Robert Spano Music Director Donald Runnicles Principal Guest Conductor Michael Krajewski Principal Pops Conductor
May
We’re for childhood. Childhood can be tough, especially on parents. That’s why you need WellStar. Our pediatricians are experts in keeping your kids healthy and your mind at ease. WellStar’s Pediatric Network can be found close to home in Cobb, Cherokee, Douglas and Paulding counties. And because aches and pains don’t take a day off, many of our pediatricians offer same-day appointments, six days a week. When it’s more than aches and scrapes, count on WellStar’s two pediatric emergency departments, at WellStar Kennestone and WellStar Cobb Hospitals. Our pediatric specialists and equipment specifically designed for children and teens will get your child back to childhood as soon as possible. To learn more, call 770-956-STAR or visit the new wellstar.org.
We believe in life well-lived. Women • Newborns • Pediatrics
The vision of WellStar Health System is to deliver world-class healthcare. Our not-for-profit health system includes WellStar Cobb Hospital, WellStar Douglas Hospital, WellStar Kennestone Hospital, WellStar Paulding Hospital, WellStar Windy Hill Hospital and WellStar Medical Group.
contents May 2012
encoreatlanta.com 48
Jeff Roffman
20
features
the music
20 A ‘tree’ grows in Atlanta
25 This week’s concert and program notes
Madeline Rogers takes you inside the latest Theater of a Concert production of A Flowering Tree, inspired by an ancient Indian folk tale.
48 Community Corner
Meet Ahmad Mayes, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Atlanta Music Project.
8 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
departments 12 President’s Letter 14 Orchestra Leadership 16 Robert Spano 18 Musicians 35 Contributors 52 Calendar 54 Administration 56 General Info 58 Ticket Info 60 Gallery ASO
©2012 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times.
Same principles. New weight class. This isn’t just a new 911. It is the ushering in of a new era of the sports car. The history-making begins with 90% new or fundamentally revised materials. 400 horsepower from a powerfully efficient 3.8 liter engine in the Carrera S. And even the interior breaks new ground, with an elevated center console, inspired by the Carrera GT, connecting car and driver like never before. These are the things legends are made of. Even if it’s becoming a legend all over again.
The new era starts with a test drive. Call today.
Jim Ellis Porsche
770.234.2100 4006 Carver Drive, Atlanta, GA 30360 Just inside 285 off Peachtree Ind. Blvd. www.jimellisporsche.com facebook.com/AtlantaPorsche
vp of creative/chief storyteller
Kristi Casey Sanders kristi@encoreatlanta.com creative director Jenny Schisler jenny@encoreatlanta.com managing editor Kathy Janich kathy@encoreatlanta.com graphic designer Anna Aguiar anna.harrell@encoreatlanta.com production/marketing assistant Sophia Chin sophia.chin@atlantametropub.com contributing writers
Alex LaPierre and Madeline Rogers
atlanta symphony orchestra Rob Phipps Karl Schnittke program annotator Ken Meltzer
director of publications publications editor
publisher/sales Sherry Madigan White 404.459.4128 sherry.white@encoreatlanta.com account executive
Thomas Pinckney 404.459.4127 thomas.pinckney@encoreatlanta.com senior national accounts manager
Sandra Ourusoff 212.260.4883 marketing administrator
Stephanie Smith stephanie.smith@encoreatlanta.com ENCORE ATLANTA is published monthly by Atlanta Metropolitan Publishing Inc. president Tom
Casey Diane Casey controller Suzzie Adams Gilham vice president, sales and marketing Evan Casey chief administrative officer Claudia Madigan chairperson
180 Allen Road NE, Suite 200 North Atlanta, GA 30328 Phone 404.843.9800 Fax 404.843.9070 www.encoreatlanta.com Copyright 2012 AMP Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Encore Atlanta is a registered publication of AMP Inc. The publisher shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad, for typographical errors or errors in publication. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publication.
Welcome Yes, it is possible to live forever. Mabel Dorn Reeder grew up in McCormick, S.C., near the Georgia/South Carolina border. She was passionate about making the world a better place. The daughter of Joseph Dorn, a prominent farmer and businessman, and his wife, Hanoria, Mabel graduated from Greenville Women’s College and pursued graduate studies at New York’s Columbia University. She taught elementary school for several years before marrying businessman Thomas Reeder and moving to Atlanta. Mrs. Reeder was passionate about music, history and the welfare of animals. She passed away in April 2007 at the age of 98, but the foundation that bears her name — the Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation — sustains her memory and her passions by providing financial support for the causes Mrs. Reeder loved, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. In 2011, the Reeder Foundation established an endowed Chair to support the ongoing professional development of one of the ASO’s musicians. The holder of the Reeder Chair must demonstrate excellence in musical artistry, leadership, collegiality and community engagement. At the annual meeting of our Board of Directors (May 14), we will name Concertmaster David Coucheron the newest holder of the Mabel Dorn Reeder Chair. Mr. Coucheron, a 27-year-old Norwegian violinist, is the youngest concertmaster among any major American orchestra. In just two seasons with the Atlanta Symphony, Mr. Coucheron has demonstrated that he is an incredible asset to this organization — through his passion, musicianship, innovative spirit and commitment to music education and the Atlanta community. Clearly, he embodies the qualities and characteristics so cherished by Mrs. Reeder and so necessary in today’s world. The spirit of Mabel Dorn Reeder lives on. I’m inspired by the generosity of the Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation to think about what more I might do to support our Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. I hope you will be inspired as well. Wishing you all the best,
Stanley E. Romanstein, Ph.D. President
12 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL CANCER INSTITUTE: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY IN
Second Honeymoons
Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is proud to have helped so many survive cancer. Northside diagnoses and treats more breast, gynecologic and prostate cancers than any other hospital in Georgia. Northside also has the best survival outcomes of any hospital in the nation for bone marrow transplants. And Northside is the only hospital in metro Atlanta chosen by the National Cancer Institute as a Community Cancer Center, giving you access the latest cancer research and treatments. Cancer is a long journey. For thousands of survivors, Northside is where it begins. Where the Extraordinary Happens Every Day
CANCER INSTITUTE
leadership Atlanta Symphony Orchestra League 2011-2012 Board of Directors Officers Jim Abrahamson Meghan H. Magruder Chair Vice Chair Karole F. Lloyd D. Kirk Jamieson Chair-Elect Vice Chair
Joni Winston † Secretary Clayton F. Jackson Treasurer
Directors Jim Abrahamson Pinney L. Allen Joseph R. Bankoff* Neil H. Berman Paul Blackney Janine Brown C. Merrell Calhoun Donald P. Carson S. Wright Caughman, M.D. Ann W. Cramer † Sylvia Davidson * Carlos del Rio, M.D. Richard A. Dorfman Lynn Eden David Edmiston Gary P. Fayard
Dr. Robert M. Franklin, Jr. Paul R. Garcia Carol Green Gellerstedt Thomas Hooten Tad Hutcheson † Mrs. Roya Irvani † Clayton F. Jackson D. Kirk Jamieson Ben F. Johnson III Mark Kistulinec Steve Koonin Carrie Kurlander James H. Landon Michael Lang Donna Lee Lucy Lee Karole F. Lloyd
Kelly L. Loeffler Meghan H. Magruder Belinda Massafra* Penny McPhee Howard D. Palefsky Victoria Palefsky Leslie Z. Petter Suzanne Tucker Plybon Patricia H. Reid Margaret Conant Reiser Martin Richenhagen † John D. Rogers Stanley E. Romanstein, Ph.D.* Dennis Sadlowski William Schultz John Sibley H. Hamilton Smith
Lucinda B. Smith Thurmond Smithgall Paul Snyder Gail Ravin Starr Mary Rose Taylor Joseph M. Thompson Liz Troy Ray Uttenhove Chilton Davis Varner † S. Patrick Viguerie Rick Walker Thomas Wardell Mark D. Wasserman John B. White, Jr. † Richard S. White, Jr. † Joni Winston † Patrice Wright-Lewis Camille Yow
Board of counselors Mrs. Helen Aderhold Robert M. Balentine Elinor Breman Dr. John W. Cooledge John Donnell Jere Drummond Carla Fackler Arnoldo Fiedotin
Charles Ginden John T. Glover Frances B. Graves Dona Humphreys Aaron J. Johnson Herb Karp Jim Kelley George Lanier
Patricia Leake Mrs. William C. Lester Mrs. J. Erskine Love Carolyn C. McClatchey Joyce Schwob Mrs. Charles A. Smithgall, Jr.
W. Rhett Tanner G. Kimbrough Taylor Michael W. Trapp Edus Warren Adair R. White Neil Williams
Life Directors Howell E. Adams, Jr. Bradley Currey, Jr.
Mrs. Drew Fuller Mary D. Gellerstedt
Azira G. Hill Dr. James M. Hund
Arthur L. Montgomery * ex officio † 2011-2012 sabbatical
14 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
28 CONTRACTS WRITTEN
IN THE 1ST QUARTER OF 2012 1 Bedroom Now from the low $200s 2 Bedrooms Now from the low $300s
Make an offer and take advantage of: Historically Low Interest Rates 5 Lenders to Choose From 3.5% Down Payment Option (FHA approved) Conveniently Located on the Midtown Mile and near Piedmont Park!
Open House Daily Corner of 12th & Crescent 404.815.4622 | 1010midtown.com
Now Open in 12th & Midtown:
Information subject to change without notice. * Numbers based on SmartNumbers results for sales dollar volume for 2011. See agent for details.
Robert Spano music Director
M
usic Director Robert Spano, currently in his 11th season as music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, is recognized internationally as one of the most imaginative conductors today. Since 2001, he has invigorated and expanded the Orchestra’s repertoire while elevating the ensemble to new levels of international prominence and acclaim. Under Mr. Spano’s artistic leadership, the Orchestra and its audiences have together explored a creative mix of programming, including Theater of a Concert performances, which explore different formats, settings, and enhancements for the musical performance experience, such as the first concert-staged performances of John Adams’s Doctor Atomic in November 2008 and the production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly in June 2011. The Atlanta School of Composers reflects Mr. Spano’s commitment to nurturing and championing music through multi-year partnerships defining a new generation of American composers, including Osvaldo Golijov, Jennifer Higdon, Christopher Theofanidis, Michael Gandolfi and Adam Schoenberg. Since the beginning of his tenure (to date), Mr. Spano and the Orchestra have performed more than 100 concerts containing contemporary works (composed since 1950).
angela morris
Mr. Spano has a discography with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra of 19 recordings, six of which have been honored with Grammy® awards. He has led the Orchestra’s performances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, as well as the Ravinia, Ojai, and Savannah Music Festivals. Mr. Spano has led the New York and Los Angeles philharmonics, San Francisco, Boston, Cleveland, Chicago and Philadelphia symphony orchestras, as well as Orchestra Filarmonica della Scala, BBC Symphony and Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. In addition, he has conducted for Covent Garden, Welsh National Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, and the 2005 and 2009 Seattle Opera Ring cycles. Mr. Spano was Musical America’s 2008 Conductor of the Year.
16
In March 2010, Mr. Spano began a three-year tenure as Emory University’s distinguished artist-in-residence, in which he leads intensive seminars, lectures, and presents programs on science, math, philosophy, literature and musicology. In March 2011, Mr. Spano was announced as the incoming music director of the Aspen Music Festival. He was in residence in Aspen for the 2011 summer season as music director-designate and will assume the full role of music director in 2012.
ENTER TO WIN THE BROADWAY GETAWAY FROM FIFTH THIRD BANK Fill out the form below and use The Fox Theatre lobby drop box, or take it to your nearest Fifth Third Bank location. Grand Prize Package:
• Roundtrip airfare for two to New York City • Two tickets to a Broadway show • Two-night stay at a Manhattan hotel There are fabulous second and third place prizes as well. Plus, as a Fifth Third Bank customer, you’ll get 10-25% off select Broadway shows. Get more details at 53.com/atlantabroadway.com
The curious bank.
No purchase necessary. Member FDIC. © Fifth Third Bank 2012
Robert Spano
Donald Runnicles
Michael Krajewski
Music Director The Robert Reid Topping Chair *
Principal Guest Conductor The Neil and Sue Williams Chair *
Principal Pops Conductor
FIRST VIOLIN
SECOND VIOLIN
VIOLA
CELLO
David Coucheron Concertmaster William Pu Associate Concertmaster The Charles McKenzie Taylor Chair* Justin Bruns Assistant Concertmaster Jun-Ching Lin Assistant Concertmaster Carolyn Toll Hancock John Meisner Alice Anderson Oglesby Lorentz Ottzen Christopher Pulgram Carol Ramirez Juan Ramirez Olga Shpitko Denise Berginson Smith Kenn Wagner Lisa Wiedman Yancich
David Arenz Principal The Atlanta Symphony Associates Chair* Sou-Chun Su Associate Principal The Frances Cheney Boggs Chair* Jay Christy Assistant Principal Sharon Berenson David Braitberg Noriko Konno Clift David Dillard Eleanor Kosek Ruth Ann Little Thomas O’Donnell Ronda Respess Frank Walton
Reid Harris Principal The Edus H. and Harriet H. Warren Chair* Paul Murphy Associate Principal The Mary and Lawrence Gellerstedt Chair * Catherine Lynn Assistant Principal Wesley Collins Marian Kent Yang-Yoon Kim Yiyin Li Lachlan McBane Jessica Oudin Ardath Weck
Christopher Rex Principal The Miriam and John Conant Chair* Daniel Laufer Associate Principal The Livingston Foundation Chair* Karen Freer Assistant Principal Dona Vellek Assistant Principal Emeritus Joel Dallow Jere Flint Jennifer Humphreys Larry LeMaster Brad Ritchie Paul Warner
SECTION VIOLIN ‡
Judith Cox Raymond Leung Sanford Salzinger
18 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
BASS
Ralph Jones Principal The Marcia and John Donnell Chair * Gloria Jones Associate Principal Jane Little Assistant Principal Emeritus Michael Kenady Michael Kurth Joseph McFadden Douglas Sommer Thomas Thoreson
Jere Flint
Norman Mackenzie
Staff Conductor; Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra The Zeist Foundation Chair*
Director of Choruses The Frannie and Bill Graves Chair
FLUTE
BASS CLARINET
TROMBONE
HARP
Christina Smith Principal The Jill Hertz Chair* Robert Cronin Associate Principal Paul Brittan Carl David Hall
Alcides Rodriguez
Colin Williams Principal Stephen Wilson Associate Principal Nathan Zgonc George Curran
Elisabeth RemyJohnson Principal The Delta Air Lines Chair
PICCOLO
Carl David Hall OBOE
Elizabeth Koch Principal The George M. and Corrie Hoyt Brown Chair * Yvonne Powers Peterson Associate Principal Ann Lillya † CLARINET
Laura Ardan Principal The Robert Shaw Chair* Ted Gurch Associate Principal William Rappaport Alcides Rodriguez E-FLAT CLARINET
Ted Gurch
BASSOON
Carl Nitchie Principal Elizabeth Burkhardt Associate Principal Laura Najarian Juan de Gomar
BASS TROMBONE
George Curran
CONTRA-BASSOON
TUBA
Juan de Gomar
Michael Moore Principal
HORN
Brice Andrus Principal Susan Welty Associate Principal Thomas Witte Richard Deane Bruce Kenney
TIMPANI
TRUMPET
PERCUSSION
Thomas Hooten Principal The Madeline and Howell Adams Chair* The Mabel Dorn Reeder Honorary Chair* Karin Bliznik Associate Principal Michael Tiscione Joseph Walthall
Mark Yancich Principal The Walter H. Bunzl Chair* William Wilder Assistant Principal
Thomas Sherwood Principal The Julie and Arthur Montgomery Chair* William Wilder Assistant Principal The William A. Schwartz Chair* Charles Settle
KEYBOARD
The Hugh and Jessie Hodgson Memorial Chair* Peter Marshall † Beverly Gilbert † Sharon Berenson LIBRARY
Rebecca Beavers Principal Nicole Jordan Assistant Principal Librarian John Wildermuth Assistant Librarian
‡ rotate between sections * Chair named in perpetuity † Regularly engaged musician Players in string sections are listed alphabetically
encoreatlanta.com/Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication 19
a ‘tree’ grows in Atlanta
The lighter side of composer John Adams reveals itself in his Mozartinspired opera, A Flowering Tree. Madeline Rogers takes you inside the latest Theater of a Concert production of a work based on an ancient Indian folk tale.
It’s
springtime, and Atlanta’s streets, parks, and gardens are blooming. And so is Atlanta Symphony Hall, where the hauntingly beautiful A Flowering Tree — performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, vocal soloists Jessica Rivera, Eric Owens and Russell Thomas, all led by Music Director Robert Spano, with stage direction by James Alexander — will transform the stage, on June 7 & 9, into a fantastical world in which a beautiful young woman discovers she has the power to turn herself into blossom-laden tree. The opera, based on an Indian folk tale, is the latest in the Orchestra’s popular Theater of a Concert series, and was penned by a composer who is well-known to Atlanta audiences: John Adams. 20 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
Do we mean the John Adams who brought Atlanta audiences to tears, in February 2008, with his searing tribute to the victims of 9/11, On the Transmigration of Souls, and challenged them later that year with his operatic retelling of the development of the atomic bomb, Doctor Atomic? Yes, that John Adams. It turns out the much-heralded American composer — best known for works inspired by today’s most upsetting headlines — does have a dreamier side, which is fully in evidence in A Flowering Tree. The work, which he calls “a departure” for him, was composed on the heels of completing Doctor Atomic. The latter work, as he recounted in his autobiography, Hallelujah Junction, “was an opera about technology and the end of ecology. A Flowering Tree is its antidote: a parable about youth, about hope, and about the ecology of the soul.”
A young prince, witnessing Kumudha’s transformation, claims her as his bride, but refuses to consummate their marriage until she performs her ritual. As she does so, the prince’s jealous sister spies on them, and then demands that Kumudha perform for her friends. When they lose interest partway through her performance, Kumudha is left half-woman, half-tree. In this hideous state, she flees, and is adopted by a band of traveling minstrels. When the prince discovers she is gone, he is stricken with guilt, and becomes a wandering beggar himself. Several years pass; the prince stumbles into a distant palace, where his sister, now a queen, recognizes him and takes him in. Meanwhile,
The two-act work, written between December 2005 and September 2006, was commissioned to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth, and took as its “guiding spirit,” Adams wrote, “the Mozart of the Magic Flute” and its themes of “the magic of transformation, both physical and spiritual.” The libretto, written by Adams himself, is based on a South Indian folk tale, in a translation by noted poet Attipat Krishnaswami Ramanujan, who also translated the erotic love poems that Adams has incorporated to deepen the characters. The opera tells the story of Kumudha, a beautiful peasant who discovers she has the ability to transform herself into a flowering tree whose blossoms she sells to help support her impoverished mother. 22 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
in the town marketplace, the queen’s maids see a minstrel troupe and hear the ravishing singing of a strange and misshapen torso. The queen, not knowing that this is Kumudha, the girl she had tormented and driven away, brings her to court. The prince and Kumudha recognize each other, he performs the old ceremony, and his bride resumes her lovely human form. Continued on page 44
thrill
where excellence comes to
Superior conservatory training at a world-class research university. Prestigious, resident faculty and exceptional student talent. It’s all here: www.music.umich.edu
program Robert Spano, Music Director Donald Runnicles, Principal Guest Conductor
Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra finale Sunday, May 13, 2012, at 3 p.m.
Jere Flint, Conductor Keanu Mitanga, Violin Hally Davidson, Flute An-lun Huang (b. 1949) Saibei Dance (1975) Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) Concerto No. 3 in B minor for Violin and Orchestra Opus 61 (1880) I. Allegro non troppo Keanu Mitanga, Violin ˇich Smetana (1824-1884) Bedr Vltava (The Moldau) from Má vlast (My Fatherland) (1874-1879)
INTERMISSION Georges Hüe (1858-1948) Fantaisie for Flute and Orchestra (1913) Hally Davidson, Flute
Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) Symphony No. 1 in D Major (“Titan”) (1888, rev. 1893-6) IV. Stürmisch bewegt
Scholarships for ASYO tuition are made possible through the Elinor Rosenberg Breman ASYO Fellowship and the Ben F. Johnson, III Scholarship. The use of cameras or recording devices during the concert is strictly prohibited.
encoreatlanta.com/Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication 25
sponsors
is proud to sponsor the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2008 revenue of $29.3 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Numerous GE Energy products are certified under ecomagination, GE’s corporate-wide initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges.
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, communitybased financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com and wachovia.com), and other distribution channels across North America and internationally. With approximately 280,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in America. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 19 on Fortune’s 2009 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially.
26 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
program Notes on the Program By Ken Meltzer An-lun Huang was born in China in 1949. An-lun Huang studied piano at Beijing’s Central Conservatory of Music. In the 1960s, the Chinese Cultural Revolution ended An-lun Huang’s formal music studies. Nevertheless, An-lun Huang persevered. In 1976, he was named resident composer and assistant conductor of the Central Opera House of China in Beijing. An-lun Huang later studied at the University of Toronto, Trinity College in London, England, and Yale University. Since 1986, An-lun Huang has made his home in Ontario, Canada. The Department of Foreign Affairs sponsored An-un Huang as an ambassador for Canadian music to China. He has served as President of the Canadian Chinese Music Society of Ontario. In 2004, An-lun Huang received a New Pioneer Award, celebrating immigrant contributions to life in the Greater Toronto Area.
Saibei Dance (1975) Saibei Dance is scored for piccolo, two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, snare drum, cymbals, suspended cymbal, bass drum and strings. Approximate performance time is five minutes.
A
n-lun Huang’s Saibei Dance was inspired by the farmers in Saibei, located north of the Great Wall of China. The brief and vibrant work evokes the farmers’ annual celebration of the harvest.
Camille Saint-Saëns was born in Paris, France, on October 9, 1835, and died in Algiers, Algeria, on December 16, 1921. French composer Camille Saint-Saëns wrote three Concertos for violin and orchestra. He dedicated two of the Concertos (Nos. 1 and 3), as well as the Introduction et Rondo capriccioso, to his dear friend, the fabulous Spanish virtuoso, Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908). Sarasate, born in poverty in his native Pamplona, quickly demonstrated extraordinary musical talents. By the age of 12, Sarasate commenced studies at the Paris Conservatoire. Within a few years, he had established himself as a violinist of international repute. Sarasate’s vibrant tone, impeccable technique and patrician musicianship inspired not only Saint-Saëns, but many other composers to fashion works specifically for his prodigious gifts. Sarasate himself was an adept composer, whose Zigeunerweisen and Carmen Fantasy remain favorites of audiences and virtuosos alike.
Concerto No. 3 in B minor for Violin and Orchestra, Opus 61 (1880) The first performance of the Violin Concerto No. 3 took place in 1880, at the home of the composer, with Pablo de Sarasate as soloist. In addition to the solo violin, the B-minor Concerto is scored for piccolo, two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, three trombones, timpani and strings. Approximate performance time of the first movement is ten minutes.
I
t was after their first meeting, in 1859, that Saint-Saëns composed his First Violin Concerto for Pablo de Sarasate. Sarasate soon became a prominent fixture at the encoreatlanta.com/Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication 27
soirées Saint-Saëns conducted in his Paris home. Saint-Saëns learned much over the years from Sarasate about the violin and its capacities. And, by the time he composed his Third (and final) Violin Concerto in 1880 — again dedicated to Sarasate — Camille Saint-Saëns was a master of form and instrumental color. The premiere of the B-minor Concerto occurred that same year, with Sarasate performing at the composer’s home. Once the general public had the privilege of hearing the B-minor, it quickly became the favorite of the Saint-Saëns Violin Concertos, a distinction it retains to this day. This Concert features the Concerto’s opening movement. I. Allegro non troppo — The opening movement is based upon two principal themes. After a brief, mysterious introduction by the strings and timpani, the soloist intones a passionate melody. The soloist also presents the contrasting lyrical theme, marked dolce espressivo. The development of the themes presents rapidly contrasting moods and numerous virtuoso passages. The recapitulation of the opening theme is couched in even more brilliant passagework. The movement ends dramatically with a series of trills and rising triplets by the soloist.
ˇich Smetana was born in Leitomischl, Bohemia (now, Litomyšl, the Czech Bedr Republic) on March 2, 1824, and died in Prague on May 12, 1884. In the autumn of 1874, Bedrˇich Smetana suddenly found himself totally deaf. Smetana was forced to resign all of his public appointments. It appeared that the career of the first great Czech nationalist composer was at an end. But Smetana’s passion to express unbounded love for his Czech homeland was too powerful. This devastating period witnessed the triumphant birth of Smetana’s orchestral masterpiece, Má vlast (My Fatherland). Smetana composed this collection of six orchestral tone poems during the period from 1874-1879.
Vltava (The Moldau) from Má vlast (My Fatherland) (1874-1879) The first complete performance of Má Vlast took place at the National Theater in Prague on November 4, 1882, with Adolf Cˇech conducting. The Moldau is scored for piccolo, two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, two trumpets, three trombones, tuba, triangle, bass drum, cymbals, suspended cymbals, harp and strings. Approximate performance time is twelve minutes.
S
metana dedicated Má vlast to the city of Prague. The first integral performance of the work occurred on November 4, 1882, with Adolf Cˇech conducting. This marked the reopening of the National Theater in Prague, following its destruction by fire in 1881. In his biography of Smetana, Václav Zelený described the event: “Everyone rose to his feet and the same unending storm of applause was repeated after each of the six parts … At the end of (the concert) the audience was beside itself and the people could not bring themselves to take leave of the composer.” The following is Smetana’s description of The Moldau: Vltava (The Moldau) — Two springs gush forth in the shade of the Bohemian forest, the one warm and swift flowing, the other cool and tranquil. Their waters join and rush joyously down the rocky bed, glistening in the light of the morning sun. The hurrying
28 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
program forest brook becomes the River Moldau (Vltava), which flows across the land of Bohemia, widening as it goes. Passing through dark forests, the sounds of the hunter’s horn are heard ever nearer. Through meadowlands it passes where a wedding feast is being celebrated by peasants with song and dance. At night, water nymphs play in its gleaming depths in which are reflected fortresses and castles from the glorious past. At the Rapids of St. John, the stream becomes a roaring cataract, beating its way through rocky chasms, widening at last into the majestic river that flows through Prague, greeted by the mighty old fortress, Vyšehrad, where it vanishes over the horizon lost to the poet’s sight.
Georges Hüe was born in Versailles, France, on May 6, 1858, and died in Paris, France, on June 7, 1948. French composer Georges Hüe was born to a family of accomplished architects. At the encouragement of French composer Charles Gounod, Hüe studied with such notable musicians as César Franck. Hüe gained early fame when he won the Prix de Rome in 1879 for his cantata, Médée. As a composer, Hüe focused on vocal music, including operas and numerous songs.
Fantaisie for Flute and Orchestra (1913) In addition to the solo flute, the Fantaisie is scored for piccolo, oboe, English horn, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, timpani, triangle, harp and strings. Approximate performance time is ten minutes.
G
eorges Hüe also composed several instrumental works, including his Fantaisie (1913). Hüe scored the work for flute and piano. The Fantaisie originally served as a year-end exam piece for students at the Paris Conservatoire. Hüe dedicated the Fantaisie to Adolphe Hennebains. Hennebains, a superb flutist, was a student of Paul Taffanel, and a teacher at the Paris Conservatoire. In 1923, Georges Hüe arranged this beautiful and very challenging work for solo flute and orchestra. This concert features the 1923 version.
Symphony No. 1 in D Major (“Titan”) (1888, rev. 1893-6) Gustav Mahler was born in Kališteˇ, Bohemia, on July 7, 1860, and died in Vienna, Austria, on May 18, 1911. The first performance of the “Titan” Symphony took place in Budapest, Hungary, on November 20, 1889, with the composer conducting the Budapest Philharmonic. The “Titan” Symphony is scored for three piccolos, four flutes, four oboes, English horn, two E-flat clarinets, four clarinets, bass clarinet, three bassoons, contrabassoon, seven horns, four trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani (two players), harp, bass drum, bass drum with attached cymbals, cymbals, gong, suspended cymbals, triangle and strings. Approximate performance time of the final movement is eighteen minutes.
T
oward the close of March, 1888, Gustav Mahler proudly informed his parents of the completion of his First Symphony (“Titan”): “There! I have today finished my work and can say thank God that it has turned out well. I hope that I have taken a big step forward with it.” encoreatlanta.com/Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication 29
Today, Mahler’s Nine completed Symphonies have become staples of the orchestral repertoire. The “Titan” is perhaps the most popular, and certainly, the most accessible. But when the “Titan” Symphony premiered in Budapest on November 20, 1889, many of the critics and audience members were perplexed, and even angered by the work. It is important to bear in mind that the first performance of the “Titan” took place only four years after the premiere of Johannes Brahms’s Fourth Symphony. Those accustomed to the central Austrian-German repertoire, exemplified by Brahms and his predecessors, may perhaps be excused for having failed to appreciate Mahler’s bold new symphonic language. The “Titan” strives for an epic mode of expression. And the work’s abrupt shifts in emotion and tone can be disconcerting — for some, even frightening. As in the case of Ludwig van Beethoven’s First Symphony (1800), Mahler’s “Titan,” while at times paying homage to the past, clearly points the way to the revolutionary path that would soon follow. In the “Titan” Symphony, Mahler presents the life and trials of a hero, who triumphs at the work’s close — but not before an epic struggle. This concert features the “Titan” Symphony’s final movement.
Reflections on the Finale of Mahler’s “Titan” Symphony Neither symphony audiences nor musicians can adequately prepare themselves for the shocking down beat of Mahler’s 1st Symphony Finale. Intensity itself even acquires a new meaning as the composer unleashes a symphonic magnitude for which he is so well known, pushing the boundaries of orchestral dynamic contrast to the very end of this tremendous work. While sure to excite listeners suddenly surrounded by a violent emotional whirlwind of sound, a similar, if not more thrilling experience awaits the musicians facing this final movement. The brass immediately establish the stormy, turbulent mood with a sharp, explosive chord precisely marked at fortississimo, setting the string section aflame with a frantic melodic shriek. Hearts surely racing, the blazing momentum of the strings launches the orchestra into the first theme, pitching and rolling at every unforeseen moment. Yet, almost as suddenly as it began, the music seems to reach an uneasy lull: just enough time to give musicians a chance to catch their breath in preparation for an equally demanding change of mood. Through a series of melodic developments bursting at the seams with expressive potential, violins sing their hearts out as Mahler includes one last loving declaration, the eye of the musical hurricane. Of course, as expected the key evolves once again towards a resounding minor, leading both musicians and listeners into the brunt of the storm where the first theme again reappears with a vengeance. Enduring the tempest in all its fury, the music finally emerges with a glorious liberating motif, quiet at first, but steadily building to a magnificent culmination unrivaled by even the grandest Wagnerian overture. An endurance test of the most epic proportions, Mahler’s “Titan” Finale squeezes every last ounce of energy
30 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
from any orchestra, leaving musicians and audiences in an unforgettable euphoria long after its boisterous conclusion. — Davis Butner Davis Butner, a violinist and undergraduate student at the College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, has interned for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra the past two summers.
jere flint, Conductor The Zeist Foundation Youth Orchestra Conductor Chair
I
n addition to being a cellist in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for three decades, Jere Flint has served as Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) since 1979. In this capacity, Mr. Flint directs weekly ASYO rehearsals and the Youth Orchestra’s three major concerts each season. Mr. Flint is also a Staff Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, leading concerts such as the popular Jere Flint Symphony Street concerts for youngsters, Family Concerts, as well as Delta Classic Chastain concerts at Chastain Park Amphitheater and the Orchestra’s summer home, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park. Mr. Flint has a Bachelor of Music degree from Wittenberg University in Ohio, where he also served as assistant director of its noted choir. While still a student, he arranged and conducted two Christmas recordings by the choir for Columbia Records. Mr. Flint received his Master of Arts degree in Music from the University of Washington in Seattle, while also serving as manager of the University Festival Opera Company, and Music Director for the School of Drama. He later studied conducting under Otto-Werner Mueller.Mr. Flint has also led performances at Brevard Music Center, Sewanee Summer Music Center, Atlanta-Emory Orchestra and the Southeastern Music Center.
atlanta symphony youth orchestra
T
he Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) is an integral member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra family and a vigorous part of the cultural fabric of its community. The ASYO strives for national preeminence among youth orchestras, while cultivating the artistic growth and excellence of its members through enriching orchestral experiences and the mentoring of Atlanta Symphony musicians Established in 1974, the Atlanta Symphony Youth Atlanta Symphony Orchestra provides Atlanta’s most talented and dedicated Youth Orchestra students with an outlet to perform masterworks. Each year, more than 300 instrumentalists ages 13-18 audition for one of approximately 120 seats in the orchestra. Led by Youth Orchestra Music Director Jere Flint, the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra presents three concert series each year, and members have exclusive invitations to participate in readings and master classes with the top artists in the instrumental music industry.
32 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
program 2011-12 Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra
Jere Flint, Music Director and Conductor The Zeist Foundation Youth Orchestra Conductor Chair A Division of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Robert Spano, Music Director Donald Runnicles, Principal Guest Conductor Stanley Romanstein, Ph. D., President First Violin Sheehan Hanrahan Alpharetta HS Concertmaster Catherine Chen Northview HS Eileen Cheng Chattahoochee HS Claudia Cheung Pope HS Kevin Fan Chamblee HS Emily Fan Walton HS Cassidy Goldblatt Home School Miki Hayashi Northview HS Brandon Hou Gwinnett School of Math, Science and Technology Grace Johnston Home School Joseph Jung Johns Creek HS Angela Kim Johns Creek HS Do Young Kim Brookwood HS Tatsuya Kudo Walton HS Taishi Namura Pope HS James Pinder Home School Debbie Shim The Westminster Schools Kevin Sun Johns Creek HS George Tang Centennial HS Micah Wallen Home School Second Violin Keanu Mitanga, Principal Atlanta International School Eugene Ahn South Forsyth MS Vivian Cheng Autrey Mill MS David Chyan Northview HS Helena DeGrazia Kings Ridge Christian School Olivia Holladay Walton HS
Hansung Kang Parkview HS Joon Kang North Gwinnett HS Andrew Koonce Woodward Academy Eri Kudo Walton HS Justin Lee Northview HS Huijeong Lee Duluth HS Jenny Li Peachtree Ridge HS Hana Oberst Walton HS Joseph Pang River Trail MS Yejin Shin Lambert HS Timothy Shu The Westminster Schools Joshua Shue Northview HS Justin Welch Sandy Creek HS Andrew Zou Northview HS Viola Erin Pitts, Principal Chamblee MS William Anderson New Creation Christian Academy Monica Caldwell Shiloh HS Katherine Hur The Westminster Schools Haerin Im Walton HS Anna Jackson Collins Hill HS Leigh Johnson Peachtree Ridge HS Richard Lee Peachtree Ridge HS Larissa Mapua North Cobb HS Jerry Nonaka Pope HS Matthew O’Shaughnessy Milton HS Patrick Wu Northview HS Victor Wu Duluth HS Nicholas Wynn South Cobb HS
Cello Myrtil Mitanga, Principal Atlanta International School Ahanu Banerjee Druid Hills HS Anna Bing Paideia School Jeewon Chon Northview HS Andrew Cleveland Grady HS Joseph Fan Chamblee HS Bailey Holbrook Walton HS Ivan Liu Milton HS Mitzi Okou Druid Hills HS Andrew Short Druid Hills HS Wick Simmons Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School Brian Song Lakeside HS Bass Jared Houseman, Co-Principal Dacula HS Nick Scholefield, Co-Principal Allatoona HS Maren Eden North Atlanta HS Kathyrn Jane Evans Lassiter HS Dennis Frank Marist School Geoffrey Solomon Druid Hills HS Andrew Sommer Walton HS Nicholas Twarog Brookwood HS Ryan Whitfield Brookwood HS Flute Hally Davidson Home School Kaegan Gregory Rockdale County HS Lauren Rosenblatt Parkview HS Alexandra Smith The Westminster Schools
Oboe Rachel Corbitt South Forsyth HS Lauren Firestone Riverwood International Cassie Pilgrim Wesleyan School Erin Shyr Lakeside HS Clarinet Barret Ham First Presbyterian Day School Justin Kim Northview HS Tyler Moore Allatoona HS John Simpson Milton HS Bassoon Shelby Jones East Coweta HS Will Lawson Pickens HS Madeline Miller Home School Haley Strauss Starr’s Mill HS Horn Jack Bryant Winder Barrow HS Christopher Leitten Samford HS Brooke Martin Habersham HS Chelsea McFarland Decatur HS Amy Melton Whitewater HS Markus Minton Walton HS Stephen Newberry Creekview HS Stefan Williams Morgan County HS Trumpet Trey Christopher Auburn HS Jason Grooms Lassiter HS Jon Klausman Kell HS Elisabeth Lusche Auburn HS Cara McDermott Milton HS
Trombone Luke Anders McIntosh HS Kenton Campbell Grayson HS Jahleel Smith Tri Cities HS Zachary Whitney Davidson Fine Arts Tuba Colin Benton McIntosh HS David Nelson A.C Reynolds HS Percussion Jordan Carter B.E. Mays HS Chris Rickard Savanna Lawing Galloway School Nicholas Stevens Lassiter HS Harp Tinsley Stokes North Atlanta HS Keyboard Catherine Xie Johns Creek HS Librarians William Anderson New Creation Christian Academy Anna Bing Paideia School
Players in each section are listed alphabetically Brass & woodwinds have rotating sections. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the music educators who have trained, mentored, and encouraged these talented young people.
encoreatlanta.com/Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication 33
Keanu Mitanga, Violin
K
eanu Mitanga began playing the violin at age 4. At 9-years-old, he auditioned for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program, and has been a member in good standing ever since. He also auditioned for the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra last year, where he now holds the position of principal second violin. Keanu has attended many summer music camps and festivals including the Meadowmount School of Music, Keanu Mitanga the Sewanee Summer Music Festival, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Stringendo and Scherzando in France. Keanu has been a merit scholarship recipient at almost all of these camps. He received an honorable mention in the ASYO’s concerto competition last year, and won it this year. He also advanced to the semi finals of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival concerto competition and won first prize in the Rising Stars Competition. Keanu has been studying with Justin Bruns of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra through the ASO Talent Development Program for the past three years. He actively participates in classical music-related community activities and teaches two private students using the Suzuki method. Keanu attends the Atlanta International School where he is working towards the International Baccalaureate Program.
HALLY DAVIDSON, Flute
H
ally Davidson, a National Merit Commended Scholar and avid musician, began playing flute and piano at age 7. Hally has studied under Carl Hall for six years and periodically with Christina Smith, both members of the Atlanta Symphony. After four seasons with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Hally considers playing under Maestro Flint the highlight of her high school experiences. Over the last 11 years, Hally has received several Hally Davidson awards. She has been heard nationwide on NPR’s From the Top! and is a Coca-Cola Artistin-Residence for Atlanta Public Schools. Additionally, Hally has won the Atlanta Flute Club’s Young Artist Competition, Cumming Rising Stars Concerto Competition, Atlanta Music Club Competition, Atlanta J.S. Bach Competition, Buckhead Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition, and Hilton Head Concerto Competition. She has been principal flutist at All-State for five years. Hally has enjoyed playing in small ASYO ensembles at the Arthur Blank offices, Delta Headquarters, the International Monetary Fund Reception, Atlanta Symphony’s Board of Directors Meeting and Atlantic Station. This fall, Hally plans to pursue music and biology at Agnes Scott College under their presidential scholarship. Hally looks forward to continuing her volunteer work with elementary students through the program she has written, Classical Music and the Trivium.
34 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
support The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the generous gifts of individuals, corporations, foundations, government and other entities whose contributions help the Orchestra fulfill its mission to be a vigorous part of the cultural fabric of our community. The following list represents the cumulative total of philanthropy of $1,750 and above to the Orchestra’s fundraising campaigns, events and special initiatives from 2011 and 2012. (Please note that donor benefits are based solely on contributions to the annual fund.) $500,000+
Mrs. Thalia N. Carlos** The Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation Delta Air Lines The Zeist Foundation, Inc. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation $250,000+
Madeline & Howell Adams, Jr. Mrs. Anne Cox Chambers
The Coca-Cola Company Mrs. William A. Schwartz
$100,000+
Lynn Eden GE Asset Management Abraham J. & Phyllis Katz Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. McTier
Turner Broadcasting System The Vasser Woolley Foundation, Inc. Woodruff Arts Center
$75,000+
Thalia & Michael C. Carlos Foundation
Fulton County Arts Council National Endowment for the Arts
UPS
$50,000+
Anonymous AT&T Real Yellow Pages GE Energy The Graves Foundation InterContinental Hotels Group Invesco
The Charles Loridans Foundation, Inc. The Reiman Foundation Mr. Thurmond Smithgall Robert Spano Susan & Thomas Wardell
SunTrust Bank SunTrust Foundation SunTrust Bank Trusteed Foundation – Walter H. and Marjory M. Rich Memorial Fund Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP
$35,000+
Georgia Natural Gas Massey Charitable Trust
Porsche Cars North America Publix Super Markets Charities
Patty & Doug Reid
John H. & Wilhelmina D. Harland Charitable Foundation, Inc. King & Spalding Lucy R. & Gary Lee, Jr. MetLife Foundation The Sara Giles Moore Foundation Terence L. & Jeanne P. Neal*
Victoria & Howard Palefsky Mr. & Mrs. Solon P. Patterson* Printpack Inc. & The Gay & Erskine Love Foundation Ryder System, Inc. Mrs. Charles A. Smithgall, Jr. Adair & Dick White Ann Marie & John B. White, Jr.* Sue & Neil Williams
$25,000+
Jim & Adele Abrahamson Susan & Richard Anderson Stephanie & Arthur Blank Mr. & Mrs. C. Merrell Calhoun Mr. & Mrs. Bradley Currey, Jr. Marcia & John Donnell Catherine Warren Dukehart Georgia Council for the Arts Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation
*We are grateful to these donors for taking the extra time to acquire matching gifts from their employers. **Deceased.
encoreatlanta.com/Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication 35
$17,500+
Anonymous (2) Alston & Bird LLP The Arnold Foundation, Inc. Kelley O. & Neil H. Berman Mr. & Mrs. Paul J. Blackney
Janine Brown & Alex J. Simmons, Jr. City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs Gary & Nancy Fayard Mr. & Mrs. Paul R. Garcia Jane & Clay Jackson
Amy & Mark Kistulinec Karole & John Lloyd Kelly Loeffler & Jeffrey C. Sprecher Mr. Kenneth & Dr. Carolyn Meltzer Loren & Gail Starr
Alison M. & Joseph M. Thompson Chilton & Morgan Varner Patrick & Susie Viguerie Camille Yow
Mr. Donald F. Fox Charles & Mary Ginden Global Payments, Inc. D. Kirk Jamieson, Verizon Wireless Ann A. & Ben F. Johnson III* Sarah & Jim Kennedy Steve & Eydie Koonin
Carrie & Brian Kurlander Michael & Cindi Lang Donna Lee & Howard C. Ehni Meghan & Clarke Magruder Nordstrom, Inc. Suzanne & Bill Plybon Dr. Stanley & Shannon Romanstein
Joyce & Henry Schwob Irene & Howard Stein Mary Rose Taylor Mike & Liz Troy Ray & John Uttenhove Mr. & Mrs. Edus H. Warren, Jr.
Dr. John W. Cooledge Trisha & Doug Craft Cari Katrice Dawson Eleanor & Charles Edmondson Rosi & Arnoldo Fiedotin Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence L. Gellerstedt III Mary D. Gellerstedt GMT Capital Corporation Nancy D. Gould Joe Guthridge & David Ritter* Jan & Tom Hough Mr. Tad Hutcheson
Roya & Bahman Irvani Robert J. Jones Anne Morgan & Jim Kelley Mr. & Mrs. Donald R. Keough James H. Landon Mr. & Mrs. John M. Law Pat & Nolan Leake The Livingston Foundation, Inc. Mike’s Hard Lemonade Morgens West Foundation Primerica Margaret & Bob Reiser Bill & Rachel Schultz*
Mr. John A. Sibley III Siemens Industry, Inc. John Sparrow Carol & Ramon Tome Family Fund* Trapp Family Turner Foundation, Inc. Charlie Wade & M.J. Conboy Mark & Rebekah Wasserman Neal & Virginia Williams Suzanne Bunzl Wilner
Atlanta Federation of Musicians Jeff & Ann Cramer*
Jere & Patsy Drummond Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Hill, Jr. JBS Foundation
The Hellen Plummer Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Richard A. & Lynne N. Dorfman Christopher & Sonnet Edmonds Dr. & Mrs. Carl D. Fackler David L. Forbes James F. Fraser The Fraser-Parker Foundation, Inc. Betty Sands Fuller Sally & Carl Gable Dick & Anne Goodsell Mr. & Mrs. David Gould The Robert Hall Gunn, Jr. Fund The Jamieson Family
Paul & Rosthema Kastin Philip I. Kent Lanier Parking Solutions George H. Lanier The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation, Inc. Links Inc., Azalea City Chapter Belinda & Gino Massafra Linda & John Matthews John F. & Marilyn M. McMullan Penelope & Raymond McPhee*
Dr. & Mrs. Mark P. Pentecost, Jr. Margaret H. Petersen Hamilton & Mason Smith* Sandy & Paul Smith The Southern Company Peter James Stelling Mrs. C. Preston Stephens Triska Drake & G. Kimbrough Taylor, Jr. Ms. Kimberly Tribble & Mr. Mark S. Lange Russell Williamson & Shawn Pagliarini
Ellen & Howard Feinsand Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta Herbert & Marian Haley Foundation
Steven & Caroline Harless Sally W. Hawkins Mr. & Mrs. John E. Hellriegel
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel H. Hollums JoAnn Hall Hunsinger Dr. & Mrs. James T. Laney*
$15,000+
Pinney L. Allen & Charles C. Miller III The Antinori Foundation Lisa & Joe Bankoff The Boston Consulting Group Mr. & Mrs. David Edmiston Admiral James O. Ellis, Jr. in memory of Polly Ellis $10,000+ Anonymous AGCO Corporation, Lucinda B. Smith Mark & Christine Armour The Balloun Family Mr. David Boatwright The Breman Foundation, Inc. The John & Rosemary Brown Family Foundation The Walter & Frances Bunzl Foundation Cynthia & Donald Carson Dr. & Mrs. S. Wright Caughman $7,500+ The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc.
$5,000+ Anonymous (2) Aadu & Kristi Allpere* Ms. Julie M. Altenbach In honor of Dominick Argento Arnall Golden Gregory LLP The ASCAP Foundation Irving Caesar Fund Ms. Suzanne Dansby Bollman Bubba Brands, Inc. Dr. Robert L. & Lucinda W. Bunnen Charles Campbell & Ann Grovenstein-Campbell Mary Helen & Jim Dalton
$3,500+ Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Chorba Mr. James L. Davis & Ms. Carol Comstock*
36 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
support
$3,500+ continued Mr. & Mrs. William C. Lester* Mr. & Mrs. Albert S. McGhee Deborah & William Liss Mr. & Mrs. Harmon B. Miller III Dr. & Mrs. James T. Lowman Walter W. Mitchell Ruth & Paul Marston
Leslie & Skip Petter Mr. & Mrs. Joel F. Reeves S.A. Robinson Nancy & Henry Shuford
In memory of Willard Shull Elliott Sopkin Burton Trimble H. & T. Yamashita*
Drs. Carlos del Rio & Jeannette Guarner Gregory & Debra Durden Ms. Diane Durgin Francine D. Dykes & Richard H. Delay The Robert S. Elster Foundation John & Michelle Fuller Mr. & Mrs. Edward T. Garland Dr. Mary G. George & Mr. Kenneth Molinelli Ben & Lynda Greer Dr. & Mrs. Alexander Gross Paul B., Paul H., & M. Harrison Hackett Darlene K. Henson Mr. Thomas Hooten & Ms. Jennifer Marotta Mr. & Mrs. Harry C. Howard Richard & Linda Hubert Dr. William M. Hudson Dr. & Mrs. James M. Hund Dorothy Jackson** Ms. Cynthia Jeness Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Johnson Mr. W. F. & Dr. Janice Johnston Dr. Maurice J. Jurkiewicz** Mr. & Mrs. Gert Kampfer Hazel & Herb Karp
Mr. & Mrs. John H. Kauffman Mr. & Mrs. L. Michael Kelly Dick & Georgia Kimball* Mr. & Mrs. Daniel J. King Dr. & Mrs. Scott I. Lampert Thomas C. Lawson Dr. Fulton D. Lewis III & Mr. Neal Rhoney Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Lutz* Mr. & Mrs. Frederick C. Mabry Barbara & Jim MacGinnitie The Devereaux F. & Dorothy McClatchey Foundation, Inc. Birgit & David McQueen Virginia K. McTague Gregory & Judy Moore Ms. Lilot S. Moorman & Mr. Jeffrey B. Bradley Dr. & Mrs. R. Daniel Nable Robert & Mary Ann Olive Ms. Rebecca Oppenheimer Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Penninger Susan Perdew Elise T. Phillips Mr. & Mrs. Rezin Pidgeon, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. W. Harrison Reeves, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Rodgers Mr. & Mrs. George P. Rodrigue
John & Kyle Rogers Dr. Paul J. Seguin Elizabeth S. Sharp Angela & Morton Sherzer Kay R. Shirley Beverly & Milton Shlapak Helga Hazelrig Siegel Lewis Silverboard Sydney Simons Baker & Debby Smith Amy & Paul Snyder Mr. & Mrs. Raymond F. Stainback, Jr. Lynne & Steven Steindel* John & Yee-Wan Stevens Mr. & Mrs. George B. Taylor, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Mark Taylor Annie-York Trujillo & Raul F. Trujillo Mr. William C. Voss Mr. & Mrs. Randolph O. Watson Dr. & Mrs. Roger P. Webb Dr. & Mrs. James O. Wells, Jr. David & Martha West Mr. & Mrs. Peter L. Whitcup Mary Lou Wolff Jan & Beattie Wood Mr. & Mrs. John C. Yates
George T. & Alecia H. Ethridge Peg Simms Gary Bill & Susan Gibson Carol & Henry Grady Mary C. Gramling Mr. Lewis H. Hamner III Thomas High In memory of Carolyn B. Hochman Stephanie & Henry Howell Mr. & Mrs. William C. Humphreys, Jr. Mary B. & Wayne James Aaron & Joyce Johnson Baxter P. Jones Lana M. Jordan Mr. Thomas J. Jung Dr. Rose Mary Kolpatzki Mr. & Mrs. David Krischer Dr. J. Bancroft Lesesne Mr. & Mrs. Craig P. MacKenzie
Kay & John Marshall Martha & Reynolds McClatchey Captain & Mrs. Charles M. McCleskey Angela & Jimmy Mitchell Mrs. Gene Morse** Barbara & Sanford Orkin Keith & Dana Osborn Dr. & Mrs. Bernard H. Palay Mr. & Mrs. Emory H. Palmer Mr. Robert Peterson Dr. & Mrs. Frank S. Pittman III The Reverend Neal P. Ponder, Jr. Provaré Technology, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. David M. Ratcliffe Ms. Susan Robinson & Ms. Mary Roemer The Gary Rollins Foundation John T. Ruff Dr. & Mrs. Rein Saral
Alida & Stuart Silverman Alex & Betty Smith Foundation, Inc. Johannah Smith Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Steagall Dr. Elizabeth Glenn Stow Kay & Alex Summers Poppy Tanner Elvira Tate Mr. & Mrs. William M. Tipping Ms. Sheila L. Tschinkel Drs. Jonne & Paul Walter Alan & Marcia Watt Drs. Julius & Nanette Wenger William & Rebecca White* Hubert H. Whitlow, Jr. Mrs. Frank L. Wilson, Jr. Charlie & Dorothy Yates Family Fund Herbert & Grace Zwerner
$2,250+ Anonymous (3) Mrs. Kay Adams* & Mr. Ralph Paulk John** & Helen Aderhold Mr. & Mrs. Phillip E. Alvelda* Mr. & Mrs. Stephen D. Ambo Paul & Marian Anderson Jack & Helga Beam Ms. Laura J. Bjorkholm & Mr. John C. Reece II Rita & Herschel Bloom Edith H. & James E. Bostic, Jr. Family Foundation Margo Brinton & Eldon Park Jacqueline A. & Joseph E. Brown, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Anton J. Bueschen Major General & Mrs. Robert M. Bunker Dr. Aubrey M. Bush & Dr. Carol T. Bush The Buss Family Charitable Fund Ms. Marnite B. Calder Mr. & Mrs. Beauchamp C. Carr Ralph & Rita Connell Chip & Darlene Conrad Mr. & Mrs. Thomas G. Cousins Mr. Robert Cronin & Ms. Christina Smith Sally & Larry Davis
$1,750+ Anonymous Dr. David & Julie Bakken Mr. & Mrs. Ron Bell Dr. & Mrs. Joel E. Berenson Leon & Linda Borchers Mr.** & Mrs. Eric L. Brooker Mr. & Mrs. Russell E. Butner Mr. & Mrs. Walter K. Canipe Susan & Carl Cofer Mr. & Mrs. R. Barksdale Collins* Dr. & Mrs. William T. Cook Jean & Jerry Cooper Mr. & Mrs. Brant Davis* Mrs. H. Frances Davis Deloitte Peter & Vivian de Kok Elizabeth & John Donnelly Xavier Duralde & Mary Barrett Cree & Frazer Durrett Mary Frances Early Ree & Ralph Edwards Heike & Dieter Elsner
*We are grateful to these donors for taking the extra time to acquire matching gifts from their employers. **Deceased.
encoreatlanta.com/Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication 37
additional support Blonder Family Foundation
William McDaniel Charitable Foundation
Appassionato
William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fund
Meghan Magruder, Appassionato Chair
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is privileged to receive annual contributions from individuals throughout the Southeast. Appassionato was inaugurated in 2000 and welcomes annual givers of $10,000 and above. Appassionato members provide the Symphony with a continuous and strong financial base in support of our ambitious aritistic and education initiatives.
Patron Partnership
Thomas J. Jung, Chair
The Patron Partnership of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is the society of donors who have given $1,750 or more and comprise a vital extension of the Orchestra family through their institutional leadership and financial support.
Henry Sopkin Circle Honoring the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s first Music Director, the Henry Sopkin Circle recognizes our friends who have planned bequests and other gifts to benefit the Orchestra’s future. We remain grateful to all Henry Sopkin Circle members – past and present – for their generosity, trust, and vision. Madeline & Howell E. Adams, Jr. Mr.* & Mrs. John E. Aderhold William & Marion Atkins Dr. & Mrs. William Bauer Neil H. Berman Mr.* & Mrs. Sol Blaine W. Moses Bond Robert* & Sidney Boozer Elinor A. Breman William Breman* James C. Buggs, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Richard H. Burgin Hugh W. Burke Wilber W. Caldwell Mr. & Mrs. C. Merrell Calhoun Cynthia & Donald Carson Margie & Pierce Cline Dr. & Mrs. Grady Clinkscales, Jr. Dr. John W. Cooledge John R. Donnell Catherine Warren Dukehart Ms. Diane Durgin Kenneth P. Dutter Arnold & Sylvia Eaves Elizabeth Etoll Rosi & Arnoldo Fiedotin Dr. Emile T. Fisher
A. D. Frazier, Jr. Nola Frink Betty & Drew* Fuller Carl & Sally Gable William H. Gaik Mr.* & Mrs. L. L. Gellerstedt, Jr. Ruth Gershon & Sandy Cohn Micheline & Bob Gerson Mr. & Mrs. John T. Glover Robert Hall Gunn, Jr. Billie & Sig* Guthman Betty G.* & Joseph F.* Haas James & Virginia Hale Miss Alice Ann Hamilton* Dr. Charles H. Hamilton* John & Martha Head Ms. Jeannie Hearn Richard E. Hodges Mr. & Mrs. Charles K. Holmes, Jr. Mr.* & Mrs. Fred A. Hoyt, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. James M. Hund Mary B. James Calvert Johnson Herb & Hazel Karp Anne Morgan & Jim Kelley Bob Kinsey James W. & Mary Ellen* Kitchell
38 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
Paul Kniepkamp, Jr. Miss Florence Kopleff Ouida Hayes Lanier Mr. & Mrs. William Lester Liz & Jay* Levine Jane Little Mrs. J. Erskine Love, Jr. Nell Galt & Will D. Magruder K Maier John W. Markham, III Dr. Michael S. McGarry Mr. & Mrs. Richard McGinnis John & Clodagh Miller Mr. & Mrs. Bertil D. Nordin Roger B. Orloff Dr. Bernard & Sandra Palay Dan R. Payne Bill Perkins Mr. & Mrs. Rezin E. Pidgeon, Jr. Janet M. Pierce Reverend Neal P. Ponder, Jr. William L. & Lucia Fairlie Pulgram The Reiman Foundation Vicki J. & Joe A. Riedel Dr. Shirley E. Rivers Mr. & Mrs. Martin H. Sauser Mr. Paul S. Scharff & Ms. Polly G. Fraser
Edward G. Scruggs* Dr. & Mrs. George P. Sessions Mr. & Mrs. H. Hamilton Smith Mrs. Lessie B. Smithgall Elliott Sopkin Elizabeth Morgan Spiegel Peter James Stelling Barbara Dunbar Stewart* C. Mack* & Mary Rose Taylor Jennings Thompson IV Margaret* & Randolph Thrower Kenneth & Kathleen Tice Steven R. Tunnell Mary E. Van Valkenburgh Mr. & Mrs. John B. White, Jr. Adair & Dick White Hubert H. Whitlow, Jr. Sue & Neil Williams Mrs. Frank L. Wilson, Jr. Joni Winston George & Camille Wright Mr.* & Mrs. Charles R. Yates Anonymous (12)
*Deceased
corporate & government support
Classical Series Title Sponsor Classic Chastain Title Sponsor Family and SuperPOPS Presenting Sponsor
Holiday Title Sponsor Muhtar Kent Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Richard Anderson Chief Executive Officer
Darryl Harmon Southeast Regional President
Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council.
Atlanta School of Composers Presenting Sponsor
Supporter of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Philip I. Kent Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Jerry Karr Senior Managing Director
This program is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA also receives support from its partner agency, the National Endowment for the Arts
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra programs are supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Major support is provided by the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs.
encoreatlanta.com/Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication 39
Atlanta Symphony Associates The volunteer organization of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
2011-2012 board Sabine Sugarman Treasurer Camille Kesler VP Administration Dawn Mullican VP Public Relations Paula Ercolini VP Youth Education Ruth & Paul Marston VP Membership Gayle Lindsay Parliamentarian
Ann Levin & Gail Spurlock Historians Judy Schmidt Nominating Committee Chair Amy Musarra, Chair, Decorators’ Show House & Gardens Natalie Miller & Hillary Inglis Co-Chairs, Decorators’ Show House & Gardens
Janis Eckert, Nancy Fields & Gail Spurlock Chairs, ASA Fall Meeting Poppy Tanner Chair, ASA Night at the ASO Glee Lamb & Adele Abrahamson Chairs, ASA Spring Luncheon Pat King ASA Notes Newsletter Editor Jamie Moussa Chair, ASA Annual Directory
Nancy Levitt Ambassadors’ Desk Helen Marie Rutter Bravo Chair Elba McCue Concerto Chair Joan Abernathy Encore Chair Liz Cohn & Betty Jeter Ensemble Chairs Karen Bunn Intermezzo Chair Whitley Greene Vivace Chair
Terry Shivers
Belinda Massafra President Sylvia Davidson President Elect Suzy Wasserman, Leslie Petter, Camille Yow Advisors Elba McCue Secretary
Stanley Romanstein, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra President, and Amy Musarra, Decorators’ Show House and Gardens Chair. Celebrating its 42nd Anniversary, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Announces its Decorators’ Show House & Gardens at the magnificent Phillip Trammel Shutze’s Knollwood Estate from April 21 through May 13, 2012. Organized by the Atlanta Symphony Associates, proceeds will support the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s (ASO) Education and Community Engagement programs, including the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Talent Development Program. For more information visit decoratorsshowhouse.org .
40 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
Patron Circle of Stars By investing $15,000 or more in The Woodruff Arts Center and its divisions — the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art and Young Audiences — these outstanding Annual Corporate Campaign donors helped us raise more than $8.9 million last year. Thank you!
Chairman’s Council ★★★★★★★★★★★★ $500,000+ The Coca-Cola Company Georgia Power Foundation, Inc. UPS
KPMG LLP, Partners & Employees The Rich Foundation, Inc. Wells Fargo
★★★★★★★ $100,000+ Alston & Bird LLP ★★★★★★★★★★★ Bank of America $450,000+ Kaiser Permanente Cox Interests Atlanta Journal-Constitution, King & Spalding Partners & Employees James M. Cox Foundation, Cox Radio Group Atlanta, The Klaus Family Foundation WSB-TV The Marcus Foundation, Inc. Hon. Anne Cox Chambers The Sara Giles Moore Foundation Novelis Inc. ★★★★★★★★★★ Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. $300,000+ The David, Helen & Marian Deloitte LLP, its Partners Woodward Fund & Employees ★★★★★★★★★ $200,000+ AT&T The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Inc. Ernst & Young, Partners & Employees The Home Depot Foundation Jones Day Foundation & Employees PwC Partners & Employees Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation SunTrust Bank Employees & Trusteed Foundations Florence C. & Harry L. English Memorial Fund Greene-Sawtell Foundation SunTrust Foundation Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. ★★★★★★★★ $150,000+ Delta Air Lines, Inc. Equifax Inc. & Employees
★★★★★★ $75,000+ AirTran Airways Holder Construction Company Kilpatrick Townsend The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation, Inc. Regions Financial Corporation ★★★★★ $50,000+ AGL Resources Inc. Lisa & Joe Bankoff Cisco Ann & Jay Davis Doosan Infracore International Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Frank Jackson Sandy Springs Toyota and Scion Beth & Tommy Holder Newell Rubbermaid Primerica
42 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
Devyne Stephens Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP The Zeist Foundation, Inc. ★★★★ $35,000+ Katharine & Russell Bellman Foundation Bryan Cave LLP Mr. & Mrs. Bradley Currey, Jr. GE Energy Georgia-Pacific The Imlay Foundation, Inc. Invesco PLC Norfolk Southern, Employees & Foundation Siemens Industry, Inc. Alex & Betty Smith Foundation, Inc. Harris A. Smith Frances Wood Wilson Foundation, Inc ★★★ $25,000+ Accenture & Accenture Employees Air Serv Corporation Atlanta Foundation Julie & Jim Balloun BB&T Corporation Laura & Stan Blackburn CIGNA Foundation Cousins Properties Incorporated Crawford & Company Ford & Harrison LLP Jack & Anne Glenn Foundation, Inc. GMT Capital Corporation Infor Global Solutions ING Sarah & Jim Kennedy Philip I. Kent Foundation The Ray M. & Mary Elizabeth Lee Foundation, Inc.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions The Blanche Lipscomb Foundation Macy’s Foundation Katherine John Murphy Foundation Patty & Doug Reid Family Foundation RockTenn SCANA Energy Southwire Company Sprint Foundation Towers Watson Troutman Sanders LLP Waffle House, Inc. Gertrude & William C. Wardlaw Fund ★★ $15,000+ A. E. M. Family Foundation ACE Charitable Foundation AlixPartners Alvarez & Marsal Arnall Golden Gregory LLP The Partners & Employees of Atlanta Equity Investors Atlanta Marriott Marquis Beaulieu Group, LLC Susan R. Bell & Patrick M. Morris The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation The Boston Consulting Group Catherine S. & J. Bradford Branch The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Roxanne & Jeffrey Cashdan Center Family Foundation Mr. Charles Center Mr. & Mrs. Fred Halperin Ms. Charlene Berman
Chartis Chick-fil-A, Inc. CornerCap Investment Counsel Duke Realty Corporation Egon Zehnder International Eisner Family Foundation Feinberg Charitable Trust Fifth Third Bank First Data Corporation Gas South, LLC Genuine Parts Company Georgia Natural Gas Dolores & Javier C. Goizueta Grant Thornton LLP Harland Clarke HD Supply The Howell Fund, Inc. ICS Contract Services, LLC Mr. & Mrs. M. Douglas Ivester Jamestown Mr. & Mrs. Tom O. Jewell Weldon H. Johnson Family Foundation Ingrid Saunders Jones Jones Day Foundation, in honor of James H. Landon Mr. & Mrs. Muhtar Kent Kurt P. Kuehn & Cheryl Davis Lanier Parking Solutions The Latham Foundation Barbara W. & Bertram L. Levy Fund Livingston Foundation, Inc. Karole & John Lloyd Lockheed Martin Marsh-Mercer Mohawk Industries, Inc. & Frank H. Boykin Mueller Water Products, Inc. Gail & Bob O’Leary Vicki R. Palmer
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP Piedmont Charitable Foundation, Inc. Printpack Inc./The Gay & Erskine Love Foundation Mary & Craig Ramsey Mr. & Mrs. David M. Ratcliffe Emily Winship Scott Foundation Skanska USA Building Inc. Spencer Stuart Karen & John Spiegel Superior Essex Inc. Sysco Atlanta United Distributors, Inc. WATL/WXIA/Gannett Foundation Sue & John Wieland Mr. & Mrs. James B. Williams Sue & Neil Williams Carla & Leonard Wood The Xerox Foundation Yancey Bros. Co. Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Yellowlees *Annual Campaign Donors from June 1, 2010 May 31, 2011
encoreatlanta.com/Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication 43
Continued from page 22
role, and it’s been wonderful watching her career skyrocket.” This production will also feature the unveiling of a brand-new staging experience, Symphony V.0 — a collaboration between the Alpharetta-based company Clark, and James Alexander, the director who has designed and directed five Theater of a Concert productions, including Doctor Atomic, Madama Butterfly and La bohème. Alexander is already renowned for his ingenious use of projections, but he says that Symphony V.0 transforms what has been a somewhat one-dimensional
Soprano Shu-Ying Li sings the role of Butterfly, with Robert Spano conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Chorus in a Theater of a Concert performance of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly; in June 2011.
44 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
Jeff Roffman
Atlanta audiences will be treated to a production featuring the soloists for whom Adams wrote the work, and who performed in its world premiere in Vienna in 2006: bass Eric Owens, as the Narrator; tenor Russell Thomas as the Prince; and Jessica Rivera as Kumudha. In an interview last year, Adams talked about the artists: “I knew Eric very well because I wrote the role of General Groves for him in Doctor Atomic. Russell Thomas came to an audition, and I was blown away. I’m always very grateful when I get him to sing, because now everybody wants him. Jessica was barely known when she took on this
As excited as he is about the technology, Alexander’s priority is always the music and the musicians. “In these concert operas, I immerse the singers in the experience. They are used to pit orchestras; suddenly they’re standing with the musicians. They all become colleagues as never before.” He also promises that the Atlanta Symphony Chorus — whose text Adams rendered in Spanish to make the work more universal — will be important participants in the action, serving, Alexander says, “as a mask or screen on which to project images.” The Orchestra, as in previous Concert of a Theater productions, will be fully involved. “Why would I put this Rolls Royce of an orchestra in a pit? I prefer to make them the focus of attention.”
Jeff Roffman
The musicians of the Orchestra relish these opportunities, according to Principal Trombone Colin Williams, a 10-year Atlanta veteran, who has performed in all
Soprano Shu-Ying Li with James Alexander. Puccini’s Madama Butterfly; in June 2011.
Robert Spano and John Adams for his Doctor Atomic; in November 2008.
Jeff Roffman
technology into a multidimensional “immersive experience.” While Alexander is already at work on several Symphony V.0 productions in other cities, he wanted “Atlanta to have it first because they introduced me to the Clark guys.”
the Theater of a Concert productions. “For some music, like a Brahms symphony, it’s great for the Orchestra to be the focus of attention, but there’s other music that really benefits from the larger context. I enjoy being part of something that’s memorable and cool; I like being part of a process that engages the audience.” Alexander, who directs productions all over the world, has special praise for Atlanta audiences: “In big anonymous cities, when one steps outside, the audience ignores you. Here they say, ‘I need to tell you something.’ They ask interesting questions; they tell you what they saw. I always feel very welcome.” For Robert Spano, who has conducted 11 of Adams’ works with the Atlanta Symphony alone, A Flowering Tree represents another chance to involve himself in the work of a composer for whom he has a tremendous affinity: “It’s great to continue to explore Adams’s music. He’s one of the composers we have developed an ongoing relationship with. In many ways, we’re the ultimate Adams orchestra now.” Madeline Rogers, a freelance writer and editor, is the former Director of Publications at the New York Philharmonic.
Our Professional Ensemble Bruce V. Benator, CPA, Managing Partner Kevin J. Hedrick, CPA, Partner Steven G. Horn, CPA, Partner Laura E. Speir, CPA, Partner Patricia A. Yeager, CPA, Partner
Certified Public Accountants and Consultants For 30 years, the FIRM of CHOICE in Atlanta
NO rehearsals ONLY performances 1040 Crown Pointe Parkway, NE • Suite 400 • Atlanta, Georgia 30338 Phone: 770.512.0500 • www.wblcpa.com • Fax: 770.512.0200 Member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Russell Bedford International
community corner Dantes…
Meet Dantes Rameau, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Atlanta Music Project. Through the Atlanta Music Project program, he has brought music education to at-risk children throughout Atlanta. What is the Atlanta Music Project (AMP)?
The Atlanta Music Project provides intense music education for at-risk children right in their own neighborhood. Our after-school youth orchestra and choir programs take place five days a week, and we provide every student with an instrument, classes, and world-class teaching artists and performance opportunities. By virtue of their ZIP code, most of the kids we serve face a mountain of challenges that impede their chances of success in life. The Atlanta Music Project seeks to arm our students with skills that will help them overcome these challenges. Since we launched two years ago, we have observed that when kids join the Atlanta Music Project, they immediately begin to develop a stronger sense of self and a feeling of belonging to a cause. Our music ensembles empower our students to make a difference for themselves and their neighborhood. Naturally, this leads to an increase in our students’ motivation, discipline, and academic engagement.
48
What was the inspiration for the Atlanta Music Project?
The Atlanta Music Project was inspired by El Sistema, Venezuela’s renowned system of youth and children’s orchestras. Founded in 1975, El Sistema serves more than 300,000 youths each year — the majority of whom come from impoverished backgrounds — and is widely recognized as one of the best music education programs in the world. The program’s most famous alumnus is Gustavo Dudamel, who was named music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the age of 26. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra boasts another famous El Sistema alumnus in bass clarinetist Alcides Rodriguez! In addition, both myself and Aisha Bowden, the Choir Director for the Atlanta Music Project, have completed residencies in Venezuela’s El Sistema through the New England Conservatory of Music’s Sistema Fellows Program. You require a real commitment from the students, including two hours of practice per day…
Yes – It’s partly because we want our students to be safe and off of the streets after school. But then again, our students could be doing any number of after-school programs. So why spend two hours doing music?
Carlton D. Mackey
A Discussion with
Do you think there are other life skills students gain from the Atlanta Music Project, and music education in general, that transcend the musical world?
