Top Six Season BSOnow.org
2014-15 top six season Guest Conductor for Saturday, March 14, 2015
TERESA CHEUNG Mozartian Magic
SOLOISTS: Elena Urioste, Violin, and Juan-Miguel Hernandez, Viola
Special Special thanks thanks to to our our Season Season Sponsor Sponsor
Don Don C. C. and and Diane Diane S. S. Lake Lake Family Family
6:30pm pre-concert talk by Jerome Kleinsasser, Professor of Music, Emeritus, CSU Bakersfield
inspire a new generation
Photo by Nick Ellis
ABOUT THE BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONTACT THE BSO
1328 34th Street, Ste. A Bakersfield, CA 93301 Phone: 661-323-7928 Email: info@BSOnow.org
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
M. Bryan Burrow, President & CEO Kari Heilman, Business Operations Manager Mary Moore, Orchestra Operations Manager Ineke de Lange, Executive Assistant/Sales Nicole Barnett, Executive Assistant Holly Bikakis, Graphic Artist Jerome Kleinsasser, Artist Consultant, Program Notes and Concert Preview Darlan Moore, Stage Guard Jim Mueller, Recording Engineer
ORCHESTRA OFFICERS
Elaine LeCain, President Mike Raney, Vice President Paulette Shires, Orchestra Representative Elvira Arambula, Secretary Contributions to the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra are tax-deductible for both Federal and State purposes.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ira Cohen, Chair Patrick Paggi, Treasurer Ken Beurmann, Secretary Jim Bell, Past Chair Hon. Jon Stuebbe, Advisor Jerome Kleinsasser, Ph.D., Advisor Julia Haney, Advisor Bradford Anderson, M.D. Holly Arnold Alexandra Batey W. Michael Chertok Morgan Clayton Wayne Deats Chris Hamilton, Esq. Eleanor Heiskell J. Nile Kinney, Esq. Joe MacIlvaine, Ph. D Matthew Malerich, M.D. Steve Sanders Dee Slade Cynthia Smizer, Esq. Rick Stevens Jay Tamsi Neil Walker Kai Wong, M.D. Honorary Life Members James Collier C.L. Clark Donald R. Lindsay Milt Younger, Esq.
2014-15 SEASON
Top Six Season
bakersfield symphony orchestra
HOW TO ENJOY A BSO CONCERT Do I need to know the music before I attend a performance? We encourage you to attend the pre-concert lecture hosted by Jerome Kleinsasser, Professor of Music Emeritus, CSU Bakersfield. This lecture is included with your ticket and covers the background of the composers and explains the story of the music for the evening’s performance. The lecture starts at 6:30pm and is located in the Potato Room at the East end of the lobby.
Photo by Nick Ellis
TABLE OF CONTENTS 6 8 9 10 11 16 17 18 19 20 21 22-26 30 31 35
BSO Next
Concert Sponsors Corporate Sponsors Letter from the President & CEO Letter from the Guest Conductor BSO Circle of Supporters Season Sponsor Generous Supporters Memorials and Honorariums Conductor’s Biography Concert Program Program Notes Orchestra Roster BSO Affiliates
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What if I arrive late? The main doors to the auditorium close promptly at 7:30pm. As a courtesy to the musicians and to our patrons, we ask that late comers enter the auditorium upstairs and find an empty seat in the terrace section until intermission. Can I take food or beverages into the theater? Food and beverages can be purchased and consumed in the lobby but are not allowed at any time in the theater. What if I need special assistance? The BSO staff is happy to accommodate all patrons. Please look for a BSO staff member to let us know how we can make your symphony experience a pleasant one.
Soloist’s Biographies
CONNECT WITH US
How do I best enjoy the concert? Getting the most from BSO concerts is one of our top priorities. To help you and those around you fully enjoy the performance, here are some helpful tips. • Show the performers your appreciation with applause after each movement listed in the program • Limit photography, video, and cell phone usage to activities in the lobby • Minimize noise to show respect to those around you and the performers • Take in the experience and let the music inspire you
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YOUTH MUSIC PROGRAM
Photo by Rodney Thornburg
I NSPI R E THE NE XT GEN ERAT ION
BSO NEXT
This program is a donor based endeavor that exposes our local students to live symphonic music by providing them with a free concert experience. Our hope is that such exposure will inspire future musicians and concert-goers and develop the next generation’s appreciation for symphonic orchestra music. Not only is BSO NEXT benefitting several hundred students from our local schools, but the addition of these students has created a palpable vibe of youth and excitement both in the lobby and in the seats. The program is in need of additional donors for the remainder of this season and on a continuing basis thereafter. We invite you to participate in this rare giving opportunity which allows you to directly invest in our local youth, observe the results for yourself, and connect the next generation to the BSO experience. For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact Cynthia Smizer at cynthia@bsonow.org.
Thank You To Our BSO Next Sponsors Advanced Distribution Co. Agstar Services, Inc. Bill Wright Toyota Bryan and Kayla Burrow California Resources Corporation Chevron Morgan Clayton/Tel-Tec Securities Bob Clemensson Ira and Carole Cohen/ UBS Financial Services Jason and Patsy Cohen/ UBS Financial Services Peggy Darling Dr. Vip Dev Ray and Joan Dezember Dignity Health Jay Ericsson/UBS Financial Services
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Family Motors Claire Frisch Kern Community Foundation Twilla Klassen Don C. and Diane S. Lake Family David Lee/UBS Financial Services Milt and Betty Younger/Milton Younger Law Ron Nickell Marjorie Nixon PLCS Plus International, Inc. Pete Pankey Pelletier Foundation Christopher and Cynthia Smizer Stevens Transportation Varner Brothers W. A. Thompson Distributing
2014-15 SEASON
WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH TOP LOCAL RESTAURANTS TO EXPAND OUR CONCERT EVENTS TO INCLUDE DINNER. • Present your tickets at a BSO DINE member restaurant on the date of the performance, and you will receive a 15% discount on your bill. • During our inaugural BSO DINE season, the discounts will be available on March 14, April 11 and May 9.
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS: Belvedere Room at the Padre Hotel
Muertos Kitchen and Lounge
Café Med Restaurant & Deli
Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar
Mama Tosca’s Ristorante Italiano
Wall Street Cafe
CraSh Lounge
Top Six Season 2014-15 top six season
the bakersfield symphony orchestra gratefully acknowledges the following sponsors who generously contributed to
mozartian magic march 14, 2015
SEASON SPONSOR:
Don C. and Diane S. Lake Family CONCERT SPONSORS:
BSO Endowment Foundation Joe and Suzan MacIlvaine Paramount Farming Co.
Top Six Season
bakersfield symphony orchestra
Photos by Rodney Thornburg Photos by Henry Barrios, Nick Ellis, Nick Ellis
CORPORATE SPONSORS AERA ENERGY LLC BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION BANK OF THE SIERRA
anniversary
BARBER ACURA BRIGHT HOUSE NETWORKS CALIFORNIA RESOURCES CORPORATION CHEVRON CITY OF BAKERSFIELD COUNTY OF KERN FAMILY MOTORS KERN COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS KMAP, INC. PARAMOUNT FARMING CO.
The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the generous support of foundations, corporations and businesses whose gifts have helped ensure the continuation of the BSO’s many outstanding programs.
PELLETIER FOUNDATION PG&E STEVENS TRANSPORTATION, INC. TARGET
For information about becoming a Corporate Sponsor, contact the BSO at 661-323-7928.
UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES
IRA AND CAROLE COHEN, JASON AND PATSY COHEN
W.A. THOMPSON WELLS FARGO WZI, INC.
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO
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President’s Letter
M. Bryan Burrow
elcome! We are pleased to have you join us for the March 2015 concert. This has truly been an exciting year as we search for a new conductor. We narrowed down a list of 160 conductor applicants to our Top Six candidates. Tonight we welcome the talented Teresa Cheung, Music Director of the Altoona Symphony Orchestra in Pennsylvania. Ms. Cheung is a strong advocate of youth education programs and community outreach. Be sure to join us after the concert to meet the conductor, the soloists, and our musicians in the lobby. Also, while enjoying the post-concert reception don’t forget to fill out a conductor evaluation form. Your feedback is part of the hiring process! Next season is beginning to take shape with additional concerts and expanded youth education programs. We have heard feedback from our community and are incorporating many of the ideas into our 2015-2016 season. Stay tuned for more details. Gala 2015 is right around the corner, and is our only fundraiser for the 2014-2015 season. Since ticket sales only provide one third of our revenue, donations and sponsorships are extremely important to us. The Gala provides an enjoyable social atmosphere at the CSUB Amphitheater with 20-30 minutes of lively music. The theme for the May 15th Gala is “Putting on the Ritz. Whether you sponsor us for the Gala or would like to support the BSO with a donation, it will help us add new concerts and reach out to more children in Kern County. As a 501(c)3, all donations to the BSO are tax deductible. This month marks the start of a new program called BSO Dine where you can receive a 15% discount at participating restaurants the night of the concert (please view page 7 of the program for a list of restaurants). This is a great way to show support to our local businesses. Speaking of showing support, please go out of your way to thank those who have ads in this program and those who are listed as sponsors of the BSO. Finally, a huge THANK YOU to so many who are responsible for making these concerts possible. We have a very hard working and passionate staff, engaged and generous board members, as well as incredible and loyal patrons. Enjoy tonight’s program.
