Fall in Love with Two Classical Performances at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in September

As autumn leaves are falling and the weather cools off in September, visit The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for two classical performing art events featuring the Houston Symphony, Latin American Classical Sept. 6 and Evening with Brahms Sept. 21. Tickets for both concerts are $15 for orchestra seating. Mezzanine and lawn seating are free courtesy of The Wortham Foundation. Tickets are not required for free seating. Both concerts start at 8 p.m. Gates open at 7 p.m.

On Sept. 6, the concert features Suites No. 1 and 2 from Falla's "El Sombrero de tres picos," a ballet performed with full orchestral music. Falla was influenced by traditional Andalusian folk music. The mezzo-soprano songs are examples of cante jondo singing which typically accompanies flamenco music and tells a sad story. Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez for Guitar and Orchestra is a composition featuring classical guitar. The second movement is the best known of the three, marked by its slow pace and quiet melody, introduced by the English horn, with a soft accompaniment by guitar and strings. Revueltas' "Sensemayá," a poem by the Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén, was adapted as an orchestral work by Revueltas and became one of his most famous compositions. Joining the symphony is Jason Vieaux on guitar. Vieaux is cited as one of the "youngest stars of the guitar world" by The New York Times.

The Sept. 21 program, under the baton of Maestro Hans Graf, features "Variations on a Theme of Haydn," Concerto in A Minor for Violin, Cello and Orchestra and Symphony No. 4 in E minor. "Variations on a Theme of Haydn" consists of a theme in B-flat major, eight variations and a finale. The work was published in two versions: one for two pianos and one for orchestra. The orchestra version is better known. Brahms' Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra was written for cellist Robert Hausmann and estranged friend and violinist Joseph Joachim. Symphony No. 4, one of Brahms last symphonies, is scored for two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, two  trumpets, three trombones and strings. Brahms spent much of his professional life in Vienna where he was a leader in the musical scene. He composed for piano, chamber ensembles, symphony orchestra and for voice and chorus. He premiered many of his own works and worked with some of the leading performers of his time, including pianist Clara Schumann and violinist Joseph Joachim. Special guests joining the symphony are Frank Huang, violinist, and Brinton Averil Smith, cellist.

Both concerts are conducted by Hans Graf as he enters his final season as Music Director of the Houston Symphony. The Symphony's 2012-13 season will be Graf's grand finale after 12 years at the helm of this world-renowned orchestra. Come celebrate Graf's farewell season with us!    

Pre-concert activities for Latin American Classical and Evening with Brahms begin at 7 p.m. in the North Plaza sponsored by Fidelity Investments, Market Street-The Woodlands, Renewal by Andersen and Century 21 Realty Partners. At both concerts, get insight into the evening's program with Pavilion Talk, a free pre-concert discussion led by noted music scholar and former college professor Ira Black from 7:15- 7:45 p.m. Children and parents can visit The Pavilion Partners, Woodforest National Bank, Renewal by Andersen, Century 21 Realty Partners, Market Street-The Woodlands, Mercury Boroque and Audi of America, official automobile of The Pavilion. Guests also can register-to-win Tommy Bahama's "Best Seats in the House," which includes dinner for four at the next performing arts event and a $100 gift card from Market Street-The Woodlands, and participate in Fidelity's Seat Exchange. At Latin American Classical, guests can enjoy activities by the American Diabetes Association as well as listen to the sounds of The Woodlands Show Chorus. At Evening with Brahms, guests can enjoy activities by CASA and a performance by The Woodlands High School Chamber Orchestra.

At  all symphonies, guests are welcome to have a picnic in their seat or on the hill. Keep in mind that beverages cannot be brought into The Pavilion. Sitting on the hill? Lawn chairs also are provided free for this event!