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HOUSTON, TX (September 10, 2024) — Jones Hall is filled with the sounds of Soul, as the Houston Symphony opens its 2024–25 Bank of America POPS Season with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough: The Music of Motown,” September 28-29. The soul-stirring concert features powerhouse vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw, with background vocalists Chelsea Cymone, Raven Johnson, and Michael Dixon, as they join forces with the orchestra to deliver electrifying renditions of Motown Records’ most beloved hits. The golden age of soul comes alive to songs from legendary artists such as The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, and The Jackson 5.
Motown Records, a pioneering African American-owned label, revolutionized the music industry by bringing Black music into mainstream media and crafting a sound that transcended cultural and racial boundaries. With its signature blend of soulful melodies, infectious rhythms, and poignant lyrics, Motown not only shaped the sound of popular music, but also played a pivotal role in the soundtrack of the Civil Rights Movement, with many of its artists weaving powerful social messages to rally the fervor of America. The legacy of Motown continues to influence generations today, cementing its place as a vital chapter in American music history.
Capathia Jenkins, a Brooklyn native, has become a Broadway sensation known for her powerful and emotive voice. She made her Broadway debut in The Civil War, captivating audiences with her portrayal of Harriet Jackson. Jenkins gained further acclaim with her unforgettable performance of “Turn Back, O Man” in the 2000 Off-Broadway revival of Godspell, and her return to Broadway in The Look of Love garnered rave reviews for her interpretations of Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s classics. Jenkins has originated roles in Caroline, Or Change and Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me and starred as Medda in Disney’s NEWSIES, further solidifying her status as a leading lady of the Broadway stage.
Ryan Shaw, a dynamic soul artist with three GRAMMY® nominations, has made a significant impact on the music scene with his acclaimed solo albums, including This is Ryan Shaw, In Between, and Real Love. His powerful voice and charismatic stage presence have earned him opportunities to share the spotlight with music legends such as Van Halen, Bonnie Raitt, John Legend, and B.B. King. Shaw’s music has resonated beyond the concert stage, featuring in popular television shows like So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, and Grey’s Anatomy, as well as films such as My Blueberry Nights and Sex and the City.
Guests can anticipate a free Encore After Party following Saturday’s performance. For tickets and more information, call or text 713.224.7575, or visit houstonsymphony.org/musicofmotown.
HOUSTON SYMPHONY PRESENTS AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH: THE MUSIC OF MOTOWN
Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Jones Hall for the Performing Arts
Steven Reineke, conductor
Capathia Jenkins, vocalist
Ryan Shaw, vocalist
Chelsea Cymone, background vocalist
Raven Johnson, background vocalist
Michael Dixon, background vocalist
About Steven Reineke
Steven Reineke is one of North America’s leading conductors of popular music and is in his second decade as Music Director of The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. Additionally, he is Principal Pops Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Principal Pops Conductor of the Houston and Toronto Symphony Orchestras.
Reineke is a frequent guest conductor and can be seen on the podium with the Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Detroit Symphony Orchestras.
On stage, Mr. Reineke creates and collaborates with a range of leading artists from the worlds hip-hop, R & B, Broadway, television and rock including: Killer Mike, Maxwell, Common, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Ne-Yo, Bob Weir, Trey Anastasio, Barry Manilow, Cynthia Erivo, Ben Rector, Cody Fry, Sutton Foster, Amos Lee, Dispatch, Jason Mraz, and Ben Folds, amongst others. In 2024 he led the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) on PBS’s Next at the Kennedy Center featuring Ben Folds’ “DeClassified” with Jacob Collier, Laufey and dodie. He was previously seen with the NSO on PBS on Great Performances with hip-hop legend Nas performing his seminal album Illmatic.
In 2017 he was featured on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered leading the National Symphony Orchestra—ina first for the show’s 45-year history—performinglive music excerpts in between news segments.
As the creator of hundreds orchestral arrangements, Reineke’s work is performed worldwide and can be heard on numerous Cincinnati Pops Orchestra recordings. His symphonic works Celebration Fanfare, Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Casey at the Bat are performed frequently in North America, including performances by the New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic. His Sun Valley Festival Fanfare was used to commemorate the Sun Valley Summer Symphony’s pavilion, and his Festival Te Deum and Swan’s Island Sojourn were debuted by the Cincinnati Symphony and Cincinnati Pops Orchestras. His numerous wind ensemble compositions are published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company and are performed by concert bands perennially.
A native of Ohio, Mr. Reineke is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio (2020 Alumnus Distinguished Achievement Medal), where he earned bachelor of music degrees with honors in both trumpet performance and music composition. He currently resides in New York City with his husband Eric Gabbard.
