MUSIC

The Houston Symphony presents Leading Ladies of the Silver Screen.

On April 24, 25, 26, 2009, the Houston Symphony and Associate Conductor Robert Franz will perform music from classic films that starred leading ladies Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Judy Garland, and Vivien Leigh. Audiences will experience a nostalgic trip through the music of classic films like Cleopatra, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Casablanca, and The Wizard of Oz.

University of Houston alumnus and guest vocalist, Danica Dawn Johnston will provide the voice for some of the musical selections such as “Embraceable You” from Girl Crazy, “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady, and “As Time Goes By.” Previously, Johnston has appeared with the Houston Symphony and Music Director Hans Graf in Mendelsshon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Star Spangled Salute with Principal Pops Conductor, Michael Krajewski in 2003.

A two time Leonard Bernstein Award for Education Programming winner, Franz is most recognized for conducting the Houston Symphony’s Weatherford Family Concerts Series. In addition to his conducting post in Houston, he is also a resident conductor at the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and music director of the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra.

This concert will support the Orchestras Feeding America National Food Drive. In keeping with the tradition of serving the local community, The Houston Symphony is encouraging audiences to donate food items. Collecting bins will be located in the Jones Hall lobby during the performances on April 24, 25, 26, 2009 and audiences are invited to bring non-perishable food items to these performances to place in the bins. The Houston Food Bank will be collecting the donated items to support hunger relief.

PIctured:  Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca.