Date
Apr 5, 2025
Event Type
Concerts, Opera
Ticket Price
Starting at $32.50
On Sale
Fri, Feb 7
Show Description
Presented by the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts with Houston Ebony Opera Guild
A landmark concert celebrating Houston Ebony Opera Guild’s 40th Anniversary
This evening of extraordinary music pays tribute to the Guild’s founder, Robert A. Henry, and key figures who played pivotal roles in advancing and sustaining the organization’s legacy.
The first half of the concert will feature a fully staged performance of Highway 1, USA, a one-act opera by William Grant Still. This powerful work, last performed by the Guild nearly 25 years ago, will be presented with an exceptional cast of local operatic soloists. The vivid and passionate music of Still, “the dean of African-American composers,” accompanies this dramatic post-war tale of an ungrateful young man’s exploitation, attempted seduction and near-murder of his brother’s wife. All of this and more in the roadside service station owned by the victims: a loyal, hard-working couple.
The second half of the concert will showcase a selection of choral and solo works inspired by Robert Henry and other influential figures who have contributed to the Guild’s artistic and organizational growth. Each piece reflects their musical passions, from opera and choral masterworks to large-scale spiritual arrangements.
This evening will be a celebration of legacy and artistry, ensuring that HEOG’s impact resonates for years to come.
Opera Soloists:
Ardeen Pierre as Mary
Antoine Griggs as Bob
Bernard Kelly as Nate
Houston Ebony Opera appears as part of the Hobby Center’s new annual initiative that celebrates and supports local artists who broaden our city’s cultural fabric and embody the iconic idea that Houston is Inspired. Building on the Hobby Center’s mission to serve as a connector, convenor, and incubator, this program brings audiences and artists together through experiences that center connection and community.
Performance Schedule
- Audio Description
- Open Captions
- ASL
Swipe to see more details
- Sat Apr 5, 2025 at 7:30 pm
About Houston Ebony Opera Guild
Houston Ebony Opera Guild (“the Guild”), a company of classical singers based in Houston’s African American community is committed to the expansion of opportunities for participation in and exposure to opera, traditional Negro Spirituals and other classical music genres. Its singers are selected by audition, talent, formal training and experience: important prerequisites for the Guild singers. Founded by the late Dr. Robert A. Henry (1916-1996), the Guild presented occasional concerts in Houston and elsewhere during the late 1980’s. During its early years, the Guild was well known nationally for the large number of outstanding professional soloists included in its membership. In 1992, the Guild became a formal, tax-exempt organization and produced Porgy and Bess, its very first opera at the Miller Outdoor Theater. All cast members of the production were local singers. Since then, productions have come to include superb artists from Houston and around the United States. Today, the Guild is acclaimed by audiences and critics for its productions. Learn More
Artistic Director, Jason Oby
Artistic Director, Jason ObyIn 1997, Dr. Jason Oby joined the organization, serving in several other capacities before becoming the artistic director, a position he continues to hold today.
“My work with HEOG over the years has been deeply fulfilling and has kept me at the forefront of music-making in Houston as a soloist, choral conductor, concert curator, and leader in the music community. Because of my position with HEOG, I have had the distinct privilege of working closely with world-renowned musicians such as Willie Anthony Waters, Roland Carter, and numberless others. I have watched as young local singers chosen by me to participate in our organization have gone on to pursue great careers. These collaborations have been invaluable learning experiences, and I am grateful for the opportunities afforded me by HEOG to perform as a soloist and to curate and conduct programs at prestigious venues, including the Hobby Center and Miller Outdoor Theatre—venues I might not have otherwise accessed without my association with HEOG.”
Quick Links
Stay Connected
Sign up for our email list to stay up-to-date on all things Hobby Center. Or contact us with any questions and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Box Office Information
Box Office: (713) 315-2525
Email: [email protected]
Hours: *Subject to change depending on show schedule
Monday-Friday, 10:00am-6:00pm
Saturday-Sunday, 11:00am-4:00pm
