Program Notes: DYAO & Big Gigantic

PUBLIC BENEFIT CONCERT 2022/23

DYAO SIDE BY SIDE

CHRISTOPHER DRAGON, conductor

Wednesday, March15, 2023 at 7:00pm

Boettcher Concert Hall

VERDI La forza del destino Overture

PRICE

Symphony No. 1 in E minor

III. Juba Dance: Allegro

TCHAIKOVSKY

Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36

I. Andante sostenuto

— INTERMISSION —

TCHAIKOVSKY

Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36

II. Andantino in modo di canzona

III. Scherzo: Pizzicato ostinato

IV. Finale: Allegro con fuoco

BERNSTEIN Overture to Candide

CONCERT RUN TIME IS APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR AND 35 MINUTES WITH A 20 MINUTE INTERMISSION

FIRST TIME TO THE SYMPHONY? SEE PAGE 7 OF THIS PROGRAM FOR FAQ’S TO MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE GREAT!

PUBLIC BENEFIT CONCERT BIOGRAPHIES

CHRISTOPHER DRAGON, conductor

Australian conductor Christopher Dragon is the Resident Conductor of the Colorado Symphony and Music Director of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra. He joined the Colorado Symphony in the 2015/2016 Season as Associate Conductor – a position he held for four years. For three years prior, Dragon held the position of Assistant Conductor with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, which gave him the opportunity to work closely with Principal Conductor Asher Fisch.

Dragon has a versatile portfolio ranging from live-to-picture performances of Nightmare Before Christmas, Jurassic Park and Mary Poppins, a wide variety of collaborations with artists such as The Flaming Lips, Cynthia Erivo and Wynton Marsalis, to standard and contemporary orchestral repertoire such as Danny Elfman’s Violin Concerto, Eleven Eleven, all areas of which he has become highly sought after. Christopher has become known for his charisma, high energy and affinity for a good costume, consistently delivering unforgettable performances that has made him an audience favourite.

Recent season highlights include his subscription series debut with the San Diego Symphony, performances of Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton with Danny Elfman reprising the role of Jack Skellington and the historic Colorado Symphony performances with the Wu-Tang Clan at Red Rocks and the Mission Ballroom. Dragon’s upcoming debuts include concerts with the San Francisco Symphony and the Utah Symphony.

Christopher works regularly in Australia and has guest conducted the Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and West Australian Symphony Orchestras. His 2015 debut performance at the Sydney Opera House with John Pyke and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra was released on album by ABC Music and won an ARIA the following year. Christopher’s other guest conducting includes Orquestra Sinfônica de Porto Alegre, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Omaha Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

He has also conducted at numerous festivals including the Breckenridge and Bangalow Music Festivals, with both resulting in immediate re-invitations. At the beginning of 2016 Dragon conducted Wynton Marsalis’ Swing Symphony as part of the Perth International Art Festival alongside Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Christopher began his conducting studies in 2011 and was a member of the prestigious Symphony Services International Conductor Development Program in Australia under the guidance of course director Christopher Seaman. He has also studied with numerous distinguished conductors including Leonid Grin, Paavo and Neeme Jarvi at the Jarvi Summer Festival, Fabio Luisi at the Pacific Music Festival and conducting pedagogue Jorma Panula.

PUBLIC BENEFIT CONCERT BIOGRAPHIES

DENVER YOUNG ARTISTS ORCHESTRA

Founded in 1977 with the support of the Denver Symphony Orchestra, the Denver Young Artists Orchestra has been the premier option for aspiring young musicians in the front range for over 40 years.

Now operating independently, DYAO maintains three levels of youth orchestras for students ages 7-23, with some traveling from as far away as Steamboat Springs and Colorado Springs for weekly rehearsals. In addition, DYAO provides before- and after-school music programs in local elementary schools and “Conductor in the Classroom” programs for middle and high school students.

The Colorado Symphony and the Denver Young Artists Orchestra are thrilled to collaborate on our shared vision of music education as a cornerstone of the future of live, symphonic music. The Alliance, created in 2018, solidifies that commitment and builds on the longstanding partnership that allows many new ways for the organizations to collaborate and more access to the musicians of the Colorado Symphony.

