THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY MAGAZINE
APRIL 2019
TCHAIKOVSKY & RACHMANINOFF 20
INDIGO GIRLS 28
MUSIC OF LED ZEPPELIN 32
CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE 34
April 4, 6 & 7
April 10 April 19
April 26, 27 & 28
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InTUNE | A P R I L
2019
Programs
Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninoff April 4, 6 & 7 ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20 Indigo Girls April 10 ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������28 Music of Led Zeppelin April 19 ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������32 Cirque de la Symphonie April 26, 27 & 28 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������34
Features
Letter to Patrons ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������2 Aurora: A New Violin Concerto by Jimmy López ����������������������� 16 Concert Preview: Bluebeard’s Castle ��������������������������������������������������� 18 Giving Societies and Donor Benefits ��������������������������������������������������38 Backstage Pass with Daniel Strba ��������������������������������������������������������48
Events
2019 Houston Symphony Wine Dinner Recap ����������������������������� 14 2019 Houston Symphony Ball �����������������������������������������������������������������25
Your Houston Symphony
Your Symphony Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Music Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Upcoming Broadcasts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Orchestra Roster ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8 Society Board of Trustees ������������������������������������������������������������������������������9 Staff Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Our Supporters
Vision 2025 Implementation Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 New Century Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Leadership Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Houston Symphony Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Young Associates Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Chorus Endowment Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Corporate, Foundation and Government Partners ���������������������42 Capital Investments ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������43 In-Kind Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Houston Symphony Endowment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Legacy Society & In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Education and Community Engagement Donors . . . . . . . . . 46 Musician Sponsorships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Read all about Jimmy López’ Aurora before its world premiere next month
16
InTUNE is published by the Houston Symphony.
LETTER TO PATRONS APRIL 2019
615 Louisiana, Suite 102, Houston, TX 77002 713.224.4240 | houstonsymphony.org All rights reserved.
When I am at one of our concerts, I often marvel at the sheer athleticism of our orchestra. When the 88 highly-trained musicians of the Houston Symphony perform amazing feats of dexterity in perfect coordination with each other, the result is electric. Any orchestral performance is a wonder to behold, but this month we add another layer of amazement to the concert experience with Cirque de la Symphonie. Some of the world’s most skilled circus artists— aerialists, contortionists, strong men, jugglers, and more—will synchronize their acts with live performances of great orchestral music for a one-of-a-kind performing arts experience.
InTune is produced by the Houston Symphony’s Marketing and Communications department. Calvin Dotsey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Publications Editor Melanie O’Neill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Publications Designer Elaine Reeder Mayo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editorial Consultant Shweiki Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printing Ventures Marketing Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertising The Houston Symphony is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of our generous donors. Presenting nearly
170 concerts annually with an ensemble of 88 full-time professional musicians, the Symphony is Houston’s largest performing arts organization. We enrich the lives of thousands through more than 900 annual community-based performances and inspiring classroom visits. Your support enables us to continue creating innovative and commanding musical experiences. The activities and projects of the Houston Symphony are funded in part by grants from the City of Houston, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Texas Commission on the Arts. The Houston Symphony currently records under its own label, Houston Symphony Media Productions, and for Pentatone and Naxos. Houston Symphony recordings are also available on the Telarc, RCA Red Seal, Virgin Classics and Koch International Classics labels. Cameras, Recorders, Cell Phones & Pagers
Cameras and recorders are not permitted in the hall. Patrons may not use any device to record or photograph performances. Please silence cell phones, pagers and alarm watches and refrain from texting during performances. All content © 2019. Contents cannot be reproduced in any manner, whole or in part, without written permission from the Houston Symphony or InTune Magazine.
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Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff, this month’s all-Russian Classical concert, offers plenty of purely musical thrills when acclaimed pianist Simon Trpčeski plays Rachmaninoff ’s knuckle-busting Piano Concerto No. 4. Fans of wild electric guitar solos will not want to miss The Music of Led Zeppelin, while those who prefer an acoustic sound will enjoy a special presentation by folk-rock duo Indigo Girls. Music lovers of all ages are invited to Once Upon a Time, this month’s fairytale-themed BBVA Compass Family Series concert. Next month, we celebrate the grand finale of our 2018–19 Season with a world premiere and a stunning, semi-staged operatic production. Learn more about the world premiere of Aurora, a new violin concerto by Composer-in-Residence Jimmy López on page 16, and get a sneak peek at the entrancing visuals of Bartók’s thrilling operatic psychodrama, Bluebeard’s Castle, on page 18. Until then, we hope you enjoy this visit to Jones Hall and join us in marveling at the incredible artistry of great musicians.
John Mangum Executive Director/CEO Margaret Alkek Williams Chair
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HOUSTON symphony JONES HALL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 615 Louisiana St. Suite 102 Houston, TX 77002
PATRON SERVICES
713.224.7575 Mon–Sat | 12pm–6pm patronservices@houstonsymphony.org
GROUP SALES
713.238.1435 Mon–Fri | 9am–5pm groupsales@houstonsymphony.org
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 713.238.1420 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
YOUR SYMPHONY EXPERIENCE JONES HALL
ETIQUETTE
Sixty-six foot ceilings, scarlet carpet, teakwood, and travertine marble greet visitors to Jones Hall, the home of the Houston Symphony. Opened in 1966, Jones Hall has a uniquely designed movable ceiling that enables the auditorium to shrink or expand from approximately 2,150 to 2,900 seats.
For Classical concerts, if a work has several movements it is traditional to hold applause until the end of the last movement. If you are unsure when a piece ends, check the program or wait for the conductor to face the audience. If you feel truly inspired, however, do not be afraid to applaud! Brief applause between movements after an exceptional performance is always appreciated.
PRELUDE PRE-CONCERT CONVERSATIONS Led by Musical Ambassador Carlos Andrés Botero, Prelude Pre-Concert Conversations are held 45 minutes in advance of each Classical Series performance and provide interesting insights into composers and their works.
DEVICES Please silence all electronic devices before the performance. Photography and audio/video recordings of these performances are strictly prohibited.
FOOD & DRINK POLICY Encore Café offers a selection of food and drink options before performances and during intermission; we also have several bars located throughout the concert hall where you may purchase beer, wine, and mixed drinks. However, food or drinks are prohibited in the auditorium for Classical Series performances. Drinks (in plastic containers) are allowed for POPS concerts and some Symphony Specials.
LOST AND FOUND For lost and found inquiries please contact Front of House Manager Sarah Rendón during the performance. She also can be reached at sarah.rendon@houstonsymphony.org. You also may contact Houston First after the performances at 832.487.7050.
CONNECT WITH US | facebook.com/houstonsymphony twitter.com/housymphony instagram.com/housymphony youtube.com/hsymphony 4 | Houston Symphony
#HOUSTONSYMPHONY
CHILDREN Children ages 6 and up are welcome to all Classical, POPS, and Symphony Special concerts. Children of all ages are welcome at BBVA Compass Family Series performances. Children must have a ticket for all ticketed events.
LATE SEATING Each performance typically allows for late seating, which is scheduled in intervals and determined by the conductor. Our ushers and front of house manager will instruct you on when late seating is allowed.
TICKETS Subscribers to six or more Classical or POPS concerts, as well as BBVA Compass Family Subscribers, may exchange their tickets at no cost. Smaller package subscribers and Single Ticket purchasers may exchange their tickets for a nominal fee. Tickets to Symphony Specials are ineligible for exchange. If you are unable to make a performance, your ticket may be donated prior to the concert for a tax-donation receipt. Donations and exchanges may be made in person , over the phone, or online.
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OROZCO-ESTRADA MUSIC DIRECTOR
ROY AND LILLIE CULLEN CHAIR Andrés Orozco-Estrada has served as the Houston Symphony’s music director and as chief conductor of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra since the 2014–15 season. He was appointed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra in September 2015 as its principal guest conductor. In the 2021-22 season, he becomes chief conductor of the Vienna Symphony. Andrés conducts many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Vienna Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, Staatskapelle Dresden, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, and Orchestre National de France, as well as major American orchestras in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Chicago. He has also led many successful concerts and opera performances at the Glyndebourne, Salzburg, and Styriarte festivals. Highlights of the 2018–19 season include his concert with the Vienna Philharmonic for Mozart Week and a new production of Rigoletto at the Berlin State Opera. He conducts his debut concert at the BBC Proms with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and leads the Chamber Orchestra of Europe for the first time. As a guest, he returns to the Staatskapelle Dresden, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and The Philadelphia Orchestra. He and his Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra also perform Strauss’ Elektra in Frankfurt and Dortmund. In December, he led the Vienna Symphony with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Andrés continues his commitment to young musicians, conducting a concert with the Karajan Academy of the Berlin Philharmonic and leading a joint education project of the Tonhalle Orchestra Zürich with the Filarmónica Joven de Colombia, with whom he then tours. His record releases with Pentatone have attracted great attention. He was praised for his “beguiling recording” (Gramophone) of Stravinsky’s The Firebird and The Rite of Spring with the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, and his recording of Richard Strauss’ An Alpine Symphony with the same orchestra earned him a reputation as “a fine Straussian” (Gramophone). With the Houston Symphony, he has recorded Dvořák’s last four symphonies, a “vital Dvořák with warm colors” (Pizzicato). In addition, he has recorded the complete symphonies of Brahms and Mendelssohn. Born in Medellín, Colombia, Andrés Orozco-Estrada began his musical education with the violin. He received his first conducting lessons at 15 and began studying in Vienna in 1997, where he entered the conducting class of Uroš Lajovic (a pupil of the legendary Hans Swarowsky) at the prestigious University of Music and Performing Arts. Andrés lives in Vienna. 6 | Houston Symphony
Tune in to Houston Public Media News 88.7 FM Sunday nights at 8 p.m. to hear great performances from past Houston Symphony concerts. You can also listen Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. online through Houston Public Media's digital Classical station.
APRIL 2019 BROADCAST SCHEDULE ALL BROADCASTS AIR AT 8 P.M. April 7 | News 88.7 April 10 | Classical RECORDED: February 23–25, 2018
April 14 | News 88.7 April 17 | Classical RECORDED: March 29–31, 2018
April 21 | News 88.7 April 24 | Classical RECORDED: October 26–28, 2012
April 28 | News 88.7 May 1 | Classical RECORDED: April 6–8, 2018
Andrés Orozco-Estrada, conductor Hilary Hahn, violin Dvořák: The Noon Witch Bernstein: Serenade for Violin and Orchestra Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 Elgar: Nimrod from Enigma Variations Prokofiev: Death of Tybalt from Suite No. 2 from Romeo and Juliet
Bramwell Tovey, conductor Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano Bernstein: Symphony No. 2, The Age of Anxiety Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms Stravinsky: Suite from The Firebird
Andrés Orozco-Estrada, conductor William VerMeulen, horn Berlioz: Roman Carnival Overture R. Strauss: Horn Concerto No. 1 Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique
Andrey Boreyko, conductor Benjamin Beilman, violin Schreker: Nocturne from The Distant Sound Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto Tchaikovsky: Selections from The Sleeping Beauty
ROSTER
ORCHESTRA Andrés Orozco-Estrada Music Director Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair FIRST VIOLIN Position Vacant, Concertmaster Max Levine Chair Eric Halen, Co-Concertmaster Ellen E. Kelley Chair Qi Ming, Assistant Concertmaster Fondren Foundation Chair Marina Brubaker Tong Yan MiHee Chung Sophia Silivos Rodica Gonzalez Ferenc Illenyi** Si-Yang Lao Kurt Johnson Christopher Neal Sergei Galperin Boson Mo* Jenna Barghouti*
DOUBLE BASS Robin Kesselman, Principal Timothy Dilenschneider, Associate Principal Mark Shapiro Eric Larson Andrew Pedersen Burke Shaw Donald Howey Michael McMurray FLUTE Aralee Dorough, Principal General Maurice Hirsch Chair Matthew Roitstein, Associate Principal Judy Dines Kathryn Ladner PICCOLO Kathryn Ladner OBOE Jonathan Fischer, Principal Lucy Binyon Stude Chair Anne Leek, Associate Principal Colin Gatwood Adam Dinitz
SECOND VIOLIN MuChen Hsieh, Principal Hitai Lee Mihaela Frusina Annie Kuan-Yu Chen Jing Zheng Martha Chapman Tianjie Lu Anastasia Sukhopara Tina Zhang Jordan Koransky Lindsey Baggett* Katrina Bobbs Savitski*
ENGLISH HORN Adam Dinitz
VIOLA Wayne Brooks, Principal Mr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Legacy Society Chair Joan DerHovsepian, Associate Principal George Pascal, Assistant Principal Wei Jiang Linda Goldstein Sheldon Person Fay Shapiro Daniel Strba Jarita Ng Phyllis Herdliska CELLO Brinton Averil Smith, Principal Janice and Thomas Barrow Chair Christopher French, Associate Principal Anthony Kitai Louis-Marie Fardet Jeffrey Butler Maki Kubota Xiao Wong Charles Seo Emileigh Vandiver* James R. Denton** Community-Embedded Musicians David Connor, double bass Rainel Joubert, violin Patricia Quintero Garcia, violin Alexa Sangbin Thomson, viola
8 | Houston Symphony
Steven Reineke Principal POPS Conductor Robert Franz Associate Conductor Betsy Cook Weber Director, Houston Symphony Chorus
CLARINET Mark Nuccio, Principal Thomas LeGrand, Associate Principal Christian Schubert Alexander Potiomkin E-FLAT CLARINET Thomas LeGrand BASS CLARINET Alexander Potiomkin Tassie and Constantine S. Nicandros Chair BASSOON Rian Craypo, Principal Eric Arbiter, Associate Principal Elise Wagner
HORN William VerMeulen, Principal Robert Johnson, Associate Principal Jesse Clevenger*, Assistant Principal Brian Thomas Nancy Goodearl Ian Mayton TRUMPET Mark Hughes, Principal George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Chair John Parker, Associate Principal Robert Walp, Assistant Principal Richard Harris TROMBONE Allen Barnhill, Principal Bradley White, Associate Principal Phillip Freeman BASS TROMBONE Phillip Freeman TUBA Dave Kirk, Principal TIMPANI Leonardo Soto, Principal Matthew Strauss, Associate Principal PERCUSSION Brian Del Signore, Principal Mark Griffith Matthew Strauss HARP Megan Conley, Principal** KEYBOARD Scott Holshouser, Principal *Contracted Substitute ** On Leave
CONTRABASSOON Position Vacant
Orchestra Personnel Manager Michael Gorman
Librarian Thomas Takaro
Stage Manager Stefan Stout
Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager Josh Hall
Assistant Librarians Aspen McArthur Michael McMurray
Assistant Stage Manager José Rios
