Music inspires

20112012 Classical Season

3 & 4 Concert SeriesBuilt For You

Music inspires YOUR LIFE

3 & 4 CONCERT SERIES SUBSCRIBER REWARDS

GREAT 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 the highly popular Symphony Specials before they go on sale to the general public.

See page 10 for Classical Specials.

2 (713) 224-7575 houstonsymphony.org

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

4-CONCERT SERIES

Musical AdventuresBlends fresh and new with masterpieces you never tire of hearing.

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.

3-CONCERT SERIES

RachFest!3 weekends in a row with all 4 Rachmaninoff Piano Concertos.

Friday ACCESSFriday evening concerts with earlier start times, shorter programs, complimentary appetizers and hosted commentary.

Sugar Land SeriesThursday 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

André Watts, piano

Brahms' Violin ConcertoSeptember 16, 17, 18, 2011Hans Graf, conductorJames Ehnes, violinJalbert: World premiere HS commissionBrahms: Violin ConcertoDvorák: Symphony No. 6You’ll hear some of Brahms’ most tender melodies, brilliant technical fireworks and a sprinkle of Hungarian folk rhythms. Also experience Jalbert's new work to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Richard Strauss’ A Hero’s LifeSeptember 22, 24, 25, 2011Hans Graf, conductorOlga Kern, pianoRouse: Odna Zhizn – One Special LifeLiszt: Piano Concerto No. 2R. Strauss: Ein Heldenleben – A Hero’s LifeThis deliciously ironic musical self-portrayal shows Strauss’ acute sense of humor at his compositional height.

Watts Plays Beethoven’s EmperorSeptember 30, October 1, 2, 2011 David Afkham, conductorAndré Watts, pianoBeethoven: Coriolan OvertureSchubert: Symphony No. 8, UnfinishedBeethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5, EmperorGet ready to experience a work as exciting as anything Beethoven ever wrote and welcome legendary pianist André Watts.

Ravel’s Daphnis and ChloeOctober 20, 22, 23, 2011Gilbert Varga, conductorDaniel Mueller-Schott, celloHaydn: Symphony No. 49, La Passione Haydn: Cello Concerto in D major Ravel: Mother Goose SuiteRavel: Daphnis and Chloe Suite No. 2Poetic and ethereal, Daphnis and Chloe evokes a meadow of nymphs on a spring afternoon. Come hear some of Ravel’s most splendorous, colorful music.

Emanuel Ax Plus Tchaikovsky 3November 18 , 19, 20, 2011Hans Graf, conductorEmanuel Ax, pianoGolijov: Last RoundMozart: Piano Concerto No. 25*Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 3*Houston Symphony favorite Emanuel Ax returns performing Mozart’s majestic Piano Concerto No. 25.

*Friday ACCESS only includes these works, together with commentary from a musical host. See page 9.

RachFest 1 – Rach 3January 5, 7, 8, 2012Edward Gardner, conductorKirill Gerstein, pianoRachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances

Olga Kern, piano

Kirill Gerstein, piano

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

ˇ

FRIDAYACCESSCONCERT

RachFest 2 – Rach 1 & 4January 13, 14, 15, 2012Hans Graf, conductorKirill Gerstein, pianoRachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 1Rachmaninoff: Isle of the DeadRachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 4

RachFest 3 – Rach 2January 19, 21, 22, 2012Hans Graf, conductorKirill Gerstein, pianoRachmaninoff: VocaliseRachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 3

Beethoven’s FifthFebruary 23, 25, 26, 2012John Storgårds, conductorColin Currie, percussionBrahms: Tragic OvertureRautavaara: Incantations for Percussion and OrchestraBeethoven: Symphony No. 5Experience the drama of Beethoven’s most famous work and meet Colin Currie, a star in the world of solo percussion.

Mozart’s A Little Night MusicMarch 22, 24, 25, 2012Hans Graf, conductorMozart: Serenade No.10 for 13 winds, Gran PartitaStravinsky: Apollon MusagèteMozart: Eine kleine Nachtmusik Delight in Mozart's most graceful work.

Hilary Hahn Plus EnigmaMarch 30, 31, April 1, 2012Alexander Shelley, conductorHilary Hahn, violinBritten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter GrimesProkofiev: Violin Concerto No. 1*Elgar: SospiriElgar: Enigma Variations*“Hahn is one of those rare performers who can dazzle you with the warmth of her personality and knock you dead with the dexterity of her technique...” – Los AngeLes Times

Totally MozartMay 11, 12, 13, 2012Hans Graf, conductorAlbina Shagimuratova, sopranoRian Craypo, bassoonMozart: Symphony No. 31, ParisMozart: Vorrei spiegarvi, oh DioMozart: Bella mia fiamma – Resta, oh caraMozart: Concerto for Bassoon and OrchestraMozart: Symphony No. 38, PragueIn this delightfully all-Mozart evening, experience a musical ride from Paris to Prague with internationally acclaimed coloratura, soprano Albina Shagimuratova.

