphony No. 6 Hans Graf is excited to introduce Houston audiences to this rising star, Martin Helmchen. The Berkshire Eagle raved, “Helmchen lit the Schumann Piano Concerto with an inner glow” referring to the young German virtuoso’s performance with the Boston Symphony.

Thursday subscribers attend Sunday.

*Friday Access concert only includes this work. See page 23 for more details on ACCESS.

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ˇ 9 Dvorák’s New World Symphony

12 Wozzeck in Concert

January 11, 2013 – Friday ACCESS concert January 12, 13, 2013 – Standard concert format Hans Graf, conductor SOUND FRIDAY Adam Dinitz, English horn PLUS ACCESS Mark Hughes, trumpet VISION CONCERT *Copland: Quiet City for English horn, trumpet and strings Dutilleux: Symphony No. 2, Le Double ˇ Symphony No. 9, From the New World *Dvorák: Composed and premiered during his visit to the United States as an embodiment of the American ˇ experience, the New World Symphony is Dvorák’s most popular work. It was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and premiered 120 years ago at Carnegie Hall to the public’s absolute delight.

March 1, 2, 2013 SOUND Hans Graf, conductor PLUS VISION Anne Schwanewilms, soprano Roman Trekel, baritone Berg: Wozzeck “Alban Berg’s music is so deep, so new and so perfect.

It strikes an inescapable chord of compassion and empathy for our ill-fated hero, Wozzeck.” – Hans Graf Rooted in real life, Wozzeck’s tale is one of social criticism, lust, murder and morality. You’ll feel compassion for poor Wozzeck as he falls victim to cruelty and descends into insanity.

Sunday subscribers attend Friday.

*Friday Access concert only includes these works. See page 23 for more details on ACCESS.

10 Mahler & Mendelssohn January 31, February 2, 3, 2013 Christoph Koenig, conductor Mendelssohn: Octet for Strings – for Full String Orchestra Mahler: Symphony No. 1 Mahler’s 1st Symphony is filled with some of the young composer’s most brilliant and contrasting musical ideas.

You’ll be delighted as you hear folk melodies, a chilling funeral march and even a minor-key version of the familiar “Frère Jacques” melody.

Vilde Frang, violin

11 Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet February 14, 16, 17, 2013 Gilbert Varga, conductor Vilde Frang, violin Wagner: Siegfried Idyll Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 5 Prokofiev: Suite No. 2 from Romeo and Juliet Relive the stories of William Shakespeare’s most cherished characters. Romeo and Juliet’s romantic encounters will populate your imagination as you hear Prokofiev’s riveting score based on the story of the ill-fated lovers. Plus, hear Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll, written as a present to his wife Cosima and performed the morning of her birthday by a small ensemble as his beloved awoke from her sleep.

Leonidas Kavakos, violin

13 Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Plus Kavakos March 7, 9, 10, 2013 Hans Graf, conductor Leonidas Kavakos, violin Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No. 1 Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 Hans Graf and Leonidas Kavakos are great friends whose partnership has produced great music-making on the Jones Hall stage and around the world. They’ll join together once more to perform Shostakovich’s 1st Violin Concerto. Plus, hear one of Tchaikovsky’s greatest masterpieces – his Symphony No. 5.

14 Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast March 15, 16, 17, 2013 SOUND Hannu Lintu, conductor PLUS VISION Houston Symphony Chorus Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis Haydn: Symphony No. 98 Walton: Belshazzar’s Feast Belshazzar’s Feast vividly portrays the captivity of the Jews in Babylon. With driving and barbaric splendor, often compared to Carmina Burana, it culminates in the death of Belshazzar which frees the Jews from exile.

Pablo Sainz-Villegas, guitar

15 Spanish Masters – Rodrigo & Falla April 5, 6, 7, 2013 Carlos Kalmar, conductor Pablo Sainz-Villegas, guitar Haydn: Symphony No. 20 Ginastera: Variaciones concertantes Rodrigo: Fantasia for a Nobleman – for Guitar and Orchestra Falla: Suite No. 2 from The Three-Cornered Hat Composed at the request of the legendary Spanish guitarist Andrés Segovia, who is referenced in the work’s title as the “Nobleman,” Joaquín Rodrigo’s Fantasia para un gentilhombre will transport you to 17th Century Spain, where the composer found his inspiration. Experience the rich sounds of rising star and Spanish guitar virtuoso Pablo Sainz-Villegas.