About Capathia Jenkins
Brooklyn-born and -raised singer and actor Capathia Jenkins most recently premiered her new show, She’s Got Soul, with the Houston Symphony. She starred as Medda in the hit Disney production of NEWSIES on Broadway, made her Broadway debut in The Civil War, and starred in the 2000 Off-Broadway revival of Godspell. Jenkins returned to Broadway in The Look of Love and created the roles of the Washing Machine in Caroline, or Change and Frieda May in Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, where she sang “Stop the Show” and brought the house down every night. In 2007, she returned to Off-Broadway, starring in (mis)Understanding Mammy—The Hattie McDaniel Story, for which she was nominated for a Drama Desk Award. She was also seen in Nora Ephron’s Love, Loss, and What I Wore.
As an active concert artist, Jenkins has appeared with numerous orchestras around the world, including the Houston Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony (with Marvin Hamlisch), National Symphony, Cincinnati Pops (with John Morris Russell), Philly Pops, Atlanta Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Utah Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Toronto Symphony, San Diego Symphony, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, and many others. She was a frequent soloist at the Festival Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Jenkins had the honor of performing in the Broadway Ambassadors to Cuba concert as part of the Festival de Teatro de La Habana. She has appeared several times at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops and sang in a tribute to Marvin Hamlisch at the Library of Congress. Her show Aretha: A Tribute has been performed throughout the United States.
Her television credits include 30 Rock, The Practice, Law & Order: SVU, The Sopranos, and Law & Order. Jenkins also received critical acclaim for her CD Phenomenal Woman with Louis Rosen and her most recent single, “I Am Strong.” She appeared in the film Musical Chairs, directed by Susan Seidelman, and was seen in The Wiz Live!”= on NBC. Her voice can be heard on the film soundtracks of Nine, Chicago, and Legally Blonde 2. Jenkins is also a founding member of Black Theatre United.
About Ryan Shaw
Ryan Shaw is a three-time Grammy nominated artist for his solo projects This is Ryan Shaw (Columbia Records), In Between, and Dynotone’s Real Love. He has shared the world stage with artists such as Van Halen, Bonnie Raitt, John Legend, B.B. King, and Jill Scott. Shaw’s music has been featured on Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance and ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, Grey’s Anatomy, and Lincoln Heights; in the films My Blueberry Nights and Bride Wars; and on the Sex and the City soundtrack.
He has been a featured guest on national TV talk shows. Shaw starred as Judas in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Olivier Award-winning London production of Jesus Christ Superstar; as the original Stevie Wonder in Motown: The Musical on Broadway; and on London’s West End as the Soul of Michael Jackson in Thriller Live.
Shaw debuted at Radio City Music Hall in the Dream Concert benefit for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. His Carnegie Hall appearances include the Elton John and Bernie Taupin Tribute, A Celebration of the African American Cultural Legacy, and a Nat King Cole 100th concert with the New York Pops. His concert schedule includes Nat King Cole at 100 with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and the Nashville Symphony, and A Tribute to the Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin with numerous orchestras throughout North America.
Shaw’s new solo orchestral show, Ryan Shaw: Masters of R&B, premiered at the Ferguson Center for the Arts with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and is being presented by major orchestras across the country. He was a featured guest in the 92nd Street Y’s recent presentation of Lyrics & Lyricists: What’s Going On?: Songs of Change. Shaw’s most recent album, Imagining Marvin, showcases Marvin Gaye hits alongside Shaw’s original songs and features Grammy Award-winning co-writers Valerie Simpson and Rob Thomas, and special guests Derek Trucks, Rob Thomas, Robert Randolph, and Shoshana Bean.
About Chelsea Cymone
Houston native Chelsea Cymone is a talented singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and social media influencer. Part of a family of influential singers, she discovered her love for singing at a young age. Chelsea’s passion for classical music blossomed at Houston’s Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where she gained a deep understanding of music as both an artist and performer. After graduating, Chelsea received a scholarship to Prairie View A&M University’s School of Music, concentrating on operatic performance.
Alongside her studies, she explored opportunities in the music industry, lending her vocals as a background singer for various Houston artists, an experience that refined her gift and opened doors to new opportunities. Chelsea has performed as a featured artist at notable events, including the Mayor of Houston’s Christmas and Thanksgiving parades, and she debuted as a featured soloist with the Houston Symphony during its 2018 POPS season.
