MUSIC

The Houston Symphony presents Watts Plays Beethoven’s Emperor Friday, September 30 at 8:00PM, Saturday, October 1 at 8:00PM and Sunday, October 2 at 2:30PM in Jones Hall.

Striking in manner, Beethoven’s brilliant Emperor concerto opens with a shining piano cadenza. Get ready to experience a work as original and exciting as anything Beethoven ever wrote. At the keyboard, we welcome back legendary American pianist, André Watts (pictured, photo credit: Steve J. Sherman).

André Watts burst upon the music world at the age of 16 when Leonard Bernstein chose him to make his debut with the New York Philharmonic in their Young People's Concerts, broadcast nationwide on CBS-TV. Only two weeks later, Bernstein asked him to substitute at the last minute for the ailing Glenn Gould in performances of Liszt's E-flat Concerto with the New York Philharmonic, thus launching his career in storybook fashion. More than 45 years later, André Watts remains one of today's most celebrated and beloved superstars.

PROGRAM
Beethoven: Coriolan Overture
Schubert: Symphony No. 8, Unfinished
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5, Emperor

ARTISTS
David Afkham, conductor
André Watts, piano