Hans Graf, Music Director
Lang Lang, piano Lang Lang Plays Beethoven
Graf's Farewell A Grand Finale Season
3 & 4 Concert Series Built For You 20122013 Season
20122013 Season
3 & 4 Concert Series are designed to give you what you want in small, affordable packages. We have a package to fit your lifestyle and musical taste!
3 & 4 Concert Series Subscriber Rewards GREAT PRICE – 3 & 4 Concert Series are discounted up to 35% off the price of individual tickets. Packages start at only $99! Seats for these concerts will go fast, so secure them today.
EXCHANGES – Can’t make it to one of your concerts? You can exchange your seat for any other subscription concert. This benefit is available to 3 & 4 Concert Series subscribers for only $5 per exchange. PRIORITY ACCESS – You can purchase tickets to Symphony Specials and additional concerts before they go on sale to the general public. 2 (713) 224-7575 houstonsymphony.org
3 & 4 Concert Series are tailored to fit your lifestyle. Take a look…there is one for YOU! Graf's Greatest Graf’s favorites performed with the Houston Symphony for the last time as Music Director
Musical Adventures Takes you on a musical journey
Virtuoso Highlights the music of the great guest artists gracing the Jones Hall stage
Evening Out Great for newcomers to the Houston Symphony and for a fun evening on the town
The Masters Connects you with the genius of the great composers
Greatest Hits Focuses on the great pillars of repertoire
Best of Brahms 3 weekends in a row featuring Brahms’ best work
Friday ACCESS 3 Friday evenings with earlier start times, shorter concerts, complimentary appetizers and hosted commentary
Sugar Land Series 3 Thursday evening concerts at Sugar Land Baptist Church
Young Professionals Backstage
A series where people under 40 can network, socialize and enjoy great music (713) 224-7575 houstonsymphony.org 3
2012–2013 Classical Series
The following classical concerts are included in one or more 3 or 4 concert series. See pages 6-10 for details on each package. Best of Brahms – Weekend 1
Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique
September 14, 15, 16, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Garrick Ohlsson, piano Frank Huang, violin Brinton Averil Smith, cello
October 26, 2012 – Friday ACCESS concert October 27, 28, 2012 – Standard concert format Andrés Orozco-Estrada, conductor William VerMeulen, horn Berlioz: Roman Carnival R. Strauss: Horn Concerto No. 1 *Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique Follow a musician as he drifts from one fantastic dreamscape to another, obsessed by the image of his beloved. You’ll follow him a grand ball, to the contemplation of nature, and finally to his plunge into delirium.
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
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 C – September 20, 22, 2012 Brahms: Tragic Overture Brahms: Nänie Brahms: Requiem Program B – September 23, 2012
Best of Brahms – Weekend 3 September 28, 29, 30, 2012 John Storgårds, conductor Jonathan Biss, piano 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
Lang Lang Plays Beethoven
3 Concerts. 3 Different Concertos. October 18, 20, 21, 2012 Pablo Heras-Casado, conductor Lang Lang, piano Lindberg: EXPO 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.
*Friday ACCESS concert only includes this work.
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” means “passionate” 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.
The Inextinguishable 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!
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 this rising star, Martin Helmchen. The Berkshire Eagle raved, “Helmchen lit the Schumann Piano Concerto with an inner glow” referring to the virtuoso’s performance with the Boston Symphony. Thursday subscribers attend Sunday.
Dvorák’s New World Symphony ˇ January 11, 2013 – Friday ACCESS concert January 12, 13, 2013 – Standard concert format 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 *Dvorák: ˇ Symphony No. 9, From the New World Composed and premiered during his visit to the United States as an embodiment of the American experience, the New World ˇ Symphony is Dvorák’s most popular work. *Friday ACCESS concert only includes these works.
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Mahler & Mendelssohn
Debussy’s La Mer
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 hear folk melodies, a chilling funeral march and even a minorkey version of the familiar “Frère Jacques” melody.
April 11, 13, 14, 2013 Hans Graf, conductor Benjamin Schmid, violin Ariane Haering, piano Mendelssohn: Capriccio brillant Mendelssohn: Concerto for Violin, Piano and String Orchestra Paganini/arr. Kreisler: Violin Concerto 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.
