Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Music in the Key of A2®
2018-19 Season
Arie Lipsky, Music Director and Conductor a2so.com | 2
I welcome you to Music in the Key of A2®, and to our 90th Birthday, Music to the Nines. Count them up from Dvořák’s famous New World Symphony – and the Michigan premiere of Adrian Wyard’s visual choreography to that iconic music – to Haydn’s classic Symphony No. 90, and from Mahler’s divine Symphony No. 9, all the way to Beethoven’s trail-blazing Symphony No. 9. This season is brimming with the best and brightest soloists – from around the world and around our town. You’ll hear the virtuosity and fresh interpretations from the great symphonic repertoire including Vivaldi’s and Piazzolla’s Four Seasons, a seldom-heard piano masterpiece by a young Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 9, as well as his final masterpiece, The Requiem, and rollicking folk dances from Bartók. Please join me and our outstanding musicians who make up your Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy this season where excitement, inspiration, and the highest standards of musical excellence abound. See you at the Symphony,
Bring your friends and family, and together, musicians and audience alike, we create the uniquely joyful experience that is your Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.
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10.27
9.15 Bolcom Ann Arbor Saturday, premiere of new commission
8 P.M. Hill Auditorium
Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue with Aaron Diehl, piano
Symphony No. 9 in D major
Gershwin “I Got Rhythm” Variations with Aaron Diehl, piano
8 P.M. Michigan Theater
Dvořák Symphony No. 9 in E minor “From the New World” with Michigan premiere of original visual choreography by Adrian Wyard With a joyous fanfare to the delights of a start of a new season of music-making, join us to celebrate the brand-new piece written just for this moment – Ann Arbor Saturday – by William Bolcom. And swing with not one, but two of George Gershwin’s masterful works performed by one of the hottest young pianists today, Aaron Diehl. Can there be a more beloved melody than the soulful English horn solo in Dvořák’s New World Symphony? Be the first in Michigan to experience the breathtaking grand tour of the Americas through Adrian Wyard’s visual film choreography to the New World Symphony.
Sublime. Deeply personal. Melodies that convey the love of Nature, pastoral calm, and stillness. And through it all, the ever-present heartbeat of the master composer, Gustav Mahler, prevails. A magnificent journey for your heart and soul.
If a composer could say what he had to say in words, he would not bother trying to say it in music. — Gustav Mahler
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Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Ray & Eleanor Cross Foundation
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1.12 8 P.M. Hill Auditorium
Mozart Requiem Mozart’s farewell piece, the Requiem, summarizes his genius with heart-melting melodies
with Louise Toppin, Sedona Libero, Charles Reid, Daniel Washington, Measure for Measure, Livingston County Women’s Chorus, and the Huron, Pioneer and Skyline High School A Cappella Choirs
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat major with Alon Goldstein, piano Pianist Alon Goldstein returns by popular demand to play Mozart’s 9th piano concerto – Mozart’s first unequivocal masterpiece of the Classical period by 21-year-old Mozart, and pianist Alon Goldstein brings it to life.
11.10 8 P.M. Michigan Theater
Vivaldi “Autumn” &“Winter” from The Four Seasons with Rachel Barton Pine, violin Piazzolla “Spring” & “Summer” from Four Seasons of Buenos Aires with Rachel Barton Pine, violin Bartók Romanian Folk Dances Haydn Symphony No. 90 in C major New Composition by U-M Composer Jessica Hunt World-famous violinist Rachel Barton Pine shows us that 2 Vivaldi Four Seasons + 2 Piazzolla Four Seasons = 1 concert brimming with fun, quality, and razzle-dazzle. Vivaldi’s musical description brings the autumn leaves and icy winter walks to life, and Piazzolla’s music brings on the sexy promise of spring and the hot tango of summer. Enjoy a piece newly minted for the evening by Jessica Hunt, a promising new composer, alongside with Papa Haydn’s polished 90th Symphony for the A2SO’s 90th!
