WCU_AmericanSpirit_ISSUU

FROM THE PRESIDENT As President, as well as a singing member of the Waukesha Choral Union, it is my honor and privilege to welcome you to the Waukesha Choral Union’s first concert of the 2012-2013 season. We are especially pleased to be collaborating for the first time with the Oconomowoc Chamber Orchestra. We hope that our performance of The American Spirit will bring as much enjoyment to you as it already has for us.

Spirit of Creativity, our 2012-2013 season, has been made possible not only by the hard work and dedication of our singers and musicians, but also by the support of our donors, advertisers, sponsors, volunteers, and all those who attend our concerts. In order to be successful, our organization needs the efforts of all of these participants.

Something new this season is the addition of the Fashionable Tidings Luncheon on Wednesday, November 28, 2012, at Merrill Hills Country Club. This fashion show, produced by local designer Bruce Paul Goodman, promises to be a stylish start to the holiday season. It’s also a fun way to support the Waukesha Choral Union. Seating is limited; tickets are available at today’s concert.

Next May’s concert, Something Old & Something New, will culminate a two-year collaborative effort to present a world premier artistic presentation. From a contest among middle and high school students throughout Waukesha County we have selected a six-part text written by Abby Lewis, a Waukesha South student. Local composer Paula Foley Tillen is now in the process of writing a commissioned piece of music for the Waukesha Choral Union. It is our plan to supplement the musical presentation with visual art works, also created by Waukesha County students. It promises to be a truly memorable experience for audience and singers alike.

As a member of today’s audience you are an important piece of our continued success.

Please invite friends, family members, and neighbors to experience the wonderful performances that will make up the rest of our 2012-2013 season.

Tom Custis Waukesha Choral Union President

The American Spirit

1

a b o u t wau k esh a c hor a l u nion Waukesha Choral Union has been musically active in the community for over 60 years.

WCU was featured in WISN-TV’s Season to Celebrate broadcast during Christmas of 2011.

Originally a combination of Carroll College students and community singers, WCU took its present form as an auditioned choir in 1978. Recent collaborative partners include the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Bel Canto Chorus, Milwaukee Choristers, Carroll University Choirs, and the choirs of Waukesha South High School, Muskego High School, and Hartford Union High School. mission The Waukesha Choral Union will challenge, enrich, and engage its singing members, audiences, and community through the pursuit of excellence and a variety of programming. The WCU mission includes expansion of the effectiveness of its educational efforts throughout Waukesha County through collaboration. sta y c onne c ted Website www.ChoralUnion.org Sign up for our eNewsletter

Search Waukesha Choral Union @Choral_Union

2

Waukesha Choral Union

wau k esh a c hor a l u nion Board of Directors President: Tom Custis Vice President: Open Treasurer: Tom Custis Secretary: Susan Wallenslager Ex-officio: Ernest Brusubardis, III Phyllis Cramer Mitch Grulke Barbara Miller Tom Smith Committee Chairs Marketing: Jim LaBelle Membership: Colleen Reske Administration Artistic Director: Ernest Brusubardis III Marketing Manager: Jim LaBelle

The American Spirit

3

a rtisti c dire c tor Ernest Brusubardis III, Artistic Director of the Waukesha Choral Union, is a graduate of UW Milwaukee with the Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Music and the Master’s Degree in Music Education with an emphasis on choral conducting. His other choral directorships include the advanced ensembles of Hartford Union High School and the Brusubardis-Dzimente Latvian Choir, a podium he shares with his father. His expertise in this latter pursuit has earned him the chief conductorship of Latvian Song Festivals in the United States, Canada, and Latvia.

As a music theater enthusiast, he conducts the orchestra for the annual productions at Hartford Union High School and boasts a record as music director for community theater productions throughout Southeastern Wisconsin, including Menomonee Falls Patio Players, On the Wall and Off the Wall theaters, Archangel Productions, and shows at the UW Milwaukee and West Bend extensions.

4

Waukesha Choral Union

Wisconsin born, raised and educated.

Personal Finance. Politic

The Joy Cardin Show

e p o r t.

Cu

ra .T

s to

tio

apitol R

Talk about issues that matter to you and your community.

e.

re

Hi

. ily

ca

Weekdays 6am-9am St ate C

s. Wisconsin Places.

Pe

l op

ltu

l. ve

am .F ry

u Ed

n.

90.7 FM

Milwuakee

Wisconsin People. Wisconsin Radio.

The American Spirit

5

F R O M T H E a rtisti c dire c tor Welcome to the Waukesha Choral Union’s season opener, The American Spirit. This evening you will hear inspiring works by two American composers performed in collaboration with our guests, the Oconomowoc Chamber Orchestra.

David Diamond’s Rounds for String Orchestra was commissioned by the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra during World War II to uplift the spirits of a people struggling through war.

Irving Berlin’s God Bless America ,arranged by Michael Karasis, is a patriotic song that has raised American spirits for generations. Originally composed in 1918, Berlin revived it in 1938 during the uncertain times before the war. From that day forward, it has been America’s hymn.

The cornerstone of tonight’s collaboration will be Michael Karasis’ An American Civil War Memorial.

This oratorio brings the experience of the Civil War alive through the writings of the hearts and minds of brother and sister Americans. The final movement reminds us not to forget the cost of freedom and brotherhood. May we never forget it.

It is WCU’s honor to collaborate in such a venture with the Oconomowoc Chamber Orchestra and composer Dr. Michael Karasis. Without such fine musicians and colleagues as these, events like tonight would not be possible.

May gratitude abound!

Ernie Brusubardis Waukesha Choral Union Artistic Director

Turn

To a

Friend

Waukesha’s Funeral home We’re a locally owned, full-service funeral home honored to serve Waukesha families since 1897. We provide professional assistance for every phase of the funeral process, including pre-planning services, grief support, holiday memorials and more. Our dedicated, affordable service will exceed your expectations, down to the smallest detail.

Mary Lou Charapata Licensed funeral director and owner of Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home

237 N. Moreland Blvd.

6

Waukesha Choral Union

•

262-542-6609

•

WaukeshasFuneralHome.com

The American Spirit

7

toda y ’ s v en u e The Shattuck Music Center houses a recital hall that seats 150, an auditorium that seats 1350, and a Schantz 72 stop pipe organ. The Department of Music has a large band-practice room, teaching studios, a multi-sensing room, a computerized music laboratory, and classrooms.

Carroll University, often called Wisconsin’s pioneer college, is the oldest fouryear institution of higher education in the state. In 1841, settlers living in the Wisconsin Territory community of Prairieville established the academy that five years later would become Carroll College. Soon after its founding, Carroll affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and adopted the motto “Christo et Litteris,” which means “for Christ and Learning.”

Carroll was chartered by the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature on Jan. 31, 1846, two years before Wisconsin became a state. On May 10, 2008, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to change the institution’s name to Carroll University, effective July 1, 2008.

Throughout Carroll’s history, the hallmarks of its educational experience have been teaching excellence and individualized attention.

Milwaukee choral artists and the National Lutheran choir 7:30 PM, Saturday, OctOber 20, 2012 Chapel of Christ Triumphant concordia university Wisconsin 12800 North Lake Shore drive, Mequon, WI Milwaukee choral artists

National Lutheran choir

Tickets: adult $25, senior $20, students $15 Purchase online or by phone: 414/376-5878 www.milwaukeechoralartists.org

8

Waukesha Choral Union

The American Spirit

9

o c onomowo c c h a m b er or c hestr a The Oconomowoc Chamber Orchestra, Roberta Carpenter, Conductor, is the professional ensemble within the OCO parent organization. They bring together high caliber musicians, both local and regional, in a semi-professional setting, to perform vital, varied and engaging concerts for our community. The Oconomowoc Chamber Orchestra performed a Debut Concert featuring two compositions written for Lake Country. The full concert was recorded and for two years, photographic, video, aerial and artistic images of Lake Country were assembled, and then set to the music from the concert. The Debut Concert DVD was selected as the 3rd place winner in The American Prize Awards for recordings in the arts. The OCO Parent Organization also hosts the Lake Country Orchestra, which is open to area avocational musicians. Information on all OCO programs is available at www.oconchamberorch.org.

