Bayou City music organizations Ars Lyrica, Da Camera, Houston Chamber Choir, Mercury and River Oaks Chamber Orchestra combine forces to present a five-concert subscription series, Circle of Fifths, to lure Houston’s young professionals to classical music.

“The idea for the series grew out of a desire to cultivate younger audience members that will act as our next generation of concert-goers within the vibrant Houston arts scene,” says Paige Myrick, marketing and communications manager with Houston Chamber Choir.  “The future of the arts lies within the audience’s ability to engage with fellow arts enthusiasts and the musicians themselves.” 

The Circle of Fifths subscription is available this Friday for $99 and includes backstage tours, complimentary drinks, a guest pass, special event invitations and, of course, the chance to mix and mingle with fellow concert attendees at the following all-star performances:

Jephtha performed by Ars Lyrica

Based on the biblical story of Jephtha, this masterpiece dramatically illustrates a warrior’s sacrificial promise to God in exchange for victory in battle. In this oratorio, 16th century-composer George Frideric Handel demonstrates his legendary talents with beautiful melodies, sharp choruses and even an alternate ending to the original tale, all eloquently performed by Ars Lyrica.   

October 15. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Zilkha Hall, 800 Bagby St. arslyricahouston.org

A Window into the Russian Soul performed by Houston Chamber Choir

In this performance, Russian conductor Elena Sharkova guides concert-goers along a journey though the Russian soul. Celebrating the country's rich history, the performance features works from Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky and the Houston Premiere of Chimes by Valery Gavrilin.

Nov 12. South Main Baptist Church, 4100 Main St. 713-529-4167. smbc.org

Brass Quintet performed by River Oaks Chamber Orchestra

ROCO’s Brass Quintet sets itself apart from other events as they conquer a wide variety of genres, including modern classical music, Renaissance and Baroque era music and iconic American jazz. This unique performance will easily give attendees a new appreciation for brass instruments and their talented musicians.

Jan 27. Midtown Arts & Theater Center (MATCH), 3400 Main St. rocohouston.com

Brentano String Quartet—Art of the Fugue performed by Da Camera

The brilliant Brentano String Quartet redefines the cornerstone of classical music by combining sound and visuals to pay tribute to one of Bach’s final instrumental works. Together, engineer Gabriel Calatrava and choreographer John-Mario Sevilla create a unique performance installation in which dancers beautifully illustrate the themes of Bach’s masterpiece along with the quartet’s captivating musical performance.  

March 3. Cullen Theater, Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave. dacamera.com

Franz Schubert's Death and the Maiden performed by Mercury

Best known as Death and the Maiden, String Quartet No. 14 in D minor by Franz Schubert is the result of the composer’s suffering through a serious illness and the realization of his imminent death. This powerful, expressive arrangement for a string orchestra will certainly have a strong emotional impact on audiences. 

April 6. Midtown Arts & Theater Center (MATCH), 3400 Main St. mercuryhouston.org

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Purchase subscriptions for Circle of Fifths ($99) at houstonmusicpass.com