Houston Symphony

January 31, 2012

HOUSTON — Music Director Hans Graf and the Houston Symphony will bring a free performance of Anton Bruckner's magnificent "Ninth Symphony" to the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Come and listen to the final symphony written by Bruckner dedicated "To God the Beloved." 

Bruckner was an Austrian composer known for his symphonies, masses and motets. The first are considered emblematic of the final stage of Austro-German Romanticism because of their rich harmonic language, complex polyphony and considerable length. Bruckner's compositions helped to define contemporary musical radicalism, owing to their dissonances, unprepared modulations and roving harmonies. 

He did not live to see the completion of his work, which makes the dramatic third movement titled, "A Farewell to Life" even more poignant. 
The event is free with general admission seating. First come first serve at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Parkway. †

OTHER NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Kingwood High School Choir Major Works Concert
On Feb. 7, the Co-Cathedral will host another free performance: Maurice Duruflé "Requiem" with the Kingwood High School Chorale and Josef Rheinberger "Mass in A" with the Kingwood High School Bel Canto and Cantilena Choirs at 7 p.m. The event is a free performance with general admission seating.

An evening with Chesterton 
The University of St. Thomas is hosting "An Evening with G.K. Chesterton." The event is a dramatic portrayal of the famous Catholic author, essayist and apologist. 

Chesterton was a prolific English critic and author of verse, essays, novels, and short stories. He is best known for his series about a priest-detective, Father Brown, who appeared in 50 stories. Between 1900 and 1936, Chesterton published over 100 books.

The event, sponsored by UST's English Department and Catholic Studies Program, will be Feb. 7 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and it will feature actor and historian John Chalberg as Chesterton. The free event will be at Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt. Vernon. For information, contact Clint Brand at 713-942-5072.