The community-based orchestra Symphony North of Houston is officially celebrating its 50th anniversary, headlined by a spring gala on March 22.

The organization

When he’s not teaching courses at Rice University, Karl Blench serves as the eighth conductor for the Symphony North of Houston orchestra. Having been a part of Symphony North for three years, Blench said in his own eyes, the biggest change the organization has seen is the immense growth.

“One of the biggest changes we’ve had is the growth of the ensemble,” Blench said. “We’re over 70 [musicians] now. I think we were just under 60 when I started, and in terms of the maturity of the sound of the group, it’s grown immensely. That’s in part because the musicians have stepped up, and mostly because I treat them like they’re professionals even though they are community members. They donate their time, and I’m so appreciative of that.”

Recruitment for the orchestra begins with interested musicians simply having to fill out a detailed form on the orchestra’s website. After filling out the application, a “low-key, non-stressful interview” takes place with the conductor to determine the seating arrangement, Blench said. Community members are expected to pay dues yearly of $35 per person or $20 for students. Rehearsal is from 7-10 p.m. on Mondays and the Fridays before a concert.

Jennifer Moorhead, who has been the vice president of the orchestra for 10 years, noted the growth of not only the orchestra’s ensemble, but its audience as well.

“Our concerts are by donation only, so we’re not as expensive as going to the Houston Symphony or the venues downtown,” Moorhead said. “So it’s a good alternative for people who live in the area who love classical music.”

More details

Blench said that despite its classical route, Symphony North is open to all community members. The organization makes the extra effort to make sure everyone feels welcome, Blench said.

“It’s very easy and it’s very understandable why people feel like events like this are sort of hoity-toity, for lack of a better term,” Blench said. “You know people are gonna be all dressed up and think, ‘I’ve got to behave a certain way,’ and that’s just not true.”

Blench said people from all walks of life attend the orchestra’s concerts.

“Some people are dressed up in suits, and some people are in shirts and jeans and shorts. It is Texas after all, so you can be comfortable, and we’re trying to do music that also helps to engage the community,” Blench said.

One more thing

As a part of the 2026 season, Symphony North has three remaining concerts, which include:

Winter Concert on Feb. 15 at 4:00 p.m.Early Spring Concert on March 22 at 4:00 p.m.Late Spring Concert & Young Artist Winners on May 17 at 4:00 p.m.All Symphony North Concerts are held at Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball. Each concert offers a different platform for young artists and orchestra members to play among their peers, Blench said. The young artists’ concert is a popular concert, with the musicians’ ages ranging from eight to 19.

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