Houston Symphony Orchestra

The Houston Symphony Orchestra is one of the United States of America's major orchestras, based, as its name suggests, in Houston, Texas. Since 1966, it has given its concerts at Jesse Jones Hall.

Related Topics:
United States of America - Orchestra - Houston, Texas - 1966 - Jesse Jones Hall

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The orchestra was founded in 1913 as a small, poorly paid part time group. They were conducted by Paul Blitz until 1916, then by Paul Berge until they were disbanded in 1918.

Related Topics:
1913 - Paul Blitz - 1916 - Paul Berge

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It reformed in 1930 and gave its first full season of concerts the following year conducted by Uriel Nespoli. Nespoli was succeeded by Frank St. Leger, but it was during the tenure of Ernst Hoffmann, conductor from 1935 to 1947, that the ensemble became fully professional.

Related Topics:
1930 - Uriel Nespoli - Frank St. Leger - Ernst Hoffmann - 1935 - 1947

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Efrem Kurtz was conductor from 1948 to 1954, and there was then a brief period with Ferenc Fricsay as conductor before Leopold Stokowski took over in 1955. He was succeeded by John Barbirolli (1961-67), who instituted the orchestra's touring schedule.

Related Topics:
Efrem Kurtz - 1948 - 1954 - Ferenc Fricsay - Leopold Stokowski - 1955 - John Barbirolli - 1961

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Later conductors have been André Previn (1967-69), Lawrence Foster (1970-79), Sergiu Comissiona (1980-88) and Christoph Eschenbach (1988-99). Hans Graf was appointed music director as of 2000.

Related Topics:
André Previn - 1967 - 69 - Lawrence Foster - 1970 - 79 - Sergiu Comissiona - 1980 - Christoph Eschenbach - 1988 - 99 - Hans Graf - As of 2000

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