SEASON PREVIEW
WELCOME Welcome! Come and enjoy this extraordinary season of music by your Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. It’s an exciting season packed with momentous music including time-honored classics and contemporary gems played by the outstanding musicians of your Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. The season reflects my 20 years with your A2SO, sampling some of the pieces I debuted in 2000 paired with masterworks by contemporary geniuses like Joan Tower, Wang Jie, and William Bolcom. You’ll be dazzled by the virtuosity of our guest artists including piano legend Emanuel Ax, award-winning cellist Zlatomir Fung, Ann Arbor favorite Anton Nel, jazz great James Carter, and soprano extraordinaire Measha Brueggergosman. Please join me for this season brimming with sonic color in the Key of A2®. See you at the Symphony,
Arie Lipsky - Music Director & Conductor
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JOIN US It is a palpable feeling of pride when I hear our orchestra give a concert. I see how the years of playing together and raising the bar on quality has made this an orchestra second-to-none. Each concert takes us on the musical journey the composer intended. I believe that there is no resident, professional orchestra that presents such a wide range of music, in such a gamut of venues, for toddlers to our most-seasoned citizens, with such conviction as ours. It is your presence that transforms notes on a page into heart-expanding, heart-breaking, and heart-stealing music. With great affection for this orchestra, I personally invite you to subscribe to this season. See you at the Symphony,
Mary Steffek Blaske - Executive Director
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra 19/20 Season 1
2019
9.13
8:00 PM Hill Auditorium
AX PLAYS BRAHMS
“...passion and power in admirable measure...” The New York Times
EMANUEL AX, PIANO COPLAND Appalachian Spring KODÁLY Dances of Galánta BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 83
We start with an invitation to dance. We’ll dance straight to the heart of music and experience how folksongs and rustic dances inspired some of the greatest composers. Copland draws from the tunes of the great Appalachian Mountains, Kodály paints a picture of his youth in Hungary, and Brahms weaves fiery rhythms from the Romani people into his second piano concerto. Please note this is a Friday concert. Sponsored by:
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2019
10.12
8:00 PM Michigan Theater
MADE IN AMERICA
“...virtuosity, maturity and profound musicality.” The Violin Channel
ZLATOMIR FUNG, CELLO JOAN TOWER Made in America STRAVINSKY Divertimento from The Fairy’s Kiss DVOŘÁK Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104
The people and landscape of the United States have inspired countless composers, artists, and creatives. We pay tribute to composers who drew inspiration from time spent in this country, whether as citizen or immigrant. Joan Tower’s poignant tribute to our nation pairs beautifully with two works by composers who each made the United States their home for a time, and our soloist, a young American cellist of Bulgarian and Chinese heritage, brings our celebration of America full circle.
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra 19/20 Season 3
2019
11.02
8:00 PM Michigan Theater
LISZT & TCHAIKOVSKY
“...all the flash one could want...” New York Concert Review
ANTON NEL, PIANO WANG JIE Symphonic Overture on “America, the Beautiful” LISZT Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, S.124 TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64
We’ll soar to the pinnacle of Pike’s Peak in Colorado with a new work by New York composer Wang Jie. Pianist Anton Nel brings us to the zenith of virtuosity in Liszt’s first piano concerto, and Tchaikovsky’s sweeping and romantic Fifth Symphony leaves us with a song in our hearts. MEET THE COMPOSER Join us for a pre-concert talk featuring award-winning Chinese-American composer Wang Jie and meet her in the lobby following the performance!
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2020
1.18
8:00 PM Michigan Theater
MOZART BIRTHDAY BASH
“...a virtuoso of emotions.” Goettinger Tageblatt
ITAMAR ZORMAN, VIOLIN with Vocal Arts Ensemble Stephen West, narrator
MOZART Famous Opera Choruses MOZART Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major, K. 219 MOZART Symphony No. 29 in A Major, K. 201
Our annual celebration of the genius of Mozart opens with a collection of choruses from Mozart’s monumental operas, with special attention to the titles, including The Magic Flute and The Marriage of Figaro. The “Turkish” violin concerto is classic Mozart, with violin fireworks and surprising departures from tradition. We end with the 29th symphony, a work equal parts fiery and impulsive.
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra 19/20 Season 5
2020
3.21
8:00 PM Michigan Theater
WEST SIDE STORY
“...one of the most exciting young virtuosos...” Jazz Times
JAMES CARTER, SAXOPHONE DIANA SYRSE Colección de Realidades MÁRQUEZ Danzón No. 2 SIERRA Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra BERNSTEIN Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
In March we celebrate the contributions of the Latinx community to classical music. The program begins with an introspective work by Mexican composer Diana Syrse. The Danzón No. 2 by Márquez gives us the rhythmic propulsion into the jazzy and powerful saxophone concerto by Roberto Sierra. The celebration concludes with the classic love story depicted in Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story.
