Love the Houston Symphony! I have the $60 student season pass and attend 8-12 concerts a year at Jones Hall. This is typically a split between classical and pops concerts. The must see is Very Merry Pops, their holiday concert. It's absolutely amazing an will definitely put you in the holiday spirit. Parking usually in some of their nearby garages - be wary though b/c the main one flooded due to Harvey. Street parallel parking is possible but usually difficult to find. read more

Wow thought we were going to hear the symphony. Common brought is own band and the symphony played very little. Then to top it off he got racial and political which was highly offensive. Very disappointed especially since I was really looking forward to this! Houston Symphony you got this one wrong! read more

There is construction going in in the parking garage currently, so you have to park far and go up steep stairs. Once inside the seating is tight and the chairs are antique, why has the seating not been made more comfortable, no clue! The music is divine, but I personally could do without the side jokes from the conductors, after all, I'm there for the music. Oh and the bathrooms are far down either a steep tight staircase or get on the elevator. The place needs to be overhauled and made current. If you can get past a lot, then you'll more then likely enjoy the performance! read more

I'm going to start with the negatives first unfortunately. Parking was insane and I'm sure that's always the case for a big symphony show such as Harry Potter or others. Anyways, the parking to the underground garage was backed up all the way to the main part of the street. As we are getting close to the underground we asked a rep if they accepted card down under and they said yes. So as we get to the partial underground part going in another rep told us to pull out our cash as the card machine may be down up ahead. We stated we had no cash and she was understanding enough and weary of the LONG line behind us, so she told us to tell the parking guy further down that it would be okay to just let us in. Well we finally get to the parking guy and he said sorry no card you can't park. WELL ITS NOT LIKE WE WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TURN AROUND AT THAT POINT DUDE! Also, not our fault as this is symphony parking! This is their problem if the machine is down. I really hope they didn't turn away others due to a problem on their end. So, end of the story he agreed to let us park once we told us who that name of the lady was that okayed us in. Second negative: the auditorium was SO hot! It's not like the couldn't afford to turn it down considering the price of the tickets if that's the case haha. Over all the symphony was awesome and so very talented. It was a once in a lifetime experience to see Harry Potter in concert and I'm so happy I got the chance. read more

Houston Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

The Houston Symphony is the cornerstone of Houston's fine arts scene and they hold up their end quite well. For eleven years from the late 80's until 1999, Christoph Eschenbach took the ensemble from regional respectability to a musical force that made people take notice all around the globe. When its current conductor, Hans Graf, mounted the podium in 2001, many of us thought there was only one direction things could go - downwards. First of all, you couldn't have two more diametrically opposed musical personalities: Eschenbach stretched the limits of musical interpretation as he conducted expansive interpretations of Brahms, Mahler and Bruckner where Graf is a precise technician most comfortable with Mozart and Haydn. Quite happily, the orchestra has maintained its high level of artistic integrity the past six years. No - we don't have an orchestra like Boston, Philadelphia (where Eschenbach has just been dumped), New York, Cleveland or Chicago, but you're not going to find a better option in the South (sorry Dallas and Atlanta). It's hard to keep orchestras solvent these days. Audiences across the country are diminishing or barely holding steady. Being the musical snob that I am, I attribute this to the dumbing down of all things cultural in this country. At the rate we're going, we'll be back to tribal chanting in a few more decades. That being said, the Houston Symphony has pulled themselves out of a financial cesspool of deficit spending and has managed to break even the past few years. Alas - this kind of tension is endemic with the fine arts. All you Yelpers out there need to "culturefy yourselves" a bit and start attending performances of the music that made Western Culture great. Believe it or not, music older than two months, two years and even two centuries can be incredibly relevant today. The symphony performs at Jones Hall, a big venue with less than distinct acoustics. For some performances, the roof is lowered and completely closes off the upper balcony. This is a bit of an improvement. I find the best seats to be mid-orchestra (around row M). There are lots of season subscription options to satisfy diverse tastes from pops to more serious classical fare. They also perform at Miller Outdoor Theater and up in the Woodlands. I'm a bit concerned about "programing to keep us out of a deficit" mentality. This results in more crowd pleaser concerts and less diversity. Hearing Carmina Burana and Beethoven's Ninth every other year might be exciting to some, but just makes this old codger shake his head. Also, how many Christmas Messiahs can one endure before being "Hallelujah'ed" to death? All-in-all though, if you can find it in yourself to turn off your iPod for a few hours on a weekend and listen to live music that will actually stimulate your brain to the point where you will have a temporary increase in your IQ instead of pounding your cerebrum into oblivion, a Houston Symphony concert is where you should be. read more

