Houston Symphony to Present New Multimedia Project LA TRISTE HISTORIA, 11/1-3

On November 1, 2 and 3, the Houston Symphony will present the world premiere of La Triste Historia, a one-of-a-kind multimedia project tied to one of the most important and meaningful holidays in the Hispanic community, El Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. The project features a newly commissioned symphony, Ofrenda a los muertos, written by renowned Mexican composer, Juan Trigos, paired with a fantastical animated film created by the London-based animation company, ticktockrobot. The story tells a tragic, dreamlike tale of two young lovers, separated by death during the Mexican Revolution, who later reunite through the celebration and ceremony of Day of the Dead. Executive Producer Duncan Copp, of the Symphony's HD Odyssey films, and Academy Award nominated producer and writer Ben Young Mason have teamed up with the Houston Symphony to bring this story to life.

El Día de los Muertos is an annual tradition that originated among Mexican communities every November 1 and 2 to honor and remember the lives of loved ones who have passed away. It's believed that on these nights spirits can come back to walk upon the earth once again. Elaborate ofrendas or altars with favorite items from the person's life are constructed in the homes and in cemeteries as a way to attract and invite the spirits to visit.

The Houston Symphony has also partnered with the Mexican Consulate of Houston to present its annual El Día de los Muertos altar exhibit in Jones Hall from October 30 to November 3. The opening ceremony for the exhibit will occur on October 30 at 6:30 p.m. and will be available for public viewing 90 minutes before each performance.

To learn more about La Triste Historia - Animated Film + Music, please view the following video presentations: