The Houston Symphony

The+Houston+Symphony

Naiya Childs, Student Writer

The Houston Symphony is an American orchestra resided at Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, based in Houston, Texas. Founded in 1913 by artist patron and philanthropist, Ima Hogg, the Houston Symphony has played an pivotal role in shaping its namesake city’s civic and culture life for over 100 years. This duration makes Houston symphony one of the largest and oldest preforming arts orchestra groups in America.  

Houston Symphony’s mission is to engage and inspire a diverse and large audience in Houston, Texas. They value collaboration, community engagement, education, excellence, financial sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, and relevance. Their vision is by 2025 to be a part of the most relevant and accessible top-teen orchestras in America. 

The Houston Symphony conductors for the 2022 – 2023 season include Music Director Jaraj Valcuha, who is most known for his depth and expressiveness in musicianship. He has a natural stage presence, a sharp baton technique, and an effortless way of interpreting music. Steven Reineke is the Principal POPS Conductor, who is known for creating programs and collaborations with a wide range of different artists. Additionally, Yue Bao serves as the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation Assistant Conductor.  

The orchestra instrumental roster includes a myriad of string instruments including violins, violas, the cellos; woodwind instruments such as the flutes, the piccolo, the English horn, the clarinets; and brass instruments such as the horns, the bassoons, the trumpets, the trombones, the tuba. There also is a Houston Symphony Chorus that is comprised of extremely talented and skilled volunteer singers. This official choral unit participates in specific programs in the 2022 – 2023 Houston Symphony season.  

Houston Symphony ticket prices can range between $29 to $150 per performance ticket. If an individual wishes to attend more than one performance throughout the season, they can participate to the economically beneficial subscription program. The company also provides student pass to people currently attending college. These individuals can purchase to attend most Classical and Bank of America POPS concerts all season just for $50. Furthermore, there is a student rush ticket where students can purchase a single ticket to most Classical and Bank of America POPS concerts all season just for $20.   

Make sure to be on the lookout for the 2023 – 2024 season lineup that is to be announced Tuesday, March 28, 2023. 

For more information, you can visit Houston Symphony – Jones Hall Concerts