I have the musical taste of a 14 year old and not even the cool emo kind. I prefer Beyonce to Beethoven. Conversely my husband, though of identical chronological age to me, has the musical taste of the AARP set. The hubby listens to classical music constantly so I thought a nice Christmas present would be to buy him tickets to the Houston Symphony. I suppressed a yawn and clicked the buy button on the symphony website. Silently telling myself that he really "owes me for this". The performance at Jones Hall was a Pops concert (c'mon I couldn't go ALL the way) featuring the music of composer John Williams. My conclusion: The Houston Symphony is brilliant. We are so lucky to have world class musicians in our city. While they haven't prevented me from hastily switching the station when KUHF goes from news to classical, I respect the genre more and am more willingly to attend a performance at Jones Hall, Miller Outdoor Theater, or Discovery Green. The symphony itself is 5 star, but the business side is a 3. After my one online purchase, they bombarded me with pushy phone calls, emails, and fliers begging me to buy again. I get that these are rough economic times for the arts, but this type of promotion makes me want to buy the tickets even less. read more

Rice students get one specific free concert attendance to Houston Symphony every semester, and this is the one event that I will never miss. Expect a top-notch, world-class performance from this spectacular group! Every performance season, Houston Symphony hosts many events, which are not limited to your traditional classical music performances. The Symphony will occasionally bring in musical celebrities like Joshua Bell and do special performances such as movie screening with live orchestra and jazz classics. If you are in town even for a bit, allocate a night to hear the Houston Symphony! The performance venue, Jones Hall, is only a few blocks away from the nearest light rail station and has ample parking underground. read more

My wife and I came to the Houston Symphony for the first time and it was everything we could have asked for. Walking up to the will call box and receiving the prepaid tickets is an event that will NEVER go out of style. Going through the doors for the first time, my wife's face was shining with enthusiasm and happiness. When you enter the building for the first time it hits you with a sudden feel of nostalgia, as though you are walking into a memory you never knew you had. The venue is so inviting and the staff are all top notch, each and every one greets with a smile and a willingness to assist in making your trip that much better. We were seated in the lower box and when you first walk in to the auditorium, you definitely feel as though you are right where you are meant to be. The performance for the evening was the Totally 80's show and it was so much fun seeing the orchestra dressed in the style and having as much fun as the crowd during certain songs. I received a tip from a more consistent patron who said to order intermission drinks in advance to avoid the long lines. I'll definitely be doing that in the future. Overall, it was an amazing night thanks to the Houston Symphony. read more

Houston Symphony - View from Lower Box row 3 seats 5 and 6 - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

One of the many arts advantages of living in Houston is the city's world class symphony. If you live in Houston (or anywhere around it) and don't take in a theater presentation, opera, ballet or symphony performance every once in a while you are really NOT enjoying all the city has to offer. The symphony, in my opinion, is the best bang for your buck when it comes to the high end arts events from which you could choose. Student rush tickets start at $12! But I've rarely paid more than $40 a seat. With the acoustics in Jones Hall there isn't a bad seat. They do have all your expected classical musical performances. But they also have the Pops Series, guests like Smokey Robinson and special themes shows. I never miss the Looney Tunes show when they play the music from the cartoons and actually SHOW the cartoons on the screen while they play them. I took my Godson to the James Bond music show last week. Introduce your kids to the symphony with their Disney or Christmas shows. It will open their eyes to a whole new world beyond their iPods. Live music is amazing when it's done right and the Houston Symphony is known around the world as a top tier orchestra. The Hall is lovely, they have a limited bar and beverage concession and a buffet before the show and at intermission (I've never done the buffet as it looks expensive and short on selection) and of course parking is in the underground garages downtown. I think I paid $7. Some people dress to the nines for a performance but I also see folks in jeans and tennis shoes and shorts. So don't think it's all fancy smancy. Get there early if you can and walk over to the Hard Rock for a beverage before the show or stroll through Jones Plaza and enjoy the sights of the big city. read more