M. Bryan Burrow
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TONIGHT’S GUEST CONDUCTOR TERESA CHEUNG
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Dear all, t has been said that sometimes life can come full circle. In my case I have to concur: I was one of the lucky ones to have spent two summers at the California Conducting Workshop as a student under Maestros Farrer, Lewis, and Thulean at the beginning of my career. The thing I remember most is the amazing support that we received from the members of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. The sessions were long and could be tedious because of all the stopping and starting. Yet the musicians were so patient and supportive they gave us the courage to try out our musical ideas with our not-so-coordinated bodies on the podium. These were no doubt some of my most memorable learning experiences. It would be impossible to forget the exhilaration we felt after getting through all the 3/16s and 3/8s measures in Stravinsky’s Symphony in Three Movements!
Teresa Cheung
I am so very grateful for the opportunity to return and make music with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra this week. In many ways this feels like a homecoming. I am anxious to see the changes in the city since I last visited and to learn about the exciting things that have been happening with BSO. This concert program is filled with music of beauty and contrast highlighted by solo performances from Elena Urioste and Juan-Miguel Hernandez. From sublime Mozart to monumental Sibelius, we are thrilled to share with you these great works that we treasure. Thank you, Jerry, for including me in your pre-concert presentation. I look forward to seeing everyone on both sides of the podium!
Yours,
Teresa Cheung
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2014-2015
CONCERT CALENDAR
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
TICKETS STARTING AT $20
All concerts are Saturdays, starting at 7:30pm at the Rabobank Theater.
stilian kirov
alejandro gutierrez
tomasz golka
teresa cheung
rebecca miller
roger kalia
OCTOBER 4
NOVEMBER 8
FEBRUARY 14
MARCH 14
APRIL 11
MAY 9
launching a new era
two great orchestral masterpieces
a hilarious visit to THE BARBER
mozartian magic
two bso premieres
Manfred Overture - Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54 - Schumann Scheherazade, Op. 35 - Rimsky-Korsakov
Concerto for Cello in B minor, Op. 104 - Dvořák Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36 - Tchaikovsky
“Viva Rossini” - Highlights from Barber of Seville - Rossini
Mozart – Overture to Lucio Silla, K. 135 Mozart – Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra in E-flat major, K. 364 Sibelius – Symphony No. 2, in D Major, Op. 43
Eight Divertimenti for Orchestra - Bernstein Chichester Psalms - Bernstein Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Brahms
goldsmith & co. in a photo finish Guitar Concerto, Op. 99 - Castelnuovo-Tedesco Music for Orchestra - Goldsmith Pictures at an Exhibition - Mussorgsky
meet our top six candidates for bakersfield’s next conductor! THIS SEASON’S GUEST SOLOISTS OCTOBER - FEI FEI DONG, piano NOVEMBER- CARTER BREY, cello FEBRUARY - BSO OPERA SOLOISTS MARCH - ELENA URIOSTE, violin JUAN-MIGUEL HERNANDEZ, viola APRIL - BAKERSFIELD MASTER CHORALE MAY - MARCIN DYLLA, guitar
inspire the desire for music... Be a part of the new symphony era.
BSOnow.org music education for children in Kern County
Checkout our website for the latest updates on what’s new this season and information on our many youth programs.
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BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS THE 2015 GALA
2 LIVE AUCTION ITEMS 1) Chance to conduct the orchestra 2) Dinner for 8: Dine with BSO’s new conductor with incredible food from Chef Robert Alimirzaie.
OPPORTUNITY TICKETS $100 each
CSUB Amphitheater
Friday, May 15, 2015 6:00 Social
7:00 Dinner
Tickets For The Gala On Sale Now $125 each / Call (661) 323-7928
Prize: $5,000 cash
www.BSOnow.org
Inspire A New Generation Tonight’s Pre Concert music performed by the Bakersfield Youth Symphony String Quartet. Rita Gomez, President Regina Pryor, Vice President For more information, visit
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HOLLY BIKAKIS GRAPHIC DESIGN Ads • Billboards • Brochures • Business Systems Calendars • Flyers • Logo Development Newsletters • Packaging Labels • Postcards Trade Displays • Website Maintenance
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please join us in the lobby... after the concert for a reception to meet the guest conductor, our soloists, and BSO musicians. (No host bar and concessions available)
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Bakersfield | Fresno | Pasadena | Stockton
4200 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 300, Bakersfield, CA 93309 | (661) 324-4971 | www.bacpas.com
inspire a new generation
We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals, businesses and foundations for their generous support.
BSO CIRCLE OF SUPPORTERS STRADIVARIUS CIRCLE
$25,000 and above
County of Kern City of Bakersfield Don C. and Diane S. Lake Family Kern County Superintendent of Schools KMAP, Inc. Pelletier Foundation
MAESTRO’S CIRCLE
Aera Energy LLC Chevron Claire O’Connor Frisch Paramount Farming Co. Margaret Urner W. A. Thompson, Inc. Wells Fargo Bank
ENCORE CIRCLE
$10,000 and above
$5,000 and above
Bakersfield Pipe & Supply Don Camp Ray and Joan Dezember Houston Jewelers Rabobank Mr. and Mrs. Milton Younger Joe and Suzan MacIlvaine UBS Financial Services
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2014-15 SEASON
SEASON SPONSOR
Don C. and Diane S. Lake Family
The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra graciously thanks the Lake Family for uniting individuals and cultures in our community and supporting the education of our youth through the power of music.
inspire a new generation
GENEROUS SUPPORTERS OF THE SYMPHONY We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals, businesses and foundations for their generous support. This listing includes contributions received before February 27, 2015.