Stage Technician Nick DiFonzo
TRUSTEES
2018–19 SEASON
SOCIETY BOARD of
PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY SOCIETY
Executive Committee Janet F. Clark President Steven P. Mach Immediate Past President
Bobby Tudor Chairman Paul R. Morico General Counsel
Mike S. Stude Chairman Emeritus Barbara McCelvey Secretary
Danielle Batchelor Chair, Popular Programming Barbara J. Burger Chair, Finance Brett Busby Chair, Artistic & Orchestra Affairs Mary Kathryn Campion, Ph.D. Chair, Pension Brad W. Corson Chair, Governance & Leadership Viviana Denechaud Chair, Development Tracy Dieterich Chair, Community Partnerships Mary Lynn Marks Chair, Volunteers & Special Events
Billy McCartney Chair, Education Robert Peiser^ At Large Alexandra Pruner^ President, Houston Symphony Endowment David Pruner Chair, Strategic Planning Manolo Sánchez Chair, Marketing & Communications Jesse B. Tutor Immediate Past Chair, Chair, Audit Maureen Higdon^ President, Houston Symphony League
Andrés Orozco-Estrada^ Music Director John Mangum^ Executive Director/CEO Adam Dinitz^ Musician Representative Mark Hughes^ Musician Representative Mark Nuccio^ Musician Representative Christine Kelly-Weaver^ Assistant Secretary ^Ex-Officio
GOVERNING DIRECTORS Farida Abjani Michael W. Adler Marcia Backus Janice Barrow** Danielle Batchelor Gary Beauchamp Marie Taylor Bosarge Ralph Burch Barbara J. Burger Brett Busby Andrew Calder Janet F. Clark Michael H. Clark Brad W. Corson Viviana Denechaud
Michael Doherty Terry Elizabeth Everett Ronald G. Franklin Sippi Khurana, M.D. Rochelle Levit, Ph.D. Cora Sue Mach ** Steven P. Mach Paul M. Mann, M.D. Jay Marks ** Mary Lynn Marks Rodney Margolis** Billy McCartney Barbara McCelvey Alexander K. McLanahan ** Paul R. Morico
Robert Orr Cully Platt David Pruner John Rydman** Helen Shaffer ** Jim R. Smith Miles O. Smith Mike S. Stude ** William J. Toomey II Bobby Tudor ** Betty Tutor ** Jesse B. Tutor ** Judith Vincent Margaret Alkek Williams **
Scott Wulfe David Wuthrich Ex-Officio Mary Kathryn Campion, Ph.D. Tracy Dieterich Adam Dinitz Maureen Higdon Mark Hughes Nina McGlashan Mark Nuccio Gloria Pryzant **Lifetime Trustee
TRUSTEES Philip Bahr Devinder Bhatia, M.D. James M. Bell Nancy Shelton Bratic Terry Ann Brown** Dougal Cameron Mary Kathryn Campion, Ph.D. John T. Cater ** Evan Collins, M.D., MBA Andrew Davis, Ph.D. Tracy Dieterich Kelli Cohen Fein, M.D. Jeffrey B. Firestone Eugene Fong Julia Anderson Frankel Betsy Garlinger Evan B. Glick
Susan Hansen Gloria G. Pryzant Eric Haufrect, M.D. Tadd Pullin Gary L. Hollingsworth, M.D. Richard Robbins, M.D. Brian James J. Hugh Roff Jr. ** Joan Kaplan Miwa Sakashita Manolo Sánchez I. Ray Kirk, M.D. Ed Schneider Ulyesse LeGrange ** Carlos J. Lopez Michael E. Shannon ** Michael Mann, M.D. Kafi Slaughter Jack Matzer Robert Sloan, D.D. Theol. Jackie Wolens Mazow Tad Smith Gary Mercer Ishwaria Subbiah, M.D. Marilyn Miles L. Proctor (Terry) Thomas Janet Moore Shirley W. Toomim Bobbie Newman Margaret Waisman, Scott Nyquist M.D. Edward Osterberg Jr. Fredric Weber Robert A. Peiser** Mrs. S. Conrad Weil
Robert Weiner Vicki West Steven J. Williams Frank Wilson Ed Wulfe ** Ellen A. Yarrell Robert Yekovich Frank Yonish Ex-Officio Ann Ayre Jennifer Gravenor Alexandra Pruner Art Vivar Jessie Woods **Lifetime Trustee
Mrs. Edwin B. Parker Miss Ima Hogg Mrs. H. M. Garwood Joseph A. Mullen, M.D. Joseph S. Smith Walter H. Walne H. R. Cullen Gen. Maurice Hirsch Charles F. Jones Fayez Sarofim John T. Cater Richard G. Merrill Ellen Elizardi Kelley John D. Platt
E.C. Vandagrift Jr. J. Hugh Roff Jr. Robert M. Hermance Gene McDavid Janice H. Barrow Barry C. Burkholder Rodney H. Margolis Jeffrey B. Early Michael E. Shannon Ed Wulfe Jesse B. Tutor Robert B. Tudor III Robert A. Peiser Steven P. Mach
PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY LEAGUE Miss Ima Hogg Mrs. John F. Grant Mrs. J. R. Parten Mrs. Andrew E. Rutter Mrs. Aubrey Leno Carter Mrs. Stuart Sherar Mrs. Julian Barrows Ms. Hazel Ledbetter Mrs. Albert P. Jones Mrs. Ben A. Calhoun Mrs. James Griffith Lawhon Mrs. Olaf LaCour Olsen Mrs. Ralph Ellis Gunn Mrs. Leon Jaworski Mrs. Garrett R. Tucker Jr. Mrs. M. T. Launius Jr. Mrs. Thompson McCleary Mrs. Theodore W. Cooper Mrs. Allen W. Carruth Mrs. David Hannah Jr. Mary Louis Kister Mrs. Edward W. Kelley Jr. Mrs. John W. Herndon Mrs. Charles Franzen Mrs. Harold R. DeMoss Jr. Mrs. Edward H. Soderstrom
Mrs. Lilly Kucera Andress Ms. Marilou Bonner Mrs. W. Harold Sellers Mrs. Harry H. Gendel Mrs. Robert M. Eury Mrs. E. C. Vandagrift Jr. Mrs. J. Stephen Marks Terry Ann Brown Nancy Strohmer Mary Ann McKeithan Ann Cavanaugh Mrs. James A. Shaffer Lucy H. Lewis Catherine McNamara Shirley McGregor Pearson Paula Jarrett Cora Sue Mach Kathi Rovere Norma Jean Brown Barbara McCelvey Lori Sorcic Jansen Nancy B. Willerson Jane Clark Nancy Littlejohn Donna Shen Dr. Susan Snider Osterberg Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein Vicki West Mrs. Jesse Tutor Darlene Clark Beth Wolff
PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY LEAGUE BAY AREA Fran Strong Selma Neumann Julia Wells Dagmar Meeh Priscilla Heidbreder Harriett Small Nina Spencer Elizabeth Glenn Ebby Creden Charlotte Gaunt Norma Brady Cindy Kuenneke Helen Powell Sharon Dillard Diane McLaughlin Roberta Liston Suzanne Hicks Sue Smith
Shirley Wettling Jo Anne Mills Phyllis Molnar Pat Bertelli Emyre B. Robinson Dana Puddy Angela Buell Pat Brackett Joan Wade Yvonne Herring Deanna Lamoreux Glenda Toole Carole Murphy Patience Myers James Moore Mary Voigt Martha McWilliams
FRIENDS OF JONES HALL REPRESENTATIVES Brett Busby
Ronald G. Franklin
Steven P. Mach
Barbara McCelvey InTUNE — April 2019 | 9
STAFF
ADMINISTRATIVE
The Houston Symphony Administrative Staff is made up of 67 full-time and part-time professionals who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure all operations within the organization are run effectively and efficiently. This inspiring team is dedicated to bringing the great music of the Houston Symphony to our community. SENIOR MANAGEMENT GROUP John Mangum, Executive Director/CEO, Margaret Alkek Williams Chair Pam Blaine, Chief of Education and Community Engagement Elizabeth S. Condic, Chief Financial Officer Vicky Dominguez, Chief Operating Officer Nancy Giles, Chief Development Officer Gwen Watkins, Chief Marketing Officer Christine Kelly-Weaver, Executive Assistant/Board Liaison DEVELOPMENT Michael Arlen, Associate Director, Individual Giving and Major Gifts Rachel Bosworth, Manager, Special Events Julie Busch, Manager, League Relations and Fundraising Timothy Dillow, Director, Special Events Amanda T. Dinitz, Major Gifts Officer Samuel García, Development Assistant Sydnee E. Houlette, Manager, Donor Services and Stewardship Leticia Konigsberg, Director, Corporate Relations Jessica Jelinek, Development Associate, Gifts and Records Mary Beth Mosley, Director, Institutional Giving and Stewardship Tyler Murphy, Development Officer, Major Giving Groups Shane L. Platt, Development Associate, Individual Giving Martin Schleuse, Development Communications Manager Molly Simpson, Director, Individual Giving and Major Gifts Christine Ann Stevens, Major Gifts Officer Christina Trunzo, Associate Director, Foundation & Government Grants EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Allison Conlan, Director, Education Emily Nelson, Associate Director, Education and Community Engagement Ana Rodriguez, Education & Community Engagement Manager Garrett Shaw, Education & Community Engagement Coordinator FINANCE | ADMINISTRATION | IT | HR Lucy Alejandro, Senior Accountant Brittany Basden, Support Engineer Robert Boyd, Budget Manager Kimberly Cegielski, Staff Accountant Joel James, Senior HR Manager Morgana Rickard, Controller Gabriela Rivera, Senior Accountant Anthony Stringer, Director, IT Ariela Ventura, Office Manager/HR Coordinator Lee Whatley, Senior Director, IT and Analytics 10 | Houston Symphony
MARKETING | COMMUNICATIONS | PATRON SERVICES Mark Bailes, Marketing Coordinator Davy Cruz, Patron Services Representative Shelby Banda, Patron Services Representative Joshua Chavira, Patron Services Representative Calvin Dotsey, Communications Specialist Heather Fails, Manager, Ticketing Database Kristin Hawkins, Graphic Designer Kerry Ingram, Director, Digital Marketing Kathryn Judd, Director, Marketing Mateo Lopez, Assistant Manager, Patron Services Center Melanie O’Neill, Creative Specialist Sarah Rendón, Front of House Manager Mireya Reyna, Public Relations Coordinator Vanessa Rivera, Digital Marketing Manager Ashley Rodriguez, Patron Services Senior Representative Eric Skelly, Senior Director, Communications Jenny Zuniga, Director, Patron Services OPERATIONS | ARTISTIC Carlos Andrés Botero, Musical Ambassador Becky Brown, Director, Operations Stephanie Calascione, Artistic Operations Assistant Anna Diemer, Chorus Manager Jessica Fertinel, Assistant to the Music Director Michael Gorman, Orchestra Personnel Manager José Rios, Assistant Stage Manager Josh Hall, Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager Aspen McArthur, Assistant Librarian Michael McMurray, Assistant Librarian Lesley Sabol, Director, Popular Programming Brad Sayles, Recording Engineer Stefan Stout, Stage Manager Thomas Takaro, Librarian Meredith Williams, Associate Director, Operations Rebecca Zabinski, Director, Artistic Planning
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Vision
2025 Implementation Fund
Vision 2025, the Houston Symphony’s 10-year Strategic Plan, describes our vision to be America’s most relevant and accessible top 10 orchestra by 2025. Since the plan was launched in 2015, the Houston Symphony has received generous contributions from hundreds of donors in support of the Vision 2025 Implementation Fund which surpassed $10 million in donations in the 2017–18 season. The fund includes support of specific initiatives that advance the goals of the Strategic Plan, such as: • The orchestra’s first multi-city European Tour in 20 years. • New and expanded education and community programming such as the industry leading Community-Embedded Musicians initiative. • Commissioning and recording initiatives such as our cycle of late Dvořák symphonies, Music of the Americas; Haydn—The Creation; and Berg: Wozzeck, which recently earned the Houston Symphony’s first Grammy Award®. In addition, in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, donors have also supported the Symphony’s Harvey Recovery Fund, allowing us to continue to work toward our vision during a challenging time. We are honored by their generous support. $1 MILLION OR MORE
The Brown Foundation, Inc. Janet F. Clark Rochelle & Max Levit
Mr. Jay Steinfeld & Mrs. Barbara Winthrop Anonymous (1)
$25,000-$49,000
The Cullen Foundation Clare Attwell Glassell Houston Endowment Mr. John N. Neighbors C. Howard Pieper Foundation Spec’s Charitable Foundation Shirley W. Toomim
Gary & Marian Beauchamp The Boeing Company Brett & Erin Busby Mr. & Mrs. Melbern G. Glasscock Ron Franklin & Janet Gurwitch Houston Downtown Alliance Drs. M.S. & Marie-Luise Kalsi/ Kalsi Engineering Carol & Michael Linn & The Michael C. Linn Family Foundation Beth Madison Rita & Paul Morico Michael J. Shawiak Vinson & Elkins, LLP Mr. & Mrs. Fredric A. Weber Robert G. Weiner & Toni Blankmann Ellen A. Yarrell
$100,000-$249,999
$15,000-24,999
$500,000-$999,999
Janice Barrow Barbara J. Burger The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Bobby & Phoebe Tudor Margaret Alkek Williams The Wortham Foundation, Inc.
$250,000-$499,999
Beauchamp Foundation Ms. Marie Taylor Bosarge The Elkins Foundation The Joan & Marvin Kaplan Foundation Joella & Steven P. Mach Barbara & Pat McCelvey Mr. & Mrs. Alexander K. McLanahan Janice & Robert* McNair Clive Runnells in memory of Nancy Morgan Runnells Mike Stude Oliver Wyman
$75,000-$99,999
EOG Resources, Inc. League of American Orchestras M. D. Anderson Foundation Lisa & Jerry Simon
$50,000-$74,999
Robin Angly & Miles Smith BBVA Compass Drs. Dennis & Susan Carlyle The Humphreys Foundation LTR Lewis Cloverdale Foundation Jay & Shirley Marks Nancy & Robert Peiser Dave & Alie Pruner Alice & Terry Thomas The William Stamps Farish Fund
Ralph Burch The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Viviana & David Denechaud Eugene Fong Stephen & Mariglyn Glenn Evan B. Glick Jo A. & Billie Jo Graves Christina & Mark Hanson Debbie & Frank Jones Dr. Stewart Morris Katie & Bob Orr / Oliver Wyman Donna & Tim Shen Tad & Suzanne Smith Texas Commission on the Arts Mr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Judith Vincent Vicki West Daisy S. Wong / JCorp
$10,000-$14,999
Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation BB&T Cameron Management Virginia A. Clark Brad & Joan Corson Houston First Corporation Marzena & Jacek Jaminski Cora Sue & Harry Mach Mr. & Mrs. Rodney H. Margolis Mr. & Mrs. J. Stephen Marks
Michelle & Jack Matzer Mrs. Sybil F. Roos Laura & Mike Shannon Spir Star, Ltd. United Airlines Anonymous (1)
$5,000-$9,999
Estate of Freddie L. Anderson Anne Morgan Barrett James M. Bell Terry Ann Brown Dr. & Mrs. Samuel B. Condic Mr. & Mrs. Marvy A. Finger Mrs. Elizabeth B. Frost Mr. Jackson Hicks / Jackson & Company Dr. Gary L. Hollingsworth & Dr. Kenneth J. Hyde Mr. & Mrs. U. J. LeGrange Ms. Nancey G. Lobb Gary Mercer Susan & Edward Osterberg Mr. & Mrs. T.R. Reckling III The Schissler Foundation Mr. & Mrs. William T. Slick Jr. Stephen & Kristine Wallace Steven & Nancy Williams Mr. & Mrs. Tony Williford Mr. & Mrs. C. Clifford Wright Jr.
$2,500-$4,999
Frances & Ira Anderson Bank of America Mary Kathryn Campion, PhD Margot & John Cater Dr. Rita Justice Mr. Yosuke Kawasaki Dr. Thomas D. Nichols Gloria & Joe Pryzant Mr. Steven Reineke Mr. Floyd W. Robinson Mr. & Mrs. Manolo Sánchez The Strake Foundation Margaret Waisman, M.D. & Steven S. Callahan, Ph.D. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Yonish
$1,500-$2,499
Anne H. Bushman Julianne & David Gorte The Leon Jaworski Foundation David & Heidi Massin Strake Foundation Mr. Walter Weathers
For more information or to pledge your support for Vision 2025, please contact: John Mangum, Executive Director/CEO, 713.337.8540 Nancy Giles, Chief Development Officer, 713.337.8525 Mary Beth Mosley, Director, Institutional Giving and Stewardship, 713.337.8521 Molly Simpson, Director, Individual Giving and Major Gifts, 713.337.8526 12 | Houston Symphony
$1,000-$1,499
Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Bergauer Mr. & Mrs. Chad Blaine Edwin Friedrichs & Darlene Clark George W. Connelly Leslie Barry Davidson & W. Robins Brice Valerie Palmquist Dieterich & Tracy Dieterich Vicky Dominguez Mr. & Mrs. J. Thomas Eubank Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Frautschi Dr. Susan Gardner & Dr. Philip Scott Catherine & Brian James Nina Andrews & David Karohl Velva G. & H. Fred Levine Dr. Amy Mehollin-Ray Oklahoma City Philharmonic Toni Oplt & Ed Schneider Roland & Linda Pringle Hugh & Ann Roff Mr. & Mrs. Brad Suddarth Mr. & Mrs. Albert S. Tabor Jr. Jean & Doug Thomas Alton & Carolyn Warren General & Mrs. Jasper Welch Nancy B. Willerson
$500-$999
Mr. & Mrs. Richard M. Armes Mr. & Mrs. Ed Banner George & Florence Boerger Mr. Ken D. Brownlee & Ms. Caroline Deetjen Leone Buyse & Michael Webster Mr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Campbell Jr. David Chambers & Alex Steffler Mr. Chaing-Lin Chen Dr. Evan D. Collins Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Detwiler Mr. Jonathan Fischer Gillin Family Charitable Fund Bill Grieves Stephen Jeu & Susanna Calvo Mrs. Margaret Ketcham Mrs. Mariquita Masterson Mrs. Karen Mende-Fridkis ONEOK, Inc. Michael P. & Shirley Pearson Dr. & Mrs. Joseph V. Penn Patrick T. Quinn Mr. John Robertson Ms. Christine L. Scruggs Ms. Kelly Somoza Doug & Kay Wilson Robert & Michele Yekovich *deceased
New Century Society FOR ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION The New Century Society for Artistic Excellence and Innovation recognizes the Houston Symphony’s most committed and loyal supporters who have pledged their leadership support over a three-year period to help secure the orchestra’s financial future. Margaret Alkek Williams Janice Barrow Rochelle & Max Levit Cora Sue & Harry Mach John & Lindy Rydman / Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods/ Spec’s Charitable Foundation Bobby & Phoebe Tudor Clare Attwell Glassell Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation Mr. John N. Neighbors Mr. & Mrs. Jim R. Smith Mike Stude Mr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor
Robin Angly & Miles Smith Gary & Marian Beauchamp Barbara J. Burger Ron Franklin & Janet Gurwitch The Hearst Foundation, Inc. The Joan and Marvin Kaplan Foundation Joella & Steven P. Mach Mr. & Mrs. J. Stephen Marks Barbara & Pat McCelvey Houston Methodist Carol & Michael Linn & The Michael C. Linn Family Foundation Rand Group Mr. & Mrs. William K. Robbins Jr. / The Robbins Foundation Steven & Nancy Williams
Baker Botts L.L.P. Beauchamp Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Blackburne Jr. Viviana & David Denechaud/ Sidley Austin LLP Stephen & Mariglyn Glenn Dave & Alie Pruner
Donor SPOTLIGHT For more than half a century, Dorene and Frank Herzog have admired the Houston Symphony. Since the eras of conductors Efrem Kurtz and Leopold Stokowski and the days of the City Auditorium, the Herzogs have attended Classical Series concerts each year and are proud members of the Houston Symphony family.
