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houston symphony 2026–27 season

CLASSICAL SERIES

Dear Friends,

What happens on stage begins long before the concert. It is the work of trusting one another, of sharing ideas, of finding a common direction. And then something deeper appears behind the notes—one sound, one breath, a common humanity that imbues everything with meaning.

Art is the expression of our souls. When we look back hundreds of years, conflicts and turmoil disappear. What remains is music, architecture, painting—enduring as a mirror of who we were, of what we valued, of how we listened to one another.

To listen deeply is to imagine, to reflect, to remember our shared history. This is why we must continue to make music. Together. This spirit of shared exploration and deep listening shapes the 2026–27 Season. Throughout the year, we will gather around works that invite both introspection and intensity, returning to composers whose music speaks powerfully across time. Our season opens with a two-week Rachmaninoff Festival, bringing together his symphonic and concerted works, including the Piano Concerto No. 3 with Yefim Bronfman. Performing these works allows us to immerse ourselves in Rachmaninoff’s world and to experience the humanity at the heart of his music.

Later in the season, we continue this journey with a spring festival that reflects on nature, transformation, and our place within the world around us. These works remind us that music, like nature itself, is a living force—capable of renewal, disruption, and beauty.

I am also pleased that Gil Shaham will join us this season as Artist-in-Residence. He will be featured in a variety of settings— collaborating with the orchestra, leading from the violin, and sharing music in more intimate performances. His presence throughout the season deepens our sense of artistic community and shared purpose.

I look forward to welcoming you into Jones Hall for a season of listening, reflection, and connection. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Sincerely,

Juraj Valčuha Music Director, Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair

Rachmaninoff Festival

RACHMANINOFF’S SECOND SYMPHONY

OCTOBER 2, 3 & 4

RACHMANINOFF

Isle of the Dead

RACHMANINOFF

Spring

RACHMANINOFF

Symphony No. 2

JURAJ VALČUHA

conductor

ALEKSEY BOGDANOV

baritone

HOUSTON SYMPHONY CHORUS

Anthony J. Maglione, conductor

Rapturous, ravishing, romantic: Rachmaninoff’s music goes straight to the heart. Soar on wings of gorgeous melodies—each one seemingly more beautiful than the next—as Music Director Juraj Valčuha leads Rachmaninoff’s lush and sensuous

Symphony No. 2. In Spring, a story of betrayal, jealousy, and ultimate forgiveness is intertwined with the restless energy of the season of renewal. The haunting and hypnotic Isle of the Dead begins this blockbuster Classical Series opener.

Rachmaninoff Festival

RACHMANINOFF’S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3

OCTOBER 9, 10 & 11

RACHMANINOFF

Piano Concerto No. 3

RACHMANINOFF

Symphony No. 3

JURAJ VALČUHA conductor

YEFIM BRONFMAN piano

Its staggering technical difficulty is legendary. Its colossal power and depth of expression— breathtaking. Prepare for a monumental, “must-beexperienced-live” event as powerhouse pianist Yefim Bronfman scales the towering heights of “Rach 3,” long regarded as the Mount Everest of piano concertos. Rachmaninoff’s trademark lavish melodies cascade and blossom in full glory in the dazzling and triumphant Symphony No. 3.

RACHMANINOFF FESTIVAL

His melodies are so timeless and universally appealing that they’ve scored movies and inspired chart-topping pop songs. His name is synonymous with staggering virtuosity. Join us for a twoweek celebration of Sergei Rachmaninoff, spanning symphonies, choral works, and the iconic Piano Concerto No. 3.

MOZART’S JUPITER & JIJI

OCTOBER 16, 17 & 18

STRAVINSKY

Symphonies of Wind Instruments

S. MACKEY

Aluminum Flowers

MOZART Symphony No. 41, Jupiter

DAVID ROBERTSON

conductor

JIJI

guitar

The spark of genius ignites with commanding, unstoppable force in Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony, setting off a grand display of musical fireworks every bit as astounding today as 200 years ago. Described by The Washington Post as “one of the 21 composers/performers who sound like tomorrow,” guitar sensation JIJI fuses rock ‘n’ roll cool with stunning virtuosity in Aluminum Flowers, a concerto for both classical and electric guitar. Get ready for an experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen in a concert hall.

