Classical

Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Vadym Kholodenko

In June, 26-year-old Ukrainian Vadym Kholodenko won the 14th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth, one of the classical music world’s most prestigious contests. Like previous winners, Kholodenko is now enjoying a victory lap of concerts, including a can’t-miss date in Houston. 

Sep 28 at 8. $18–68. Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave. 713-227-4772. spahouston.org

Beethoven 7 Plus Rachmaninoff

The brooding second movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 was an instant success—the audience at the work’s 1813 premiere demanded an immediate encore—and it quickly became one of Beethoven’s most requested compositions. Actually, the entire symphony is a masterpiece, a dark-horse candidate for Beethoven’s greatest. Rounding out the program is Rachmaninoff’s choral symphony The Bells, inspired by an Edgar Allan Poe poem of the same name and performed by the Houston Symphony Chorus. 

Sep 26–29. Thu & Sat at 8; Sun at 2:30. $25–119. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St. 713-224-7575. houstonsymphony.org

Family

R.J. Palacio

Auggie Pullman, the central character of Palacio’s debut novel Wonder (appropriate for ages 8 and up), was born with facial abnormalities, and at the age of 10 is about to enter a mainstream school for the first time. The novel has become a hit with readers and critics both, making the New York Times bestseller list and becoming a consensus pick as one of the year’s best children’s books. Palacio will sign books after her reading. 

Sep 29 at 3. Free. Johnson Middle School, 10410 Manhattan Dr. 713-521-2026. inprinthouston.org

Visual Art

Nice. Luc Tuymans

Belgian artist and provocateur Luc Tuymans paints seemingly banal scenes that often have subtle political undertones. This exhibition features around 30 works spanning the painter's career, from 1978 to 2011.

Sep 27–Jan 5. Free. The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St. 713-525-9400. menil.org

Salvador Dalí: The Argillet Collection

One of the most significant collections of Dalí’s work was amassed by the artist’s publisher and friend Pierre Argillet over the 50 years of their association. Consisting of original etchings, watercolors, and tapestries, the collection is now overseen by Argillet’s daughter Christine, who will make two appearances (Sep 28 & 29) in conjunction with the show. 

Sep 25–Oct 5. Mon–Sat 10–8; Sun noon–6. Free. Off the Wall Gallery, 5015 Westheimer, Suite 2208. 713-871-0940. offthewallgallery.com