Program Notes
Julia Wolfe — Liberty Bell (Houston Symphony Commission, World Premiere)
Julia Wolfe is one of the most prominent American contemporary composers, known for her powerful, rhythm-driven style. Liberty Bell, commissioned and premiered by the Houston Symphony, showcases her distinctive voice and spirit of freedom.
Duration: approx. 12 minutes
Florent Schmitt — Psalm 47, Op.38
Florent Schmitt, a major French composer of the early 20th century, was known for his rich orchestration and vibrant color. Psalm 47, composed in 1904, is a grand work for chorus and orchestra, combining Romantic intensity with overwhelming sonic power.
Duration: approx. 22 minutes
Igor Stravinsky — The Firebird Suite
Stravinsky’s ballet The Firebird premiered in 1910 and brought him instant fame. Inspired by Slavic folklore, the suite captures the most dazzling episodes of the ballet, from its mysterious opening to the fiery, triumphant finale.
Duration: approx. 25 minutes
✨ Estimated total concert time: 90–110 minutes
Vivace Select: Houston Symphony 2025–26 Season Classical Series + Special Concerts
Minimum age for Classical Series concerts: 6 years old
Sunday, Sept. 21, 2:00 PM | Opening Weekend: Valčuha Conducts The Firebird
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2:00 PM | Gershwin & Grimaud: Jazz Meets Symphony
Sunday, Nov. 23, 2:00 PM | Journey to Light: Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10
Sunday, Feb. 15, 2:00 PM | Symphonie espagnole + Symphonie fantastique (Clara-Jumi Kang)
Sunday, Mar. 22, 2:00 PM | Beethoven’s Fifth + Timpani World Premiere
Special: Wednesday, Apr. 1, 7:30 PM | Lang Lang in Recital
Special: Sunday, May 10, 2:00 PM | Joshua Bell Returns: The Elements in Concert
Sunday, May 17, 2:00 PM | Holst The Planets + Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (Augustin Hadelich)
Family Concert Series
(No age limit, ~50 minutes per concert; highly recommended for families.)
Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, 11:30 AM | Frightfully Fun! A Halloween Concert for Kids
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, 11:30 AM | Oh, What Fun! A Holiday Concert for Kids
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, 11:30 AM | When Instruments Roamed the Earth
Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026, 11:30 AM | Abracadabra! A Magical Musical Adventure
We are excited to share with you the group programs offered at Vivace International School of Music for Fall 2025.
Fall 2025 Vivace Group Programs
🎶 Vivace Ear Training & Music Theory
🎶 Vivace Prelude Ensemble — Entry-level chamber music group.
🎶 Vivace Momentum Ensemble — Advanced training with performance opportunities.
🎶 Vivace Virtuosi — Top-level chamber ensemble for outstanding students.
🎶 Vivace Fusion Harmonic — A unique crossover group blending classical and modern instruments.
🎶 Vivace Beginner Violin, Cello, Guitar Classes
🎶 Vivace Fun-damentals (ages 3–6, with parents)
🎶 Vivace Choir
🎶 Vivace Afro-Caribbean Percussion Ensemble
🎶 Vivace Rock Band
📌 Seats are limited—first come, first served!
Contact us:
📧 Email: info@VivaceMusic.org
