Brahms' Violin Concerto September 16, 17, 18, 2011 Hans Graf, conductor James Ehnes, violin Jalbert: World premiere HS commission Brahms: Violin Concerto Dvorák: Symphony No. 6 One of the pillars of the concerto repertoire, Brahms’ Violin Concerto was dedicated to dear friend and legendary violinist Joseph Joachim. You’ll hear some of Brahms’ most tender, lyric melodies, brilliant technical fireworks and a sprinkle of Hungarian folk rhythms. Plus hear Jalbert's new work to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
	Richard Strauss’ A Hero’s Life September 22, 24, 25, 2011 Floyd: Flourishes Rouse: Odna Zhizn (A Life) Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 2 R. Strauss: Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life) Imagine the knight in shining armor, lance held high. Noble, determined and charming, he conquers his enemies, wins countless battles, champions peace and always gets the girl! This deliciously ironic musical self-portrayal shows Strauss’ acute sense of humor at his compositional height.
	Watts Plays Beethoven’s Emperor September 30, October 1, 2, 2011 David Afkham, conductor André Watts, piano Beethoven: Coriolan Overture Schubert: Symphony No. 8, Unfinished Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5, Emperor Striking in manner, Beethoven’s brilliant Emperor concerto opens with a shining piano cadenza.  Get ready to experience a work as original and exciting as anything Beethoven ever wrote. At the keyboard, we welcome back legendary American pianist, André Watts.
	Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe October 20, 22, 23, 2011 Gilbert Varga, conductor Daniel Mueller-Schott, cello Haydn: Symphony No. 49, La Passione     Haydn: Cello Concerto in D major     Ravel: Mother Goose Suite Ravel: Daphnis and Chloe Suite No. 2 Poetic and ethereal, Daphnis and Chloe evokes a meadow of nymphs on a spring afternoon. Come hear some of Ravel’s most splendorous, colorful music.
	Brahms' Second Symphony November 10, 12, 13, 2011 Christoph Köenig, conductor Elizabeth Keusch, soprano Quinn Patrick, mezzo-soprano Steven Tharp, tenor Stephen Bryant, bass-baritone Houston Symphony Chorus    Charles Hausmann, director Zhou Tian: A Thousand Years of Good Prayers Schubert: Mass No. 3 Brahms: Symphony No. 2 Like a call from afar, deep in the Austrian countryside, the Second Symphony’s opening theme blossoms into an ever-flowing stream of rich melodies.  You’ll be captivated by the complexity of this seemingly cheerful masterpiece.
	Emanuel Ax Plus Tchaikovsky 3 November 18, 19, 20, 2011 Hans Graf, conductor Emanuel Ax, piano Golijov: Last Round Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 25* Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 3* Houston Symphony favorite Emanuel Ax returns performing Mozart’s majestic Piano Concerto No. 25. Also on the program is Argentinean composer Osvaldo Golijov’s Last Round, which was created in homage to the great tango master, Astor Piazzolla. You’ll be mesmerized by a piece that evokes the sensuality of the Argentinean tango. *Friday Access Concert only includes these works.

RACH FEST!

Rachmaninoff has enchanted music lovers for generations with his incredibly romantic themes. Come experience a special 3-week festival—RachFest!—paying tribute to this most beloved Russian composer, featuring artist-in-residence Kirill Gerstein performing all four Rachmaninoff piano concertos.

	RachFest 1 – Rach 3 January 5, 7, 8, 2012 Edward Gardner, conductor Kirill Gerstein, piano Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3 Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances
	RachFest 2 – Rach 1 & 4 January 13, 14, 15, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Kirill Gerstein, piano Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 1 Rachmaninoff: Isle of the Dead Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 4
	RachFest 3 – Rach 2 January 19, 21, 22, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Kirill Gerstein, piano Rachmaninoff: Vocalise Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 3