CONCERTMASTER $2,500 and above
Advanced Distribution Company David and Ardath Albizo Bakersfield North Rotary Bill Wright Toyota Gregory Bynum & Associates, Inc. California Resources Corp. Ira and Carole Cohen Jason and Patsy Cohen Cream of the Crop Ag Service Daniells Phillips Vaughan & Bock Lisa Delan Jay Ericsson Fritch Eye Care Center Fritch Family Foundation Eleanor Heiskell Twilla Klassen Klein DeNatale Goldner LeBeau Thelen LLP David Lee North Bakersfield Toyota PLCS Plus International, Inc. Rotary Club of Bakersfield Diane Sandidge Varner Brothers, Inc. Robert & Patty Young
FRIENDS OF THE SYMPHONY $100 and above
Bob Abrams Beverly Banks Bill and Sarah Bartling Ken and Gianna Beurmann Jeanne Burdick Katina Chan David Cothrun William and Mary Crommett Bill and Marla Decker Jess Diamond Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Dodson Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Eaves Werner Epp Linda Fiddler David George George and Sharon Giboney John Giumarra Jr. Ben Goossen Melissa Grahek Sam Hardy Bret Hillman Steven Jacobs Velma Kagler continued...
VIRTUOSO $1000 and above
Bradford Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Barmann, Sr. Jeffrey Bell with Edward Jones & Co. Lois Chaney W. Michael and Dona Chertok Peggy Darling Dr. and Mrs. Doug Davis
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Mr. and Mrs. Stan Eschner Roger Hess Barbara Johnson Nile and Liz Kinney Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Kirschenman Jerome Kleinsasser and Jeanne Harrie Irma Laughlin-Kolstad Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Larwood Steve and Anita Layton Dr. and Mrs. Mark Miller George and Charlotte Pinheiro Jane Randolph George Ribble James and Thelma Royer-Cartwright Sandra Serrano Christopher and Cynthia Smizer Mr. and Mrs. John Stovall Hon. and Mrs. Jon Stuebbe Marilyn Vance James and Evelyn Weddle Dr. and Mrs. Kai Wong Dr. and Mrs. Tai Yoo
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Mr. and Mrs. Wendall Kinney Maxine Pihlaja Love Thomas Meyer Mary Moore Ron Nickell Pete and Mona Pankey Valerie Pfeiffer Leonard Sanoian Alberto Velasquez Santacruz Gerhard and Mary Schmidt Chris and Cynthia Smizer Mike Stepanovich Gail Schulz Paulette Shires The Bridge Buddies Stephen Thiroux Jo Triplett Philip Zander
MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS Memorials and honorariums are gifts given to honor family and friends in a lasting and meaningful way.
In memory of Colonel Wesley Moore Mary Moore In memory of Gordon Johnson Barbara Johnson In memory of Maxine Simpson Mayor Harvey Hall In memory of Richard Southwick Mayor Harvey Hall Susan Hearn Ivan and Shirley Foster Louise McCarthy Mike and Karen Polyniak The Southwick Family Fred Starrh Barbara Waters
In memory of Martha Jones Mary Trichell In memory of Buryl Vance Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Dodson Joseph Kennedy Marilyn Vance In memory of Patty Fleming Marilyn Vance In memory of Marilyn Vance Bank of the Sierra, staff at the Bakersfield area branches Bill and Sarah Bartling Ann Bigler Keith and Betsy Brice The Bridge Buddies Mike and Dona Chertok Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Dodson George and Sharon Giboney Barbara Johnson Joseph Kennedy Jerome Kleinsasser and Jeanne Harrie Bill and Holly Lazzerini Michael and Christine Olague In honor of Rebecca Brooks Marilyn Vance In honor of Eleanor Heiskell Bill and Marla Decker Kent and Nicole Hillman Bret and Tamara Hillman Mike and Dona Chertok
IN-KIND DONATIONS American General Media Brown Armstrong CPA’s eMedia Garden District Flowers IKEA KMAP, Inc. New City Cleaners Stinson’s Mike Willis Designs
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TERESA CHEUNG BIO qually at home with both orchestral and vocal genres, Teresa Cheung is in frequent demand for symphonic, choral, and operatic productions in the US and Canada. Her recent conducting appearances include the Amarillo Symphony, the American Symphony Orchestra, the Bakersfield Symphony, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, the Mobile Symphony, the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra, the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra, the Phoenix Symphony, the Portland Symphony, the Regina Opera, the Stamford Symphony, the Western Michigan Symphony Orchestra, and the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra. Aside from maintaining an active schedule with professional orchestras, Cheung often appears as conductor for All State/County Orchestra Festivals, and has served as a conducting clinician for Lincoln Center’s “Meet The Artist” program. The 2014-2015 season