Houston Symphony welcomes new conductor with event

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's a momentous night for the Houston Symphony.

The orchestra celebrates their newest conductor Andres Orozco-Estrada with a free concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre. The Colombian Conductor spent 18 years in Vienna, Austria, and now Andres Orozco-Estrada is making Houston his home, as the 15th conductor in the 100-year history of the symphony. While it's been raining a bit today, he and the symphony team are all smiles in anticipation for tonight's event.

"It's amazing. I'm very happy. Finally now starting the season with this great event. 'Bienvenido Andres' is something very special," says Orozco-Estrada.

With his introduction as conductor, it's a new era for the Symphony.

"Andres brings energy. He's young, he has different musical ideas, and he will bring his own character and style into what we already do," says General Manager Steven Brosvik.

CEO Mark Hanson adds, "Andres is passionate about creating music with our world class musicians, and he wants everyone in Houston to fall in love with this kind of music, so he's a conductor for the people."

Tonight's free concert at Miller Outdoor is the kick-off to a weekend celebrating music and Orozco-Estrada.

"Houston Symphony is really Houston's symphony, and it's so important to - for us to be able to share this wonderful music...It's music so compelling it's hard not to like it, no matter your background, no matter where you come from, it's so enjoyable," said Chief of Artistic Planning Aurelie Desmarais.

While a chance of rain may be in the forecast for tonight, it doesn't put a damper on this group.

"It's raining now but we're all saying it's not going to be raining later. And, here at Miller, we have seats that are covered. We have the hill. even if it's sprinkling a little bit, bring your umbrella and come out for the fun. It's going to be an amazing concert, I assure you," says Brosvik.

For Orozco-Estrada's Houston Symphony debut, he says it's special. It's one to watch.

"The first one is to connect, always. To connect to the audience, to say hi to everyone, share with the people our music," he said.

The concert starts at 8:30pm here at Miller Outdoor Theatre and is followed by fireworks around 9:45pm.

You can also watch on ABC13 with a special starting at 8pm, followed by the live show at 8:30pm. Gina Gaston, Ilona Carson and Tom Koch will be anchoring.