SHOSTAKOVICH’S NINTH SYMPHONY & YOONSHIN SONG

NOVEMBER 6, 7 & 8

KHACHATURIAN

Suite from the Ballet Gayane PROKOFIEV

Violin Concerto No. 2

SHOSTAKOVICH

Symphony No. 9

BORODIN

Polovtsian Dances

EMMANUEL TJEKNAVORIAN

conductor

YOONSHIN SONG

violin

Houston Symphony Concertmaster Yoonshin Song takes center stage for Prokofiev’s electrifying Violin Concerto No. 2, a staggering musical journey supercharged with brooding drama and fast-andfurious energy. Shostakovich’s mischievous Ninth Symphony crackles with irreverent humor and biting irony. The concert ends with Borodin’s crowdpleasing Polovtsian Dances—tuneful, vibrant, and filled with music you’re sure to recognize.

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND:

PROKOFIEV’S SYMPHONY NO. 7 & SHÉHÉRAZADE

NOVEMBER 27, 28 & 29

HERRMANN

Prelude, Nightmare, and Love Scene from Vertigo RAVEL

Shéhérazade

PROKOFIEV

Symphony No. 7

JURAJ VALČUHA

conductor

SASHA COOKE

mezzo-soprano

It’s a sumptuous musical feast with all the trimmings as Music Director Juraj Valčuha shares a bounty of delights, perfect for Thanksgiving weekend! We’ll set the stage with soaring, lavishly romantic music from Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, composed by film score legend Bernard Herrmann. Then, be transported to the magical land of One Thousand and One Nights as Sasha Cooke joins the orchestra for Ravel’s bewitching Shéhérazade. Originally written for a children’s radio program (and utterly delightful at any age), Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 7 sparkles with twinkling charm and fairy tale magic.

DVOŘÁK’S SYMPHONY NO. 8 & GIL SHAHAM

DECEMBER 4, 5 & 6

KODÁLY

Dances of Galánta BARBER

Violin Concerto

DVOŘÁK

Symphony No. 8

JURAJ VALČUHA

conductor

GIL SHAHAM

violin

A must-see for violin lovers! Barber’s treasured Violin Concerto runs the gamut from radiant melodies that melt the heart to super-human, finger-flying feats, and an extraordinary experience is in store as the incomparable Gil Shaham (2026–27 Houston Symphony Artist-in-Residence) returns to Jones Hall. Lighthearted and life-affirming, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 bursts with pastoral charm, frisky folk tunes, and joyful odes to the splendors of nature.

BRUCH’S VIOLIN CONCERTO & VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

JANUARY 8, 9 & 10

ELGAR

Cockaigne Overture

BRUCH

Violin Concerto No. 1

VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

Symphony No. 5

DONALD RUNNICLES

conductor

MARIA IOUDENITCH

violin

Before tackling your New Year’s resolutions, give yourself the gift of music with glorious masterworks, perfect for sharing. With its appealing blend of rich melodies, soulful warmth, and showstopping excitement, Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 is a beloved cornerstone of the violin repertoire, and a perennial audience favorite. Maria Ioudenitch recently captured the world’s attention by winning no less than three international violin competitions: catch a rising star as she makes her much-anticipated Houston debut! As meditative and restorative as a walk through the English countryside, Vaughan Williams’s transcendent Fifth Symphony is the perfect postholiday treat.

PINES OF ROME

FEBRUARY 5, 6 & 7

STUCKY

Silent Spring

FALLA

Nights in the Gardens of Spain

RESPIGHI

Fountains of Rome

RESPIGHI

Pines of Rome

JURAJ VALČUHA conductor

JAVIER PERIANES piano

Journey from sunny Spain to picturesque Italy with spellbinding works steeped in the marvels of nature. Silent Spring sets the stage, offering a powerful meditation on our relationship with the world around us. Flamenco flair and warm, jasminescented breezes saturate the senses as pianist Javier Perianes conjures Nights in the Gardens of Spain

There is, quite possibly, no more epic way to end a concert than with Respighi’s Pines of Rome: with extra brass, crashing percussion, and an all-out, earth-shattering finale to shake the rafters, live music simply doesn’t get more exciting than this.

NATURE FESTIVAL

Nature has inspired some of classical music’s greatest masterpieces. In this special festival, we’ll herald the blooming of Spring with music that encompasses the full spectrum of the natural world, from delicate beauty to awesome power.

