A Good Old Fashioned Music Showdown Keeps Houston Symphony Tradition Alive

Young Musicians Get the Note of a Lifetime

By Joelle Dipaolo // May 30, 2018

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The Houston Symphony knows good music.

The great American decorative arts collector Miss Ima Hogg, circa 1920. (Courtesy Ima Hogg Papers, MFAH Archives)

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, now part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, represents the collecting acumen of the late Miss Ima Hogg. (Photo by Robb Williamson)

'Sammy Davis Jr.' and 'Dean Martin,' a scene from the Houston Symphony Ball at The Post Oak Hotel

The Houston Symphony is the largest performing arts organization in Houston and one of the oldest, premier residential symphonies in the nation. Its Ima Hogg Competition, named after the late patron saint of the arts in Houston and one of the co-founders of the Houston Symphony, is at the forefront of multi-instrument competitions in the world.

The 43rd annual competition is as celebrated as ever with contestants pulled from across the country. The spirited competition encourages young musicians pursuing careers in the arts to put their skills to the test. Chaired by Barbara McCelvey, the Ima Hogg Competition is open to musicians ages 16 through 26 who play standard orchestral instruments or the piano.

There are multiple rounds of the competition. After going through all of the applicants, 10 musicians advance to the semifinals, and the top four contestants get to perform with the Houston Symphony to determine the winner. Semifinals begin this Thursday, May 31, at Stude Hall at Rice University’s Shepard School of Music, featuring musicians proficient in the marimba, violin, clarinet, cello and flute.

The Finals concert commences Saturday, June 2 at the same Stude Concert Hall at Rice University. The conductor for the finalists’ performance will be Daniel Hege, the musical director of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra.

The winner will get the chance to perform a solo with the Houston Symphony, and will win the Grace Woodson Memorial First Prize of $25,000, presented by John Neighbors. The second place winner will perform a solo with the Houston Symphony at the Miller Outdoor Theatre and earn a $10,000 prize.

For anyone who loves good music, this competition is certainly note worthy.