I grew up listening to and playing classical music, so this was something I missed after going away to college. Thank goodness for the Houston Symphony. I usually go to at least 1 symphony a year. This year, I actually bought a YPB subscription, for "young professionals". Tickets are deeply discounted, and free drink voucher for every concert. My husband and I saw Idina Menzel last weekend. It was a packed house, but she made the concert very intimate. Highly recommend this if she comes back. Parking gets pretty hairy on Saturday nights since all the other theater halls have shows too. read more

Dat. Oboe. Came here to see Mozart & Schumann and was so happy that I did! The Houston Symphony is home to some seriously talented artists. You don't need to be a classical music buff to enjoy it either - just someone who likes tunes that are pleasing to the eardrums. Jones Hall itself is very nice, too. The seats are covered in red velvet (not the cake...although I may stick that in the suggestion box) and the seats RECLINE! So comfortable. The bathrooms are not great, especially considering you have to go down a super narrow stairwell or a slow elevator to get to them. Maybe I was missing another entrance? Not worth worrying about, just thought I would mention. In summation, you must go at least once to see our fabulous symphony. They obviously work really hard (it shows) and, even if the music doesn't completely float your boat, there is always the added entertainment of watching the conductor flail around ;) read more

Attended the Gil Shaham concert. Great performance of Beethoven's 7th. I had orchestra seating, so I can only blame the uneven acoustics on our location. (Don't ever sit in the front 5 rows no matter the pricing...) Parking was $5 in a lot across the street. read more

The symphony is one of the gems of Houston... I'm never disappointed. Came tonight to see Beethoven s Pastoral symphony. What a joy! The piece was the second half of the program and I felt sorry for those who left at intermission.... They missed an amazing performance. The first half of the program included a piece from Grieg (In Autumn: Overture), and a piano concerto by Mozart (Concerto 23). The pianist was absolutely wonderful, Ingrid Fliter from Argentina (Yes, Brazilians can appreciate Argentinian talent!). While the above is specific to the performance this time around, it is by no means a "fluke". I've been privileged to see many different performances over the past 10 years and consistently the sound quality in the venue (Jones Hall) was wonderful, the skill of the musicians outstanding. Some performances are more to my liking than others but I have never been disappointed. Their repertoire ranges from classical to pops (Megan Hilty performed with them just 2 weeks ago as part of the Pops series). And within Pops you get the more "traditional" to contemporary repertoire. So there really is something for everyone - you don't have to be a die-hard classical fan to appreciate what they do. The symphony also has many educational and outreach programs - which is a huge plus in my book. They host thousands of kids over the school year at Jones Hall plus send musicians to various schools in the Houston ISD. Their partnership with Methodist Hospital goes beyond money - and later this week they'll be going over to the hospital to give a free concert to patients and staff (for those patients who are there on long-term treatment the impact of something like this concert cannot be overestimated). I truly cannot oversell what the symphony gives to its audience as well as to the community. Can't wait until I get the chance to see them again. read more

They had an open house. I won prizes, Everyone wore casual clothing, free stuff, free waters, instruments petting zoos, kids crying, very fun family event, we toured the facility. Then we got a 1 hours free concert at the end. First come first serve basis, I got balcony seats great experience. read more