A versatile musician and Wisconsin native, Roberta Carpenter is a conductor, violinist, and teacher. Currently Music Director of the Oconomowoc Chamber Orchestra, Carpenter has directed orchestras in the Czech Republic, Poland, the Whitewater, Beloit/Janesville, and Harper Symphonies, Vidin Philharmonic, and the Oconomowoc, Concord, and Appleton Chamber Orchestras.

Roberta has served on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Carroll University.

She has also taught in the extension programs for Alverno College and Lawrence University.

Roberta completed the coursework for a Doctoral Degree in Violin Performance and Orchestral Conducting at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She holds Master of Music and Bachelor of the Fine Arts degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, graduating with honors.

o c onomowo c c h a m b er or c hestr a roster Horn Flute Lesley Conger-Hatch Wes Hatch Shelly Grothaus Joelle Willems Theresa Jahnke Oestricher Piccolo Dain Shuler Nancy Hart Oboe Malia Smith Kaylyn Reumler Clarinet Eve Galvani Vojislav Brankov Bass Clarinet Jim Skaleski Bassoon Eric Heitkemper 10

Waukesha Choral Union

Trumpet David Naegele Jacob Kallmann Bill Eddington Trombone Adam Houk Mike Dugan Bass Trombone Motoaki Kashino

Tuba Steve Marcus Timpani Richard Farvour Percussion Robert Kriefall Ruth Steinbart Violin 1 Jennifer D’Alessio Daniel Eichinger JoAnne Hasseler Sara Kureck Tony Perez Elizabeth Zempel Dr. Michael Karasis

(Civil War Memorial only)

Violin 2 Suzanne Ignaszak Sarah Emran Karen Schroeder Tammy Thurman Lygia Topolovec Viola Bob Ignaszak Jackie Baker Paul Dawson Cello Paul Kilpatrick Janet Marshall Karen Bechtel Double Bass John Babbitt Mike Steen

Assisted Living Apartments 427 N. University Dr • Waukesha • 60 private apartments with a full bath & kitchenette • Friendship of other residents with activities to suit varied interests • Personal assistance available 24/7 • Eden Alternative registered home

Apartments Available!

Please call to schedule a personal tour with Director Nancy Madden, R.N. (262) 524-1180 On the campus of

The American Spirit

11

A proud supporter of the

Waukesha Choral Union

With offices located in Brookfield, Delafield, Mukwonago, Muskego, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex and Waukesha! www.WaukeshaBank.com • Member FDIC 12

Waukesha Choral Union

The American Spirit Saturday, October 13, 2012 Shattuck Auditorium, Carroll University

Oconomowoc Chamber Orchestra, Roberta Carpenter, Conductor Waukesha Choral Union, Ernest Brusubardis III, Artistic Director Indra Brusubardis, Soprano Jim LaBelle, Narrator Rounds for String Orchestra……………………….David Diamond

Allegro, molto vivace Adagio

Allegro vigoroso God Bless America…………………………………Dr. Michael Karasis

Indra Brusubardis, Soprano Intermission An American Civil War Memorial…………………

Jim LaBelle, Narrator

1. Overture

2. Plantation Memories

3. First Encounter

4. Letters from Home 5A. Picket’s Charge 5B. Soldier’s Lament

6. Andersonville

7. That They Shall Not Have Died In Vain

8. Appomattox

9. Anthem to Brotherhood

Dr. Michael Karasis

Spirit of Creativity 2012-2013 Season

The American Spirit

13

Waukesha CiviC TheaTre October 26 to November 11, 2012 October 19 to 20, 2012 COmic dance variety show

