Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2

The Houston Symphony brings Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 to Jones Hall on Saturday, May 1, 2027, at 7:30 PM, with a second performance on Sunday, May 2, at 2:00 PM. It's a big, romantic piece of repertoire, and the symphony is pairing it with selections from Prokofiev's ballet score Romeo and Juliet.

That concerto is one of the most recognizable in the classical world—dizzily difficult, unabashedly romantic, and full of melodies so catchy they eventually gave rise to chart-topping pop songs. It's the kind of work that doesn't hide its emotion, and it takes up a good chunk of the evening. The Prokofiev selections on the other half of the program come from Romeo and Juliet, so you'll get two very different moods in one sitting: the sweeping lines of Rachmaninoff and the more pointed, dramatic character of Prokofiev.

On piano is Conrad Tao, whom New York Magazine has described as "the kind of musician who is shaping the future of classical music." He'll be taking the solo part for the Rachmaninoff, with Daniela Candillari conducting. The Houston Symphony's music director is Juraj Valčuha.

If you're planning to go, there are a few practical things to keep in mind. Doors open 60 minutes before the concert, and the evening includes a 45-minute prelude and a 20-minute intermission. The program is recommended for ages 6 and over, and Jones Hall has 2,911 seats, so it's a full house. Tickets start at $52, and there's 10% off when you buy 10 or more at once.