Today, I had to look at my schedule to remember what sort of trouble I managed to stir up last week. Whether that is a result of pre-coffee early morning writing or too much art fun, my week was filled with some firsts and the beginning of some lasts.

The Houston Symphony Orchestra was in top shape, scaring me half to death with Verdi's Messa da Requiem. With visiting conductor Thomas Dausgaard and a massive battery of musicians included chorus and soloists, swaying between the thunderous sonorities of the Dies Irae, sublime lyricism reigned, especially at the hands of soprano Angela Mead, who handled her top register with amazing control.

I managed to behave myself, as I tend to have strong reactions to good art, with the exception of a "Holy Crap" whisper while jumping off my seat. Principal percussionist Brian Del Signore severely punished, with a little sadistic enjoyment, the bass drum.

Houston Grand Opera's opening of Dead Man Walking was pure emotional exhaustion. Whether you feel it is a political work "all about the death penalty" or about the exploration of interpersonal relationships in the darkest of circumstances, the haunting arguments linger days later. Joyce DiDonato as Sister Helen Prejean (who made an appearance at curtain call opening night) embraced her complex character with conviction while Frederica von Stade as Mrs. Patrick De Rocher, the death row inmate's mother, was able to externalize her character's deep psychological struggles and make the audience feel, and feel deeply.

The house was packed and I'm still screwed up from the experience.

Why is von Stade retiring anyway? She still has it.

Lets not forget the Houston Girls Chorus debut. With Michael Remson's guidance, this group will grow to become one of the city's vital cultural and education treasures.

This week, the amusement and exploration continues.

Houston Grand Opera's Dead Man Walking and Lucia di Lammermoor

Opening night was sold out, but you still have a few chances to experience Jake Heggie's Dead Man Walking, if for no other reason, to be present at Frederica von Stade's farewell performance run.

But in case you need more excuses to get out and and do opera, Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor also opens this week and features Houston favorites — coloratura soprano Albina Shagimuratova (HGO Studio alum) playing the title role and Scott Hendricks as Enrico. The dynamic pair rocked Rigoletto last year. Dead Man Walking continues on Saturday while Lucia opens on Friday.

Mildred's Umbrella Theater's The Last 5 Years

Anything presented by Mildred's Umbrella Theater is bound to leave you a little twisted, even laughing at the sight of dropping dead babies. The Last 5 Years, written by Jason Robert Brown, is a twisted musical dealing with the whole continuum of a modern relationship: dating, marriage and breakup. And since nearly 50 percent of marriages end in divorce, adding a little music and jazz hands may just make the journey a little more enjoyable. Opens Friday at 8 p.m.

Iranian Film Festival at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

A tradition now in its 18th year, the festival is the longest in the MFAH film department's history and features movies produced in the last couple of years. The screenings continue this weekend withThe White Meadows and Persian Catwalk. In collaboration with museums in Boston and Washington D.C., MFAH works together to underwrite and curate the selections, balanced with requests from the community.

Mohammad Rasoulof, writer/director of The White Meadows is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for propaganda against the state. Making its North American debut, Persian Catwalk is more of a film essay focusing on the development of fashion in Iran. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Arbor Day at the Houston Arboretum

You really should not need Arbor Day to connect with Mother Nature. But if you do, the Houston Arboretum is here for remind you that we need to co-exists with our surroundings.

A perfect family outing, Arbor Day activities will include tree planting demos, tree tours and native tree information sessions while children participate in papermaking, face painting, puzzle hikes, leaf rubbings and more. Saturday from 10 am-4 pm.

Chicken Soup Cookoff

There is something very satisfying about participating in a food event that also benefits organizations that fight hunger. Houston's top restaurants go head-to-head in a fight to see who has the best remedy for the common cold and the winter blues. Proceeds will benefit the Houston Food Bank and Congregation Emanu El. Sunday at 11:30 am.

My colleagues' selection:

Assistant editor Caroline Gallay's pick: Big Lebowski Quote-Along at Alamo Drafthouse

Caroline says: "What could be better than a brew with The Dude — the man has an Oscar!" Tuesday at 7:30 pm.

Art columnist Nancy Wozny's pick: Classical Theatre Company's Candida

Nancy says: "Feeling a little low on vitamin GBS as in George Bernard Shaw? I have just the remedy for you: Classical Theatre Company's production of Candida. Shaw may have written Candida in 1898, but the dilemmas of marriage remain. Do we choose the Christian socialist or the romantic poet? Written at the height of the women's suffrage movement, this is Shaw at his preach with a purpose best. Also, Shannon Emerick plays Candida. Who would want to miss that?" Opens on Friday.

Assistant editor and arts savant Steven Thomson's pick: Waste Land

Steven says: "Waste Land captured the Sundance Audience Award for Best World Cinema Documentary last January for its depiction of Brazilian catadores, or trash pickers living in Jardim Gramacho, one of the world's vastest landfills. A group of the scavengers collaborated with São Paulo-born artist Vik Muniz for the monumental series Pictures of Garbage, as documented in the film.

"Waste Land sheds light on this fringe society, and how art transformed their lives." Thursday through Sunday.