Maestro's Notes

Everyone at SOST is excited about the upcoming season, and we are working hard to have everything in place. We are looking to “Playing it Forward” with great music and outstanding guest artists joining us on the stage at the Julie Rogers Theater. We are also very happy to be returning to everyday life.  When I was growing up in Greensboro, NC, I would usher for the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra … [Read more...] about Maestro’s Notes: Playing it Forward

What a strange phenomenon we are experiencing in SETX and around the globe.  All arts organizations, museums, orchestras, dance companies, and schools are trying to endure the challenges of this pandemic virus and return to their usual schedules.  Our mission is to provide great symphonic music to our community yet we must abide by government guidelines and be creative as we can. We are hoping … [Read more...] about Maestro’s Notes: A Renewal of Spirit

We are "off to see the Wizard" in this unique Wizard of Oz experience presented as part of our Pops series.  Come see the SOST in concert, unlike any show you have ever seen before.  Watch the story of The Wizard of Oz being projected in high definition with the music sound track extracted from the film! Meanwhile, the orchestra and I will provide the accompaniment for Dorothy, the … [Read more...] about Maestro’s Notes: We’re off to See the Wizard

We are kicking off the second half of our season with some great masterpieces of the Romantic and American music periods concluding what has been an exciting year! Our third Classics Series concert will begin with a familiar epic work of Johannes Brahms, his Academic Festive Overture. When one uses the title “Overture,” you expect either an opera or symphony to follow. Brahms, actually wrote this … [Read more...] about Maestro’s Notes: The Romantic Spirit of Music

We are excited to be featuring one of our exceptional orchestra members for this concert.    Violist Whitney Bullock has been with SOST for over 10 years. In addition to her extensive freelancing in the Houston area, she also works as the Education and Outreach Director for the Apollo Chamber Players with fellow violinist, Matthew Detrick. The viola has a beautiful, round, resonant … [Read more...] about Maestro’s Notes: A Celebration of Mozart, Rossini and SOST!

The music of Billy Joel and Elton John are classic pop standards   of our generation. While it would be great to bring both superstars to play with our orchestra, we are featuring the music of Jeans ‘n Classics  as a great alternative.  I have performed with this group last year in New Haven, CT and they rocked our concerts to standing ovations.  Jean Meilleur and John … [Read more...] about Maestro’s Notes: The Piano Man meets the Rocket Man

We are opening the season with two celebrated masterpieces in the symphonic repertoire. Philippe Bianconi will be sharing the stage with our Symphony of Southeast Texas on the Concerto No. 5 by Ludwig van Beethoven. Philippe has played with the SOST and in the community on numerous occasions, always leaving the audience thrilled by his performances. This Fifth Piano Concerto of Beethoven was a … [Read more...] about Maestro’s Notes: The Titans of the Classics

People often ask me what does the SOST do during the summer months. There’s really two perspectives: Our musicians, in addition to the upcoming July 4th concert, will perform with other orchestras in Houston and Southeast TX, which keeps them pretty busy. As for me and the staff, this is planning time- we review all of our feedback on concerts, then begin to set programs for future … [Read more...] about Maestro’s Notes: Summer!