The Houston Symphony's cello section became known as the 'Bad Boys of Cello' in the 1990's, when then principal Shirley Trepel, exasperated at their antics in rehearsal turned around wagging a finger and said "You are Bad Boys!" (although three of the original "Bad Boys" were women!) With this inspiration, they came together as the "Bad Boys of Cello" to give several benefit concerts that combined beautiful cello ensemble music with irreverent humor. They even launched a "Bad Boys of Cello" website that prompted an angry letter from a first grade teacher in Arkansas when the "Match the [clothed] Butt with the Cellist" game on their fledgling website caused chaos in a class of first graders researching 'the cello' in the early days of the internet. In typical Bad Boys style, rather than apologize, they corrected the grammar in the teacher's letter of complaint and sent it back to her! 

Now a new generation of incredible cellists, joined by the remaining original bad boys, has revived the mantle and the motto "Nothing to prove, Nothing to lose!"  Their last appearance at the MATCH was sold out quickly and generated viral videos that garnered over 8 million views! If you've heard them in Jones Hall, you know this is one of the best cello sections in the world, and for one evening you will have the chance to be up join us as we laugh together and make beautiful cello music with an all new program and (hopefully!) new jokes!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 at 7:00 PM

Gallery

RUNTIME:
1 hour 30 minutes with no intermission

TICKETS: 
General Admission Seating
$35 Regular
$25 Student/Senior
$20 Livestream/Video-on-Demand

Please note that each ticket is subject to a $5 service fee at checkout.

LIVESTREAM/VIDEO-ON-DEMAND (VOD)

Can't make the concert? Purchase the Livestream/VOD access and enjoy it from your own home.

$20 Access

The livestream will take place at 7 PM CST on Sunday, February 1. The video-on-demand will be available starting at noon on Tuesday, February 3 and can be watched as many times as you wish through Sunday, February 15 at midnight.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO MATCH

🎟️ BOX OFFICE & TICKETING 

• Online sales end 30 minutes prior to curtain. After this time, tickets may be available in person at the MATCH Box Office. 
• The Box Office opens 2 hours before curtain for Will Call and walk-up sales. 
• All sales are final. No refunds or cancellations after purchase. 
• Why is there a service fee per ticket? Click here to learn more. 
• **Standby/Waiting List: If the performance that you are hoping to attend is SOLD OUT, please CLICK HERE for information on our Standby/Waiting list.

⏱️ BEFORE THE SHOW 

• MATCH Concessions opens 1 hour prior to the start of each event. 
  Enjoy a cocktail, wine, beer, or snack before the show. 
  View concessions menu. 
• Seating typically opens 30 minutes prior to curtain. 
• Please note: Some shows have a no late seating or re-entry after the performance has begun. Arrive early! 

🚗 LOCATION & PARKING: MATCH is located in Midtown Houston. Click here for directions and parking options, including garages and metered street parking.

🍽️ RESTAURANTS & BARS: Make it a night out! Click here for a curated list of nearby restaurants and bars within walking distance of MATCH.

♿ ACCESSIBILITY: MATCH is a fully accessible facility. For accessible seating or special assistance, please contact the box office in advance so we can help accommodate your needs. Click here to email the box office.