HOUSTON SYMPHONY PRESENTS STAYIN’ ALIVE: THE BEE GEES & BEYOND

May 16–18 High-resolution photos here. HOUSTON (April 29 2025) – This May 16–18, the Houston Symphony transforms Jones Hall into a glittering dance floor with Stayin’ Alive—The Bee Gees & Beyond, a dazzling fusion of disco glamour and symphonic brilliance. Under the baton of Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke, and joined by the acclaimed and internationally renowned Finnish vocal ensemble Rajaton, the Houston Symphony reimagines the legendary harmonies, infectious rhythms, and iconic falsettos of the Bee Gees. This electrifying collaboration breathes new life into classic hits like “Night Fever,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “More Than a Woman,” infusing the timeless sounds of the 1970s with the lush power of a full symphony orchestra. The result is a high-energy, stylish celebration of one of pop music’s most enduring legacies—capturing the spirit of Studio 54 with an orchestral twist. Bringing another layer of brilliance to the stage is special guest ensemble Rajaton, the internationally acclaimed Finnish a cappella group known for their stunning vocal blend, dynamic stage presence, and genre-crossing versatility. Founded in Helsinki in 1997, Rajaton—whose name means “boundless” in Finnish—has captivated audiences around the world with performances that span pop, classical, folk, and beyond. With a discography of more than 15 albums and appearances in over 25 countries, the ensemble is known for their innovative interpretations and tight harmonies. Their ability to move seamlessly across styles makes them the perfect collaborators for this Bee Gees tribute. Teaming up with the Houston Symphony, Rajaton will elevate these iconic songs to soaring new heights, delivering a vocal-symphonic experience that promises to mesmerize audiences of all ages. Stayin’ Alive—The Bee Gees & Beyond is more than a concert—it’s a nostalgic time capsule, a reawakening of the disco era’s glamour, and an invitation to rediscover the Bee Gees' impact through rich new arrangements and dynamic stagecraft. With a vibrant production that lights up the senses, audiences will experience the Bee Gees’ legacy as they’ve never heard—or seen—it before. For tickets and information, call or text 713.224.7575 or visit houstonsymphony.org. Tickets are also available at the Houston Symphony Patron Services Center in Jones Hall (Monday–Saturday, 12–6 p.m.). All programs and artists are subject to change. STAYIN’ ALIVE—THE BEE GEES & BEYOND Friday, May 16, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Steven Reineke, conductor Rajaton, vocalists About Steven Reineke Steven Reineke is one of North America's leading conductors of popular music and is in his second decade as Music Director of The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall.  Additionally, he is Principal Pops Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Principal Pops Conductor of the Houston and Toronto Symphony Orchestras. Reineke is a frequent guest conductor and can be seen on the podium with the Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas and Detroit Symphony Orchestras. On stage, Mr. Reineke creates and collaborates with a range of leading artists from the worlds hip-hop, R & B, Broadway, television and rock including: Maxwell, Common, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Ne-Yo, Bob Weir, Trey Anastasio, Barry Manilow, Cynthia Erivo, Ben Rector, Cody Fry, Sutton Foster, Amos Lee, Dispatch, Jason Mraz, and Ben Folds, amongst others.  In 2024 he led the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) on PBS's Next at the Kennedy Center featuring Ben Folds DECLASSIFIED®: Ben Folds Presents with Jacob Collier, Laufey, and dodie. He was previously seen with the NSO on PBS on Great Performances with hip-hop legend Nas performing his seminal album Illmatic. In 2017 he was featured on National Public Radio's All Things Considered leading the National Symphony Orchestra—in a first for the show's 45-year history—performing live music excerpts in between news segments. As the creator of hundreds orchestral arrangements, Reineke’s work is performed worldwide and can be heard on numerous Cincinnati Pops Orchestra recordings. His symphonic works Celebration Fanfare, Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Casey at the Bat are performed frequently in North America, including performances by the New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic. His Sun Valley Festival Fanfare was used to commemorate the Sun Valley Summer Symphony’s pavilion, and his Festival Te Deum and Swan’s Island Sojourn were debuted by the Cincinnati Symphony and Cincinnati Pops Orchestras. His numerous wind ensemble compositions are published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company and are performed by concert bands perennially. A native of Ohio, Mr. Reineke is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio (2020 Alumnus Distinguished Achievement Medal), where he earned Bachelor of Music degrees with honors in both trumpet performance and music composition. He currently resides in New York City with his husband Eric Gabbard. About Rajaton The Finnish word Rajaton translates as “boundless”—a word that so accurately describes the way this six-voice a cappella ensemble approaches music. Rajaton is Finland’s most renowned a cappella group, celebrated for its innovative repertoire and exceptional technical skill. The ensemble has become a sought-after act worldwide, frequently performing all over the world. Over the course of its career, Rajaton has performed in more than 50 countries across five continents, singing in some of the most prestigious concert venues globally, from New York’s Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House. Performing at concert halls, churches, and jazz and choral festivals, this distinct group of musicians approaches all styles of music with the same level of commitment and integrity, making it difficult to imagine an audience that they could not inspire, or a type of music they could not make their own. Rajaton has been known for presenting a wealth of original material, much of which is composed and arranged specifically for the group by its own members. About the Houston Symphony Under the leadership of Music Director Juraj Valčuha, the Grammy Award-winning Houston Symphony continues to inspire and engage diverse audiences in Houston and beyond with exceptional musical performances and enduring community impact. The Symphony held its inaugural performance at The Majestic Theater in downtown Houston on June 21, 1913. Now in its second century as one of America’s premier orchestras, the Houston Symphony is one of the oldest performing arts organizations in Texas and remains a cultural cornerstone of the region. With an annual operating budget of $40.7 million, the Symphony presents over 130 concerts each year, making it one of the largest performing arts organizations in Texas. Its reach extends far beyond the concert hall, delivering more than 600 performances annually at schools, community centers, hospitals, and other venues, engaging over 160,000 people throughout Greater Houston. The Symphony's innovative response to the COVID-19 pandemic—completing its 2020–21 Season with in-person audiences and weekly livestreams—earned national recognition and the ASCAP Foundation’s Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Broadcast/Media Award. Its commitment to innovation continues, with its 2024–25 Season reaching audiences in over 45 countries and all 50 states via livestreaming, making it one of the few American orchestras to sustain such global digital engagement. Renowned for its artistry, the Symphony has a distinguished recording legacy under prestigious labels, including Koch International Classics, Naxos, RCA Red Seal, and Pentatone. Highlights include a Grammy and ECHO Klassik Award-winning live recording of Alban Berg’s Wozzeck and recent releases such as Jimmy López Bellido’s Aurora and Ad Astra (2022) and Jennifer Higdon’s Duo Duel (2023). The Symphony’s educational impact is equally remarkable, with its Harry and Cora Sue Mach Student Concert Series reaching more than 50,000 students annually. Its In Harmony after-school program and partnerships with institutions like the Houston Methodist Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Texas Children’s Hospital further demonstrate the Symphony’s commitment to fostering community connections and accessibility to the arts. With a vision centered on artistic excellence, community engagement, and accessibility, the Houston Symphony remains a cultural leader in Houston and a global ambassador for the transformative power of music.