Very Merry Pops - Houston Symphony with Michael Krajewsk Conductor and the Houston Symphony Chorus.... The best way to get in the holiday spirit when it is 70 degrees! This is one Holiday tradition that should not be missed. read more

Houston Symphony - Very Merry Pops! - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

Another wonderful event, and again my first time at the Houston Symphony! Really enjoyed the music as did my daughter the clarinet player! I would really enjoy going back for another performance! read more

Wonderful program going on right now on Beethoven. The opening of "Music of Air and Fire" was amazing!! Then into a piano piece that was riveting! Then the second half was Symphony No.3. Wow!! We loved this entire program and their conductor Andres Orozco-Estrada is sensational!! Nice to see some young blood!! Such a lovely afternoon spent with mom!! read more

Came to see the Mozart and Buckner on 4/14 and Morrison. I enjoyed both shows special Morrison. The ushers are nice and helpful. The building is old and can use a renovation. I would also like to see some vegitarian options for dinner. read more

What a delight to see POPS Conductor Steven Reineke, the Houston Symphony, and the 3 Vocalists perform the Ella Fitzgerald Songbook. I'm guilty for overlooking the gem and mastery of our city's great corner stone of the Houston Symphony. I was also happy to see the diversity of the audience. It's never too late to treat yourself to such an enriching musical experience, especially when it includes learning more about the iconic Ms. Fitzgerald! read more

The performance we saw at Jones Hall was excellent. The variety of the program and the technicality of the pieces was impressive, we were engaged from start to finish. The conductor was a treat to watch. He was so animated and focused on the performance - it really helped to draw the audience in and help you understand each of the pieces. The Symphony incorporated some unique things into their program, including a few video presentations and personal explanations of what the music was speaking to, something I've never seen in a Symphony performance before. Definitely recommend and we are looking forward to going back. Cheers! read more

Better and better every year. I've been a subscriber for many years and I recommend the amazing subscription prices to everyone. read more

Houston Symphony - Subscriber benefit: worst seats in the house are free when they have a ton available! Sweaty hot with strange acoustics. - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

Attended the Rhapsody in Blue performance this past weekend. Although the performance was good, I was disappointed that their decision to use a limited group of symphony members to perform the piece was not clearly stated on their website before I purchased tickets. I was expecting a full symphony experience and got what I'd call a symphony-lite performance. read more

I always have a great time, our family are huge fans of the Houston symphony and Mike Krajewski! read more

Houston Symphony - Pre-concert tuning... - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

This was such a wonderful experience in my hometown. True talent and played the most selective classical pieces with the perfect melody and harmony. read more

Dolph's review was so comprehensive so the only thing I have to add is that the Houston Symphony has great pops series--have you ever heard video game music played by a formal orchestra? They also have a great "wavelength" series for people young adults 18- 29 years old (they check your driver's license). For six designated classical and pops performances throughout the season, HSO offers members up to two $8 tickets for the show. That's even better than student rush tickets! And you don't have to arrive an hour before the show you can book in advance and do will call! Sign up at http://www.hswavelength.com/. The membership card also gets you night-of-concert deals at nearby restaurants. read more

After attending the last two Christmas Pops concerts I have decided the quality has declined since Michael Krajewski left. This years per- formance should have been titled the Meghan Hilty show since she took up most of the show time. I also felt like her choice of songs was poor since one of her choices was a sad song about unfortunate cir- cumstances at the holiday season. I think people come to the pops to be lifted up, not saddened. It also seemed a shame that such a wonderful choir was not featured more. I have seen my last Christmas Pops concert. read more

An excellent example of a beautiful Symphony. The musicians are world class, the acoustics are wonderful and it makes for a great date!

