December 2017
MEET THE DANCERS!
presents
THE
NUTCRACKER Mayor Rosalynn Bliss Why I Support the Arts
VAL CANIPAROLI
the choreographer behind the magic
find your prince
Proud sponsor of Grand Rapids Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker
THANK YOU, SEASON SUPPORTERS!
CONTENTS 4 Program Notes 6 Our Staff 7 Message from Mayor Bliss 7 Message from Artistic Director Barker 16 Val Caniparoli: A Fresh Perspective
Foundation
26 Meet the Dancers 29 Grand Rapids Symphony 34 Our Donors 46 Our Volunteers
BEUSSE & PORTER FAMILY FOUNDATION
COVER: Dancers Yuka Oba and Nick Schultz with photography by Tim Motley
MEIJER-ROYCE CENTER FOR DANCE
DANIEL & PAMELA DEVOS FOUNDATION
DOUG & MARIA DEVOS FOUNDATION
ROSEMARY & DAVID GOOD FAMILY FOUNDATION
DICK & BETSY DEVOS FOUNDATION
ELIZABETH TINNEY DONLEY
BALDWIN FOUNDATION
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR MEDIA PARTNERS
341 ELLSWORTH AVE. SW GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 616.454.4771 grballet.com info@grballet.com
Blue Lake Public Radio 88.9 Grand Rapids 90.3 Muskegon classical . jazz . npr A Service of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
The Nutcracker: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET
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GRAND RAPIDS BALLET presents
THE NUTCRACKER December 1-3 & -10, 2017 DeVos Performance Hall Original Story E.T.A. Hoffmann Translation by Michael Auer Composer Pytor I. Tchaikovsky Set & Production Design Chris Van Allsburg & Eugene Lee Choreographer Val Caniparoli Lighting Design Paul Miller Costume Design Patricia Barker Executive Producer Glenn Del Vecchio Musicians Grand Rapids Symphony First Performed December 11, 2014 DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids, Michigan Approximate performance length: Two hours including intermission OUT OF RESPECT FOR THE DANCERS, MUSICIANS, AND OTHER GUESTS, PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO STRICLY PROHIBITED
Presenting Sponsor
Production Sponsors
School Show Sponsor
The Wege Foundation Media Sponsor
Music Sponsor
Edith Blodgett Legacy Fund of the Brookby Foundaton
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GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
CHRIS VAN ALLSBURG Set & Production Design
Chris Van Allsburg is one of America’s most innovative picture book creators. He has twice received the Caldecott Medal, for The Polar Express and Jumanji, as well as a Caldecott Honor for his very first book, The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. He has also been awarded the Regina Medal for lifetime achievement in children’s literature, among other honors.
EUGENE LEE
Set and Production Design
Eugene Lee received BFA degrees from the Art Institute of Chicago and Carnegie Mellon University, an MFA from Yale Drama School and three honorary doctorates. Mr. Lee has won Tony Awards for Bernstein’s Candide, Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, and Wicked, as well as the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Set Design. He has been the production designer for NBC’s Saturday Night Live since 1974. His most recent work was creating the new set for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
VAL CANIPAROLI Choreographer
Val Caniparoli is one of the most sought-after American choreographers contributing to the repetories of more than 45 companies throughout the world. He is most closely associated with San Francisco Ballet, his artistic home for over 40 years. Caniparoli has worked with The Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera and Symphony, Chicago Lyric Opera, as well as with San Francisco’s esteemed American Conservatory Theater.
PETER ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY Composer (1840-1893)
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is widely considered the most popular Russian composer in history. Acclaim came readily for Tchaikovsky in 1875, with his composition Symphony No. 3 in D Major. In 1876, he completed the ballet Swan Lake as well as the symphonic fantasy Francesca da Rimini. His collective body of work constitutes 169 pieces, including symphonies, operas, ballets, concertos, cantatas, and songs. Among his most famed late works are the ballets The Sleeping Beauty (1890) and The Nutcracker (1892). He died in St. Petersburg on November 6, 1893.
E.T.A. HOFFMAN Author (1776-1862)
E.T.A. Hoffman was a Prussian Romantic author of fantasy and horror, a jurist, composer, music critic, draftsman, and caricaturist. His stories form the basis of Jacques Offenbach’s famous opera The Tales of Hoffmann, in which Hoffmann appears as the hero. He is also the author of The Novella, The Nutcracker, and The Mouse King, on which the famous ballet The Nutcracker is based. The ballet Coppélia is based on two other stories that Hoffmann wrote, while Schumann’s Kreisleriana is based on Hoffmann’s character Johannes Kreisler. Hoffmann’s stories were very influential during the 19th century, and he is one of the major authors of the Romantic movement. The Nutcracker: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PATRICIA BARKER Artistic Director
Patricia Barker, former principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, is considered one of the world’s most gifted ballerinas. She stages works for the Balanchine Trust and was an artistic advisor for the Slovak National Ballet. Patricia also teaches and judges at international ballet competitions, serves on the board of several arts organizations, and has received numerous arts awards and civic recognitions. Patricia was recently named Artistic Director of Royal New Zealand Ballet.
President Michael P. Kling Vice President Anda Vizulis Treasurer Dana Baldwin Secretary Leah Voigt Development Chair Ian M. Hunter Luis Avila Marilee Bartl Theresa DeVries Leslie Dickinson Michael Elias Meredith Ervine Jeff Gurney John Nienhuis Amy Norkus Dale Schriemer Giselle Saulnier Sholler
HONORARY BOARD Edith I. Blodgett† Jeff & Margaret Beusse Mrs. Betty Ford† Suzanne Geha Charles & Stella Royce Ellen Satterlee Marilyn Titche Peter M. Wege† †
GLENN DEL VECCHIO Executive Director
Executive Director Glenn Del Vecchio, enters his sixth season with the Grand Rapids Ballet. Prior to his appointment, Glenn spent 20 years working with large forprofit companies. A results-oriented executive, Glenn approaches the leadership of a non-profit arts organization by managing the intersections of artistic quality and best business practices, bringing his expertise in strategic planning, business development, large-scale event and concert management, and marketing together to create a consensusoriented management approach. 6
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
Deceased
COMPANY STAFF
Creative Director Michael Auer Development Director Mark Warner Marketing Director Michael Erickson Production Stage Manager Mellissa Slack Costumers Sadie Rothenberg, Brennan Marie Smith Company/Facilities Manager John Ferraro Box Office Manager Kelly Herremans Artistic Coordinator Dawnell Dryja Ballet Masters Steven Houser, Laura McQueen Schultz, Nicholas Schultz Guest Services Manager Errol Shewman
SCHOOL STAFF
Director & Junior Company Director Attila Mosolygo Curriculum Coordinator Mindy Mosolygo Administrator SarahJean Bos Faculty Lara Faucher, Connie Flachs, Jillian Gasper, Ednis Gomez, Steven Houser, Melissa Hudecz, Win Marcinak, Claire Millard, Yuka Oba, Taryn Streasick, Kara Taylor, Jessica Winter-Troutwine Pianists Ryan Blok, Kenneth Creager, Brendan Hollins, Idalmira Lopez, Mark Moran, Lonnie Ostrander Night Receptionists Mary-Ann Carpenter, Madeline Harrington
THEATRE AT GRAND VALLEY GRAND VALLEY SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL AND THEATRE AT GRAND VALLEY PRESENT
The Tempest
Love, betrayal, vengeance, forgiveness, redemption, and magic October 1 and 8 2 p.m.
Oklahoma!
A worldwide phenomenon that set the standards and the rules for musical theatre February 2, 3, 9, and 10 7:30 p.m.
February 4 and 11 2 p.m.
THEATRE AT GRAND VALLEY PRESENTS
*Sign language interpretation available
THEATRE AT GRAND VALLEY PRESENTS
Cabaret
Book by Joe Masteroff Music and Lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb
It’s a fun, sexy time at the club, but lurking outside its doors is the burgeoning power of the Nazi party November 16, 17, 18, 29, and 30 December 1 and 2 7:30 p.m.
GVSU OPERA THEATRE PRESENTS
Music and Lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein
Written by William Shakespeare
September 29 and 30 October 5*, 6, and 7 7:30 p.m.
2017-2018 SEASON
November 19 December 3 2 p.m.
All performances are in the Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus.
J.B.
Written by Archibald MacLeish
The West Michigan premiere of the 1959 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play March 23, 24, 28, 29, and 30 7:30 p.m.
March 25 and 31 2 p.m.
For ticket information, visit gvsu.edu/theatre or call the box office at (616) 331-2300.
A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR ROSALYNN BLISS Dear Friends, Welcome to Grand Rapids Ballet’s presentation of The Nutcracker – a favorite holiday tradition in our community. This imaginative production showcases the creativity of The Polar Express author and Grand Rapids native, Chris Van Allsburg, as well as the beautiful choreography of Val Caniparoli and award-winning set design of Eugene Lee. Its enchanting story no doubt will tug at your imagination and transform you to a child’s playroom. The Nutcracker also highlights our city’s world-class arts scene, pairing Grand Rapids Ballet with Grand Rapid Symphony for a wonderfully distinctive experience for audiences. This collaboration illustrates our arts community’s commitment to excellence and its awe-inspiring ability to lift the human spirit through the arts. As Mayor, I am an avid supporter of the arts. The arts community is an integral part of what makes Grand Rapids a great place to live, work, and play – and it contributes significantly to our city’s cultural and economic vibrancy. We all play a role in making sure our arts community is supported and sustainable. Thank you for your support of the arts and our city. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season. Enjoy the show!
