Contents
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Official Program Magazine of the Houston Symphony 615 Louisiana, Suite 102, Houston, Texas 77002 (713) 224-4240 • www.houstonsymphony.org
December • 2011
Programs 8 December 6 10 December 9-11 12 December 13 14 December 15-18
21
Read how Symphony musicians gave a spooky surprise concert at The Methodist Hospital in October.
10
There is no better way to spend the holidays in Houston than with Michael Krajewski’s annual Very Merry Pops! Read to see what is on the program this year.
On Stage and Off 22 Chorus 5 Credits 24-31 Donors 7 From the Orchestra 4 Hans Graf 4 Letter to Patrons 6 Orchestra and Staff 23 Symphony Society
Features 32 Backstage Pass 21 Save the Date 16 Upcoming Performances
16
Mark your calendars for next month’s RachFest! Pianist Kirill Gerstein takes on all four Rachmaninoff concertos during the month of January.
Cover photo by Leah Polkowske. Musician on the cover: Adam Dinitz
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Acknowledgements
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Letter to Patrons................................................................................................. Photo by Alexander Portraits
Bobby Tudor President Photo by bruce bennett
As the days grow shorter and the holidays draw near, we would like to thank all of you for making this a year to remember at the Houston Symphony. The unforgettable performances we saw onstage were more than matched offstage by the generosity, goodwill and dedication of our patrons, donors, Board members, musicians and staff—bravo to all! This month, we celebrate the season with musical gifts to suit every taste. Former Music Director Christoph Eschenbach returns to conduct Mahler’s monumental 5th Symphony, and we’ll wrap up the year with a string of holiday treats, including Linda Eder’s Christmas, Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight and, as always, Mike Krajewski’s very special Very Merry Pops. The new year ushers in a wealth of special events and musical offerings. In January, renowned pianist Kirill Gerstein joins us for RachFest!, a three-week Rachmaninoff festival featuring bravura performances of all four of his celebrated piano concertos. February is the launch date for the Symphony’s newest multimedia event, Orbit—An HD Odyssey. A breathtaking sequel to The Planets, Orbit is the Symphony’s tribute to NASA’s Space Shuttle program and the International Space Station. If you’ve seen the previews on our website, you’ll know this is one ride you won’t want to miss! Glamour is the watchword for March, when the Symphony Ball puts a modern spin on the musical genius of Mozart with “Rock me, Amadeus.” And in May, it’s back to Carnegie Hall, where we’ll join a select group of innovative North American orchestras chosen to participate in Carnegie’s second annual Spring for Music festival. These exciting concerts and events are made possible by your support. You may not sense it yet, but behind the scenes, the pace is quickening—our fiscal year ends May 31st—and there is still much to be done. Last year, your gifts to our Million Reasons to Give campaign helped us win a $1 million challenge grant from Houston Endowment. This year, Houston Endowment has given the Symphony another milliondollar opportunity and a more ambitious challenge. To meet the terms of the second and final installment of this critical grant, the Symphony must hit its FY12 financial targets, expand its donor base to 5,000 individuals and raise $9 million in Annual Fund donations by May 31st. This is an extraordinary opportunity, and with your help, we know we can meet the challenge. Thank you for your support, and best wishes from all us at the Houston Symphony.
Mark C. Hanson Executive Director/CEO
Hans Graf Biography..........................................................................................
Photo by Sandy Lankford
Known for his wide range of repertoire and creative programming, distinguished Austrian conductor Hans Graf—the Houston Symphony’s 15th Music Director—is one of today’s most highly respected musicians. He began his tenure here on Opening Night of the 2001-2002 season. Prior to his appointment in Houston, he was music director of the Calgary Philharmonic, the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine, the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra and the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra. A frequent guest with all of the major North American orchestras, Graf has developed a close relationship with the Boston Symphony and appears regularly with the orchestra during the subscription season and at the Tanglewood Music Festival. He made his Carnegie Hall debut with the Houston Symphony in January 2006 and returned leading the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in March 2007. He and the Houston Symphony were invited to appear at Carnegie Hall in January 2010 to present the New York premiere of The Planets—An HD Odyssey and will return in May 2012 to participate in Carnegie’s Spring for Music Festival. Internationally, Graf conducts in the foremost concert halls of Europe, Japan and Australia. In October 2010, he led the Houston Symphony on a tour of the UK to present the international premiere of The Planets—An HD Odyssey. He has participated in the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Bregenz, Aix en Provence and Salzburg Festivals. His recent U.S. festival appearances include Tanglewood, Blossom Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival and the Grant Park Music Festival in downtown Chicago. An experienced opera conductor, Graf first conducted the Vienna State Opera in 1981 and has since led productions in the opera houses of Berlin, Munich, Paris and Rome, including several world premieres. Recent engagements include Parsifal at the Zurich Opera and Boris Godunov at the Opera National du Rhin in Strasbourg. Born in 1949 near Linz, Graf studied violin and piano as a child. He earned diplomas in piano and conducting from the Musikhochschule in Graz and continued his studies with Franco Ferrara, Sergiu Celibidache and Arvid Jansons. His career was launched in 1979 when he was awarded first prize at the Karl Böhm Competition. His extensive discography includes recordings with the Houston Symphony, available through houstonsymphony.org: works by Bartók and Stravinsky, Zemlinsky’s Lyric Symphony, Berg’s Three Pieces from the Lyric Suite and a DVD of The Planets—An HD Odyssey. Graf has been awarded the Chevalier de l’ordre de la Legion d’Honneur by the French government for championing French music around the world and the Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria. Hans and Margarita Graf have homes in Salzburg and Houston. They have one daughter, Anna, who lives in Vienna. www.houstonsymphony.org
Credits...........................
Mark C. Hanson Executive Director/CEO Holly Cassard Editor Carl Cunningham Program Annotator Elaine Reeder Mayo Editorial Consultant
www.newleafinc.com (713) 523-5323 Janet Meyer Publisher janetmeyer@newleafinc.com Keith Gumney Art Director kgumney@newleafinc.com Jennifer Greenberg Projects Director jenniferg@newleafinc.com Frances Powell Account Executive divascenes@aol.com Carey Clark CC Catalyst Communications Marlene Walker Walker Media LLC The activities and projects of the Houston Symphony are funded in part by grants from the Texas Commission on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Houston. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion at The Woodlands is the Summer Home of the Houston Symphony. Digital pre-media services by Vertis APS Houston Contents copyright Š 2011 by the Houston Symphony
LATE SEATING In consideration of audience members, the Houston Symphony makes every effort to begin concerts on time. Ushers will assist with late seating at pre-designated intervals. You may be asked to sit in a location other than your ticketed seat until the end of that portion of the concert. You will be able to move to your ticketed seat at the concert break. CHILDREN AT CONCERTS In consideration of our patrons, we ask that children be 6 years and older to attend Houston Symphony concerts. Children of all ages, including infants, are admitted to Weatherford Family Concerts. Any child over age 1 must have a ticket for those performances. 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. December 2011
