The Houston Symphony has a lot to celebrate for their 100th anniversary. As they ready the arrival of music director designate Andrés Orozco-Estrada--he'll conduct four programs this season--the ensemble has announced some excellent news on the financial front, as well.

Houston's annual fund drive raised more than $10 million in 2012-13, making it the most successful campaign in the group's 100-year history. And box office results show a 70% increase in new subscription sales over the same time last year.

"A real coming-to-life of our mission statement is embedded within these unprecedented numbers," said Mark C. Hanson, CEO and executive director. "Interest in our centennial celebration and our strong financial performance are making it possible for us to inspire and enrich more and more of Houston's growing and diverse population."

On October 18, 19 and 20, Orozco-Estrada leads the Houston Symphony in "Midori Plays Mendelssohn" at Jones Hall. Yes, Midori will perform Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto; the programs conclude with Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2.

The October 18 concert is part of the symphony's Friday night "ACCESS Series"--interactive events that feature a cash bar reception before the concert and a Q&A session afterward. Each "ACCESS" concert is hosted by Miles Hoffman, music commentator on NPR's Morning Edition.

Orozco-Estrada will formally become music director of the Houston Symphony during the 2014-15 season. He's succeeding Hans Graf, who served on the podium for 12 years. As music director designate, Orozco-Estrada's next engagements include two concerts in January of 2014--Mozart's Jupiter Symphony and The Planets and Orbit: An HD Odyssey.

Orozco-Estrada was born in Colombia and received his musical training in Vienna, where he is currently music director of the Tonkünstler Orchestra. He also serves as principal conductor of the Basque National Orchestra in San Sebastián, Spain.

Andrés Orozco-Estrada will be the Houston Symphony's first Hispanic music director.

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