Rosalynn Bliss A MESSAGE FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PATRICIA BARKER The collaborative artists that came together to make The Nutcracker—Chris Van Allsburg, Eugene Lee, and Val Caniparoli—promise the magic that makes the holidays come alive: gorgeous scenery and costumes, exhilarating choreography, brilliant dancing, and Tchaikovsky’s cherished score played by the Grand Rapids Symphony. There are 115 roles performed in each performance of The Nutcracker. At first glance, some roles stand out such as Dream Clara and her Prince, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Spanish and Arabian Couple. But let us not forget the excitement that passes through the auditorium when the Chinese Dragon appears around the corner of the wing to spy on the audience or the many young fairies performing on stage for the first time in hopes of one day dancing the roll of Clara or Fritz in the party scene. As our dancers take the stage this season in the world’s most beloved ballet, they do so to bring joy and good cheer to each and every one of you. As we continue to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, please join us for A Christmas Carol December 22-23. Charles Dickens’ beloved tale is brought to life by choreographer Brian Enos (Alice in Wonderland). In February and March, we present MOVEMEDIA: Diversity. This unique book-ended program will explore how our world is a complicated canvas of varying views, realities, and beautiful differences and expectations. It will feature world premiere works from six very exciting divers choreographers from Belgium, America, Australia, and New Zealand including Olivier Weavers, Jennifer Archibald, Norbert De La Cruz III, Loughlan Prior, Uri Sands, and Danielle Rowe. The 2017-18 season finishes in May with The Happy Prince & Other Wilde Tales, a world premiere full- length work from our choreographer-in-residence and Princess Grace award-winner, Penny Saunders. This exciting new piece will wistfully weave together the children’s stories of Oscar Wilde into a ballet to remind us all what it’s like to see the world through the innocence of a child’s eyes.
Patricia Barker The Nutcracker: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET
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JAN 18-20, 2018
” ! A MUST-SEE
18 FEB 13-18, 20
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Photo: Joan Marcus
– NBC-TV
MAR 6-11, 2018
18 JUN 5 -10, 20
ST AR RI NG
TICKETS MAKE
TH E P E R F E C T G I F T! 8
6 1 6 -2 3 5 - 6 2 8 5 • B R OA DWAYG R A N D R A P I D S . C O M GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
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Itin s’ Christmas Time the City
E X E R C I S E Y O U R M IN D , B O D Y, A N D PA L ATE . N E V E R ST O P S U R P R IS ING. S T O P A N D A P P R E C IATE TH E C L A S S IC S .
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187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | 616-776-6426 10
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
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Passion.
GVSU Senior Dance Recital
gvsu.edu
It starts with an education focused entirely on your growth — as a thinker, a problem-solver, and as a person. By the time you graduate, you will have knowledge, confidence, and a clear path moving forward. More importantly, you’ll be part of a community that’s prepared to give, to create, to make a difference — qualities that are as timeless as The Nutcracker. That’s the Laker Effect.
GIVING
you more ways to perform your best.
Care for shoulders, hands, wrists, hips, knees, ankles and feet to keep you moving. Spectrum Health Medical Group is proud to be the preferred orthopedic provider for the Grand Rapids Ballet. We know how important it is to overcome a sudden injury- whether you’re a professional ballet dancer or someone who just dances to your own beat. It’s the reason we offer convenient, same-day care from top orthopedic specialists which costs less than a trip to the emergency department. Spectrum Health Medical Group Orthopedic Urgent Care 4100 Lake Drive, Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 616.267.7000 Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Call ahead to reserve your spot 5 to 9 p.m. – Walk-ins welcome Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Walk-ins welcome
spectrumhealth.org/OrthoUrgentCare
The Nutcracker: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET
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by Douglas Tappin
I DREAM The inspiring story of the famous preacher and iconic civil rights leader from Atlanta
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT JANUARY 15 | FOUNTAIN STREET CHURCH MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY CELEBRATION in collaboration with Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and Davenport University 6:00–7:00 PM MLK Day Celebration Program 7:30 PM I DREAM Performance
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GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET
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VAL
CANIPAROLI MOVEMENT
MASTER adrienne warber ballet forever magazine
Choreography is the heart of a ballet. During a ballet production, the choreography is one of the most important ways to tell the story and communicate emotion. Choreographer Val Caniparoli of San Francisco Ballet brings a fresh voice to the beloved ballet, The Nutcracker, by creating choreography for the Grand Rapids Ballet production that stirs both the imagination and the senses. Val Caniparoli, a longtime choreographer since 1982, is one of America’s most sought-after choreographers. He has contributed to the repertoires of more than 45 dance companies. He has been with the San Francisco Ballet Company for over 40 years as a dancer and choreographer, where he serves as a resident choreographer and a principal character dancer. Caniparoli is known for his innovative choreography and his versatility. His body of work is based in classical ballet, but his choreography is also influenced by many other types of movement, ranging from modern dance and ethnic dance to social dancing and ice skating. His diverse body of work has led to him being one of the world’s most highly sought after American choreographers. Caniparoli is known for his special brand of choreography that blends classical ballet with other dance forms. He believes in collaborating with entire creative team on a ballet production. Caniparoli also isn’t afraid to change a successful ballet if he comes up with a promising new idea while working on a production. Caniparoli shares some of his creative process: “I rarely think of steps. I’m inspired to create by being in the room with the dancers and with the music. I’m one that collaborates right away with everyone that’s involved in the project. I don’t wait for the designers to come in. They are in the studio from day one. They are affected by the rehearsals. Sometimes I’m affected by a design, and it gives me a great idea. It all intertwines with me. “ 16
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
He feels that collaborating with the dancers is important to creating choreography. “In many ways, the dancers take ownership of the ballet and give it a better quality product because of it. Everyone is involved and takes great pride in what they accomplished,” says Caniparoli.
important. I want to keep the pantomime to a minimum, and for gestures to be clear and to the point. Sometimes the simplest thing can emphasize the meaning. The story line and characters must be connected, the structure tight and the meaning clear.”