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Cosponsored by: Rebecca Horvath
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4.27 3.9 8 P.M. Michigan Theater
8 P.M. Maxwell Davies An Orkney Wedding, With Sunrise with Timothy Michling, bagpipes
Hill Auditorium
Bruch Scottish Fantasy with Aaron Berofsky, violin Mendelssohn Symphony No. 3 in A minor “Scottish” Combine your soft spot for all things Scotland with the dash provided by your A2SO, and you’ll have an evening of delights. Concertmaster Aaron Berofsky weaves his always elegant-silky sound, and Principal Oboe Timothy Michling trades in his beloved oboe for the fullness of bagpipes.
Beethoven Symphony No. 9 in D minor with Jacqueline Echols, Freda Herseth, Scott Piper, Stephen West, and UMS Choral Union Shostakovich Symphony No. 9 in E-flat major “Shocking! A chorus and soloists in a finale? It’s just never done!” Ah, but Ludwig van Beethoven was a revolutionary. He didn’t let that stop him from composing what may be the most glorious – and most downloaded and Spotified – piece of music ever written. Symphony No. 9 speaks to our higher ideas and a message of joy, sung by a finely matched quartet of soloists who you’ll long remember. It’s a perfect pairing with Shostakovich’s homage to Beethoven. Without chorus or soloists, Shostakovich fills his work with hidden messages that intrigue listeners even today.
To play a wrong note is insignificant. to play without passion is inexcusable. — Beethoven
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Sponsored by: A. Michael & Remedios Montalbo Young
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Come Celebrate with Us Your Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 90th birthday this season. Since 1928, we have consistently presented exceptional music, exciting performances, and extraordinary musicianship. That’s why we remember some of our history with photos in this brochure. Our custom of engaging community in multiple venues makes us one of the jewels in the crown of our community.
1928-2018
We celebrate with a dazzling Rhapsody in Blue. We blow out the candles with Mozart’s cherished Requiem. We play and pipe in the Orkney Wedding. We affirm our best selves with an Ode to Joy in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Come to the party which we are throwing all-year long. All are welcome: long-time listeners, first-time attenders. Bring your birthday-best smile. Pamper yourself in the newly refurbished Michigan Theater seats. Bask in the music swirling around you at Hill Auditorium. Dance with us at your area library at a KinderConcert. Laugh with us at an Instrument Petting Zoo. Savor rich chamber repertoire at our mid-afternoon Chamber Concerts. I personally invite you to subscribe to this especially designed season. Experience our quality music, warmth, friendship, and connection that is – and has been for 90 seasons – your Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.
The vision of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra is to nurture the love of music in community members of all ages through excellent performances of orchestral music.
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Chamber Concerts The finest chamber recital music is played by A2SO musicians and special guests. These hour-long concerts, starting at 1:30 p.m. are open to listeners of all ages. The concerts take place at the Jewish Community Center, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
Around the World with Disney®
10.14
Enjoy dessert refreshments with coffee and tea starting at 1:00 p.m. and during recital.
Michigan Theater, 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Holiday Pops — A Symphony favorite!
12.14
Hill Auditorium, 8 p.m.
Cosponsored by:
and Tom & Debby McMullen
2018:
2019:
October 15 November 12
January 14 March 25 May 13
Sponsored by: Joyce & Steven Gerber
The Music of Harry Potter
3.16 | 8 p.m. 3.17 | 4 p.m.
Michigan Theater
KinderConcerts Music comes alive in KinderConcerts – FREE 30-minute concerts designed especially for children 2- to 5-years old. No worries about wiggly tots sitting still for a concert – they’ll dance and move while listening to the music. They will be mesmerized by hearing a story being told with musical accompaniment. Members of the A2SO join movement specialist Gari Stein and pianist Kathryn Goodson for a guided introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and day care leaders can introduce classical music to even the youngest listeners at your local libraries.
Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Friday 10 & 11 a.m.
Dexter District Library Saturday 10 a.m.
Chelsea District Library Saturday 12 p.m.
Ypsilanti District Library Whittaker Rd. Monday 10 & 11 a.m.
Check website for specific dates. 10 | (734) 994-4801
Sponsored by: Stephanie & David Pyne and Ray & Eleanor Cross Foundation
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You Make the
CORPORATE
Show your commitment to community and invest in A2SO’s high-quality concerts and communityengagement programs. Connect with fellow Symphony supporters and entertain clients and employees.
