ARS LYRICA HOUSTON IS THE CROWN JEWEL OF HOUSTON ORGANIZATIONS. DEDICATED TO HIGH MUSICAL AND PRODUCTION VALUES AND OPEN, INFORMATIVE AND ENJOYABLE COMMUNITY SPIRIT, THEY LEAD THE WAY IN SURPRISING AND SATISFYING MUSICAL EVENINGS.
Ars Lyrica sets the standard for early music in Houston and Texas. With its 2011 Grammy nomination, it established itself as a leading ensemble in the US, and it continues to provide superb performances. During the pandemic, it has been a leader in creating and maintaining digital content, leading the way...
Ars Lyrica Houston performs music from the 17th and 18th centuries delighting Houston audiences with familiar favorites as well as introducing lesser known musical gems. Whether the selection is for solo, instrumental, or vocal ensemble, the music is superb replicating authentic performance practices from this earlier time period. Matthew Dirst, founder and director of ALH, has assembled an impressive complement of professional musicians maintaining the highest artistic standards each season for ALH's devoted audience base. Even the virtual concerts due to the pandemic are splendid! Adding to the enjoyment of each performance is a post-concert reception that provides an opportunity for the audience to chat with the artists as well as fellow concertgoers. I've attended ALH
concerts every season since its inception and plan to continue. Houston is so fortunate!
Ars Lyrica Houston: WOW!!! Fabulous musicians performing Baroque music on period instruments -- superb singers -- Baroque dancers in full costume -- Baroque opera updated and performed perfectly -- music familiar and, though a few hundred years old, very new. Matthew Dirst and Ars Lyrica Houston always delight with innovative programming, and their own pleasure in the music and in performing together is evident. While in this time of pandemic I do miss the excitement of attending in-person concerts with friends and fellow music-lovers in the Hobby Center's Zilka Hall, I am grateful to all at Ars Lyrica for creating a season of wonderful virtual concerts for us, along with the interesting musical tidbits of "Concerts & Conversations" and the education of "Musical Moments." There's nothing stuffy or stodgy about music of the 17th and 18th centuries!
Ars Lyrica Houston is innovative in spearheading through the 2019-2020 pandemic! They came up with user-friendly programs for any age and any level of music experience, and offers both refined artistic programs and socially interactive programs for the classical music world. Truly an amazing and nimble yet classy organization!
We have been season subscribers to ARS Lyrica for well over a decade. The quality of the performances & uniqueness of the musical selections makes for a memorable experience every time. ARS Lyrica has committed to performing Baroque dance & opera in Houston which is unique in this age. We continue to support ARS Lyrica in these trying times for the arts & do enjoy the performances while they are broadcast online. We encourage you to experience & support ARS Lyrica as well. Kevin & Mindy
Ars Lyrica Houston is a one of a kind nonprofit! It is an incredible organization that shares the gifts and talents of Houston artists along with global artists with its audience. The creative variety of programming done by Matthew Dirst and company makes audience members want to return and enjoy all that is offered each season. While the music is phenomenal, the experience of music appreciation, history and culture that is also a part of Ars Lyrica offerings makes this a complete package. There is something for everyone!
In the midst of a pandemic, they have been very innovative in providing interesting and engaging opportunities at various times with different topics to help subscribers and potential audience members stay connected. Join me in experiencing the finest Houston has to offer -- Ars Lyrica Houston.
My wife and I attempt never to miss and Ars Lyrica Houston performance. The repertoire is always interesting (and often uncommon), the performances invariably excellent, and the opportunity afforded to meet performers and fellow audience members afterwards always a special treat. I am also pleased to participate as a volunteer on an audience development committee.
I have been a main stage artist for Ars Lyrica since 2013, and I have created outreach programs for them. ALH brings the best of the Early Music Repertoire with high quality musicians. There is no other company in Houston, TX. that does this at this level.
As a performer, I feel honored to perform repertoire that is always new to me, and to the audience. I am also grateful that they bring artists from all over the country that are experts in the field, and also focus and value its local artists.
