Orozco-Estrada’s contract extended in Houston; Austin Opera gets $1 million gift
Andrés Orozco-Estrada. Photo: Julie Soefer
The Houston Symphony has extended Andrés Orozco-Estrada’s contract for three additional seasons through the 2021-22 season.
Orozco-Estrada is the Houston Symphony’s 15th music director and the first Colombian-born conductor to assume the post in the orchestra’s 104-year history.
“I feel extremely honored to continue this journey together with the musicians of this great orchestra,” said Orozco-Estrada in a statement released Thursday by the orchestra.
“I’m grateful for the support and the vote of confidence given to me from day one and very much look forward to strengthening my relationships with members of the orchestra. We will continue to explore inspiring new works and projects that allow us to embrace new and loyal audiences as well as further our artistic growth.”
“Andrés’ leadership, artistic vision and ability to interpret music so genuinely that it evokes powerful feelings and emotions from both musicians and audiences alike is both a gift and a driving force that reminds us that music is more than just notes,” said Mark C. Hanson, executive director and CEO.
Orozco-Estrada leads two programs this week and next concluding his three-season cycle of all nine Beethoven symphonies. houstonsymphony.org
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Austin arts benefactors Sarah and Ernest Butler have given Austin Opera a $1 million gift to support the company’s artistic director Richard Buckley.
The couple stated to the Austin-American Statesman that they are so pleased with the company’s artistic achievements under Buckley and optimistic about the future of Austin Opera under general director Annie Burridge that they felt compelled to make the donation. “We hope that our gift will enable the company to flourish for years to come,” said Ernest Butler.
Austin Opera’s final production of the season is Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, which opens April 29. austinopera.org
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