COMIC DRAMA

November 30 to December 16, 2012

November 17, 2012

musical concert

musicAL variety show

www.waukeshacivictheatre • Box Office: 262.547.0708

14

Waukesha Choral Union

wau k esh a c hor a l u nion Amanda McFall, Accompanist SOPRANO Karen Bieszk Indra Brusubardis Tina Congdon Phyllis Cramer Paula Custis Summer Grande Naomi Guzman Patricia Hummel Esther Kramer Barbara Miller Jennifer Nienhaus Rena Pett Sally Schwarz Carol Slaybaugh Mary Stephani Kathi Stoiber Tasha Twesme Eileen Zimmerman

ALTO Mary Carvalho Maureen Hair Beth Heflin Wendy Muller Colleen Reske Michele Rinka Judy Rosynek Susan Till Christy Walker Sue Wallenslager Anne Wander TENOR John Clausz Tom Custis Paul McCoy BASS Rich Blauvelt Norm Goeschko Charlie Hummel Tom Smith Alan Thompson Gregory Youngs

a ddition a l inform ation Waukesha Choral Union is always seeking new members. To schedule an audition please call (414) 297-9310 or email at membership@choralunion.org Spirit of Creativity, the 2012-2013 Waukesha Choral Union season, is sponsored in part by grants from Arts Waukesha, and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The American Spirit

15

16

Waukesha Choral Union

c ontri b u tors The Waukesha Choral Union is deeply grateful to these donors for their meaningful financial support. Their commitment to live, local music will help the WCU remain affordable and accessible to the communities we serve.

Maestro ($2,500 and above) Anthony and Andrea Bryant Family Fund Jo Ann Portz Conductor ($1,000 to $2,499) Arts Waukesha A donation in memory of James L. and Dorothy Goff Frisch Wisconsin Arts Board

Soloist ($500 to $999) Tom and Paula Custis Mary Stephani Waukesha State Bank Chorister ($250 to $499) John Gustafson Tom Smith Richard and Carol Snook Alan Thompson Tom’s Heating Service Patron ($100 to $249) Steven Ayers Marion A. Eales Practical Club Dick Smith

Accompanist ($25 to $99) Ed Butte GE Foundation Harry and Ingrid Goeschko Norman Goeschko Tom and Pat Gregory Pat Hummel Mary A. Jervis Charmaine and James LaBelle Sally Schwarz Ruth and Glenn Van Haitsma Anne Wandler

don ate to the wau k esh a c hor a l u nion OnLine www.ChoralUnion.org eMail president@ChoralUnion.org Phone 262-549-4863 Mail Waukesha Choral Union, PO Box 495, Waukesha, WI 53187 Advertise in our next concert program Call 262-901-5325 or eMail marketingmanager@ChoralUnion.org Select #918425 Waukesha Choral Union for the Pick’n Save We Care Program Waukesha Choral Union is a tax-exempt 501.C.3 non-profit organization. Your donation may be tax deductible, consult your financial advisor.

Randle-Dable-Brisk

Funeral, Cremation & Preplanning Services 1110 S. Grand Avenue, Waukesha (262) 547-4035 Supporting the Arts in Our Community for Generations Lee & Cathleen Brisk Owners/Funeral Directors Martin Dable Funeral Director

www.waukeshafunerals.com

The American Spirit

17

Fall 2012 Arts Events Oct. 18 – Nov. 20 “Book Passages: A Visual Journey”

by William Zuback Archival Ink Jet Photographs Main Hall Reception: Thursday, Oct. 18, 5-7 p.m.

Oct. 19, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Student Production: “The Shape of Things”

by Neil LaBute Otteson Theatre Nov. 4, 4 p.m.

Faculty Recital featuring

Dan Roberdeau, clarinet; Jamie Hofman, viola; Karen Bechtel, cellist and Shanti Daya, piano Dorothy Goff Frisch Recital Hall

Nov. 16, 7 p.m.