Leadership COUNCIL Leadership Council donors have committed $45,000 or more in support of the Annual Fund, special projects and fundraising events over a three-year period ($15,000+ annually). Danielle & Josh Batchelor Mr. & Mrs. Walter V. Boyle Brett & Erin Busby The Elkins Foundation Evan B. Glick Mr. & Mrs. Fred L. Gorman
The Melbern G. and Susanne M. Glasscock Foundation Mr. & Mrs. U. J. LeGrange Mr. & Mrs. Rodney H. Margolis Billy & Christie McCartney Rita & Paul Morico
Ken* & Carol Lee Robertson Michael J. Shawiak Stephen & Kristine Wallace Mr. & Mrs. Fredric A. Weber Robert G. Weiner & Toni Blankmann
Mr. & Mrs. C. Clifford Wright Jr. *deceased
For more information or to pledge your support for the New Century Society or the Leadership Council, please contact: Nancy Giles, Chief Development Officer, 713.337.8525 Molly Simpson, Director, Individual Giving and Major Gifts, 713.337.8526
InTUNE — April 2019 | 13
Left to right: Maki Kubota, MuChen Hsieh, Janet Clark, Bob Yekovich, Annie Chen, Jarita Ng
HOUSTON SYMPHONY 2019 WINE DINNER
COLLECTOR'S AUCTION
Houston Symphony supporters gathered at The Astorian on February 8 to enjoy the 2019 Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction. Thanks to chairs Catherine and Brian James, the event raised more than $550,000. Guests entered a room filled with portraits of composers by renowned Houston artist David Adickes. Richard A. Flowers and The Events Company paired the portraits with vibrant floral centerpieces. Partygoers enjoyed a pre-dinner reception, where they perused a silent auction that featured 120 lots, including fine wines, spirits and unique experiences, while taking in views of the downtown skyline. The auction, chaired by Bob Weiner, raised more than $137,000. The third annual 100 Point Wine Raffle, which featured 12 bottles with the highest rating from Robert Parker, was taken home by Betty and Jesse Tutor. After the reception, guests enjoyed a multicourse gourmet dinner by City Kitchen with wine pairings selected by Lindy, John and Lisa Rydman of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods. Houston Symphony violinists MuChen Hsieh and Annie Chen, violist Jarita Ng and cellist Maki Kubota entertained the 320 guests.
14 | Houston Symphony
Lindy & John Rydman
Margaret Alkek Williams and John Mangum
Left to right: Bob & Joan Duff, Betty & Jesse Tutor, Linda & Gene Dewhurst
Left to right: Ralph Burch, Cheryl Byington, Vicki West, Ann & Jonathan Ayre
David Adickes and Wine Dinner Chairs Catherine & Brian James
Left to right: Jo Lynn & Greg Falgout, Wezy & Bobby Dees, Amy Pierce, Alan & Michelle Smith, Brian Teichman, Andrew Cordes & Sylvia Forsythe
Eric Lindsay & Lisa Rydman Bob Weiner, Collector’s Auction Chair
Phoebe & Bobby Tudor
League Principal Corporate Guarantor
Exclusive Print Media Sponsor
concert PREVIEW MAY 3, 4 & 5 • JONES HALL
AUROR A A NEW VIOLIN CONCERTO BY JIMMY LÓPEZ
How do composers write their music? Composing can sometimes seem a mysterious business, and it is not every day one has the opportunity to glimpse into the mind of such a creative artist. In advance of the world premiere of Aurora, his new violin concerto, Houston Symphony Composer-inResidence Jimmy López recounts the story of how this exciting new work came to be. Before writing this violin concerto, I had written concertos for koto, piano, flute, and cello, most of them a result of commissions. I had always wanted to write a violin concerto, but no one had commissioned me to write one! A few years before I became the Houston Symphony’s composer-inresidence, a Finnish violinist approached me with such a request, but a lack of funding prevented the project from taking off; I was not ready to bury the project, however, so I decided to start drafting some ideas. I ended up with a pile of drafts in my desk that I would come back to every now and then without any particular plan or deadline to complete them. 16 | Houston Symphony
Then, in July 2016, I discovered the violinist Leticia Moreno. The recordings I listened to left me thoroughly impressed, and I hoped to work with her in the future. Fortunately, the moment Leticia heard my music, she also wanted to work with me. In the end, destiny brought us together. Without knowing that we knew each other’s work, conductor Andrés Orozco-Estrada proposed that I open my tenure as composer-in-residence with the Houston Symphony by writing a concerto for Leticia. I was overjoyed—as soon as I was done with my other engagements, I immediately got to work on the concerto, unearthing my old drafts and entering a composing frenzy. By the time Leticia and I met in person, we had already exchanged plenty of emails, calls, and WhatsApp messages, but nothing had prepared me for her powerful stage presence, distinct sound, and striking command of her instrument. We met for the first time at her home in Valencia, Spain, for one of the most intensive and rewarding collaborations I have ever had.
jimmy LÓPEZ & leticia MORENO
Leticia did not limit herself to performing the piece; she helped me shape it. Thanks to her, the concerto is richer, more challenging and more idiomatically written for the violin than it was before. When she steps on stage, she will own the concerto in a way that is only possible when a performer premieres a work in cooperation with a living composer. Be prepared because I have no doubts Leticia will bring the house down! I am so thankful to the Houston Symphony for facilitating our encounter; had we not met, the piece would have been completely different. The concerto was also inspired by my years as a student in Finland, where I was fortunate enough to witness the Northern Lights (aurora borealis). The concerto is thus named Aurora. It has three movements, each one depicting a different kind of aurora: equatorialis, borealis and australis. The last two can be observed close to the Earth’s poles, whereas the first is a phenomenon that has only been observed on other planets.
The composition process was very much informed by trying to convey, through sound, the feast for the eyes that is an aurora. The challenge was trying to transform waves of light into waves of sound and envelope the audience with those sounds. In addition to the music, I am working with Clint Allen, a fantastic projection and lighting designer, to add a visual element to the performance. Clint will be inspired by auroras to create an experience that will bathe Jones Hall in a unique play of light. —Jimmy López Witness the world premiere performances of Aurora at Jones Hall on May 3, 4 and 5! Aurora will open our Beethoven’s Eroica program conducted by Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada. Visit houstonsymphony.org for tickets and more information. The Houston Symphony thanks Robin Angly & Miles Smith, Barbara J. Burger, and Michael Shawiak for making this commission and the Composer-in-Residence program possible. InTUNE — April 2019 | 17
concert PREVIEW MAY 16 & 17 • JONES HALL
INSIDE BLUEBEARD’S
CASTLE BRINGING BARTÓK’S MASTERPIECE TO LIFE 2018–19 CLASSICAL series finale 18 | Houston Symphony
E
W
hen we asked the musicians of the Houston Symphony which concerts they were most excited about this season, one of the top responses was Bluebeard’s Castle, Hungarian composer Béla Bartók’s mesmerizing and suspenseful operatic masterpiece. Principal Clarinet Mark Nuccio voiced many musicians’ enthusiasm, saying, “Bluebeard's Castle is something most people only get to play or hear once in a lifetime. It’s an epic piece and has amazing soloists!” Indeed, critically acclaimed singers Matthias Goerne and Michelle DeYoung are regarded as two of the world’s top interpreters of the opera’s lead roles. Joining these singers and Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada is creative director Adam Larsen, who helps bring Bartók’s opera to life in a semi-staged production at Jones Hall. As an acclaimed filmmaker and live performance veteran who has worked with orchestras in San Francisco, Atlanta, and Cincinnati as well as Opera Philadelphia, Adam has recently won critical praise as the projection designer for the San Francisco Symphony’s innovative SoundBox concert series. “When I found out about Bluebeard’s Castle, I found it really compelling, because in one hour you have this amazing fable, and I think it’s a very complete work,” Adam said. “The music is rich, it’s lush—when I was approached by the Houston Symphony and Andrés I was really excited.”
Adam has created a spectacular visual framework to mirror the complex inner world of the opera’s characters. “There will be projections onto three layers of strings suspended above the orchestra. What is amazing about this surface is that it’s translucent and has beautiful movement. When the air flows, it has a sort of shimmering quality, so it feels alive. When a projection—for instance a door— hits the first layer, it passes through to the second layer, but magnified, and even more so when it hits the third layer. The screens magnify this pathway Judith goes through in a literal, but also symbolic way.” Traditionalists will be thankful the production stays true to the imagery described in the original libretto. “We will obviously see images of doors, moving textures of the garden and especially of the lush world that appears when the fifth door is opened, which is the brightest that Bluebeard’s domain becomes,” Adam said. “The treasury will be filled with glistening riches, and the torture room will definitely be scary and foreboding, while also still inciting Judith’s curiosity to continue exploring.” A major motif throughout the work is the blood Judith invariably finds as she leaves each room. Instead of a literal interpretation, Adam has chosen a more stylized approach: “We’ll see abstract textures of blood. It may not be recognizable as blood, but it will have a very dense, dark energy.”
[Judith] just wants to flood the whole thing with light, and unfortunately she goes too far.
Based on Perrault’s retelling of a grizzly French folktale, the libretto by the poet Béla Balázs transforms the original story into an intense, psychological tale. Written during the twilight years of the belle epoch and premiered near the end of World War I, the opera seethes with the tensions of the era, exploring themes of love, power, and mystery. Having just been married, Duke Bluebeard and Judith arrive at his dark castle. Despite unnerving rumors about Bluebeard’s previous wives, Judith is fascinated by him and wants to bring light to the shadowy recesses of the fortress. “Bluebeard is this incredibly magnetic personality that has drawn her in, but there’s also a little bit of fear attached to him, too,” Adam explained. “You’re not quite sure what to make of him, so he’s an ominous but also incredibly magnetic figure. Judith is all about love. She just wants to flood the whole thing with light, and unfortunately she goes too far.” Within the castle are seven doors, each of which contains horrors and wonders. Ignoring Bluebeard’s warnings, Judith opens each door in turn, seeking both to bring light into the castle and discover her husband’s secrets. “The doors open physical spaces, but there are also emotional spaces that they open, too,” Adam said. “They open up the desire for Judith to see more, but they also open up her fears. Bluebeard tries to stop her, but in some instances it’s almost as if he’s encouraging her to go a little bit further.”
One intriguing deviation from the original libretto concerns the narrator, who delivers a brief, spoken prologue at the beginning of the opera. Instead of having a man as the narrator, Adam has chosen to cast a woman—one of Bluebeard’s three previous wives. The other two wives will be played by modern dancers from Houston’s own METdance company, providing an extra dimension to the opera’s riveting finale. Audiences will be able to interact with the dancers in the lobby before the performance—and there may be other surprises in store to help set the mood before the downbeat. “I want the orchestra and the audience to experience the piece in a different way, to interact and be part of the whole thing so that we enjoy and understand the piece in a deeper, more powerful way,” said Music Director Andrés OrozcoEstrada. “I think that’s the goal at the end. To get everyone into the story so much so that you feel everything as if it were happening to you.” Just as Bluebeard fascinates Judith, Bartok’s score continues to mesmerize audiences today, prompting us to explore the darker corners of ourselves and our world. —Calvin Dotsey Experience Bluebeard's Castle live on May 16 and 17! Visit houstonsymphony.org for tickets and more information.
InTUNE — April 2019 | 19
FEATURED PROGRAM
TCHAIKOVSKY & RACHMANINOFF Thursday Saturday Sunday
April 4 April 6 April 7
8:00pm 8:00pm 2:30pm
Jones Hall
*Kazushi Ono, conductor Simon Trpčeski, piano *Houston Symphony debut
Shostakovich/ L. Atovmian
Rachmaninoff
Ballet Suite No. 1, Opus 84 1. Lyric Waltz: Tempo moderato di valse 2. Dance: Allegro non troppo. Giocoso 3. Romance: Moderato 4. Polka: Tempo di polca 5. Waltz-Scherzo: Vivace ma non troppo 6. Galop: Allegro
ca. 20
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G minor, Opus 40 I Allegro vivace II Largo III Allegro vivace
ca. 24
I N T E R M I S S I O N
Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 3 in D major, Opus 29 (Polish) I Introduzione e Allegro: Moderato assai (Tempo di marcia funebre)—Allegro brillante II Alla tedesca: Allegro moderato e semplice III Andante: Andante elegiaco IV Scherzo and Trio: Allegro vivo V Finale: Allegro con fuoco (Tempo di Polacca)
20 | Houston Symphony
ca. 44
Did you know? • Tchaikovsky's Third Symphony acquired the nickname “Polish” when the German conductor August Manns conducted it in London in 1899. Though the last movement is marked “Tempo di Polacca” (“Tempo of a polonaise”), the nickname is something of a misnomer as Tchaikovsky’s polonaise is a distinctive Russian version of the Polish folk dance.
Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninoff | Program Biographies
Program BIOGRAPHIES FROST BANK GOLD CLASSICS
Kazushi Ono | conductor
These performances are generously supported in part by
“Kazushi had matters firmly in control. The music stole in soft as a baby’s breath, gentle as a summer breeze. Indeed, the entire Suite was performed with exquisite pastels and ethereal sweetness.” —Bachtrack
Partner Mr. and Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Terry Ann Brown Dede and Connie Weil Supporter Mr. and Mrs. James A. Shaffer Karl H.* and Dr. Gudrun H. Becker
The Classical Season is endowed by The Wortham Foundation, Inc. in memory of Gus S. and Lyndall F. Wortham. Video enhancement of Houston Symphony concerts is made possible by the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation through a special gift celebrating the foundation’s 50th anniversary in 2015.
LUCA TRASCINELLI
Underwriter Mr. John N. Neighbors
Kazushi Ono cherishes music’s power to bring people together. His manner in rehearsal, quiet and calm, exudes qualities of openness and receptivity. The conductor conveys complex messages in performance with effortless expressive gestures and a wisdom informed by his inexhaustible passion for making and exploring music with others. It is in his nature to unwind after conducting by playing through passages from the evening’s program at the piano. Music, in short, has supplied the essential spirit of his life since childhood. Kazushi is music director of the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya. Since September 2018, he has been artistic director to the New National Theatre, Tokyo. Recent highlights include Honegger’s Jeanne d’Arc au bûcher, his last production in Lyon as its musical director; the acclaimed creation of Hermann’s Der Mieter premiered in Frankfurt Opera; and Prokofiev’s The Fiery Angel premiered in Warsaw and revived in Aix-en-Provence Festival in a production directed by Tremlinsky. From 2008 to 2017, Kazushi maintained his position as principal conductor of Opéra National de Lyon, during which he attracted international critical acclaim with landmark performances of works such as Prokofiev’s The Gambler, Berg’s Lulu and Wagner’s Parsifal. He also reinforced the company’s reputation for creating new productions, including the compelling double bill of Dallapiccola’s Il prigioniero and Schoenberg’s Erwartung (2013); Beethoven’s Fidelio, in Lyon and at the Edinburgh International Festival (2013); Britten’s Peter Grimes and The Turn of the Screw (2014); Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande and Berlioz’s La damnation de Faust (2015); and Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (2016). Following his tenure as principal conductor in Lyon, he was awarded Officier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres by French cultural minister Françoise Nyssen. He was also awarded the prestigious Asahi Prize in January 2015 for his contributions to Japanese society. This award distinguishes individuals who have greatly contributed to the development and progress of Japanese culture and society at large. Visit kazushiono.com.