In addition to her music endeavors, she has served as a background vocalist for esteemed artists such as Gene Moore, Chanté Moore, Mya, Michelle Williams, Regina Belle, and Kenny Lattimore. She also toured with Grammy Award-winning artist Ella Mai from 2019 to 2023. Chelsea’s goal is to bring a fresh sense of artistry to the music industry. She aspires to be a highly sought-after entertainer, vocalist, songwriter, and vocal producer. She is committed to supporting and empowering other artists in pursuing their dreams and cherishes every opportunity to connect with audiences by pouring her heart into each performance, showcasing her vulnerability and artistry.
About Raven Johnson
Born and raised in Monrovia, California, singer-songwriter Raven Johnson developed an early interest in music. Influenced by Lalah Hathaway, Faith Evans, Tierney Sutton, and her love for the church, Raven has been singing since age five. She pursued her passion by studying music at Spelman College and later Azusa Pacific University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in music education in 2008.
Throughout her career, Raven’s contributions to the music industry can be characterized by countless vocal productions and arrangements, along with being a staple voice in the BGV community. She has participated in a variety of industry projects including, motion picture soundtracks, award shows, and albums. Some of the most notable include Paramount Pictures film Dreamgirls, the BET Awards, An Evening with the Stars Tribute to Aretha Franklin, and Mary J. Blige’s hit album, The Breakthrough.
A highlight of Raven’s career is touring with artists. Tito Jackson of the Jackson 5, R&B singer Chanté Moore, gospel recording performer Brian Courtney Wilson, and Grammy Award-winning artist Tasha Cobbs-Leonard.
Currently, Raven is working on a project of her own, a record entitled When He Speaks, set to be released this winter. For more information on where you can find her next, follow her journey on Instagram @Thtsorae.
About Michael Dixon
Grammy-nominated songwriter, singer, vocal arranger, background vocalist, and producer Michael Dixon, a Houston native, has written for a wide range of gospel artists, including Gene Moore Jr., Christina Bell, Nakitta Clegg Foxx, and many others. Dixon began his professional career in the music industry with studio background vocals, which developed into live background singing, working with an array of artists spanning genres. These artists include Vanessa Bell Armstrong, James Fortune, Yolanda Adams, JJ Hairston, Alabama, Chris Tomlin, Lady Gaga, Reba McEntire, and Lyle Lovett. In 2019, Dixon released his first solo album, The Walk on Water Project, which debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. The single “Walk on Water” was one of the most added songs to gospel radio.
Two other singles from the album, “Great Grace” and “Hello Sunshine,” both with accompanying concept videos, also gained popularity. Dixon’s sophomore album, released in 2022, How Are You Healing?, also debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. The song “Be Alright,” featuring Stellar Award nominee Christina Bell, is currently impacting gospel radio. Dixon serves as one of the worship leaders at The Luke Church in Humble, Texas.
About Houston Symphony
Under Music Director Juraj Valčuha, the Houston Symphony continues its second century inspiring and engaging a large and diverse audience in Houston and beyond through exceptional musical performances, and creating enduring impact in the Houston community. One of the oldest performing arts organizations in Texas, the Symphony held its inaugural performance at The Majestic Theater in downtown Houston on June 21, 1913. Today, with an operating budget of $40.7 million, the full-time ensemble of professional musicians presents more than 130 concerts annually, making it the largest performing arts organization in Houston. Traditionally, musicians of the orchestra and the Symphony’s Community-Embedded Musicians also offer nearly 600 community-based performances each year at various schools, community centers, hospitals, senior centers, and churches, annually reaching nearly 200,000 people in Greater Houston in addition to Jones Hall.
After suspending concert activities in March 2020, the Symphony successfully completed a full 2020–21 Season with in-person audiences and weekly livestreams of each performance, making it one of the only orchestras in the world to do so. The Houston Symphony remains committed to livestreaming its 2024-25 Season to a broad audience in over forty-five countries and all 50 states, one of few American orchestras dedicated to transmitting live performances to a sizeable audience outside its home city through this technology. The Grammy Award-winning Houston Symphony has recorded under various prestigious labels, including Koch International Classics, Naxos, RCA Red Seal, Telarc, Virgin Classics, and, most recently, Dutch recording label Pentatone. In 2017, the Houston Symphony was awarded an ECHO Klassik award for the live recording of Alban Berg’s Wozzeck under the direction of former Music Director Hans Graf. The orchestra earned its first Grammy nomination and Grammy Award at the 60th annual ceremony for the same recording in the Best Opera Recording category. The Symphony’s most recent recordings include a Pentatone release in January 2022 of its world premiere performances of Jimmy López Bellido’s Aurora and Ad Astra, and a Naxos release in July 2023 of its world premiere performance of Jennifer Higdon’s Duo Duel.
