The radical Houston Symphony is bringing back righteous music with the “Totally ‘80s” concert series.
An orchestra performance is ultimately about enjoying big music with all the excitement and energy of in-sync musicians and a mesmerized audience. This installment of POPS, or popular music, series is a fun night of awesome music. Jones Hall was full of people who know and love these songs, and that energy is contagious.
Even though I was not alive during the ’80s, I still knew almost all the classic hits. The performance goes “Back to the Future” and to “The Heart of Rock and Roll” with the music that defined the decade.
These songs gave each section of the orchestra an opportunity to shine: from the saxes in “Careless Whispers,” to the drummers in “In the Air Tonight,” to the violinist who performs Michael Jackson.
Guest singers Nicole Parker and Aaron Finley brought the lyrics of the thirty-years-young mixtape to life. They had multiple duets, including the incredibly fun “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.”
Parker has the voice and acting skills to play Elphaba in Broadway’s hit “Wicked,” and she knows how to slay tunes from the ’80s. I got chills as the former green witch sang “True Colors” and “Alone.”
Finley has been the dynamic 1980s heartthrob performing with orchestras across America, but this is his first time on stage with the Houston Symphony. He brings his experience, energy and enthralling voice to this concert for Houstonians to enjoy.
Both Parker and Finley, as well as conductor Stuart Chafetz were each able to connect with the audience, make us laugh, and just be silly. They acted out iconic music video performances to remind us of the rad and ridiculous moments of the decade.
The Houston Symphony is performing “Totally ‘80s” for only one weekend, remaining performances are on Saturday, Jan 12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan 13 at 7:30 p.m in Jones Hall for the Performing Arts in downtown Houston. Student rush tickets are available for $15, and street parking is free after 6 p.m. Feel free to join the musicians in wearing an ’80s costume.
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