• CONCERT SPONSORSHIP
Washtenaw County area businesses are key to bringing some of the world’s finest artists to Ann Arbor. We offer prominent recognition and entertainment benefits to our Concert Sponsors.
Make it Possible. Make a Donation. Make an Impact.
• CORPORATE HONOR ROLL
Each season, ticket revenues cover only 40% of the cost
• EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPONSORSHIP
of the Symphony’s exceptional performances and nationally recognized Education and Community Engagement Programs. We rely on the generous support of individuals, foundations, and corporations to bridge this gap to help the A2SO remain a world-class orchestra and to ensure our programs that engage more than 80,000 people each year with life-changing music experiences continue to thrive. Thank you for playing an essential part in making your Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra reach new heights of excellence in the Key of A2®.
Ways you can give: INDIVIDUAL
Meet your philanthropic goals and help make the A2SO Music happen on stage, in area classrooms, libraries, farmers markets, day care and senior centers.
• ANNUAL FUND
Operating support is critically important to present our season of concerts and education and community engagement activities.
Your A2SO salutes businesses who support the Symphony’s exciting performances and innovative education programs and who provide much-needed general operating support. Each year, more than 30,000 youngsters in Southeast Michigan experience the A2SO in their schools, libraries and communities. Support at any level is welcome. We are happy to discuss your interests in more detail.
PLANNED GIVING
Become a member of the A2SO Legacy Society with a gift in your estate plan. We work with you as you bridge your dreams to musical or educational reality.
ENDOWMENT GIVING
Your gift to an A2SO Endowment Fund – General, Education, Chair, and Podium – ensures that the Symphony continues to deliver the highest-quality musical experiences which you enjoy today, in perpetuity.
FOUNDATION GIVING
A2SO’s programs fit the guidelines for many fields of foundation grant programs: Arts & Culture, Youth, Education, Seniors & Caregivers, Inclusion and Access. We actively seek grants from private, corporate and community foundations each year to fund our innovative programs.
• TRIBUTES
Recognize or memorialize your loved ones or landmark events in your life.
• MUSIC
Support A2SO’s concerts by sponsoring pieces of music that have special meaning to you or your family and friends.
• ARTISTS
Sponsor an A2SO musician you’ve enjoyed hearing for years, your favorite instrument, or one of our special guest artists through Chair or Artist Sponsorships.
• CONCERTS
Become a Concert Sponsor and help transform Maestro Lipsky’s vision into a live performance.
• COMMUNITY
Support our nationally recognized Education and Community Engagement Programs.
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Contact Jennifer Balch Hale at jennie@a2so.com
Legacy Society Make the gift of a lifetime and have a significant impact on the destiny of the symphony. You can help preserve the A2SO’s legacy of great music for future generations by including the Symphony in your estate plans. Thoughtfully considered estate planning can put significant giving within reach for many individuals who might not have thought it otherwise possible. For more information, or to let us know about a planned gift you’ve already set up, contact our Director of Development, Jennifer Balch Hale at jennie@a2so.com or 734-994-4801. a2so.com | 13
1960
1980s
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2004
2005
2007
2016
2018
APRIL 23RD
DECEMBER 18TH
SEPTEMBER 1ST
MARCH 8TH
OCTOBER 28TH
MARCH 29TH
MARCH 16TH
FEBRUARY 2ND
First A2SO youth concert
First A2SO string ensemble performance in Ann Arbor Public Schools
First Instrument Petting Zoo at Briarwood Mall
First conductor visit by Arie Lipsky to Lakeland Elementary
A2SO partners with Carnegie Hall to bring Link Up to 6,000 school children
Side-by-side concert with the University of Michigan piano department
First A2SO KinderConcert
First of an annual side-by-side concert with Pinckney Community Schools
INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOOS
(Pre-K-Grade 5/Community Events) Instrument petting zoos give students the opportunity to have a hand-on experience with the instruments they see and hear in the orchestra. String Instruments courtesy of Shar Music.
TASTE OF MUSIC (all ages)
Taste of Music brings the A2SO to farmers markets in southeast Michigan with the Instrument Petting Zoo, performances by small ensembles, and vouchers for free concert tickets for food security participants.
