The Houston Symphony, founded in 1913, is one of the oldest performing arts organizations in the U.S. Maestro Hans Graf, the Symphony’s 15th music director, follows in a long line of distinguished leaders, such as Sir John Barbirolli, Christoph Eschenbach, and Andre Previn.
The Symphony fosters education through special events, such as the Weatherfold Family Concerts, with pre- and post-concert fun for children; free pre-concert discussions beginning 50 minutes before each Classical series concert; and the free Sounds Like Fun! concert series for children. College students wishing to attend more concerts can take advantage of a College Classics subscription: great orchestra seats for only $9 per concert and the subscription comes with the same benefits that full subscribers receive. In the summer, the HSO offers a series of free concerts for the community, Target Summer Symphony Nights, at the Miller Outdoor Theater.
Houston Symphony Information
- Public Transportation: Good
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances/Programs: Over 170 performances are given per year
- Ticket Prices: $20–$107, depending on dates and seats. Subject to availability, specially discounted tickets may be offered to students and seniors (65+) for Classical and Pops subscription concerts. Rush tickets for Classical concerts cost $11. Rush tickets for Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pops are $15. Rush tickets can be purchased starting at noon on the day of the performance. Discounts are provided for groups of 10 or more
- Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available for the Classical and Pops series. Six- or nine-concert Classical subscribers may exchange tickets for any other regularly scheduled Classical concert, subject to availability. Special concerts are not exchangeable
- Membership: Individual membership begins at $50 with a subscription to the Symphony Notes newsletter.