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2020
4.25
8:00 PM Hill Auditorium
MEASHA & MAHLER
“...presence, power and humor...” The New York Times
MEASHA BRUEGGERGOSMAN, SOPRANO VERDI Overture to La forza del Destino BERLIOZ Excerpts from Summer Nights BOLCOM Cabaret Songs MAHLER Symphony No. 1 in D Major “Titan”
Your A2SO’s historic 19/20 season comes to a commanding conclusion with a glowing performance from Soprano Measha Brueggergosman. Feelings of love, longing, and loss from three compositional generations will be sung in Brueggergosman’s debut with the A2SO. The ambitious program for the season finale is rounded out with Verdi’s exploration of fate in La Forza del Destino and Mahler’s sprawling and tempestuous First Symphony. Sponsored by:
RAY & ELEANOR CROSS FOUNDATION Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra 19/20 Season 7
RAISING THE BAR The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra has consistently performed at the highest levels. As we embark on our 91st season, I am excited for the many adventures awaiting our audience. In addition to a diverse Mainstage concert series featuring pieces ranging from Mozart to Joan Tower, we also present popular favorites from Broadway and film music from Star Wars. The 19/20 season promises to be our best yet! Geoff Barnes - President
a2so.com | 734.994.4801
YOUR A2SO Your Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra began as a small group of Ann Arbor musicians in 1928. From 1935 to 1985, the Ann Arbor Civic Orchestra, renamed the Ann Arbor Civic Symphony Orchestra in 1952, provided concerts free of charge to the Ann Arbor community in area school auditoriums, Hill Auditorium at the University of Michigan, the Michigan Theater, and Ann Arbor’s West Park Shell. Today, your A2SO consists of the region’s most accomplished musicians from around the globe. Our musicians have performed at the Aspen Music Festival, have been featured with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, have given recitals at Carnegie Hall, have held positions with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and hold prestigious professorships across the Midwest.
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra 19/20 Season 9
POPS 2019
11.09
8:00 PM Michigan Theater
THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS Pre-sale access available to subscribers!
2019
12.13
8:00 PM Hill Auditorium
HOLIDAY POPS Featuring: ELLINGTON Nutcracker Suite (Jazz Version) Co-sponsored by: Tom & Debby McMullen
Featuring Measure for Measure, and the Huron, Pioneer, and Skyline High School Choirs.
2020
3.14
8:00 PM - Michigan Theater
3.15
2:00 PM - Michigan Theater
THE BEST OF BROADWAY Pre-sale access available to subscribers! a2so.com | 734.994.4801
Holiday Pops included in Full Series and Holiday Mini subscriptions.
SYMPHONY OFFSTAGE CHAMBER CONCERTS Co-sponsored by: Steve & Joyce Gerber.
The finest chamber music is played by A2SO musicians and special guests. These hourlong concerts, starting at 1:30PM, are open to listeners of all ages. The concerts take place at the Jewish Community Center, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Enjoy dessert refreshments at each table with coffee and tea starting at 1:00PM.
ZLATOMIR FUNG, CELLO Monday, Oct. 13 2019
ANTON NEL, PIANO Monday, Nov. 4 2019
ITAMAR ZORMAN, VIOLIN Monday, Jan. 20 2020
MUSIC FOR SPRING Monday, Mar. 23 2020
GEMS FROM THE A2SO PRINCIPALS Monday, Apr. 26 2020
Monday, Oct. 13: Special location to be announced
KINDERCONCERTS Co-sponsored by: David & Stephanie Pyne and Ray & Eleanor Cross Foundation.
Music comes alive in KinderConcerts – free 30 minute concerts designed especially for children 2-to-5 years old.
ANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY Sep. 20 | Jan. 10 | May 8
DEXTER DISTRICT LIBRARY Sep. 21 | Jan. 11 | May 9
CHELSEA DISTRICT LIBRARY Sep. 29 | Jan. 11 | May 9
YPSILANTI DISTRICT LIBRARY Sep. 16 | Jan. 13 | May 11
SALINE DISTRICT LIBRARY Sep. 19 | Jan. 9 | May 7
Visit a2so.com/kinderconcerts for dates and times of performances Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra 19/20 Season 11
GIVE MUSIC YOU MAKE THE MUSIC POSSIBLE. Each season, ticket revenue covers only 40% of the cost of the symphony’s unforgettable performances and nationally recognized education and community engagement programs. We rely on the support of individuals, foundations, and corporations to bring life-changing musical experiences to more than 80,000 people each year.