Learn more about the Denver Young Artists Orchestra at www.DYAO.org.

DENVER YOUNG ARTISTS ORCHESTRA ROSTER

VIOLIN

Reese Bush

Ella Bygrave

Jayden Collier

Anna Ervin

Michael Han

Sadie Han

Sam Hardman

Charles Hutchings

Jason Hwang

Joseph Kim

Jacklyn Korotin

Jerry Krim

Yohan Lee

Luciana Lee-Cheng

Brooke Ma

Eireen Margittai

Akshaye Sankholkar

Jordan Scoville

Audrey Shia

Mingming Song

Ginevra Strasser

Annika Waples

Elliana White

Josette Wu

Austin Zhang

Lily Zhao

Yiran Zheng

VIOLA

Nina Dawallu

Finn Fleischer

Nava Goldstein

Jane Hanselman

Sebastian Saiz-Harrison

Tiannie Zhao

CELLO

Eva Bochner

Isaac Dinsmore

Charlotte Gelwick

Madeline Herring

Ariana Hodlewsky

Carl Krim

Logan Moser

Alexander Peterson

Zackery Price

Saverio Strasser

DOUBLE BASS

Bevin Almblad

Oliver Andrews

Charlotte Cochran

Micaela DelgadoCheers

Jack Reed

FLUTE

Lily Dinsmore

Corvina Graham

Katherine Knapp

Joshua Rascon

Nova Rognerud

OBOE

Thomas Goodwin

Nathan Lessard

Ellie Parsons

CLARINET

Kadi McCann

Gwendolyn Parney

David Pera

BASSOON

Ian Gair

Andrew Mazurek

Daniel Rosson

HORN

Jake Elam *

Katelyn Marsh

Zach Regin *

TRUMPET

Davey Aguilera

Emily Brezina

Owen McWhirter

Jack Shimon

TROMBONE

Fatima Bahraini

Alex Weeks

TUBA

Fiona Stever

PERCUSSION

Aidan Lenski

Gabrielle Overholt

Ella Zimmermann

HARP

Julianne McCollough

Lucy Sotak

Madeleine Worrall

* Denotes DYAO Fellow

ALTERNATIVE 2022/23

BIG GIGANTIC WITH THE COLORADO SYMPHONY

CHRISTOPHER DRAGON, conductor

Friday, March 17, 2023 at 7:30pm

Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 7:30pm

Boettcher Concert Hall

Program to be announced from stage.

CONCERT RUN TIME IS APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS WITH A 20 MINUTE INTERMISSION

FIRST TIME TO THE SYMPHONY? SEE PAGE 7 OF THIS PROGRAM FOR FAQ’S TO MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE GREAT!

ALTERNATIVE BIOGRAPHIES

BIG GIGANTIC, DOMINIC LALLI // JEREMY SALKEN

Big Gigantic are veterans of blending electronic dance music with their live instruments to create Big G’s truly unique sound; a sound that is as thoughtful as it is danceable. They draw light out of an inimitable mélange of impressive instrumentation, cinematic production, propulsive percussion, and, of course, triumphant saxophone. The genre-bending Denver, CO pair—Dominic Lalli and Jeremy Salken—uplift with every subsequent album and show, mixing musically mature melodies with addictive beats and samples that crosses all styles of music from jazz to hip hop, funk to dubstep.

After emerging in 2009, Big Gigantic first amplified a message of light on Brighter Future in 2016. It reeled in hundreds of millions of streams independently and touted bangers a la “All of Me” [feat. Logic & ROZES], “The Little Things” [feat. Angela McCluskey], “Highly Possible” [feat. Waka Flocka Flame], “Wide Open” [feat. Cherub], and more. Their music would be utilized by everyone from Apple, Wimbledon, NASCAR, NBA, HBO, and Fox to the trailers for Valerian and Dirty Grandpa. They’ve ignited the bills of Coachella, Lollapalooza, ULTRA Music Festival, Hangout Music Festival, Electric Forest, and Bonnaroo. Plus, they headline and consistently sell out their own Rowdytown at Red Rocks Amphitheatre—now in its 11th year for 2023.