Benjamin Schmid, violin

16 Debussy’s La Mer April 11, 13, 14, 2013 Hans Graf, conductor Benjamin Schmid, violin Ariane Haering, piano Mendelssohn: Capriccio brillant Paganini/arr. Kreisler: Violin Concerto Mendelssohn: Concerto for Violin, Piano and String Orchestra Debussy: La Mer As in Impressionist paintings, Debussy uses colorful musical brush strokes to conjure images of his travels to the seaside at Cannes and the Mediterranean. The shimmering movement of the sea left him with deep inspiration, illustrated in this orchestral work of beauty.

Eugene Ugorski, violin

17 Mozart’s Symphony No. 40

FRIDAY May 3, 2013 – Friday ACCESS concert ACCESS May 4, 5, 2013 – Standard concert format CONCERT Hans Graf, conductor Eugene Ugorski, violin Mozart: Symphony No. 19 *Stravinsky: Violin Concerto Adams: The Chairman Dances *Mozart: Symphony No. 40 From wunderkind to one of the great masters of all time, Mozart’s talent grew and blossomed during his short life. Hear the poise of his Symphony No. 19, composed when he was only 16, and then experience the maturity and genius of one of his last great symphonies. *Friday Access concert only includes these works. See page 23 for more details on ACCESS.

Janina Fialkowska, piano

18 Chopin & Beethoven May 9, 11, 12, 2013

SOUND Hans Graf, conductor PLUS VISION Janina Fialkowska, piano Weber: Overture to Euryanthe Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 Beethoven: Symphony No. 3, Eroica Hear the glorious, soaring phrases of Chopin’s masterpiece, and then experience Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony, initially inspired by his admiration for Napoleon Bonaparte. Later, he became disillusioned by Napoleon’s ascent to power and literally tore through the dedication, writing instead, “Heroic Symphony composed to celebrate the memory of a great man.”

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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.

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 Best of Brahms – Weekend 2 • September 20, 22, 23, 2012 2 Lang Lang Plays Beethoven • October 18, 20, 21, 2012 3 Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique Symphony • November 1, 3, 4, 2012 4 Schumann Plus Bruckner’s 6th • December 1, 2, 2012 5 Mahler & Mendelssohn • January 31, February 2, 3, 2013 6 Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet • February 14, 16, 17, 2013 7 Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Plus Kavakos • March 7, 9, 10, 2013 8 Debussy’s La Mer • April 11, 13, 14, 2013 9 Chopin & Beethoven • May 9, 11, 12, 2013

FIRE

9 concerts on Friday, Saturday or Sunday 1 Best of Brahms – Weekend 1 • September 14, 15, 16, 2012 2 Best of Brahms – Weekend 3 • September 28, 29, 30, 2012 3 Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique • October 26, 27, 28, 2012 4 The Inextinguishable • November 16, 17, 18, 2012 ˇ 5 Dvorák’s New World Symphony • January 11, 12, 13, 2013 6 Wozzeck in Concert • March 1, 2, 2013 7 Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast • March 15, 16, 17, 2013 8 Spanish Masters – Rodrigo & Falla • April 5, 6, 7, 2013 9 Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 • May 3, 4, 5, 2013

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Total Gold Classics

6 concerts on Thursday, Saturday or Sunday 1 Best of Brahms – Weekend 2 • September 20, 22, 23, 2012 2 Lang Lang Plays Beethoven • October 18, 20, 21, 2012 3 Schumann Plus Bruckner’s 6th • December 1, 2, 2012 4 Mahler & Mendelssohn • January 31, February 2, 3, 2013 5 Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Plus Kavakos • March 7, 9, 10, 2013 6 Chopin & Beethoven • May 9, 11, 12, 2013