WAYS TO GIVE INDIVIDUAL GIFTS Make a difference with a gift to our Annual Fund, or make a special impact through a sponsorship. Pay tribute to a loved one, support an education program, or sponsor a piece of music, an artist, or a concert. CORPORATE GIFTS Invest in your community, connect with fellow symphony supporters, and express client appreciation as part of our corporate sponsorship program. Concert and education program sponsorships are available, along with recognition in our Corporate Honor Roll. ENDOWMENT GIVING Make a meaningful investment toward the future of your A2SO with a gift to one of four established A2SO endowment funds. PLANNED GIVING Preserve the A2SO’s legacy for future generations by including the symphony in your estate plans. As a member of the A2SO Legacy Society, you secure the future of classical music for your community.
For more information on making a charitable contribution to the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, contact Director of Development, Jennie Balch Hale, at jennie@a2so.com or call 734.994.4801.
a2so.com | 734.994.4801
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra 19/20 Season 13
We believe feeding the soul through the arts is part of building strong, healthy, livable communities.
YOUTH EDUCATION
30,000 students are immersed each year through Program Notes for Kids, educational concerts, and instrument petting zoos.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
16,000 community members are engaged each year through the Taste of Music, our chamber series, and KinderConcerts.
ADULT EDUCATION
20,000 adult learners are engaged each year through pre-concert talks, open dress rehearsals, close listening notes, and more.
ARTISTIC PROGRAMMING
22,500 patrons are involved each year through new music commissions, family concerts, local music collaborations, and more.
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GROW WITH US The A2SO Education and Community Engagement programs inspire and engage community members at every age and stage of life. INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOOS: PRE-K – GRADE 5/ COMMUNITY EVENTS Instrument petting zoos encourage students through hands-on fun with instruments! 2,800 students over the last year learned how vibrations become sounds, and sound becomes music, through this program. TASTE OF MUSIC: ALL AGES Performances at farmers markets by small ensembles, an instrument petting zoo and vouchers for free concert tickets for food security participants. Over the last four years, 1,700 free ticket vouchers have been distributed. CONDUCTOR WORKSHOPS: GRADES 5 – 12 Our music director hosts masterclasses and workshops to prepare students for upcoming festivals or concerts. In 2018, over 2,000 students were visited in local schools. LINK UP: GRADES 3-5 In partnership with Carnegie Hall, the Link Up program “Links Up” local students with the orchestra, with each other and with their community. Students sing and play recorder along with the A2SO from their seats in the audience. MUSIC IN THE MIDDLE: GRADES 6-9 The Music in the Middle program caters the concert experience to middle school aged students. Young audiences are captivated as they come prepared and ready to connect with the pieces performed. YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION: GRADES K-12 Each spring, young artists come to Ann Arbor to compete for the opportunity to perform with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra as a featured soloist at the Music in the Middle concert. CLASSROOM CONCERTS: GRADES K-8 Small ensembles of A2SO musicians bring the orchestra off the stage and into schools for a close-up musical experience where children are engaged through interactive performances. COMMUNITY CONCERTS: ALL AGES A2SO musicians can be found in coffee shops, beer gardens, libraries, and assisted living centers as music is brought off the stage and into unique places in the community.
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra 19/20 Season 15
VOLUNTEER The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra serves the great community of Southeast Michigan, and we can’t do it without our volunteers! Over 300 volunteers contribute 2,800+ hours to help us with tasks from mailing projects to ushering at Hill Auditorium, from decorating to helping kids at instrument petting zoos. Join our volunteer team today to help us continue to bring music to every corner of the community. VOLUNTEER AREAS: Concert Ushers Youth Concerts Office Support Instrument Petting Zoos For more information, please contact Yi-Ching Chen (yiching@a2so.com) or visit a2so.com/support/volunteer
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$241
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$104
$75
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$75
$65
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$20
Emanuel Ax
$80
$70
$53
$43
$30
$22 $15
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$40
$30
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Student BK:$25
Child: $10
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Classical Series (6) $432 $375
SINGLE PRICES
$490 $423
C
SUBSCRIBER First-Time Subscriber: Buy one series, Get one free Senior (60+): $6 off sections A-D Student: 50% off all sections SINGLE TICKET Senior (60+): $2 off sections A-D Student: 50% off all sections Group: 20% off 10+ tickets, sections A-D
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Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra 19/20 Season 17
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2019 9.13 10.12 11.02
11.09
12.13
AX PLAYS BRAHMS MADE IN AMERICA LISZT & TCHAIKOVSKY THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS HOLIDAY POPS
Artists & Repertoire Subject to Change.
Brochure Sponsor: State Street District
Single Tickets on Sale July 15
2020
1.18 MOZART BIRTHDAY BASH 3.14 - 3.15 BEST OF BROADWAY 3.21 WEST SIDE STORY 4.25 MEASHA & MAHLER