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 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 for his wife Cosima and performed the morning of her birthday by a small ensemble as she awoke from her sleep.
Wozzeck in Concert March 1, 2, 2013 Hans Graf, conductor Anne Schwanewilms, soprano Roman Trekel, baritone Berg: Wozzeck 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.
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 Graf and 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.
Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast
March 15, 16, 17, 2013 Hannu Lintu, conductor 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.
Spanish Masters – Rodrigo & Falla
Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 May 3, 2013 – Friday ACCESS concert May 4, 5, 2013 – Standard concert format 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.
Chopin & Beethoven May 9, 11, 12, 2013 Hans Graf, conductor 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.”
A Graf Farewell May 17, 18, 2013, 7:30 pm Erin Wall, soprano Bernarda Fink, mezzo-soprano Houston Symphony Chorus 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
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. Experience the rich sounds of Spanish guitar virtuoso Pablo Sainz-Villegas.
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Classical 3 &
4 Concert Series
The following classical concerts are included in one or more 3 or 4 concert series. See pages 6-9 for details on each package.
Graf's Greatest
4 Saturday evenings highlighting some of Maestro Graf’s favorite repertoire. Music Director, Hans Graf will bid farewell to the Houston Symphony after the 12–13 season. Come experience his mastery during his final season as Music Director our world-class orchestra.
Best of Brahms – Weekend 2 September 22, 2012
Schumann Plus Bruckner’s 6th December 1, 2012
Wozzeck in Concert March 2, 2013
A Graf Farewell Hans Graf, conductor
May 18, 2013
$389
$325
$242
$179
$115
See Page 11 for Seating Chart
Vilde Frang, violin Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet
Hannu Lintu, conductor Walton's Belshazzar's Feast
Musical Adventures
Showcases the music that tells a story and takes you on adventures through the ages. Music with a plot. If you love drama, tall tales and sweeping stories, the concerts in this package are just for you.
Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique
Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast
October 26, 27, 28, 2012
March 15, 16, 17, 2013
Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet
Debussy’s La Mer
February 14, 16, 17, 2013
April 11, 13, 14, 2013 $389
$325
$242
$179
$115
See Page 11 for Seating Chart
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Steven Hough, piano The Inextinguishable
Pablo Sainz-Villegas, guitar Spanish Masters – Rodrigo & Falla
Virtuoso
A collection of concerts featuring our most sought after guest artists. If virtuosic performances are what you yearn to experience, the guest artists and music in the Virtuoso series will give you all you desire and more!
Lang Lang Plays Beethoven
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Plus Kavakos
October 18, 20, 21, 2012
March 7, 9, 10, 2013
The Inextinguishable
Spanish Masters – Rodrigo & Falla
November 16, 17, 18, 2012
April 5, 6, 7, 2013 $389
$325
$242
$179
$115
See Page 11 for Seating Chart
Christoph Koenig, conductor Mahler & Mendelssohn
Janina Fialkowska, piano Chopin & Beethoven
The Masters
Your favorite composers, together in one series. If classical music ignites your mind and connects you with the genius of the great composers, choose The Masters. Experience why these composers are the most celebrated of all time.
Best of Brahms – Weekend 3
Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique Symphony
September 28, 29, 30, 2012
March 7, 9, 10, 2013
Mahler & Mendelssohn
Chopin & Beethoven
January 31, February 2, 3, 2013
May 9, 11, 12, 2013 $389
$325
$242
$179
$115
See Page 11 for Seating Chart
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Adam Dinitz, English horn Dvorák’s New World Symphony ˇ
Eugene Ugorski, violin Mozart's Symphony No. 40
Evenings Out
Share four magical evenings with someone you love. Everyone needs to enjoy evenings out with someone they love. Lose yourself in these exquisite classics that are perfect for a night on the town.
