A Grammy Award-winning opera singer. An Academy Award-winning actor. A beloved, longtime Pops composer.
Alright, alright, alright.
Houston Symphony celebrated America’s 250th birthday in a big way Saturday, with major, all-American talent such as mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, actor and native Texan Matthew McConaughey, and Principal Pops Director Steven Reineke on the marquee.
The classical music institution’s Opening Night Concert and Gala leaned into all things patriotic — not politics.
“I think it’s wonderful to celebrate your country, regardless of political inclinations. You can be patriotic and have different political views,” Leonard told the Houston Chronicle. “Be proud of the country you’re from; every country has its ups and downs.”
She praised Reineke’s use of all American composers. Fourteen are still living; at least one, Karen LeFrak, sat in the audience at Jones Hall Saturday evening.
“For this one, we thought, ‘Let’s craft an all-American program.’ It was a lot of fun and a lot of work. I went through five different drafts to make sure there were some crowd-pleasers and also had some weight for the orchestra,” Reineke told the Chronicle. “It’s all from the 20th and 21st century. The oldest piece comes from 1930 by (George) Gershwin, ‘I’ve Got Rhythm.’”
One performance Leonard most looked forward to was “I Could Have Danced All Night,” from the film “My Fair Lady.” She also shared a bit of advice for appreciating the program’s more poignant moments.
“Some of the lyrics are particularly important and meaningful. I love music where the text means something,” she said.
Her suggestion might also apply to McConaughey’s narration of “Lincoln Portrait,” by Aaron Copland, which includes excerpts from President Abraham Lincoln’s documents, most notably text of his Gettysburg Address.
“His speeches are really astounding. He was very much a unifier during a very difficult time in America,” Reineke said. “The team at the symphony were looking for someone to read the ‘Lincoln Portrait’ and some extra star power to make this gala very, very special. Matthew accepted and made everything an even bigger event than it was already going to be.”
After his 14-minute appearance, Reineke said, “And that I have to tell y’all, that was one of the greatest performances of that piece I have ever heard.”
Before the encore, Reineke added about the famous Longhorns fan: “Mr. McConaughey had to go because there’s a football game on, as you know.”
This is a developing story and will be updated