Nov. 17, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Faculty Directed Musical: “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”

by Rupert Holmes Otteson Theatre Dec. 1 & 2, 7:30 p.m.

Christmas at Carroll Shattuck Music Center Call 262.524.7633 for ticket information. www.carrollu.edu 18

Waukesha Choral Union

show yo u r s u pport Keeping the Waukesha Choral Union singing takes money as well as time, effort and audiences. Show your support by coming to our performances, singing with us, liking us on Facebook, making a donation, or advertising in our print programs. We are a 501(c)(3) organization and your donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. sin g w ith wau k esh a c hor a l u nion The Waukesha Choral Union derives its strength and quality from its members’ passion for singing and is always seeking new voices interested in: • Improving your singing ability • Performing Handel’s Messiah with an orchestra • Exploring new musical genres • Socializing with other singers • Being a part of a growing, dynamic arts organization To schedule an audition please call (414) 297-9310 or email membership@choralunion.org. rehe a rs a l s Tuesday nights at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 2016 Center Road, Waukesha, WI

vo l u nteer opport u nities The Waukesha Choral Union is always in need of an extra pair of hands.

Call (414) 297-9310 or email marketingdirector@choralunion.org to help out. a dv ertise w ith wau k esh a c hor a l u nion Our audience is encouraged to support those businesses that advertise in our concert programs. All ads include a link on our website. Single concert advertising available.

The American Spirit

19

c omposers c orner David Diamond: Rounds for String Orchestra David Leo Diamond (July 9, 1915 – June 13, 2005) was an American composer of classical music.

He was born in Rochester, NY, studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Eastman School of Music, also receiving lessons from Roger Sessions in New York City and Nadia Boulanger in Paris. Diamond won a number of awards and is considered one of the preeminent American composers of his generation.

Diamond’s most popular piece is Rounds for String Orchestra (1944). Among his other works are eleven symphonies (the last in 1993), concertos including three for violin, eleven string quartets, music for wind ensemble, other chamber music, piano pieces and vocal music.

Diamond was also named honorary composer-in-residence of the Seattle Symphony. He was a longtime member of the Juilliard School faculty. In 1995, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts.

Diamond composed Rounds for String Orchestra on a commission from the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. In Rounds, the music is rhythmically vivacious and has the feel of American folk tunes. In response to the turmoil surrounding the ongoing World War and a musical society who was trying to define the difference between music and noise, structure and non-structure, harmony and atonality, David Diamond was asked to write a piece which would be accessible and upbeat.

He succeeded. Rounds was performed extensively following its premiere, continues to be popular, and received the New York Critics’ Circle citation in 1945.

20

Waukesha Choral Union

Celebrating 30 Years of Growing

our Clients’ Businesses

139 E. North St. Historic Downtown Waukesha 262-650-8300 www.ImageMakersAdv.com

THE BRITISH SPIRIT 65th Anniversary Season

Salute to Our Veterans: Battle of Britain

Sunday, November 11th, 3:00pm Shattuck Auditorium - Carroll University

A Royal Christmas

Tuesday, December 4th, 7:30pm Shattuck Auditorium - Carroll University

To Purchase:

Online: WisconsinPhilharmonic.org Phone: 262-547-1858 In Person: 234 W Main St Suite 9 Waukesha, WI 53186

Tickets $17-37

c omposers c orner

c o n t.

Dr. Michael Karasis: An American Civil War Memorial Dr. Michael Karasis began studying the violin and composition while in surgical training in Springfield, Illinois during the mid-1970s. Over the ensuing years, he has composed a number of works for both chamber groups and full orchestra. These works include six string quartets, violin and piano sonatas, a wind and string octet and Elegy for solo voice and string orchestra, dedicated to the tragedy of September 11th.