InTUNE — April 2019 | 21
Program BIOGRAPHIES , continued
Program NOTES
Simon Trpčeski | piano
Ballet Suite No. 1, Opus 84
Macedonian pianist Simon Trpčeski (pronounced tripCHESS-kee) has established himself as one of the most remarkable musicians to have emerged in recent years, praised not only for his powerful virtuosity and deeply expressive approach, but also for his charismatic stage presence and commitment to strengthening Macedonia’s cultural image. Simon is a frequent soloist with the major North American orchestras, including the Cleveland and Philadelphia Orchestras; the Los Angeles Philharmonic; the San Francisco, St. Louis and Seattle Symphonies; and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Engagements with major European ensembles include the London Symphony and the Philharmonia and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestras. In addition to these performances, highlights of his 2018–19 season in America include appearances at Ravinia with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; the Blossom Music Festival with the Cleveland Orchestra; the Aspen and Cabrillo Festivals; and return appearances with the New York Philharmonic and the Chicago, National, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestras. Internationally, he performs with the Oslo Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Simon regularly works with a prominent list of conductors, including Marin Alsop, Gustavo Dudamel, Cristian Măcelaru, Charles Dutoit, Andris Nelsons, Vasily Petrenko, Robert Spano and Michael Tilson Thomas. As an acclaimed recitalist, he has given solo performances at major halls in New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., London and Paris. Dedicated to making industry-defining recordings, he has recorded for EMI Classics, Avie Records and Onyx. Born in the Republic of Macedonia in 1979, Simon Trpčeski was named a BBC New Generation Artist, and in 2003, he was honored with the Young Artist Award by the Royal Philharmonic Society. In 2009, the president of Macedonia honored Simon with the Order of Merit for Macedonia. Most recently, he became the first recipient of the title National Artist to the Republic of Macedonia. He makes his home in Skopje with his family.
22 | Houston Symphony
Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich (1906–1975) Zhdanov’s infamous decree of 1946 muzzled cultural life in the post-war Soviet Union and began a difficult period for Shostakovich. To help make ends meet, Shostakovich recycled light music he had written earlier in his career—more serious compositions from these years were often written “for the desk drawer.” His Ballet Suite No. 1 was assembled in 1949 by Lev Atovmian, an arranger who frequently assisted Shostakovich with the creation of suites from his film scores. The individual numbers originate in various sources, but all of the main tunes from this suite can be found in some form in Shostakovich’s 1935 ballet The Bright Stream. Unlike Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and Prokofiev, Shostakovich did not take ballet music very seriously. He composed his ballets as quickly as possible, employing a radically simplified version of his musical style to write conventional waltzes, polkas and variations which were sometimes recycled from one ballet to another. His genius still shines through, however; Shostakovich had a Mozart-like musical mind (like Mozart’s, many of his manuscripts are correction-free), and there is some evidence to suggest that he occasionally enjoyed the relatively easy task of composing lighter fare. Throughout, this suite displays a tunefulness, harmonic interest and brilliance of orchestration that show Shostakovich could write light music of the highest caliber. It is worth noting that though Shostakovich’s denunciation in 1936 famously began with a damning review of his modern, expressionistic opera Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District, a condemnation of The Bright Stream also appeared a week later despite the ballet’s musical conservativism. Critics attacked its supposed bourgeois frivolousness, demanding instead bombastic, heroic music that would glorify the state. Apparently there was no place in Stalin’s Russia for what Shostakovich himself described as “good entertaining music which might give pleasure even to a qualified listener, or even make him laugh.” The Instruments: 2 flutes (1 doubling piccolo), oboe, 2 clarinets, bassoon, 3 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion, piano (doubling celesta) and strings
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G minor, Opus 40
Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff (1873–1943)
In October 1917, Rachmaninoff’s life was forever changed as Russian society disintegrated in the wake of the Bolshevik coup. He and his family fled to Sweden in December, taking with them only what they could fit in their suitcases. To restore his family’s wealth, he abandoned composition and embarked on the life of a traveling piano virtuoso. After
Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninoff | Program Notes
grueling concert tours season after season, in 1926, he at last took a sabbatical and returned to composing. That year, he completed the piano concerto, likely returning to unfinished sketches he had made during the summers of 1914 and 1915. The work premiered in March 1927 with Leopold Stokowski conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra and Rachmaninoff himself as soloist. Rachmaninoff was dissatisfied with this version, however, and revised the work prior to its publication the following year; and during the summer of 1941, he revised it again. The result is a focused yet subtle and complex masterpiece. Perhaps in this work, which seems preoccupied with issues of struggle and acceptance, Rachmaninoff processed his feelings of displacement as an exile from his homeland. The concerto begins in medias res, as if the music had been going on for some time already. A vigorous orchestral crescendo leads to the heroic entrance of the soloist with the main theme of the movement; it begins by climbing upward with an ascending scale, but then descends, losing strength as if exhausted by the ongoing struggle. This duality between rising and falling melodic ideas plays an important role throughout the concerto. Solo woodwinds lead the piano through a transitional passage until the tempo slows for the second theme, a melody for solo piano formed of delicate arabesques. The movement’s development begins with a fragment of the main theme in the strings, which alternates with piano passagework until the soloist initiates a long, intense crescendo. At last, the tension breaks in a climactic passage. The movement almost sounds as if it is about to come crashing to an end prematurely, but this intense passage subsides as the main themes of the movement return in reverse order. The slow second movement begins with the piano alone, playing a few measures as if improvising a connection between movements (improvised transitions between different pieces were once common in piano recitals). The violins then introduce the main idea of the movement, a simple melodic figure based on three descending notes. Throughout the movement, the soloist and orchestra vary this main idea, almost riffing on it as jazz musicians would. Midway through, this quiet meditation is interrupted by a violent episode, to which the piano responds with music marked cantabile e tranquillo (“singing and tranquil”). This brief but memorable passage soon returns to the main idea, out of which a long, arching phrase arises in the violins and cellos. Without pause, the third movement begins with a startling cymbal crash. Soon after, the soloist launches into a furious, carnivalesque theme. A colorful transitional passage leads to a more assured, fanfare-like motif in the piano, which
introduces a warm melody played by a solo horn. The orchestra, however, interrupts and begins to develop the circus-like main theme. The piano responds by leading us into a mysterious dream world, but this reverie is broken by nervous fragments of the main theme. Ideas from the first movement return, including the introductory orchestral flourish that began the concerto and the searing music that served as the first movement’s climax. Amid virtuoso piano figuration, the music then races to the concerto’s powerful final chords. The Instruments: 2 flutes, piccolo, 2 oboes, English horn, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion and strings
Symphony No. 3 in D major, Opus 29 (Polish) Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893)
As soon as the Moscow Conservatory’s 1875 spring term was over, Tchaikovsky, a reluctant professor of harmony and composition, took off for Usovo, an idyllic Russian estate owned by his friend (and sometime lover) Vladimir Shilovsky. In a letter, Tchaikovsky reported, “I’m now composing a new symphony, and I’m doing a bit at a time. I don’t sit over it for hours on end, and I’m walking more…. Nothing’s changed here. Even the dogs are the same, and they chase after me to have a walk.” On previous visits to Usovo, Tchaikovsky praised its beautiful landscape, a vast Russian steppe dotted with forests. Perhaps the relaxed atmosphere influenced the genial mood of this work, his only symphony in a major key. Possibly influenced by the Third Symphony of Schumann (one of Tchaikovsky’s favorite composers), the symphony is in five movements rather than the usual four. Many commentators have also noted the dancing, balletic character of much of its music. Indeed, before leaving Moscow, Tchaikovsky had been invited to compose the ballet Swan Lake, and he would begin work on it as he was finishing the orchestration of the symphony. The symphony also resembles his ballets (Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker) with music evoking both monarchical pageantry and the supernatural. The symphony begins with a slow, uncanny introduction, which is suggestively marked “Tempo di marcia funebre” (“Tempo of a funeral march”). A crescendo then accelerates to the main theme of the movement. Marked “Allegro brillante,” its rectilinear, march-like rhythms recall Russia’s grand, neoclassical architecture. More shadowy music leads to a restatement of the theme, which immediately segues into an enchanting, minor-key melody for solo oboe. A colorfully orchestrated crescendo leads to an extended developmental section, and after a varied reprise of its main ideas, the movement ends with a thrilling coda. InTUNE — April 2019 | 23
Program NOTES , continued
The second movement, titled “Alla tedesca” (“like a German dance”—a ländler or waltz), begins with a seemingly simple tune in 3/4 time, but the accompaniment creates an enchanting ambiguity with shifting accents and harmonies. A contrasting middle section features light, will-o’-the-wisp triplets in the woodwinds. The third movement, marked “Andante elegiaco” (“moderately slow, elegiac”), resembles other musical elegies Tchaikovsky wrote with its juxtaposition of despondency and nostalgia. After a brief introduction, a solo bassoon introduces a desolate melodic idea that wanders from one instrument to another until a lush theme for strings emerges. After a brief, unsettled development, the themes return in reverse order. A chill wind blows through the fourth movement, a whirling Scherzo of ingenious orchestral effects that hint at Swan Lake’s black magic. The flurries of 16th-notes only pause for a stiller, contrasting middle section. The finale, marked “Allegro con fuoco (tempo di Polacca)” or “Fast with fire (tempo of a polonaise),” begins with a vigorous theme for the full orchestra. The polonaise (a dance in triple meter with an accent on the second beat—1-2-3, 1-2-3) was a popular social dance with 19th-century Russia’s aristocracy. Processional in nature, it allowed couples to see and be seen, and its rhythms became musical shorthand for the pomp and splendor of Imperial Russia. This polonaise theme alternates with contrasting episodes, including an anthem-like melody for woodwinds and a fugue, a kaleidoscopic musical texture in which a main idea is interwoven with countermelodies. The fugue reaches a low, sustained pedal note, above which the music crescendos to the apotheosis of the anthem-theme, which rings out with patriotic fervor from the brass. The polonaise is then transformed into an ecstatic coda, which races faster and faster toward the symphony’s thundering final chords. —Calvin Dotsey The Instruments: 2 flutes, piccolo, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani and strings
The Texas Association for Symphony Orchestras (TASO) is composed of 23 member organizations, each of which is a volunteer organization dedicated to the financial support of its own respective orchestra. The organization is guided by a 25 member governing board and 33 member state board. Additional support for the organization is provided by its 27 affiliates and patrons (non-voting members). The Houston Symphony welcomes the Texas Association for Symphony Orchestras to Jones Hall on Saturday, April 6.
For more than 100 years, the attorneys of Kirkland & Ellis LLP have been trusted advisers in corporate law, representing clients around the world in complex transactions. That tradition came to Houston in 2014 with the opening of Kirkland's local office. The office was established to complement and enhance the service provided to existing and prospective clients in Texas, the United States and abroad. It is Kirkland's seventh U.S. office and 12th worldwide. Kirkland's principal goals are to provide the highest quality legal services available anywhere; to be an instrumental part of each client's success; and to recruit, retain and advance the brightest legal talent. The firm seeks long-term, partnering relationships with clients, with the goal of providing the best total solution to each client's legal needs.
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FEATURED PROGRAM
INDIGO GIRLS Wednesday
April 10
7:30pm
Jones Hall
Sean O'Loughlin, conductor Indigo Girls, music ensemble
TONIGHT’S PROGRAM WILL BE ANNOUNCED FROM THE STAGE. THERE WILL BE ONE INTERMISSION.
PHOTO BY JEREMY COWART
28 | Houston Symphony
Indigo Girls | Program Biographies
Program BIOGRAPHIES These performances are generously supported in part by: Underwriter Joella and Steven P. Mach
KEVIN LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
Video enhancement of Houston Symphony concerts is made possible by the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation through a special gift celebrating the foundation’s 50th anniversary in 2015.
Sean O’Loughlin | conductor Sean O’Loughlin, a fresh voice and a rising name in the music world, is principal pops conductor of Symphoria, the exciting new orchestra in Syracuse, New York, and the newly appointed principal pops conductor of the Victoria Symphony in British Columbia. He has conducted performances with this orchestra, the Boston Pops Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the Seattle Symphony, among others. His compositions are characterized by vibrant rhythms, passionate melodies, and colorful scoring. Commissions from the Boston Pops Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra highlight and showcase his diverse musical abilities. The Los Angeles Times calls his orchestrations “...magnificent and colorful” while adding “...even more dimension...” to the compositions. Variety heralds Sean’s writing as “most impressive ...” with a “wide range of coloring in the orchestra...” that “...adds heft and rolling energy.”
Houston First Corporation operates Houston’s finest convention, arts and entertainment venues and leads the effort to have Houston recognized as one of the great cities of the world. As a local government corporation, Houston First manages more than 10 city-owned buildings, plazas and parking facilities, including the Houston Symphony’s home stage—the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Wortham Center, George R. Brown Convention Center, and Hilton Americas-Houston. Houston First’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of all Houstonians and to advance the economic prosperity and development of our great city. Houston First accomplishes this through its services, attractions, and venues by inspiring the world to think Houston First, Houstonians to explore Houston First, and employees to deliver Houston First class service.
Sean was the assistant conductor and arranger for a production of Sgt. Pepper Live in Las Vegas featuring the band Cheap Trick. He has served as conductor for national and world tours with Josh Groban, Sarah McLachlan and the Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration. He has also appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America with Groban and NBC’s A Very Pentatonix Christmas. Other recent collaborations include Adele, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Diana Ross, Journey, Melissa Etheridge, Blue Man Group, Janelle Monáe, Audra McDonald, Hall & Oates, Gloria Estefan, Indigo Girls, Diana Krall, Itzhak Perlman, Natalie Merchant, Chris Isaak, Pink Martini, Brandi Carlile, The Decemberists, Martina McBride, Josh Ritter, Gloria Gaynor, and others. Through his growing number of commissioned and published works, Sean is excited to continue contributing to the rich history of orchestral and wind band literature. His music is published by Carl Fischer and Hal Leonard. He is a frequent guest conductor with professional orchestras and honor bands around the country. An ASCAP award winner, Sean was a composition fellow at the Henry Mancini Institute in Los Angeles, and holds composition degrees from New England Conservatory of Music and Syracuse University.
InTUNE — April 2019 | 29
Program BIOGRAPHIES , continued
Indigo Girls | music ensemble “When I hear the symphony come in, it’s a convergence of a lot of feelings,” says Emily Saliers, one-half of the iconic Indigo Girls. “First, you can’t believe your good fortune that it’s really happening, and then you’re hit with the power of this enormous, full orchestra coming from behind you. Even when we play by ourselves now, I can’t perform these songs without hearing the orchestra in my head.” In 2012, Emily and her Indigo Girls partner, Amy Ray, embarked on a bold new chapter, collaborating with a pair of orchestrators to prepare larger-than-life arrangements of their songs to perform with symphonies around the country. It was a challenging endeavor, to say the least, but the Grammy®-winning duo managed to find that elusive sonic sweet spot with the project, creating a seamless blend of folk, rock, pop and classical that elevated their songs to new emotional heights without sacrificing any of the emotional intimacy and honesty that have defined their music for decades. Now, after more than 50 performances with orchestras across America, the experience has finally been captured in all its grandeur on the band’s stunning new album, Indigo Girls Live with The University of Colorado Symphony Orchestra.
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FEATURED PROGRAM
MUSIC OF LED ZEPPELIN Friday
April 19
Brent Havens, conductor Randy Jackson, vocalist George Cintron, guitar
7:30pm
Jones Hall Daniel Clemens, bass Powell Randolph, drums
TONIGHT’S PROGRAM WILL BE ANNOUNCED FROM THE STAGE. THERE WILL BE ONE INTERMISSION.