Orchestra and Staff. .......................................................................................... Mark C. Hanson, Executive Director/CEO
Hans Graf, Music Director Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair Michael Krajewski,
Associate Conductor
Sponsor, Cameron Management
Sponsor, Madison Charitable Foundation
double Bass: David Malone, Acting Principal Mark Shapiro, Acting Associate Principal Eric Larson Robert Pastorek Burke Shaw Donald Howey Michael McMurray
First Violin: Frank Huang, Concertmaster Max Levine Chair Eric Halen, Associate Concertmaster Ellen E. Kelley Chair Assia Dulgerska, Assistant Concertmaster Cornelia and Meredith Long Chair Qi Ming, Assistant Concertmaster Fondren Foundation Chair Marina Brubaker, Hewlett-Packard Company Chair Alexandra Adkins MiHee Chung Sophia Silivos Rodica Gonzalez Ferenc Illenyi Si-Yang Lao Kurt Johnson Christopher Neal Sergei Galperin
Flute: Aralee Dorough, Principal General Maurice Hirsch Chair John Thorne, Associate Principal Judy Dines Allison Jewett**
Second Violin: Jennifer Owen, Principal Hitai Lee, Acting Associate Principal Kiju Joh Mihaela Oancea-Frusina Ruth Zeger Margaret Bragg Martha Chapman Kevin Kelly Christine Pastorek Amy Teare Sarah Ludwig* Emily Herdeman*
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Keyboard: Scott Holshouser, Principal Neva Watkins West Chair
Bass Clarinet: Alexander Potiomkin*** Tassie and Constantine S. Nicandros Chair
Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager: Michael Gorman
Horn: William VerMeulen, Principal Jacek Muzyk, Associate Principal Brian Thomas Robert and Janice McNair Foundation Chair Nancy Goodearl Philip Stanton Julie Thayer
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Bassoon: Rian Craypo, Principal** Stewart Orton Chair Eric Arbiter, Acting Principal American General Chair J. Jeff Robinson, Acting Associate Principal Elise Wagner
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Bass Trombone: Phillip Freeman
Oboe: Anne Leek, Acting Principal Lucy Binyon Stude Chair Xiaodi Liu, Acting Associate Principal Colin Gatwood Adam Dinitz
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Trombone: Allen Barnhill, Principal Bradley White, Associate Principal Phillip Freeman
Tuba: Dave Kirk, Principal
Clarinet: David Peck, Principal Thomas LeGrand, Associate Principal Christian Schubert Alexander Potiomkin***
Cello: Brinton Averil Smith, Principal Janice and Thomas Barrow Chair Christopher French, Associate Principal Haeri Ju Jeffrey Butler Kevin Dvorak Xiao Wong Myung Soon Lee James Denton Anthony Kitai
Trumpet: Mark Hughes, Principal George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Chair John DeWitt, Associate Principal Robert Walp, Assistant Principal Anthony Prisk Speros P. Martel Chair
Piccolo: Allison Jewett**
English Horn: Adam Dinitz
Viola: Wayne Brooks, Principal Joan DerHovsepian, Associate Principal George Pascal, Assistant Principal Wei Jiang Linda Goldstein Sheldon Person Fay Shapiro Daniel Strba Mr. and Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Chair Thomas Molloy Phyllis Herdliska
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Steinway is the official piano of the Houston Symphony. James B. Kozak, Piano Technician. Local assistance is provided by Forshey Piano Co. The Houston Symphony’s concert piano is a gift of Mrs. Helen B. Rosenbaum.
Librarian: Thomas Takaro Assistant LibrarianS: Erik Gronfor Michael McMurray Stage Manager: Donald Ray Jackson Assistant Stage Manager: Kelly Morgan Stage Technician: Toby Blunt Zoltan Fabry Cory Grant *Contracted Substitute **Leave of Absence ***Regular Substitute
Martha GarcĂa, Assistant to the Executive Director Meg Philpot, Director of Human Resources Amanda Tozzi, Director, Executive Operations
Steven Brosvik, General Manager Roger Daily, Director, Music Matters! Kristin L. Johnson, Director, Operations and Production Steve Wenig, Orchestra Personnel Manager Michael Gorman, Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager Donald Ray Jackson, Stage Manager Kelly Morgan, Assistant Stage Manager Meredith Williams, Operations Assistant Carol Wilson, Manager, Music Matters!
