The Moores School of Music at the University of Houston’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts will present its 2026-27 season with performances spanning orchestral, choral, opera, jazz and interdisciplinary programming.
The newly announced season celebrates the continued tradition of excellence at Moores while recognizing the UH’s centennial and the 30th anniversary of the gift from John Moores that established the school.
“What an exciting season we have ahead as the University of Houston begins celebrating our long-anticipated centennial and we honor the 30th anniversary of the transformative gift by John Moores creating the Moores School of Music,” said Robert Walzel, interim director of the Moores School of Music.
2026-27 Highlights
- Sept. 26, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (Symphony No. 9): Conducted by Franz Anton Krager, the season’s opening performance features the Moores School Symphony Orchestra, University of Houston Concert Chorale and Houston Symphony Chorus in a landmark collaboration celebrating one of classical music’s most enduring works.
- Oct. 10, Moores School of Music Concerto Competition Final Round: Exceptional student musicians from the piano and wind departments will compete in Dudley Recital Hall, with winners earning the opportunity to perform as soloists with the Moores School Symphony Orchestra. Admission is free.
- Nov. 1, “Bold and Beautiful” Ballet: Moores will continue its 26-year artistic partnership with the Houston Ballet at the Moores Opera House. The performance features choreography by Stanton Welch and music by Delibes, Vivaldi, Drigo and Britten. The program features Houston Ballet Academy and Houston Ballet II and will be conducted by Simon Thew and Franz Anton Krager.
- Nov. 14-15, Mariachi Festival and Concert: Talented middle and high school mariachi ensembles will take the stage at the Moores Opera House and receive valuable feedback from experienced clinicians. The festival culminates in a public concert featuring the acclaimed Mariachi Pumas alongside the day’s highest-scoring ensembles and outstanding individual performers.
- Dec. 5, Moores Anniversary Gala: The Moores School of Music will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Moores Opera House. The event will recognize three decades of performances and community engagement in the iconic venue that serves as a cornerstone of musical life at UH.
- Jan. 21, “Stars of Tomorrow” Recital: Kicking off the spring season is a recital at the Dudley Recital Hall, where graduating opera students showcase their vocal talent through selections from across the operatic repertoire. Admission is free.
- March 1, “Voice of Brubeck”: Presented by the Moores School Symphony Orchestra and UH Choirs, the collaborative performance celebrates the lesser-known symphonic, chamber and sacred vocal works of jazz legend Dave Brubeck and highlights his contributions beyond his best-known jazz compositions.
- March 17-21, 2027 National Trumpet Competition: This national event, hosted by the Moores School of Music, will bring hundreds of student musicians from across the U.S. and beyond to campus for masterclasses, performances and educational opportunities. The event will feature a concert from The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and a collaborative performance with the Houston Symphony and UH Wind Ensemble.
- April 1, Jazz Night Club: The season concludes with an evening of live jazz in the Moores School of Music, Room 185. Talented musicians in a relaxed setting will celebrate one of America’s most influential musical traditions.
The 2026-27 season also includes the Moores School of Music Opera Season, featuring four productions in the Moores Opera House: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” (Oct. 22-25), Humperdinck’s “Hänsel and Gretel” (Feb. 4-7), Handel’s “Oreste” in collaboration with Ars Lyrica Houston (April 16 and 18), and Britten’s “Peter Grimes” benefit concert (April 24).
The opera season explores themes of redemption, courage, justice and the relationship between individuals and the communities that shape them.
“Each season at Moores reflects the extraordinary talent of our students and faculty while strengthening the connection between the University and the Houston community,” Walzel said. “The 2026-27 season truly has something for everyone. As an alumnus of UH and the rich musical community that has made the Moores School of Music a leader in Houston and beyond, I am so excited to welcome and encourage you to indulge yourself into the continuing tradition of excellence that is Music at Moores.”
Tickets and additional information about the 2026-27 Moores School of Music season are available through the box office. To explore the full season lineup, visit the Moores School of Music season website.