12-13 classical 3 & 4 concert series

3 & 4 Concert SeriesBuilt For You

20122013 Season

Hans Graf, Music DirectorLang Lang, pianoLang Lang Plays Beethoven

Graf's FarewellA Grand Finale Season

20122013 Season

3 & 4 Concert Series are designed to give you what you want in small, affordable packages. We have a package to fit your lifestyle and musical taste!

3 & 4 Concert Series Subscriber RewardsGREAT PRICE – 3 & 4 Concert Series are discounted up to 35% off the price of individual tickets. Packages start at only $99! Seats for these concerts will go fast, so secure them today.

EXCHANGES – Can’t make it to one of your concerts? You can exchange your seat for any other subscription concert. This benefit is available to 3 & 4 Concert Series subscribers for only $5 per exchange.

PRIORITY ACCESS – You can purchase tickets to Symphony Specials and additional concerts before they go on sale to the general public.

2 (713) 224-7575 houstonsymphony.org

3 & 4 Concert Series are tailored to fit your lifestyle. Take a look…there is one for YOU!

Graf's GreatestGraf’s favorites performed with the Houston Symphony for the last time asMusic Director

Musical AdventuresTakes you on a musical journey

VirtuosoHighlights the music of the great guest artists gracing the Jones Hall stage

Evening OutGreat for newcomers to the Houston Symphony and for a fun evening on the town

The MastersConnects you with the genius of the great composers

Greatest HitsFocuses on the great pillars of repertoire

Best of Brahms3 weekends in a row featuring Brahms’ best work

Friday ACCESS3 Friday evenings with earlier start times, shorter concerts, complimentary appetizers and hosted commentary

Sugar Land Series3 Thursday evening concerts at Sugar Land Baptist Church

Young Professionals BackstageA series where people under 40 can network, socialize and enjoy great music

(713) 224-7575 houstonsymphony.org 3

2012–2013 Classical Series The following classical concerts are included in one or more 3 or 4 concert series.See pages 6-10 for details on each package.

Best of Brahms – Weekend 1September 14, 15, 16, 2012Hans Graf, conductorGarrick Ohlsson, pianoFrank Huang, violinBrinton Averil Smith, cello

Program A – September 14, 16, 2012Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1Brahms: Symphony No. 1

Program B – September 15, 2012Brahms: Variations on a Theme of HaydnBrahms: Concerto for Violin and CelloBrahms: Symphony No. 4

Best of Brahms – Weekend 2September 20, 22, 23, 2012Hans Graf, conductorJoshua Hopkins, baritoneHouston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, directorFrank Huang, violinBrinton Averil Smith, cello

Program C – September 20, 22, 2012Brahms: Tragic OvertureBrahms: NänieBrahms: Requiem

Program B – September 23, 2012

Best of Brahms – Weekend 3September 28, 29, 30, 2012John Storgårds, conductorJonathan Biss, piano

Program D – September 28, 30, 2012Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2Brahms: Symphony No. 3

Program E – September 29, 2012Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2Brahms: Symphony No. 2

Lang Lang Plays Beethoven3 Concerts. 3 Different Concertos.October 18, 20, 21, 2012Pablo Heras-Casado, conductorLang Lang, pianoLindberg: EXPOBeethoven: Piano Concertos 2, 3 and 5Schumann: Symphony No. 4The New York Times’ ”hottest artist on the classical music planet” is heading back to Houston. Hear Lang Lang perform three of the most beloved Beethoven piano concertos in one weekend as he plays a different concerto each performance. Experience Beethoven’s joyful 2nd, the dramatic 3rd and the epic Emperor.

Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastiqueOctober 26, 2012 – Friday ACCESS concertOctober 27, 28, 2012 – Standard concert formatAndrés Orozco-Estrada, conductorWilliam VerMeulen, hornBerlioz: Roman CarnivalR. Strauss: Horn Concerto No. 1*Berlioz: Symphonie fantastiqueFollow a musician as he drifts from one fantastic dreamscape to another, obsessed by the image of his beloved. You’ll follow him a grand ball, to the contemplation of nature, and finally to his plunge into delirium.*Friday ACCESS concert only includes this work.

Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique SymphonyNovember 1, 3, 4, 2012Juanjo Mena, conductorAugustin Hadelich, violinBartók: Violin Concerto No. 2Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, PathétiqueThe nickname “Pathétique” means “passionate” and Tchaikovsky’s final symphony is packed with passion. You’ll feel the power of fate in both life and death as you get caught up in the music’s sweep of emotion.

