Calendar

Cirque de la Symphony

Why are there acrobats in the violin section?

A A A Comments By Julia Ramey Thursday, May 27 2010

More About

Cirque artists have long used music to enhance the effects of their performances; now, the musicians of the Houston Symphony are using cirque artists to enhance theirs. In Cirque de la Symphony, a brand-new concert conducted by Michael Krajewski, the musicians will share the stage with aerial fliers, strongmen, hand-balancing acrobats and other cirque experts. The highlight should be Janice Martin, a stunning classical violinist who plays while suspended from silk fabrics or an aerial hoop. The musical program is appropriately vivacious and dramatic, and extremely varied: It includes two selections from Bizet's Carmen as well as the theme from Rockyand John Williams's score for Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. Each cirque performance was specifically crafted according to the song, so symphonic purists need not worry - the music is still the star. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. For information, call 713-224-7575 or visit www.houstonsymphony.org. $25 to $116.
Fri., May 28, 8 p.m.; Sat., May 29, 8 p.m.; Sun., May 30, 7:30 p.m., 2010