It was just two years ago that Marin Alsop took over the helm at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The classical music world took note for two reasons. First, because in doing so, Alsop became the first woman to head a major American orchestra. Second, because her talent and expertise promised to usher in a new era of excellence for Baltimore. Houston has been lucky enough to see Alsop at the Houston Symphony’s podium before. She’ll return to conduct Barber’s Symphony No. 1 and the lush, dramatic Mahler’s First. 8 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. For information, call 713-222-7575 or visit www.houstonsymphony.org. $29 to $116.
Thu., Jan. 7, 8 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 9, 8 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 10, 2:30 p.m., 2010
This article appears in Jan 7-13, 2010.