"The Face of Beethoven"

See Program and Notes

A classic! Beethoven the radical, the innovator, the genius...the man is revealed through performances on original instruments and through anecdotes delivered by Dr. Carl Cunningham, esteemed music critic and writer

Slide Lecture - "Beethovenism"

7:00 p.m., Rotunda Theater, Dr. Mary Morton, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Cosponsored by The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Beethoven cast a long shadow over history. He was a wildly popular composer in the 19th century offering an exciting new listening experience, and, for some artists, a radical new esthetic. Find out how Beethoven influenced some of the great painters of the mid-century. Lecture attendees will receive a pass to The Museum of Fine Arts.

"A Lone Star Legacy"

featuring

The Liberty Blue Grass Boys
Sacred Harp Singers
Dorceal Duckins, Bass-Baritone
Kinney Abair, Blues Guitarist

A special surprise: Excerpts from Distant Voices, a new play by Houston playwright Celeste Bedford-Walker are presented by The Ensemble Theatre actors Shirley Marks Whitmore and Clarence Whitmore.

See Program and Notes

Discover the many musical facets that make Texas unique! A fun-filled crossover concert features a fusion of early and traditional music from different cultures who helped to build Texas. You will enjoy a patchwork of Texas fiddle tunes, shaped-note hymns, spirituals, and blues interspersed with readings of Texas tales and legends.

Generously underwritten by Rancho Tejas restaurant.

Gallery Tour and Lecture - "Spirited Journeys: Self-Taught Texas Artists of the 20th Century". 6:30 p.m., Blaffer Gallery (Gallery opens at 5:00 p.m.), Mr. Chester Rosson -- Associate Editor, Texas Monthly Magazine

Texas has long been fertile ground for self-taught artists; this exhibit showcases the finest work by both preeminent and unknown artists. The thought-provoking, inspiring and sometimes humorous range of media reveal the range of the human experience.

Cosponsored by Blaffer Gallery

"Celestial Harmonies"

See the Hildegard Celebration at Rice University

Celebrate the 900th anniversary of the birth of the extraordinary woman composer Hildegard of Bingen, at a stunning multi-media extravaganza. A son et lumière display of her creative genius links music, poetry, and images of her art. This exclusive American presentation is part of a prestigious symposium organized by Rice University of lectures and exhibits celebrating Hildegard’s birth.

• See Program Notes

Generously underwritten by British Airways

Presented in Conjunction with

Rice University
The Neil J. O'Brien Triennial Symposium in Medieval Studies
The Shepherd School of Music
The Center for the Study of Cultures

Lecture - "Music of the Spheres"

7:00 p.m., Duncan Recital Hall, Members of Sinfonye

One of the most extraordinary women in history left us many clues as to her life as mystic, musician, and composer. Members of Sinfonye illuminate her for you.

"Glad Tidings of Joy"

• See concert program and notes

Friday, Dec. 11, 1998, 8:00 p.m., Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Street

Cosponsored by the Religion and Arts Council, Christ Church Cathedral

Our yearly holiday ornament for you-- a sparkling family concert for Christmas with free admission for children. Hear the festive sounds of Baroque Christmas melodies in a scintillating blend of flute, recorder, oboe, violin, cello, and harpsichord accompanied by the radiance of Julianne Baird's voice. Then, join us for gingerbread and wassail in the Great Hall.

"If you have to choose just one Christmas concert, this is it!" - The New York Times

"Corazon de la Tierra - Heart of the Earth"

Tuesday, Jan 12, 1999, 8:00 p.m., The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet at Main

Cosponsored by MECCA

You will be drawn back in time to another world where the mystery and mysticism of ancient Aztec rituals are brought to life. Experience the spiritual feelings of pre-Columbian life through music, dance, and poetry.

• See Program Notes

"Image and Imagination, Improvisation in the Golden Age of Organ"

Cosponsored by the American Guild of Organists

A unique opportunity to experience organ music as it was in Bach’s time awaits you. Hear an international virtuoso improvise in stunning Baroque style—pyrotechnics on Christ the King’s period instrument.

"Bach vs. Handel - The Battle for Parnassas"

Two great composers who never met while they lived are brought face to face in a musical duel from beyond the grave performed by a hot, new ensemble from the Netherlands…shock baroque at its best! "Passionate, rhetorical gestures and chameleonic changes of mood irresistibly sweep away the listener." Fono Forum

Lecture - "The Duel from the Grave"

7:00 p.m., Chapel, Dr. Matthew Dirst, The University of Houston

While Bach and Handel never crossed paths, they certainly were aware of each other. Learn how they influenced one another.

"Music for the King's Pleasure"

Splendors await you at a royal command performance. A consort of viols regally entertains you with hit tunes from the court. 1997 Gramaphone winner

Lecture - "Palatial Splendors: Architecture and Decorative Arts in the Renaissance and Baroque Eras"

7:00 p.m., Chapel, Dr. Joseph Menca - Associate Professor of Art, Rice University

Take a tour of royal and aristocratic residences of the Renaissance and baroque periods. This lecture, richly-illustrated with slides, will spotlight both the magnificent city residences and the sumptuous country retreats of European aristocrats.

See program and notes