32 | Houston Symphony
Program BIOGRAPHIES
Music of Led Zeppelin | Program Biographies
Brent Havens | conductor Berklee-trained arranger/conductor Brent Havens has written music for orchestras, feature films, and virtually every variety of television program. His TV work includes movies for major networks, commercials, sports music for ESPN, and cartoons. Brent worked with the Doobie Brothers and the Milwaukee Symphony, arranging and conducting the combined group for Harley Davidson’s 100th Anniversary Birthday Party Finale attended by more than 150,000 fans. He has worked with some of the world's greatest orchestras, including London’s Royal Philharmonic; the Houston and Nashville Symphonies; the Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestras; the Minnesota Orchestra; the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; and countless others. For the past several years, he has conducted the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra with Music of Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin, Queen, and U2 shows. Brent composed the score for the film Quo Vadis, a Premier Pictures remake of the 1956 gladiator film. In 2013, he worked with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens to arrange and produce the music for the Thanksgiving Day halftime show between the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, adapting both classical music and rock songs into a single four-minute show. He is arranger/guest conductor for 14 symphonic rock programs, including the Music of Led Zeppelin, the Music of the Doors, the Music of Pink Floyd, the Music of the Eagles, the Music of Queen, the Music of Michael Jackson, the Music of The Who, the Music of Whitney Houston, the Music of The Rolling Stones, the Music of U2, the Music of Journey, the Music of Elton John, the Music of David Bowie, and the Music of Prince. Brent Havens also premiered a full orchestral show for Lou Gramm, the voice of Foreigner, with Lou singing out front.
Randy Jackson | vocalist Randy Jackson is the lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Zebra. His first foray into recording success began with the self-titled Zebra debut album, released on Atlantic Records in 1983. Critically acclaimed for its lush rock sounds, due in large part to Randy’s searing lead vocals and soaring guitar leads, the album sold 75,000 copies the first week. “Who’s Behind The Door” and “Tell Me What You Want,” written by Randy, received serious notice in the press and almost instantly helped to form legions of Zebra fans. He produced and engineered the group’s latest release, Zebra IV. In 1989, Randy toured as keyboardist, guitarist and backing vocalist with the original, reunited Jefferson Airplane, their last tour together. He has also worked extensively in the area of musical software and hardware development.
Oliver Wyman is a leading global management consulting firm with offices in more than 50 cities across 30 countries that combines deep industry knowledge with specialized expertise in strategy, operations, risk management and organization transformation. The company values exceptional people with intelligence, energy, passion, emotional sensitivity, and a commitment to excellence, a “dream team” of individual experts who are also gifted collaborators across disciplines and at every level in client organizations. The company devotes substantial time and resources to creating positive social impact and works with non-profit organizations worldwide. Oliver Wyman has provided consulting services to the Houston Symphony since 2015. Please visit the company at OliverWyman.com
InTUNE — April 2019 | 33
FEATURED PROGRAM
CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE Friday Saturday Sunday
April 26 April 27 April 28
8:00pm 8:00pm 2:30pm
Jones Hall
Michael Krajewski, conductor Cirque de la Symphonie, performers Christine Van Loo, Elena Tsarkova, Vladimir Tsarkov, Vitalii Buza, Vitaliy Prikhodko, Pavel Korshunov, Vladimir Tsarkov Jr., Alexandra Pivaral
J. Strauss Jr. Z.Abreu/ C. Dragon Khachaturian Bizet/E. Guiraud Bizet/Guiraud Khachaturian Offenbach/A. Dorati Offenbach/C. Binder J. Williams
Tritsch-Tratsch (Chit-Chat) Polka, Opus 214 Tico-Tico no Fubá Ayesha’s Dance from Suite No. 1 from Gayane Les toréadors from Suite No. 1 from Carmen Danse bohême from Suite No. 2 from Carmen Valse from Suite from Masquerade La vie Parisienne: Overture on Offenbach Melodies Can-Can from Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld March from Superman I N T E R M I S S I O N
Tchaikovsky Rimsky-Korsakov Smetana/H. Riesenfeld Gounod Falla Tchaikovsky Rossini-Respighi/M. Sargent Ravel
34 | Houston Symphony
Danse des cygnes from Suite from Swan Lake, Opus 20a Dance of the Buffoons from Suite from The Snow Maiden Dance of the Comedians from The Bartered Bride Funeral March of a Marionette Ritual Fire Dance from El amor brujo Valse from Suite from Swan Lake, Opus 20a Tarantella from La boutique fantasque Boléro
Did you know? • The first Cirque de la Symphonie performances took place at Jones Hall with the Houston Symphony in 2006. The blend of circus arts and live orchestral music was the brainchild of aerialist Alexander Streltsov and then Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski. Since its debut, Cirque de la Symphonie has become a favorite with audiences nationwide.
Cirque de la Symphonie | Program Biographies
Program BIOGRAPHIES These performances are generously supported in part by Underwriter Mr. John N. Neighbors
Sponsor Mr. and Mrs. U.J. LeGrange Partner
Supporter Jack and Michelle Matzer Radoff Family
Video enhancement of Houston Symphony concerts is made possible by the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation through a special gift celebrating the foundation’s 50th anniversary in 2015.
Michael Krajewski | conductor Known for his entertaining programs and clever humor, Michael Krajewski is a much sought-after conductor of symphonic pops. He is music director of The Philly Pops and principal pops conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. He previously served as principal pops conductor of the Houston Symphony and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. As a guest conductor, Michael has performed with the Cleveland and Philadelphia Orchestras; the Boston and Cincinnati Pops; the San Francisco, Seattle, and St. Louis Symphonies; Baltimore, Detroit, Indianapolis, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and National Symphony Orchestras; and numerous other orchestras across the United States. In Canada, he has led Ottawa’s National Arts Centre Orchestra; the Toronto, Edmonton, and Winnepeg Symphony Orchestras; the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Other international appearances include performances in Dublin and Belfast with the Ulster Orchestra as well as performances with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and Spain’s Bilbao Symphony Orchestra. Michael is the conductor of the video Silver Screen Serenade with violinist Jenny Oaks Baker that aired worldwide on BYU Broadcasting. On recordings, he has led the Houston Symphony on two holiday albums: Glad Tidings and Christmas Festival. His collaborative programs have included such artists as flutist James Galway, mezzo Marilyn Horne, pianist Alicia de Larrocha, guitarist Ángel Romero, and pop artists Rufus Wainwright, Jason Alexander, Roberta Flack, Judy Collins, Art Garfunkel, Wynonna Judd, Kenny Loggins, Ben Folds, Doc Severinsen, Patti Austin, Sandi Patty, Ann Hampton Callaway, Chicago, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Chieftains, Pink Martini, Rockapella, Cirque de la Symphonie, The Doo Wop Project, Classical Mystery Tour, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and The Midtown Men. With degrees from Wayne State University in Detroit and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Michael furthered his training at the Pierre Monteux Domaine School for Conductors. He was a Dorati Fellowship Conductor with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and later served as that orchestra’s assistant conductor. He was resident conductor of The Florida Orchestra and for 11 years served as music director of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. Michael lives in Orlando, Florida, with his wife, Darcy. When not conducting, he enjoys travel, photography, and solving crossword puzzles.
InTUNE — April 2019 | 35
Program BIOGRAPHIES , continued
Cirque de la Symphonie | performers Cirque de la Symphonie is an exciting production that brings the magic of cirque to the music hall. For more than 10 years, it has thrilled and bedazzled veteran concertgoers and new patrons as they see accomplished aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen perform to live symphony music. Performers include world record holders, international competition gold-medal winners, Olympians, and some of the most experienced cirque talent ever seen. Their acts are uniquely adapted to stage accommodations shared with the symphony, and each artist’s performance is choreographed to music arranged in collaboration with the maestro. When the artists of Cirque de la Symphonie perform in front of the full orchestra, an incredible fusion of these two great art forms takes place. The aerialists and acrobats turn the concert into a threedimensional entertainment extravaganza, and the orchestra seems to play with enhanced enthusiasm. Christine Van Loo Christine Van Loo is a seven-time consecutive National Champion, Female Olympic Athlete of the Year, and Athlete of the Decade in acrobatic gymnastics. She was inducted into the USA (acrogymnastics) Hall of Fame and the World Acrobatics Society Gallery of Honor. As a professional aerialist and acrobat, she has performed in the 2002 Winter Olympics, at the Grammy Awards (with No Doubt and Ricky Martin), at the American Music Awards (with Aerosmith), the Miss Universe pageant, and Paul McCartney’s European tour. She was a trainer and performer with NBC’s Celebrity Circus, and she choreographed the aerials for Britney Spears’ World Tour and the Stars on Ice U.S. tour. Christine provides spellbinding performances of aerial silks, rope, lira, and trapeze with Cirque de la Symphonie. Elena Tsarkova Elena Tsarkova, the “Lady in White,” is a graduate of the famed Moscow Circus School and firstplace winner of the prestigious National Russian Circus Festival. From “Master of Sports” in gymnastics, Elena developed into a unique and graceful performer with the Big Apple Circus, Switzerland’s Circus Knie, and Germany’s Circus Roncalli. Her combination of contortion, balance, and graceful dance 36 | Houston Symphony
moves made her a major star with Cirque de la Mur in Florida and Circus Circus in Las Vegas. Elena’s experience with major stage and theater productions offers a professional background that allows for a truly elegant performance with the live symphony. Vladimir Tsarkov Vladimir Tsarkov provides a spell-binding performance with combinations of mime and juggling feats. A favorite of audience members of all ages, Vladimir’s Red Harlequin act features rings, balls, and electric batons, and he has even been known to teach the maestro a trick or two! He is a veteran of Circus Circus, Cirque Ingenieux and various global entertainment productions. Vladimir graduated from Russia’s prestigious State College of Circus and Theater Arts and won the gold medal at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in France. His performance with the symphony is pure entertainment. Vitalii Buza Vitalii Buza began his gymnastic training in the Republic of Moldova and soon competed as an elite gymnast with the Russian national team. At age 16, Vitalii joined the Moscow State Circus as a professional acrobat and toured throughout Europe. After a move to the United States, he starred in productions at Sea World, Universal Studios, and Walt Disney World. He has been featured in numerous TV ads and won a role in the Walt Disney movie Enchanted. Vitalii performed at the 2006 Latin Grammy Awards, the 2007 NFL Pro Bowl, the 2010 Academy Awards, and the 2011 Billboard Latin Music Awards. He has performed for celebrities and at corporate events for major companies. Vitalii excels in multiple cirque acts, such as duo hand-balancing, straps, Cyr wheel, spinning cube, Chinese pole, and the Russian bar. Acro Duo (Vitaliy Prikhodko & Pavel Korshunov) The amazing strength and balancing act of Acro Duo includes Vitaliy Prikhodko and Pavel Korshunov. Vitaliy is a native of Ukraine, where he graduated from Kiev State Circus College. He began his career with
Cirque de la Symphonie | Program Biographies
the National Circus of Ukraine, winning first place at the New Ukrainian Circus Festival. His acrobatic experience includes worldwide tours with Nikulin’s Moscow Circus. Pavel, a native of Voronezh, Russia, is a three-time national champion of Russia, two-time World Champion, and two-time Champion of the World Cup in acrobatic sport. A veteran with Cirque du Soleil’s Varekai, Pavel is a multitalented performer on straps, Russian swing, trampoline, and acrobatics. Acro Duo’s performances with Cirque de la Symphonie create spontaneous eruptions of applause and emotion as the two display a stunning demonstration of strength and balance. Vladimir Tsarkov Jr. Vladimir Tsarkov Jr. comes from a famous circus family rich in the traditions of Russian circus artistry. Trained by masters in the circus arts, he exhibits exceptional talents in all his performances. His “mystery guest” juggling act is a fascinating blend of illusion and juggling skills. Vova is a worldwide star, having performed in major productions spanning from Las Vegas to Korea and enchanted audiences at Busch Gardens’ cirque shows. His impressive performing range includes various juggling acts, spinning shapes, mystery guest, and diablos.
2018–19 POPS season finale
the
BEST of BROADWAY MAY 24 –26
Alexandra Pivaral Alexandra “Sasha” Pivaral was born in New York City in 1994 to traveling acrobatic parents. She began her training at age 7 and performed her first lead role in a production show not long after. Since then, she has performed and headlined in countless productions around the world, including Cirque du Soleil. She has won prestigious awards for competing in top international circus shows like the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival in Monaco and is considered to be one of the most talented acrobats in her field of contortion, balancing, and hula hoops. Her stage presence, originality of elements, and choreography set her apart.
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InTUNE — April 2019 | 37
new GIVING SOCIETIES and donor benefits BEGINNING IN THE 2019–20 SEASON LEADERSHIP CIRCLE • $25,000+ This distinguished group of supporters receives customized benefits and recognition tailored to their annual support. They play a crucial role in the Symphony’s success, designating their support to concerts, special projects, educational activities or as unrestricted gifts. CONDUCTOR'S CIRCLE • $5,000–$24,999 This dedicated group of supporters receives benefits such as premier reserved donor seating, Green Room access, and complimentary valet parking for all Houston Symphony Classical, POPS, BBVA Compass Family Concerts, and Specials at Jones Hall. Annual support of $10,000 or more gives you the opportunity to sponsor a Houston Symphony concert, and annual support of $15,000 or more gives you the choice of sponsoring a Houston Symphony musician or Houston Symphony concert. Sponsors are recognized for their generous giving and support of the Symphony.
