ARTS PICKS
1. ‘Wild Symphony’
The Houston Symphony will give a rare morning performance this weekend with “Wild Symphony,” a composition by bestselling author Dan Brown to accompany his children’s picture book of the same title. Houston’s Blue Willow Bookshop is also offering a code (WILD15) that offers 15 percent off of the book at bluewillowbookshop.com.
Where: 11 a.m. Jan. 23
Details: $20 to livestream at houstonsymphony.org.
Andrew Dansby
2. ‘A Half Sheet of Paper’
The Alley Theatre continues its series of virtual presentations of short pieces with “A Half Sheet of Paper,” based on an August Strindberg story. Company member Chris Hutchison carries the story himself, playing a man whose memories are triggered by a sheet of paper he finds in the apartment he’s about to vacate.
Where: 8 p.m. Jan. 22
Details: Streaming for free, but registration required at alleytheatre.org.
Andrew Dansby
3. ‘Giving Voice’
Tenor Lawrence Brownlee reprises an immensely popular show from last year: “Giving Voice: Lawrence Brownlee and Friends Sing Opera, Gospel and Standards.” He’s joined by soprano Nicole Heaston, who passed through the HGO Studio program. They’ll be joined by baritone Donnie Ray Albert, tenor Frederick Ballentine, soprano Karen Slack, another HGO Studio alum in Zoie Reams and four current HGO Studio artists.
Details: Streaming at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at hgo.org.
Andrew Dansby
4.‘Fire/Works: Enamel Art Through the Centuries’
With the holidays and all, December exhibits can sometimes go unseen. “Fire/Works: Enamel Art
Through the Centuries” opened early last month and, true to its title, collects enamel pieces across a broad swath of time, with an emphasis in the 13th and 14th centuries in a small French town. The bright, beautiful works continue to catch eyes into the 21st century. “Fire/Works” offers a deep history for a fascinating method of creating art.
When: Through May 31
Where: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet
Details: Museum hours and tickets at mfah.org Andrew Dansby