Here are some events that I would like to attend because they feed my fascinations:
Exhibit: Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the National Gallery of Art
February 20–May 23, Museum Hours — Audrey Jones Beck Building, The Museum of Fine Art, Houston, 5601 Main St., Houston
The MFAH presents French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. This exceptional loan exhibition brings to Houston 50 paintings from the National Gallery of Art’s premier holdings while the galleries that house its 19th-century French collection are closed for repair, renovation, and restoration. The National Gallery’s Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection ranks among the finest of any museum in the world and features some of the greatest artists active in France between the 1860s and the early 20th century. The MFAH presentation showcases works by Mary Cassatt, Paul Cezanne, Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Georges Seurat, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. A fully illustrated catalogue exploring these paintings in depth accompanies the show. Admission to Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the National Gallery of Art will require a timed-entry ticket that also includes general admission to the museum. See website for full ticketing information.
Lecture and Book Signing: Louis Markos discusses C. S. Lewis
March 23 and 30, 6:30 pm — Deacon’s Parlor, Second Baptist Woodway Campus, 6400 Woodway Dr., Houston
Louis Markos, professor of English and scholar in residence at Houston Baptist University, will give a two part lecture series on C. S. Lewis based on his two new books: Apologetics for the 21st Century and Restoring Beauty: The Good, the True, and the Beautiful in the Writings of C. S. Lewis. The talks are free and open to the public, and will be followed by a book signing.
Concert: St. John Passion
March 27, 5:00 pm — Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby, Houston
Bach’s setting of the passion narrative from the Gospel of John is sacred drama of the highest order. This beloved work, presented in collaboration with the Moores School of Music Concert Chorale, features tenor Tony Boutté as the Evangelist and a stellar lineup of soloists and players. Presented by Ars Lyrica. Tickets are available online or by calling 713-315-2525.
Free Performance: UST Jazz Ensemble Concert
April 5, 7:30 pm — Cullen Hall, University of St. Thomas, 4001 Mt. Vernon, Houston
Dr. Malcolm Rector leads the talented UST Jazz Ensemble in performing some of the most spectacular selection from the harmonious music genre that is Jazz music. The UST Jazz Ensemble, famous for its sophisticated sound and fabulous improvisation, will be performing in UST’s Cullen Hall. This event is free and open to the public.
Performance: Amadeus
April 6–May 1, Times Vary — Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave., Houston
Peter Shaffer’s Tony Award–winning play is a riveting tale of obsession and vengeance. Loosely based on the lives of Viennese court composer Antonio Salieri and his young rival Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Amadeus follows a murder plot that shocks and fascinates. After committing his life to God in order to be blessed with the ability to create the world’s most sublime music, Salieri believes that God graced the rebellious Mozart with greater inspired creativity. Envious Salieri schemes to destroy Mozart and, in so doing, rebukes God. See website for performance schedule. Purchase tickets online or by calling 713-220-5700.
Free Lecture: Dr. Neil de Grasse Tyson
April 13, 7:00 pm — Hilton Hotel, University of Houston, Houston
Dr. Neil de Grasse Tyson is the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of National History and Visiting Research Scientist and Lecturer at Princeton University. Dr. Tyson published the first of six books on astronomy and astrophysics in 1988. His research interests include star formation, exploding stars, dwarf galaxies, and the structure of the Milky Way. To conduct his research, he uses telescopes all over the world as well as the Hubble Space Telescope. This lecture is presented as part of the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Ethics & Leadership Lectures.
Concert: Rodgers & Hammerstein and More
April 21, 8:00 pm — Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St., Houston
Ashley Brown, celebrated leading lady of the Broadway stage in such Disney blockbusters as Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast, recently came to Houston to reprise the role of Mary Poppins in the National Tour. She comes to Houston again to be a part of an unforgettable concert with the Houston Symphony and Robert Franz. Hear her perform your favorite Rogers and Hammerstein songs along with selections from her Broadway roles and much, much more. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 713-224-7575.