Pictures at an Exhibition

(Woodlands, Texas) – It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words—or in the case of Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” tens of thousands of musical notes!

The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will perform Mussorgsky’s most beloved composition in time for its 150th birthday, along with George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and Maurice Ravel’s “Bolero.”

“This concert was curated to represent a trio of iconic classical repertoire with both the audience and musicians’ facinations in mind.,” said WSO Artistic Director Darryl Bayer. “There is a reason this music has withstood the test of time to be cherished by generations and on May 5th, the WSO will bring these compositions to life again with the orchestra’s acclaimed style. Guest conductor, Kirk Wilke leads the orchestra with his attention to detail and dynamic interpretations.

International concert pianist Mihai Vatka will join WSO on stage for “Rhapsody in Blue,” which was composed 100 years ago this February when Gershwin was just 25 years old. Vatka, born in Romania, performs regularly across Houston and is Professor of Piano at Sam Houston State University. Vatka has participated in more than 50 national and international competitions, earning back-to-back “First Prize” at the Deva, Romania, National Piano Competition in 2000 and 2001; “Troisieme Medaille” at the Maryse Cheilan International Piano Competition (Hyeres, France) in 2000 and 2002; and “Grand Prize” at the Romanian National Piano Competition (Sighetu Marmatiei) in 2001, among others.

Originally composed in 1874 as a piano suite in ten movements, “Pictures at an Exhibition” is a musical tour of paintings by Viktor Hartmann. Each movement represents Mussorgsky’s translation of visual artwork into music. While public reception to Mussorgsky’s original piano version was mixed, “Pictures at an Exhibition” has since received widespread recognition after the orchestral arrangement by French composer Maurice Ravel. The WSO will perform this popular and well-recognized arrangement enhanced with visual artwork on venue’s widescreen projectors.
“To me, George Gershwin’s compositions represent the quintessential American sound,” Vatka shared. “‘Rhapsody in Blue’ captures the energy and vibrancy of New York City back in the Roaring Twenties. As someone who came to America in search of the American Dream, I hear hope, promise, and relentless enthusiasm every time I play this piece. It is a true honor to join WSO for this performance.”

Rounding out the program is Ravel’s masterpiece “Bolero,” which was composed in 1928 as a commission from Russian dancer Ida Rubinstein. A “bolero” is a style of slow-tempo Latin music often accompanied with dance. Ravel’s captivating work begins with a snare drum solo playing a repetitive rhythm that persists throughout the piece as other instruments gradually join with a simple melody. The result is an orchestral crescendo that creates a mesmerizing listening experience.

“This is a concert that will demonstrate the true power and musicality of THE Woodlands Symphony Orchestra,” Bayer added. I love how all our players are featured in a soloistic manner and the audience is introduced to each unique timbre throughout the program.

Now celebrating their tenth season, WSO performs yearly at multiple venues from at The Woodlands Pavilion to The Woodlands Township “Arts in the Park” events, churches, colleges and art galleries The orchestra also performs annual Christmas concerts and in December 2023 joined forces with the The Woodlands Chorale for a sold out performance of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” Comprised of professional players, dedicated music teachers, highly skilled community musicians and university talent, WSO features musicians that live, work, and play in The Woodlands area.

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Reimagined in 2013, the Woodlands Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is made up of professional musicians, amateur enthusiasts, and rising stars from The Woodlands Area Youth Symphony (WAYS). Led by the passion of Artistic Director Darryl Bayer, the organization endeavors to celebrate Woodlands community musicians; inspire and develop young talent; and design “outside the box” concerts that are entertaining and educational. WSO relies on donations from the community and sponsors to cover the costs of concerts. To learn more about WSO and to donate, visit www.woodlandssymphony.org or follow us on Facebook.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Christ Church Methodist, 6363 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, United States