marks Cheung’s seventh season as the Music Director and Conductor of the Altoona Symphony Orchestra in Pennsylvania. Recently Cheung made her conducting debut with the New York City Ballet in their Balanchine Nutcracker production. In 2012 she concluded her tenure as Resident Conductor for the American Symphony Orchestra in New York City and the Assistant Conductor for the Bard Music Festival and SummerScape, two positions that she held since 2004. Some of the most outstanding examples of her work include the 2010’s highly acclaimed US premiere of Franz Schreker’s Der ferne Klang, the first US fully-staged production of Robert Schumann’s Genoveva in 2006, and the 2004 production of Mark Blitzstein’s Regina. Known for her creative concert programming, collaborative projects and outreach programs, Cheung is a passionate advocate for music
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education for all ages. Since the beginning of her tenure with the Altoona Symphony in 2008, Cheung has created numerous programs that engaged area children and high school musicians and choristers. On the other hand, the launching of the Altoona Symphony Apprentice Program last season (A. S. A. P.) has given selected high school string players a chance to study and perform with the ASO on specific concerts in a professional setting. In April 2010, the Altoona Symphony Orchestra performed its first Side-by-Side concert in its history with Gustav Holst’s The Planets, partnering with the Juniata College Orchestra. The success of the project led to another collaboration with the Penn State University Percussion Ensemble in Silvestre Revueltas’ La Noche de los Mayas in May 2011. Cheung’s vision of taking Altoona Symphony beyond Central Pennsylvania has led to a collaborative project with Pennsylvania Council for the Arts’ Commonwealth Speaker Karl Middleman in “Dvorak’s New World”, a Humanities on the Road program that was broadcasted throughout the state of Pennsylvania in December, 2011 (http:// humanitiesontheroad.squarespace.com/ dvoraks-new-world/ ).
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BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TERESA CHEUNG, GUEST CONDUCTOR SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015 7:30PM – RABOBANK THEATER
anniversary
MOZARTIAN MAGIC WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Overture to Lucio Silla, K.135 (1756-1791)
6:30pm Concert Preview presented by Jerome Kleinsasser, Professor of Music, Emeritus, California State University, Bakersfield
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra in E-flat Major, K.364 I. Allegro maestoso II. Andante III. Presto
Soloists: Elena Urioste - violin Juan-Miguel Hernandez - viola
INTERMISSION JEAN SIBELIUS (1865 – 1957)
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43 I. Allegretto II. Tempo andante, ma rubato III. Vivacissimo IV. Finale: Allegro moderato No photography or recording of any kind is permitted during any part of the concert.
Elena Urioste and Juan-Miguel Hernandez appear by arrangement with Sciolino Artist Management.
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ABOUT THE MUSIC JEROME S. KLEINSASSER MARCH 14, 2015 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Maria Anna Mozart
Overture to Lucio Silla, K135 (Dec. 26, 1772. Milan) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) While yet a teen-ager Mozart made multiple trips from his home in Salzburg to Milan where he studied with Padre Martini, the most highly respected mentor to young composers at that time. In Milan, a city yet in the cultural and political sphere of Austrian influence, Italian opera held sway as the surest path to musical fame. When commissioned for Lucio Silla in March of 1771, the 15-year-old Mozart had already composed seven short dramatic musical stage works, two of them for Milan. Now he was engaged for a major length opera in the older Baroque seria style - a four-hour affair plus three ballets. The plot was set in ancient Rome where Lucio Silla, the corrupt Roman dictator, secretly lusted after Giunia, the daughter of his sworn enemy, the exiled Senator Cecilio. Given his customary practice, it is likely Mozart composed the overture the day before the first performance, held on December 26, 1772. The Allegro molto uses a compact form in D-major. Its repeated fanfare-like motive in all parts with timpani punctuations seems to stiffly suggest the power of Rome:
Opening fanfare motives A more delicate broken motive in A-major leads to violins in a rising crescendo:
A rising crescendo in the violins These compact ideas carry the overture boldly yet economically to its conclusion.
