HARMONY Spring 2010
JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
3 0 0 W A T E R S T R E E T, S T E . 2 0 0 JACKSONVILLE, FL 32202
In home s b y June 30
PAID JACKSONVILLE, FL PERMIT NO. 2656
Volume 1 – Edition 2
IN THIS ISSUE Annual Giving Maestro’s Notes Education and Outreach Meet the Orchestra Volunteer Groups
Tickets: (904) 354-5547 • jaxsymphony.org
Contributions: (904) 354-1473
A
Dear Symphony Family, The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s 60th anniversary year has been a joyous season of celebration. Six decades of remarkable success, musician artistry, volunteerism and patron support is an enduring legacy. You – our music-loving concertgoers, donors, sponsors and partner organizations are what make this Orchestra a community treasure and source of civic pride. It has been my privilege to serve as board chair this season, which also honored the Symphony Guild’s 60th year, the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus’ 25th year, and Fabio Mechetti’s tenth year as music director.And for 18 and 10 years respectively, BRASS and ARIAS have provided steadfast support. What makes all this possible is your investing in the cultural fabric of this community.And now you can double that investment! The Community Challenge matches all new and additional contributed funds up to $150,000. Help us pursue the Orchestra’s enduring commitment by increasing your annual gift – or stepping forward with a first-time donation – through June 30. (See details on next page.) As evident in this very special year, the Jacksonville Symphony continues to make a rewarding impact on the lives of First Coast residents. Our position as an orchestra for the 21st century has motivated younger, culturally-aware citizens to participate and get involved.Week after week, events and educational offerings for all ages have generated overwhelming support for our Symphony – a clear sign of this Orchestra’s vitality. This vitality is also shown in the anticipation for the 2010-11 season, featuring Frederica von Stade’s farewell tour, Bernadette Peters, Leon Fleisher, The Pirates of Penzance, The Elixir of Love, and much more. Now is the time to affirm your commitment by purchasing a season ticket package. Reserve your place and make 2010-11 your season for great music. Thank you for your continued support and enjoyment of your Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Sincerely,
R. Chris Doerr, Chair Friends to friends. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and
Follow along @jaxsymphony
2 3 4 6 7
S E A S O N
T O
C E L E B R AT E
Thank You, Symphony Patrons! Anniversaries are a special time to celebrate, and this past Jacksonville Symphony season abounded with festivities.We thank you, our patrons, for your enthusiastic participation and applause. Thanks to your support, we were able to honor the many ways that the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra is a treasure in our community. Famed violinist Itzhak Perlman was featured at the 60th Anniversary Concert and Diamond Jubilee Gala, an event that was sold out months in advance. His mastery of the Beethoven Violin Concerto with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra was the pinnacle moment of the year. The year also marked Fabio Mechetti’s tenth season as music director. Under his leadership, the Orchestra has delivered stellar musicianship and an amazing breadth of repertoire. The annual opera production featured Mozart’s delightful Cosí fan tutte during Valentine’s weekend. Next season, we continue the theme with a pre-Valentine’s opera night featuring Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love (Feb. 5, 2011).Another outstanding event was Pink Martini’s eclectic performance, with Fabio Mechetti on the podium. The Jacksonville Symphony Guild celebrated its 60th year with an opening night party for Oklahoma, a semi-staged production with the cast of The Alhambra. Reserve your place for our next musical theatre collaboration, The Pirates of Penzance (Oct. 1-3, 2010). The Jacksonville Symphony Chorus’ 25th anniversary was a lot to sing about, including a performance of Carmina Burana with the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus and esteemed soloists. The Symphony Chorus opens its new season with Brahms’ German Requiem (Nov. 19-20, 2010). Jacoby Symphony hall reached its completion ten years ago when the historic Casavant pipe organ was rebuilt and installed. The grandeur of this magnificent instrument, officially named the Bryan Concert Organ, was on full display with the performance of young guest virtuoso Felix Hell. PATRONS (continued on page 3)
J.F. and Peggy Bryan (left) and Dr. Ross and Jean Krueger (right) with Fabio Mechetti at the Organ Symphony Celebration.