Shell Favorite Masters

6 concerts on Friday, Saturday or Sunday 1 Best of Brahms – Weekend 1 • September 14, 15, 16, 2012 2 Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique • October 26, 27, 28, 2012 3 The Inextinguishable • November 16, 17, 18, 2012 4 Wozzeck in Concert • March 1, 2, 2013 5 Spanish Masters – Rodrigo & Falla • April 5, 6, 7, 2013 6 Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 • May 3, 4, 5, 2013

Great Performers

6 concerts on Thursday/Friday, Saturday or Sunday 1 Best of Brahms – Weekend 3 • September 28, 29, 30, 2012 2 Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique Symphony • November 1, 3, 4, 2012 ˇ 3 Dvorák’s New World Symphony • January 11, 12, 13, 2013 4 Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet • February 14, 16, 17, 2013 5 Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast • March 15, 16, 17, 2013 6 Debussy’s La Mer • April 11, 13, 14, 2013

SOUND PLUS VISION

6 concerts 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. Supported in part by Margaret Alkek Williams.

1 Opening Night with Bolero • September 8, 2012 2 Lang Lang Plays Beethoven • October 18, 20, 21, 2012 3 Dvorák’s New World Symphony • January 11, 12, 13, 2013 ˇ 4 Wozzeck in Concert • March 1, 2, 2013 5 Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast • March 15, 16, 17, 2013 6 Chopin & Beethoven • May 9, 11, 12, 2013 (713) 224-7575  houstonsymphony.org  13

Hans Graf 1 Farewell Concerts Music Director Hans Graf will celebrate his twelve seasons with the Houston Symphony by leading the orchestra in twelve concert programs over the course of the 12–13 Season. Beginning with an Opening Night program specifically chosen to highlight the incredible talent of the Houston Symphony musicians and culminating with a Graf farewell program that will end his tenure on a high note with Mahler’s Resurrection, this season will showcase some of our beloved maestro’s favorite repertoire.

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Opening Night with Bolero Orchestral Showcase September 8, 2012

Best of Brahms – Weekend 1 Program A

September 14, 16, 2012

Best of Brahms – Weekend 2 Program C

September 20, 22, 2012

Best of Brahms – Weekend 2 Program B

September 23, 2012

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Schumann Plus Bruckner’s 6th

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ˇ Dvorák’s New World Symphony

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Wozzeck in Concert

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Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Plus Kavakos

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Debussy’s La Mer

December 1, 2, 2012

January 11, 12, 13, 2012

March 1, 2, 2013

March 7, 9, 10, 2013

April 11, 13, 14, 2013

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Mozart’s Symphony No. 40

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Chopin & Beethoven

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A Graf Farewell

May 3, 4, 5, 2013

May 9, 11, 12, 2013

May 17, 18, 2013

These final concerts were hand-picked by Hans Graf himself, and will cement his legacy with the Houston Symphony as we usher in a new era. Get all twelve Hans Graf programs as a package, or add them to your existing package and receive an additional 10% off each concert*.

Please note that Hans Graf 12-concert package subscribers sit in different seats at each concert. *Tickets to Opening Night and A Graf Farewell do not receive the 10% discount.

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Michael Krajewski, Principal Pops Conductor

West Side Story © 1961 Metro-­Goldwyn-­Mayer Studios Inc. All rights reserved. © A.M.P.A.S.

Music You Know, Music You Love

2012-2013 Pops Season

Cynthia Woods Mitchell POPS at Jones Hall

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POPS Presenting Sponsor

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Sixties Hits

with The Midtown Men August 31, September 1, 2, 2012

Wicked Divas October 5, 6, 7, 2012

Bond and Beyond:

50 Years of James Bond November 23, 24, 25, 2012

Very Merry Pops

with Brian Stokes Mitchell December 14, 15, 16, 2012

What a Wonderful World: The Best of Louis Armstrong January 18, 19, 20, 2013

Songs of Simon and Garfunkel February 22, 23, 24, 2013

West Side Story

Film with Live Orchestra March 22, 23, 24, 2013

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Cavanaugh Sings Elton John & More

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Pink Martini

April 19, 20, 21, 2013

May 24, 25, 26, 2013

1 Sixties Hits

6 Songs of Simon and Garfunkel

August 31, September 1, 2, 2012 Michael Krajewski, conductor 4 stars from the original cast of Jersey Boys These four accomplished Broadway stars known as The Midtown Men will join Mike and the orchestra for a concert featuring hits from the 1960s like “Sherry, “ “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Can’t Buy Me Love.”

