encore! encore!

Houston Symphony's new season reveals 6 surprise shows

Houston Symphony Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada and the orchestra

Fans of the classics — and new fans — can expect unique performances, thanks to the Houston Symphony's Andrés Orozco-Estrada.

Courtesy photo

The Houston Symphony has announced its 2018-19 schedule, and it promises to be a sprawling, prolific showcase of classic, pop culture, and kid-friendly performances and events.

The full season and its respective performances can be found online, and in perusing the season, we found several events that promise a refreshing example of what the Houston Symphony can offer those who aren't fans of traditional classical music.

In what's become an annual must-attend event of the season, the Houston Symphony’s Opening Night Concert welcomes debuting conductor Gustavo Gimeno (September 8), in a program featuring music by Ravel, Barber, and Prokofiev. Joining Gimeno and the orchestra is international pianist Yuja Wang, who will perform Ravel’s virtuosic "Concerto for the Left Hand."

The evening will begin with a champagne reception atThe Corinthian, followed by the Opening Night Concert at Jones Hall. Following the concert, the celebration will continue at The Corinthian with dinner by Jackson and Company, plus entertainment.

Movie magic
Soundtracks add vibrance and memorable moments to movies, as patrons will find with a series of Symphony performances paired with film projections on the big screen. Cinephiles can look for Star Wars: A New Hope—In Concert (March 22 -24), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™—In Concert (June 15-17), Apollo 13—Film with Live Orchestra (July 21), and the holiday classic Home Alone—Film with Live Orchestra (December 15).

A real wake-me-up
Fans of late pop star George Michael won’t want to miss the tribute, The Music of George Michael (July 14). Expect renditions of hits such as “Faith” and “Careless Whisper,” to “One More Try” and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.”

Hallelujah!
A Houston holiday classic that’s as beloved as The Nutcracker, Handel’s Messiah promises to get you into the seasonal spirit, courtesy of Baroque music specialist Jane Glover (December 21-23, 2018).
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Season tickets for the 2018-19 season, including the Classical, POPS and BBVA Compass Family Series, are on sale now. For more information, visit the Houston Symphony or call 713-224-7575.

symphony music

taking center stage

Stage adaptation of iconic Black movie Jason's Lyric to debut in Houston

Courtesy of Jason's Lyric

Most of the movie's cast will appear in the play.

Next year, Houston writer/producer/director/promoter Je’Caryous Johnson will be bringing another beloved Black movie to the live stage.

Jason’s Lyric will join New Jack City and Set It Off in the lineup of ‘90s Black-movie favorites that Johnson has adapted for the stage. The 1994 made-in-Houston drama stars Allen Payne and a pre-Will Smith Jada Pinkett as young lovers trying to maintain a relationship as conflicts and obstacles keep getting in the way.

Jason’s Lyric Live will go on a nationwide, 22-city tour, premiering right here in H-Town on Thursday, February 13 — just in time for Valentine’s Day.

“Houston is my home, and bringing Jason’s Lyric Live to life here first is my way of paying homage to the city and its people who inspired this story,” Johnson said in a statement. “This is more than a play; it’s a love letter to the community.”

Payne will reprise his role as Jason, with actress/model Eva Marcille stepping in Pinkett’s role as Lyric. Naughty by Nature rapper Treach, who played Lyric’s criminal big brother Alonzo in the movie, will also return to the role for the stage production. Tyrin Turner (Menace II Society), K. Michelle (Love & Hip Hop), and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (Welcome Back, Kotter) will round out the cast.

"Jason’s Lyric is one of the films that defined my career as an actor,” Payne said. “To bring it to life on stage for audiences who loved the movie — and a new generation experiencing it for the first time — is an incredible honor."

Marcille is also psyched for the show, taking on the role that Pinkett memorably brought to life. "Lyric is a character who embodies resilience and hope, and I’m honored to bring her story to life on stage,” Marcille said.

Tickets will go on sale this Friday, December 13, at 10 am. For a full list of dates and ticket information, visit the website.