HILARY HAHN PLAYS BEETHOVEN

FEBRUARY 12, 13 & 14

BEETHOVEN

Violin Concerto

BRAHMS

Symphony No. 1

ANDRÉS OROZCO-ESTRADA

conductor

HILARY HAHN

violin

“I cannot think of a single performer who begins to compare with Hilary Hahn. This is, quite simply, magnificent violin playing” (Gramophone). One of the greatest violinists of all time meets one of the most beloved concertos ever composed as Hilary Hahn performs Beethoven’s shining jewel of a violin concerto. Conductor Laureate Andrés Orozco-Estrada draws out every nuance of Brahms’s grand and majestic Symphony No. 1.

BEETHOVEN’S PASTORAL SYMPHONY & THE RITE OF SPRING

FEBRUARY 19, 20 & 21

BEETHOVEN

Symphony No. 6, Pastoral STRAVINSKY

The Rite of Spring

JURAJ VALČUHA conductor

“How happy I am to be able to wander among the bushes and grass, under trees and over rocks—no man can love the country as I love it.”

—Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven was a keen nature lover, and his sunny Pastoral Symphony flings the gates wide open to nature’s wonders in full bloom, complete with sparkling brooks, chirping birds, jolly country folk, a ferocious thunderstorm, and the restorative calm after the storm. The natural world pulses and pounds in all its raw, primal power in Stravinsky’s red-hot The Rite of Spring—a stunning force of nature, with a gravitational pull all its own.

EHNES PLAYS MENDELSSOHN’S VIOLIN CONCERTO

MARCH 5, 6 & 7

O. TARKIAINEN Songs of Ice MENDELSSOHN

Violin Concerto ELGAR Symphony No. 1

NICHOLAS COLLON conductor

JAMES EHNES violin

Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto is one of classical music’s most treasured works with good reason, blending singing sweetness with high-flying displays of technical prowess. A violin-lover’s dream concert awaits as the wondrous James Ehnes (“A violinist in a class of his own” –The Times) soars through every exquisite note. An instant international hit following its 1908 premiere, Elgar’s Symphony No. 1 surges with grandeur, majesty, and, in the words of the composer, “a massive hope in the future.”

SEONG-JIN CHO PLAYS BARTÓK

MARCH 19, 20 & 21

M. MAZZOLI

Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres)

BARTÓK

Piano Concerto No. 1

SIBELIUS

Symphony No. 6

OSMO VÄNSKÄ conductor

SEONG-JIN CHO

piano

Following his sensational Houston Symphony debut in 2023, International Chopin Piano Competition winner Seong-Jin Cho makes his muchanticipated return to Jones Hall, performing Bartók’s virtuosic Piano Concerto No. 1. Renowned Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä—one of the world’s most distinguished interpreters of the music of Jean Sibelius—brings authentic voice to Sibelius’s Symphony No. 6, music as mystical and magical as the scent of first snow. Missy Mazzoli’s Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres) is a mesmerizing sonic journey, surrounding the listener in a solar system of sound.

TCHAIKOVSKY’S SYMPHONY NO. 6

APRIL 2, 3 & 4

GLINKA

Ruslan and Ludmila Overture

SHOSTAKOVICH

Violin Concerto No. 1

TCHAIKOVSKY

Symphony No. 6, Pathétique

DANIELE RUSTIONI

conductor

FRANCESCA DEGO

violin

Tchaikovsky’s gut-wrenching final symphony unearths a universe of emotion, from heart-pounding heights of triumph to soul-bearing despair. Get ready for an edge-of-yourseat experience when the Houston Symphony performs this unforgettable masterwork, known for its haunting conclusion that fades to black.

Francesca Dego mines the depths of Shostakovich’s monumental Violin Concerto No. 1.

BACH & VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS

APRIL 22, 24 & 25

J.S. BACH

Concerto for Two Violins in D minor

A. DORMAN

A Time to Mourn and a Time to Dance, A Concerto for Two Violins and Strings

VIVALDI

The Four Seasons

GIL SHAHAM

violin and leader

ADELE ANTHONY

violin

One of the most instantly recognizable, enduringly popular works in all of music, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons vividly depicts the sights and sounds of each season, from the cheerful birdsongs and flowering meadows of Spring to Fall’s bountiful harvest, and the icy sparkle of Winter. Husband-and-wife team Gil Shaham (2026–27 Houston Symphony Artistin-Residence) and Adele Anthony dazzle in Bach’s intricate “Double” Violin Concerto, and a new work written specially for them, Avner Dorman’s A Time to Mourn and a Time to Dance

