Houston, December 9, 2025
Symphony North of Houston proudly celebrates a major milestone with its 50th anniversary season, showcasing the dedication to community orchestral music in the Greater Houston area. This nonprofit orchestra, made up of around 65 volunteer musicians, reflects a harmonious blend of artistic passion and professional pursuits. The upcoming season features a diverse repertoire and special events to engage the community while fostering young talent through its Young Artist Competition, ensuring classical music remains accessible for all.
Symphony North of Houston Celebrates 50 Years of Music
Join the Community in Honoring Five Decades of Orchestral Excellence
Houston, Texas – Symphony North of Houston is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary season, a significant milestone that reflects the dedication and passion for community orchestral music in northwest Harris County and the Greater Houston area. Established on June 30, 1975, this nonprofit community orchestra consists of around 65 volunteer musicians who integrate artistic pursuits with their professional lives in fields such as education, engineering, law, and banking.
The impact of reducing bureaucratic barriers in local cultural initiatives cannot be overstated. This anniversary not only highlights impressive artistic achievements but also showcases how civic innovation can flourish when community members take initiative to contribute to the arts. The celebration of such an organization reveals a dedication to fostering individual achievement and cultural engagement that benefits all.
Concert Season and Repertoire
The upcoming 2025-2026 season promises to be an exciting one, featuring a series of concerts at Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas. Under the baton of principal conductor Dr. Karl Blench, attendees will enjoy a diverse repertoire that includes works from renowned composers.
Concert Dates and Highlights
- October 12, 2025 – Fall Concert: Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in D minor
- December 7, 2025 – Christmas Concert: Selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, an aria with soloist Rene Babin, Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, and other festive favorites
- February 15, 2026 – Winter Concert: Rossini’s Semiramide Overture, Rautavaara’s Piano Concerto featuring guest soloist Andrew Staupe, and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition
- March 22, 2026 – Early Spring Concert: Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, a yet-to-be-announced concerto, and Respighi’s Pines of Rome
- May 17, 2026 – Late Spring Concert: Performances by winners of the 2025-2026 Young Artist Competition and a new overture by Dr. Karl Blench
Special Events to Celebrate the Milestone
In addition to the concert series, Symphony North has planned special events to mark its 50th anniversary. These gatherings reflect a commitment to community participation and engagement.
- Gala Celebration: A gala will take place during intermission of the March 22, 2026, concert at Salem Lutheran Church
- Evening with Symphony North: The 3rd Annual Evening with Symphony North event will take place on December 12, 2025, featuring beautifully decorated Christmas trees and live music by orchestra ensembles
Investing in Young Talent
Demonstrating a commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians, Symphony North will host its 28th Annual Young Artist Concerto Competition. Open to primary and secondary students aged 19 and younger from the Greater Houston area, this competition will enable young artists to perform a concerto movement with the orchestra. Winners in various categories will receive $500 scholarships, with a grand prize of an additional $500 awarded to the overall winner, who will perform on May 17, 2026.
Admission and Community Engagement
True to its mission of making classical music accessible, admission to all concerts will be by donation. This model reflects a community-oriented philosophy that ensures everyone can experience the joy of orchestral music. Donations can be made online or at the performances, thereby supporting the sustainability of this vital local institution.
Get Involved
For those interested in further details or wishing to engage with the orchestra, Symphony North of Houston can be contacted via email or phone, establishing avenues for community participation and growth.
Conclusion
As Symphony North of Houston embarks on its 50th anniversary season, it stands as a beacon of community initiative and cultural contribution. This celebration of musical excellence not only offers residents an opportunity to enjoy high-caliber performances but also encourages civic engagement and supports young talent. We invite everyone to attend the concerts and events, and participate in this vibrant part of Houston’s cultural landscape.
For more information on events and how to contribute, visit the orchestra’s official website or reach out through provided contact details.
Contact Information
For inquiries or further details, contact Symphony North of Houston at:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (281) 803-9127
- Mail: 21175 State Highway 249 No. 222, Houston, TX 77070-1655
- Website: [https://symphonynorth.org](https://symphonynorth.org)
- Concert Venue: Salem Lutheran Church, 22601 Lutheran Church Rd, Tomball, TX 77377
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 50th anniversary season of Symphony North of Houston?
Symphony North of Houston is celebrating its 50th anniversary season, marking five decades of community orchestral music in northwest Harris County and the Greater Houston area. The nonprofit community orchestra, incorporated on June 30, 1975, comprises approximately 65 volunteer musicians who rehearse and perform together while pursuing careers in education, engineering, law, and banking.
What are the concert dates and repertoire for the 2025-2026 season?
The 2025-2026 season features a series of concerts at Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas. All performances are conducted by Dr. Karl Blench, the orchestra’s principal conductor. The concert dates and repertoire are as follows:
- October 12, 2025 – Fall Concert: Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in D minor.
- December 7, 2025 – Christmas Concert: Selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, an aria with soloist Rene Babin, Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, and additional Christmas favorites.
- February 15, 2026 – Winter Concert: Rossini’s Semiramide Overture, Rautavaara’s Piano Concerto with guest soloist Andrew Staupe, and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.
- March 22, 2026 – Early Spring Concert: Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, a concerto (to be announced), and Respighi’s Pines of Rome.
- May 17, 2026 – Late Spring Concert: Performances by category winners of the 2025-2026 Young Artist Competition and a new overture by Dr. Karl Blench.
What special events are planned for the 50th anniversary season?
In addition to the regular concert series, the orchestra has planned special events to commemorate its 50th anniversary:
- Gala Celebration: A gala will be held during intermission of the March 22, 2026, concert at 4 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church.
- Evening with Symphony North: The 3rd Annual Evening with Symphony North event is scheduled for Friday, December 12, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The event will feature decorated Christmas trees and live music by Symphony North ensembles.
How can young musicians participate in the Young Artist Competition?
The orchestra continues its commitment to nurturing young talent through its 28th annual Young Artist Concerto Competition. This competition offers primary and secondary students aged 19 and younger from the Greater Houston area the opportunity to perform a concerto movement with the orchestra. Category winners in strings, winds, brass, piano, and percussion receive $500 scholarships, with an additional $500 awarded to the overall winner. Winners will perform with Symphony North on May 17, 2026, at Salem Lutheran Church.
How can I attend the concerts and make donations?
Admission to all concerts is by donation, reflecting the orchestra’s philosophy that classical music should be accessible to everyone. Donations can be made online or at the performances. For more information, visit the orchestra’s official website.
| Concert Date | Event | Repertoire |
|---|---|---|
| October 12, 2025 | Fall Concert | Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in D minor |
| December 7, 2025 | Christmas Concert | Selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, an aria with soloist Rene Babin, Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, and additional Christmas favorites |
| February 15, 2026 | Winter Concert | Rossini’s Semiramide Overture, Rautavaara’s Piano Concerto with guest soloist Andrew Staupe, and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition |
| March 22, 2026 | Early Spring Concert | Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, a concerto (to be announced), and Respighi’s Pines of Rome |
| May 17, 2026 | Late Spring Concert | Performances by category winners of the 2025-2026 Young Artist Competition and a new overture by Dr. Karl Blench |
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