Putting their words into action, they run the 501(c)3 A Big Gigantic Difference Foundation, which supports non-profits for at-risk youth, music education, and more. Thus far, they have raised $1 million-plus for charity.

In the midst of the Global Pandemic, they continued to create, pushing forward towards what would become their eighth full-length offering, Brighter Future 2—which they released on June 10, 2022 with hits like “Open Your Mind” [with GRiZ], “Deja Vu” [with Kota The Friend] & “Keep on Rising [with Aloe Blacc].

CHRISTOPHER DRAGON, conductor

Australian conductor Christopher Dragon is the Resident Conductor of the Colorado Symphony and Music Director of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra. He joined the Colorado Symphony in the 2015/2016 Season as Associate Conductor – a position he held for four years. For three years prior, Dragon held the position of Assistant Conductor with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, which gave him the opportunity to work closely with Principal Conductor Asher Fisch.

Dragon has a versatile portfolio ranging from live-to-picture performances of Nightmare Before Christmas, Jurassic Park and Mary Poppins, a wide variety of collaborations with artists such as The Flaming Lips, Cynthia Erivo and Wynton Marsalis, to standard and contemporary orchestral repertoire such as Danny Elfman’s Violin Concerto, Eleven Eleven, all areas of which he has

ALTERNATIVE BIOGRAPHIES

become highly sought after. Christopher has become known for his charisma, high energy and affinity for a good costume, consistently delivering unforgettable performances that has made him an audience favourite.

Recent season highlights include his subscription series debut with the San Diego Symphony, performances of Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton with Danny Elfman reprising the role of Jack Skellington and the historic Colorado Symphony performances with the Wu-Tang Clan at Red Rocks and the Mission Ballroom. Dragon’s upcoming debuts include concerts with the San Francisco Symphony and the Utah Symphony.

Christopher works regularly in Australia and has guest conducted the Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and West Australian Symphony Orchestras. His 2015 debut performance at the Sydney Opera House with John Pyke and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra was released on album by ABC Music and won an ARIA the following year. Christopher’s other guest conducting includes Orquestra Sinfônica de Porto Alegre, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Omaha Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

He has also conducted at numerous festivals including the Breckenridge and Bangalow Music Festivals, with both resulting in immediate re-invitations. At the beginning of 2016 Dragon conducted Wynton Marsalis’ Swing Symphony as part of the Perth International Art Festival alongside Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Christopher began his conducting studies in 2011 and was a member of the prestigious Symphony Services International Conductor Development Program in Australia under the guidance of course director Christopher Seaman. He has also studied with numerous distinguished conductors including Leonid Grin, Paavo and Neeme Jarvi at the Jarvi Summer Festival, Fabio Luisi at the Pacific Music Festival and conducting pedagogue Jorma Panula.

ROZES, vocalist

Pennsylvania pop singer/songwriter Rozes got her first big hit working with electronic dance stars the Chainsmokers before releasing her own debut EP. Their 2015 track -- aptly titled “Roses” -- was a global pop hit, certified over 30 times platinum. She released her debut EP, Burn Wild, in 2016. Additional EPs followed in 2018 (I Don’t Know Where I’m Going, But I’m on My Way) and 2020 (Crazy).

Born Elizabeth Mencel on April 14, 1993, into a jazz-loving family, she grew up in the Philadelphia suburb of Montgomeryville. Taking to music early, she began piano lessons at age six and eventually became a multi-instrumental prodigy also proficient on clarinet, saxophone, guitar, violin, flute, and trumpet, as well as an accomplished singer.