RACHMANINOFF’S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2

MAY 1 & 2

RACHMANINOFF

Piano Concerto No. 2

PROKOFIEV

Selections from Romeo and Juliet

DANIELA CANDILLARI

conductor

CONRAD TAO

piano

Dizzyingly difficult, unabashedly romantic, and brimming with melodies so catchy they gave rise to chart-topping pop songs, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 is a true marvel to behold. A showstopping performance is in store as Conrad Tao (“the kind of musician who is shaping the future of classical music” –New York Magazine) brings brilliance and fire to this much-loved masterpiece. Then, dive into the drama and passion of Romeo and Juliet, brought to life through Prokofiev’s famous ballet score.

RAVEL’S DAPHNIS AND CHLOE

MAY 14, 15 & 16

SMYTH

The Wreckers Overture SAINT-SAËNS

Cello Concerto No. 1

RAVEL

Daphnis et Chloé (complete ballet)

KEVIN JOHN EDUSEI

conductor

BRINTON AVERIL SMITH

cello

HOUSTON SYMPHONY CHORUS

Anthony J. Maglione, director

Pirate abductions, passionate romance, and love that triumphs against all odds: one of the most beloved tales in ancient Greek literature is refracted through the dreamy glow of French Impressionism in Ravel’s sensuous Daphnis and Chloe. Experience every note of this masterpiece, from the famous “musical sunrise” to a wild whirlwind of a finale, absolutely guaranteed to bring you to your feet! Principal Cellist Brinton Averil Smith brings his incredible virtuosity to Saint-Saëns’s exuberant and uplifting Cello Concerto No. 1.

BEETHOVEN’S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1

MAY 28, 29 & 30

BEETHOVEN

Piano Concerto No. 1

ROTT

Symphony No. 1

JURAJ VALČUHA conductor

GARRICK OHLSSON piano

Elegance and grace meet thundering might and boundary-pushing vision in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1—a staggering tour de force designed to showcase the young composer’s own skills as one of the preeminent piano virtuosos of his day. Revered pianist Garrick Ohlsson infuses every note with poetry and power. Gustav Mahler called Hans Rott “without exaggeration, the founder of the new symphony as I understand it.” Before Rott’s tragic death at just 25 years old, he left behind a remarkable symphony full of groundbreaking scope and fearless innovation.

MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Made possible through generous support from Margaret Alkek Williams, Spotlight Series performances feature outstanding conductors and artists, including Music Director Juraj Valčuha, other prestigious guest conductors, and renowned guest artists. These concerts include curated musical selections by some of the greatest composers of all time such as Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Stravinsky alongside contemporary works, offering audiences unique and inspiring musical experiences that will stay with them after they leave the concert hall. Thanks in part to the support of Margaret Alkek Williams, the Houston Symphony can serve audiences with extraordinary musical experiences reflective of our world-class orchestra.

MAHLER’S SYMPHONY NO. 1 & MOZART

JUNE 4, 5 & 6

W.A. MOZART

Violin Concerto No. 5, Turkish MAHLER

Symphony No. 1

JURAJ VALČUHA conductor

STEFAN JACKIW violin

Towering, theatrical, and absolutely epic: Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 hits like a bolt of sonic lightning, drawing us in from the hushed, eerie opening to the triumphant roar of a finale. Music Director Juraj Valčuha and the Houston Symphony end the season in style with this monumental masterpiece, and Stefan Jackiw brings “talent that’s off the scale” (The Washington Post) to Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, Turkish

VITOL POPS SERIES

SIMPLY THE BEST: A TRIBUTE TO TINA TURNER

SEPTEMBER 25, 26 & 27

STEVEN REINEKE conductor

ADRIENNE WARREN vocalist

When it comes to electrifying stage presence and explosive vocal power, Tina Turner is still Simply the Best Celebrate The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll in this powerhouse tribute starring Tony Award-winning sensation Adrienne Warren, star of Broadway’s Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Hear all the songs you know and love, including “The Best,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “Better Be Good to Me,” and many more in this high-voltage concert full of heart, grit, and undeniable soul.

DOLLY PARTON’S THREADS: MY SONGS IN SYMPHONY

OCTOBER 30 & NOVEMBER 1

Celebrate the Queen of Country in this innovative multimedia experience featuring Dolly on screen, leading audiences in a visual and musical journey of her songs, her life, and her stories. Guest vocalists and musicians chosen by Dolly, along with the Houston Symphony, present new orchestrations of her hit songs, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You,” in addition to Dolly’s personal favorites and a selection from her upcoming Broadway musical.