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Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra in E-flat, K. 364 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Under the promotional aegis of his father Leopold, as a youngster Mozart was one the most-traveled musicians of his time in Europe. In something of a “debut tour” in 1763, the seven-year old Mozart, along with his very talented sister Maria Anna (aka “Nannerl”), appeared before admiring public audiences in Munich and Frankfurt and numerous other major cities and royal courts in both Germany and Austria. The 3-year tour included a concertizing residence in England that lasted for three months, highlighted by several acclaimed appearances before King George III. The first tour displayed a wunderkind, but the second in 1777 revealed the maturing Mozart to a broader world. Setting out from his hometown of Salzburg, it marked his break with the familiar. Accompanied only by his mother, he visited musical centers such as Mannheim and Paris. In Mannheim he could marvel at the renowned court orchestra described by English music historian Charles Burney as “an army of generals.” The Mannheim orchestra was famous for its large size, polished ensemble qualities, and wide range of dynamics. In Paris Mozart witnessed a tradition of professional public concerts performed before audiences keenly aware of musical nuance. Parisian listeners would often enthusiastically show their approval by applauding entertaining musical flourishes even as the music continued. A French orchestral form, the sinfonia concertante, fascinated young Mozart as a hybrid of both the symphony and solo concerto. While in Paris Mozart experimented with it, producing in 1778 an example for a Baroque-like group of solo instruments, flute, oboe, horn, and bassoon. The more successful Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat for violin and viola appeared shortly thereafter. From the concerto it borrows the threemovement format in fast-slow-fast order. Its extensive writing for solo instruments, of course, is the hallmark of a concerto, but the compositional structure owes much to the symphony. At the very outset dynamic forte-piano contrasts and bouncy syncopations in the orchestral introduction quite likely reflect what Mozart heard in Mannheim. A divided viola section adds richness of texture, and one hears a sturdy E-flat pedal point in the low strings. In the manner of Baroque predecessors, the soloists join the larger ensemble from the start. A turbulent crescendo rises just after the French horns sound the wind theme. Inserted trills and syncopations energize the great wave of sound growing in the general orchestra. As the crescendo subsides, the solo violin, shadowed by the solo viola, emerges and their dialogue declares the first movement proper is under way. What follows is an exhilarating musical conversation between two equals.
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[In the preceding example, one may note that Mozart indicated scordatura tuning for the viola. Perhaps in an effort to equalize the darker-sounding viola with the brighter qualities of the violin, he instructed that the viola strings be raised a half step, and to eliminate the need for numerous resultant accidentals, he notated that part in the key of D, whereas all other parts (excluding horns, as usual) are in E-flat. Not wishing to stress out their instrument with raised pitch, some modern players simply play the part in E-flat.] Upward leaps in the solo violin mark the second theme in G-major:
Secondary theme, first movement
The Andante is set in the key of C-minor. Its mournful character is often attributed to the fact that Mozart’s mother became ill while in Paris and died there, leaving the composer alone and in profound grief.
Andante principal theme.
After the full ensemble states the doleful theme, each of the soloists offers an extended variation of it before commencing an elaborate, imitatively broken dialogue based on the idea. The tune is never very far away throughout the lengthy movement. Nearing the end, Mozart provided an expressive cadenza providing moments of freedom for each soloist. A taut and bristling Presto theme launches the finale:
To the end, the sparkling and witty dialog between soloists and ensemble reveals the incomparable musical genius of Mozart. “Whether the angels play only Bach in praising God I am not quite sure: I am sure, however, that en famille they play Mozart.” – Karl Barth, 20th century theologian
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Symphony No. 2 in D, op. 43 Jean Sibelius (1865 - 1957) “It is as if the Almighty had thrown down pieces of a mosaic from Heaven’s floor and asked me to put them together” – Sibelius on the symphonic process
Called his “Child of Tears,” Sibelius’ second foray into the symphonic form caused him no end of difficulty and uncertainty. One might expect otherwise as it came at a time when international audiences, previously smitten with the Germanic orchestral landscapes of Richard Strauss, were first discovering the Finn’s lovely tone poem The Swan of Tuonela. His second symphony began to take shape late in 1901 when the composer wrote to a patron, “I have been in the throes of a bitter struggle with this symphony. Now the picture is clearer and I am now proceeding under full sail.” Though distracted by developing political turmoil between Russia and his native Finland, he struggled to complete the symphony early in 1902, and conducted four highly successful performances the following March before ecstatic capacity crowds in Helsinki. Patriotic Finns saw political significance in every chord. Contemporary composer and critic Robert Kajanus wrote: The Andante strikes one as the most broken-hearted protest against all the injustice that threatens at the present time to deprive the sun of its light and our flowers of their scent... The scherzo gives a picture of frenetic preparation. Everyone piles his straw on the haystack, all fibers are strained and every second seems to last an hour. One senses in the contrasting trio section with its oboe motive in G flat major what is at stake. The finale develops toward a triumphant conclusion intended to rouse in the listener a picture of lighter and confident prospects for the future.
In the Symphony No. 2 one senses Sibelius has broken from predecessors, such as Tchaikovsky or Dvorak, and newly found his individual voice. In the first movement Sibelius typically spreads before us a vast panorama of theme groups, developing each individually before moving to the next, and then reprising them in order, sometimes voicing several simultaneously. While there is an organic continuity to the first movement, it may be noted the rising string theme heard in the opening bars recurs in several guises including a sustained tone version in the horn.
