MUSIC

CELEBRATE THE ARTS! A world-renowned symphony and ballet, gifted musicians from around the world, award-winning children’s performers…it’s all in your own backyard at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s 2011 Performing Arts Season.

This season encompasses a journey filled with classical music, dancing, tributes to late, great musicians, patriotic fanfare, Italian pop and more. The season features eight exhilarating performances by the Houston Symphony. The Texas Music Festival Orchestra returns to the stage along with Houston Ballet for a mixed-repertory program. 

Thursday, September 1
Poperazzi
Houston Symphony -  Michael Krajewski, conductor / Poperazzi, special guests
8 p.m. / Gates open at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $15 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine and lawn seating

It’s an evening all things Italian with the Houston Symphony and the fabulous “pop-opera” vocal trio straight from Vegas, Poperazzi. Hear iconic music from “The Godfather” and “Jersey Boys,” famous arias from “La Traviata” and “The Barber of Seville,” and of course, “Nessun Dorma.”

Blurring the boundaries between classical and popular music, Poperazzi (pictured) was created in 2009 by founder and tenor, George DeMott. Joined by fellow tenor Cody Shawn Gay and soprano Janien Valentine, the three members of Poperazzi have performed in premiere opera houses in the U.S. and Europe, aboard the award-winning Crystal Cruise luxury ships, and in the top shows on the Las Vegas Strip. Poperazzi is committed to maintaining and preserving the core traditions of the classical music style, while infusing each show with rock and pop-inspired energy. The result is pure aural adrenaline.

Poperazzi‘s symphonic pops production, entitled “Viva Italia”, is conducted and co-produced by Michael Krajewski, Principal Pops Conductor of the Houston and Atlanta Symphony Orchestras. With a nod to their Italian roots, Poperazzi’s “Viva Italia” explores the music of Italy through art song, opera, symphonic literature, and songs popularized by Italian-Americans. Elegant, versatile, and entertaining, their performances are delighting audiences in Atlanta (New Year’s Eve 2010), Houston, Phoenix, Detroit, Naples (Florida), and Edmonton (Canada). Poperazzi was featured in a live PBS broadcast from Madison, Wisconsin in July 2010.

From rock to opera, classic Sinatra to The Rolling Stones, and Pavarotti to The Jersey Boys, Poperazzi performances present hundreds of years of musical tradition in a fresh and contemporary format. These young, sexy, and versatile entertainers are like a classic Vegas martini, performing a delicate musical mix of opera with a twist!

Pre-concert activities in the North Plaza begin at 7 p.m.

The Pavilion offers these extraordinary performances for no cost with free mezzanine and lawn seating for all Houston Symphony concerts and Houston Ballet’s performance, as well as free seating at the Star-Spangled Salute and Texas Music Festival Orchestra.

Plus, picnics are welcome at all performing arts events. Bring your family to The Pavilion in 2011 and celebrate the arts!