Help us impact the lives of more than 400,000 Houstonians by making a gift to the Houston Symphony this season. Instantly double the impact of your donation today thanks to a generous dollar for dollar match of all gifts. To make your gift, visit our campaign tables in the lobby or near the round bar. You can also give in the following ways: ONLINE HOUSTONSYMPHONY.ORG/DONATE TEXT “MUSIC” to 41444 CALL 713.337.8559
donate today! 38 | Houston Symphony
FRIENDS OF THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY • $100–$4,999 Grand Patron: $2,500–$4,999 • Season access to the Patron Donor Lounge • One-time pass to the Green Room • One-time valet parking pass • All benefits at the Patron level Patron: $1,500–$2,499 • Invitation to an additional private rehearsal (three total) • Additional one-time pass to the Patron Donor Lounge (three total) • Invitation to a Houston Symphony “Insider Event” • All benefits at the Director level Director: $1,000–$1,499 • Invitation to a “Behind-the-Scenes” experience • Early bird ticket email notification (new) • One-time pass to the Patron Donor Lounge • All benefits at the Principal level Principal: $500–$999 • Invitation to an additional private rehearsal (two total) • All benefits at the Associate Principal level Associate Principal: $250–$499 • Invitation to one private rehearsal • Complimentary dessert coupon for Jones Hall Encore Café (new) • All benefits at the Member level Member: $100–$249 • Complimentary drink coupon at the Jones Hall Round Bar (new) • Subscription to Symphony Notes newsletter • Houston Symphony Society membership, including voting privileges at the Annual Meeting QUESTIONS ABOUT LEADERSHIP CIRCLE OR CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE? PLEASE CONTACT: Molly Simpson, Director, Individual Giving and Major Gifts at molly.simpson@houstonsymphony.org or 713.337.8526 QUESTIONS ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY? PLEASE CONTACT: Michael Arlen, Associate Director, Individual Giving and Major Gifts at michael.arlen@houstonsymphony.org or 713.337.8529
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THANK
Our DONORS ANNUAL SUPPORT
The Houston Symphony gratefully acknowledges those who support our artistic, educational, and community engagement programs through their generosity to our Annual Fund and our Special Events. For more information, please contact: Nancy Giles, Chief Development Officer, 713.337.8525 Molly Simpson, Director, Individual Giving and Major Gifts, 713.337.8526
Ima Hogg Society $150,000 or more
Janice Barrow Barbara J. Burger Janet F. Clark Rochelle & Max Levit Barbara & Pat McCelvey
Mr. John N. Neighbors John & Lindy Rydman / Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods / Spec’s Charitable Foundation Mike Stude
Centennial Society Robin Angly & Miles Smith Clare Attwell Glassell
Founder’s Society
Drs. Dennis & Susan Carlyle Ron Franklin & Janet Gurwitch Carol & Michael Linn & The Michael C. Linn Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. J. Stephen Marks
$100,000-$149,999 Cora Sue & Harry Mach Joella & Steven P. Mach
Gary & Marian Beauchamp
Maestro’s Society
Mr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor
$50,000-$74,999 Janice & Robert* McNair Dave & Alie Pruner Mr. & Mrs. William K. Robbins Jr. / The Robbins Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Jim R. Smith
Concertmaster’s Society Ralph Burch Donna & Max Chapman Mr. & Mrs. Bernard F. Clark Jr. Eugene Fong Mr. & Mrs. Melbern G. Glasscock Stephen & Mariglyn Glenn Jo A. & Billie Jo Graves Dr. Gary L. Hollingsworth & Dr. Ken Hyde
Beth Madison Mr. & Mrs. Alexander K. McLanahan
$75,000-$99,999 Drs. M.S. & Marie-Luise Kalsi
Bobby & Phoebe Tudor Shirley W. Toomim Margaret Alkek Williams
Mr. Jay Steinfeld & Mrs. Barbara Winthrop Alice & Terry Thomas Ms. Judith Vincent Mr. & Mrs. Fredric A. Weber
$25,000-$49,999
Catherine & Brian James Joan & Marvin Kaplan Dr. Sippi & Mr. Ajay Khurana Mr. & Mrs. U. J. LeGrange Mr. & Mrs. Rodney H. Margolis Mrs. Carolyn & Dr. Michael Mann Nancy & Robert Peiser Laura & Mike Shannon Lisa & Jerry Simon
Alana R. Spiwak & Sam L. Stolbun Dr. John R. Stroehlein & Miwa Sakashita Steven & Nancy Williams Ms. Ellen A. Yarrell
continued InTUNE — April 2019 | 39
Conductor’s Circle
Platinum Baton
Ms. Farida Abjani Anne Morgan Barrett Danielle & Josh Batchelor James M. Bell Mr. & Mrs. Walter V. Boyle Nancy & Walter Bratic Terry Ann Brown Brett & Erin Busby Jane & Robert Cizik Michael H. Clark & Sallie Morian
Conductor’s Circle
Conductor’s Circle
$10,000-$14,999
J.R. & Aline Deming Valerie Palmquist Dieterich & Tracy Dieterich Jennifer & Steve Dolman Vicky Dominguez Terry Everett & Eric Cheyney Kelli Cohen Fein & Martin Fein Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey B. Firestone Mr. & Mrs. Russell M. Frankel Betsy Garlinger Evan B. Glick Mr. Robert M. Griswold Mr. & Mrs. Jerry L. Hamaker Susan & Dick Hansen Jacek & Marzena Jaminski Dr. Rita Justice Dr. & Mrs. I. Ray Kirk Mrs. Hazel Leighton Ms. Nancey G. Lobb Marilyn G. Lummis
Silver Baton
Ann & Jonathan Ayre Mrs. Jennifer Chang & Mr. Aaron J. Thomas Andrew Davis & Corey Tu The Ensell Family Mrs. Aggie L. Foster
Conductor’s Circle
$15,000-$24,999
Brad & Joan Corson Viviana & David Denechaud Mr. & Mrs. Marvy A. Finger Mr. & Mrs. Fred L. Gorman Mr. & Mrs. David Hatcher Katherine Hill Mrs. James E. Hooks Rebecca & Bobby Jee Michelle & Jack Matzer Mr. Gary Mercer
Gold Baton
Frances & Ira Anderson Edward H. Andrews III Nina Andrews & David Karohl Dr. Angela R. Apollo Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey B. Aron Mr. & Mrs. Philip A. Bahr John Barlow Mr.* & Dr. Karl-Heinz Becker Anne & George* Boss James & Dale Brannon Lilia D. Khakimova & C. Robert Bunch Cheryl & Sam Byington Mary Kathryn Campion, PhD Virginia A. Clark Coneway Family Foundation Roger & Debby Cutler Leslie Barry Davidson & W. Robins Brice Dr. Alex Dell
Bronze Baton
Dr. Saul & Ursula Balagura Mrs. Bonnie Bauer Mr. & Mrs. Charles & Naomi Black Ruth W. Brodsky Mr. & Mrs. David A. Boudreau Mr. & Mrs. Michael E. Bowman Marilyn Caplovitz Ann M. Cavanaugh Dr. Robert N. Chanon Donna M. Collins Dr. & Mrs. Samuel B. Condic Mr. & Mrs. Byron Cooley Mr. & Mrs. Larry Corbin Lois & David Coyle Dr. Scott Cutler Bob & Mary Doyle Ms. Joan Duff Connie & Byron Dyer Mr. William P. Elbel & Ms. Mary J. Schroeder Mr. Stephen Elison Mr. Parrish N. Erwin Jr. Mrs. William Estrada Jo Lynn & Gregg Falgout / Island Operating Company Mr. & Mrs. Richard E. Fant Aubrey & Sylvia Farb Mr. & Mrs. Matt Farina Ms. Carolyn Faulk
Dede & Connie Weil Robert G. Weiner & Toni Blankmann Vicki West Ms. Beth Wolff Mr. & Mrs. C. Clifford Wright Jr. Scott & Lori Wulfe Mr. & Mrs. Edward R. Ziegler Anonymous (1)
John & Regina Mangum Jay & Shirley Marks Dr. & Mrs. Malcolm L. Mazow Billy & Christie McCartney Gene* & Betty McDavid Martha & Marvin McMurrey Rita & Paul Morico Bobbie Newman Scott & Judy Nyquist Toni Oplt & Ed Schneider Katie & Bob Orr / Oliver Wyman Susan & Edward Osterberg Mr. & Mrs. Anthony G. Petrello Jean & Allan Quiat Kathryn & Richard Rabinow Radoff Family Lila Rauch Mr. & Mrs. T.R. Reckling III Jill & Allyn Risley Linda & Jerry Rubenstein
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Scherr Mr. & Mrs. James A. Shaffer Mr. & Mrs. Joel I. Shannon Mr. & Mrs. William T. Slick Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Robert B. Sloan/ Houston Baptist University Tad & Suzanne Smith Mr. & Mrs. Robert R. Springob, Laredo Construction, Inc. Courtney & Bill Toomey Ms. Stephanie Tsuru Margaret Waisman, M.D. & Steven S. Callahan, Ph.D. Stephen & Kristine Wallace Mr. & Mrs. Tony Williford Lorraine & Ed Wulfe Nina & Michael Zilkha Anonymous (3)
Bobbie Nau Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Nelson Tim Ong & Michael Baugh Mrs. Gloria Pepper & Dr. Bernard Katz Douglas & Alicia Rodenberger
Mr. Glen A. Rosenbaum Donna Scott & Mitch Glassman Mr. & Mrs. Rufus S. Scott Anonymous (2)
Evi & Steve Marnoy Ms. B. Lynn Mathre & Mr. Stewart O’Dell Mr. & Mrs. Michael McGuire Mr. & Mrs. William B. McNamara Alice R. McPherson, M.D. Dr. Stewart Morris Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Moynier Ms. Leslie Nossaman Courtney & Jose Obregon Rochelle & Sheldon Oster Katherine & Jonathan Palmer Mr. & Mrs. Robert Pastorek Kusum & K. Cody Patel Mr. & Mrs. Raul Pavon Michael P. & Shirley Pearson Mr. David Peavy & Mr. Stephen McCauley Mr. Robert J. Pilegge Mr. Thomas C. Platt Susan & King Pouw Tim & Katherine Pownell Roland & Linda Pringle Mrs. Dana Puddy Darla & Chip Purchase Vicky & Michael Richker Ed & Janet Rinehart Mr. & Mrs. George A. Rizzo Jr. Mr. Floyd W. Robinson
Carole & Barry Samuels Susan D. & Fayez Sarofim Mrs. Richard P. Schissler Jr. Mr. & Ms. Steven Sherman Ms. Leslie Siller Mr. David Stanard & Ms. Beth Freeman Drs. Ishwaria & Vivek Subbiah Nanako & Dale Tingleaf Pamalah & Stephen Tipps Ann Trammell Shirley & Joel Wahlberg Ms. Joann E. Welton Mrs. Nelda Wilkomirski Ms. Barbara Williams Doug & Kay Wilson Cyvia & Melvyn* Wolff Daisy S. Wong* / JCorp Woodell Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Frank Yonish Sally & Denney Wright Edith & Robert Zinn Erla & Harry Zuber Anonymous (2)
$7,500-$9,999
Maureen Y. Higdon Gwen & Dan Kellogg Mary Louis Kister Terry & Kandee McGill Dr. Robert M. Mihalo Richard & Juliet Moynihan
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan E. Parker Gloria & Joe Pryzant Ken* & Carol Lee Robertson Hugh & Ann Roff Mrs. Sybil F. Roos Michael J. Shawiak Mr. & Mrs. Alan Stein Drs. Carol & Michael Stelling Susan & Andrew Truscott Flor & Arturo Vivar
$5,000-$7,499
Ms. Ursula H. Felmet Jerry E.* & Nanette B. Finger Mr. Shane T. Frank Edwin Friedrichs & Darlene Clark Mrs. Elizabeth B. Frost Dr. Nan Garrett Michael B. George Wm. David George, Ph.D. Nancy D. Giles Mr. & Mrs. Eric J. Gongre Bill Grieves Dr. & Mrs. Carlos R. Hamilton Jr. James & Renee Hennessy Mark & Ragna Henrichs Mr. & Mrs. Frank Herzog Ann & Joe Hightower Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Jankovic Stephen Jeu & Susanna Calvo Josephine & Phil John Beverly Johnson Stacy & Jason Johnson Mr. & Mrs. John F. Joity Debbie & Frank Jones Dr. & Mrs. Wasim Khan Mr. William L. Kopp Mr. & Mrs. John P. Kotts Sue Ann Lurcott Barbara J. Manering Mrs. Carolyn & Dr. Michael Mann
*Deceased
The Houston Symphony thanks the more than 4,000 donors who supported the Houston Symphony Annual Fund over the past year. To note any errors or omissions, please contact Shane L. Platt, Development Associate, Individual Giving, 713.337.8559. 40 | Houston Symphony
Young Associates COUNCIL The Houston Symphony’s Young Associates Council (YAC) is a philanthropic membership group for young professionals, music aficionados, and performing arts supporters interested in exploring symphonic music within Houston’s flourishing artistic landscape. YAC members are afforded exclusive opportunities to participate in musically focused events that take place not only in Jones Hall, but also in the city’s most sought-after venues, private homes, and friendly neighborhood hangouts. From behind-the-scenes interactions with the musicians of the Houston Symphony to jaw-dropping private performances by world-class virtuosos, the Houston Symphony’s Young Associates Council offers incomparable insight and accessibility to the music and musicians that are shaping the next era of orchestral music.
Young Associate Premium Farida Abjani Ann & Jonathan Ayre James M. Bell Eric Brueggeman Valerie Palmquist Dieterich & Tracy Dieterich Amanda & Adam Dinitz Vicky Dominguez
Young Associate
$2,500 or more
Terry Everett & Eric Cheyney Jennifer & Joshua Gravenor Jarod Hogan Stacy & Jason Johnson Kiri & Jeffrey Katterhenry Shane Miller Sami & Jud Morrison Tim Ong & Michael Baugh
$1,500 - $2,499
Dr. Genevera Allen & Michael Weylandt Ahmed Al-Saffar – Oliver Wyman Michael Arlen Drs. Laura & William Black Drs. Tiffany & Desmond Bourgeois Sverre & Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl Catherine Bratic & Mike Benza Divya & Chris Brown Megan Brown Sara Cain Helen Chen Tatiana Chavanelle Crystal & Mike Cox
Darrin Davis & Mario Gudmundsson Nina Delano & Wirt Blaffer Garreth DeVoe Jennifer & Steve Dolman Christine Falgout / Island Operating Company Emily & Matthew Fellows Laurel Flores Mark Folkes & Christopher Johnston Carolyn & Patrick Gaidos Alexandra & Daniel Gottschalk Rebecca & Andrew Gould Jeff Graham Nicholas Gruy
Toni Oplt & Ed Schneider Kusum & K. Cody Patel Ahmed Saleh Becky Shaw Tony Shih – Norton Rose Fulbright Molly Simpson & Patrice Abivin Rebeca & Chad Spencer
Drs. Ishwaria & Vivek Subbiah Georgeta Teodorescu & Bob Simpson
Claudio Gutierrez Jeff & Elaine Hiller Ashley & John Horstman Kurt Johnson & Colleen Matheu Gerrit Leeftink Kirby & David Lodholz Brian McCulloch & Jeremy Garcia Charyn McGinnis Ashley McPhail Emily & Joseph Morrel Porter Hedges LLP Aprill Nelson Courtney & Jose Obregon Brooke & Nathaniel Richards Alan Rios
Kimberly & Evan Scheele Emily Schreiber Liana & Andrew Schwaitzberg Nadhisha & Dilanka Seimon Dr. Paulina Sergot & Dr. Theo Shybut Justin & Caroline Simons Aerin & Quentin Smith Mark Stadnyk & Amanda Hassler Michelle Stair Dr. Shilpa Trivedi Jovon Tyler Elise Wagner
For more information, please contact: Tyler Murphy, Development Officer, Major Giving Groups, 713.337.8536.
Chorus ENDOWMENT
DONORS
The Endowment for the Choral Music Fund supports numerous projects of the Houston Symphony Chorus, including the recent release of Haydn—The Creation, the first classical recording to feature the Chorus.
$500 or more
$50-$499
Mrs. Ramona Alms Mr. & Mrs. Richard M. Armes Ms. Carolyn Belk Mr. David Black Nancy & Walter Bratic Mr. Brent Corwin Steve Dukes & Nobuhide Kobori Robert Lee Gomez George E. Howe David G. Nussman Mrs. Joan O’Conner Peter & Nina Peropoulos Roland & Linda Pringle Douglas & Alicia Rodenberger Carolyn Rogan Michael J. Shawiak Susan L. Thompson Mr. & Mrs. Fredric A. Weber Beth Weidler & Stephen James Anonymous (2)
Wade & Mert Adams Mr. Bob Alban A. Ann Alexander Mr. & Mrs. Joe Anzaldua Mr. & Mrs. Michael Avant Mr. Enrique Barrera III Mr. & Mrs. Justin Becker Ms. MaryAnn Begbie Mrs. Angela Bongat Seaman Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Bongers Mr. Jonathan Bordelon Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Bumpus Mr. & Mrs. J. Scott Campbell Ms. Nancy A. Christopherson Mr. Randy Eckman Ms. Julia FitzGerald Elizabeth & Ralph Frankowski Mary & Nicholas Gahr Mr. Mike Gilbert
Mr. & Mrs. William C. Goddard John Goode & Janwin Overstreet-Goode Ms. Julia Hall Mrs. Susan Hall Mr. Daren Hamaker Ms. Phyllis Harris Mr. Richard Henry Mr. Larry R. Hitt Mr. Francisco J. Izaguirre Ms. Marjorie Kessler Ms. Karen King-Ellis Ms. Kat Kunz Karen Lach Mr. Brian Lassinger Cynthia Lavenda Mr. Jarrod Martin Mr. Daniel Mead McClure Ms. Melissa Medina Joan K. Mercado Mr. & Mrs. Jim K. Moore Dr. James Murray
Mr. Takashi Nishimura Mr. & Mrs. Bill Parker Ms. Allison Poe Natalia Rawle Linda A. Renner Mr. James Roman Mr. Frank Rynd Mr. Gary B. Scullin Mr. & Ms. Rick Stein Dr. Cecilia Sun Mr. & Mrs. William J. Thacker Lisa Rai Trewin Ms. Jeanna Villanueva Mary Voigt Ms. Heidi Walton Anonymous (3)
To make a gift, please contact: Shane L. Platt, Development Associate, Individual Giving, 713.337.8559. InTUNE — April 2019 | 41
Corporate, Foundation, & Government PARTNERS The Houston Symphony is proud to recognize the leadership support of our corporate, foundation and government partners that allow the orchestra to reach new heights in musical performance, education, and community engagement, for Greater Houston and the Gulf Coast Region. For more information on becoming a foundation or government partner, please contact Mary Beth Mosley, Director, Institutional Giving and Stewardship, at 713.337.8521 or marybeth.mosley@houstonsymphony.org. For more information on becoming a Houston Symphony corporate donor, please contact Leticia Konigsberg, Director, Corporate Relations, at 713.337.8522 or leticia.konigsberg@houstonsymphony.org.
CORPORATE PARTNERS Principal Corporate Guarantor $250,000 and above *Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods / Spec’s Charitable Foundation Grand Guarantor $150,000 and above BBVA Compass ConocoPhillips *Houston Public Media— News 88.7 FM; Channel 8 PBS *KTRK ABC-13 Phillips 66 *Rand Group, LLC *Oliver Wyman Guarantor $100,000 and above Bank of America BB&T Chevron *Houston Methodist Medistar Corporation *PaperCity *United Airlines Underwriter $50,000 and above *Baker Botts L.L.P. *Cameron Management ENGIE *The Events Company Exxon Mobil Corporation Frost Bank Houston Baptist University
(as of March 1, 2019)
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Kalsi Engineering Kirkland & Ellis *The Lancaster Hotel Mann Eye Institute Occidental Petroleum Palmetto Partners Ltd./The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation Shell Oil Company Vinson & Elkins LLP Sponsor $25,000 and above *Bright Star EOG Resources Goldman, Sachs & Co. *Houston Chronicle *Houston First Corporation IberiaBank *Jackson and Company Marine Foods Express, Ltd. McGuireWoods, LLP *Neiman Marcus Sidley Austin LLP *Silver Circle Audio SPIR STAR, Ltd. *Steinway & Sons The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center Wells Fargo WoodRock & Co.