February 22, 23, 24, 2013 Michael Krajewski, conductor AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle have been performing a remarkable tribute to the iconic duo Simon and Garfunkel to sold out audiences for over a decade.

Now hear them perform “Sound of Silence,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Mrs. Robinson” with your Houston Symphony.

2 Wicked Divas

7 West Side Story

with The Midtown Men

October 5, 6, 7, 2012 Steven Reineke, conductor Two Wicked stars join forces.

Broadway divas Julia Murney and Stephanie J. Block will grace the Jones Hall stage for a performance packed with powerhouse songs from Wicked, Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera, Titanic and other popular songs from Broadway, film and Grammy® winning artists.

3 Bond and Beyond:

50 Years of James Bond November 23, 24, 25, 2012 Michael Krajewski, conductor Enjoy memorable musical moments from the longest and most successful film series ever. Tony® Award-winning vocalist Debbie Gravitte joins the orchestra to sing title songs “Goldfinger,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” “The World Is Not Enough” and more.

Film with Live Orchestra March 22, 23, 24, 2013 Steven Reineke, conductor Join us as the Houston Symphony performs Leonard Bernstein’s full electrifying score live while the remastered film is shown in hi-definition on the big screen with the original vocals and dialogue intact.

Winner of ten Academy Awards®, the film, directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, features Robbins’ choreography, screenplay by Ernest Lehman, book by Arthur Laurents and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

8 Cavanaugh Sings Elton John & More April 19, 20, 21, 2013 Robert Franz, conductor Back by popular demand, pianist and singer Michael Cavanaugh of Broadway fame performs songs from Elton John and other classic hits from bands such as Journey, Chicago, the Eagles and Styx.

4 Very Merry Pops

with Brian Stokes Mitchell December 14, 15, 16, 2012 Michael Krajewski, conductor Houston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, director One of Houston’s beloved holiday musical traditions, this year’s Very Merry Pops concert features Tony® Award-winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell.

A veteran of theatre, television, movies and concert halls, Brian Stokes Mitchell’s appearance heralds the release of an exciting new holiday recording with our very own Houston Symphony.

5 What a Wonderful World: The Best of Louis Armstrong

January 18, 19, 20, 2013 Michael Krajewski, conductor Enjoy the sounds of Satchmo with an evening dedicated to the great Louis Armstrong. Trumpeter and singer Byron Stripling will join Mike and the orchestra for classics such as “St. Louis Blues,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.”

Pink Martini

9 Pink Martini May 24, 25, 26, 2013 Michael Krajewski, conductor Mike closes the season with a much anticipated visit from Pink Martini. The group returns to Jones Hall with revered favorites like “Brazil,” “Amado Mio” and “Hey, Eugene” while injecting new songs bound to become mainstays of their eclectic repertoire.

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Robert Franz, Associate Conductor

Share the joy of music with your children! Concerts are Saturday mornings at 10 am & 11:30 am.

Kids get 4 concerts for $45! Adult subscriptions are $68.

2012-2013 Family Concert Season 1 Wands and Batons

The Music of Harry Potter and More October 6, 2012 Robert Franz, conductor The Houston Symphony is conjuring up great music to celebrate the season. Dress up and bring your magical dreams as we turn a Saturday morning into great fun.

With a wave of his baton, conductor Robert Franz will cast a spell over the entire audience in this concert featuring music from Harry Potter and Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

2 Hip Hoppin‘ Nutcracker December 8, 2012 Robert Franz, conductor INERTIA Dance Company This year, celebrate the holidays with a hip to the hop!

The INERTIA Dance Company joins the orchestra to add their characteristically fun and explosive dance routines to the festivities. Enjoy Duke Ellington’s hoppin’ Nutcracker Suite and Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride.

A visit from Santa and an audience sing-along will complete this holiday celebration like no other.

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3 Aladdin and the Arabian Nights January 19, 2013 Robert Franz, conductor Take a magic carpet ride as we tour music inspired

by Arabia. From the land of enchantment to 1,001 tales, we’ll feature music from Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Adventures of Sinbad and music from Disney’s Aladdin.