Page 2
Spring 2010
A N N U A L
G I V I N G
Community Challenge
Thank You, Donors!
For the past nine years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida has “orchestrated” the annual Community Challenge matching grants that have helped your Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra attract a thriving base of donor support. Under these generous grants, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida effectively doubles contributions made by people throughout the First Coast area with a matching contribution of its own. “The company has stood out as a reliable source of significant financial support,” said Dick Pierpont, the Jacksonville Symphony’s vice-chair of development.“Their management team recognizes the value of the Orchestra to the community and its own employees, and their support has enabled us to weather significant economic storms.” While based in Jacksonville, the company supports nonprofits statewide. “They have a variety of demands on their grants throughout Florida, and we’re grateful for their support.” This year, the Community Challenge effort has expanded. Between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and several key contributors, the Community Challenge’s maximum match has been raised to $150,000. Corporate and individual patrons understand the Orchestra’s role in our community’s well-being.“We don’t just entertain, we educate,” Pierpont said, citing the JSO’s 130-plus concerts annually and music education programs that directly enrich the lives of close to 100,000 local young people.“We encourage people to want to give—for all the right reasons.” If you want to double your contribution through this Community Challenge, the deadline is growing short. Please contact the JSO Development Office at (904) 354-1473 before June 30 to make sure your contribution counts toward matching funds.Your support helps us continue to make Jacksonville a great place to live, learn, relax and enjoy.
Jacksonville Symphony donors were treated to a special concert in May, highlighting the great moments from the last season.Your contributions – at every level – affirm the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s commitment to artistic excellence and enriching experiences for our community. Members of the Cadenza Society, our planned giving society, also gathered for a reception. For more information about donor benefits, call Lynn Evans at (904) 354-1473.
SAVE THESE DATES
Martha Lansdale and Bill Ross.
Rita and Mark Allen with Carol Shircliff.
Cirque, Symphony and SunTrust
Fire up your donation to the Annual Fund with a match from the $150,000 Community Challenge for new or additional gifts. Call (904) 354-1473 or online at www.jaxsymphony.org
SunTrust, one of our long-standing sponsors, hosted a Corporate Night in conjunction with the Cirque de la Symphonie performance in May. The annual event is an opportunity for businesses large and small to come together in support of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra as an economic catalyst, a provider of music education and a cultural cornerstone of our city. Cirque harlequin Vladimir Tsarkov entertained guests.
Conductor Michael Krajewski and Symphony Board member Matt McAffee.
September 23, 24 & 25 and October 22 & 23 Welcome the New Season! Members of our volunteer groups look forward to welcoming you back for the opening of Masterworks and Pops. Friday, October 15 Celebrate! An Evening of Moonlight and Music THE PLAYERS Benefit for the Arts at the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse Featuring a cocktail party, live and silent auction, dinner and outdoor concert with the Motown group SPECTRUM. Proceeds benefit the Jacksonville Symphony and the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach. Call 354-9136 for more information. Saturday, November 6 Frederica’s Farewell and Reception Reserve your tickets for the final tour of Frederica von Stade and make plans for a post-concert reception with Miss von Stade. Stay tuned for details. Friday, December 31 Toast! To the New Year! Celebrate with everyone’s favoite local band, the Jacksonville Symphony, for your New Year’s Eve festivities. Saturday, February 5, 2011 “Elixir of Love” Gala Opera Dinner The Opera Dinner is among the most elegant on the social calendar, and next season’s Valentine event is sure to be a romantic feast.
HARMONY Editor: Paul Witkowski Contributing Writer: Richard A. Salkin Photography: Laurence Greene, Bassel Jadaa, Laird, Barry Rabinowitz Design/Layout: Kenneth Shade Printing: Florida Times-Union Custom Publications
Barbara Lesso (second from left) from SunTrust and Cirque aerial artist Aloysia Gavre with guests.