Michael D. Pawson, Chief Financial Officer Sally Brassow, Controller Philip Gulla, Director, Technology Amed Hamila, Director, Database Support Heather Fails, Manager, Ticketing Database Janis Pease LaRocque, Manager, Patron Database Kay Middleton, Receptionist Maria Ross, Payroll Manager Armin (A.J.) Salge, Network Systems Engineer Chris Westerfelt, Manager, Accounts Payable and Special Projects
Aurelie Desmarais, Senior Director, Artistic Planning Merle N. Bratlie, Director, Artist Services Lesley Sabol, Manager, Popular Programming Thomas Takaro, Librarian Sarah Berggren, Chorus Manager Erik Gronfor, Assistant Librarian Michael McMurray, Assistant Librarian Rebecca Zabinski, Artistic Associate
Glenn Taylor, Senior Director, Marketing Allison Gilbert, Director of Marketing, Subscription & Group Sales Melissa H. Lopez, Director of Marketing, Special Projects Carlos Vicente, Director of Marketing, Single Tickets Jenny Zuniga, Director, Patron Services Natalie Ferguson, Graphic Designer Jeff Gilmer, Group Representative, Inside Sales Jason Landry, Senior Manager, Patron Services Erin Mushalla, Marketing Associate Melissa Pate, Assistant Manager, Patron Services Representatives Derrick Rose, Group Representative, Outside Sales Melissa Seuffert, Marketing Manager, Digital Media/ Young Audience Engagement
Jennifer R. Mire, Senior Director, Communications Holly Cassard, Manager, Communications Clair Studdard, Assistant, Communications
David Chambers, Chief Development Officer Stephanie Jones, Senior Director, Events and League Relations Vickie Hamley, Director, Volunteer Services Brandon VanWaeyenberghe, Director, Corporate Relations Peter Yenne, Director, Foundation Relations and Development Communications Jessica Ford, Gifts Officer Samantha Gonzalez, Manager, Events Robin Lewis, Development Assistant, Gifts and Records Sarah Slemmons, Development Associate, Administrative Services Lena Streetman, Manager, Prospect Research
From the Orchestra........................................................................................... This month we look forward to putting you in the holiday spirit with two of our classic holiday favorites: Very Merry Pops and Handel’s Messiah. If you already have tickets for both the Pops and Messiah and are in the mood for even more holiday cheer, Linda Eder returns to the Houston Symphony to sing many of her Christmas favorites. December also marks the return of Christoph Eschenbach, our former Music Director, who will lead the orchestra in Gustav Mahler’s powerful Fifth Symphony. As a bass player, I love performing this piece, and I always look forward to Maestro Eschenbach’s bold interpretation of the work. The holidays and music always seem to go hand in hand, and for many around this time of year, you can’t have the holidays without the “joys” of travel. While I enjoy traveling, flying with a double bass has its own challenges and makes the process of getting to and from somewhere even more stressful. Many of my colleagues in the orchestra are able to simply place their instrument in the overhead bin. Cellists and bass players don’t have that luxury. While cellists have the option of purchasing a seat for their instrument—at great expense these days—bass players must check their instrument with their luggage. My fiberglass travel trunk is almost seven feet tall, and with the bass inside, weighs in at 96 pounds (just under the maximum 100-pound weight limit for most airlines). It’s the same drill every time I fly: my travel trunk is on wheels, so after unloading it from my car, I Eric Larsen strap my luggage to my back and wheel the instrument up to the ticket counter. The ticket agent is rarely double bass happy to see me and charges me an oversize fee ranging from $50 to $400 each way (depending on the airline). Next, a TSA agent transports my instrument to the inspection room where the trunk is opened and thoroughly inspected. Finally, my bass is taken to the plane where it sits on the tarmac until it is ready to be loaded. Once I see my instrument loaded onto the plane I can breathe a bit easier, and luckily my instrument has always arrived in one piece! On behalf of my fellow musicians in the orchestra, I wish you happy holidays and safe travels!
December 2011
Program
Notes.................................. by Carl Cunningham
SYMPHONY NO. 5 IN C-SHARP MINOR Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)
Symphony Special Tuesday, December 6, 2011 7:30 pm Jones Hall
Christoph Eschenbach Returns Christoph Eschenbach, conductor
Mahler Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp minor Part I: 1 Trauermarsch: In gemessenem Schritt; Streng; Wie ein Kondukt 2 Stürmisch bewegt, mit größter Vehemenz Part II: 3 Scherzo: Kräftig, nicht zu schnell Part III: 4 Adagietto: Sehr langsam— 5 Rondo-Finale: Allegro—Allegro giocoso; Frisch
The conductor’s scores for Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 were donated by Janice Barrow. This performance is made possible, in part, through a generous grant from The Brown Foundation, Inc. The Houston Symphony currently records under its own label, Houston Symphony Media Productions, and for Naxos. Houston Symphony recordings also are available on the Telarc, RCA Red Seal, Virgin Classics and Koch International Classics labels. This concert is being recorded for future broadcast on Classical 91.7 FM, the Radio Voice of the Houston Symphony and Classical Season Media Sponsor. www.houstonsymphony.org
Recording: Herbert von Karajan conducting the Berlin Philharmonic (Deutsche Grammophon) Instrumentation: four flutes (all doubling piccolo), three oboes (third doubling English horn), three clarinets (second doubling E-flat clarinet and third doubling bass clarinet), three bassoons (third doubling contrabassoon), six horns, four trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion, harp and strings The fifth of Gustav Mahler’s nine epic symphonies marked an important turning point in his life and compositional style. It returned to the concept of a purely orchestral symphony, coming after three previous symphonies in which he had blended choral and/or vocal texts into the orchestral fabric. Its texture is notably contrapuntal, reflecting his sudden absorption with the music of Bach at the time he was composing the work. And the symphony was composed in 1901-02, during the years Mahler met and married Alma Schindler. Outwardly, the Fifth Symphony resembles the large design of several other huge multimovement Mahler symphonies, where two large outer movements enclose several smaller ones. Like the Second, Third and Seventh symphonies, it begins with a solemn funeral march and, like the Seventh Symphony, it concludes with an exuberant rondo. The Funeral March, which opens with forbidding trumpet fanfares, is set as a large five-section movement with two passionate trio sections providing an emotional release from the bleak march rhythms. Though this march is not physically connected to the agonized sonata movement that follows, these first two movements are grouped together to form Part One of the symphony, and Mahler scholar Constantin Floros calls attention to thematic relationships between them. The emotional stress of the first two movements is finally relieved in the central Scherzo, which begins after an extended silence and stands alone as Part Two of the symphony. Here, bright ringing horn tones finally sound a cheerier mood and convey some of the childlike innocence that stands at the opposite pole of Mahler’s emotional range. Another pause separates this shining Scherzo from Part Three, comprising the Adagietto and the closing Rondo Finale. Thanks to its use as background music in Luchino Visconti’s film, Death in Venice, the Adagietto has become the most famous movement in all of Mahler’s symphonies. When he finished composing this seamless outpouring of sensuous melody, the composer made a love gift of the manuscript score to Alma. The center of the movement quotes the important
.................................................................................................................... “gaze motive” from the first act of Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, musically depicting the moment when they drank the magic potion that unleashed their fateful love affair. Optimism abounds in the final movement, which Floros defines as a complex overlay of three different musical forms, alternating rondo themes and fugal episodes within the exposition, development and restatement plan of a large sonata form. Finally, the climactic forces of the music are gathered up in a large brass chorale, leading to a triumphant coda far removed from the dour mood of the opening movement. ©2011, Carl R. Cunningham
prestigious honors, including BBC Music Magazine Disc of the Month, Gramophone Editor’s Choice and the German Record Critics’ Award. His Ondine recording of the music of Kaija Saariaho with the Orchestre de Paris and soprano Karita Mattila won the 2009 MIDEM Classical Award in Contemporary Music. Mentored by George Szell and Herbert von Karajan, Eschenbach has held posts with the Tonhalle Orchestra Zürich (chief conductor and artistic director, 1982-1986), Ravinia Festival (music director, 1994-2003) and the
Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival (artistic director, 1999-2002; principal conductor of the festival’s International Orchestral Academy since 2004). Honors include the Légion d’honneur, Commandeur dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, the Officer’s Cross with Star and Ribbon of the German Order of Merit and the Commander’s Cross of the German Order of Merit. He received the Leonard Bernstein Award from the Pacific Music Festival, where he was co-artistic director (1992-1998).
Biography...................
Eschenbach Christoph Eschenbach, conductor
The Houston Symphony welcomes former Music Director Christoph Eschenbach (19881999). He began his tenure as music director of the National Symphony Orchestra and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in September 2010. This season, Eschenbach leads the National Symphony Orchestra on tour in South America and the Vienna Philharmonic on tour in Australia and the Far East. Other performances include the Central Philharmonic Orchestra of China, the London Philharmonic Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall and on tour in Oman and Spain, the Philadelphia Orchestra (music director, 2003-2008), NDR Symphony Orchestra in Hamburg (music director, 1998-2004) and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, including a concert at Carnegie Hall, among others. As a pianist, he continues his collaboration with baritone Matthias Goerne. The duo has recorded Schubert’s three song cycles (Harmonia Mundi) and performed the cycle in three recitals at the Salzburg Festival; this season, they will repeat the cycle at Paris’ Salle Pleyel. A prolific recording artist, Eschenbach has an impressive discography as both conductor and pianist, including works ranging from J.S. Bach to music of the 21st century. His recordings with the Orchestre de Paris and the Philadelphia Orchestra (Ondine) have earned December 2011
Program
Very Merry Pops Michael Krajewski, conductor *Mike Eldred, tenor Houston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, director Arr. C. Ridenhour We Wish You a Merry Christmas Mendelssohn/T. Ricketts Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Arr. D. Itkin Ding, Dong Merrily on High Arr. M. Wilberg The First Nowell Arr. J. Tyzik Hanukkah Suite M. Southall In Silent Night Arr. S. Reineke Go, Tell It On the Mountain R. A. Bass Glad Tidings VII Peace and Good Will: Andante amabile INTERMISSION J. Herman/R. Wendel We Need a Little Christmas from Mame Arr. Ricketts Around the World With Old Saint Nick Arr. J. Steinberg-J. Everly Winter Medley J. Livingston-R. Evans/ Silver Bells Reineke A. Silvestri/F. Barton- Believe from The Polar Express Everly Arr. G. Prechel A Merry Little Sing-Along W. Kent-K. Gannon- I’ll Be Home for Christmas B. Ram/Reineke B. Hatfield-J. Meegan Bring Them Home S. Miller-J. Jackson/ Let There Be Peace On Earth Prechel *Houston Symphony debut Presenting Sponsor Appearances by Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski are generously sponsored by Cameron Management. This weekend’s performances are generously sponsored by Chevron, as well as Ed and Janette Blackburne. Saturday evening’s performance is generously sponsored by CenterPoint Energy, as well as Sybil F. Roos. Sunday’s performance is generously sponsored by Joella and Steve Mach. Sunday’s appearance of guest artist Mike Eldred is sponsored in part by Carolyn and Michael Mann. These concerts are being recorded for future broadcast on Classical 91.7 FM, the Radio Voice of the Houston Symphony and Classical Season Media Sponsor. 10 www.houstonsymphony.org
Michael Krajewski, conductor
Photo by michael tammaro
Friday, December 9, 2011 8 pm Saturday, December 10, 2011 8 pm Sunday, December 11, 2011 2:30 pm Sunday, December 11, 2011 7:30 pm Jones Hall
Krajewski
POPS
Cynthia Woods Mitchell at Jones Hall
Biographies. ........................
Michael Krajewski delights concertgoers with his imaginative and entertaining programs and his wry sense of humor. Audiences leave his concerts smiling, remembering the evening’s music and surprises. Maestro Krajewski joined the Houston Symphony as Principal Pops Conductor in 2000.
At BBVA Compass, we work for a better future for people, understanding that we have a responsibility as a financial institution to use our expertise and resources for the benefit of the communities where we live, work and play. Central to all communities are performing arts and arts education, and BBVA Compass is committed to supporting them across our U.S. footprint. In addition to meeting our communities’ cultural needs, BBVA Compass also strives to meet our clients’ needs through innovative and industry-leading products and services—with a strategic focus on providing customers with financial solutions that are simple, straight-forward and built around their unique needs. We are interested in building long-term relationships with our clients—helping them build a better future as their financial needs evolve. This is the same approach we take with our non-profit partnerships. At BBVA Compass, we understand a mutual dependence exists between business and society—healthy communities are good for business and good businesses are the foundation of healthy communities. The Houston Symphony is a cornerstone of Houston culture. BBVA Compass is, therefore, proud to lend our support once again to this world-class orchestra. We applaud the work of the Houston Symphony and its musicians and look forward to a long-term partnership focused on enriching the lives of Houstonians. To find out more information about BBVA Compass, visit www.bbvacompass.com.
.................................................................................................................... his training at the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors and Orchestra Musicians. He was a Dorati Fellowship Conductor with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and later served as that orchestra’s assistant conductor. Michael Krajewski lives in Orlando, Florida, with his wife, Darcy.