4 Dinosaurs!

April 20, 2013 Robert Franz, conductor Get ready! The Symphony’s gonna bring you all the way back to pre-historic times. Join us as we explore dinosaurs, fossils and more. From the music of John William’s Jurassic Park and Morton Gould’s The Jogger and the Dinosaur, to a special look at the percussion family, this concert will be earth shaking.

2012-2013 Symphony Specials

Only subscribers have priority access to purchase these specials before they go on sale to the general public on August 1, 2012.

Opening Night with Bolero Orchestral Showcase

September 8, 2012, 7:30 pm Hans Graf, conductor Thomas LeGrand, clarinet John Thorne, flute Judy Dines, flute Alexandra Adkins, violin Sophia Silivos, violin

Opening Night Sponsor

Smetana: The Moldau Debussy: Rhapsody for Clarinet and Orchestra Smetana: Dance of the Comedians Doppler: Finale from Concerto for Two Flutes and Orchestra Moszkowski: Finale from Suite for Two Violins Ravel: Bolero “It fills my heart with pride, joy and gratitude to be part of this great Houston Symphony family with all its excellent and dedicated members who make the music.”

– Hans Graf Make this evening a black-tie experience by attending the Opening Night Gala! Please note: A Gala Ticket (starting at $625) includes your concert ticket to the Opening Night performance in priority seating, a pre-concert champagne reception, post-concert dinner and dancing, and a tax-deductible contribution to support the Houston Symphony.

Call (713) 238-1485 to make your reservation.

The Chieftains

The Chieftains: 50th Anniversary Tour February 15, 2013, 7:30 pm Celebrating their 50th Anniversary, Paddy Moloney and The Chieftains triumphantly return to Jones Hall. They will be joined by the famous dancing Pilatzke Brothers as they perform “The Galician Overture,” the hilarious send-up “Planxty Mozart,” the title song from their most celebrated album, “Long Journey Home” and more.

Disney in Concert

Magical Music from the Movies March 30, 2013, 7:30 pm Robert Franz, conductor Every new generation has a favorite Disney movie, whether it’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, Aladdin or The Lion King. Be enchanted by the music and stunning visuals of these Disney masterpieces and more. Robert Franz and the orchestra will be joined by four leading vocalists who will perform the songs of your favorite princes and princesses.

A Graf Farewell

Handel’s Messiah December 21, 22, 23, 2012 Matthew Halls, conductor Houston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, director Handel: Messiah Behold the power of the music and words of Handel’s masterpiece. This Houston Symphony tradition will get you and your family in the true spirit of Christmas. Hear beloved solos and choruses, from “Rejoice Greatly” to the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

May 17, 18, 2013, 7:30 pm Erin Wall, soprano Bernarda Fink, mezzo-soprano Houston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, director Mahler: Symphony No. 2, Resurrection “Of all of Mahler’s symphonies, Resurrection has the most uplifting ending. There is a spiritual element in it that is hard to beat. Mahler’s idea to have the chorus emerge from the depths is spellbinding, like souls waiting to arise from the abyss to the heavens, following an irresistible crescendo to their apotheosis – a glorious and positive way to finish.” – Hans Graf

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You Give, They Benefit

Support the Houston Symphony’s Annual Fund The Houston Symphony, founded in 1913, is the city’s largest and most established performing arts organization with an annual operating budget of $25 million. Last season, with your support, the orchestra presented a broad range of concerts, recitals, education and community concerts and events which reached more than 290,000 people. These included: • 123 concerts at Jones Hall • 9 concerts at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion • 6 free summer concerts at Miller Outdoor Theatre • 106 Community Connections concerts and recitals • 149 education and community concerts and events – our Student Concert Series serves more than 200 schools from 21 local school districts Support of the Annual Fund helps make this possible. Please consider making a contribution with your subscription purchase.

Even more importantly, a contribution towards this year’s annual fund will help the Symphony qualify for a second $1 million challenge grant from the Houston Endowment which the Symphony will receive should we have 5,000 donors and $9 million in commitments to the annual fund by May 31, 2012. Your support will help make this possible.

