Andres Orozco-Estrada's 3 Weeks Of Beethoven Opens with Fifth Symphony, 11/13-16

On November 13-16, Houston audiences will experience a powerful opening to the 3 Weeks of Beethoven, a multi-weekend celebration of Beethoven's music, led by new Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada. Andrés lends his unique blend of passion and electricity to 11 thrilling performances over three weeks, which begin a larger three-year cycle of all nine Beethoven symphonies between the 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons.

In this opening weekend of the Beethoven series, concertgoers not only hear the legendary four-note theme of Beethoven's ever-popular Fifth Symphony, but are led through a unique and captivating first-half of music embodying the intoxicating sounds, rhythms and melodies of Hispanic culture. This juxtaposition, which pairs an iconic masterwork with engaging music of our time, represents Andrés' vision of combining the new and old while highlighting his South American heritage.

The concert begins with Composer-in-Residence Gabriela Lena Frank's Three Latin American Dances, a piece which draws influence from many sources, including the shared Latin American heritage of both Frank and Orozco-Estrada. From the Symphonic Dances of West Side Story to the "mestizo" or mixed-race music of the South American Pacific coast, Three Latin American Dances will both enchant and enthrall listeners. Frank, acting as Composer-in-Residence over a three season period, is a compelling and engaging compositional voice in the North American music scene. She will be featured in multiple ways during her residency, including the commissioning of new world-premiere works for the Houston Symphony. Frank is also keen to get active beyond the concert hall during her times in residence in Houston, creating meaningful connections between her music and community organizations and schools.

Also on the concert program's first half, audiences will hear Lalo's Symphonie espagnole, featuring brilliant Spanish violin melodies performed by Concertmaster Frank Huang and the Houston Symphony.

To post a comment, you must register and login.