Ehnes Plays Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto

James Ehnes is playing Jones Hall on Friday, March 5, as part of a three-night run with the Houston Symphony. He's taking the lead on Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto, a piece that's basically a cornerstone of the classical violin repertoire, known for blending singing sweetness with high-flying technical prowess. The Times has described Ehnes as "a violinist in a class of his own," and his reading of this concerto is highlighted for its balance of technical brilliance and lyrical depth.

That's not the only thing on the program. The evening opens with O. Tarkiainen's Songs of Ice, and the second half is Elgar's Symphony No. 1, which became an international hit almost immediately after its 1908 premiere. Together, they make for a full program that moves from a contemporary opener to a Romantic concerto and a sweeping symphony.

Ehnes is joined by conductor Nicholas Collon, and the whole thing is part of the Margaret Alkek Williams Spotlight Series. The concert runs about 120 minutes with a 20-minute intermission, and it's recommended for ages 6 and up. If Friday doesn't work, the symphony is playing the same program on Saturday, March 6, and Sunday, March 7.

Tickets start at $52. The Friday and Saturday shows are both at 7:30 PM, and the Sunday matinee is at 2:00 PM.