Published by Jacksonville Symphony Association 300 Water Street, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32202 Administration: (904) 354-5479 Tickets: (904) 354-5547 Website: www.jaxsymphony.org © 2010 Jacksonville Symphony Association
Page 3
Spring 2010
M A E S T R O ’ S
N O T E S
Anniversary Events are a True Sign of Orchestra’s Vitality By Fabio Mechetti, Music Director and Principal Conductor Haskell Endowed Chair As we close the Jacksonville Symphony’s 60th anniversary we reflect on some of the memorable moments of this season: the highly anticipated and profoundly meaningful participation of Itzhak Perlman’s visit to Jacksonville; the humor and wit of Mozart’s delightful opera Cosi fan tutte; the celebration of the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus’ 25th year of joining forces with the Orchestra performing several works; and the 10th anniversary of the historic Casavant organ installation with a magnificent performance of Saint-Saens’ Organ Symphony and Jongen’s Sinfonia concertante. These individual concerts were representative of the quality and breadth of what the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra has strived to provide to our community through the years. But most importantly, the talent and dedication of our musicians have been “instrumental” to the growth and success of this organization. Guest artists come and go, but what sustains the viability of a symphony orchestra is the vitality and the quality of its musicians.And in that respect Jacksonville has been blessed to have such a phenomenal group of players who week after week, season after season, PATRONS (continued from page 1) The innovative Fusion Series was a hit with audiences of all ages. The new series offers a complete evening of entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere with themed international programs, pre-concert appetizers and a chance to mingle with musicians afterwards. Next season’s Fusion concerts feature music by American, Russian, Nordic and Hungarian composers, with plans for live jazz, acoustic music and visual art in the lobby. We thank you for your participation and look forward to seeing you and your friends for much more to come in 2010-11. Call the JSO Box Office at (904) 354-5547 or log on to jaxsymphony.org and order a season ticket package right away.
continue to demonstrate our belief in the impact that cultural organizations such as the Symphony have in the quality of life of a community such as ours. That same level of commitment to our mission and to our values will continue next season when we bring to the stage artists like Frederica von Stade, Leon Fleisher and Bernadette Peters, and repertoire such as Holst’s The Planets, Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, Barber’s Adagio and Donizetti’s comic opera The Elixir of Love. Our history is not restricted to what happens on stage but it is shared with each one of our loyal patrons who have understood this Orchestra’s importance in the community and have contributed with their presence and their financial support toward this noble and vital goal. We thank you for that and invite you to partake in another season of unforgettable moments with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Yours,
Applause for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Fabio Mechetti, completing his tenth season as music director. Photo by Laird.
Partnerships Strengthen the Community The Jacksonville Symphony’s community partnerships resonate far beyond the concert hall. More than 50 area organizations and their constituents play a role in a diverse array of Symphony programs. We thank these partners for enhancing our impact in unique ways. Listed are several collaborations:
• City Rescue Mission JSO concert dedication to honor City Rescue Mission staff and clients.
• Communities In Schools Collaborates with the JSO on Jump Start Strings, which provides free after-school violin instruction to 120 at-risk elementary school students.
• Downtown Ecumenical Services Council Distribution of JSO patron Orchestras Feeding America food drive donations.
• Duval County Public Schools Sponsor Prelude and Young People’s Concerts as well as In-School Ensembles.
• Florida State College at Jacksonville – South Campus Provides rehearsal space at no cost for the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra.
• Girl Scouts-Gateway Council & Boy Scouts-North Florida Council Scouts attend Family concerts annually and earn a cultural arts badge.
• Museum of Science and History Upcoming collaboration for opening of the new Bryan Gooding Planetarium. Musicians and audience mingle after the Fusion Concerts.
• University of North Florida – Osher Lifelong Learning Institute JSO collaborates with adult education programs, visiting speakers and discount senior tickets.
• Weaver Family Foundation Sponsor of the JSO’s Music Education Series, which provides cultural arts exposure to over 90,000 children.
• Woodcock Foundation for the Appreciation of the Arts Sponsors JSO ensemble visits to senior citizen communities.
Downtown Ecumenical Services Council volunteers collected JSO patron donations for the Orchestras Feeding America food drive.
Page 4
Spring 2010
E D U C AT I O N
A N D
O U T R E A C H
Happy Birthday, Jacksonville Symphony Schoolchildren by the thousands were singing “Happy Birthday” to the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, in celebration of its 60th anniversary year. Our young people have every reason to applaud the Symphony, which has been giving educational concerts since it first began in 1950. The birthday wishes were part of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra “Prelude Concerts,” which were enjoyed by more than 14,000 second and third graders from Duval County Public Schools, as well as students from St. Johns, Clay and Nassau public schools, local private schools and home-schoolers. Led by guest conductor Christopher Confessore, the birthday concert included music from the JSO’s first-ever concert in 1950, musicians talking about their experience in the Orchestra, students reciting essays on what kind of music they would write as a composer, and a “Happy Birthday” sing-along at the end of the concert. The program included Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik,” Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” and “Rock Around the Clock,” which would have been the song of the day in 1950. These events are part of the Weaver Family Foundation Student Education Series.Additional sponsors include The Woodcock Foundation for the Appreciation of the Arts, Bank of America, Enterprise Holdings Foundation and The Shacter Family Foundation.Also this season, the JSO “Young Peoples Concerts” were attended by close to 15,000 fourth and fifth graders.
Reading aloud their ideas for a music composition are Ben Remisiewicz and Auria Hicks, from John Stockton Elementary School.
Ms. MacNamara and her third-grade class from Brentwood Elementary School of the Arts.
Applause for Symphony Ensemble Outreach Symphony ensembles not only visit schools, they also provide inspiration and education for senior residents in retirement communities.We would like to share with you a letter from one such resident of Hurley Manor in Jacksonville: “I applaud the [ensemble] program and those who organized this community outreach. The musicians played extremely well… and explained the various aspects of their instruments and how they were used in the overall orchestra. This put the residents at ease so they felt comfortable to ask other questions and actually learn something culturally. Thank you so very much for an enjoyable afternoon! That ensemble represented the Jacksonville Symphony quite well and provided me with a very special, cherished, cultural experience. I do hope that this program can not only continue, but hopefully expand into more community outreach.”
JSO violinists performing at Westminster Woods.
Piotr Szewczyk gives a demonstration of his own composition.
Jump Start Strings in “Symphony of Students” Celebration Members of the Jump Start Stings took the spotlight at the Communities In Schools (CIS) “Symphony of Students” celebration in March. The festive event in Jacoby Hall celebrated CIS’ 20 years in Jacksonville, featuring poet Al Letson and guest artists Nuttin’ But Stringz. More than 100 youngsters from four schools are making great progress with their JSO violin instructors in this after-school partnership between the Jacksonville Symphony and the CIS “Team Up” program. The Jump Start program recently expanded to provide support for the Northwestern Middle School band. JSO Principal Percussionist Aziz Barnard Luce and flutist Laura Dwyer provide instruction to help percussion and woodwind students develop their skills. The fledgling band rehearses under the guidance of the CIS after-school “Team Up” program.
Jump Start Strings students, led by Jacksonville Symphony instructor Andrew Bruck, won a standing ovation at the CIS “Symphony of Students” celebration. For more information on Jacksonville Symphony Education and Community Outreach, contact Tony Kamnikar, email: tkamnikar@jaxsymphony.org, phone: (904) 354-5657.
The Jacksonville Symphony thanks the Woodcock Foundation for the Appreciation of the Arts for funding the ensemble visits to senior citizen communities. These programs are essential for residents who are unable to attend the Symphony due to financial or health issues. For the younger end of the age scale, ensemble visits for pre-schoolers are being planned for the fall. Programs will combine music with literature, narrated storytelling and reading skills.
A string quartet from the JSO visited Sabal Palm Elementary. Symphony ensembles performed for close to 55,000 children and more than 2,000 seniors this season.
Page 5
Spring 2010
Y O U T H
O R C H E S T R A
R I V E R
C L A S S I C
Shining Events for Our Community
Runners Fit as a Fiddle for River Classic
The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra closed its season with two much-anticipated events, the Kids for Kids and Major/Minor concerts. The annual Kids for Kids Concert is an inspiring outreach program for the youth of Duval and surrounding counties, in which the JSYO Philharmonic musicians play for their peers and answer questions from the stage. More than 1,500 students, from middle school to high school, filled Jacoby Symphony Hall for this year’s event, including 600 from Nassau County sponsored by ARIAS.
The first annual Jacksonville Symphony River Classic and Kids Mile was an exhilarating success. Hosted by BRASS (Beaches Residents Actively Supporting the Symphony), the riverwalk at the Times-Union Center was the perfect setting for the start and finish. Plans are already in the works for next year. Mark your calendar for Sunday,April 17, 2011! Thanks to the more than 600 runners, Symphony musicians, families and kids for participating. Success is due in large part to sponsors Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute, Shamrock Trading and Distribution, Heekin Orthopedic, Bold City Brewery, Law Offices of Kelli J. Bynum, Todd Russell and Jim McGuffin. Lewis and Caroline Hunt (background) with Symphony string quartet (from left) Aurelia Duca, Clinton Dewing, Jorge Peña, Jin Kim Peña
Cellist Hannah Hoffman (right) and others answered questions from the audience.
Students from Wolfson High School had great seats for the concert.
The Major/Minor Concert is the finale of the Publix Super Markets Charities Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Series, featuring the advanced JSYO ensembles with the musicians of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. The winners of the 2010 JSYO Young Artists Competition – Allison Watkins, flute; Sam Casseday, bass; and Orlando Diaz, piano – also gave exciting solo performances with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. The beginning and intermediate students played a “Festival of Strings,” side-by-side with the JSYO Philharmonic. The Major/Minor Concert was presented in Celebration of Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s 55 Years of Caring for Children. The Festival of Strings and the Young Artist Performances were sponsored by Rayonier.
Playing the Star-Spangled Banner are trombonists Benjamin Walsh (left) and Jeffrey Peterson, with event emcee Sam Kouvaris of WJXT.
View more photos online at jaxsymphony.org/brass.
Individual sponsors Jim McGuffin and Todd Russell
Olympic medalist Shannon Miller welcomed the runners. The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra assembles young musicians from all over the First Coast into one of the finest youth orchestra programs in our region. To close the year, the JSYO had a very successful week of auditions.A total of 260 new and enrolled students showed their skills, which should lead to a growth in enrollment for the fall semester.
JSO Timpanist Ken Every and son Miles
Jaxson de Ville added to the festivities.