Larger works include a musical drama entitled Cathedral; an orchestral tone poem Ozymandias; Images, a set of six orchestral tone poems; Missa Gloria, a Roman Catholic Mass; eleven symphonies; two concerti for violin and orchestra, and a concerto for four strings and orchestra. A recent work is a set of orchestral variations on an original theme. His work has been set to ballet by the Berkshire Ballet of Crystal Lake, IL. His most recently completed works include: An American civil War Memorial and Government Issue, both complete oratorios for full orchestra, chorus, and narrators concerning America in her two greatest conflicts and To Life, a six-song cycle for soprano and bass voices and orchestra.

Dr. Karasis is composer in residence of the Orchestra of St. Vincent in Chicago. He is a violinist in the Harper Symphony, the Orchestra of St. Vincent, and the Fox Valley Symphony.

His An American Civil War Memorial (a 2-CD set) has been performed live at the Chicago Historical Society with the late

PrAyers for MAnkind Join us Sunday, October 21 at 3:00 pm The Basilica of St. Josaphat 2333 S. Sixth St., Milwaukee

Bel Canto Chorus and Boy Choirs present the live world premiere of Alexander Levine’s eloquent, unaccompanied Prayers for Mankind, celebrating unity, humanity, wisdom, and love.

chorus Tickets $20-$25 Senior and student discounts available

www.belcanto.org or 414.481.8801 The American Spirit

21

c omposers c orner

c o n t.

Senator Paul Simon narrating the works. Government Issue was premiered in Chicago by the Orchestra of St. Vincent in 2002, making use of four narrators depicting stories of World War II America. It was performed at the Chicago Historical Society in November 2003, again with Senator Paul Simon.

Dr. Karasis resides in Woodstock, IL and continues to compose for small and large orchestras.

Dr. Karasis wrote the notes to accompany tonight’s performance.

We sit upon the pinnacle of human history. From our past we can examine the roots of who we are and from what place we came. I have always believed that we as Americans have an undeniable obligation to understand as best we can what in the course of events allowed us to become the most privileged and fortunate society on Earth. By studying the Civil War, I came to a personal revelation.

The Civil War still touches us. Indeed we are inseparable from it. That horrendous conflict, with all that has been written and said, in the final analysis becomes the story of the common man. That can be said, to be sure, of many of history’s struggles; so what is it that makes the American Civil War any different? That answer seems to lie in the unique experience of America herself, what America stands for, as well as what she finds intolerable.

This oratorio began to assemble itself in my mind after my first series of visits in 1997 to the great Civil War Battlefields. It was a mesmerizing experience to stand on those grounds. No religious experience could have made a deeper impression upon me.

“Sacred ground” took on new meaning. Below my feet were the bones and countless told and untold stories of the common soldier who set firm in supreme sacrifice, my privileged right to call myself an American. The experience of having been there will never truly leave me. It was out of this confluence of feelings that this oratorio was born.

Specifically, this work utilizes a musical style that in no way would have been unfamiliar to the ear of the Private at Fredericksburg or the Sergeant at Gettysburg. It is composed as a universal statement in Victorian dress. This was the Victorian age as Europe and the rest of the world watched from a distance to see if this experiment of popular

22

Waukesha Choral Union

c omposers c orner

c o n t.

government, this adolescent society could withstand in fact the greatest conflict this hemisphere has ever seen. And indeed, it did; for after the Civil War we not merely lived in the Americas of the revolution, but now in the United States of America.

Just as we must not forget who we are, we, so too, must not forget from where we came.

For if we do forget, take for granted, or become indifferent, we are left to suffer the personal humiliations of a meaningless superficiality that is all too easy to accept.

Let us not wave our flag without looking up to it and in doing so confront our own destiny as the soldiers on those many battlefields confronted theirs. We are their privileged children.

From the nostalgia of “Plantation Memories” and the longing of “Letters from Home” there is contracted the fervent anticipations of glory and the fury of real battle. The realities of war must too give painful birth to lamentation and horror, but in the end an anthem can be sung to hope, brotherhood, and the insistence that “we must not forget.”

“The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation.” - Abraham Lincoln, December, 1862

The American Spirit

23

the l a st word

24

Waukesha Choral Union