Houston Symphony facts for kids
The Houston Symphony is a famous orchestra that plays amazing music in Houston, Texas. It has even won a Grammy Award! Since 1966, the orchestra has performed at the beautiful Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts in downtown Houston.
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The Symphony's Beginning
The idea for the Houston Symphony started on June 21, 1913. A kind person named Ima Hogg, who loved helping her community in Houston, helped make it happen. At first, the orchestra was quite small, with only 35 musicians who played part-time.
Even though it was small, the orchestra and its first conductor, Julien Paul Blitz, were very popular. They kept performing until 1916. After Blitz, Paul Bergé took over as conductor. However, the orchestra stopped playing in 1918.
Becoming a Professional Orchestra
The orchestra started up again in 1930. It was still a group of semi-professional musicians. They played their first full season of concerts the next year with Uriel Nespoli as conductor.
In 1936, the group officially became the Houston Symphony Society. That same year, Ernst Hoffmann became the conductor. With more support, he started hiring professional musicians. Over the next few decades, the orchestra grew much bigger. In 1971, the musicians signed their first 52-week contract, meaning they were full-time professionals.
Important Conductors and Milestones
Leopold Stokowski was the music director from 1955 to 1961. During his time, the Houston Symphony was the first in America to play the Symphony No. 11 by Dmitri Shostakovich. They also made the very first recording of this piece.
In the early 1960s, Stokowski invited a talented African-American opera singer named Shirley Verrett to sing with the orchestra. At first, the orchestra's board said no to having a Black soloist. Stokowski later made things right by giving her a special chance to perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra instead.
New Home and Challenges
For many years, the orchestra played in places like the City Auditorium or the Music Hall. But in 1966, they got a wonderful new home: the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts.
In 2001, the orchestra faced a big challenge. A storm called Tropical Storm Allison flooded the basement of Jones Hall. They lost many valuable instruments, music, and historical records. In 2003, the musicians had a difficult time and went on strike for 24 days. After this, some changes were made, including a reduction in the orchestra's size.
Recent Leadership and Awards
Hans Graf was the music director from 2001 to 2013. He was the longest-serving music director in the Houston Symphony's history! After his time as music director ended, he became the orchestra's conductor laureate.
In October 2012, Andrés Orozco-Estrada first performed as a guest conductor with the orchestra. Everyone loved him! In January 2013, he was chosen to be the next music director, starting in the 2014–2015 season. His first contract was for five years. In March 2017, his contract was extended through the 2021–2022 season. Under Orozco-Estrada, the orchestra has recorded three CDs of Dvořák's music.
In January 2018, the Houston Symphony won its first ever Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording! This was a huge achievement for the orchestra.
Music Directors
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Notable Musicians
Here are some of the talented musicians who have played with the Houston Symphony and have their own articles:
- Arlene Weiss Alda, clarinet, assistant principal 1956–1957
- James Austin, trumpet, principal 1960–1977
- Edward Carroll, trumpet, associate principal 1975–1976
- Wayne Crouse, viola, principal 1951–1983
- Willard Somers Elliot, bassoon 1946–1949
- Paul Ellison, bass, principal 1964–1987
- Armando Ghitalla, trumpet 1948–1950
- Desmond Hoebig, cello, principal 1991–2003
- Frank Huang, violin, concertmaster 2010–2015
- Benjamin Kamins, bassoon, principal 1981–2003
- Julie Landsman, horn, co-principal 1982–1985
- Erik Ralske, horn, associate principal
- Hal Robinson, bass, assistant principal 1977–1985
- Elaine Shaffer, flute, principal 1948–1953
- Joseph Silverstein, violin 1950–1953
- Brinton Averil Smith, cello, principal 2005–present
- Laila Storch, oboe, principal 1948–1955
- William VerMeulen, horn, principal 1990–present
- John McLaughlin Williams, violin 1981–1982
- Harold Wright, clarinet, c. 1949–1952
See also
In Spanish: Orquesta Sinfónica de Houston para niños