Being in a music ensemble is very similar to real life. As adults, we go to work every day to make a living and hopefully contribute our little piece to making the world a better place. For Atlanta Music Project students, they get up every day and practice their instrument individually in order to prepare their part to bring to the ensemble rehearsal. In rehearsal they develop the ability to work with their colleagues and teachers to put together the best performance possible. Through this process of music preparation,
50 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
our students are living out what it means to be committed, responsible, and productive citizens. I can’t wait to see where our students are seven or eight years from now. I wouldn’t bet against their future success! What led you to partner with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra?
In order for our program to succeed, our students need to be aware of and interact with the best musicians in the world, who can be found in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. It’s not just about our students being around a world-class orchestra, it’s about surrounding them with excellence. When young people are surrounded by excellence, they realize that they too have the tools and the capability to do big things, whether that is in music or in other fields. And being such a prominent institution, when the Orchestra puts a stamp on music education, people listen. That makes our jobs at the Atlanta Music Project much easier. And as they get older, hopefully our students will become Atlanta Symphony enthusiasts! Edited and condensed by Alex LaPierre.
Jeff Roffman
Quite simply, the intensity is what enables our students to experience a sense of accomplishment. Doing something at a high level is fun, but getting to that point requires work. Our rigorous schedule allows us to quickly get our students to a point where music-making is fun. Most importantly, along the way they come to understand the correlation between hard work and success.
calendar This Summer @ May 31/June 1/2 Thu/Fri/Sat: 8pm Magnus Lindberg: Arena Sibelius: Violin concerto Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 Robert Spano, conductor David Coucheron, violin June 7/9
Thu/Sat: 8pm John Adams: A Flowering Tree Robert Spano, conductor James Alexander, staging Jessica Rivera, soprano Russell Thomas, tenor Eric Owens, bass Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus
June 3 Sun: 7:30pm Jackie Evancho with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
July 4, 2012 Wed: 8pm David Abell, conductor Debbie Gravitte, vocalist U.S. Army Chorus All-American Celebration July 21, 2012 Sat: 8pm Martin Herman, conductor Classical Mystery Tour All You Need Is Love A Celebration of the Beatles August 12 Sun: 8pm Il Divo with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
404.733.5000 aso.org Woodruff Arts Center Box Office @15th and Peachtree Make it a group! 404.733.4848 Presented by:
Supported by:
800.745.3000 aso.org/vwa All
outlets
Make it a group! 404.733.4848 Media Sponsors:
RITCFoxTheater4.625x3.625Cocktails
4/16/12
11:14 PM
Page 1
Steak – Seafood – Sushi 5 Cocktails & $5 Small Plates
$
Daily from 3-7pm
Show this ad for a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of an entree.* raysrestaurants.com
240 Peachtree Street, NW, Atlanta, GA • 404-524-9224 Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer subject to change without notice. Offer valid at Ray's in the City only. Maximum value of appetizer is $10. Offer expires 6/12/2012.
The best restaurant Midtown has to offer ...
Located at 14th Street & Peachtree Street NE (404) 846-2000
h2sr.com
... would like to invite you to enjoy 15% off. PRESENT YOUR TICKET AND RECEIVE 15% OFF FOOD ONLY AT SHOUT* Offer valid with your Atlanta Symphony Orchestra or Fox Theatre ticket stub. Expires 5/31/12.
*
staff Administrative Staff Executive Stanley E. Romanstein, Ph.D. President Brien Faucett Assistant to the President ADMINISTRATION John Sparrow Vice President for Orchestra Initiatives & General Manager Mala Sharma Assistant to the Vice President for Orchestra Initiatives & General Manager Julianne Fish Orchestra Manager Nancy Crowder Operations/Rental Events Coordinator Russell Williamson Orchestra Personnel Manager Susanne Watts Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager Paul Barrett Senior Production Stage Manager Richard Carvlin Stage Manager Lela Huff Assistant Stage Manager Artistic Evans Mirageas Vice President for Artistic Planning Carol Wyatt Executive Assistant to the Music Director & Principal Guest Conductor Jeffrey Baxter Choral Administrator Ken Meltzer ASO Insider & Program Annotator David Zaksheske Artist Assistant
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Mark B. Kent Senior Director of Education & Community Engagement Ahmad Mayes Community Programs Coordinator Nicole Bird Education Program Coordinator Janice Crews Professional Learning Teaching Artist Tiffany I.M. Jones Education Sales Associate
ASO Presents (cont.)
MARKETING & CONCERT PROMOTIONS Charles Wade Vice President Verizon Wireless for Marketing Amphitheatre at & Symphony Pops Encore Park Alesia Banks Katie Daniel Director of Customer VIP Sales Manager Service & Season Tickets Jenny Pollock Ted Caldwell Operations Manager Group & Corporate Sales Assistant Rebecca Simmons Box Office Manager Meko Hector Marketing Production Deborah Honan Manager Customer Service Manager & Venue Rental Coordinator Jennifer Jefferson Director of e-Business & Interactive Media DEVELOPMENT Melanie Kite FINANCE & Sandy Smith Subscription ADMINISTRATION Vice President Office Manager for Development Donald F. Fox Shelby Moody Executive Vice President Rebecca Abernathy Group & Corporate for Business Operations Development Services Sales Manager & Chief Financial Officer Coordinator Kimberly Nogi Shannon McCown Zachary Brown Publicist Assistant to the Director of Executive Vice President Robert Phipps Volunteer Services for Business Operations Publications Director Corey Cowart & Chief Financial Officer Melissa A. E. Sanders Director of Susan Ambo Senior Director, Corporate Relations Vice President of Finance Communications Janina Edwards Kim Hielsberg Christine Saunders Grants Consultant Director of Financial Group & Corporate Tegan Ketchie Planning & Analysis Sales Associate Development Coordinator April Satterfield Karl Schnittke Ashley Krausen Senior Accountant Publications Editor Special Events Coordinator Peter C. Dickson Robin Smith Sarah Levin Staff Accountant Subscription Volunteer Project Manager & Education Sales Michael Richardson Melissa Muntz Venues Analyst Bill Tarulli Development Coordinator Marketing Manager Stephen Jones Meredith Schnepp Symphony Store Manager Rachel Trignano Prospect Research Officer Manager of ASO Presents Tammie Taylor Broad Based Giving Assistant to the Clay Schell Russell Wheeler Vice President, Programming VP for Development Director of Group Trevor Ralph Sarah Zabinski & Corporate Sales General Manager and Senior Individual Giving Manager Christina Wood Director of Operations Director of Marketing Holly Clausen Director of Marketing Keri Musgraves Promotions Manager Lisa Eng Graphic Artist
54 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org
Chastain Park Amphitheater Tanner Smith Program Director
general info LATE SEATING Latecomers are seated at the discretion of house management. Reserved seats are not guaranteed after the performance starts. Latecomers may be initially seated in the back out of courtesy to the musicians and other patrons. SPECIAL ASSISTANCE All programs of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra are accessible to people with disabilities. Please call the box office (404.733.5000) to make advance arrangements. SYMPHONY STORE The ASO’s gift shop is located in the galleria and offers a wide variety of items, ranging from ASO recordings and music-related merchandise to T-shirts and mugs. Proceeds benefit the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
THE ROBERT SHAW ROOM The ASO invites donors who contribute at least $1,750 annually to become members of this private salon for cocktails and dining on concert evenings — private rentals available. Call 404.733.4860. IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Concert Hotline 404.733.4949 (Recorded information) Symphony Hall Box Office 404.733.5000 Ticket Donations/Exchanges 404.733.5000 Subscription Information/Sales 404.733.4800 Group Sales 404.733.4848 Atlanta Symphony Associates 404.733.4865 (Volunteers) Educational Programs 404.733.4870 Youth Orchestra 404.733.5038 Box Office TTD Number 404.733.4303 Services for People 404.733-5000 with Special Needs 404.733.4800 Lost and Found 404.733.4225 Symphony Store 404.733.4345
ticket info CAN’T ATTEND A CONCERT? If you can’t use or exchange your tickets, please pass them on to friends or return them to the box office for resale. To donate tickets, please phone 404.733.5000 before the concert begins. A receipt will be mailed to you in January acknowledging the value of all tickets donated for resale during the year. SINGLE TICKETS Call 404.733.5000 Mon.—Fri., 10 a.m.– 8 p.m.; Sat.–Sun., Noon–8 p.m. Service charge applies. Phone orders are filled on a best-available basis. www.atlantasymphony.org Order any time, any day! Service charge applies. Allow two to three weeks for delivery. For orders received less than two
weeks prior to the concert, tickets will be held at the box office. Woodruff Arts Center Box Office Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat.–Sun., noon–8 p.m. The box office is open through intermission on concert dates. No service charge if tickets are purchased in person. Please note: All single-ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. All artists and programs subject to change. GROUP DISCOUNTS Groups of 10 or more save up to 15 percent on most ASO concerts, subject to ticket availability. Call 404.733.4848. GIFT CERTIFICATES Available in any amount for any series, through the box office. Call 404.733.5000.
Who says the best things in life aren't free?
Visit POSHdealz.com and add a free “Mystery Gift” to your shopping cart when you purchase show tickets, restaurant gift cards and more
at 50% off.
POSHdealz.com Atlanta luxury on a budget
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to hear about the latest deals!
A hip and contemporary place to meet for cocktails or hold your next event.
Historic charm combined with artful hospitality.
1302 West Peachtree St., Atlanta artmorehotel.com • 800.548.5631
After the show, Enjoy some of our award winning... Southern Hospitality
A Boutique Luxuryat Hotel West Peachtree 10th
regencysuites.com
gallery
1
1 Road Trip! The Orchestra performed for the sixth year in a row at the Savannah Music Festival. The concert featured pianist Yefim Bronfman and the Orchestra was led by Miguel Harth-Bedoya.
2 A Class for Brass The esteemed Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet – including former Atlanta Symphony Principal Trumpet and Youth Orchestra member Chris Martin – led a master class with local student musicians.
3 Noteworthy Kids Springdale Park Elementary students participated in the first annual Composer Project Festival. Orchestra members Denise Smith, Paul Murphy and Olga Shpitko (center in the group photo below) were the presiding judges.
Jeff Roffman
2
Jeff Roffman
3
60
Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication
More than a program, it’s your ticket to the arts. 404.459.4128 encoreatlanta.com