STEVEN REINEKE conductor

LA VIDA LOCA

NOVEMBER 21 & 22

ENRICO LOPEZ-YAÑEZ conductor

ENDER THOMAS vocalist

JACKIE MENDEZ vocalist

JOSÉ SIBAJA trumpet

LUISITO QUINTERO percussion

We’re throwing the ultimate Latin pop party! Get on your feet and let’s get loud with the greatest hits of the ’90s and ’00s Latin pop explosion, including the steamy serenades of Enrique Iglesias, the Miami Sound Machine vibes of Gloria Estefan, the guitargod grooves of Santana, the unbridled energy of Ricky Martin, iconic Selena songs, and so much more. Featuring two incredible singers, multiGrammy Award-winner José Sibaja on trumpet, Luisito Quintero on percussion, and conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez leading the Symphony, this is a highoctane celebration you don’t want to miss. ¡Vámonos!

VERY MERRY POPS

DECEMBER 10, 12 & 13

STEVEN REINEKE conductor

MIKAELA BENNETT vocalist

HOUSTON SYMPHONY CHORUS

Anthony J. Maglione, director

Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin’? Step inside a winter wonderland and get into the spirit of the season with Houston’s ultimate holiday music tradition! Cozy up to your loved ones and make special memories with a sparkling concert full of treasured carols, sing-alongs, and even a visit from Santa Claus. Featuring vocalist Mikaela Bennett with the Houston Symphony and Chorus, this concert is guaranteed to warm your heart and ignite your holiday spirit!

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’: THE SONGS AND STORIES OF LAUREL CANYON

JANUARY 15, 16 & 17

STEVEN REINEKE conductor

JESSICA VOSK vocalist

Step into the golden era of West Coast rock, when the singer-songwriters of the late ’60s and early ’70s shaped a generation with lush harmonies, poetic storytelling, and an effortless California cool. Broadway star Jessica Vosk, celebrated for her star-making turn as Elphaba in Wicked, Jersey in Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, and creating the role of Cee Cee Bloom in Beaches, A New Musical on Broadway, brings her extraordinary voice to iconic songs made famous by Joni Mitchell; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; The Mamas & The Papas; The Eagles; and more. With timeless classics and sun-soaked nostalgia, this feel-good concert captures the warmth, freedom, and creative spark of the music that defined an era, leaving you blissfully “California Dreamin.”

“California Dreamin’: The Songs and Stories of Laurel Canyon” was originally conceived and created by Jessica Vosk & Mary-Mitchell Campbell and produced by The 92nd Street Y, New York as part of Tisch Music’s Lyrics & Lyricists series.

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE

JANUARY 29, 30 & 31

“The show was really fun - I loved the combination of the orchestra, the cirque show! It was a great family-friendly event.”

–Sivian Y.

BRETT MITCHELL

conductor

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE

The spectacle of Cirque meets the sonic power of the Symphony! Get ready to ooh and ahh as Cirque’s dazzling troupe of world-class aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen perform around and above the orchestra, choreographed to live music by the Symphony! Perfect for the whole family, this concert is thrilling, magical, and utterly unforgettable.

IF I AIN’T GOT YOU: THE BEST OF R&B

MARCH 12, 13 & 14

STEVEN REINEKE conductor

AISHA JACKSON vocalist

AVERY WILSON vocalist

Take a trip down memory lane with nostalgic hits by legends like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye, all the way up to charttoppers by Prince, Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys, Amy Winehouse, Mariah Carey, and more, performed by incredible vocalists Aisha Jackson and Avery Wilson. From timeless love songs to empowering anthems, enjoy an unforgettable evening of soulful performances celebrating romance, friendship, and the joy of shared connections.

CHEYENNE JACKSON: THE BEST OF BROADWAY

APRIL 9, 10 & 11

STEVEN REINEKE conductor

CHEYENNE JACKSON vocalist

Broadway sensation ( All Shook Up, Xanadu, Into the Woods, Oh, Mary! ), and Grammy and Emmy nominee Cheyenne Jackson, known to TV audiences as Danny Baker on the hit NBC show 30 Rock, brings his soaring vocals and debonair flair to a program of showstopping musical-theater classics. From velvety croons and swoon-worthy ballads to bring-the-housedown 11 o’clock numbers, Cheyenne lights up the Jones Hall stage with the best of Broadway and beyond.