To learn more visit houstonsymphony/annualfund or call Jessica Ford, Gifts Officer at (713) 238-1488.

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Thank you to our institutional partners.

The Houston Symphony salutes our corporate, foundation and government partners whose generosity allows the orchestra to reach new heights in music, education and community engagement for the Greater Houston area and Gulf Coast region.

For further information on becoming a corporate or foundation donor to the Houston Symphony please call Brandon VanWaeyenberghe at (713) 337-8520 or Peter Yenne at (713) 337-8522. $100,000 or more

$50,000 or more

$25,000 or more

Foundations $1,000,000 & above Houston Endowment, Inc. Houston Symphony League The Wortham Foundation, Inc. $100,000–$499,999 The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation The Brown Foundation, Inc. The Cullen Foundation The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts The Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation M. D. Anderson Foundation Spec’s Charitable Foundation

$50,000–$99,999 Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation The Alkek and Williams Foundation John P. McGovern Foundation Ray C. Fish Foundation $25,000–$49,999 Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation The Humphreys Foundation Sterling-Turner Foundation

Many thanks to these generous government partners.

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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!

12-Concert Hans Graf Farewell Package

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

SUN 2:30 pm

$1,530 1,188 945 756 594 342

$1,233 1,071 828 711 585 333

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

THU/FRI/SAT 8 pm

SUN 2:30 pm

$1,002 828 639 537 423 225

942 795 597 510 423 225

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

6-Concert Classical Series SUN 2:30 pm

$627 513 396 312 249 126

$576 456 342 294 243 126

Classical Seating Chart GRAND TIER

THU/FRI/SAT 8 pm

SUN 2:30 pm

$909 684 531 441 351 198

$747 630 477 405 342 198

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

9-Concert Pops Series

THU/FRI/SAT 8 pm Premium Price Level 2 Price Level 3 Price Level 4 Price Level 5 Price Level 6

9-Concert Classical 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

$972 819 576 432 342 135

$1,017 864 621 459 333 135

Pops Seating Chart

BOXES

GRAND TIER

BOXES

ORCHESTRA BOXES

ORCHESTRA

BOXES

STAGE

STAGE

Premium Price Level 2 Price Level 3

Price Level 4 Price Level 5 Price Level 6

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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 22  (713) 224-7575  houstonsymphony.org

Your Symphony Concert Experience

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 Visit houstonsymphony.org for music clips, videos, 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.

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Dine in Style

Explore the Music at the Concert

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.

Learn more about the music you’re about to hear at our FREE Prelude pre-concert talks, held 45 minutes prior to each classical concert.

ACCESS the Houston Symphony with host Miles Hoffman Enjoy three concerts with altered formats over the course of the season. ACCESS concerts conveniently begin and end earlier while connecting you more deeply with the music. Mix and mingle with Houston Symphony musicians preconcert while enjoying complimentary hors d' oeuvres, then hear hosted commentary by Miles Hoffman, NPR's Morning Edition music commentator during the concert. After the concert, stick around for a casual Q&A with Miles and the musicians. ACCESS concerts begin at 7 pm and do not have intermissions. *There is no Prelude for Access concerts.

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18-concert package Concert

Featured Artists

Program

Opening Night with Bolero

Hans Graf, conductor Thomas LeGrand, clarinet John Thorne, flute Judy Dines, flute Alexandra Adkins, violin Sophia Silivos, violin

Smetana: The Moldau Debussy: Clarinet rhapsody Smetana: Dance of the Comedians Doppler: Finale from Concerto for Two Flutes and Orchestra Moszkowski: Finale from Suite for Two Violins Ravel: Bolero

Best of Brahms – Weekend 1 Program A

Hans Graf, conductor Garrick Ohlsson, piano

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 Brahms: Symphony No. 1

Best of Brahms – Weekend 1 Program B

Hans Graf, conductor Frank Huang, violin Brinton Averil Smith, cello

Brahms: Variations on a Theme of Haydn Brahms: Concerto for Violin and Cello Brahms: Symphony No. 4

