'We the People' (2024) artwork by Liana Amaya
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The Preamble of our Constitution poetically describes a template for self determination and democratic values. It was birthed, however, in a different time and place, for a context in which the lofty, pluralistic ideals it espoused were not yet universally shared. Over the last seventeen years, Apollo has sought to expand, reimagine and diversify the founding ideals of America - bringing the enlightened inspiration of the Founding Fathers meaningfully into the 21st century. On this journey, our growing catalogue of over fifty multicultural commissions has fostered the creativity of countless creatives and reached listeners around the world in sublime and profound ways. Apollo’s expanding discography will also continue to create cultural harmony for generations to come. The consciousness of the country comes alive during tumultuous times. In an election year of singular consequence, our programming strives to reflect democracy - its triumphs and challenges at home and abroad - as an idea worth championing. Together, we can help form a more perfect Union. -MATTHEW J. DETRICK, Artistic Director
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SATURDAY OCTOBER 5, 2024 | 7:00PM @ ZILKHA HALL, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
The relationship between democracy and liberty is complex and ever-evolving. Our season opener explores this nation’s noble quest to ‘secure the blessings of liberty’ for its citizenry - and where we have fallen tragically short. Legendary actor and activist George Takei joins Apollo to tell the story of his family’s forced internment during World War II, as Japanese Americans had their most basic freedoms stripped away in one of democracy’s darkest chapters.
The program also features the world premiere of a newly adapted commissioned work by John Corigliano, one of America’s most celebrated living composers. His One Sweet Morning reflects a post-9/11 aspiration for peace, while Afghan composer Homayoun Sakhi offers a global perspective on the promise and peril of self-government and the eternal quest for liberty.
Finally, Adolphus Hailstork's spiritual-inspired Deep River meditates on the injustice of the Black American experience and the hope for redemption in this world and the next.
The program also features the world premiere of a newly adapted commissioned work by John Corigliano, one of America’s most celebrated living composers. His One Sweet Morning reflects a post-9/11 aspiration for peace, while Afghan composer Homayoun Sakhi offers a global perspective on the promise and peril of self-government and the eternal quest for liberty.
Finally, Adolphus Hailstork's spiritual-inspired Deep River meditates on the injustice of the Black American experience and the hope for redemption in this world and the next.
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Program partner: Japan-America Society of Houston
One Sweet Morning underwritten by Michael Managan in celebration of the life of Carolyn Smith Managan. The Book of Names major support by Michael Managan, Rhonda Sweeney & Thomas & Terese Kosten. |
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PROGRAM
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WORLD PREMIERE
John Corigliano: One Sweet Morning Commission for string quintet and voice Adolphus Hailstork: Deep River: Rhapsody for String Quartet (2021) WORLD PREMIERE Homayoun Sakhi Newly commissioned work inspired by themes of liberty and justice WORLD PREMIERE Marty Regan: The Book of Names with narration by George Takei Vertical Divider
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GUESTS:
George Takei Actor, Author & Activist John Corigliano Composer John Holiday Countertenor Marty Regan Composer |
TICKETS
VENUE INFO
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Hobby Center for the Performing Arts Houston
Zilkha Hall 800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 PARKING: Hobby Center Parking and Directions |
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4 | 7:30PM @ MATCH
Beckoned by the Statue of Liberty, artists of all stripes have sought in America not only refuge from persecution, but also the promise of happiness and creative success. This program celebrates composers and artists who have nurtured their talents in the Land of Opportunity, leaving this nation more richly diverse and beautiful.
PROGRAM
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Benjamin Britten: String Quartet No. 2
Erberk Eryilmaz: Thracian Airs of Besime Sultan Leo Brouwer: Nostalgia de las Montañas Choreography by Mónica Gómez and Estheysis Menendez Ernesto Lecuona: Canto Siboney Choreography by Mónica Gómez Vertical Divider
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GUESTS:
Mónica Gómez Estheysis Menendez Gian Carlo Perez Allison Whitley Dancers (Houston Ballet) Jesús Pacheco Percussion |
TICKETS
VENUE INFO
FRIDAY, MARCH 21 | 7:00PM @ ZILKHA HALL, HOBBY CENTER
In concert with the Persian New Year of Nowruz, we celebrate the multicultural beauty of Houston, the most ethnically diverse city in America. We also reflect on the rarity of a country born with freedom of speech and religion - and diversity of thought - as an integral part of its democratic DNA. Will America ever realize the promise of a truly pluralistic society living in harmony?
