May 2012: Russian Mastery: Rachmaninov & Shostakovich at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Robert Spano Music Director Donald Runnicles Principal Guest Conductor Michael Krajewski Principal Pops Conductor

May

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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

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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

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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

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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

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program

Robert Spano, Music Director Donald Runnicles, Principal Guest Conductor

Delta Classical Series Concerts Thursday and Saturday, May 17and 19, 2012, at 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 20, 2012, at 3:00 p.m.

Vasily Petrenko, Conductor Kirill Gerstein, Piano Edward Elgar (1857-1934) Cockaigne Overture (“In London Town”), Opus 40 (1901) Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) Concerto No. 2 in F Major for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 102 (1957)

I. Allegro

II. Andante

III. Allegro Kirill Gerstein, Piano

Intermission Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943) Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Opus 27 (1907)

I. Largo; Allegro molto

II. Allegro molto

III. Adagio

IV. Allegro vivace

“Inside the Music” preview of the concert, Thursday at 7 p.m., presented by Ken Meltzer, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Insider and Program Annotator.

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 Delta Classical Series of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Delta is proud to be celebrating our 70th anniversary as Atlanta’s hometown airline. Delta’s community spirit worldwide continues to be a cornerstone of our organization. As a force for global good, our mission is to continuously create value through an inclusive culture by leveraging partnerships and serving communities where we live and work. It includes not only valuing individual differences of race, religion, gender, nationality and lifestyle, but also managing and valuing the diversity of work teams, intracompany teams and business partnerships.

Delta is an active, giving corporate citizen in the communities it serves. Delta’s community engagement efforts are driven by our desire to build long-term partnerships in a way that enables nonprofits to utilize many aspects of Delta’s currency — our employees time and talent, our free and discounted air travel, as well as our surplus donations. Together, we believe we can take our worldwide communities to new heights!

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s concert on November 5, 2011 at Carnegie Hall was made possible through the generous support of Delta Air Lines, Thurmond Smithgall and the Massey Charitable Trust.

Solo pianos used by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra are gifts of the Atlanta Steinway Society and in memory of David Goldwasser. The Hamburg Steinway piano is a gift received by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in honor of Rosi Fiedotin.

The Yamaha custom six-quarter tuba is a gift received by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in honor of Principal Tuba player Michael Moore from The Antinori Foundation.

This performance is being recorded for broadcast at a later time. Atlanta Symphony concert broadcasts are heard each week on Atlanta’s WABE FM-90.1 and Georgia Public Broadcasting’s statewide network.

The Atlanta Symphony records for ASO Media. Other recordings of the Orchestra are available on the Argo, Deutsche Grammophon, New World, Nonesuch, Philips, Telarc and Sony Classical labels.

Media sponsors: WABE, WSB AM, and AJC. Trucks provided by Ryder Truck Rental Inc.

26 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org

program Notes on the Program

By Ken Meltzer Cockaigne Overture (“In London Town”), Opus 40 (1901) Edward Elgar was born in Broadheath, near Worcester, England, on June 2, 1857, and died in Worcester on February 23, 1934. The first performance of the Cockaigne Overture took place at Queen’s Hall in London, England, on June 20, 1901, with the composer conducting. The Cockaigne Overture is scored for piccolo, two flutes, two clarinets, two bassoons, contrabassoon, four horns, two trumpets, two cornets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, snare drum, sleigh bells, tambourine, triangle, cymbals, bass drum, organ and strings. Approximate performance time is fifteen minutes.

First ASO Classical Subscription Performances: October 27, 28 and 29, 1988, Sir Charles Mackerras, Conductor.

E

dward Elgar composed his Cockaigne Overture during an especially challenging period. Following the triumphant premiere of his “Enigma” Variations in June of 1899, Elgar accepted an invitation from the Birmingham Festival to compose a sacred choral work. Elgar finally decided upon a setting of Cardinal John Henry Newman’s poem, The Dream of Gerontius.

