The opening performance bursts with Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes by Carl Maria von Weber and Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D Minor. Soloists soprano Cynthia Clayton, mezzo-soprano Heather Scanio, tenor Vale Rideout and baritone Hector Vasquez will be backed by the voices of the Houston Symphony Chorus, directed by Charles Hausmann. UH maestro Franz Anton Krager leads this robust program that showcases extremes within the Germanic classical tradition — also marking the first performance of the joyful choral magnum opus in the festival.

An outdoor bash at UH's Jane Blaffer Owen Plaza before the concert will rally audiences with al fresco chamber music and jazz, with a side of nibbles from It's A Wrap and Porch Swing Desserts food trucks.