Houston may be better known as a thriving metropolis with a deep water port and huge oil industry but the image of longhorns and cowboy boots is a misnomer. Houston boasts one of the most culturally diverse and active communities in the United States and the world - in fact, Houston is one of the few places west of the Mississippi which has permanent, year round resident companies in all of the major performing arts!
The wealth that has been created by oil, shipping and more latterly, aerospace and biotechnology industries has not simply been allowed to build a bold city of the future. Culture and art has long played a part in the life of Houston from its very earliest days and many foreign performers vie to come to Houston to join one of the several internationally renowned performing arts companies that make their home here. Museums abound in Houston dealing with fine art, natural science, printing, oil, shipping and history but Houston is world famous for its performing arts and here we shall be taking a brief look at what this great city has got to offer.
Houston Symphony
The Houston Symphony was founded in 1913 and is one of the oldest performing symphonies in the United States with an enviable reputation worldwide. Currently, the Houston Symphony is led by internationally acclaimed conductor, Hans Graf and who is the latest in a long line of musical directors who have developed the Houston Symphony into a world renowned performing organization including Sir John Barbirolli and Andre Previn. The Houston Symphony puts on more than 170 concerts in a very busy season but is also to be found playing around the world and at home in Houston as part of its outreach program to bring music to the people.
The Houston Ballet
The Houston Ballet came into being in the 1950's and has experienced a resurgence in the last ten years with a revitalized company and under the leadership of Stanton Welch, the Artistic Director for the company. The Houston Ballet has established a very busy season at home which is complemented by a heavy worldwide touring schedule including performances at the Bolshoi in Moscow and the Royal Ballet in London. The current season is focused upon the worldwide premiere of Marie, a ballet covering the life and times of Marie Antoinette in keeping with the company's reputation for daring and intrepid new works, largely in conjunction with the American Ballet Theater.
The Houston Grand Opera
The Houston Grand Opera or HGO, is one of the most renowned American opera companies today with an international reputation that is second to none. HGO has long been regarded as an innovative and adventurous house with productions including Gershwin's Porgy & Bess, Adam's Nixon in China and Joplin's Treemonisha. There is a wide variety of skill and virtuosity at work with in the HGO and the cast generally as well as individual performers are in demand around the world. The season is very well attended and you are highly advised to book your tickets well in advance of your trip to Houston if you are to avoid disappointment.
Freelance author Lawrence Reaves uses SnagAJob when searching for Houston jobs. A great resource for your Houston job search online.
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