I'm relatively new to Houston and thought I'd check out their symphony when Ben Folds was performing. It was outstanding. The musicians were excellent, the acoustics were great, the screen made it easy to see the performers and I had an outstanding time. I can't wait to go back for more! read more

The Houston Symphony conducted by Andres is just incredible. I attended on the season's opening night and was just blown away by the talent. I took my parents to watch Sarah Chang and the Symphony a couple of weeks ago. Such talent! November 1st will find me there watching Ragtime, Blues, and All that Jazz...then Beethoven's Fifth in mid-November, and Perlman Plays and Conducts on Valentine's Day. The box seats can be had for a reasonable $140 or so, and they are worth it. The experience of getting dressed up to go to the Symphony and have that music wash over you is priceless. read more

The Houston Symphony has made a big resurgence. Tix are pretty reasonable, & shows are bigger & better than past years.

From classical to pops to family friendly, I think the Houston Symphony is a great resource to the Bayou City. I've especially enjoyed the Young Professionals Backstage events and concerts. And, I think the symphony creates a warm and welcoming environment for all sorts of audiences. Best of all, it's fun to make an evening out of it - get dressed up, go for drinks or dinner at a nearby downtown venue, and have a classy evening out with good friends or on a date. read more

Joshua Bell was incredible, as was our Houston team. Loved taking my daughter to a wonderful performance

We are lucky to have such a wonderful Symphony in Houston, we are a great, big city with an equally great Symphony to match! My family and I have enjoyed every type of show from the Houston Summer Symphony Nights at the Miller Outdoor Theater to the Very Merry Pops Christmas shows, which are all always a blast, we even saw a Beatles cover band play alongside with our favorite tunes. They perform all over town, usually at Jones Hall, sometimes at the Woodland's Pavilion and in Galveston, and they offer free shows in the summertime at the Miller Outdoor Theater on certain nights. I really admire the tenacity of the Houston Symphony to appeal to all audiences. Over the years the Symphony has not only performed our most classic works such as Beethoven, Mozart, and brought many noteworthy guest soloists, but also put on shows such as the music of John Williams, who has famously done the music for Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and much more, and they have even played live music to movies such as Harry Potter and The Godfather. During the pandemic they offered live screenings online as well as limited guest performances, in an effort to reach as many people as possible. Their website, https://houstonsymphony.org/, and their Facebook page has all the useful information you're looking for such as news and upcoming shows with links for tickets. They offer packages for multiple shows and senior/student discounts if you're interested as well. Every performance you see is one you will not forget. read more

We are blessed to have such a talented group of folks here in Houston: I admit that, though we're ardent playgoers, we've never given much thought to the symphony; however, the British rock show was a blast! We're looking forward to expanding our horizons and, just possibly, attending a real "blast from the (pre-Industrial Revolution) past". read more

Here for Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Get here early if you want free street parking after 6pm.

This place was great. Smokey Robinson was greater. No drinks in the theatre which I can understand, but.... Drinks in the theatre would have been nice. Had a great time other than the chick sitting next to me. Anyhoo.... loved the venue, loved the show! read more

My first concert was on Valentine's Day. There had a free show performing Vivaldi's Four Season. IT WAS GREAT! I was able to sit in any seat I want and listen to incredible talent. I have a few more concerts i would love to see soon! read more

Among the best things in Houston. I cannot imagine not going to a Symphony concert, be it in Jones Hall or at the Miller Theater. A cultural institution and asset that all Houstonians must treasure. read more

Not too bad, but it is a B grade symphony in my honest opinoin. Programming and Presentation leaves a lot to be desired but over all musicality, superb. Leadership, get moving on innovation and pushing this ensemble to step outside the box more often. More interaction with the performers and audience and such. Otherwise, it's a Jurrasic experience for me. read more

We are blessed with some excellent performing arts in Houston. The symphony takes a back seat to none of them. This is truly a WORLD CLASS orchestra. Our young music director is energetic and fun-loving, all of the principals are superb and the group as a whole plays with passion and verve. I especially enjoy seeing young people even at the "serious" programs. Even at 50 years old Jones Hall remains an excellent venue visually and acoustically. Yes, the restrooms are inconvenient, so prepare in advance. Newcomers: don't be intimidated by dress codes. Be mindful that it's not a place for flip-flops and cutoffs; just be respectful and come enjoy what this group can deliver, which is something powerful and very special. read more