Passport to the Classics

Rice Night at the Symphony, sponsored by the Passport to Houston program, allowed 300 students to make their way downtown to Jones Hall on Sept. 14 to explore Houston and to indulge their appreciation for classical music. Students arrived dressed to the nines, representing Rice in sparkling dresses, tailored blouses and suits. The rest of the crowd was older than the average undergraduate and audibly confused by the influx of so many fresh faces. However, once the lights began to flash and everyone settled into the plush red seats, there was no hesitation on either side to strike up conversation and enjoy each other's company. There was little that any culture-seeker would wish for that the venue could not offer, with a bar for those over 21 and a small cafe for others interested in a quick snack.

 

The Symphony Orchestra's program, "The Best of Brahms," did justice to the enchanting music that lives on in its composer's stead. From start to finish, conductor Hans Graf led his musicians in a riveting display of wrist flexibility that translated into euphony. As part of his final series of performances as music director of the Houston Symphony, Graf's concert led him out with a bang, flourish and crescendo. At his side, soloist Garrick Ohlsson bewitched the audience on the piano, and behind them, musicians armed with flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, trumpets, timpani, strings, contrabassoons and trombones all brought the genius of Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Opus 15, and Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Opus 68, to life.  

 

While it is unlikely that the next Rice Night at the Symphony will coincide with another performance of the "Best of Brahms," the event itself was so enjoyable that tickets will surely be as sought-after again in the future. Even if classical music does not tickle everyone's fancy, the experience as a whole was pleasant and relaxing. The Symphony could not have been more welcoming or accommodating to the lucky Owls who managed to score tickets. Graf personally welcomed the Rice students at the beginning of the concert, and their fellow patrons reinforced the sentiment with a round of applause. After the performance, the students gathered on the mezzanine, where tables covered in rich chocolate cake, delectable fruit tarts and other treats awaited them. No expense was spared in the evening's entertainment.   

 

For those students who could not get tickets, a number of performances are coming to Jones Hall that may be of interest. There will be several showings from Wicked Divas, as well as performances entitled "Wands and Batons: The Music of Harry Potter and More," "Lang Lang Plays Beethoven" and "Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique."