You may not believe it, but there's a connection between composer Maurice Ravel and the great state of Texas: while on a tour of the United States in 1928, Ravel stopped in Houston and gave a lecture on contemporary music at what was then called the Rice Institute. Sadly, reports are mum as to whether he took any boots back to Paris with him.

And here's another connection: the Round Top Festival Institute has been celebrating Ravel's life and music throughout their 2017 Summer Festival, marking the eightieth anniversary of the composer's death. Celebrated French violinist Régis Pasquier electrified audiences back in June with his performances of Ravel's Sonata for Violin and Cello with Emilio Colón, and the sonata for violin and piano with Round Top young artist David Brickle.

Fans of Ravel's colorful and sensuous music should seize the chance to hear favorites like his String Quartet, Introduction and Allegro for harp and strings, La Valse, and Bolero this weekend. It's all happening in two concerts on Saturday, July 15 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Festival Concert Hall in Round Top.

Visit festivalhill.org for information and tickets!

For a preview, enjoy this performance by the Emerson String Quartet: Ravel's String Quartet in F major (1903)