Best of Brahms – Weekend 2 Program C

Hans Graf, conductor Joshua Hopkins, baritone Houston Symphony Chorus

Brahms: Tragic Overture Brahms: Nänie Brahms: Requiem

Best of Brahms – Weekend 2 Program B

Hans Graf, conductor Frank Huang, violin Brinton Averil Smith, cello

Brahms: Variations on a Theme of Haydn Brahms: Concerto for Violin and Cello Brahms: Symphony No. 4

Best of Brahms – Weekend 3 Program D

John Storgårds, conductor Jonathan Biss, piano

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 Brahms: Symphony No. 3

Best of Brahms – Weekend 3 Program E

John Storgårds, conductor Jonathan Biss, piano

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 Brahms: Symphony No. 2

Lang Lang Plays Beethoven 3 Concerts. 3 Different Concertos.

Pablo Heras-Casado, conductor Lang Lang, piano

Lindberg: Feria (Festival) Beethoven: Piano Concertos 2, 3, 5 Schumann: Symphony No. 2

Oct 18

Oct 20

Oct 21

Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique

Andrés Orozco-Estrada, conductor William VerMeulen, horn

Berlioz: Roman Carnival R. Strauss: Horn Concerto No. 1 *Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique

Oct 26 7 pm

Oct 27

Oct 28

Tchaikovsky's Pathétique Symphony

Juanjo Mena, conductor Augustin Hadelich, violin

Bartok: Violin Concerto No. 2 Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, Pathétique

Nov 1

Nov 3

Nov 4

The Inextinguishable

Thomas Dausgaard, conductor Stephen Hough, piano

Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 3 Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 Nielsen: Symphony No. 4, The Inextinguishable

Nov 16

Nov 17

Nov 18

Schumann Plus Bruckner's 6th

Hans Graf, conductor Martin Helmchen, piano

Schumann: Piano Concerto Bruckner: Symphony No. 6

Dec 2 (SUN)

Dec 1

Dec 2

Dec 2 (SUN)

Dec 1

Dec 2

ˇ Dvorák's New World Symphony

Hans Graf, conductor Adam Dinitz, English horn Mark Hughes, trumpet

*Copland: Quiet City for English horn, trumpet and strings Dutilleux: Symphony No. 2, Le Double ˇ Symphony No. 9, From the New World *Dvorák:

Jan 11 7 pm

Jan 12

Jan 13

Jan 11 7 pm

Jan 12

Jan 13

Mahler & Mendelssohn

Christoph Koenig, conductor

Mendelssohn: Octet for Strings – for Full String Orchestra Mahler: Symphony No. 1

Jan 31

Feb 2

Feb 3

Jan

Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet

Gilbert Varga, conductor Vilde Frang, violin

Wagner: Siegfried Idyll Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 5 Prokofiev: Suite No. 2 from Romeo and Juliet

Feb 14

Feb 16

Feb 17

Feb

Wozzeck in Concert

Hans Graf, conductor Anne Schwanewilms, soprano Roman Trekel, baritone

Berg: Wozzeck

Mar 1

Mar 2

Mar 1 (FRI)

Mar 1

Mar 2

Mar 1 (FRI)

Tchaikovsky's Fifth Plus Kavakos

Hans Graf, conductor Leonidas Kavakos, violin

Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No. 1 Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5

Mar 7

Mar 9

Mar 10

Mar 7

Mar 9

Mar 10

Ma

Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast

Hannu Lintu, conductor Houston Symphony Chorus

Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis Haydn: Symphony No. 98 Walton: Belshazzar’s Feast

Mar 15

Mar 16

Mar 17

Carlos Kalmar, conductor Pablo Sainz-Villegas, guitar

Haydn: Symphony No. 20 Ginastera: Variaciones concertantes Rodrigo: Fantasia for a Nobleman – for Guitar and Orchestra Falla: Suite No. 2 from The Three-Cornered Hat

Apr 5

Apr 6

Apr 7

Hans Graf, conductor Benjamin Schmid, violin Ariane Haering, piano

Mendelssohn: Capriccio brillant Paganini/arr. Kreisler: Violin Concerto Mendelssohn: Concerto for Violin, Piano and String Orchestra Debussy: La Mer