SOUNDTRACK OF OUR IMAGINATION: THE BEST OF JOHN WILLIAMS

MAY 21, 22 & 23

STEVEN REINEKE conductor

Majestic dinosaurs, menacing sharks, heroic Jedis, and magical wizards: his music is the soundtrack of generations, transporting us to breathtaking worlds of wonder and adventure. Celebrate the storied 70-year career of legendary film composer John Williams in a concert packed with the soaring, iconic themes you know and love, including Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Harry Potter, and so many more.

CHAMBER SERIES

In our Chamber Series, the talented musicians of the Houston Symphony take center stage to perform self-curated collections of chamber works in Jones Hall. Performed in an intimate setting, these concerts allow for a unique, up-close perspective, including insightful commentary from the musicians, and the chance to sit onstage.

Full details for the 2026–27 Season to be announced.

“The Chamber Music series is a great example of new ways to experience classical music. The pieces were amazing, and we felt that we got to know the members of the Symphony who were talking about their piece.”

– Mr. and Ms. S.

PNC FAMILY SERIES

Our PNC Family Series is the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the magic of live music!

Concerts take place in a relaxed, interactive space where kids can move, dance, and engage with the music.

HAUNTED HALLOWEEN

OCTOBER 31, 10 & 11:30 A.M.

Double, double, toil and treble! Bring your ghosts and ghouls for a morning of boo-tiful tunes and fang-tastic favorites, performed by our haunted Symphony dressed in full costume! Plus, come in costume and grab your Jack-O-Lanterns for in-hall trick-or-treating. It’s a scary good time!

HO-HO-HOLIDAY

DECEMBER 12, 10 & 11:30 A.M.

Ho, ho, ho, to the Symphony we go! As we count down to Christmas, gather your little elves and take a sleigh ride to Jones Hall for a magical holiday concert guaranteed to make memories. From festive carols to sparkling decorations and Santa Claus himself, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

CIRQUE MAGIC FOR KIDS

JANUARY 30, 10 & 11:30 A.M.

Step right up and prepare to be dazzled with a morning of circus-themed fun! The amazing artists of Cirque de la Symphonie join the Houston Symphony for this special Saturday-morning performance, designed especially for little ones. Let your imagination run wild with jugglers, acrobats, and more, paired with live music!

PETER AND THE WOLF

APRIL 10, 10 & 11:30 A.M.

Share the magic of one of music’s most treasured stories as the Houston Symphony presents Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. Weaving an enchanting woodland tale with charming, instantly recognizable music, this beloved classic has captured the hearts of generations of young listeners. Learn the different instruments of the orchestra as you follow Peter and his animal friends on a quest to outwit the fearsome wolf!

“We love how the PNC Family Series tailors to young kids and still gives an event that offers adults some fabulous culture and beautiful music.”

–Danielle C.

SUMMER & SPECIALS

LYLE LOVETT WITH THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY

JUNE 5, 2026, 7:30 P.M.

JONES HALL

Houston’s own Lyle Lovett joins the Houston Symphony for a one-nightonly performance at Jones Hall. With countless accolades—including four Grammy Awards, the Americana Music Association’s Trailblazer Award, and the title of Texas State Musician— Lovett blends country, jazz, folk, swing, and blues into a sound that’s uniquely his own. Known for his dry wit, poetic lyricism, and genre-defying artistry, Lovett remains one of America’s most distinctive and enduring musical voices.

CELEBRATING FINAL FANTASY XIV AND XVI DISTANT WORLDS: MUSIC FROM FINAL FANTASY

JUNE 6, 2026, 7:30 P.M. JUNE 7, 2026, 2 P.M. JONES HALL

ARNIE ROTH conductor

AMANDA ACHEN

soprano

HOUSTON SYMPHONY CHORUS

Anthony J. Maglione, director

Our celebration of the music of FINAL FANTASY XIV and XVI by renowned composer Masayoshi Soken will be led by legendary maestro Arnie Roth, performed by the Houston Symphony and Chorus, and joined by FINAL FANTASY XIV & XVI original vocalist Amanda Achen! This exciting program also features iconic works by Nobuo Uematsu, Masashi Hamauzu, Yoko Shimomura, and other great composers from throughout the FINAL FANTASY series.

This special concert includes HD video created by SQUARE ENIX specifically for this tour. Don’t miss out on this multimedia concert experience!