The work of a choreographer isn’t done once a show premieres. Since the world premiere of The Nutcracker in 2014, Caniparoli has returned to Grand Rapids Ballet twice to work directly with the dancers. He shares what he hopes to accomplish on return trips: “It’s an opportunity to go restate style and tweak things. Choreographing anything is an ongoing process. I’m always changing and perfecting ballets. I get to know the new dancers. You never know what may need altering until you are working on it.
When Grand Rapids Ballet’s Artistic Director Patricia Barker teamed with artist Chris Van Allsburg, set designer Eugene Lee and choreographer Val Caniparoli, they strove to create a new The Nutcracker that was unique to West Michigan and honored the traditional story line. The choreography plays a key role in bringing the production together for this vision. Caniparoli choreographs from the perspective of both a dancer and choreographer. He also has
coaching me as Drosselmeyer during Nutcracker rehearsal, and I distinctly
Photo: Bouwens remember how he taught meEricand
what he wanted me to do. So that is ingrained in my head for how I want this Drosselmeyer to be. It’s my interpretation of how he taught me, so it is kind of cool how things are handed down.” Caniparoli believes The Nutcracker is the hardest and most important ballet for a choreographer. He says, “The challenge is telling the story, and connecting everything, and making everything mean something to the audience. You want adults and children to love it and come back every year. The big challenge is also the importance of the work. It’s got to last, at minimum 10 years. It’s the hardest ballet for any choreographer because of audience expectations, and working with both children as well as company dancers.” He shares what he enjoyed most about working with Grand Rapids Ballet: “I enjoyed collaborating with the dancers and having a chance to work with Patricia again. Collaboration makes all the difference.”
Photo: Eric Bouwens
The first year is always rough in any production because all the elements are coming together, you often don’t have enough tech time, and you have to focus on the bigger picture. You hope to come back in the following years to perfect things. The second year, we tightened things up, perfected the story line and fixed props.” Caniparoli talks about the types of small changes that can be made to the choreography over time during a ballet production: “When changes are made, they are usually subtle – a look or a gesture, or eliminating something that muddies the water. Since we can’t talk, gestures are
choreographed three different productions of The Nutcracker. He comments, “I’ve been dancing The San Francisco Ballet version of The Nutcracker for 43 years, and I’m still dancing it. I’m heavily influenced by three different choreographers within those 43 years - Lew Christensen, William Christensen, and now Helgi Tomasson. I’m influenced heavily by Lew Christensen’s version of The Nutcracker. The Christensen brothers brought the first version of The Nutcracker to North America, at San Francisco Ballet. I’m highly influenced by their background, which was classical ballet and vaudeville. I was coached by Lew Christensen. There is this great picture of him
Grand Rapids Ballet’s The Nutcracker production has received good reviews from dance critics and many sold-out shows since the 2014 world premiere. Caniparoli is pleased with the positive response. His greatest hope is that people will enjoy the show. He shares his hope for each show: “I want this The Nutcracker to be fun for everybody and have a sense of humor as well as magic. I want the audience to have fun and to take their children, and watch their wonderment as they see if for the first time. I want them to see it through their children’s eyes.” Val Caniparoli’s choreography brings the classic story together in a way that engages the imagination and brings out the special magic of The Nutcracker ballet. The Nutcracker: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET
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Holiday Pops DEC 14-17 DeVos Hall
DEC 21-2ll 2 DeVos Ha
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OM Series HONICBO SYMP r e erb
January 6 DeVos Hall Experience the evolution of Pokémon projected on big screens while the classic video game music is played by your Grand Rapids Pops.
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GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
that art can make us see the world differently. PNC is proud to sponsor the Grand Rapids Ballet, bringing arts and education together for young audiences and performers. Because we believe in and support everything the arts can accomplish.
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Gift cards can be purchased in the Boutique during performances or at the Ballet Box Office.
UPCOMING MOVEMEDIA: Diversity PRODUCTIONS FEB. 9-11 & MAR. 23-25
February 6-8SCHOOL & 13-15, 2015 BALLET
BEGINNER Thursday 6:30-7:45pm
FEB. 23-25 & MAR. 3-4
Open to all ranges, abilities, and experience levels. Your first class is free! For more information, call 616.454.4771 x17 or email school@grballet.com today.
