SASKATOON SYMPHONY CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SERIES
Handel’s enduring masterpiece!
MESSIAH Maestro Victor Sawa Music Director
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 Third Avenue United Church Saskatoon, SK
December 8, 2010 7:30 p.m. Third Avenue United Church, Saskatoon George Frideric Handel’s
MESSIAH Saskatoon Symphony Chamber Orchestra Maestro Victor Sawa conductor Guest Artists: Mary Joy Nelson soprano Lisa Hornung mezzo-soprano Michael Harris tenor Jordie Hughton baritone Saskatoon Chamber Singers directed by James Hawn Gallery Singers of North Battleford directed by Dianne Gryba
program Overture Recit: Comfort ye, my people Aria: Every valley shall be exalted Chorus: And the glory of the Lord Recit: Thus saith the Lord of Hosts Aria: But who may abide Chorus: And He shall purify Recit: Behold, a virgin shall conceive Aria and Chorus: O thou that tellest good tidings Chorus: For unto us a child is born Pastoral Symphony Recit: There were shepherds abiding
Recit: And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them Recit: And the angel said unto them Recit: And suddenly there was Chorus: Glory to God in the highest Aria: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion Recit: Then shall the eyes Aria: He shall feed his flock; Come unto Him Chorus: Lift up your heads Aria: Why do the nations so furiously rage together? Chorus: Let us break their bonds asunder Recit: He that dwelleth in heaven Aria: Thou shalt break them Chorus: Hallelujah!
—intermission— (20 minutes) Chorus: Surely He hath borne our griefs. Aria: He was despised Chorus: And with His stripes we are healed Chorus: All we like sheep Recit: All they that see Him Recit: Thy rebuke hath broken His heart Aria: Behold, and see if there be any sorrow Recit: He was cut off out of the land Aria: I know that my Redeemer liveth Chorus: Since by man came death Recit: Behold, I tell you a mystery Aria: The Trumpet shall Sound Chorus: Worthy is the Lamb Chorus: Amen
meet maestro sawa Music Director / Conductor, Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra
Victor Sawa is a triple threat of talent, experience and personal dynamism in the orchestral world. Now Music Director of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, he holds similar positions with orchestras in Sudbury and Regina. He was previously Resident Conductor with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (19931997), Music Director with the North Bay Symphony, the Guelph Youth Orchestra and the Kitchener-Waterloo Orchestra. He also served as Principal Clarinet with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. He has been guest conductor for orchestras across the country.
Maestro Sawa has received many awards and honours, including three Canada Council awards for Conducting, a Grand Prix du Disque—Best Chamber Music Recording (Canadian Chamber Ensemble), a Grammy award (with the New England Ragtime Ensemble), and the Tanglewood Festival award for Outstanding Musician. A Montreal native, Mr. Sawa holds a Bachelor of Music with Distinction from McGill University and an Honours Masters of Music Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music and is also a graduate of the Pierre Monteux School for Advanced Conductors.
meet the orchestra Violin 1 Michael Swan (Concertmaster) Martha Kashap (Assistant Concertmaster) Mary Lou Day Lillian Jen-Payzant Joan Savage Marcel van den Hurk Simon Fanner Maxim Pletnev Violin 2 Oxana Ossiptchouk (Principal) Karen Bindle Oriana Watt Rosanne Daku Karen Ogle Sarah Tsoi Arthur Boan Sophie McBean Viola Jim Legge (Principal) Saache Heinrich Jeremy Janzen Katie McBean
Cello Scott McKnight John Payzant Bernadette Wilson Carman Rabuka Joel MacDonald Christina Bakanec (on leave) Bass Richard Carnegie (Principal) David Humphrey David Grosse Warren Hay Dave Pyra Flute Randi Nelson (Principal) Brenda Moats Oboe Lief Mosbaugh (Principal, on leave) Erin Brophey (Principal, temporary) Kevin Junk Clarinet Margaret Wilson (Principal) Bradley Powell
Bassoon Peter Gravlin (Principal) Marie Sellar Horn Carol-Marie Cottin (Principal) Arlene Shiplett Dubrena Myroon Micajah Sturgess Trumpet Terry Heckman (Principal) Daniel Funk Dean McNeill Trombone Don Schmidt (Principal) Brian Unverricht Dawn McLean-Belyk Tuba Brent Longstaff (Principal) Timpani Darrell Bueckert (Principal) Percussion Roy Sydiaha (Principal) Trent Remlinger Harp CĂŠcile Denis
meet the soloists As an emerging professional singer, Mary Joy Nelson has enjoyed concert work opportunities for this year in Canada and the United States, recently singing Handel’s Messiah with the Lexington Philharmonic in Lexington, Kentucky, as well as singing recitals for the Regina Musical Club’s 2009 concert series and for the Lyle Gustin Concert series in Saskatoon. In August 2009, she received a grant to study Italian language and opera at the I Bel Canto program in Verona, Italy where she enjoyed working with professionals from the Arena di Verona. Other opera and concert credits include: Micaela (Carmen, UKOT), First Lady (The Magic Flute, UKOT), The Fox (The Little Prince, UKOT), Zerlina (Don Giovanni, The Masterworks Festival), Papagena (The Magic Flute, The Masterworks Festival), Haydn’s Creation, Bach’s Magnificat, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Currently a doctoral candidate, Miss Nelson graduated Summa cum laude from the MMus program at the University of Kentucky and previously completed a music education degree at the University of Regina. As well as performing, Miss Nelson has been teaching youth in the performing arts for over fifteen years. She is the founding director of the Academy of Creative Excellence for UK Opera Theatre and UKOT/KCTC Broadway Bound summer programs. This fall she served as the Youth Coordinator for the World Equestrian Games opening ceremonies, working with Global Creative Connection’s production team to assist 150 students in preparing to perform in the opening ceremonies of the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.
Saskatchewan born mezzo-soprano Lisa Hornung has been acclaimed for her work in repertoire that ranges from Baroque to contemporary composers. Her voice has been called “rich and powerful” and her stage presence has “inspired audiences and musicians alike”. Most often heard in Handel’s Messiah, Ms. Hornung’s orchestral performances also include Beethoven’s Mass in C Major, Mozart’s Requiem, Coronation Mass and Vesperae solennes de Confessore, Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, Handel’s Messiah, the Durufle Requiem, Ruth Watson-Henderson’s From Darkness to Light, Verdi’s Requiem, Bach’s Magnificat and Christmas Oratorio, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 and Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Vaughn William’s Magnificat, The May Queen by Bennett and the Alto Rhapsody by Brahms. In addition to her oratorio and orchestral work Ms. Hornung enjoys an active recital career with recent performances including works by Brahms, Schumann, Schubert and Debussy, as well as Christmas, spiritual and folk repertoire. Lisa has toured the United States and Europe as a soloist and ensemble member with American Spiritual Ensemble. In accordance with her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to sing Lisa runs a non-audition community youth choir and regularly collaborates with elementary and high school musical endeavours. She is the founder and director of Summer School for the Solo Voice and the vocal coach for the Cantilon and Bel Canto choirs. Well known as a teacher, adjudicator, clinician and choral coach, Lisa lives in North Battleford with her husband John and their twins James and Larissa.
meet the soloists Tenor Michael Harris completed his Bachelor of Music at the University of Manitoba, and earned an Advanced Performance Diploma at the Welsh College of Music and Drama. Michael’s operatic highlights include King Kaspar in Amahl and the Night Visitors with The Opera Troupe of Saskatoon, El Remendado in Carmen, Alfred in Die Fledermaus, Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni, and Borsa with the Saskatoon Opera Association (SOA) production of Rigoletto. Highlights of Michael’s past oratorio performances include Haydn’s Missa in Angustiis (Saskatchewan Choral Federation), Mozart’s Coronation Mass (Regina Philharmonic Choir), Requiem (Gloucester Cathedral, UK), the Royal Winnipeg Ballet performance of Handel’s Messiah, the Saskatoon Chamber Singers production of Bach’s Kantate 131: Aus der Tiefen, and the Greystone Singers production of Bruckner’s Te Deum. In addition to his operatic and oratorio performances, Michael is also a participant in Voci Strane, a local Early Music vocal collective. He currently resides in Saskatoon with his wife Taunya and children William and Branwen, where he maintains an active voice studio, and is an executive member of the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers’ Association. Michael is the Musical Director of the local francophone choir Choeur des plaines, and was Chorus Master of the SOA production of La Bohème. Recent performances include a performance of Haydn’s Creation in Swift Current; as well as the Saskatchewan Music Festival Centennial performance of Sterndale Bennett’s May Queen.
Local baritone Jordie Hughton is thrilled to be performing Handel’s Messiah with Maestro Sawa and the Saskatoon Symphony! In 2008, Jordie won the prestigious Gordon Wallis Opera Competition (Saskatchewan Music Festival Association), receiving a $5000 scholarship to be used toward further study. He also represented Saskatchewan at the National Music Festival in Edmonton. In 2006, Jordie was the recipient of the Kinsmen Vocal Scholarship, the highest honour attainable in the Saskatoon Music Festival. In 2009, Jordie appeared in Edmonton as Guglielmo in Così fan tutte (Opera NUOVA). He has performed with Saskatoon Opera in Schools as the Father in Hansel and Gretel, Bart (Bartolo) in The Barber of Boomtown and Dandini in Cinderella. Jordie has also been on stage with the Saskatoon Opera Chorus, Saskatoon Summer Players (Cinderella - Herald), and The Fireside Singers (Beauty and the Beast – Gaston, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Pharaoh, and Children of Eden – Noah). In May 2011, Jordie will be performing in the Saskatoon Opera Tour of Mozart’s Odyssey. Jordie has been a member of the National Youth Choir, the University of Saskatchewan Greystone Singers and is a regular soloist with the Saskatoon Fireside Singers. He currently studies with bass-baritone Garry Gable and coach Kathleen Lohrenz Gable.