THE MUSIC OF QUEEN

JUNE 19, 2026, 7:30 P.M.

JUNE 20, 2026, 7:30 P.M.

THE HOBBY CENTER

MIG AYESA vocalist

We will, we will ROCK you. Celebrate one of the greatest bands of all time in this high-energy concert, featuring hit after iconic hit! Backed by the sonic power of the full Houston Symphony, incredible vocalist MiG Ayesa channels Freddie Mercury’s signature sound for an evening of Queen’s greatest hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Killer Queen,” “Somebody to Love,” and much more.

HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX™ IN CONCERT

JUNE 26, 2026, 7:30 P.M.

JUNE 27, 2026, 2 P.M.

JONES HALL

Year Five begins! Between crushing on Cho Chang, studying for his O.W.L.s, and the ever-growing number of detentions from Professor Umbridge™, Harry Potter™ must find the time to discover the secret of his terrible nightmares! See Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert presented in HD on a giant screen and accompanied by a live symphony orchestra!

OPENING NIGHT: ISABEL LEONARD SINGS GERSHWIN

SEPTEMBER 19, 2026, 7 P.M.

JONES HALL

STEVEN REINEKE conductor

ISABEL LEONARD

mezzo-soprano

Be part of the glamour and excitement of Opening Night as three-time Grammy Awardwinning mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard joins the Symphony for a special performance celebrating America at 250, including favorite songs of George Gershwin and classics from the Great American Songbook.

OPENING NIGHT GALA

For information visit houstonsymphony.org/OpeningNight or call 713.337.8523 Concert Sponsor and Lead Gala Underwriter

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

DECEMBER 18, 2026, 7:30 P.M.

DECEMBER 19, 2026, 7:30 P.M.

DECEMBER 20, 2026, 2 P.M.

JONES HALL

Filled with beautiful arias and exuberant refrains (including the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus), Handel’s Messiah is the ultimate Christmastime tradition—a powerful and moving experience, guaranteed to leave you uplifted.

KEN-DAVID MASUR conductor

J OÉLLE HARVEY soprano

SUN-LY PIERCE mezzo-soprano

NICHOLAS PHAN tenor

DASHON BURTON baritone

HOUSTON SYMPHONY CHORUS

Anthony J. Maglione, director

JOYFUL FANFARES: HOLIDAY BRASS SPECTACULAR

DECEMBER 19, 2026, 2 P.M.

DECEMBER 20, 2026, 6:30 P.M.

JONES HALL

Join the Houston Symphony’s world-class brass section for a concert brimming with humor, warmth, and festive cheer! From exquisite classical works to popular holiday favorites, this fun-filled concert is the perfect kickoff to Christmas week.

MARIACHI SOL DE MÉXICO DE JOSÉ HERNÁNDEZ PRESENTS:

JOSÉ HERNÁNDEZ’ MERRY-ACHI CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 21, 2026, 7:30 P.M.

JONES HALL

Celebrate a Feliz Navidad with José Hernández and his world-famous, platinum-selling Mariachi Sol de México, performing traditional mariachi music and treasured holiday favorites with a mariachi twist.

Performance does not include the Houston Symphony.

GIL SHAHAM IN RECITAL: BEETHOVEN SONATAS

JANUARY 12, 2027, 7:30 P.M.

JONES HALL

GIL SHAHAM violin

AKIRA AGUCHI piano

“In a world full of outstanding violinists, Shaham is one of the few identifiable by sound and style alone.”

–Boston Globe

Gil Shaham (2026–27 Houston Symphony Artistin-Residence) is one of the foremost violinists of our time. His flawless technique, combined with unparalleled warmth and generosity of spirit, has solidified his status as an American master. In this special, one-night-only recital performance, Shaham takes audiences on a musical journey through the grandeur and profound emotional depth of Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas.

Performance does not include the Houston Symphony.

SEONG-JIN CHO IN RECITAL

“An absolute master of clarifying textures with multiple shades of color and touch.”

–The Times

MARCH 16, 2027, 7:30 P.M.

JONES HALL

SEONG-JIN CHO piano

Seong-Jin Cho skyrocketed to international acclaim following his First Prize win at the Chopin International Piano Competition. Since then, he has established himself worldwide as one of the leading pianists of his generation, and one of the most distinctive artists on the current music scene. In this special recital performance, Cho brings his virtuosity and thoughtful, poetic touch to a hand-picked program of piano works.