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GRAND RAPIDS SWAN LAKE
INTERMEDIATE Tuesday 6:30-7:45pm Wednesday 6:30-7:45pm
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
JUNIOR COMPANY presents MOVEMEDIA I WIZARD OF2015 OZ March 13-15,
MOVEMEDIA THE HAPPY PRINCEII& April 16-17 & 19,TALES 2015 OTHER WILDE MAY 4-6 WORLD PREMIERE
BEETHOVEN
May 8-10 & 15-17, 2015
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The Nutcracker: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET
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2017-18 SEASON DANCERS
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Isaac Aoki
Cassidy Isaacson
Nicholas Schultz
Connie Flachs
Yuka Oba
Levi Teachout
Ednis Gomez
Branden Reiners
Matthew Wenckowski
Grace Haskins
Micaelina Ritschl
Caroline Wiley
Steven Houser
Laura McQueen Schultz
Sidney Scully
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
Nigel Tau
Cherilene Guzman
Ashley Conroy
Adriana Wagenveld
Lydia Slack
Payton Field
Chatherine Lasak
Benjamin Waldvogel
Amadeo Lopez-Keranen
Jade Butler
Fiona Staczek
Claire Ashcraft
Gretchen Steimle
Mari Beer
Emily Barrows The Nutcracker: GRAND RAPIDS BALLET
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Celeste Lopez-Keranen
Kelsey Minzenmayer
Lauren Yordanich
Madison Massara
David Senti
Ruby Staczek
CONNECT WITH YOUR FAVORITE DANCERS TODAY! Visit grballet.com/dancers for their complete bios and links to Instagrams. Grace Young
2017-18 SEASON
St. Cecilia Music Center PRESENTS
WINTER CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY LINCOLN CENTER SERIES
of
BRAHMS & DVOŘÁK
JANUARY 18, 2018
The incredible pairing and terrific creative energy of Dvoˇrák and Brahms
CLASSICAL EVOLUTION
APRIL 19, 2018
Mozart, Weber, and Brahms all owe a nod of thanks to Hayden’s immortal invention
ACOUSTIC CAFÉ FOLK SERIES
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IT’S JUST SO GOOD GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
JUDY COLLINS
FEBRUARY 1, 2018
A true legend offers an evening of sublime vocals and boldly vulnerable songwriting
CHAMBERJAZZFOLK
scmc-online.org 616.459.2224
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Creativity in motion. Well done, Grand Rapids Ballet and all who support the arts.
Tony Award winning play by Harvey Fierstein A Drag queen singer struggles to cope with the loss of his life partner, learns to be an effective parent to his adopted teenage son and deals with his mother’s intolerance and disrespect.
May 18-28, 2018
by Charles Busch A comedic portrait of an over-the-hill TV actress shaken by the appearance of a ghost and a series of outrageous coincidences.
June 14-24, 2018 Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids productions are at Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE on the campus of Grand Rapids Community College.
ns with al productioappeal. y theatric n g qualit that are universal i n i t n e s pre h themes Jewis
Shows are on Thursdays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. & Sundays at 3 p.m. (no performances on Fridays) You don’t have to be Jewish to love Jewish Theatre
800.676.2787 kcad.edu
Movemedia II: Slight, costumes designed by KCAD Fashion Studies students.
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GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
17185 AD Nutcracker Program 2017.11.03 FINAL.indd 1
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YOUR GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY VIOLIN James Crawford, Concertmaster Christina Fong, Associate Concertmaster Grace Kim, Interim Assistant Concertmaster Eric Tanner, Principal 2nd Steven H. Brook, Assistant Principal 2nd Haijin Choi Sunny Cirlin Megan Crawford James Eppinga Christine Golden Sterling Jenkins Patricia Kates Christopher Martin Diane McElfish Helle Linda Nelson Joo Yun Preece Joshua Schlachter Collette VandenBerg David Wheeler VIOLA Leslie VanBecker, Principal Barbara Corbató, Assistant Principal Kristen A. Shoup Mary Jane Miller Olga Ziabrikova CELLO Alicia Eppinga, Principal Will Preece Hannah Thomas-Hollands Steven Van Ravenswaay BASS Michael Hovnanian, Assistant Principal Mark Buchner Kevin Flannery FLUTE Christopher Kantner, Principal Ruth Bylsma, Assistant Principal Judith Kemph
ENGLISH HORN Kathleen Gomez Sarah Peterson CLARINET Suzanna Dennis Bratton, Principal Michael Kornacki, Assistant Principal Joel Schekman BASS CLARINET Joel Schekman David Yandl BASSOON Victoria Olson, Principal Marat Rakhmatullaev HORN Richard Britsch, Principal Erich Peterson, Assistant Principal Mary Beth Orr Paul Austin Claire Ross Tricia Ruffer TRUMPET Charley Lea, Principal Paul Torrisi, Assistant Principal TROMBONE John Meyer, Principal Daniel Mattson, Assistant Principal Nathan Musch BASS TROMBONE Robert Ward TUBA Chance Huiet Phil Sinder TIMPANI Daniel Karas, Principal PERCUSSION William H. Vits, Principal David Hall, Assistant Principal