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The ascending shape is balanced by others that systematically wend their way downward. Still other instrumental episodes of pizzicato and recitative-like writing, as well as lengthy 8th-note necklaces, provide variety and continuity to the first movement. The gentle D-major opening of the first movement is countered by a mysterious episode in D-minor for the second. Sibelius has big plans, as he tells us it introduces the age-old confrontation between Don Juan and the Stone Guest. Over the rolling timpani of the opening bars he penned “Sitting in the twilight in my castle.” Then over the continuing pizzicatos, “A stranger comes in. I ask him more than once who he is.” At the entrance of the bassoons, “Finally he strikes up a song. Then Don Juan sees who he is - Death.” Thus the composer’s program ends but the music continues.
Bassoons strike up the grim “Song of Death”
The various orchestral sections gradually become involved until harmonic clashes juxtaposing major and minor keys provide a rousing but short-lived fortississimo climax. This troublesome episode recalls the historic lines of the 1902 critic quoted above: “...the most broken-hearted protest against all the injustice that threatens at the present time...” Piecing together the “mosaic from Heaven’s floor” may apply to the brisk vivacissimo with its myriad short string statements that compete with wind comments both taunting and consensual. The repeated-note lento oboe solos render beauty in simplicity.
Oboe solo finds beauty in simplicity
The surging finale follows without pause. It is a heroic movement filled with fanfare figures and multiplicities of three-note motives. It is only in the last movement we become aware we have been listening to the three-note motive since the opening bars. Here the rhetorical thunderbolts from Beethoven’s great symphonic finales find an able successor in the work of the great Sibelius. “Whereas most other modern composers are engaged in manufacturing cocktails of every hue and description, I offer the public pure cold water.” - Sibelius in 1923
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BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
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Making beautiful music takes dedication, passion
and years of hard work.
Rosewood Retirement Community applauds the Bakersfield Symphony for bringing extraordinary music to Bakersfield for more than 80 years.
1301 New Stine Road • Bakersfield, CA 93309 1.888.719.2150 • RosewoodRetirement.org Rosewood in Bakersfield, California, is owned and managed by ABHOW, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. ABHOW is a nonsectarian corporation, serving seniors through quality retirement housing since 1949. State of California License #150400536, DHS License #120000165, Certificate of Authority #114.
inspire a new generation
BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MUSICIANS VIOLIN 1 Julia L. Haney - Concertmaster Donna Fraser Asst. Concertmaster Lee Smith Elizabeth Kinney Tim Swanson Jeff Fritz Lisa Fritz Sharon Cooper Elvira Arambula Manoela Wunder Mathias Rykert Lisa Grzanka VIOLIN 2 Amy McGuire - Principal Debra Perkins Elaine LeCain Marci Maynard Andrea von Schriltz Nicole Barnett Peter Marcos Jason Gomez Kay Sanderson Norm Olsen VIOLA Paulette Shires - Principal Stan Holcombe Alex Navarro Helen Crosby Tom Meyer Isabel Thiroux Sandra Caudel Hugh Neely CELLO Pam de Almeida - Principal Continued...
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Alex Wilson Aaron Conner Anna McCoy Kathleen Hood Regina Golovina Sandra Sonderling Natosha Ramirez BASS Barry Newton - Principal Pete Scaffidi - Co-Principal John Hester Igor Stebaev Whitney Herbst Jay Rubottom
BASSOON Melissa Frey - Principal Steve Thiroux HORN Brian Smith - Principal Peggy Copp Lucy Adams Martin Goni TRUMPET Michael C. Raney - Principal Steve O’Connor Sal Panelli
FLUTE Nancy Wallace - Principal Audrey Boyle
TROMBONE Jay Jarrett - Principal Marisa Aoki Norm Campbell
OBOE Brett Clausen - Principal Aaron Miller
TUBA Glenn Bowles - Principal
CLARINET Mary Moore - Principal Marc Tipton
BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
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PERCUSSION Ernie Cervantes - Prinicipal
Top Six Season
bakersfield symphony orchestra
TONIGHT’S GUEST SOLOISTS ELENA URIOSTE – Violin
Recently selected as a BBC New Generation Artist, has been hailed by critics and audiences for her rich tone, nuanced lyricism, and commanding stage presence. Since making her debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra at age thirteen, she has appeared with major orchestras in the U.S. and abroad, including the London and New York Philharmonics; the BBC Symphony, Philharmonic, and National Orchestra of Wales; the Cleveland Orchestra; the Boston Pops; and the Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and National symphony orchestras. Elena has collaborated with acclaimed conductors Sir Mark Elder, Christoph Eschenbach, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Keith Lockhart and Robert Spano; pianists Mitsuko Uchida, Dénes Várjon, and Christopher O’Riley; cellists Peter Wiley, Colin Carr, and Carter Brey; violists Kim Kashkashian and Michael Tree; and violinists Shlomo Mintz and Cho-Liang Lin. She has been a featured artist at the Marlboro, Ravinia, and La Jolla music festivals, among others. She is an active recitalist and performs regularly with pianist Michael Brown and cellist Nicholas Canellakis.