Paul McRae, men’s first place winner
Page 6
Spring 2010
M E E T
T H E
O R C H E S T R A
Summer Festival Season in Session for Many JSO Musicians
Star of the Symphony
For many of the Jacksonville Symphony members, the music making continues at summer venues around the country, as well as at home instructing young people. So while you’re making travel plans, you just might cross paths with a Symphony musician or two. Many of our string musicians serve as teachers and coaches for the Prelude Chamber Music Camp, which was founded in 2002 by Jeanne Majors, Vernon Humbert, and Chris Chappell. The annual camp runs from June 14-19 at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church. Details: preludechambermusic.org Also close to home, the St.Augustine Music Festival is set for June 20-25 at the Cathedral Basilica of St.Augustine.With the participation and support of many musicians and the local community, this free chamber music series celebrates the rich cultural traditions of St.Augustine. Participating JSO musicians include founders Jorge Peña (viola) and Jin Kim-Peña (cello), as well as Andy Bruck (violin),Aurelia Duca (violin), Annie Morris (violin), Betsy Federman (cello), Clinton Dewing (violin), Chris Chappell (violin), Ellen Olson (viola), Eric Olson (oboe), Ileana Fernandez (piano), Les Roettges (flute), Margie Richardson (violin), Patrick Bilanchone (bass), Susan Pardue (viola), Scott Watkins (piano) and Peter Wright (clarinet). Details: staugustinemusicfestival.org At the Eastern Music Festival, Les Roettges is in his tenth season as principal flute and Kevin Reid is in his eighth season as principal horn. Located in Greensboro, N.C., the festival runs from June 28 to July 31 and is led by Music Director Gerard Schwarz. Details: EasternMusicFestival.org From late June to early August, violinist Karen Pommerich will play at the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder. This year, which is Karen’s 18th season, features a Brahms Festival, Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, and Wagner’s The Ring Without Words, complied by Lorin Maazel. JSO section hornist Chris Dwyer, flutist Laura Dwyer and trombonist Michael Hosford are also participating. Details: coloradomusicfest.org Violinist and composer Piotr Szewczyk also returns to the Colorado Music Festival, where he has played since 2005. He’ll log plenty of miles along the way, with a performance of his new work “Three Episodes” for violin, oboe, cello and bassoon at Chamber Music in Johnston City, Ill. and at the International Double Reed Conference in Norman, Ok., which commissioned him to write the piece. In September he performs his Violin Futura II recital in Philadelphia. The Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra includes violinists Simon Shiao and Anna Genest, timpanist Kenneth Every, cellist Sofia Every, and bassist Patrick Bilanchone.Also tagging along will be the Shio-Genest and Every children. The festival takes place in Jackson Hole,Wyo., from July through mid-August and is led by Music Director Donald Runnicles. Details: gtmf.org Clarinetist Marci Gurnow is heading west to play in the Bellingham (Wash.) Festival of Music from July 1-18. This will be her second season there, playing with a fabulous chamber orchestra in a beautiful setting. Details: bellinghamfestival.org. Her trip begins in Seattle with a half marathon on the day after her 30th birthday and finishes with a week in Squamish, B.C., to go rock climbing on some of the most amazing granite in the world.
Rebecca Zapen Douglass, daughter of Jacksonville Symphony Violinist Lois Gosa, brought her son Joel to his first ever Symphony concert earlier this year. And we couldn’t resist showing off his picture with mom and grandma backstage.
In September, she makes her annual trip to Chicago to play with the International Chamber Artists, of which she is a founding member. She also hopes to make a side trip to Wisconsin for a triathlon. In August, Marci and fellow JSO clarinetists Peter Wright and Artie Clifton will give a recital at the Buffet Crampon Summer Clarinet Academy, held annually at UNF. Bassist Todd Lockwood is in his fourth season with the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in Santa Cruz, Calif. Led by Music Director Marin Alsop, the festival runs August 1-15 and features composers such as John Adams, Philip Glass and Jennifer Higdon. Details: cabrillomusic.org Harpist Kayo Ishimaru is a long-standing member of the Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra. Located in downtown Chicago at Millennium Park, the festival runs from mid-June to mid-August. Kayo is looking forward to Pink Martini in concert on June 23, but her dogs are just glad she’s done with Ginastera’s Harp Concerto! Details grantparkmusicfestival.com Cellist Alexei Romanenko has a busy recital schedule this summer. In June he plays in Montgomery,Ala., at Church of the Ascension. In late July, he performs in Chicago’s Preston Bradley Hall for an International Music Foundation recital, which will be broadcast live on WFMT Chicago and local television. His tour continues through Providence, R.I.,Wellfleet, Mass., Milwaukee, Madison and St. Louis. In early September, he performs at Florida State University and Panama City’s Amelia Theatre and Music at St.Andrew’s. Jason Lindsay will perform for the 13th consecutive year as resident bassist with the Palm Beach Chamber Music Festival, which runs July 1 to August 3. The repertoire features various size ensembles, and Jason will be featured in works by Martinü, Roussel and Dvor´` ák. The festival has released a critically acclaimed series of recordings on Klavier Records. Jason is on all five CDs. Details: pbcmf.org
Project Thank You! In early March, Jacksonville Symphony musicians made hundreds of calls to season ticket holders to express gratitude for their attendance and applause. Although they could not reach all of you, they did appreciate the warmth and support they received in return from our patrons. Look for your 2010-11 season ticket brochure in the mail and keep enjoying the music!