PICCOLO Judith Kemph
HARP Elizabeth Wooster Colpean, Principal
OBOE Ellen Sherman, Principal Alexander Miller, Assistant Principal Sarah Constable Sarah Peterson
KEYBOARD Helen Luka
JOHN
VARINEAU Associate Conductor of the Grand Rapids Symphony Associate Conductor John Varineau is in his fourth decade on the podium where he conducts concerts for Fox Motors Pops, Gerber SymphonicBoom, DTE Energy Foundation Family, and PNC Lollipop, as well as for a variety of educational and outreach concerts throughout the area. The 2017-18 season marks his 33rd year as a conductor with the Grand Rapids Symphony and 30th anniversary season as conductor of the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra. Last season, Varineau conducted the Phoenix Symphony in two separate programs. Other orchestras he’s conducted previously include the Detroit, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Arkansas, Indianapolis, Duluth Superior, and Traverse City Symphony Orchestras as well as the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Oklahoma City Philharmonic. He formerly served as music director of the Holland Chamber Orchestra (now the Holland Symphony Orchestra). A clarinetist, John Varineau presents solo recitals and plays in the contemporary music group, Ensemble Montage, and the woodwind trio, ma non troppo. He is an adjunct professor of music at Calvin College where he conducts the Calvin College Orchestra and teaches clarinet and occasional academic courses. He also conducts the Calvin Community Symphony, an ensemble open to both Calvin alumni and community musicians. Committed to nurturing the next generation of classical music lovers, Varineau is a frequent visitor to area schools and shares an infectious enthusiasm with students throughout West Michigan. A native of Laramie, Wyoming, Varineau attended Michigan State University and the University of Wyoming for his clarinet training and earned his master’s degree at Yale School of Music. He has made three recordings with the Grand Rapids Symphony and three with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He married his wife, Gwen, in the same year that he joined the Grand Rapids Symphony. They have a daughter, Jade, and a son, Justin.
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GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
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THANK YOU, DONORS! ARABESQUE ($25,000+)
Amway Beusse & Porter Family Foundation Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation The Dick & Betsy DeVos Foundation The Douglas & Maria DeVos Foundation Edith Blodgett Legacy Fund of The Brookby Foundation Rosemary & David Good Family Foundation Meijer, Inc. Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs James & Mary Nelson PNC Bank Steelcase Foundation Wege Foundation
ROND DE JAMBE ($10,000+)
Baldwin Foundation Cutler Foundation Frey Foundation Wes & Judy Harpold Keller Foundation Kendall College of Art & Design Tim & Juliet Kraal Patrick McConeghy J. Lee & Susan B. Murphy Jon & Carol Muth New York Choreographic Institute Norris Perné & French Parkinson’s Association of West Michigan Marilyn Titche
DÉGAGÉ ($5,000+)
Patti & Karl Betz Chemical Bank Peter C. & Emajean Cook Foundatio Nicholle & Jeff Costello Douglas DeBoer Memorial Fund at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation Foster Swift Collins & Smith Plante Moran PLLC James H. Schindler Tinney Automotive Elizabeth Tinney Donley Varnum LLP
TENDU ($2,500+) Don & Ellen Arlinsky Michelle & Kevin Bassett Donald J. Bruggink Joan Dykstra Frey Family Fund Grand Valley State University Herman Miller Sally Kotani & David Armbrecht Michael & Melissa Lojek Mary Loupee Nawara Brothers Home Store 34
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
cumulative giving from January 1, 2016 to October 31, 2017
John Nienhuis & Jerry Nardin Giselle & Peter Sholler Karlis & Anda Vizulis Stephen & Jane Wert Mary A. Yurko & Mark Gurney
PLIÉ ($1,000+) Christine & Peter Albertini Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics Luis & Amanda Avila Jeff & Margaret Beusse The Brooks Family Mimi Cummings Andrea Jeane Darling Jeff & Theresa DeVries Dickinson Wright Darcy J. Dye David & Nancy Field Steve Frykholm Fusion Financial Group Laurie Griffith Jeff Gurney Jack & Marcia Hall Todd & Robin Hoppe In Memory of Norman E. Horne J.C. Huizenga John Hunting Win & Kyle Irwin The Korff Foundation Arend & Nancy Lubbers Shawn & Kathryn McCabe Kate & John McGarry Al & Pam McQueen Miller Johnson Thomas Moore & Jan Winters Valerie B. Nelson Patricia Nevala Lynn & John O’Donnell Sean Patterson Till & Bernice Peters John Petrovich & Lorraine Miles John Rudolf Family Foundation Robert Oracz & Dave Schmidt Luis & Gretchen Tomatis Karl & Joanna Van Harn Jim Shafer & Leah Voigt Pat & Bill Waring Lynn & Stuart White Kirk & Jennifer Wiley Melike Winkworth JETÉ ($500+) Tom & Melissa Aaberg ArtPrize Grand Rapids Shelly & Rob Batterbee Robert Beasecker & Erika King Marcella Beck Charles Behler Frederick A. Bogaert Mark & Doreen Bolhuis