CORPORATE MATCHING GIFTS Aetna Foundation, Inc. Akzo Nobel Inc. Albemarle Corporation Allstate Insurance Company American International Group (AIG) Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Aon Foundation Bank of America BBVA Compass BHP Billiton British Petroleum Matching Fund Programs Caterpillar Matching Gifts Program Chevron Matching Gifts Program CITGO Petroleum Corporation ConocoPhillips Company 42 | Houston Symphony
Partner $15,000 and above Accenture Anadarko Petroleum Corporation *City Kitchen *Glazier’s Distributors Gorman’s Uniform Service H-E-B Tournament of Champions Heart of Fashion Independent Bank Laredo Construction, Inc. Locke Lord LLP Lockton Companies of Houston Macy’s The Newfield Foundation USI Southwest Supporter $10,000 and above *Abraham’s Oriental Rugs *Agua Hispanic Marketing CenterPoint Energy Emerson Northern Trust *Silver Eagle Distributors Star Furniture Triten Corporation White & Case LLP *Zenfilm
Benefactor $5,000 and above Barclay’s Wealth and Investment Management Beck Redden LLP Louis Vuitton Nordstrom Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, L.L.P. *Randalls Food Markets Russell Reynolds Associates, Inc. *University of St. Thomas Wortham Insurance and Risk Management Patron Gifts below $5,000 Amazon Baker Hughes Bering’s Beth Wolff Realtors Burberry Dolce & Gabbana USA, Inc. Kinder Morgan Foundation *Quantum Bass Center SEI, Global Institutional Group Smith, Graham & Company Stewart Title Company TAM International, Inc. * Includes in-kind support
(as of March 1, 2019)
Dominion Energy Foundation Matching Gift Program Eli Lilly and Company Emerson Electric Company, Inc. ExxonMobil Matching Gift Program Fannie Mae Corporation FMC Corporation Freeport-McMorRan Copper & Gold Inc. General Electric General Mills, Inc. Goldman Sachs Halliburton Company Hewlett Packard IAC Interactive IBM Corporation ING Financial Services Intermec
Johnson & Johnson JPMorgan Chase & Co. LyondellBasell Industries Macy's, Inc. (Macy's and Bloomingdale's) Merrill Lynch Microsoft Corporation Motiva Enterprises, LLC Murphy Oil Corporation NACCO Industries Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. Northern Trust Occidental Petroleum Phillips 66 Plains All American Pipeline PricewaterhouseCoopers Prudential Financial Inc. Regions Shell Oil Company
Southwestern Energy Spectra Energy SPX Corporation Texas Instruments The Boeing Company Matching Program The Coca-Cola Company Thomson Reuters TransCanada Pipelines Limited Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc. Travelers Companies, Inc. UBS Union Pacific Walt Disney Company Westlake Chemical Williams Companies, Inc.
FOUNDATIONS & GOVERNMENT AGENCIES Diamond Guarantor $1,000,000 and above The Brown Foundation, Inc. Houston Symphony Endowment Houston Symphony League The Wortham Foundation, Inc. Premier Guarantor $500,000 and above City of Houston and Theater District Improvement, Inc. The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation The C. Howard Pieper Foundation Grand Guarantor $150,000 and above City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board The Cullen Foundation Houston Endowment The Humphreys Foundation MD Anderson Foundation
Guarantor $100,000 and above The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation The Elkins Foundation Underwriter $50,000 and above The Fondren Foundation The Hearst Foundations Houston Symphony Chorus Endowment League of American Orchestras’ Futures Fund LTR Lewis Cloverdale Foundation John P. McGovern Foundation The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation / Palmetto Partners Ltd. The Powell Foundation The Robbins Foundation
Capital INVESTMENTS Beauchamp Foundation Miller Outdoor Theatre Sound Shell Ceiling Portativ organ Berlioz bells Adam’s German Timpani Orchestra synthesizer Adam’s vibraphone Small percussion and other instruments The Fondren Foundation Miller Outdoor Theatre Sound Shell Ceiling
In-Kind DONORS A Fare Extraordinaire Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design Alpha-Lee Enterprises, Inc. Aspire Executive Coaching, LLC Bergner & Johnson Design Bering’s BKD, LLP Boat Ranch Burberry Cognetic Complete Eats Corinthian Houston Culinaire Carl R. Cunningham DLG Research & Marketing Solutions Elaine Turner Designs Elegant Events by Michael Elliot Marketing Group
(as of March 1, 2019)
Sponsor $25,000 and above Beauchamp Foundation The Melbern G. & Susanne M. Glasscock Foundation National Endowment for the Arts Texas Commission on the Arts The William Stamps Farish Fund
Supporter $10,000 and above The Carleen & Alde Fridge Foundation William E. & Natoma Pyle Harvey Charitable Foundation Petrello Family Foundation Radoff Family Foundation Anonymous
Partner $15,000 and above Edward H. Andrews Foundation Ruth & Ted Bauer Family Foundation The Hood-Barrow Foundation Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation Houston Symphony League Bay Area The Schissler Foundation The Vivian L. Smith Foundation The Vaughn Foundation
Benefactor $5,000 and above Leon Jaworski Foundation The Scurlock Foundation Keith & Mattie Stevenson Foundation Strake Foundation Patron Gifts below $5,000 The WC Handy Foundation The Lubrizol Foundation
The Houston Symphony thanks the generous donors who, since 2012, have made possible infrastructure additions to further enhance the sound and quality of our orchestral performances.
Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation Enhancements to Jones Hall Video System Houston Symphony League Steinway Concert Grand Piano Instrument Petting Zoo Lewis Elementary Residency violins Ms. Nancey G. Lobb Piccolo Timpani LTR Lewis Cloverdale Foundation Lyon & Healy Harp
Vicky & Michael Richker Family Adolfo Sayago, Orquestas Sybil F. Roos Rotary Trumpets Silver Circle Audio Enhancements to Jones Hall Recording Suite Beverly Johnson, Ralph Wyman and Jim Foti, and Thane & Nicole Wyman in memory of Winthrop Wyman Basset Horns and Rotary Trumpets Mr. & Mrs. Charles Zabriskie Conductor’s Podium
(as of March 1, 2019)
Elsie Smith Design Festari Foster Quan LLP Gucci Hermann Park Conservancy Hilton Americas – Houston Hotel Granduca Hotel Icon Hotel ZaZa Memorial City Houston Astros Houston Grand Opera Houston Texans InterContinental Hotel Houston Jim Benton of Houston, LLC JOHANNUS Organs of Texas John L. Worthan & Son, L.P. John Wright/Textprint JW Marriott Houston Downtown Karbach Brewing Co.
Kuhl-Linscomb LG Entertainers Limb Design Martha Turner Properties Meera Buck & Associates Michael’s Cookie Jar Minuteman Press – Post Oak Momentum Jaguar Music & Arts New Leaf Publishing, Inc. Nos Caves Vin The Parson Family in memory of Dorothy Anne Parson Prime Systems Pro/Sound Randalls Food Markets Rice University Richard Brown Orchestra Saint Arnold’s Brewery
Saks Fifth Avenue Shecky’s Media, Inc. Singapore Airlines Staging Solutions Stewart Title Tony’s Tootsies Valobra Jewelry & Antiques Versace Village Greenway VISION Yahama
InTUNE — April 2019 | 43
Houston Symphony ENDOWMENT The Houston Symphony Endowment is a separate non-profit organization that invests contributions to earn income for the benefit of the Houston Symphony Society. TRUSTEES Alexandra Pruner, President Gene Dewhurst
James Lee Jerry Simon
William J. Toomey II Fredric A. Weber
An endowed fund can be permanently established within the Houston Symphony Society through a direct contribution or via a planned gift such as a bequest. The fund can be designated for general purposes or specific interests. For more information, please contact: Nancy Giles, Chief Development Officer, 713.337.8525. GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUNDS
to support operational and annual activities
Accenture (Andersen Consulting) Fund AIG American General Fund M.D. Anderson Foundation Fund Mr. & Mrs. Philip Bahr Fund Janice H. & Thomas D. Barrow Fund Mrs. Ermy Borlenghi Bonfield Fund Jane & Robert Cizik Fund Mr. Lee A. Clark Fund Cooper Industries, Inc. Fund Gene & Linda Dewhurst Fund DuPont Corporation Fund Elkins Charitable Trust Agency Fund The Margaret & James A. Elkins Foundation Fund Virginia Lee Elverson Trust Fund Charles Engelhard Foundation Fund William Stamps Farish Fund Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein & Martin J. Fein Fund Stephen & Mariglyn Glenn Fund Jo A. & Billie Jo Graves Fund
DESIGNATED FUNDS
George & Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation Fund Dr. Gary L. Hollingsworth & Dr. Ken Hyde Fund Houston Arts Combined Endowment Fund Drs. M.S. & Marie-Luise Kalsi Fund Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Kaplan Fund Ann Kennedy & Geoffrey Walker Fund Martha Kleymeyer Fund Rochelle & Max Levit Fund Mr. E. W. Long Jr. Fund Mr. & Mrs. Rodney H. Margolis Fund Jay & Shirley Marks Fund Mr. & Mrs. J. Stephen Marks Fund/ The Marks Charitable Foundation Marian & Speros Martel Foundation Fund Barbara & Pat McCelvey Fund The Menil Foundation Fund Monroe Mendelsohn Jr. Estate Sue A. Morrison & Children Fund National Endowment for the Arts Fund
to support annual performance activity
The Brown Foundation Guest Pianist Fund The Cullen Foundation Maestro’s Fund General & Mrs. Maurice Hirsch Memorial Concert Fund in memory of Theresa Meyer and Jules Hirsch, beloved parents of General Maurice Hirsch, and Rosetta Hirsch Weil and Josie Hirsch Bloch, beloved sisters of General Maurice Hirsch The Houston Symphony Chorus Endowment Fund
ENDOWED CHAIRS
to attract, retain and support world-class conductors, musicians, guest artists and executive leadership
Janice & Thomas Barrow Chair Brinton Averil Smith, Principal Cello Roy & Lillie Cullen Chair Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Music Director Fondren Foundation Chair Qi Ming, Assistant Concertmaster General Maurice Hirsch Chair Aralee Dorough, Principal Flute Ellen E. Kelley Chair Eric Halen, Co-Concertmaster Max Levine Chair George P. & Cynthia Woods Mitchell Chair Mark Hughes, Principal Trumpet Tassie & Constantine S. Nicandros Chair Alexander Potiomkin, Bass Clarinet Lucy Binyon Stude Chair Jonathan Fischer, Principal Oboe Winnie Safford Wallace Chair
ENDOWED FUNDS
to attract, retain and support world-class conductors and guest artists American General Fund Speros P. Martel Fund Stewart Orton Fund Dan Feigal Prosser Fund
44 | Houston Symphony
Stewart Orton Fund Papadopoulos Fund Nancy & Robert Peiser Fund Rockwell Fund, Inc. Fund Mr. & Mrs. Clive Runnells Fund Estate of Mr. Walter W. Sapp Fund Mr. & Mrs. Matt K. Schatzman Fund The Schissler Foundation Fund Mr. & Mrs. James A. Shaffer Fund Mr. & Mrs. William T. Slick Jr. Fund Texas Eastern Fund Dorothy Barton Thomas Fund Bobby & Phoebe Tudor Fund Mr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Fund Dede & Connie Weil Fund The Wortham Foundation Fund Anonymous (5)
Fayez Sarofim Guest Violinist Fund through The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts The Wortham Foundation Classical Series Fund endowed in memory of Gus S. & Lyndall F. Wortham
to support annual education and community engagement activities Margarett & Alice Brown Endowment Fund for Education Ronald C. Borschow Fund Lawrence E. Carlton, M.D. Endowment Fund for Youth Programs Richard P. Garmany Fund for the Houston Symphony League Concerto Competition The William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fund for Education Programs Selma S. Neumann Fund Spec’s Charitable Foundation Salute to Educators Concert Fund to support new commissions and innovative artistic projects The Micajah S. Stude Special Production Fund
to support access and expand geographic reach The Alice & David C. Bintliff Messiah Concert Fund The Brown Foundation’s Miller Outdoor Theatre Fund in memory of Hanni & Stewart Orton Mach Family Audience Development Fund George P. & Cynthia Woods Mitchell Summer Concerts Fund
to support electronic media initiatives The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Fund for Creative Initiatives
to support the Ima Hogg Competition Nancy B. Willerson Mr. & Mrs. C. Clifford Wright Jr.
