Testimonials
I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for the work that each of you did to contribute to the success of the concerts last week. Our farewell to Andrés could not have gone more perfectly. Every aspect was just outstanding. I watched the rehearsal stream on Friday and the concert stream on Saturday, and the livestream was absolutely superb. I could feel the energy in the Hall from my vantage point at home, and that’s exactly what we want the streams to accomplish. I know how much work — from IT support to the staff and crew — goes into these, and I’m exceedingly proud that the concert will be up in perpetuity to represent the quality and artistry of what we do in Houston.
I got to come to the concert in person on Sunday, and it was electric. The commemorative program was beautiful — everyone wanted them, and the posters — the video was impeccably done and very powerful, and the standing ovation and cheers for Andrés when he took the stage were deeply moving, as was the audience’s response at the end of the concert. The orchestra played superbly. People seemed to have a great time at the party, and I think it provided a great send-off for Andrés and a chance for everyone here to say goodbye — or at least, until next time, which will be in the 2023-24 season.
Thanks as always for all that each of you do. Hope your week is off to a good start.
All my best,
John Mangum
I wanted to share some great compliments that Jean-Yves Thibaudet gave the team yesterday.
I have had lots of discussions with him and his team over the past months in an effort to get him to agree to take part in our livestream. You should all know that Jean-Yves agrees to livestreams VERY rarely – and has turned down requests from orchestras like Boston to stream. His management had told me that he is generally a hard no for livestreams because he’s had bad experiences in the past and refuses streams as a matter of practice now.
I sent him our Sub #8 stream with pianist Jan Lisecki and explained how our team runs the stream. Yesterday he told me that not only does he wish that every orchestra did their streams our way, but that he would be happy to have his concerts with us livestreamed any time he visits in the future. It is the extraordinarily high quality of the video, sound, and overall production of the stream that lead Jean-Yves to give us a yes.
This is a lovely compliment from an artist who performs with the world’s best orchestras, many of whom also livestream regularly, as well as a compliment that is unique to us. I wanted to make sure that you all know that he holds the team’s work in such high regard, and that hard work is also is the reason why I am able to get our guest artists to agree to participate in the streams.
Congratulations and cheers!
Rebecca Zebinski
I arrived safely back in NYC earlier today and just finished watching the video of last night’s concert. I’ve also literally just finished wiping tears of happiness from my eyes. To say “thank you to all of you from the bottom of my heart for your efforts” doesn’t even seem like nearly enough words. You have no idea what joy and purpose you brought back into my life by being able to create, perform, and host a concert once again. That is truly what I personally feel like I was put here on this Earth to do as my calling. When it was all so suddenly taken away, I struggled for months to find purpose again. Eventually I got some perspective and learned how to be patient (not one of my strong suits). However, this return was so very special to me. I’m still on such a high from the past few days and I’m incredibly proud and grateful to be associated with our fantastic Houston Symphony for helping to lead the way for orchestras and performing arts organizations in this country.
Not only were the vocalists and orchestra wonderful, but I’m so incredibly impressed with the innovation, care, and professionalism of our staff and crew. The livestream was absolutely wonderful. It sounded terrific and looked amazing! Who directed the video!?!? Was there a score reader? All of the shots were so well thought out and beautifully executed. Not that I would expect anything less, but this was a top-notch, incredibly professional presentation. Please give my deepest thanks and congratulations to the audio and video teams. They did an amazing job and I feel so very proud to be the Principal Pops Conductor for such a fantastic organization.
Sending my heartful thanks and love to all of you. Until next time…
Steven Reineke
Thanks for all you do for us – your work on the video team is so great and we are so lucky to have you!
Meredith Williams
Asst Director of Operations
More Testimonials
Supporting Documents
