According to the National Hurricane Center, Rita is currently expected to reach Texas's Gulf coast early on the morning of September 24. Houston is approximately 50 miles inland.

Tonight's concert, a free event for victims of Hurricane Katrina and volunteers who assisted refugees from the storm, will go ahead as planned. The concert features a guest appearance by the Dresden State Orchestra of Saxony.

This weekend's concerts were to feature Tchaikovsky's The Voyevoda and his Symphony No. 5 ("Path_tique"), as well as Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto, with Yefim Bronfman as soloist; music director Hans Graf was to conduct. Patrons holding tickets for the concerts can exchange them for a future performance, donate them to the orchestra, or receive a refund by calling (713) 224-7575.