ALTERNATIVE BIOGRAPHIES

Mencel attended college in Philly for one year before dropping out to pursue music as a career. Her first recorded appearance, in 2014, was as featured vocalist on the song “Limelight” by Australian electronic producer Just a Gent. The track was popular, going on to rack up over 2.5 million streams. Mencel was pleased by the reaction, but totally unprepared to find herself followed on social media by the New York EDM duo the Chainsmokers, who then contacted her to say they loved her voice and would be interested in collaborating with her. The result was “Roses,” which she co-wrote and sang lead vocals on; the song went to number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the U.S. Electronic chart, propelling her to fame at the age of 21. The track would go on to receive platinum certification across the globe.

In 2015, Mencel released her debut solo single as Rozes, “R U Mine.” Not content to ride the coattails of her Chainsmokers success, she soon stood out with her original sound: lush, ethereal electronic pop with elements of house, EDM, synth pop, electro, and broken beat, and frank lyrics about the insecurities of young love delivered in a mature, sultry singing voice with a distinctive accent, heavily treated with effects. Two further singles followed: the gauzy “Fragile” and the uptempo “In & Out.” Both were included on Rozes’ debut self-released EP, Burn Wild, which was released in February 2016. The next year, she joined Cash Cash on their single “Matches,” which peaked inside the Top 40 of the Billboard electronic chart.

After signing with Photo Finish Records in 2017, Rozes delivered a pair of solo singles, “Canyons” and “Famous,” followed in 2018 by the Nicky Romero collaboration “Where Would We Be.” All three songs appeared later that year on her EP I Don’t Know Where I’m Going, But I’m on My Way. She also issued a quick holiday single, A Very ROZES Christmas. The following January, her single “Halfway There” became the official anthem for the 2019 Women’s March, and she issued the mental health-focused “Call Me” in June. That same year, she teamed with Mat Kearney for “Walls,” which landed on her third EP, 2020’s Crazy. 2021 saw the release of a handful of singles, including “Deep Water,” as well as another seasonal EP, A Very Rozes Christmas, Vol. 2. Rozes kicked off 2022 with the release of “Best They Ever Had” to major streaming success. On Jan 6th 2023 Rozes released her EP “Used to Love You” featuring singles, “Best They Ever Had” and “Love a Stranger”. The EP Debuted in the top 10 on Spotify’s most streamed albums and was featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday and Apple’s “Breaking pop” and “New in Pop” Playlists.

ALEX HEFFRON, guitarist

Alex Heffron is a jazz guitarist located in Denver, CO. Alex received his BM in Jazz Guitar at the University of Colorado Boulder. He is a member of multiple bands around the area and has performed with many of the local legends. He has also performed with Veronica Swift, Adam Deitch, Kenwood Dennard, John Reily, Matt Wilson, Melvin Butler, Tony Monaco, Pat Coil, Bobby Floyd, Greg Gisbert, Corey Christiansen, John Von Ohlen, Marvin Stamm, Cody Moffet, Howard Levy, Donald Harrison, and many others. He has been playing guitar since he was 9 years old and studied with the best musicians from around the world. He is now composing his own music and leading his own band which can be heard all around Colorado. Alex was also selected as one of 89.3 KUVO’s 30 musicians under 30 initiative, which highlighted young and upcoming musicians

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around the Denver area. He was also KUVO’s artist of the month for December 2019. Alex continues to learn and study from the incredible tradition of jazz and classical music while trying to refine his own voice on the guitar.

JENNIFER HARTSWICK, vocalist & trumpeter

Trumpeter and vocalist, Jennifer Hartswick is one of the most exciting performers in music today. She exudes confidence and joy and brings her own refreshing spirit to the stage every time she performs. Jennifer’s music is honest, soulful and comes with a maturity far beyond her years. Hartswick is an original member of the Trey Anastasio Band and has recorded/shared the stage with Herbie Hancock, Phish, Christian McBride, Tom Petty, Aaron Neville, Carlos Santana, The Rolling Stones, Big Gigantic, Dave Matthews, Meghan Trainor and countless others. Jennifer’s live performances are renowned as spontaneous, joyful and contagious. Her natural charisma and sincerity shines through, and each performance is a celebration of musical collaboration. And whether she is wailing on the trumpet or singing an intimate vocal solo, her performance is all part of a single seamless instrument, one that is played not only with astounding technical proficiency, but also with sensitivity, conviction and heart.

