Eric Halen, together with a small group of friends and the tireless support of his family, realized a dream that seemed almost impossible: creating a new chamber music series in Houston. A concert series that prioritized small intimate gatherings where the musicians and audience could truly interact, and where audiences would have the chance to hear beloved favorite works paired with exciting explorations of lesser known but deeply deserving compositions.

Over 11 seasons, their dream has flourished into a Houston institution and now, as Halen takes his well-deserved retirement from the Houston Symphony, he is taking a triumphant last turn at Musica Tra Amici in a typical program exploring both the works we know and love and some that we will fall in love with.

The small region of Bohemia in central Europe produced some of the most remarkable and unique voices of the Romantic era, imbuing their music with a distinctive national flavor that became celebrated around the world. In this concert, violinists Eric Halen and Boson Mo, pianist Evelyn Chen, and cellist Brinton Averil Smith explore their milieu, with works of Janácek, Smetana and Suk, culminating with Dvorák’s beloved Piano Quintet.

A reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres will follow the concert where audience members will have the chance to personally thank Halen and his wife Angi.