HGO Digital – Season Announcement
Welcome to HGO Digital
We are excited to announce the launch of HGO Digital, our all-new program of digital works for the 2020–21 season. Starting in September and extending through April 2021, we will release original video content bimonthly for you to enjoy from the comfort of your home, free of charge. HGO Digital, the Sarah and Earnest Butler Performance Series, includes four operas, three concert events, and a special documentary project on the making of HGO’s The Snowy Day, a world premiere opera based on the children’s book by Ezra Jack Keats. In addition, the new “Live from the Cullen” recital series will feature some of the opera world’s most renowned stars direct from our stage in Houston starting with beloved soprano, Tamara Wilson. To read more about the season, click here for our press release.
To support the series, Sarah and Ernest Butler, long-time HGO supporters, have made an extraordinarily generous gift to help underwrite HGO Digital programming. The pledge will support both Houston Grand Opera and Austin Opera, creating a strategic partnership between the two Texas companies.
Accessing our season will be extremely easy and a better experience than ever before. Of course, you will be able to watch our videos on the new HGO.org via your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. However, through our partnership with Marquee TV, and their streaming apps, available via Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV and more, you can watch HGO on your television at home.
As a loyal HGO supporter, we have made this content free to access as we believe it is important to continue bringing you great art. While we know that streaming video cannot replace the experience of in-person opera, we are planning a wide range of events surrounding the operas to encourage interaction with your fellow opera lovers. More details about supplementary programming will be sent closer to the performance dates.
Thank you for your continued support!
Donald Trump abruptly escorted from White House briefing after shooting
President Donald Trump was today abruptly ushered out of a briefing room during the middle of a White House press briefing by US Secret Service after a shooting.
A male suspect has been taken to hospital after being shot by a member of the Secret Service outside the White House, at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave.
Mr Trump returned minutes after being escorted out, saying there was a “shooting” that was now “under control.”
“There was an actual shooting and somebody’s been taken to the hospital,” Mr Trump said.
The president said the shots were fired by law enforcement, saying he believed the man who was shot was armed.
“It was the suspect who was shot,” Mr Trump said.He said the shooting “might not have had anything to do with me. It might’ve been something else.”
“The wall – as you know, the fencing, especially the new fencing that they put up, is very powerful. But it was on the outside of the White House.”
When asked by a reporter if he was left rattled by what happened, Mr Trump replied: “I don’t know. Do I seem rattled?
“He said “the world’s always been a dangerous place”.
The Secret Service confirmed on Twitter an “officer involved shooting” had taken place and that the suspect and a Secret Service officer had both been taken to hospital with unspecified injuries.
“At no time during this incident was the White House complex breached or were any protectees in danger,” the statement said.
Law enforcement officials are still trying to determine the suspect’s motive.
The District of Columbia fire department said the man suffered serious or possibly critical injuries.Authorities were investigating whether the man has a history of mental illness.
Mr Trump said he was escorted to the Oval Office by the agent. The White House was placed on lockdown following the incident.
The president praised the work of Secret Service personnel for their work in keeping him safe.
9News reporter Alexis Daish said Mr Trump had only been speaking for a few minutes when a member of the Secret Service came into the press room.
“He actually went straight up to the president and was whispering in his ear.”
The president, you could tell this was not planned, the president sort of looked a bit surprised and said ‘Oh okay, we need to leave.
Daish said a Fox news reporter who was outside the press briefing room reported hearing two gunshots.
Video on social media purportedly showed paramedics on the scene and armed police cordoning off the area, with weapons drawn.
Houston Dynamo return to BBVA Stadium in MLS play Aug. 21 vs. FC Dallas
The Houston Dynamo will play their first match at BBVA Stadium in more than five months when they host their in-state rivals FC Dallas on Friday, Aug. 21, the Club and Major League Soccer announced Saturday, August 8 2020.
The Dynamo vs. FC Dallas match will be closed to fans and will have limited media access. That contest, and all other locally-televised Dynamo matches this season, will be broadcast live throughout the Greater Houston area on QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 as part of the Club’s new broadcast agreement with TEGNA Inc.
MLS announcement laid out the league’s plans for its continuation of the 2020 season, which will include 18 matches from late August through Decision Day on November 8. Added to the two matches clubs played prior to the suspension of the season and three group-stage matches in the MLS Is Back Tournament, which counted toward regular-season records, clubs will each play 23 matches in the season. Houston resumes play with a cumulative record of 0-2-3 on the season.
The first phase of the return to play in home markets includes six matches for each club, three at home and three away. The return to play in home markets will feature comprehensive health and safety protocols, including regular testing of players, coaches and essential staff for COVID-19. The Dynamo continue to work with local health officials on protocols to facilitate a safe environment for fans to return to BBVA Stadium later this year.
Following the (re)opening day against FC Dallas, Houston’s schedule will include a trip to Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday, Aug. 25 followed by back-to-back home matches against Minnesota United FC on Wednesday, Sept. 2 and Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, Sept. 5. The Dynamo wrap up the six-game opening stretch with visits to the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday, Sept. 9 and FC Dallas on Monday, Sept. 14.
As with the MLS is Back Tournament, COVID-19 testing protocols will again play an important role in MLS’ competition framework. MLS continues to work closely with the league’s infectious disease advisors as well as advisors for the MLSPA on the plan for testing. All clubs are forming testing partnerships with a local certified lab, and all players, technical staff, and essential club staff will be tested every other day, including the day before each match. Also, guidelines will be provided to players, coaches and essential staff to avoid the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 during their time away from club facilities.
In addition to adhering to health, safety and medical protocols, another focus of the new schedule is efficient travel. Teams will take chartered flights, and for the majority of road trips will arrive in the host market on matchday and depart after the match later that evening.
The full Dynamo schedule for Phase 1 of the league’s continuation of play can be found below. MLS plans to announce the balance of the regular season schedule by early September as the league continues to work with infectious disease experts, league and club medical personnel, and government officials in all markets in charting a course for the completion of the 2020 season.
HOUSTON DYNAMO MLS PHASE 1 RESTART SCHEDULE
| DATE | OPPONENT | TIME (CT) | TELEVISION |
| Friday, Aug. 21 | vs. FC Dallas | 7:00 p.m. | QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 |
| Tuesday, Aug. 25 | at Sporting Kansas City | 7:30 p.m. | QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 |
| Wednesday, Sept. 2 | vs. Minnesota United FC | 7:00 p.m. | QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 |
| Saturday, Sept. 5 | vs. Sporting Kansas City | 7:00 p.m. | QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 |
| Wednesday, Sept. 9 | at Colorado Rapids | 8:00 p.m. | QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 |
| Monday, Sept. 14 | at FC Dallas | 7:30 p.m. | QuestTEXAS Ch. 55 |
Governor Abbott Extends State Disaster Declaration For COVID-19
| AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today extended his Disaster Declaration for all Texas counties in response to COVID-19. Originally issued on March 13th, the Disaster Declaration provides the state a variety of resources to effectively serve Texans as the Lone Star State continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. “Renewing this Disaster Declaration will provide communities with the resources they need to respond to COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “I urge Texans to remain vigilant in our fight against this virus. Everyone must do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands frequently and thoroughly. We will overcome this challenge by working together.” |