PELL, vocalist

Since he came on the scene, New Orleans native, Pell has been synonymous with good vibes. This year, Pell is coming out of the gate swinging releasing his single “Cruel”; a fun and vibey spin on a heartbreak song, reminding petty lovers to not be cruel. In most recent years, Pell has thrived in the Bounce influenced, Alternative Hip Hop space, releasing tracks like “Juice”, “Fallin’ Apart”, and “Two Feet” with Australia’s Young Franco, and “On Read” and “What’s Next” with Austin Millz. In 2021 Pell released two projects concurrently. The two projects—glbl wrmng vol. 1 and Floating While Dreaming II—represented the powerful competing impulses of Pell’s artistry: the collaborative side that wants to put his peers on and showcase the talent brimming over in his hometown, and the solitary writerly side that seeks to explore his most personal feelings and experiences. His first mixtape, Floating While Dreaming, garnered attention from press across the board. Since then, Pell has collaborated with artists like NGHTMRE Brasstracks, Big Gigantic to name a few. Other notable tours include accompanying acts like Kehlani, PJ Morton, Tank & The Bangas, Big Freedia, Doja Cat, and more.

ALTERNATIVE BIOGRAPHIES

COVEX, vocalist

Taking the loudest elements of life and compressing them into soothing ballads of sound takes genius musical ability, a feat Brendan Bell has accomplished with grace. Raised in Boulder, Colorado and based out of Los Angeles, California, this Electronic Pop producer has been crafting phenomenal hits for years under the alias Covex. Originally diving into music with vocal and piano training at the age of 7, Bell has shaped his talents into a full spectrum of sonic creation, learning to produce at the young age of 13. Honing his skills behind the screen and blending production prowess with his natural knack for inventive melodies, he takes fans on an immersive journey of ethereal bliss and dreamy soundscapes. Fresh off his latest album ‘A Change of Perspective’ which released in August 2021 on Moving Castle, Covex has continued to impress, launching steadfast into an abundance of new forward thinking releases, with songs “Second Time” with Big Gigantic and a remix of his own single, “Regret” featuring Rocktronic artist Grabbitz. Receiving support from the likes of Illenium, Madeon, San Holo, Big Gigantic, Manila Killa, Slow Magic, and so many more, Covex has taken the reins and is in a full sprint to becoming an act that will soon be widely known.

MOONZz, vocalist

Molly Andrews (Known as MOONZz) is a widely-known songwriter, pianist, producer and vocalist. Growing up in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, she started playing and studying piano at age 5, quickly found solace in the keys. Described as “a sultry mix between classical stylings and pop” (NEST HQ), MOONZz excels at balancing past and present. She is influenced by dark, cinematic orchestrations of the classical baroque era, and remains a student of iconic predecessors such as Tom Petty, Regina Spektor, Deadmau5, Frank Sinatra, Postal Service, and Little Dragon. After graduating from The University of Colorado-Boulder, she honed in on her sonic identity. She signed her first song, “Satisfy”, to Atlantic’s subsidiary label Taste and Tone, and landed several national ad campaigns with Victoria’s Secret. She’s been fortunate to collaborate and perform with electronic hard-hitters like Colorado’s very own Big Gigantic, CloZee, Daktyl, SLUMBERJACK, and DROELOE. Molly most recently signed a deal with Nashville/LA’s boutique music licensing and publishing company, Secret Road. Her music has been heard in ad campaigns and networks ranging from AppleTV+, HBO Max, ABC, Peloton, and many more. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband Nick and sweet goldendoodle Lola. She is extremely thrilled to be here. Cheers!