The InextinguishableNovember 16, 17, 18, 2012Thomas Dausgaard, conductorStephen Hough, pianoBeethoven: Leonore Overture No. 3Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1Nielsen: Symphony No. 4, The InextinguishableDanish composer Carl Nielsen’s magnificent Symphony No. 4 is full of fiery rhythms and grand sweeping melodies. The famous battle of two timpanists thunders to a triumphant conclusion – the inextinguishable force of life is victorious!

Schumann Plus Bruckner’s 6thDecember 1, 2, 2012Hans Graf, conductorMartin Helmchen, pianoSchumann: Piano ConcertoBruckner: Symphony No. 6Hans Graf is excited to introduce this rising star, Martin Helmchen. The Berkshire Eagle raved, “Helmchen lit the Schumann Piano Concerto with an inner glow” referring to the virtuoso’s performance with the Boston Symphony.Thursday subscribers attend Sunday.

Dvorák’s New World SymphonyJanuary 11, 2013 – Friday ACCESS concertJanuary 12, 13, 2013 – Standard concert formatHans Graf, conductorAdam Dinitz, English hornMark Hughes, trumpet*Copland: Quiet City for English horn, trumpet and stringsDutilleux: Symphony No. 2, Le Double*Dvorák: Symphony No. 9, From the New WorldComposed and premiered during his visit to the United States as an embodiment of the American experience, the New World Symphony is Dvorák’s most popular work. *Friday ACCESS concert only includes these works.


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Mahler & Mendelssohn January 31, February 2, 3, 2013Christoph Koenig, conductorMendelssohn: Octet for Strings – for Full String OrchestraMahler: Symphony No. 1Mahler’s 1st Symphony is filled with some of the young composer’s most brilliant and contrasting musical ideas. You’ll hear folk melodies, a chilling funeral march and even a minor-key version of the familiar “Frère Jacques” melody.

Prokofiev’s Romeo and JulietFebruary 14, 16, 17, 2013Gilbert Varga, conductorVilde Frang, violinWagner: Siegfried IdyllMozart: Violin Concerto No. 5Prokofiev: Suite No. 2 from Romeo and JulietRomeo and Juliet’s romantic encounters will populate your imagination as you hear Prokofiev’s riveting score based on the story of the ill-fated lovers. Plus, hear Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll, written for his wife Cosima and performed the morning of her birthday by a small ensemble as she awoke from her sleep.

Wozzeck in ConcertMarch 1, 2, 2013Hans Graf, conductorAnne Schwanewilms, sopranoRoman Trekel, baritoneBerg: WozzeckRooted in real life, Wozzeck’s tale is one of social criticism, lust, murder and morality. You’ll feel compassion for poor Wozzeck as he falls victim to cruelty and descends into insanity.

Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Plus KavakosMarch 7, 9, 10, 2013Hans Graf, conductorLeonidas Kavakos, violinShostakovich: Violin Concerto No. 1Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5Graf and Kavakos are great friends whose partnership has produced great music-making on the Jones Hall stage and around the world. They’ll join together once more to perform Shostakovich’s 1st Violin Concerto. Plus, hear one of Tchaikovsky’s greatest masterpieces – his Symphony No. 5.

Walton’s Belshazzar’s FeastMarch 15, 16, 17, 2013Hannu Lintu, conductorHouston Symphony ChorusVaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas TallisHaydn: Symphony No. 98Walton: Belshazzar’s Feast Belshazzar’s Feast vividly portrays the captivity of the Jews in Babylon. With driving and barbaric splendor, often compared to Carmina Burana, it culminates in the death of Belshazzar which frees the Jews from exile.

Spanish Masters – Rodrigo & FallaApril 5, 6, 7, 2013Carlos Kalmar, conductorPablo Sainz-Villegas, guitarHaydn: Symphony No. 20Ginastera: Variaciones concertantesRodrigo: Fantasia for a Nobleman – for Guitar and OrchestraFalla: Suite No. 2 from The Three-Cornered HatComposed at the request of the legendary Spanish guitarist Andrés Segovia, who is referenced in the work’s title as the “Nobleman,” Joaquín Rodrigo’s Fantasia para un gentilhombre will transport you to 17th Century Spain. Experience the rich sounds of Spanish guitar virtuoso Pablo Sainz-Villegas.

Debussy’s La MerApril 11, 13, 14, 2013Hans Graf, conductorBenjamin Schmid, violinAriane Haering, pianoMendelssohn: Capriccio brillantMendelssohn: Concerto for Violin, Piano and String OrchestraPaganini/arr. Kreisler: Violin ConcertoDebussy: La MerAs in Impressionist paintings, Debussy uses colorful musical brush strokes to conjure images of his travels to the seaside at Cannes and the Mediterranean. The shimmering movement of the sea left him with deep inspiration, illustrated in this orchestral work of beauty.