Laurie Casseday, Kevin Casseday and Ilan Morgenstern were a few of the musicians who took part in the “Project Thank You!” phone drive.
In Memoriam John Hamilton McCallum, one of our community’s most dedicated advocates for the arts, died in February 2010 at age 98. He served as Jacksonville Symphony Board chairman from 1984-86 and led a period of significant growth in funding and artistic achievement for the Orchestra. Bruce Schwartz passed away in May 2010, less than two months short of his 90th birthday. One of his greatest passions was the Jacksonville Symphony. “Front-andcenter” was how he enjoyed every Symphony concert, and it was the way in which he lived and shared his life. Sylvia F. “Tibby” Sinclair passed away on June 2, 2010 at age 73. Tibby and her husband, Al Sinclair, both served one-year terms as Jacksonville Symphony Board chair in the 1980s and were active for many years on the Board. She also served as Symphony Guild president. Her buoyant presence in the community and unwavering support for the Symphony has been an inspiration to all who knew her. Thomas Carskaden Zimmerman, who passed away in October 2009 at age 84, loved music and brought laughter and joy to many. On a few festive occasions, he served as a Jacksonville Symphony guest conductor. Because of his life-long enjoyment of singing and his generosity in helping preserve this institution for future generations, the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus director’s title has been named the Tom Zimmerman Endowed Chair.
Page 7
Spring 2010
S Y M P H O N Y
V O L U N T E E R S
MAK I N G A M EAS U RAB LE D I F F E R E N C E ARIAS (Amelia Residents In Action for the Symphony) membership will increase to more than 300 this year.ARIAS brought music to Nassau County schools by sponsoring Jacksonville Symphony ensemble performances for 6,700 children.ARIAS sponsored 8 scholarships for students to further their music education. Instrument Zoo volunteers also visited schools, offering children the opportunity to play various musical instruments. Nearly 700 residents enjoyed the “Let Freedom Ring” concert by the Jacksonville Symphony on Memorial Day Weekend at First Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach. Info: (904) 261-0105
BRASS (Beaches Residents Actively Supporting the Symphony) sponsored 1,100 St. Johns County elementary and middle schoolers to attend Jacksonville Symphony’s educational concerts this season. The BRASS Ring Music Scholarship Competition enlisted 35 young musicians to participate. Nearly 2,000 residents enjoyed the free BRASS Community Concert by the Jacksonville Symphony on Memorial Day Weekend at TPC Sawgrass. More than 600 runners participated in the inaugural Jacksonville Symphony River Classic in April. Info: (904) 273-3891 – BRASS@jaxsymphony.org
CHORUS: The Jacksonville Symphony Chorus, an auditioned group of 140 members, celebrated 25 years of making music during the 2009-2010 season. Each singer in the Chorus dedicated well over 120 hours of rehearsal time and collectively, the Chorus dedicated close to 15,000 hours to the Symphony and to the Jacksonville community! In addition, each member dedicated over 65 hours throughout 15 grand performances, including Carmina Burana, Holiday Pops, Messiah, Cosí fan tutte and Mendelssohn Psalms 98 and 114. The Chorus hopes to welcome more new members with auditions on August 28th at Jacksonville University. Info: (904) 354-5479, ext. 271 – jaxsymphonychorus.org