The October 3, 1900 premiere of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius proved to be an absolute failure. By all accounts, the performers were not equal to the challenges imposed by Elgar’s epic and complex score. As one critic wrote after the premiere: “A more perfunctory rendering of a new work it has never been my lot to listen to at a big festival.” Elgar confided to his dear friend, August Jaeger (the inspiration for Nimrod in the “Enigma” Variations): “As far as I’m concerned music in England is dead.”

It was after the disastrous premiere of Gerontius that the Philharmonic Society requested Elgar to compose a new orchestral work. Elgar was hardly enthusiastic about the prospect: “What’s the good of it?” he asked Jaeger. “Nobody else will perform the thing.”

Somehow, Elgar managed to gather himself, and in March and April of 1901, he composed the work known as his Cockaigne Overture. Elgar dedicated the Overture “to my many friends, the members of the British orchestras.” He wrote to conductor Hans Richter: “Here is nothing deep or melancholy — it is intended to be honest, healthy, humorous and strong, but not vulgar.”

The term “Cockaigne” originally referred to a mythical land of plenty. Later, perhaps because of its similarity to the word “cockney,” “Cockaigne” became associated with the city of London. Despite the tribulations Elgar was enduring at the time, the Cockaigne Overture, a joyful, affectionate tribute to London and its people, is one of the English composer’s most optimistic and popular concert works.

The Cockaigne Overture opens with a playful theme, introduced by the first violins. This proves to be the first of several principal melodies, notable for their variety and wealth encoreatlanta.com/Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication 27

of inspiration. Using traditional sonata form, with its introduction, development (here including a delightful evocation of a distant, out-of-tune brass band) and recapitulation of central thematic material, Elgar portrays “all the good-humour, jollity, and something deeper in the way of English good fellowship (as it were) still abiding in our capital.” The sunny mood established at the opening continues right to the grand concluding measures.

Concerto No. 2 in F Major for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 102 (1957) Dmitri Shostakovich was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, on September 25, 1906, and died in Moscow, Russia, on August 9, 1975. In addition to the solo piano, the Concerto No. 2 is scored for piccolo, two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, timpani, snare drum and strings. Approximate performance time is twenty minutes.

First ASO Classical Subscription Performances: April 28, 29 and 30, 1983, Dmitri Shostakovich, Jr., Piano, Maxim Shostakovich, Conductor.

A

lmost a full quarter-century separates the two Piano Concertos by Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich. Shostakovich composed his First Piano Concerto in 1933. Shostakovich, a superb pianist, was the soloist in the Concerto’s premiere, which took place in Leningrad (St. Petersburg) on October 15, 1933.

Shostakovich was twenty-seven years old.

Shostakovich completed the Second Piano Concerto in 1957. He composed the Concerto for his son, Maxim Shostakovich (b. 1938), and dedicated the work to him. Maxim Shostakovich played the Concerto for his entrance qualification into the Moscow Conservatory, where he studied piano with Yakov Fliyer.

Later, while at the Conservatory, Maxim Shostakovich studied conducting with such Russian maestros as Aleksandr Gauk, Gennady Rozhdestvensky and Igor Markevitch. In time, Maxim Shostakovich became a highly accomplished conductor, and an acclaimed interpreter of his father’s music. He conducted the first performances of some of his father’s late works, including the Symphony No. 15, which premiered at the Moscow Conservatoire on January 8, 1972. On that occasion, Maxim Shostakovich led the Soviet Radio Orchestra.

Maxim Shostakovich conducted the only prior Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performances of his father’s Second Piano Concerto, in concerts that took place on April 28, 29 and 30, 1983. In addition to the Concerto, the program included Dmitri Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, Opus 96 (1954) and the Symphony No. 5, Opus 47 (1937). The soloist in the Piano Concerto No. 2 was Maxim Shostakovich’s son, Dmitri Shostakovich, Jr. I. Allegro — After a brief introduction by the winds, the soloist enters with the first of three principal themes, a lighthearted march. The soloist, accompanied by the snare drum, then plays a sprightly fanfare. The contrasting third principal theme, again introduced by the soloist, is a haunting melody, marked legato. The development of these themes builds to a shattering climax, a blazing fff rendition of the legato theme by the ensemble. A solo cadenza resolves to a reprise of the first two themes, with the march getting the final say.

