A Music Lineup That Demands Attention: This Houston Organization’s New Season Should Not Be Overlooked
BY James Brock // 08.31.16Arturo Sandoval, Joshua Redman, Christian Tetzlaff, Terence Blanchard. You want more? How about Jason Vieaux and Cécile McLorin Salvant? Yes, yes, that is an excellent lineup, and it’s but a portion of Da Camera’s 2016-2017 season. The Houston-based organization, which was founded in 1987, has lined up some stellar performers, and I recommend a season subscription.
Where else can one experience such a diverse, dynamic, and legendary lineup?
“Great music is often made by artists delving into their personal histories, taking the raw material of what makes them tick, and turning it into a public act,” says Sarah Rothenberg, DA Camaera’s artistic and general director “The magic is in the transformation. With the 2016-2017 season, Da Camera joins artists including jazz pianist Jason Moran, composer Vijay Iyer and soprano Julia Bullock on this inward journey, focusing on musical works that vividly illuminate the ‘musical DNA’ of composers and performers.”
Anyone who has seen Vijay Iyer live knows the man is an inventive musician; his grace on the stage is staggering, as are his composing talents and his mastery of the piano. He’s bringing “Radhe Radhe: Rites of Holi” to the Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater on Friday, May 5. Expect an Indian take on Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” and prepare for lots of color. Iyer is accompanied by the International Contemporary Ensemble, the artist-in-residence at Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Festival.
I’m also looking forward to seeing Terence Blanchard, a New Orleans native who has assembled a group of top-notch musicians known as The E-Collective. Blanchard has more than 50 soundtracks to his credit, and isn’t slowing down one bit.
The Brentano String Quartet, trumpeter Marquis Hill, and the Horszowski Trio are three other must-see acts in a strong season. Click this link for all of the details about subscriptions and series.