Thomas & Alexis Boyden Linda Campbell Thompson Dr. Jack D. & Karen F. Cichy Cynthia Conway Steffany Dunker & Jay Harsevoort John & Kristine Fox Shelly Garone Frances Hall Gerry Hotchkiss Paul Howland Bill & Judy Johnson Jo Kidd Rob & Kelly Knecht Michael & Michele Kopinski Shannon Lookabill Thomas & Patricia Macholan Marla Marsala McLean Family Foundation Daniel & Sabrasue Miller Patricia J. Muth Kathleen & Ken Nelson Scott Rasmussen Natasha Sandoval Mary B. Staten McCormick Jim & Karen Stokes Lee Strodtman Brenda S. Teegardin Trinitas Classical Association Darryl & Jane Varda John & Gwen Varineau Patricia Warner John H. Wert Susan Wold
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Twink Frey Diane Mills Kathleen Muir Laidlaw Dr. Mark & Lorraine Newberry The Leonard & Eileen Newman Fund of Denise Overbeek Dr. Gil Padula Corporate Portfolio Peter & Carroll Perez Henry Pestka Charitable Fund Michael & Wendy Petrella Lori Reineke Robyn Richardson David H. Smith Mr. Corsair Switzerlord Matthew & Kara Taylor Peter M. Turner
RELEVÉ ($100+)
JoAnn Abraham William Armitage Eugene Bego Janelle Berger Frances J. Boyden Roy Brown Greg Carnevale & Diane Mahon Carilon & Jim Carr Mark Chancey & Thomas Owens Joe & Debbie Chapa Amy L. Charles Nancy & Richard Court Kay Courtney Elizabeth J. Crosby Linda & Jonathon Damon James DeLapa Abby Dilley Michael & Nancy Dodge Katie Dykstra John & Louise Edison Kost & Candy Elisevich Jean Enright Meredith Ervine Revs. Maurice & Sara Fetty Becky Forland Mary L. Forman Terence Frixen Ms. Ellie Galas Mike & Gig Gamaggio Alberta A. Garbaccio Dianne Garone Paula Gaylord Harvey & Phyllis Gendler Dan & Judi Giddings Holly & Steve Goulet Linda Griggs Harry & Lynn Gubbins Richard Hagan & Terry West Robert Heidenreich Marilyn E. Heiss Todd Helle & Diane McElfish Helle
David & Susan Hoekema Robert L. & Judith S. Hooker Foun Ian Hunter Laurie Iciek Shellie Jeffries & Tony Kroes Bari Johnson Suzanne K. Jones JPMorgan Chase Foundation Michael & Beth Kling Melissa Lichtenwalter Jay & Shirley Lindquist Camilla Martin John R. Martino Henry Matthews & Timothy Chester Michael & Brigitte Merk Patrick & Tamara Miller Kim S. Mitchell Rose Mary Moegling Sheila O’Rourke Julie Otterbein Don & Mary Permoda Ms. Martha Porter Carol Randel Milt & Barbara Rohwer Stasia Savage James & Bonnie Scarlett Joe & Tricia Schetz Robert Schwartz Bettegail Shively Showchex, Inc. Pamela Smitter & Christopher Iver Catherine Southwick Nancy Yagiela & Peter Spring Lillian Tetzlaff Thomas & Amy Trezona John & Cheryl Tully Ghayas & Joy Uddin Jeffrey & Magdalena VanWingen Villegas Group Urs & Martha Waldvogel James & Mary Kay Wemple In Memory of Bob Wepman Mary White Scott & Rebekah Wierenga Karen Williams Joan Wilson In Memory of Joseph Aaron Wojczynsk Kirk & Cindy Wright Ann J. Wuerthele Eileen M. Wurzer Thomas A. Wysocki Marvin Yamaguchi Gloria Yff Mike & Mary Yoak
JOIN US TODAY
MAKE AN IMPORTANT INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE OF DANCE $25 Gives one Grand Rapids Public School student the opportunity to experience the enchantment of The Nutcracker $50 Improves the mobility and balance of an adult with Parkinson’s Disease using the transformative power of dance in our Moving with Parkinson’s Program (two classes) $100 Educates a child with Down syndrome in our Explorer Dance Program where they learn concepts of rhythm, coordination, balance, and spatial awareness (one semester) $250 Introduces dance to an entire class at a Grand Rapids Public School through our Dance Immersion Program $500 Provides an opportunity for one boy to attend our Free Boys’ Ballet Class for one year $1,000 Funds a scholarship for one Grand Rapids Public School student to attend Grand Rapids Ballet’s Young Dancer Summer Program $2,500 Trains an aspiring professional dancer in our Junior Company for one semester $5,000 Underwrites an entire Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company production $10,000+ Funds six practicing artists in the field of dance to participate as guest teachers in our Summer Intensive Program
To make a gift by phone or email, please contact Development Director Mark D. Warner at 616.454.4771 ext. 11 or markw@grballet.com. Thank you!