Performance does not include the Houston Symphony.

HISAISHI CONDUCTS HISAISHI

MAY 7, 2027, 7:30 P.M.

MAY 8, 2027, 7:30 P.M.

MAY 9, 2027, 2 P.M.

JONES HALL

JOE HISAISHI conductor

Joe Hisaishi is one of the most celebrated composers of our time. He has established himself as a formidable force in contemporary music for his delicately crafted symphonic and solo works, as well as his globally successful film music. His credits include 12 enchanting, animated Studio Ghibli films, including Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning works, as well as being the Composer-in-Association of Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Composer in Residence for the Philadelphia Orchestra. Hisaishi makes his Houston Symphony debut, conducting his new Piano Concerto and other symphonic works.

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Enjoy world-class Houston Symphony performances from the comfort of home! Produced with multiple camera angles and state-of-the-art audio, our livestream concerts give you a fascinating up-close look at musicians, guest artists, and conductors.

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“Livestream concerts are an amazing opportunity to experience the magic of the Houston Symphony! Not only can you encounter the unsurpassed quality of the orchestra, conductors, programming, and guest artists, but you have the option to rewatch the concert streams for several days after the live performance.”

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performance calendar

JUNE

Lyle Lovett with the Houston Symphony

June 5

Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy

June 6 & 7

The Music of Queen

June 19 & 20

Harry Potter and the Order of the PhoenixTM in Concert

June 26 & 27

SEPT

Opening Night:

Isabel Leonard Sings Gershwin

September 19

Simply The Best: A Tribute to Tina Turner

September 25, 26* & 27

NOV

Rachmaninoff Festival:

Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony

October 2, 3* & 4

Rachmaninoff Festival:

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3

October 9, 10* & 11

Mozart’s Jupiter & JIJI

October 16, 17* & 18

Dolly Parton’s

Threads: My Songs in Symphony

October 30 & November 1

Haunted Halloween

October 31

Dolly Parton’s

Threads: My Songs in Symphony

October 30 & November 1

Shostakovich’s Ninth Symphony & Yoonshin Song

November 6, 7* & 8

La Vida Loca

November 21 & 22*

Thanksgiving Weekend: Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 7 & Shéhérazade

November 27, 28* & 29

DEC

Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 & Gil Shaham

December 4, 5* & 6

Very Merry Pops

December 10, 12* & 13

Ho-Ho-Holiday

December 12

Handel’s Messiah

December 18, 19* & 20

S S Joyful Fanfares: Holiday Brass Spectacular

December 19 & 20

Mariachi Sol De México de José Hernández presents: José Hernández’ Merry-Achi Christmas

December 21

Bruch’s Violin Concerto & Vaughan Williams

January 8, 9* & 10

Gil Shaham in Recital: Beethoven Sonatas

January 12

California Dreamin’: The Songs and Stories of Laurel Canyon

January 15, 16* & 17

Cirque de la Symphonie

January 29, 30 & 31

Cirque Magic for Kids

January 30

Nature Festival: Pines of Rome

February 5, 6* & 7

Hilary Hahn Plays Beethoven

February 12, 13* & 14

Nature Festival: Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony & The Rite of Spring

February 19, 20* & 21

APR

Ehnes Plays Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto

March 5, 6* & 7

If I Ain’t Got You: The Best of R&B

March 12, 13* & 14

Seong-Jin Cho in Recital

March 16

Seong-Jin Cho Plays Bartók

March 19, 20 & 21

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6

April 2, 3* & 4

Cheyenne Jackson: The Best of Broadway

April 9, 10* & 11

Peter and the Wolf

April 10

Bach & Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

April 22, 24* & 25

MAY

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2

May 1 & 2*

Hisaishi Conducts Hisaishi

May 7, 8 & 9

Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe

May 14, 15* & 16

Soundtrack of Our Imagination: The Best of John Williams

May 21, 22* & 23

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1

May 28, 29* & 30

JUNE

C Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 & Mozart

June 4, 5* & 6

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Middle School Students gathering outside of Jones Hall for a Harry and Cora Sue Mach Student Concert.

Principal Cello, Brinton Averil Smith, performs at a donor event.

Donors converse with guest pianist, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, at a donor event.

A child exploring the violin at a PNC Family Series instrument petting zoo.

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The Houston Symphony gratefully acknowledges those who support our artistic, educational, and community engagement programs through their annual generosity.

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