JUAN-MIGUEL HERNANDEZ – Viola
Violist Juan-Miguel Hernandez is a winner of the 16th International Johannes Brahms Competition in Austria, the National Canadian Music Competition, and the Sphinx Competition for Black and Latino string players. He has appeared as soloist with the Atlanta, Seattle, and Colorado symphonies, appears regularly in international festivals as guest artist and teacher, and has collaborated with such distinguished artists as Itzhak Perlman, Lynn Harrell, Misha Dichter, Chick Corea, Gary Burton, and Stanley Clarke. A dedicated chamber musician, Mr. Hernandez is the newest member of the legendary Fine Arts Quartet and a founding member of the Harlem Quartet, with whom he performed from 2006 to 2012. He is also a founding member of Trio Virado (flute, viola, guitar) and the Boreal Trio (clarinet, viola, piano). He has performed at Carnegie Hall, the White House and the Concertgebouw, and at the Library of Congress in a chamber concert employing Stradivarius instruments from the Library’s collection. His discography includes three Harlem Quartet CDs, as well as multiple collaborations including the Grammywinning album “Hot House” (featuring Chick Corea, Gary Burton, and the Harlem Quartet), and the Norah Jones album “Broken Little Hearts.” BSONOW.ORG
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801 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, California 93301 www.bakersfieldmarriott.com
661.323.1900 In the heart of downtown Bakersfield Next door to the Convention Center and Rabobank Arena
proudly supports the
Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra
We Are Pleased to Provide Fresh Boutonnieres For The Orchestra. F L O R A L A RT IS TRY
Specializing in Floral Design, Weddings, Special Events and Gift Items.
8200 Stockdale Highway at Coffee Road 661-834-9200 www.gardendistrictflowers.com
Sunday, April 12, 2015 Los 3 Ortiz Monday, May 4, 2015 Presidio Brass
2014-2015
Showcase of Entertainment
Tickets: $30 for Two Concerts
Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Avenue Sundays at 3:00 p.m., all others at 7:30 p.m.
Info: 661-205-8522 or 661-589-2478 For details: visit www.bakersfieldcca.org.
Top Six Season
bakersfield symphony orchestra
BSO AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS BAKERSFIELD YOUTH SYMPHONY
The Bakersfield Youth Symphony seeks to serve the accomplished young musicians of the community, as well as providing another source of musical enjoyment for those who are interested in fine music. The Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra remains an affiliated group of the Bakersfield Symphony, operating under its board of directors with able assistance from Parents, Symphony Coaches, and Private Teachers. The very talented Maxim Eshkenazy conducts this enthusiastic group of young people in a three-concert season. Funding is provided by corporate and private contributions, player tuition, and ticket sales. For information about the BYSO please contact Rita Gomez, President at (661) 301-3390/rigomez59@gmail.com or Regina Pryor, Vice President at reginapryor78@gmail.com. Visit www.bysorocks.org. Rita Gomez – President / Regina Pryor – Vice President / Lynn Eid – Secretary Rochelle Howard – Treasurer / Alex Navarro – Manager Marci Maynard – Librarian / Maxim Eshkenazy – Conductor
BAKERSFIELD MASTER CHORALE
The Bakersfield Master Chorale is a choral society of adult voices directed by Dr. Robert Provencio. During its concert season, the Chorale seeks to enrich community musical awareness by presenting performances of major choral literature, secular and sacred, from all musical eras. For more information, please call Charlene Sargent at (661) 477-3202 or email info@bakersfieldmasterchorale.org. Visit www.bakersfieldmasterchorale.org Susan Guerard, President / Charlene Sargent, First Vice President Bruce Wade, Second Vice President / Jana Hart, Secretary Jerry Buzzell, Treasurer/ Robert Provencio, Director/ Liz Cervantes, Accompanist
BEALE PARK BAND
The Beale Park Band is a 40 piece military styled band, directed by Douglas Kelley that plays summer concerts in Bakersfield’s Beale Park on Sunday evenings during the month June each year. The repertoire revolves around Marches, Overtures, Musicals, Show Tunes, Waltz’s and Polka’s, concluding with a Sousa March. Concerts are from 8:00pm to 9:00pm beginning on the second Sunday in June culminating with a Patriotic program on the Sunday before the Fourth of July. Douglas Kelley, Director/ Cyndi Hicks, Manager
BSONOW.ORG
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The Fred & Beverly Dukes Memorial Concert Series Ninth Season (2014-2015)—First Congregational Church/UCC
September 7 — Banshee in the Kitchen with Jill Egland & Friends October 19 —Ensemble Melodica with pianist Elizabeth Cervantes November 2 —Emerald Duo with Susan Doering & Dieter Wulfhorst March 22 —The Figarden Trio with Laura Porter and Friends April 19 — The Centennial High School Choirs with Patrick Burzlaff All concerts start at 4 p.m. Free admission. 5 Real Rd., Bakersfield, Calif. 93309 Co-sponsored by Valley Public Radio, KVPR/KPRX— FM 89.1
Celebrating the Sound of Music with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. 2014-2015 SEASON