In 2014, long-time Houston Symphony Chorus Director Charles Hausmann announced his retirement from the role in which he has made an indelible artistic impact. Since he became director of the Chorus in 1986, Dr. Hausmann has collaborated with many of the world’s great conductors, including Hans Graf, Christoph Eschenbach, Claus Peter Flor and Robert Shaw.
“Conducting the Houston Symphony Chorus has always been a great source of joy and pride for me,” said Dr. Hausmann. “It has been such a privilege to lead the preparation of all of the great masterworks in the repertoire that we have performed with such acclaim in Houston and internationally. After 28 years of service, including over 700 performances of over 150 different major works in collaboration with more than 40 international conductors, I will certainly miss my work with the Houston Symphony and Chorus, but I leave with an immense sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.”
In addition to Houston performances of most of the major choral masterworks found in the orchestral cannon, Dr. Hausmann and the Houston Symphony Chorus toured throughout the United States, Europe and Mexico. In 2007, Dr. Hausmann led the chorus on its fourth European tour where he appeared as guest conductor at the Prague Spring Festival and with the Budapest Concert Orchestra and the Symphonie-Orchester der Wiener Volksoper. He and the Chorus also shared a 20-year collaboration with Mexico City’s Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería. Prior to assuming the title Houston Symphony Chorus Director Emeritus in recognition of his exemplary service, Dr. Hausmann travelled back to Mexico City with the chorus in August to again collaborate with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería.
Although Dr. Hausmann has stepped away from his role with the Houston Symphony Chorus, he is far from retiring. As Director of Graduate Choral Studies and Professor of Conducting at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music, Dr. Hausmann directs the masters and doctoral programs in choral conducting. Choirs under his direction have performed for conventions of the Music Educator’s National Conference and the American Choral Director’s Association. He also serves as Director of Choral Music at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. He frequently appears as a guest conductor, lecturer and clinician.
“The entire Houston Symphony and Chorus family joins me in thanking and congratulating Charles on a job incredibly well done,” said Mark C. Hanson, Houston Symphony Executive Director/CEO. “It is rare to find a person who can successfully lead an ensemble through nearly three decades of artistic achievement and growth. In Charles Hausmann, we have such a leader who has inspired our chorus members to perform at a very high level while delivering moving and memorable performances.”