Carmina BuranaMay 17, 19, 20, 2012Hans Graf, conductorFrank Huang, violinMarc Molomot, tenorHugh Russell, baritoneHouston Symphony ChorusBach: Es ist genugBerg: Violin ConcertoOrff: Carmina BuranaBy popular demand, the Houston Symphony will close its season with Carmina Burana, a giant of the classical repertoire.

Albina Shagimuratova, soprano

Frank Huang, violin

FRIDAYACCESSCONCERT

MUSICAL ADVENTURESCombines fresh, new repertoire with your favorite selections from classical music.The new meets the timeless. If you love broadening your horizons while still getting the masterpieces you never tire of hearing, the Musical Adventures series is the one for you.

Brahms' Violin Concertowith Jalbert's world premier HS commissionSeptember 16, 17, 18, 2011

Beethoven’s Fifthwith Rautavaara's Incantations for Percussion and OrchestraFebruary 23, 25, 26, 2012

Hilary Hahn Plus Enigmawith Britten's Four Sea InterludesMarch 30, 31, April 1, 2012

Carmina Buranawith Berg's Violin ConcertoMay 17, 19, 20, 2012

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!

Watts Plays Beethoven’s EmperorSeptember 30, October 1, 2, 2011

Emanuel Ax Plus Tchaikovsky 3November 18, 19, 20, 2011

RachFest 3 – Rach 2January 19, 21, 22, 2012

Hilary Hahn Plus EnigmaMarch 30, 31, April 1, 2012

André Watts, piano

Colin Currie, percussion

Emanuel Ax, piano

Hilary Hahn, violin

CLASSICAL 3 & 4 CONCERT SERIES

$399

$380

$329

$312

$250

$232

$189

$174

$125

$112

See Page 11 for Seating Chart

See Page 11 for Seating Chart6 (713) 224-7575 houstonsymphony.org

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.

Brahms' Violin ConcertoSeptember 16, 17, 18, 2011

RachFest 2 – Rach 1 & 4January 13, 14, 15, 2012

Beethoven’s FifthFebruary 23, 25, 26, 2012

Totally MozartMay 11, 12, 13, 2012

$380 $312 $232 $174 $112

See Page 11 for Seating Chart

$380 $312 $232 $174 $112

See Page 11 for Seating Chart

EVENINGS OUTShare 4 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.

Richard Strauss’ A Hero’s LifeSeptember 22, 24, 25, 2011

Ravel’s Daphnis and ChloeOctober 20, 22, 23, 2011

Emanuel Ax Plus Tchaikovsky 3November 18, 19, 20, 2011

Mozart's A Little Night MusicMarch 22, 24, 25, 2012

(713) 224-7575 houstonsymphony.org 7

$399

$309

$645

$329

$258

$510

$250

$186

$420

$189

$138

$345

$125

$99

$264

See Page 11 for Seating Chart

See Page 11 for Seating Chart

See Page 11 for Seating Chart

David Afkham, conductor John Storgårds, conductor

RACHFEST!Experience a 3-week festival paying tribute to this most beloved Russian composer.Rachmaninoff has enchanted music lovers for generations with his incredibly romantic themes. Come experience a special 3-week festival—RachFest!—paying tribute to this most beloved Russian composer, featuring artist-in-residence Kirill Gerstein performing all 4 Rachmaninoff piano concertos.

RachFest 1 – Rach 3January 5, 7, 8, 2012

RachFest 2 – Rach 1 & 4January 13, 14, 15, 2012

RachFest 3 – Rach 2January 19, 21, 22, 2012

RACHFEST + 3Get all 3 weeks of RachFest concerts, plus 3 more concerts of your choice from the Classical or POPS subscription concerts. Visit houstonsymphony.org for the 11–12 POPS Season. No exchanges for this package.

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.

Watts Plays Beethoven’s EmperorSeptember 30, October 1, 2, 2011

Beethoven’s FifthFebruary 23, 25, 26, 2012

Mozart's A Little Night MusicMarch 22, 24, 25, 2012

Carmina BuranaMay 17, 19, 20, 2012

Kirill Gerstein, piano

8 (713) 224-7575 houstonsymphony.org

Kirill Gerstein, piano

$237 $186 $123 $75See Page 11 for Seating Chart

FRIDAY ACCESSGet access to the music in a whole new way.With this new Houston Symphony concert experience, you’re given greater access to the artists, composers, music and the stories behind the music. ACCESS concerts conveniently begin and end earlier, while connecting you more deeply with the music you enjoy. NPR's Morning Edition music commentator Miles Hoffman will be your musical host for each ACCESS concert, leading you through engaging commentary followed by a complete performance of each work on the program.

The ACCESS Experience:

6:00 pm Pre-Concert Mix & Mingle with Houston Symphony musicians, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar

7:00 pm Concert with host, Miles Hoffman

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

Emanuel Ax Plus Tchaikovsky 3November 18, 2011

Hilary Hahn Plus EnigmaMarch 30, 2012

Carmina BuranaMay 18, 2012Special performance of Carmina Burana

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BACKSTAGE (YPB)A 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!

