The decorations are lining the streets, and the holiday cards are flying across the country, which can only mean one thing: the winter holiday season is here. “The most wonderful time of the year,” as it has been lovingly dubbed, is also the time when families look for annual entertainment and tradition.
The Houston Symphony has conveniently scheduled a series of programs that will offer something for everyone, from age one to 92, all taking place at Jones Hall.
See below to find something that will put the jingle in your bells.
Very Merry POPS, December 12 – 15
This POPS favorite is brimming with all the songs and carols people have come to know and love throughout the years.
Adding to the mix is Tony-nominated Broadway star Betsy Wolfe, along with the Houston Symphony Chorus, for the festivities.
Wolfe brings the goods, vocally speaking. She received her BFA in musical theatre from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. At age 20, she made her Carnegie Hall debut with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra under Maestro Erich Kunzel, and from there a star was born. She most recently performed in musical theatre in & Juliet and Waitress.
She has been a guest artist for over 50 symphony, POPS and philharmonic orchestras across the United States and internationally, including the New York Philharmonic and BBC Symphony Orchestra.
If that was not enough, rumor has it the audience may see a special visitor from the North Pole. To boot, Jones Hall’s bedecked Christmas tree will be on display for ideal for capturing the perfect selfies … in case anyone needs a last-minute family photo for this year’s holiday card.
Houston Symphony will present Very Merry POPS at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. For tickets or information, call 713-224-7575 or visit houstonsymphony.org. $49 – $140. A livestream option is available for Saturday’s show for $20.
Holly Jolly Holiday – December 14
Holly Jolly Holiday is a guaranteed hit for the youngsters (and young at heart) as Santa will stop by to spread Christmas cheer.
The concert will include a host of kid-friendly holiday songs, plus free hot chocolate, interactive lobby activities and a chance to visit with ‘Ole Saint Nick.
The other star of the program is going to be mezzo-soprano Emily Treigle, who has her own connection to Houston. She is an alumna of the Houston Grand Opera Butler Studio as well as Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. Outside of Houston, one of her notable accomplishments has been Grand Finals Winner of the 2021 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.
The program will be a trip to the days of yore with selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, “O Holy Night,” Sleigh Ride as well as many other wintertime favorites. And it just would not be the holidays without a chance to join the chorus with “A Merry Christmas Sing-Along.”
Houston Symphony will present Holly Jolly Holiday at 10 and 11:30 a.m., Saturday at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. For tickets or information, call 713-224-7575 or visit houstonsymphony.org. $44 – $54.
Handel’s Messiah – December 20 – 22
It would not be the holidays without the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus during Handel’s Messiah. The piece is quite literally divinely inspired and has been a trademark of the holiday seasons.
The interesting thing about Messiah is that, even though the notes on the page have not changed over time, each conductor’s interpretation of the piece will vary from one to the next, which means that audiences can see this performance year after year and witness something completely new each time.
For this season, Conductor Jonathan Cohen will wield the baton, offering his perspective on the timeless title. Joining him will be soprano Joélle Harvey, mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano, tenor Andrew Haji and bass-baritone Michael Sumuel.
Do not forget the other star of the show: the Houston Symphony Chorus, who will provide the “oomph” to the piece that will no doubt leave the viewers standing before the end.
Houston Symphony will present Handel’s Messiah at 7:30 p.m. December 20 and 21; 2 p.m. December 22 at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. For tickets or information, call 713-224-7575 or visit houstonsymphony.org. $54 to $145. A livestream option is available for Saturday’s show for $20.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024.