meet the choirs Saskatoon Chamber Singers - directed by James Hawn Tenor Bradley Charles Peter England Derrick Lee Jeremiah Scott Tim Yoder
Soprano Jacquie Ackerman Lindy Antonini Aubree Bouchard Kelsea McLean Barb Milner Maxine Reid Phyllis Rugg Jillian Thiessen
Bass John Elias Rod Epp Brandon Frank James Hawn James Hueser Tim Hutchinson Kevin Korecki Taylor McLean Ron Steer Rob Yurkowski
Alto Wanda Burbridge Jillian Cyca Starr Driedger Adelle Johnson Lynne Mondue Stephanie Rideout Anne Stephenson Rod Epp – Pianist
Gallery Singers - directed by Dianne Gryba Soprano Wendy Barker Carmen Beaumont Rose Benson Sharon Dollansky Celine Greyer Jennifer Hannah-Woodward Bev Keys Victoria Knorr Marusia Kobrynsky Jean Kozlowski Chris Pyra Lou Rackell Cathy Richardson Catherine Skinner Ruth Solheim Kelly Waters Alto Nena Byl Naomi Clark Amy Francais JoAnne Kasper
Agi McQuaid Jean Pawlus Chris Pollard Sharon Schmidt Amelia Swiderski Colleen Tatton Colleen Toye Monica Yonan Tenor Jeff Arndt Don MacKinnon Don Skinner Andre Van der Merwe Bass/Baritone Jack Andrews Clarence Briand Harvey Brown Garth Harrison Tom Kroczynski Don Leitch Stuart York
The Saskatoon Chamber Singers were founded in 1977 by a group of former Greystone Singers who wanted to continue singing in a quality choral ensemble. The choir has been a finalist in both the CBC choral competition for amateur choirs and the International Choral Kathaumixw in Powell River, British Columbia, and participated in the noncompetitive Festival 500 in St. John’s Newfoundland. They have also been the guest choir at Saskatchewan Sings, and sang at the installation of Lynda Haverstock (a former member) as Lieutenant-Governor of Saskatchewan. Most recently, the choir performed at Podium, the biennial conference of the Association of Canadian Choral Communities, held in Saskatoon last May: first at a joint “spotlight” concert with the Saskatoon Children’s Choir, and then as the chorus for Mary Lou Fallis and Peter Tiefenbach’s Primadonna Choralis, a comedic look at the history of choral music. The choir’s repertoire has been rich in variety since its establishment, and Canadian music has always been an important component of the choir’s programming. Perhaps best known for their annual Remembrance Day concert, the schedule is generally rounded out by a seasonal concert in December or January, and
Photo by Shaun Bzdel
Photo by Cindy Moleski
meet the saskatoon chamber singers
one or two concerts in late winter and spring with varying themes. Remaining concerts this season include “A Feast of Praise” on February 13, featuring organ and brass; and “Ditties and Delights” on April 17. Visit www.saskatoonchambersingers.ca for more information about the choir. James Hawn taught English language arts, music and drama with the Saskatoon Public School Division for thirty-two years and directed numerous choral groups, musicals and plays during that time. From 1998-2002 he was arts education consultant. In 1976 he founded the vocal group Solstice. James was director of Knox Church Choir for ten years and has directed for Saskatoon Gateway Players and Saskatoon Summer Players. He was a member of the Saskatchewan Choral Federation board and is on the board of the ACCC (Association of Canadian Choral Communities). He has just finished seven years on the board of TCU Place (one as president), and a five year term as chair of the Cultural Advisory Committee for SaskCulture. He is on the board of the Friends of the Broadway Theatre and sits on the National Technical Committee for Skills Canada. James was a member of the Saskatoon Chamber Singers for many years before becoming its director.