Mozart’s Symphony No. 40May 3, 2013 – Friday ACCESS concertMay 4, 5, 2013 – Standard concert formatHans Graf, conductorEugene Ugorski, violinMozart: Symphony No. 19 *Stravinsky: Violin ConcertoAdams: The Chairman Dances *Mozart: Symphony No. 40From wunderkind to one of the great masters of all time, Mozart’s talent grew and blossomed during his short life. Hear the poise of his Symphony No. 19, composed when he was only 16, and then experience the maturity and genius of one of his last great symphonies.*Friday ACCESS concert only includes these works.

Chopin & BeethovenMay 9, 11, 12, 2013Hans Graf, conductorJanina Fialkowska, pianoWeber: Overture to Euryanthe Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 Beethoven: Symphony No. 3, EroicaHear the glorious, soaring phrases of Chopin’s masterpiece, and then experience Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony, initially inspired by his admiration for Napoleon Bonaparte. Later, he became disillusioned by Napoleon’s ascent to power and literally tore through the dedication, writing instead, “Heroic Symphony composed to celebrate the memory of a great man.”

A Graf FarewellMay 17, 18, 2013, 7:30 pm

Erin Wall, sopranoBernarda Fink, mezzo-sopranoHouston Symphony ChorusMahler: Symphony No. 2, Resurrection“Of all of Mahler’s symphonies, Resurrection has the most uplifting ending. There is a spiritual element in it that is hard to beat. Mahler’s idea to have the chorus emerge from the depths is spellbinding, like souls waiting to arise from the abyss to the heavens, following an irresistible crescendo to their apotheosis – a glorious and positive way to finish.” – Hans Graf


Graf's Greatest4 Saturday evenings highlighting some of Maestro Graf’s favorite repertoire.Music Director, Hans Graf will bid farewell to the Houston Symphony after the 12–13 season. Come experience his mastery during his final season as Music Director our world-class orchestra.

Best of Brahms – Weekend 2September 22, 2012

Schumann Plus Bruckner’s 6thDecember 1, 2012

Wozzeck in ConcertMarch 2, 2013

A Graf FarewellMay 18, 2013

Musical AdventuresShowcases the music that tells a story and takes you on adventures through the ages.Music with a plot. If you love drama, tall tales and sweeping stories, the concerts in this package are just for you.

Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastiqueOctober 26, 27, 28, 2012

Prokofiev’s Romeo and JulietFebruary 14, 16, 17, 2013

Walton’s Belshazzar’s FeastMarch 15, 16, 17, 2013

Debussy’s La MerApril 11, 13, 14, 2013

Classical 3 & 4 Concert SeriesThe following classical concerts are included in one or more 3 or 4 concert series. See pages 6-9 for details on each package.

$389

$389

$325

$325

$242

$242

$179

$179

$115

$115

See Page 11 for Seating Chart


Hans Graf, conductor

Vilde Frang, violinProkofiev’s Romeo and Juliet

Hannu Lintu, conductorWalton's Belshazzar's Feast


VirtuosoA collection of concerts featuring our most sought after guest artists.If virtuosic performances are what you yearn to experience, the guest artists and music in the Virtuoso series will give you all you desire and more!

Lang Lang Plays BeethovenOctober 18, 20, 21, 2012

The InextinguishableNovember 16, 17, 18, 2012

Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Plus KavakosMarch 7, 9, 10, 2013

Spanish Masters – Rodrigo & FallaApril 5, 6, 7, 2013

The MastersYour favorite composers, together in one series.If classical music ignites your mind and connects you with the genius of the great composers, choose The Masters. Experience why these composers are the most celebrated of all time.

Best of Brahms – Weekend 3September 28, 29, 30, 2012

Mahler & MendelssohnJanuary 31, February 2, 3, 2013

Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique SymphonyMarch 7, 9, 10, 2013

Chopin & BeethovenMay 9, 11, 12, 2013

$389 $325 $242 $179 $115


$389 $325 $242 $179 $115


Steven Hough, pianoThe Inextinguishable

Christoph Koenig, conductorMahler & Mendelssohn

Pablo Sainz-Villegas, guitarSpanish Masters – Rodrigo & Falla

Janina Fialkowska, pianoChopin & Beethoven


Evenings OutShare four magical evenings with someone you love. Everyone needs to enjoy evenings out with someone they love. Lose yourself in these exquisite classics that are perfect for a night on the town.