to support piano performance Michael B. & Christine E. George Fund to support Piano Performance Concerts Mary R. Lewis Fund for Piano Performance C. Howard Pieper Foundation
LEGACY COMMITMENTS
through The Brown Foundation Challenge to support artistic excellence Janet F. Clark Gloria Goldblatt Pryzant Mr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Legacy Society Chair Wayne Brooks, principal viola Ms. Vicki West in honor of Hans Graf Anonymous (1)
LEADERSHIP GIFTS OF WORKING CAPITAL provided as part of the Campaign for the 20th Century, Campaign for Houston Symphony and My Houston, My Symphony—Campaign for a Sound Future Hewlett Packard Company Fund The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation Neva Watkins West Fund Gift in memory of Winifred Safford Wallace for the commission of new works
Legacy SOCIETY The Legacy Society honors those who have included the Houston Symphony Endowment in their long-term estate plans through bequests, life-income gifts, or other deferred-giving arrangements. Farida Abjani Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey B. Aron Myra W. Barber Daniel B. Barnum George* & Betty Bashen Dr. Joan Hacken Bitar Dorothy B. Black Kerry Levine Bollmann Ermy Borlenghi Bonfield James & S. Dale Brannon Zu Broadwater Joan K. Bruchas & H. Philip Cowdin Mr. Christopher & Mrs. Erin Brunner Eugene R. Bruns Cheryl & Sam Byington Sylvia J. Carroll Dr. Robert N. Chanon William J. Clayton & Margaret A. Hughes Mr. & Mrs. Byron Cooley The Honorable & Mrs. William Crassas Dr. Lida S. Dahm Leslie Barry Davidson Judge & Mrs. Harold DeMoss Jr. Susan Feickert Ginny Garrett Mr. & Mrs. Harry H. Gendel Mauro H. Gimenez & Connie A. Coulomb Mr. Robert M. Griswold Randolph Lee Groninger
Claudio J. Gutierrez Mr. & Mrs. Jerry L. Hamaker Mrs. Gloria Herman Marilyn & Robert M. Hermance Timothy Hogan & Elaine Anthony Dr. Gary L. Hollingsworth Dr. Edward J. & Mrs. Patti Hurwitz Dr. Kenneth Hyde Brian & Catherine James Barbara & Raymond Kalmans Dr. & Mrs. Ira Kaufman, M.D. John S. W. Kellett Ann Kennedy & Geoffrey Walker Dr. James E. & Betty W. Key Dr. & Mrs. I. Ray Kirk Mrs. Frances E. Leland Samuel J. Levine Mrs. Lucy Lewis E. W. Long Jr. Sandra Magers David Ray Malone & David J. Sloat Mr. & Mrs. Rodney H. Margolis Jay & Shirley Marks James G. Matthews Mr. & Mrs. John H. Matzer III Dr. & Mrs. Malcolm L. Mazow Mary Ann & David McKeithan Mr. & Mrs. Alexander K. McLanahan Dr. Tracey Samuels & Mr. Robert McNamara Mr. & Mrs. D. Bradley McWilliams
Catherine Jane Merchant Dr. Georgette M. Michko Marilyn Ross Miles & Stephen Warren Miles Foundation Katherine Taylor Mize Ione Moran Sidney Moran Richard & Juliet Moynihan Gretchen Ann Myers Patience Myers Mr. John N. Neighbors, in memory of Jean Marie Neighbors Mr. & Mrs. Richard C. Nelson Bobbie Newman John & Leslie Niemand Leslie Nossaman Dave G. Nussmann John Onstott Macky Osorio Edward C. Osterberg Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Edmund & Megan Pantuliano Imogen “Immy” Papadopoulos Christine & Red Pastorek Peter & Nina Peropoulos Sara M. Peterson Darla Powell Phillips Geraldine Smith Priest Dana Puddy Patrick T. Quinn Lila Rauch
Ed & Janet Rinehart Mr. Floyd W. Robinson Evie Ronald Walter Ross Mr. & Mrs. James A. Shaffer Dr. & Mrs. Kazuo Shimada Lisa & Jerry Simon Tad & Suzanne Smith Sherry Snyder Marie Speziale Emily H. & David K. Terry Stephen G. Tipps Steve Tostengard, in memory of Ardyce Tostengard Jana Vander Lee Bill & Agnete Vaughan Dean B. Walker Stephen & Kristine Wallace David M. Wax* & Elaine Arden Cali Geoffrey Westergaard Nancy B. Willerson Jennifer R. Wittman Lorraine & Ed Wulfe David & Tara Wuthrich Katherine & Mark Yzaguirre Edith & Robert Zinn Anonymous (6)
Dr. & Mrs.* Robert M. Mihalo Sue A. Morrison & children in memory of Walter J. Morrison Mr. & Mrs. Marvin H. Mueller Drs. John & Dorothy Oehler Robert A. Peiser Gloria G. Pryzant Clive Runnells, in memory of Nancy Morgan Runnells Mr. Charles K. Sanders Donna Scott Charles & Andrea Seay Michael J. Shawiak Jule* & Albert Smith Mr. & Mrs. Louis J. Snyder
Mr. Rex Spikes Frank Stanford Mike & Anita* Stude Mr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Elba L. Villarreal Margaret Waisman, M.D. & Steven S. Callahan, Ph.D. Mr. & Mrs. Fredric A. Weber Robert G. Weiner Vicki West in honor of Hans Graf Susan Gail Wood Jo Dee Wright Ellen A. Yarrell Anonymous (2)
CRESCENDO CIRCLE $100,000+ Dr. & Mrs. George J. Abdo Priscilla R. Angly Janice Barrow James Barton James Bell Joe Brazzatti Terry Ann Brown Drs. Dennis & Susan Carlyle Janet F. Clark Mr. William E. Colburn Darrin Davis & Mario Gudmundsson Harrison R.T. Davis Andria N. Elkins Jean & Jack* Ellis The Aubrey & Sylvia Farb Family
Eugene Fong Mrs. Aggie L. Foster Michael B. George Stephen & Mariglyn Glenn Evan B. Glick Jo A. & Billie Jo Graves Bill Grieves Jacquelyn Harrison & Thomas Damgaard Dr. Rita Justice Mr. & Mrs. U. J. LeGrange Ms. Nancey G. Lobb Joella & Steven P. Mach Bill & Karinne McCullough Betty & Gene* McDavid
In MEMORIAM
*Deceased
We honor the memory of those who in life included the Houston Symphony Endowment in their estate plans. Their thoughtfulness and generosity will continue to inspire and enrich lives for generations to come. Mr. Thomas D. Barrow George Bashen Paul M. Basinski W. P. Beard Ronald C. Borschow Mrs. H. Raymond Brannon Anthony Brigandi Lawrence E. Carlton, M.D. Mrs. Albert V. Caselli Lee Allen Clark William J. & Patricia S. Cunningham Fredell Lack Eichhorn Jack Ellis Mrs. Robin A. Elverson Frank R. Eyler Dr. & Mrs. Larry L. Fedder
Helen Bess Fariss Foster Christine E. George Lila-Gene George Mr. & Mrs. Keith E. Gott John Wesley Graham Dorothy H. Grieves Mrs. Marcella Levine Harris Gen. & Mrs. Maurice Hirsch Miss Ima Hogg Burke & Octavia Holman David L. Hyde Dr. Blair Justice Mr. Max Levine Dr. Mary R. Lewis Mrs. L. F. McCollum Gene McDavid
Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. McKerley Doretha Melvin Monroe L. Mendelsohn Jr. Mr. Ronald Mikita Robert Austin Moody Mrs. Janet Moynihan Arthur Newman Constantine S. Nicandros Hanni Orton Stewart Orton, Legacy Society co-founder Dr. Michael Papadopoulos Miss Louise Pearl Perkins Mary Anne H. Phillips Mr. Howard Pieper
Walter W. Sapp, Legacy Society co-founder J. Fred & Alma Laws Lunsford Schultz Ms. Jean R. Sides Lola Sinclair Blanche Stastny John K. & Fanny W. Stone Dorothy Barton Thomas Dr. Carlos Vallbona Mr. Harry C. Wiess Mrs. Edward Wilkerson Daisy S. Wong / JCorp Anonymous (1)
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Education & Community Engagement DONORS The Houston Symphony acknowledges those individuals, corporations and foundations that support our education and community engagement initiatives. Each year, these activities impact the lives more than 97,000 children and students and provide access to our world-class orchestra for more than 150,000 Houstonians free of charge.
Principal Guarantor $250,000+
John & Lindy Rydman / Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods / Spec’s Charitable Foundation
Guarantor $100,000+
BBVA Compass The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board Houston Endowment Houston Symphony Endowment Mr. John N. Neighbors
Underwriter $50,000+
Chevron The Elkins Foundation ENGIE Exxon Mobil Corporation The Hearst Foundations, Inc. League of American Orchestras’ Futures Fund Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo The John P. McGovern Foundation The Robert & Janice McNair Foundation Occidental Petroleum The Powell Foundation Mr. & Mrs. William K. Robbins Jr./ The Robbins Foundation Shell Oil Company
Sponsor
$25,000+
Mr. & Mrs. John P. Dennis III/ WoodRock & Co. Sterling-Turner Foundation Wells Fargo
Partner $15,000+ Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Ruth and Ted Bauer Family Foundation Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation The Melbern G. and Susanne M. Glasscock Foundation H-E-B Tournament of Champions Macy’s Vivian L. Smith Foundation Mr. Jay Steinfeld & Mrs. Barbara Winthrop Texas Commission on the Arts Ellen A. Yarrell in memory of Virginia S. Anderson and in honor of Cora Sue Mach Supporter
$10,000+
CenterPoint Energy George & Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation William E. & Natoma Pyle Harvey Charitable Trust Houston Symphony League Nancy & Robert Peiser
Benefactor
$5,000+
Houston Symphony League Bay Area Nordstrom Randalls Food Markets
Donor
$1,000+
Lilly & Thurmon Andress Diane & Harry Gendel Kinder Morgan Foundation Cora Sue & Harry Mach Karinne & Bill McCullough Tricia & Mark Rauch Hazel French Robertson Education & Community Residency Strake Foundation
Support by Endowed Funds Education and Community programs are also supported by the following endowed funds, which are a part of the Houston Symphony Endowment: Margarett & Alice Brown Endowment Fund for Education Spec’s Charitable Foundation Salute to Educators Concert Fund The Brown Foundation’s Miller Outdoor Theatre Fund in honor of Hanni & Stewart Orton The William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fund for Education Programs Lawrence E. Carlton, M.D. Endowment Fund for Youth Programs Richard P. Garmany Fund for Houston Symphony League Concerto Competition Houston Symphony Ima Hogg Competition Endowed Fund Selma S. Neumann Fund
Support for Symphony Scouts Cora Sue & Harry Mach in honor of Roger Daily’s 13 years of service as Director of the Houston Symphony’s Education and Community Programs
Support for the Community-Embedded Musicians Initiative The Community-Embedded Musicians Initiative is supported in part by a generous grant from the American Orchestras’ Futures Fund, a program of the League of American Orchestras made possible by funding from the Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation. The Houston Symphony residency at Lewis Elementary is presented by BBVA Compass and the BBVA Compass Foundation. We are also thankful to HISD and these lead supporters of the CommunityEmbedded Musician program: Robert and Janice McNair Foundation Medistar National Endowment for the Arts Spec’s Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods / Spec’s Charitable Foundation Nancy & Robert Peiser Mr. Jay Steinfeld & Mrs. Barbara Winthrop H-E-B Tournament of Champions
Sponsor SPOTLIGHT Musician sponsor of First Violin Rodica Gonzalez, Dr. Mary Kathryn Campion serves on the Houston Symphony’s Board of Trustees on the Finance, Leadership, and Governance and Pension Committees, the latter of which she chairs. An amateur violinist herself, Mary Kathryn has also supported the Ima Hogg Competition and the orchestra’s 2018 European Tour.
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MUSICIAN SPONSORSHIPS Donors at the Conductor’s Circle Silver Baton level and above are provided the opportunity to be recognized as sponsoring a Houston Symphony Musician. For more information, please contact Tyler Murphy, Development Officer, Major Giving Groups, at 713.337.8536 or tyler.murphy@houstonsymphony.org. Janice Barrow Sophia Silivos, First Violin Gary & Marian Beauchamp Martha Chapman, Second Violin
The Joan & Marvin Kaplan Foundation Mark Nuccio, Principal Clarinet Dr. & Mrs. I. Ray Kirk Linda Goldstein, Viola
Mrs. Zarine M. Boyce Brinton Averil Smith, Principal Cello
Mr. & Mrs. U. J. LeGrange Thomas LeGrand, Associate Principal Clarinet
Nancy & Walter Bratic Christopher Neal, First Violin
Rochelle & Max Levit Sergei Galperin, First Violin
Ralph Burch Robin Kesselman, Principal Double Bass
Cornelia & Meredith Long Brinton Averil Smith, Principal Cello
Barbara J. Burger Andrew Pedersen, Double Bass
Cora Sue & Harry Mach Joan DerHovsepian, Associate Principal Viola
Dougal & Cathy Cameron Brian Thomas, Horn Dr. M.K. Campion Rodica Gonzalez, First Violin Drs. Dennis & Susan Carlyle Louis-Marie Fardet, Cello Jane & Robert Cizik Qi Ming, Assistant Concertmaster Mr. Michael H. Clark & Ms. Sallie Morian George Pascal, Assistant Principal Viola Roger & Debby Cutler Tong Yan, First Violin Leslie Barry Davidson & W. Robins Brice Colin Gatwood, Oboe Scott Ensell & Family Donald Howey, Double Bass Kelli Cohen Fein & Martin Fein Ferenc Illenyi, First Violin
Joella & Steven P. Mach Eric Larson, Double Bass Mrs. Carolyn & Dr. Michael Mann Ian Mayton, Horn Mr. & Mrs. Rodney H. Margolis Eric Halen, Co-Concertmaster Mr. & Mrs. J. Stephen Marks Brian Del Signore, Principal Percussion Jay & Shirley Marks Sergei Galperin, First Violin Michelle & Jack Matzer Kurt Johnson, First Violin Dr. & Mrs. Malcolm L. Mazow Rodica Gonzalez, First Violin Barbara & Pat McCelvey Adam Dinitz, English Horn Betty McDavid Linda Goldstein, Viola
Susan & Edward Osterberg MiHee Chung, First Violin
Mr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Daniel Strba, Viola
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan E. Parker Nancy Goodearl, Horn
Ms. Judith Vincent Matthew Roitstein, Associate Principal Flute
Nancy & Robert Peiser Jonathan Fischer, Principal Oboe Dave & Alie Pruner Matthew Strauss, Percussion Gloria & Joe Pryzant Matthew Strauss, Percussion Ron & Demi Rand Myung Soon Lee, Cello Lila Rauch Christopher French, Associate Principal Cello Sybil F. Roos Mark Hughes, Principal Trumpet Mr. Glen A. Rosenbaum Aralee Dorough, Principal Flute Linda & Jerry Rubenstein Brian Del Signore, Principal Percussion John & Lindy Rydman / Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods Anthony Kitai, Cello Mr. & Mrs. Walter Scherr Phyllis Herdliska, Viola
Martha & Marvin McMurrey Rodica Gonzalez, First Violin
Mr. & Mrs. Robert R. Springob, Laredo Construction, Inc. Mihaela Frusina, Second Violin
Evan B. Glick Tong Yan, First Violin
Dr. Robert M. Mihalo Brian Thomas, Horn
Carol & Michael Stamatedes Eric Larson, Double Bass
Mr. & Mrs. Fred L. Gorman Christopher French, Associate Principal Cello
Rita & Paul Morico Elise Wagner, Bassoon
Mike Stude Brinton Averil Smith, Principal Cello
Drs. M.S. & Marie-Luise Kalsi Eric Halen, Co-Concertmaster
Scott & Judy Nyquist Sheldon Person, Viola
Mr. & Mrs. Fredric A. Weber Megan Conley, Principal Harp Vicki West Rodica Gonzalez, First Violin Steven & Nancy Williams MiHee Chung, First Violin Jeanie Kilroy Wilson & Wallace S. Wilson Xiao Wong, Cello Mr. & Mrs. C. Clifford Wright Jr. Jarita Ng, Viola Lorraine & Ed Wulfe Dave Kirk, Principal Tuba Nina & Michael Zilkha Kurt Johnson, First Violin
Tad & Suzanne Smith Marina Brubaker, First Violin
Stephen & Mariglyn Glenn Christian Schubert, Clarinet
Bobbie Newman Rodica Gonzalez, First Violin
Stephen & Kristine Wallace Allen Barnhill, Principal Trombone
Laura & Michael Shannon Rian Craypo, Principal Bassoon
Mr. & Mrs. Russell M. Frankel Aralee Dorough, Principal Flute
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Nelson Mihaela Frusina, Second Violin
Margaret Waisman, M.D. & Steven S. Callahan, Ph.D. Mark Griffith, Percussion
Mr. & Mrs. James A. Shaffer Eric Halen, Co-Concertmaster
Mr. & Mrs. Alexander K. McLanahan William VerMeulen, Principal Horn
Dr. Gary L. Hollingsworth & Dr. Kenneth J. Hyde Robert Walp, Assistant Principal Trumpet
Shirley & Joel Wahlberg Matthew Strauss, Percussion
Alana R. Spiwak & Sam L. Stolbun Wei Jiang, Viola
Linda & Paul Thomas Robert Johnson, Associate Principal Horn Bobby & Phoebe Tudor Bradley White, Associate Principal Trombone
InTUNE — April 2019 | 47
Meet Daniel Strba, viola
Violist Daniel Strba began his professional career at age 17 when he became a member of the United States Army Chamber Orchestra in Washington, D.C. where he performed for official state functions at The White House. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Chicago’s DePaul University and a master’s degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. He became a member of the Houston Symphony in 1992 under the baton of Christoph Eschenbach. During his free time, Dan continues his three-decade long association performing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Pursuing his passion for playing chamber music, he became a member of Chicago’s Governor State University Resident String Quartet and The Chicago Ensemble. Here in Houston, Dan is a longtime member of The Greenbriar Consortium and the Foundation for Modern Music. Dan’s varied career includes a seven-year stint as a member of The Frank Sinatra Orchestra. In addition to viola, Dan also plays piano and guitar. In 1997, he and his wife, Marcia, formed Black Tie Music Productions, home to The Best Little Klezmer Band in Texas and the Swing Serenade Dance Orchestra. Your last name seems to be missing some vowels. What is its origin and how do you pronounce it? Every day someone asks me, “Are you sure that’s how you spell it?!” The name originates in Slovakia where there is a famous ski resort in the Tatra mountains named Strba. In Slovak, it’s spelled Štrba and pronounced “Shtearba.” One of my friends used to joke, “Here comes Dan ‘No Vowel ’til the End.’” But for ease, feel free to add an e, i, or u. Would you like to share a memorable moment or highlight from your career? My wife, a violinist, and I spent seven years touring with Frank Sinatra and his 60-piece orchestra. What a thrill it was to perform night after night with the Chairman of the Board! In 1992, I became a member of the Houston Symphony just in time to join Maestro Christoph Eschenbach and the orchestra on their European tour. The final concert of that tour was at Vienna’s famed Musikverein, the very hall where Brahms and Mahler performed more than 100 years before. Our performance of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony that night was unforgettable! It was an honor and privilege to perform again with Maestro Eschenbach on his return engagement last month. What hobbies and interests do you have outside of music? I am a longtime Tai Chi Chuan and Kundalini yoga practitioner. I teach Tai Chi to a small class of Houston Symphony musicians during our lunch breaks. These practices keep us strong, flexible, and relaxed in order to help counter the physical and mental challenges of orchestra playing. My wife, Marcia, and I recently took an epic journey to South India following the path of our yoga lineage. We look forward to returning in the not-too-distant future. Daniel Strba is sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor. 48 | Houston Symphony
Top: An onstage selfie with Christoph Eschenbach and former Houston Symphony violist Rita Porfiris Second: Marcia & me at the 2018 Houston Symphony Ball Third: On stage in Essen, Germany, during last year’s Houston Symphony European tour Bottom: Marcia in the temple complex at Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India
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