	Dvorák & Polovtsian Dances February 10, 11, 12, 2012 Jakub Hruša, conductor Houston Symphony Chorus Christine Goerke, soprano Nathan Berg, bass-baritone Dvorák: Te Deum Borodin: Polovtsian Dances Dvorák: Slavonic Dances Janácek: Taras Bulba Czech conductor Jakub Hruša has put together a compelling mix of sublimely tuneful music, lively folk dances and a riveting musical story of a bloodthirsty warlord.
	Beethoven’s Fifth February 23, 25, 26, 2012 John Storgårds, conductor Colin Currie, percussion Brahms: Tragic Overture Rautavaara: Incantations for Percussion and Orchestra Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 Experience the drama of Beethoven’s most famous work. You’ll hear the contrast between breathless tenderness and the powerful, triumphal finale. Plus, meet Colin Currie, a star in the world of solo percussion, for whom Rautavaara composed the provocative concerto, Incantations.
	Petrenko Conducts Prokofiev March 16, 17, 18, 2012 Vasily Petrenko, conductor Chloe Hanslip, violin Elgar: Cockaigne, In London Town Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5 Winner of the Fourth Prokofiev Conducting Competition, Petrenko has already reached stardom in the classical music world. Hear him conduct Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony.
	Mozart’s A Little Night Music March 22, 24, 25, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Mozart: Serenade No.10 for 13 winds, Gran Partita Stravinsky: Apollon Musagète Mozart: Eine kleine Nachtmusik Delight in Mozart's most graceful work. A Little Night Music will lighten your heart and fill your evening with joy.
	Hilary Hahn & Enigma Variations March 30, 31, April 1, 2012 Alexander Shelley, conductor Hilary Hahn, violin Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 1* Elgar: Sospiri Elgar: Enigma Variations* “Hahn is one of those rare performers who can dazzle you with the warmth of her personality and knock you dead with the dexterity of her technique...” – LOS ANGELES TIMES *Friday Access Concert only includes these works.
	Petrouchka & Beethoven April 13, 14, 15, 2012 Pablo Heras-Casado, conductor Jon Kimura Parker, piano Schumann: Overture to Manfred Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 Stravinsky: Petrouchka (1947) "Heras-Casado is the real deal. With the young Simon Rattle's curly hair, searing intensity, benign smile, and clear communication with the orchestra, Granada-born Heras-Casado is truly a conductor beyond convenient pigeonholes, with an enormous repertoire..." –SAN FRANCISCO CLASSICAL VOICE
	Two Faces of Shostakovich May 3, 4, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Mikhail Svetlov, bass Shostakovich: Anti-Formalist Rayok Shostakovich: Symphony No. 11, The Year 1905 For his entire life, Shostakovich struggled with various political regimes, falling in and out of favor many times. In the Anti-Formalist Rayok, hear Shostakovich railing against his oppressors with biting sarcasm. The 11th Symphony represents the politically accepted Shostakovich, yet still full of searingly powerful commentary. Saturday and Sunday subscribers will attend the Friday performance.
	Totally Mozart May 11, 12, 13, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Albina Shagimuratova, soprano Rian Craypo, bassoon Mozart: Symphony No. 31, Paris Mozart: Vorrei spiegarvi, oh Dio Mozart: Bella mia fiamma – Resta, oh cara Mozart: Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra Mozart: Symphony No. 38, Prague In this delightfully all-Mozart evening led by Maestro Hans Graf, experience a musical ride from Paris to Prague. Plus hear two awe-inspiring concert arias with internationally acclaimed coloratura, soprano Albina Shagimuratova. It’s Totally Mozart!
	Carmina Burana May 17, 19, 20, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Frank Huang, violin Marc Molomot, tenor Hugh Russell, baritone Houston Symphony Chorus Bach: Es ist genug Berg: Violin Concerto Orff: Carmina Burana By popular demand, the Houston Symphony will close its season with Carmina Burana, a giant of the classical repertoire. The theme "O Fortuna" from the cantata has become a staple in popular culture wherever there’s need for drama.

Dates, artists, programs, and prices are subject to change. All concerts are at Jones Hall unless otherwise noted.