Stunning Westside Sanctuary Hosts Timely Concert Celebrating Music from Jewish, Muslim and Christian Faiths

Stunning Westside Sanctuary Hosts Timely Concert Celebrating Music from Jewish, Muslim and Christian Faiths

St. John Vianney Catholic Church (photo by Geoffrey Lyon)

TOMORROW, AT WEST Houston’s beautiful St. John Vianney Catholic Church, the Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra (ECHO) kicks off its 10th season with Music of Faith, a celebration of music from Jewish, Muslim and Christian traditions, featuring internationally-known Klezmer violinist, Steven Greenman.


In addition to being one of the finest practitioners of traditional East European Jewish klezmer violin music, Greenman is a virtuoso performer of East European folk music and an in-demand soloist with symphony orchestras. “This concert celebrates music representing several of the many cultures that make up our Energy Corridor community that have supported us since our beginning,” says ECHO’s executive director Sarah McDonner.

Greenman will perform several short movements from his composition, Klezmer Suite for Violin and Orchestra, as well as the Cadenza from Fiddler on the Roof by film composer, John Williams. The rich and varied program also includes the final movement from Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5 (also known as the Reformation Symphony), which is based on the famous Christian hymn A Mighty Fortress is our God, and the overture to Verdi’s opera La Forza Del Destino. Ekaterinburg Gorlova, soprano with the St. John Vianney choir, will sing Handel’s Let the Bright Seraphim from Samson. ECHO’s founding director Michael Fahey conducts.

Fahey co-founded ECHO in 2014 with McDonner to bring audience-friendly, professional-level performances of classical and contemporary music to the Energy Corridor and surrounding communities. The orchestra’s combined membership of professional and volunteer players has contributed to its ongoing success with audiences, who may be new to classical repertoire.

“We are so excited to bring Steven Greenman back to Houston to perform for our incredible audience,” says Fahey. “It is our great pleasure to feature music and musicians from near and far as we continue to provide musical experiences that will delight our audiences.”

Art + Entertainment
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Valentino, Debbie and Rudy Festari

A STYLISH CROWD of more than 350 gathered at a River Oaks Country Club luncheon to celebrate Italian culture in Houston and take in a bright fall fashion show from Saks Fifth avenue.

Keep Reading Show less
Fashion+Home

Lady Stephanie Kimbrell, Cory McGee, and Butler Studio artists, Ani Kushyan, Alissa Goretsky and Elizabeth Hanje (photo by Michelle Watson)

ALL OF THE top performing arts organizations in Houston have now officially opened their 2024-2015 seasons, now that Houston Grand Opera has bowed with a stirring performance of Verdi’s Il trovatore at The Wortham followed by a lavish al fresco dinner in a tent on the plaza out front.The Houston Ballet and the Houston Symphony held their own grand opening night festivities earlier in the fall.

Keep Reading Show less
Art+Culture