28 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org

program II. Andante — The Concerto’s slow movement is scored for piano, horn and strings. The Andante begins with a hushed introduction by the strings; muted, with the exception of the basses The soloist enters with the Andante’s achingly beautiful triplet-based melody.

The introspective lyricism continues throughout the Andante, leading to the finale, which follows without pause.

III. Allegro — The high spirits of the opening movement return in the finale. If anything, the mood here is even more frenetic. The soloist, after a few bars of introduction, introduces the lighthearted, perpetual motion opening theme. The orchestra takes the lead on the second principal theme, a rustic melody in 7/8. Many of the episodes for the pianist suggest a parody of the study exercises young Maxim was no doubt confronting at the time. The breathless pace established in the opening measures continues unabated, culminating in a madcap dash to the finish.

Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Opus 27 (1907) Sergei Rachmaninov was born in Semyonovo, Russia, on April 1, 1873, and died in Beverly Hills, California, on March 28, 1943. The first performance of the Second Symphony took place in St. Petersburg, Russia, on January 26, 1908, with the composer conducting. The Second Symphony is scored for piccolo, three flutes, three oboes, English horn, two clarinets, bass clarinet, two bassoons, four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, orchestra bells, snare drum, cymbals, bass drum and strings. Approximate performance time is sixty minutes.

First ASO Classical Subscription Performance: November 24, 1953, Henry Sopkin, Conductor.

Most Recent ASO Classical Subscription Performances: April 24, 26 and 27, 2008, Hans Graf, Conductor.

“A Conservatory in Hell”

S

ergei Rachmaninov completed his First Symphony in August of 1895. Thanks in large part to the efforts of composers Sergei Taneyev and Alexander Glazunov, the Symphony received its premiere at the Hall of the Nobility in St. Petersburg (now St. Petersburg Philharmonic Hall) on March 15, 1897.

Glazunov conducted, but it seems he didn’t do much to advance the cause of Rachmaninov’s new composition. A few months later, Rachmaninov lamented to his friend, Alexander Zatayevich: I am amazed how such a highly talented man as Glazunov can conduct so badly. I am not speaking now of his conducting technique (one can’t ask that of him) but about his musicianship. He feels nothing when he conducts. It’s as if he understands nothing ... So I assume that the performance might have been the cause of the failure. (I do not say for certain; I am just assuming.) If the public had been familiar with the symphony, then they would have blamed the conductor (I continue to “assume”); if a symphony is both unfamiliar and badly performed, then the public is inclined to blame the composer. encoreatlanta.com/Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication 29

Rachmaninov remained backstage during the entire March 15 premiere. After the wretched performance, Rachmaninov escaped to the street, rather than face the audience’s negative reaction. Still, he could not avoid the ire of such critics as composer César Cui, who wrote: If there were a conservatory in Hell, if one of its many talented students were instructed to write a programme symphony on the “Seven Plagues of Egypt,” and if he were to compose a symphony like Mr. Rachmaninov’s, then he would have fulfilled his task brilliantly and would delight the inhabitants of Hell.

Rachmaninov’s First Symphony was neither performed again nor published during the composer’s lifetime.

“Does anybody need music like this?”

The disastrous premiere of the First Symphony precipitated a three-year crisis for the young Rachmaninov, who lost all confidence in his abilities as a composer. In 1900, Princess Alexandra Liven attempted to lift Rachmaninov’s spirits by arranging for him to visit Leo Tolstoy. Rachmaninov met Tolstoy on two occasions, the second time accompanied by the Russian basso, Feodor Chaliapin. But the encounters with Tolstoy did little to buoy Rachmaninov’s confidence. In fact, they only served to heighten his feelings of inadequacy.