Lang Lang Plays Beethoven
Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet
October 18, 20, 21, 2012
February 14, 16, 17, 2013
ˇ Dvorák’s New World Symphony
Mozart’s Symphony No. 40
January 11, 12, 13, 2013
May 3, 4, 5, 2013 $409
$342
$259
$196
$130
See Page 11 for Seating Chart
Andrés Orozco-Estrada, conductor Berloiz' Symphonie fantastique
Leonidas Kavakos, violin Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Plus Kavakos
Greatest Hits
Immerse yourself in the great works of the classical repertoire. If you enjoy the most beloved pieces of classical music, come experience these 4 majestic pillars of repertoire with your own Houston Symphony.
Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Plus Kavakos
October 26, 27, 28, 2012
March 7, 9, 10, 2013
ˇ Dvorák’s New World Symphony
Chopin & Beethoven
January 11, 12, 13, 2013
May 9, 11, 12, 2013 $409
$342
$259
$196
$130
See Page 11 for Seating Chart
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Friday ACCESS
Get Access to the music in a whole new way. 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 pre-concert 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.
The ACCESS Experience: 6 pm Pre-Concert Mix & Mingle with Houston Symphony musicians, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar 7 pm Concert with host, Miles Hoffman 8:30 pm Post-Concert Q & A with the artists
Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique
Dvorák’s New World ˇ Symphony
Mozart’s Symphony No. 40
October 26, 2012
January 11, 2013
May 3, 2013 $318
$264
$189
$141
$99
See Page 11 for Seating Chart
Frank Huang, violin Best of Brahms – Weekend 1
Johnathan Biss, piano Best of Brahms – Weekend 3
Best of Brahms
Experience a 3-week festival paying tribute to this most beloved composer. “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
Best of Brahms – Weekend 1
Best of Brahms – Weekend 2
Best of Brahms – Weekend 3
September 14, 15, 16, 2012
September 20, 22, 23, 2012
September 28, 29, 30, 2012 $318
$264
$189
$141
$99
See Page 11 for Seating Chart
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Sugar Land Series
Takes you beyond Jones Hall into one of our fastest-growing communities. The Houston Symphony is hitting the road, and heading to one of the most vibrant communities in the Houston area, Sugar Land! Enjoy 3 of this season’s most exciting concerts, right in your own neighborhood. All concerts performed at Sugar Land Baptist Church.
Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique
Handel's Messiah
Mozart’s Symphony No. 40
December 20, 2012
May 2, 2013
October 25, 2012 $174
$132
Supported by:
$96
$54
N/A
See Page 11 for Seating Chart
Young Professionals Backstage
A social concert experience for Young Professionals under 40. YPB is a society of young professionals that mixes behind-the-scenes access and up-in-front support of the Houston Symphony. If you are under 40, enjoy music, want to be more connected to the Houston arts scene, or like meeting new people with similar interests, YPB is for you!
Lang Lang Plays Beethoven Thursday,October 18, 2012, 8 pm
West Side Story
Film with Live Orchestra Friday, March 22, 2013, 8 pm
Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 Friday, May 3, 2013, 7 pm
Sponsored in part by Margaret Alkek Williams
3-concert subscription (base package): $114 3 official YPB concerts + after parties 6-concert subscription: $186 Base package plus 3 additional Thursday/Friday night concerts of your choice! 9-concert subscription: $234 Base package plus 6 additional Thursday/Friday night concerts of your choice, PLUS free parking and free exchange privileges! 10 (713) 224-7575 houstonsymphony.org
West Side Story © 1961 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All rights reserved
Choose the package and the price for you! Get the best seats before the general public Save 35% or more off the price of individual ticket prices! Classical Seating Chart Jones Hall GRAND TIER
Sugar Land Series Seating Chart Sugar Land Baptist Church MEZZANINE
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Price Level 4 Obstructed view
Steps for Subscribing
• Log on to houstonsymphony.org Or call (713) 224-7575 Mon – Sat, 10 am – 6 pm • Select the 3 or 4 concert series that fits you best. • Select your price level and number of seats. • Secure your tickets to the 2012–2013 Season. It’s that easy! Start saving with the Houston Symphony TODAY. Call (713) 224-7575 or go online to add on Symphony Specials and additional single tickets. 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.
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Frank Huang, concertmaster Eric Halen, associate concertmaster Brinton Averil Smith, principal cello
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