Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Makes Houston Debut
Friday, February 24, 2006
By: Rob Cahill

The world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra has performed in many cities over the last 164 years. But, the Orchestra has not performed in Houston. That will change on Sunday, March 12, at 2 p.m., when the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra makes its much anticipated debut in Jones Hall in Downtown Houston. Riccardo Muti conducts. KUHF-FM is a media sponsor for this historic concert presented by Society for the Performing Arts (S.P.A.).

“As one of only five U.S. cities on the Orchestra’s tour and the only Texas stop Houston is privileged to have the opportunity to see this legendary Orchestra,” said S.P.A. Executive Director Georgiana Young. “KUHF-FM has been a long-time friend and partner of S.P.A, and we appreciate the station’s support of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We look forward to this great event and hope to see you there.”

“Riccardo Muti is one of the most exciting conductors in the world,” said Dean Dalton, KUHF-FM Cultural Programming Director. “People travel to Vienna specifically to hear the Orchestra perform. Once there, they pay as much as $5,000 a ticket for the New Year’s concert.”

KUHF-FM listeners can learn more about the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the AIM Arts Talk lecture, which will be delivered by John Proffitt, KUHF-FM General Manager and CEO, 30 minutes prior to the concert in Jones Hall. KUHF-FM Classic Card members are also eligible for an exclusive 15 percent discount on any seat in the house. Only 100 tickets are available at this discount. There is a six ticket per person limit.

The program features: Franz Schubert’s Rosamunde Overture D. 644; Mozart’s Symphony No. 35 in D, K385, Haffner; Franz Schubert’s Symphony No.4 in C Minor, D. 417, Tragic; and Richard Strauss’ tone poem, Death and Transfiguration.

Italian-born Muti has led many orchestras including the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic and the Orchestra Nationale de France. Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra has received numerous awards, gold and platinum CDs, national honors and honorary memberships with many cultural institutions for its countless artistic achievements.

Ticket information is available by calling 713-227-4SPA or at http://www.spahouston.org/.