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En Pointe ON POINT
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GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
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Peter Martin Wege Theatre December 22-23 grballet.com/christmascarol
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GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
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GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
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JOIN EN POINTE! Interested in volunteering for the only professional
THANK YOU, EN POINTE VOLUNTEERS! ballet company in Michigan? You may want to consider Mary Ackert Lisa Allen Jeff, Dr. Anita, & Anneke Avery Betsy Bakeman Mary Nell Baldwin Phyllis Ball Brian & Judy Beer Family Richard & Kathy Benoit Cheryl Bentley Donna & Roger Betten Adrianne Braun Thomas & Barbara Brege Mary Carol Brouwer Roy Brown Julie Bukrey Timothy Bunchman & Norma Maxvold Robyn Carlson Pam Clark Bruce & Julia Conroy P. Sean, Laura, & Erica Coombs Nicki Costello Kay Courtney Bill & Heidi Dani Daniels Family Robert Diamond & Sheila Kinney Dr. Matthew M. & Mattie Douglas Joan Dykstra Rosalind Ebrom Patricia & Carl Falkenstern Greg, Shari, & Alli Farr Jamal Fisher Gamaggio Family Roselda Gardner Robin & David Gast Karen Gilmore Barbara Groat David & Karen Hadsall Marcia & Jack Hall Kathleen Hansen Abby Harrison Lawrence B. & Rosie Haywood Carol & Greg Heath Janelle Hill Stephanie Hughes Robert, Kelly, & Hannah Jacobsma Aimee Jarchow Susan Jennelle Ronald & Sandra Jones Sally & Hope Jonker Sharon Karam Judith Kiebler Ray King Jr. Cynthia Lamb 42
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET: The Nutcracker
joining En Pointe – a group Brian & Susan Lennon Family of volunteers committed Melissa Lojek to lifting the human spirit Salvador, Sarah, Amadeo, & Celeste through the art of dance. Lopez-Keranen Carla Ludwig Laura Martin What is En Pointe? Kris, Joni, Elizabeth, Emily, & Erin Mauren En Pointe is the volunteer group McCabe Family for Grand Rapids Ballet. They can Yvette McClain regularly be seen ushering, managing Jacky McGill the Boutique, planning and executing Robert Mieras special events, and much more. Carole Mueller-Brumbaugh Cindy Napolitan How it Nelson work? Waynedoes & Brigitte When volunteer Raeanne Niemer opportunities arise, En Suzanne & Tom Nowak Pointe members have the first chance to Gary & Karen Paul volunteer (volunteer spots are filled on Posthuma aTamara first-to-respond, first-placed basis). Mary Quiroz There are two volunteer categories: Robert Regan of members of En the first“RJ” list consists Kent & Lisa Rudlaff Family Pointe for the Grand Rapids Ballet. The Pauline Sandoval second list is made up of individuals who Kim, Chris, Clare, Seth, & Paul are not En Pointe members but have Schellenberg expressed an interest in volunteering. Nancy Schenck David Schmidt & Robert Oracz How I sign up? Pamelado & Paul Schweitzer Complete a membership form in the Jim Schafer Peter Martin Wege &Theatre lobby or Giselle, Peter, Becca, Chloe Sholler sign upSinke on our website at grballet.com. Carol Paul, Amy, & Arianna Skentzos Paul & Barbara Slackright now? Can’t sign up Williamwe C. Spagnuolo While encourage membership in Mary Sumners En Pointe, please know that you do Corsair not haveSwitzerlord to be a member to volunteer. Yuichi & Hiroko Takagi You are also not required to volunteer Elaine Teat if you are a member. En Pointe Mark & Heidi TenElshof members receive special benefits such Randy & Joanne Terrian as access to GRB events including Al & Carole Valk the Season Announcement Party & Leslie VanBecker & Ed Clifford select rehearsals, ticket discounts and Colleen Mahon, Douglas, & Aidan presale offers for select performances, Van Doren acknowledgement in GRB program Karen Verway books, opportunities to see performances Urs & Martha Waldvogel for freeWalker by volunteering, and much more! Joyce DeAnna Westerbeek Merikay Wierenga Contact us Jim & Connie Winter-Troutwine For more information, contact Errol Wolbert Family Shewman at (616) 454-4771, ext. 12,
or guestservices@grballet.com.
Interested in volunteering for Michigan’s only professional ballet company? Join En Pointe, a group of volunteers committed to lifting the human spirit through the art of dance. To learn more about the benefits of membership or to join, contact Errol Shewman, Guest Services Manager, at 616.454.4771 Volunteer Joseph Van Harn scanning tickets guestservices@grballet.com.
Volunteers assisting customers in the Boutique at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre
Volunteers assisting customers at the Nutcracker Boutique at DeVos Performance Hall
Volunteers helping prepare the crafts for Clara’s Nutcracker Party
Attila Mosolygo, Director
WIZARD OZ the
of
FEBRUARY 23-25 & MARCH 3-4 PETER MARTIN WEGE THEATRE
grballet.com/wizardofoz
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