Gallery Singers of North Battleford was established in 1990 by Dianne Gryba, who is a former chorister and accompanist with the Saskatoon Chamber Singers and the U of S Greystone Singers. Moving to North Battleford from Saskatoon in 1989, Dianne wanted to create an opportunity there for vocalists to explore fine choral music. Gallery Singers was formed, and has grown to include about 40 singers from the Battlefords and communities as distant as Turtleford and Kindersley. Gallery Singers performs at local events and presents two concerts each season, often collaborating with guest instrumentalists. Their repertoire includes standard choral works as well as music by Canadian composers. The choristers were honoured to perform a work written for them by Saskatchewan musician, Paul Suchan, in 2007. Gallery Singers has won several provincial awards from the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association. Most importantly, the choir provides people with an opportunity to sing together. Anyone is welcome to join. Dianne Gryba resides in North Battleford, SK where she works as a teacher, accompanist and choral director. She holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Saskatchewan where she studied piano with Robin Harrison. Dianne
Photo submitted
Photo by Don MacKinnon
meet the gallery singers
plays as often as possible with her duo partner, Bonnie Nicholson, and the two regularly join Wayne Toews in presenting Saito conducting workshops in Canada and the United States. Dianne has a great love of choral music, and she conducts several groups in the Battlefords including the Gallery Singers, and the Battlefords Children’s Choirs. The children’s program involves three choirs, and they are co-directed by JoAnne Kasper. The senior auditioned group, Kamala, has been honoured with numerous local and provincial awards since its formation in 2000. These young singers often travel to collaborate with other choristers in Canada and beyond. Ms. Gryba adjudicates festivals and facilitates workshops in the prairie provinces. She enjoys the rich variety in her musical life, and is always enriched by the talented musicians she meets. Dianne and her husband, Greg, continue to be involved in the lives of their three grown children.
program notes Part One is primarily concerned with the Advent and Christmas stories. Part Two chronicles Christ’s passion, resurrection, ascension, and the evangelization to the world of the Christian message. Part Three is based primarily upon the events chronicled in the Book of Revelation. Although Messiah deals with the New Testament story of Christ’s life, a majority of the texts used to tell the story were selected from the Old Testament prophetic books of Isaiah, Haggai, Malachi, and others.
Handel’s Messiah is a presentation of Jesus’s life and its significance according to Christian doctrine. The name of the oratorio is taken from the Abrahamic concept of the Messiah (“the anointed one”). In Christianity, Jesus is the Messiah. Although the work was conceived for secular theatre and was first performed during Lent, it has become common practice since Handel’s death to perform Messiah during Advent, the preparatory period of the Christmas season. Messiah is often performed in churches as well as in concert halls. Christmas concerts often feature only the first section of Messiah plus the “Hallelujah” chorus. The work is also heard at Eastertide, and selections containing resurrection themes are often included in Easter services.
The soprano aria “I know that my Redeemer liveth” is frequently heard at Christian funerals. It is believed that parts of this aria were the basis of the composition of the Westminster Quarters. Above Handel’s grave in Westminster Abbey is a monument (1762) where the musician’s statue holds the musical score of the same aria.
The work is divided into three parts which address specific events in the life of Christ.
LET’S RAISE THE ROOF! “The object of art is to give life a shape.” Shakespeare wrote these words centuries ago, but they remain true today: art, in all its forms, shapes our community.
The Greater Battlefords needs a performing arts centre! What are the benefits to the community? A facility with full staging and rehearsal spaces, seating up to 374 people would provide: • Increased quality of events • Increased comfort, acoustics, staging and support spaces • Increased number and types of performing events • New space for First Nations events • An additional venue for special events like trade shows, conferences & conventions. A performing arts centre will be used extensively by residents of the entire region.
A donation to the Battlefords “Raise the Roof!” campaign is a wonderful way for you to make a difference in our community. All donations receipted through the Battlefords & District Community Foundation Inc. or the City of North Battleford.
www.raisetheroofbattlefords.com
It’s HOT
on the SSO stage
this winter! saskatoonsymphony.org (306) 665-6414
RUSSIAN ROMANCE Masters Series Martin Leung piano, Maestro Victor Sawa conductor Some of the world’s most romantic and exotic music! YouTube sensation and Video Games Live star, classical pianist Martin Leung shows his passionate side. P. Tchaikovsky Polonaise “Evgeny Onegin” Piano Concerto No. 1 N. Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade
Presented by
Saturday, January 15 TCU Place, Sid Buckwold Theatre, 7:30 pm
BACH AND BEYOND Chamber Orchestra Series Guy Few trumpet, Maestro Victor Sawa conductor One of the most brilliant brass players of his generation (Toronto Star). Guy Few returns for an evening of trumpet virtuosity and creative genius with the masters of baroque. J. S. Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F Major G. Handel Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 1, Royal Fireworks Music A. Corelli Christmas Concerto in G minor
Saturday, January 29 Third Avenue United Church, 7:30 pm Presented by
Tickets: TCU Place Box Office, saskatoonsymphony.org or 975-7799