Tony DeSare to Make Debut with Houston Symphony, 1/24-26

On January 24, 25 and 26, the young and talented guest artist Tony DeSare will make his debut with the Houston Symphony, led by Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski, for an evening of contemporary music made popular in the last half of the 20th century. DeSare, a dynamic and entertaining pianist and vocalist, will present a fresh take on radio favorites, as well as his own musical works, in an evening sure to fill audiences at Jones Hall with laughter and memories. Featuring arrangements of chart toppers like Prince's "Kiss," Journey's "Faithfully," The Bee Gees' "How Deep is Your Love," Bruce Springsteen's "Fire" and original compositions like "New Orleans Tango," audience members are sure to get lost in the sultry and rhythmic backgrounds of these new classics.

Pre-concert entertainment is especially unique during the Pops weekend. Christian Wiggs from Brazoswood High School won the Symphony's Tony DeSare Opening Act Contest, a competition conducted via YouTube, and will be performing for patrons in the Jones Hall lobby before each of Tony DeSare's concerts.

About Michael Krajewski

Known for his entertaining programs and wry sense of humor, Michael Krajewski is a much sought after conductor of symphonic pops concerts. Now in his 14th season in Houston, he joined the Houston Symphony as Principal Pops Conductor at the beginning of the 2000-01 season and holds the same position with the Jacksonville Symphony and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Krajewski was named Music Director of the The Philly POPS in November 2012.

Much in demand as a guest conductor with orchestras across the country, Krajewski has performed with the Boston Pops and the Hollywood Bowl orchestras and has collaborated with an eclectic group of artists including flutist James Galway, mezzo soprano Marilyn Horne, pop artists Roberta Flack, Judy Collins, Art Garfunkel, Doc Severinsen, Al Hirt, Cab Calloway, Mary Wilson, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Pink Martini and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

With degrees from Wayne State University in Detroit and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Michael furthered his training at the Pierre Monteux Domaine School for Conductors. He was a Dorati Fellowship Conductor with the Detroit Symphony and later served as that orchestra's assistant conductor. He was resident conductor of the Florida Symphony and for eleven years served as music director of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra.

About Tony DeSare

Singer, pianist and songwriter Tony DeSare was named a "Rising Star" Male Vocalist in the Downbeat Critics Poll. He has won critical and popular acclaim for his concert performances throughout the United States, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong. This season, in addition to his debut with the Houston Symphony, he will headline with other major symphonies around the country.

"Let's Just Stay In," an original song on his latest CD, Radio Show (Telarc), is featured in the 20th Century Fox film Tooth Fairy. With playfulness and robust musicality, DeSare covers old and newer pop and jazz standards. His takes on classic standards and sophisticated original compositions have earned him a reputation as one of country's hottest young singer/pianists.

With a sexy, distinctive sound, Tony's second recording, Last First Kiss, spotlights a refreshingly contemporary combination of originals and standards, from Prince's "Kiss" and Carole King's "I Feel the Earth Move."

Tony grew up in Glens Falls, New York, to a musical family. He began singing and playing professionally at 17 and built a large regional following. At Ithaca College, the Tony DeSare Trio was one of the most popular bands in central New York. Shortly after moving to New York City in 1999, Tony was cast as the star of the long running Off-Broadway musical smash, Our Sinatra. Tony DeSare is a Yamaha Artist.

About the Houston Symphony

During the current 2013-14 Season, the Houston Symphony celebrates its 100th year as one of America's leading orchestras with a full complement of concert, community, education, touring and recording activities. In the upcoming 2014-15 Season, the orchestra begins its next century under the direction of Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada, the organization's first Hispanic music director and 15th overall. The Houston Symphony is one of the oldest performing arts organizations in Texas whose inaugural performance was held at The Majestic Theater in downtown Houston on June 21, 1913. Today, with an annual operating budget of $30.7 million, the full-time ensemble of 87 professional musicians is the largest performing arts organization in Houston, presenting more than 286 performances for 300,000 people, including 82,000 children, annually. For tickets and more information, please visit www.houstonsymphony.org or call 713-224-7575.