Matthew McConaughey to perform with Houston Symphony for season opener

Matthew McConaughey has a new role and his co-star is the Houston Symphony.

The Uvalde-born, Austin-based actor will narrate Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait” as part of the orchestra’s opening night performance of its 2026-2027 season on Sept. 19, the symphony announced Friday afternoon. “Lincoln Portrait” features the words of the president as gleaned from letters and speeches, including the Gettysburg address.

Also on the bill for the program called “Celebrating America at 250,” will be opera singer Isabel Leonard singing classics from the Great American Songbook and other songs that celebrate the country’s 250th birthday. Tickets will be available to donors and new subscribers on June 24 and to the  general public on June 29 at houstonsymphony.org, by phone or text at 713-224-7575, or in person at the Houston Symphony’s Courtyard Level box office at Jones Hall.

McConaughey has dabbled in music projects previously. Last year, he delivered a spoken word performance at Austin’s Bass Hall with pianist Jon Batiste as part the actor’s “Poems & Prayers” book tour.