In the mood for all things Russian? Then be there when the Houston Symphony launches its new season with an all–Russian Opening Night Concert. Hans Graf will lead the ensemble through Tchaikovskyย’s Piano Concerto no. 1, featuring Russian piano prodigy Denis Matsuev. In selecting a pianist to tackle Tchaikovsky, they couldnย’t have done better: Matsuev, just 32, won the Tchaikovsky Contest in Moscow in 1998 and is known for his technical prowess. After handling the famed concerto, heย’ll move on to ย“Pictures at an Exhibitionย” by fellow Russian Modest Mussorgsky (thatย’s his name, not an adjective), known for his Dostoevsky-like fixation on the insulted and indigent, and music that reflects their struggle. There wonย’t be any struggle onstage, though ย— tonightย’s a celebration.

Sat., Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m.

This article appears in Sep 6-12, 2007.