Houston Grand Opera

Houston Grand Opera's History

Houston Grand Opera is a renowned opera company based in Houston, Texas. Established in 1955, the company has grown to become one of the premier opera houses in the United States. With a storied history of staging compelling live theater events and making opera accessible to a broad audience, Houston Grand Opera continues to captivate audiences with their world-class productions.

The inception of the Houston Grand Opera (HGO) was a result of the passion and dedication of a group of music lovers who desired to bring high-quality opera performances to the city. On January 30, 1956, HGO opened with a stunning production of ‘Salome’ by Richard Strauss, starting its longstanding tradition of producing world-class opera.

Over the years, HGO has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the arts. They staged their first world premiere, 'The Death of Klinghoffer,' in 1988, thereby launching the company's tradition of commissioning new works. To date, HGO has presented more than 65 world premieres and six American premieres, a testament to its dedication to fostering new talent and bringing fresh, thought provoking productions to the stage.

Houston Grand Opera's performances take place in the beautiful Wortham Theater Center, the company's home since 1987. The theater, with its two performing spaces – the Brown Theater and the Cullen Theater, not only provides a grand setting for each performance but also contributes to the immersive experience that is a signature of HGO productions.

One of HGO’s most admirable initiatives has been their commitment towards making opera accessible to everyone. They offer audience development programs like Opera to Go!, a touring company that delivers high-energy, 45-minute opera performances to schools, libraries, and community centers for free or at a very low cost. They also offer student performances, discount ticket programs, and behind-the-scenes opportunities.

Houston Grand Opera's performances are well-known for their quality and creativity. Each season the company presents a repertory of diverse works, from classics to modern opera, attracting a broad range of audiences. The excellence of HGO's productions has not gone unrecognized. The company has won a total of two Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award, with many of its productions and artists also having been honored with numerous other awards and nominations.

Purchasing tickets to a Houston Grand Opera performance is an investment in an unforgettable cultural experience. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the HGO box office, and they offer season subscriptions as well as individual show tickets. Subscribers enjoy many benefits, such as priority seating and savings on ticket prices. Also, HGO offers a variety of experiences beyond the performance, like pre-performance lectures, post-performance discussions with the artists, and special events throughout the season, enhancing the enjoyment of their productions.

With its long history of extraordinary productions and commitment to the community, Houston Grand Opera continues to be a cornerstone in the vibrant performing arts scene in Houston. Their live theater events not only display the operatic art form in its highest quality but also strive to connect with the community in meaningful ways. This dedication to both their craft and their audience exemplifies why Houston Grand Opera is considered one of the leading opera companies in the world.

More About Houston Grand Opera

Houston Grand Opera, long celebrated for its audacious presentation of live entertainment, will once again capture the attention of opera lovers worldwide with its staging of the controversial yet intriguingly hypnotic opera, 'Salome'. Set to start this Friday, April 28, 'Salome' promises to be a momentous event as it holds a symbolic significance for the Opera house.

'Salome', a one-act opera by Richard Strauss, is known for its explicit content and lavish orchestration, challenging the traditional conventions of its era. Considered daring, its production requires a strong sense of artistic audacity, something the Houston Grand Opera has always been admired for.

The Houston Grand Opera is not stepping into unfamiliar territory with 'Salome'. Instead, it is revisiting its roots. Interestingly, 'Salome' was the very first opera produced by Houston Grand Opera, making this an emotional return for the Opera house. The reintroduction of this production reflects the theatre's continuous desire to take risks, immersing audiences in thought-provoking experiences that push the boundaries of conventional theatre.

Anticipation is building globally as fans, critics, and live entertainment enthusiasts eagerly wait to witness the Houston Grand Opera's fresh take on this historic masterpiece. Will the new interpretation maintain the rich tradition of Houston Grand Opera while reflecting contemporary artistic sensibilities? This question will be answered on the much-awaited opening night, set for this Friday.

Stay tuned for more updates and make sure to secure your tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. As the Houston Grand Opera lights up its stage for 'Salome', it continues to prove that it is a beacon for the live entertainment industry, where the expressive power of the arts meets quality production.