Start the fall season with a bang, as the Houston Symphony performs a variety of concerts with everything from pops to cultural to classical music. On Sept. 3, groove to the music of the 60s and 70s with the Houston Symphony's Rockapella Goes Retro. Musical selections for the evening include songs such as "Here Comes the Sun," "Rock the Boat," "People Change," "Philadelphia Freedom," "Shambala" and "Dance with Me." Enjoy your favorite rock music a cappella style and be ready to party like a Rockapella star!
 
Next, embark on a cultural experience that takes you from Spain to Mexico discovering classical Hispanic music with the Houston Symphony's Viva Filarmónica Sept. 10. The symphony performs under the direction of Alondra de la Parra and features guest guitarist Pablo Sainz Villegas. Hispanic music has a wide variety of sounds, instruments and origins that will entertain the music lover in you. The program highlights Hispanic culture by presenting classical music by composers from Spain, Mexico and Latin American countries. 
 
The Houston Symphony's performance of Chopin & Tchaikovsky Sept.18 showcases the classical side of orchestral music. Maestro Hans Graf conducts the world-renowned symphony in an evening showcasing three masters of classical music: Schuman, Chopin and Tchaikovsky. Ingrid Fliter accompanies the symphony on piano. Hear these masterworks expertly performed by the Houston Symphony.
 
All pre-concert activities begin at 7 p.m. and are free to everyone attending the events. Tickets are $15 for orchestra-level seating and there is free mezzanine and lawn seating at each event. For half-price orchestra seats use the password STARS at The Pavilion Ticket Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Offer expires the day prior to the event for phone and online sales. For more information about The Pavilion's Performing Arts Season, visit www.woodlandscenter.org.