ALTERNATIVE BIOGRAPHIES

NATALIE CRESSMAN, vocalist

Possessing a voice as cool and crystalline as an Alpine stream, Natalie Cressman is a rising singer/songwriter and trombonist who draws inspiration from a vast array of deep and powerful musical currents. Auburn Whisper—her latest album with guitarist, composer, and vocalist Ian Faquini—not only serves as a testament to the couple’s symbiotic musical partnership but also to their resilience during unprecedented times. Written and recorded in 2020, Auburn Whisper finds the two artists blending traditional Brazilian rhythms with modern, expansive arrangements—reflecting on people and places they miss while discovering joy within the present moment. Steadily evolving in many directions, Cressman has already put down deep roots in several overlapping scenes. Currently splitting her time between New York City and the Bay Area, Cressman has become an accomplished trombonist and vocalist, performing in Broadway pit orchestras, recording a variety of solo projects, and building a following in the diverse realms of jazz, funk, and jam, including 12 years touring the jam band circuit as a horn player and vocalist with Phish’s Trey Anastasio. When she’s not performing her own music, Cressman can be found collaborating with some of the most illustrious figures in rock, funk, jazz and beyond, which have included Carlos Santana, Phil Lesh, Dave Matthews, Phish, Big Gigantic, Greensky Bluegrass, Escort, Wycliffe Gordon, Nicholas Payton, Guinga, Anat Cohen, The Motet, and Umphrey’s McGee. Her passion for groove music hasn’t diluted her love of jazz. In 2016 SFJAZZ commissioned her to develop music for a concert celebrating the legacy of jazz trombonist/arranger Melba Liston.

BROOKE WILLIAMS, vocalist

Brooke Williams is a San Diego raised, LA-based writer/artist who specializes in unique, relatable concepts and melodies. Brooke was discovered by Snafu Records co-founder Ankit Desai in 2018 and flown out to Stockholm, where she collaborated with acclaimed songwriters and producers, including Carl Falk (Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Ellie Goulding) and Albin Nedler (Avicii, Martin Garrix, One Direction). Together, they wrote Brooke’s debut single “Art of Pretending,” released through Arista in 2019. Some other co-writes include Michael Pollack, Rollo, Andrew Cedar, Rabitt, Jackson Foote, Pete Nappi and Eric Nam. Brooke co-wrote “Sorry” for the massive K-Pop girl group AOA as well as the single “Care” for Atlantic artist, IV Jay. She also co-wrote and featured on Tritonal’s “Someone to Love You” as well as co-writing and featuring on Big Gigantic’s latest single “Losing My Mind”. She recently joined them on stage at Red Rocks amphitheater and Hollywood Palladium. Currently Brooke is writing for her artist project as well as other artists and TV/Film. You can hear many of her songs on shows like Selling Sunset, UFC and the most recent Starz promo.

ALTERNATIVE BIOGRAPHIES

TRELLA, vocalist

Brooklyn based pop artist/songwriter Trella started in the music business as a songwriter, signing her first publishing deal at the age of 21. Years into her songwriting career, Trella found herself with an abundance of songs that she felt were hers to sing. Following her strong urge to become an artist, Trella has begun to pave her own path in the music industry as an indie-pop force.

HUNTER ROBERTS, bassist

Hunter Roberts is a bass player/visual artist based in Denver, Colorado. He earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Denver in 2015. He has since established a thriving career as a full-time musician and visual artist. Hunter has performed and recorded with artists such as Robert Randolph, Maurice “Mobetta” Brown, Johnny Vidacovitch, Break Science, Obed Calvaire, Camille Thurman, Flamingosis, Christian Tamburr, Matt Wilson, and Rudy Royston to name a few. His Visual art can be seen on many album covers and show posters, and his work has been highlighted by BMoCA and Foothills Magazine. His artwork is featured on the cover of BTTRFLY Quintets’ debut album, “Coast”.

COREY FRYE, vocalist

Hailing from Indianapolis, IN - Corey Frye is the front man and lead singer of LA based rock band: The Main Squeeze. Having grown up listening to everything from Motown to Hip Hop & R&B - Corey has weaved his influences into his singing, which are evident in his powerful vocals and stage presence. Through this, he has become a sought-after feature for many bands and artists. Not stopping anytime soon, Corey has shared the stage with the likes of The Roots, Jane's Addiction, Aloe Black, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Robert Randolph, Umphrey’s McGee, Marcus

Scary Pockets, and many more.

King, The Motet,

The Music of Selena