THE GUILD of the Jacksonville Symphony attracted more than 4,000 visitors to Coastal Oaks at Nocatee for the Toll Brothers 2010 Designer Showhouse. The hands-on Instrument Zoo visited more than 4,500 children (and adults) in schools and at venues such as the Cummer Museum, JSO Family Concerts, City of Jacksonville’s “Art in the Park,” “Music in the Air” in Palm Coast and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. An outstanding Queen’s Harbour Pops Concert was the most successful in its eight year history. Info: (904) 358-1479 – scalvert@jaxsymphony.org
OPUS, the Symphony’s young professionals group, networked with hundreds of culturally savvy professionals. OPUS membership events were hosted at Walker’s in Riverside, Three Layers Coffee House in Springfield,Yes You Canvas! in Lakewood, and at The Carling during First Wednesday Downtown Art Walk. Info: opusjacksonville@gmail.com – Facebook: OPUS Jacksonville
VOLUNTEER USHERS: Our corps of Symphony Ushers welcomes our patrons and helps to make over 100 events run smoothly each season. This year, our active usher family grew by 28% and volunteered more than 5,300 hours, which saved the Symphony over $67,000! Thank you, wonderful Volunteer Ushers, for all that you do! Info: (904) 807-1003 – kgustafson@jaxsymphony.org
YOUTH ORCHESTRA PARENTS: The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra would not exist without the support of hundreds of parents, who have sacrificed thousands of hours, from carpooling to rehearsals, to coordinating each of the six of ensembles, to chaperoning the retreats at the beginning of the season. Info: tkamnikar@jaxsymphony.org – jaxyouthorchestra.com
20I0-20II SEASON TICKETS F L E X I B I L I TY - VA L U E - VA R I E TY AMERICAN FUSION
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
OCT. 2010
OCT. 2010
TONY DESARE
HOLST: THE PLANETS
FEB. 2011
APR. 2011
JENNIFER FRAUTSCHI
THE MOTOWN EXPERIENCE
FREDERICA VON STADE
FEB. 2011
NOV. 2010
NOV. 2010
LET’S DANCE! OCT. 2010
BERNADETTE PETERS APR. 2011
Tickets: (904) 354-5547 • jaxsymphony.org
The Jacksonville Symphony is proud to introduce some of our most important music makers.
Thank you to our sponsors! Special Gift in Honor of
Together with Joannie & Russell Newton and Brooke & Hap Stein
Ruth Conley
The Julius N. Frankel Foundation
The DuBow Family Foundation
The Roger L. and Rochelle S. Main Charitable Trust
ADP, Inc. • Baptist Health • Yvonne Charvot Barnett • BRASS • Buffet Crampon • EverBank • The Florida Times-Union • The Guild Friends of the Jacksonville Symphony Jacksonville Greyhound Racing • Lender Processing Services • The Main Street America Group • Mayo Clinic • MPS Group • Omni Jacksonville Hotel • Petway Family Foundation Raymond James & Associates, Inc. • Rayonier Regions • St. Vincent’s HealthCare • David A. Stein • Stein Mart • U.S. Trust • VyStar Credit Union • Yvonne and Cecil West • Westminster Woods EDUCATION SPONSORS Bob and Lynne Alligood • Bank of America • Duval County School Board • Enterprise Holdings Foundation • The Henry & Lucy Gooding Endowment • JM Family Enterprises • The PLAYERS Championship Publix Super Markets Charities • Shacter Family Foundation • The Weaver Family Foundation • Wolfson Children’s Hospital • Woodcock Foundation for the Appreciation of the Arts
IN-KIND SPONSORS AT&T Real Yellow Pages • Burdette Ketchum • Clear Channel Outdoor • Dana’s Limousine & Transportation • Fazzini’s Coffee & Tea • FOLIO Weekly • Glenn Certain Studio-Floral Design • Steinway & Sons
N A T I O N A L ENDOWMENT F O R T HE A RT S
Media Sponsors: WJCT • The Florida Times-Union