Idina MenzelThe star of Rent, Wicked and Glee debuts with the Houston Symphony. October 14, 2011

Beethoven’s FifthFebruary 23, 2012

3-concert subscription (base package): $108 3 official YPB concerts + after parties

6-concert subscription: $177 Base package plus 3 additional Thursday/Friday night concerts of your choice!

9-concert subscription: $225 Base package plus 6 additional Thursday/Friday night concerts of your choice, PLUS free parking and free exchange privileges!

$309 $258 $186 $138 $99

See Page 11 for Seating Chart

Carmina BuranaMay 18, 2012ACCESS format

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, Fort Bend County! Enjoy 3 of this season’s most exciting concerts, right in your own neighborhood. All concerts performed at Sugar Land Baptist Church.

Beethoven 9: Ode to JoySeptember 8, 2011

Handel’s MessiahDecember 15, 2011

Hilary Hahn Plus EnigmaMarch 29, 2012

Idina Menzel

Opening Night: Ode to JoySeptember 9, 10, 2011, 7:30 pm

Hans Graf, conductor Sasha Cooke, mezzo-sopranoGordon Gietz, tenorAndrew Foster-Williams, bass-baritoneHouston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, directorBeethoven: Symphony No. 9

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is everlasting proof of Beethoven’s creative genius. Be part of the powerful kickoff to the 2011– 2012 Season and feel the contagious energy and joy of this towering classic, performed by Hans Graf, the Houston Symphony, Chorus and world-renowned soloists.

To attend the Opening Night gala, call (713) 337-8526 for your combo ticket to the concert and gala.

Vivaldi's Four SeasonsNovember 26, 2011, 7:30 pm

Eric Halen, violinDelve into the meaning and context of this beloved musical work through a stunning visual and musical presentation, Beyond the Score*. The first half of the program will offer a multimedia examination of the Four Seasons—sharing the illuminating stories found "inside" the music—followed by a full performance by the Houston Symphony with Associate Concertmaster Eric Halen. *Beyond the Score® is a production of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Christoph Eschenbach ReturnsDecember 6, 2011, 7:30 pm

Christoph Eschenbach, conductorMahler: Symphony No. 5Former music director Christoph Eschenbach returns to the Jones Hall stage to lead the Houston Symphony in Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 5.

Handel’s Messiah in CandlelightDecember 16, 17, 18, 2011Christian Knapp, conductorHouston Symphony ChorusHandel: Messiah"Rejoice Greatly" as this Houston tradition continues! The holidays wouldn’t be the same without Houston’s own performance of Handel’s Messiah with your Houston Symphony, Chorus and guest soloists.

Orbit – An HD OdysseySequel to The Planets – An HD OdysseyFebruary 18, 2012, 7:30 pm

Duncan Copp, producer/directorTheofanidis: Rainbow BodyCopland: Appalachian SpringAdams: Short Ride in a Fast MachineR. Strauss: Also sprach ZarathustraJoin us for the world premiere of the second film in our HD Odyssey series–this time focused on our planet. With striking

images taken from NASA missions to Earth's orbit and accompanied by Strauss' epic tone poem "Also sprach Zarathustra," this event is not to be missed.

SYMPHONY SPECIALSOnly subscribers have priority access to purchase these special concerts before they go on sale to the general public on August 1, 2011.

Hans Graf, Music Director

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor

Classical Seating ChartJones Hall

(713) 224-7575 houstonsymphony.org 11

STAGE

ORCHESTRA

GRAND TIER BOXES

BOXES

Classical Seating ChartJones Hall

Sugar Land Series Seating ChartSugar Land Baptist Church

CHOOSE THE PACKAGE AND THE PRICE FOR YOU! Get the best seats before the general public Save 15% or more off the price of individual ticket prices!

PremiumPrice Level 2Price Level 3

Price Level 4Price Level 5Not Available

STEPS FOR SUBSCRIBING

Log on to houstonsymphony.org any time of day Or call (713) 224-7575 Mon–Sat 10 Am–6 pm

Select the 3 or 4 concert series that fits you best.

Select your price level and number of seats.

Secure your tickets to the 2011–2012 Season.

IT’S THAT EASY! Start saving with the Houston Symphony TODAY.

Call (713) 224-7575 or go online to add on Symphony Specials and additional single tickets.

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 groupsales@houstonsymphony.org.

PremiumPrice Level 2Price Level 3

Price Level 4Obstructed view

ORCHESTRA

MEZZANINE

STAGE

hous

tons

ymph

ony.

org

(

713)

224

-757

5

Get 4

con

certs

for

as lo

w a

s $1

12!

Non

-Pro

fit O

rgU.

S. P

osta

gePA

IDHo

usto

nSy

mph

ony

Soci

ety

Hous

ton

Sym

phon

y So

ciet

y61

5 Lo

uisi

ana

Stre

et, S

uite

102

, Hou

ston

, Tex

as 7

7002

Kiju

Joh

, vio

lin

On th

e co

ver:

Eric

Lar

son,

dou

ble

bass

,w

ith M

usic

ian

Spon

sor

Stev

en M

ach

Mus

ic in

spire

sPA

SSIO

N