I congratulate the Ars Lyrica Houston (ALH) organization for continuing to have a very clear vision, strong governance, sound financial and strategic planning, and good leadership. Although the Pandemic was an unforeseen event, ALH had positioned itself financially to allow itself to continue their mission, pay artists and staff, and quickly developed an extensive set of virtual programming for their subscribers. This has enabled them to continue a full subscription series into 2021. Their virtual programming has been able to reach over a 1000 viewers and they are continuing to take a lead in the Houston area to grow their Educational outreach (K-12) programming, which helps to provide music education and to demystify Early Classical Music. This music outreach allows for the integration of other art forms, such as storytelling, visual art, and dance, shared bilingually to a wide student audience. It exposes students to music development, period instruments and various performance styles. The “Origenes” program, developed by Cecilia Duarte and Jesus Pacheco is a stellar example, as it tries to connect students to earlier Spanish and Latin American classical art styles, melding in storytelling, visual art, reading, and music. Similar programs have or will be soon developed in French, German and Polish.
When my wife Janet and I moved to Houston in 2007 we were looking for entertainment that fit with our love of live classical music, that was affordable and which could be appreciated by a very diverse audience, where performances were intimate and provided an opportunity to socialize with artists, singers, writers, conductors, staff, and other music lovers. Matthew Dirst, ALH’s fabulous Artistic Director, continues to work closely with the Universities of Houston and Rice to help champion local artists and has promoted the addition of new Baroque period instruments into the Houston area. In 2019 Matthew promoted the ALH Opera Circle, who’s patrons continue to help underwrite a bi-annual full-length Baroque opera.
Kinga Ferguson, ALH’s Executive Director, is tremendous, tenacious and always transformational. She is a gift to the Arts in Houston. She has successfully steered the organization through 2020 and continues to champion partnerships with other non-profit arts organizations and young professionals. Collaborations are continuing with Harmony in the Air, Houston area hospitals, and local Arts Museums. Kathleen Staten and Emma Wine, as Associates, have provided the technical support and innovative program development that ALH needed to evolve through these “new normal” times and have helped Kinga and Matthew throughout.
Ed Hess
I've been extremely impressed and moved by the artistic quality of every Ars Lyrica performance. From the unbeatable, dynamic programming and high-quality musicianship, to the accommodating staff and passionate audience members, Houston is lucky to claim Ars Lyrica as one if its local arts organizations.
Ars Lyrica provides vital musical education along with a passion for performance that can't be matched. Houston's underground classical music scene is coming up for air at last, to the delight of all involved.
I've been a part of this volunteer group for 2 years now and couldn't be more pleased about what we've achieved under the guidance of the ALH team.
An excellent organization, with a real commitment to exposing people to the world of music and art. All the staff and volunteers are incredibly passionate, warm and welcoming!
Nothing can fill your soul like good music that is done well. I can always count on Ars Lyrica to deliver world class performances that are both unique and inspiring.
Vibrant group to volunteer for and the perks are great. Meet intelligent musicians from around the USA and learn about their passion for sharing classical music in a contemporary setting. Baroque and opera fills your heart with God's gift of the arts.
Besides creating amazing music, this organization provides an education in early music and instruments, and the Young Professionals group can't be beat!
Ars Lyrica Houston brings to the world peace and tranquility through refined music at world-class level.
Ars Lyrica is a superb example of the beauty and fascination of Early Music. Its concerts, played on period instruments, present the music as it was originally played. Each concert is better than the one before.
ALH continues to surprise me with every work they put out. The music is at the caliber of high-budget companies, with a continued focus on staying true to the baroque era of music. They bring history to life in a unique yet classic way. Always a pleasure to watch!!
I am no expert when it comes to classical music, but I greatly enjoy Ars Lyrica's work. Not only are performances captivating and beautiful, but their events are engaging and fun (LOVE the annual NYE perf/gala). Houston is truly lucky to have ALH as a part of its thriving arts scene!
Ars Lyrica fills a unique niche by engaging the audience in Houston with the Music of the 17-18th century. It has bloomed to a string thriving organization since its inception in 1998. It enriches the youth of the city with its educational programs as well. They take pride in their image - in marketing and internal organization.