Apr 11

Apr 13

Apr 14

Apr 11

Apr 13

Apr 14

Ap

Hans Graf, conductor Eugene Ugorski, violin

Mozart: Symphony No. 19 *Stravinsky: Violin Concerto Adams: The Chairman Dances *Mozart: Symphony No. 40

May 3 7 pm

May 4

May 5

May 3 7 pm

May 4

May 5

Chopin & Beethoven

Hans Graf, conductor Janina Fialkowska, piano

Weber: Overture to Euryanthe Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 Beethoven: Symphony No. 3, Eroica

May 9

May 11

May 12

May 9

May 11

May 12

A Graf Farewell

Hans Graf, conductor Erin Wall, soprano Bernarda Fink, mezzo-soprano Houston Symphony Chorus

Mahler: Symphony No. 2, Resurrection

May 17 7:30 pm

May 18 7:30 pm

May 18 (SAT) 7:30 pm

Spanish Masters – Rodrigo & Falla

Debussy's La Mer

Mozart's Symphony No. 40

*Friday ACCESS concerts only include these works.

Artists and programs subject to change.

Th/Fri

Sat

Sep 14

Sun

Hans 12

Sep 16

Th/Fri

Sat

Sun

Sep 8 (SAT) 7:30 pm

Sep 8 7:30 pm

Sep 8 (SAT) 7:30 pm

Sep 14

Sep 15

Sep 20

Sep 16

Sep 15

Sep 22

Sep 23

Sep 28

T

Sep 20

Sep 22

Sep 20 (THU)

Sep 23 (SUN)

Sep 23 (SUN)

Sep 23

Se

Sep 30 Sep 29

Oc

No

De (SU

Ma

Th

ep 20

ct 18

ov 1

ec 2 UN)

Spectrum 9 Sat

Fire 9 Sun

Th

Sat

Sun

Sep 16

Fri

Sat

Sep 14

Sun

Great Performers 6 Th/Fri

Sep 20

Sep 30

Sep 28

Oct 18 Oct 26 7 pm

Nov 16

Feb 17

Nov 17

Nov 18

Nov 16

Jan 12

Oct 27

Mar 2

Dec 1

Sep 8 (SAT) 7:30 pm

Oct 18

Oct 20

Oct 21

Nov 17

Feb 2

Mar 15

Mar 16

Mar 17

Apr 5

Apr 6

Apr 7

Mar 9

May 3 7 pm

May 5

May 11

Nov 4

Jan 11 7 pm

Jan 12

Jan 13

Feb 14

Feb 16

Feb 17

Jan 11 7 pm

Jan 12

Jan 13

Mar 1

Mar 2

Mar 1 (FRI)

Mar 15

Mar 16

Mar 17

Jan 11 7 pm

Mar 2

Mar 1 (FRI)

Mar 10

Apr 5

May 9

Nov 3

Nov 18

Apr 6

May 12

May 4

Mar 15

Mar 16

Mar 17

Apr 11

Apr 13

Apr 14

Apr 7

Apr 14

May 4

Nov 1

Feb 3

Mar 1

Mar 7

Oct 26 7 pm

Dec 2

Mar 1 (FRI)

Mar 10

May 12

Sep 8 7:30 pm

Oct 28

Jan 13

Jan 31

May 3 7 pm

May 11

Oct 26 7 pm

Dec 2 (SUN)

Mar 1

Apr 13

Sep 8 (SAT) 7:30 pm

Fri

Sep 30

Oct 21

Oct 28

Dec 2

Jan 11 7 pm

Mar 9

Oct 27

Oct 20

Nov 4

Feb 16

Sun

Sep 29

Oct 21

b 14

Sat

Sep 16

Sep 29

Dec 1

Th/Fri

Sep 23

Sep 28

Nov 3

Sun

Access 3

Sep 22

Sep 23

Oct 20

Sat

Sound + Vision 6

Sep 15

Sep 22

Feb 3

ay 9

Sun

Favorite Masters 6

Sep 15

Feb 2

pr 11

Sat

Sep 14

n 31

ar 7

Fri

Gold Classics 6

May 3 7 pm

May 5

May 9

May 11

May 12

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Join us for the 2012–2013 Season Season Tickets for as little as $126!