CONDUCTOR WORKSHOPS (Grades 5-12) Through conductor workshops, Maestro Arie Lipsky steps off the stage and into the classroom to help students grow as musicians. SIDE-BY-SIDE EXPERIENCE (Grades 5-12)
Side-by-side experiences offer the opportunity for student musicians to share the concert stage with the A2SO.
We believe feeding the soul through the arts is part of building strong, healthy, livable communities.
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YOUTH CONCERTS (Grades 3-8) Open to public, private and home schools, all Ann Arbor Symphony Youth Concert offers comprehensive educational experiences that enrich in-school learning. Two concerts are held at Hill Auditorium annually in March. The elementary-aged concert called “Link Up� is a lively interactive concert. The A2SO Middle School Youth concert features enduring orchestral works that captivate young audiences through narration, projected images and musical demonstrations. CHAMBER ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCES (all ages) Small ensembles of A2SO musicians bring the orchestra off the stage and into schools for a close-up musical experience where children are active listeners. Last year 7,500 students experienced these 30-minute performances designed to introduce students to classical music, the instruments of the orchestra, and other musical elements. a2so.com | 15
SIN
on GLE sale TIC Au KET gus S t 1 st
Packages & Individual Tickets SERIES DESCRIPTIONS • FULL SERIES (7): 6 classical concerts + Holiday Pops
• CLASSICAL SERIES (6): 6 classical concerts
• HOLIDAY MINI (4):
• CLASSICAL MINI (4): any 4 classical concerts, not including Holiday Pops
The A2SO serves people of all ages throughout the community from KinderConcerts for the littlest kids, to a wide selection of school programming, and from pops programs, to concerts for seniors.
DAYTIME YOUTH CONCERTS
CLASSROOM CONCERTS INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOOS
KINDERCONCERTS
CHAMBER CONCERTS
in the community
PRECONCERT LECTURES
by Music Director Arie Lipsky
for elementary and middle schools
at area schools
at schools, farmers markets and festivals
at libraries for toddlers and pre-schoolers
any 3 classical concerts + Holiday Pops
A B C D E F
SERIES PRICES Full Series (7)
$469 $402 $313 $248 $170 $135
Classical Series (6) $415 $357 $276 $219 $150 $120 Classical Mini (4) $282 $243 $188 $149 $100 $80 Holiday Mini (4)
$269 $229 $179 $142 $95
$75
SINGLE PRICES
A
B C D E F
Classical (7)
$72
$62
$48
$38
$25
$20
Holiday Pops
$57
$47
$38
$30
$20
$15
Saturday Pops
FR: $35
BK: $30
Sunday Family Matinée
Adult FR:
Adult BK:
Chamber
$25
$20
Child:
$10
General:
$10
DISCOUNTS SUBSCRIBER:
SINGLE TICKET: (CLASSICAL & HOLIDAY POPS)
First-Time Subscriber: Buy one series, get one free
Senior (60+): $2 off sections A-D
Senior (60+): $6 off sections A-D
Student: 50% off all sections / Saturday Pops $5 off
Student: 50% off all sections
Group: 20% off 10 or more tickets, sections A-D
SEATING CHARTS
A
B
C
D
E
F
STAGE
STAGE
MAIN FLOOR
HILL AUDITORIUM
MICHIGAN THEATER
MAIN FLOOR
MEZZANINE
BALCONY BALCONY
And there is so much more! Visit a2so.com 16 | (734) 994-4801
A2SO photos courtesy Czarnecki/Dempsey, Bob Foran Photography, Abbie Lawrence-Jacobson and Mike Halerz
(734) 994-4801 | a2so.com
Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Ann Arbor, MI Permit No. 281
35 Research Drive, Suite 100 Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Order Today First-time subscribers, Buy one series, get one
2018-19 Season
with Arie Lipsky, Music Director & Conductor 9.15 New World Symphony 10.27 Mahler 9 11.10 Four Seasons
1.12 Mozart Birthday Bash 3.9 Scottish Fantasy 4.27 Beethoven 9
12.14 Holiday Pops Brochure sponsor: State Street District (734) 994-4801 | a2so.com
Dates, artists and repertoire are subject to change.