After Rachmaninov gathered the nerve to play one of his compositions for Tolstoy, the author responded by inquiring: “Tell me, does anybody need music like this?”

However, a breakthrough for Rachmaninov occurred that same year. On the advice of relatives, Rachmaninov consulted Dr. Nikolai Dahl, a psychiatrist who used hypnosis in the treatment of his patients. The consultations with Dr. Dahl were an extraordinary success.

Rachmaninov experienced a tremendous resurgence of confidence and immediately began to compose his Second Piano Concerto (1901), a work he dedicated to Dr. Dahl.

The Second Symphony Rachmaninov even summoned the courage to attempt another Symphony. In the fall of 1906, Rachmaninov and his family moved from their native Russia to Dresden. The relocation offered Rachmaninov the solitude he needed to devote himself entirely to composition. In October, Rachmaninov began his Second Symphony, and finished the first draft of the score on New Year’s Day, 1907. Rachmaninov tried to keep the project a secret, but a Russian newspaper announced the Symphony’s completion. In February of 1907, Rachmaninov admitted to his friend, Mikhail Slonov: I have composed a symphony. It’s true! It’s only ready in rough. I finished it a month ago, and immediately put it aside. It was a severe worry to me and I am not going to think about it any more. But I am mystified how the newspapers got into it!

Rachmaninov later refined the score of his Second Symphony and conducted its premiere in St. Petersburg on January 26, 1908. The work’s favorable reception by the audience

30 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org

program and critics did much to vindicate Rachmaninov after the humiliating premiere of his First Symphony. The Second Symphony proved to be immensely popular throughout Rachmaninov’s life, and remains one of his most beloved orchestral works. The rich orchestration and passionate melodies make it one of the finest Russian symphonies of the late Romantic era.

Musical Analysis I. Largo; Allegro moderato — The Symphony opens with an extended slow introduction (Largo). The cellos and basses intone a motif that will serve as the basis for much of the Symphony’s thematic material. The violins then introduce a more flowing melody that is prevalent throughout the introduction. The music grows ever more passionate, and then subsides. A brief English horn solo leads to the Allegro moderato portion of the movement.

The violins present the first principal theme (molto espressivo), closely related to the cello and bass motif that opened the Symphony. A brief passage by the solo clarinet serves to introduce the lyrical second theme. It soon develops into a soaring melody that will reach its full outpouring in the slow third movement. The development begins softly with a passage for solo violin, but soon becomes tempestuous. The recapitulation offers varied presentations of the principal thematic material. The opening movement finally concludes with a short, but vigorous coda.

II. Allegro molto — The Scherzo opens with a lively violin accompaniment figure and the horns’ bold proclamation of the robust main theme. The violins respond with their own version of the theme. This principal section of the Scherzo alternates with contrasting episodes of varying moods. After a final reprise of the central portion of the Scherzo, the movement ends in mysterious fashion, with the brass’s chorale transformation of the Symphony’s opening motif leading to a diminuendo, and the hushed closing measures.

III. Adagio — The Adagio is based upon two melodies that are presented at the outset of the movement. The first, played by the violins, is one of Rachmaninov’s most beloved and unforgettable inspirations. A solo clarinet introduces the second melody, marked espressivo e cantabile. The Adagio is a flowing and expansive rhapsody on these two beautiful melodies. Each melody is presented in various forms and instrumental guises, sometimes in combination with the other.

IV. Allegro vivace — The final movement begins with a whirlwind triplet-based figure.

A short march episode suddenly appears, but the frenetic opening music soon returns. A brief fanfare introduces another glorious, flowing string melody. A six-measure interlude recalls the Adagio, but is quickly interrupted by the triplet rhythm. More echoes of preceding movements appear, notably the chorale figure that first appeared at the conclusion of the Scherzo. The Finale’s principal themes return. In the grand climax, a voluptuous statement of the flowing string melody is now coupled with the central triplet rhythm and the Scherzo’s chorale figure. The Finale’s opening music returns for the work’s exuberant conclusion.

encoreatlanta.com/Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication 31

VASILY PETRENKO, Conductor

V

asily Petrenko was born in 1976, and started his music education at the St. Petersburg Capella Boys Music School — the oldest music school in Russia. He then studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatoire and has participated in master classes with such major figures as Ilya Musin, Mariss Jansons, Yuri Temirkanov and Esa-Pekka Salonen. Between 1994 and 1997, Petrenko was resident conductor at the St. Petersburg State Opera and Ballet Theatre in the Mussorgsky Memorial Theatre. Following considerable success in a number Vasily Petrenko of international conducting competitions, including the Fourth Prokofiev Conducting Competition in St. Petersburg (2003), first prize in the Shostakovich Choral Conducting Competition in St. Petersburg (1997) and first prize in the Sixth Cadaques International Conducting Competition in Spain, he was appointed chief conductor of the State Academy Orchestra of St. Petersburg a position he held from 2004 to 2007.

In recent seasons Petrenko has conducted many key orchestras in Russia, including the St. Petersburg and Moscow philharmonics. He became principal conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in September 2006 and, six months into his first season, this contract was extended to 2012. In 2009, the contract was extended to 2015, and he also assumed the title of chief conductor. Also in 2009, following his tremendous debut with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, which the Guardian said “deliver[ed] a clarity of expression that sounds as if he has been at the helm of the NYO for years,” he was appointed its principal conductor. In February 2011, it was announced that Petrenko will become chief conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra in the 2013-14 season.

In recent seasons, Petrenko has made critically acclaimed debuts with such major orchestras as the London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia, Russian National Orchestra, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic, Oslo Philharmonic and Budapest Festival Orchestras. He has appeared at the BBC Proms with both the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the National Youth Orchestra, and toured with the European Union Youth Orchestra. Recent years have seen a series of highly successful North American debuts, with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the San Francisco, Boston, Dallas, Baltimore and St. Louis symphony orchestras.

Highlights of the 2010-11 season included debuts with the London Philharmonic, Orchestre National de France, Finnish Radio Symphony, Philadelphia and Minnesota orchestras, NHK Symphony Tokyo, Sydney Symphony and Accademia di Santa Cecilia. This and future seasons include tours in Europe and the Unites States with the Russian National and Oslo Philharmonic orchestras, return visits to the Philharmonia, Accademia di Santa Cecilia, Los Angeles Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony, and debuts with the Czech Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony, Rundfunk Sinfonieorchester Berlin, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Chicago Symphony and National Symphony in Washington.

Equally at home in the opera house, and with more than 30 operas in his repertoire, Petrenko debuted in 2010 at Glyndebourne Festival Opera with Verdi’s Macbeth and at the

32 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/aso.org

program Opera de Paris (Eugene Onegin), and has conducted three productions in recent seasons at the Netherlands Reisopera (Puccini’s Le Villi and Messa da Gloria, I due Foscari and Boris Godounov) and Tchaikovsky’s Pique Dame at Hamburg State Opera. Future plans include his debut at the Zurich Opera (Carmen).

Recordings with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra include a rare double bill of Fleishman’s Rothschild’s Violin and Shostakovich’s The Gamblers, Rachmaninov’s Piano Concertos, Symphonic Dances and Isle of the Dead, and a critically acclaimed series of recordings for Naxos including Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony (winner of the 2009 Gramophone Award for best orchestral recording), the Liszt Piano Concertos and a number of discs of an ongoing Shostakovich symphony cycle. In October 2007, Petrenko was named Young Artist of the Year at the annual Gramophone Awards and, in 2010, he won the Male Artist of the Year at the Classical Brit Awards. In 2009 he was awarded honorary doctorates by both the University of Liverpool and Liverpool Hope University in recognition of the immense impact he has had on the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the city’s cultural scene.

Kirill Gerstein, Piano

R

ussian pianist Kirill Gerstein has quickly proven to be one of today’s most intriguing young musicians. His masterful technique, musical curiosity and probing interpretations have led to explorations of classical music and jazz, advanced degrees by age 20, a professorship in piano by age 27 and a full performance schedule at the world's major music centers and festivals.

In January 2010, Gerstein received the Gilmore Artist Award, Kirill Gerstein becoming only the sixth pianist to have been so honored. The Gilmore Award is given to an exceptional pianist who, regardless of age or nationality, possesses profound musicianship, charisma and the desire to sustain a career as a major international concert artist. He was also honored by being awarded a 2010 Avery Fisher Career Grant in April 2010.

Highlights of this season include performances at the BBC Proms with the BBC SO and Semyon Bychkov, and elsewhere in Europe with MDR Leipzig, the WDR Cologne, Stavanger Symphony, Concerto Budapest, Dresden Philharmonic, SWR Freiburg, Lyon, RAI Turin and Munich Philharmonic. A European duo recital tour with Tabea Zimmermann is also planned (Frankfurt, Bonn, Madrid) as well as an extensive solo recital tour, making appearances in Milan, Vienna, London’s Wigmore Hall, Miami and Portland, Ore., among others. In North America he returns to the NACO Ottawa, Detroit Symphony, St. Paul Chamber, and San Francisco, Seattle, Utah, Atlanta and Houston symphony orchestras.

Gerstein’s recent engagements in North America included his hugely successful debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood and the New York Philharmonic, described encoreatlanta.com/Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication 33

by Anthony Tommasini in The New York Times as “a brilliant, perceptive and stunningly fresh account of Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto.” He has worked with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Cleveland, Chicago, Dallas, St. Louis, Columbus, Indianapolis and Vancouver symphony orchestras, among others. Festival appearances have included Chicago’s Grant Park, the Mann Music Centre, Saratoga with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Aspen and Blossom with the Cleveland Orchestra. In recital he has played in Boston, at New York’s Town Hall and 92nd Street Y, at, Cincinnati, Detroit, Vancouver , Portland, Maine, and Washington’s Kennedy Center.

In Europe, Gerstein has worked with such prominent orchestras as the Munich, Rotterdam and Royal philharmonics, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, the city of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Dresden Staatskappelle, Zurich Tonhalle, the Finnish and Swedish radio orchestras, WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne and the Deutsches Symphonie Orchester Berlin. Further afield he has worked in Australia (where he will return in 2013), in Tokyo with the NHK Symphony Orchestra, and in Caracas with the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra and Gustavo Dudamel.

He has also performed recitals in Paris, Prague, Hamburg, London’s Wigmore and Queen Elizabeth Halls and at the Liszt Academy in Budapest. He made his Salzburg Festival debut playing solo and two piano works with Andras Schiff and has also appeared at the Verbier, Lucerne and Jerusalem chamber music festivals.

Born in 1979 in Voronezh, Russia, Mr. Gerstein attended one of the country’s special music schools for gifted children and taught himself to play jazz by listening to his parents’ extensive record collection. He went to the United States at age 14 to continue his studies in jazz piano as the youngest student ever to attend Boston’s Berklee College of Music, where he also continued working on the classical piano repertoire. Following his second summer at the Boston University program at Tanglewood, he decided to focus mainly on classical music and moved to New York City to attend the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with Solomon Mikowsky and earned both bachelor and master of music degrees.

He continued his studies with Dmitri Bashkirov in Madrid and Ferenc Rados in Budapest.

Gerstein was awarded first prize at the 2001 Arthur Rubinstein Piano Competition in Tel Aviv, received a 2002 Gilmore Young Artist Award and was chosen as Carnegie Hall’s Rising Star for the 2005-06 season. He became an American citizen in 2003, and is a professor of piano at the Musikhochschule in Stuttgart.

His recital disc for the Myrios label, included works by Schumann, Liszt and Oliver Knussen, was heralded by The New York Times as “one of the best recordings of 2010”; a duo recital disc with Tabea Zimmermann was also released last year.

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

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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

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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

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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:

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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.

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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

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Atlanta’s Performing Arts Publication

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