From Bach to Beethoven, Handel to Haydn, Mercury Baroque’s 11th Season promises to be spectacular. Entitled “Forward into the Past,” the season celebrates Mercury Baroque’s continuing odyssey to rediscover the musical masterpieces of the past and re-introduce them to audiences through performances of passion, quality and virtuosity. Highlights include a guest appearance by internationally renowned violinist Monica Huggett, Handel’s dramatic opera Rodelinda and Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony. For the first time, Mercury Baroque is proud to add a 7th program to its subscription series at the Wortham Center this season. This is in direct response to the rapidly growing attendance the orchestra has enjoyed in the last several seasons.

Consider Subscribing to our 11th season. Enjoy prime seats, large savings, access to special events and receptions and more!
Click Here for More Information on Subscriptions to Mercury Baroque's 11th Season!

Mozart Under the Stars
September 3, 2011 – 8:00 PM
Miller Outdoor Theatre
What better way to welcome the evening than under a canopy of stars and Mozart’s melodies? Come enjoy a free performance of Eine Kleine Nacht Musik, Serenata Nottuma and a Divertimento for strings.
Mozart Divertimento K 136 and K 138
Mozart Serenata Notturna
Mozart Eine Kleine Nacht Musik

Encyclopedia Bach-tannica
October 8, 2011 – 8:00 PM
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Originally composed for a solo keyboard instrument, Bach's set of thirty Goldberg Variations upon a single theme is considered one of the finest in music history! Mercury is delighted to present the illustrious Variations orchestrated by Bernard Labadie for our Season Premiere.
Bach - Goldberg Variations

Love, Power and Politics: Handel’s Rodelinda
November 19, 2011 – 8:00 PM
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
A story of love, exile, power and politics, Rodelinda is recognized as one of Handel’s greatest operas. Performed un-staged, Mercury Baroque takes you from the depths of betrayal to the heights of retribution. Truly not to be missed!
Handel - Rodelinda, concert version

Sing-Along Messiah
December 9, 2011 – 8:00 PM
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Handel’s Messiah has become one of the world’s most beloved holiday traditions. All are welcome to experience the power of singing in a mass choir of hundreds of fellow audience members on December 9th.
Handel - Messiah

Complete Messiah
December 10, 2011 – 8:00 PM
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Since its first performance in Dublin in 1742, Handel frequently revised his oratorio, Messiah. Today, most ensembles only perform portions of the piece. Enjoy the rare opportunity to hear Handel’s holiday masterpiece in its complete and glorious entirety.
Handel - Messiah

“Farewell” Haydn, Hello Mozart
January 21, 2012 – 8:00 PM
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
The “Farewell” symphony is famous for its unusual ending in which musicians depart the stage one by one, leaving two muted violins to finish the symphony. Enjoy this unique experience alongside Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, a concerto for violin and viola.
Haydn - "Farewell" Symphony
Haydn - "Philosopher" Symphony
Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

A French Valentine
February 14 & 17, 2012 – 8:00 PM
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Explore the themes of love in Jean-Philippe Rameau’s cantatas, Orphee and Les Amants Trahis. There is no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Rameau’s renowned, romantic cantatas are the perfect way to spend an evening with your beloved.
Rameau - Pièces de Clavecin en concert (arr. for strings)
Rameau - Cantatas Thetis, Orphée and Les Amants Trahis

The Virtuoso Violin
March 30, 2012 – 8:00 PM
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Superstar Baroque violinist Monica Huggett joins Mercury Baroque for the first time, showcasing a diverse repertoire of works by Leclair, Locatelli, Van Wassenaer and Vivaldi. Don’t miss one of the world’s leading Baroque violinists, here in Houston!
Selections from Locatelli, Wassenaer and Vivaldi

Heroic Beethoven
May 11, 2012 – 8:00 PM
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater
Join us for our riveting Season Finale – Mercury Baroque’s spin on two magnificent Beethoven symphonies. Originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and his masterful 2nd Symphony will be performed on period-accurate instruments for the first time in Houston.
Beethoven - Symphonies 2 and 3