Lang Lang Plays BeethovenOctober 18, 20, 21, 2012

Dvorák’s New World SymphonyJanuary 11, 12, 13, 2013

Prokofiev’s Romeo and JulietFebruary 14, 16, 17, 2013

Mozart’s Symphony No. 40May 3, 4, 5, 2013

Greatest HitsImmerse yourself in the great works of the classical repertoire.If you enjoy the most beloved pieces of classical music, come experience these 4 majestic pillars of repertoire with your own Houston Symphony.

Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastiqueOctober 26, 27, 28, 2012

Dvorák’s New World SymphonyJanuary 11, 12, 13, 2013

Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Plus KavakosMarch 7, 9, 10, 2013

Chopin & BeethovenMay 9, 11, 12, 2013

$409

$409

$342

$342

$259

$259

$196

$196

$130

$130



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Adam Dinitz, English hornDvorák’s New World Symphony

Andrés Orozco-Estrada, conductorBerloiz' Symphonie fantastique

Eugene Ugorski, violinMozart's Symphony No. 40

Leonidas Kavakos, violinTchaikovsky’s Fifth Plus Kavakos

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Friday ACCESSGet Access to the music in a whole new way.Enjoy three concerts with altered formats over the course of the season. ACCESS concerts conveniently begin and end earlier while connecting you more deeply with the music. Mix and mingle with Houston Symphony musicians pre-concert while enjoying complimentary hors d' oeuvres, then hear hosted commentary by Miles Hoffman, NPR's Morning Edition music commentator during the concert. After the concert, stick around for a casual Q&A with Miles and the musicians. ACCESS concerts begin at 7 pm and do not have intermissions.

The ACCESS Experience:

6 pm Pre-Concert Mix & Mingle with Houston Symphony musicians, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar

7 pm Concert with host, Miles Hoffman

8:30 pm Post-Concert Q & A with the artists

Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastiqueOctober 26, 2012

Dvorák’s New World SymphonyJanuary 11, 2013

Mozart’s Symphony No. 40May 3, 2013

Best of BrahmsExperience a 3-week festival paying tribute to this most beloved composer.“At the age of 16, the very first score I bought with my pocket money was a pocket score of Brahms Symphony No. 4. As I studied this masterpiece, my juvenile love of Brahms began to grow and has endured throughout my life. Even knowing his music for decades, Brahms still holds the power to surprise us, with something new to discover around every turn of phrase.” – Hans Graf




$318

$318

$264

$264

$189

$189

$141

$141

$99

$99



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Frank Huang, violinBest of Brahms – Weekend 1

Johnathan Biss, pianoBest of Brahms – Weekend 3


Sugar Land SeriesTakes you beyond Jones Hall into one of our fastest-growing communities.The Houston Symphony is hitting the road, and heading to one of the most vibrant communities in the Houston area, Sugar Land! Enjoy 3 of this season’s most exciting concerts, right in your own neighborhood. All concerts performed at Sugar Land Baptist Church.

Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastiqueOctober 25, 2012

Handel's MessiahDecember 20, 2012

Mozart’s Symphony No. 40May 2, 2013

$174 $132 $96 $54 N/A


Young Professionals BackstageA social concert experience for Young Professionals under 40.YPB is a society of young professionals that mixes behind-the-scenes access and up-in-front support of the Houston Symphony. If you are under 40, enjoy music, want to be more connected to the Houston arts scene, or like meeting new people with similar interests, YPB is for you!

Lang Lang Plays BeethovenThursday,October 18, 2012, 8 pm

West Side StoryFilm with Live OrchestraFriday, March 22, 2013, 8 pm

Sponsored in part by Margaret Alkek Williams

Mozart’s Symphony No. 40Friday, May 3, 2013, 7 pm

3-concert subscription (base package): $114 3 official YPB concerts + after parties

6-concert subscription: $186 Base package plus 3 additional Thursday/Friday night concerts of your choice!

9-concert subscription: $234 Base package plus 6 additional Thursday/Friday night concerts of your choice, PLUS free parking and free exchange privileges!

West Side Story © 1961 Metro- Goldwyn- Mayer Studios Inc. All rights reserved

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Classical Seating ChartJones Hall

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Steps for Subscribing• Log on to houstonsymphony.org Or call (713) 224-7575 Mon – Sat, 10 am – 6 pm

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It’s that easy! Start saving with the Houston Symphony TODAY.

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Form a group and save! Some things are just too good to keep to yourself.Groups of 10 or more enjoy special discounts.Call (713) 238-1435 or email [email protected].

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12-13 classical 3 & 4 concert series

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