PROGRAM
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WORLD PREMIERE
Reza Vali: Bandari Commission for string quartet & percussion Daniel Bernard Roumain: String Quartet No. 5 “Rosa Parks” Muyassar Kurdi: Lullaby for theChildren of the Sun Gilad Cohen: Three Goat Blues Vertical Divider
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Guests:
Reza Vali Composer Pejman Hadadi Percussion Shaheen Rahman Board President, Islamic Arts Society |
VENUE INFO
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Hobby Center for the Performing Arts Houston
Zilkha Hall 800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 PARKING: Hobby Center Parking and Directions |
SATURDAY, MAY 1O | 7:00PM @HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON
SUNDAY, MAY 18 | 2:00PM @ UNITY HOUSTON
SUNDAY, MAY 18 | 2:00PM @ UNITY HOUSTON
Our season concludes with an intergenerational conversation about freedom, democracy, and the future. While 20th century American icons Howard Hanson and Walt Whitman reflect the exquisite nuance of a democratic republic, we amplify the voices of the next generation’s creative leaders through collaborations locally and globally.
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Program partners: Holocaust Museum Houston, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Unity Fine Arts Initiative Major support: Venona and Joe Detrick |
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PROGRAM
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WORLD PREMIERE
Marcus Maroney: The Color Blue Commission for string quartet and choir inspired by themes of democracy; text contributions by HSPVA U.S. History students WORLD PREMIERE Howard Hanson/Walt Whitman (Arr. Mark Buller, 2025): Song of Democracy Voladores de Papantla (2019) Juan Pablo Contreras TEXAS PREMIERE Ukrainian, Polish and Greek Folk Songs Arr. Apollo Chamber Players & Lorento Golofeev 
With HPSVA History students (January 2025) |
Guest Artists
Marcus Maroney, composer (UH Moores School of Music) Mark Buller, composer Kinder HSPVA Chorale led by Marcus J. Jauregui, Chair Gabriel Al-Bochi • Eyoab Ashagari • Miles Berins • Ethan Bianco • Eric Cardozo • Ansley Carl • Cameron Carter • Elliot Day • Maykelia Del Pino • Deliyah Dumo • Jasmine Egbulonu • Alexis Hazlett • Stephen Hill • Bridget Hogue • Giselle Jacobs • Payton Lamke • Sabine Lesniewicz • Aime Marquez • Victoria Martinez • Marquis McKinley • Annie Mello • Eleanor Miller • William Norton • Ogechi Nwachukwu • Cristina Perez Ruiz • Lark Perry Trevor Pham • Iyana Ragston • Starla Sanchez • Beryt Scott • Jonatan Serrano • Jason Snell Brooke Taylor • Kavya Tomar • Sarah Vanlandingham • Isabella Vazquez • Alexis Villegas • Sophia Weaver • Lilliana William HSPVA U.S. History Students led by Jennifer Chase Safia Chilakapati: what is democracy? Maille Craig: Common Sense Samiyah Green: Star Spangled Banner Elliott Hoyt: I Will Never Be President Eliran Masti: We The Immigrants Daniela Matassa: Star Spangled Mâché Jordan Muscal: DEMOCRACY IS A MARATHON Christine Novelero: the math of democracy Valeria Orozco: the lord be with you Eva Rami: America, The Brave Abby Walmer: Land of the Lost, Home of the Caged Charlotte Witz: Democracy Is |
VENUE INFO
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Holocaust Museum Houston
5401 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77004 PARKING: On-site adjacent parking lot. |
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UNITY HOUSTON
2929 Unity Dr, Houston, TX 77057 PARKING: Surface Lot - Free |
