pinchas for perlman

Acclaimed violinist and conductor steps up for Itzhak Perlman in Houston Symphony concert

Pinchas Zukerman is standing for the Itzhak Perlman.

Photo courtesy of Houston Symphony

Classical music fans who were ready to catch globally renowned conductor and violinist Itzhak Perlman — who has canceled his show due to COVID — can still enjoy a standout performance.

Israeli-American violin star Pinchas Zukerman will stand in as soloist and conductor for Perlman’s concert series this weekend, the Houston Symphony announced.

Zukerman will perform and conduct two works by Mozart, and lead the orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, on May 12, 14, and 15 at Jones Hall (address). The May 15 performance will also be livestreamed.

“Our conductor and soloist for the week, Houston Symphony artistic partner Itzhak Perlman, upon arriving in Houston, has tested positive for COVID, necessitating his withdrawal from this week’s concerts,” explained Houston Symphony executive director and CEO John Mangum, in a statement. “We are grateful to conductor and violinist Pinchas Zukerman for stepping in on short notice. The balance of the week’s program — Mozart’s Adagio and Rondo, Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 — will be performed as announced.”

Specifically, Zukerman will lead the Houston Symphony and perform as soloist in two works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed for the celebrated 18th-century violinist Antonio Brunetti: Adagio in E major, K. 261, and Rondo in C major, K. 373.

He will also lead the orchestra in Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade in A minor, before capping the program with Tchaikovsky’s colorful, symphonic poem-like exploration of the theme of “Fate,” his Symphony No. 4, per the symphony.

Boasting a celebrated career that spans five decades, violinist and viola soloist Zukerman is considered one of classical music’s most sought-after and versatile musicians and conductors. His considerable discography includes more than 100 albums, scoring two Grammy awards and 21 nominations.

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Pinchas Zukerman performs with the Houston Symphony at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St. Showtimes are 8 pm Thursday, May 12; 8 pm Saturday, May 14; and 2:30 pm Sunday, May 15. For tickets and more information, visit houstonsymphony.org.

symphony concerts

pat saddles up

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo makes history with election of first female chairman of the board

Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Pat Mann Phillips saddles up in 2024.

In 2022, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo made history by making local rap icon Bun B the first Black headliner from Houston. Now, the venerable institution has made history again with the appointment of its first female chairman of the board.

Pat Mann Phillips, a rodeo life member since 2001, will begin her three-year tenure as chairman of the board starting with the 2024 Rodeo, according to an announcement. She takes over for departing chairman Brady Carruth.

“As the newly elected Chairman of the Board, I am humbled and honored to lead the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and our amazing team of dedicated volunteers,” Phillips tells CultureMap. "Together, we embark on a transformative endeavor to propel our organization to its fullest potential. By breaking new ground and pushing boundaries, we will elevate the rodeo experience to unprecedented heights, capturing the essence of our vibrant community and its unwavering spirit.”

Her first objective, according to the rodeo, will be to collaborate with the executive committee to lead the Rodeo, focusing on its core mission of promoting agriculture and supporting Texas youth and education.

Heralded by peers and staff for her high-energy, positive, genuine, compassionate, and humble nature, Phillips has served on myriad rodeo committees, various committees, including the Corral Club – Suites, Directions & Assistance, Jr. Rodeo, and Special Children's committees.

She was elected to the board of directors in 2012 and rodeo vice president from 2016 to 2018. During her tenure, she oversaw the Transportation, Magazine, Special Children's, Agricultural Education (formerly Ladies' Go Texan), Souvenir Program, and Communications & Special Services committees. She joined the rodeos executive committee in 2018.

Consummately Houston and rodeo, Phillips holds a BBA in Petroleum Land Management and a BBA in Finance from Texas Tech University and boasts more than 30 years of experience in the energy industry. She is currently the executive director of Energy Services for Revenade, a global management consulting firm.

Rodeo is a family affair: She and her husband, Tim Phillips have contributed financially through auction buying groups, season tickets, and donations to the Rodeo's Educational Fund. Tim Phillips, a former chair of the Jr. Rodeo Committee, continues to serve on the Special Children's Committee, per the rodeo.

Pat and Tim Phillips also walk the walk: they own Trinity Spirit Ranch in Field Store, Texas and manage their family ranch in Johnson County, Texas. Pat is also a charter member of Texas Women Venture Fund and a member and former director of Ladies of Texas Tradition, per her bio. She is a mentor and board member in organizations including Amigas Para Niños and the American Association of Professional Landmen.

“Our rich traditions serve as the cornerstone of our mission, and it is my hope that through our collective efforts, we not only preserve these traditions but also ignite a flame of inspiration within others,” Par Phillips says. “I am thrilled to saddle up for this exhilarating journey ahead. Together, we will leave a lasting legacy, inspiring generations to come and making a profound difference in the lives of those we touch.”