Houston Symphony Pays Tribute to Philanthropist George P. Mitchell

Today, the Houston Symphony joined the many voices expressing condolences at the news of the passing of noted philanthropist George P. Mitchell.

A stalwart supporter of the arts, Mitchell included the Symphony in many of his gifts over the years. Following the opening of his wife's namesake, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, Texas, in 1990, he gave $5 million to the Houston Symphony Endowment in 1992, enabling the Pavilion to become the official summer home of the orchestra. As a result, the orchestra performs ten concerts every year at the outdoor entertainment venue, ranging from classical to pops and family programs. Off stage, Mitchell's support also allowed the Symphony and Pavilion to work cooperatively to create a multitude of education programs for student musicians.

"As the Houston Symphony enters its 100th year, I cannot imagine our orchestra reaching this significant birthday without George Mitchell," said Executive Director and CEO Mark C. Hanson. "What an extraordinary life he led and what a magnificent impact he had on our city, state and Symphony."

Efforts are already underway at the Symphony to honor his longtime generosity by performing in a special memorial concert planned for August 8 at The Pavilion.

Mitchell had been supportive of Symphony performances for decades, with his wife Cynthia being particularly fond of Pops concerts. They became the title sponsors in 2005 of a series now known as the "Cynthia Woods Mitchell POPS at Jones Hall." Both George and Cynthia also shared their time and leadership skills with the organization, serving on the Board of Trustees during the early 1990s. They also endowed the George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell chair for principal trumpet which is currently held by Houston Symphony musician Mark Hughes. Through his philanthropy, Mitchell was also a member of the Symphony's leadership giving circles: the Ima Hogg Society and, for his multi-year commitment and support of the POPs, the New Century Society for Artistic Excellence and Innovation.

With its Centennial subscription season beginning in just five weeks, the orchestra will dedicate the season opening Pops concerts, Cirque de la Symphonie on August 30, 31 and September 1, to Mitchell, celebrating his life and honoring his many contributions to the Houston Symphony.

During the 2013-14 Centennial 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. 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 $30.4 million, the full-time ensemble of 87 professional musicians is the largest performing arts organization in Houston, presenting more than 280 concerts for 280,000 people, including 84,000 children, annually. For tickets and more information, visit www.houstonsymphony.org or call 713-224-7575.

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