Eldred
His fans especially enjoy his Star Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and this Houston holiday tradition, Very Merry Pops. Krajewski also serves as principal pops conductor of the Jacksonville and Atlanta symphony orchestras. He previously held that position with the Long Beach, New Hampshire and New Mexico symphony orchestras. As guest conductor, he has performed with the Boston Pops and the Hollywood Bowl orchestras, and with symphonies across the U.S., including those of Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit, Minnesota, Phoenix, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Francisco and more. In Canada, he has led Ottawa’s National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Edmonton and Winnipeg symphonies. Krajewski has performed with an eclectic group of artists including Sir James Galway, Marilyn Horne, Roberta Flack, Judy Collins, Art Garfunkel, Al Hirt, Cab Calloway and Pink Martini. He conducts the upcoming video Silver Screen Serenade with violinist Jenny Oaks Baker that airs worldwide on BYU Broadcasting. He has led the Houston Symphony on two holiday albums: Glad Tidings and Christmas Festival. With degrees from Wayne State University and the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music, Krajewski furthered
Mike Eldred, tenor
One of North America’s most beloved tenors, Mike Eldred has thrilled audiences in concert halls, on Broadway and on recordings, radio and television. Eldred appeared on Broadway in Les Misérables in the role of Jean Valjean. He starred as Tony in the Nashville Symphony’s production of West Side Story earning international praise as “arguably the best Tony on record.” The cast recording was released on Naxos International. These performances mark his Houston
Symphony debut. In 2010, Eldred starred as The Tenor in the national concert tour of Handel’s Messiah Rocks. He has performed with many of North America’s orchestras including Seattle, Toronto, Dallas, Chicago, Cincinnati, Fort Worth, Edmonton and Nashville, among others. Eldred was featured in the PBS Soundstage concert/DVD entitled Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx: Live with Symphony Orchestra. Other notable Broadway and national tour credits include the original cast of the Tony®nominated The Civil War and the 25th anniversary tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Eldred’s awards include Tennessean Actor of the Year, Nashville Scene’s Best Musical Theatre Performer and a nomination for the Nashville Music Awards’ Male Vocalist of the Year. Eldred has shared the stage with many artists, including Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, Amy Grant, Trisha Yearwood, Luther Vandross, Vince Gill, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Michael Bolton and Wynonna. He is proud to call Nashville home. His solo holiday CD, Let It Begin, has received accolades from around the world, and his solo recording, Me, is respected in the musical theater world. In 2009, Eldred produced and starred in the DVD, Amazing Place, The Nature of Music, for his Montana-based production company, Artists New Media.
December 2011 11
Program
Eder
Symphony Special
Biography...................
Tuesday, December 13, 2011 7:30 pm Jones Hall
A Linda Eder Christmas Linda Eder
Kim Scharnberg, conductor
This evening’s program will be announced from the stage. There will be one intermission.
This special performance is generously sponsored by Jim and Sherry Smith. The appearance of Linda Eder is generously sponsored by Betty and Gene McDavid. The Houston Symphony currently records under its own label, Houston Symphony Media Productions, and for Naxos. Houston Symphony recordings also are available on the Telarc, RCA Red Seal, Virgin Classics and Koch International Classics labels.
12 www.houstonsymphony.org
Showcasing one of the greatest contemporary voices of our time, Linda Eder’s diverse repertoire spans Broadway, standards, pop, country and jazz. Most recently, she crowned her two-decade recording career with a new album, Now, which reunites her with Broadway and pop composer Frank Wildhorn. The new release marks the musical return of this legendary team after six years. Eder’s transcendent voice is the perfect complement to Wildhorn’s lush, imaginative music. Eder’s career soared after appearing on Star Search in the 1987 season, where she won an unprecedented 12 consecutive weeks. This success led to a leading role on Broadway as Lucy Harris in Jekyll & Hyde, where she was nominated for a Drama Desk Award. She launched her recording career in 1991 with her self-titled debut album and soon established a niche as America’s most popular new interpreter of pop standards and theatrical songs with such releases as And So Much More, It’s No Secret Anymore, Christmas Stays The Same, Gold, Storybook, Broadway My Way and By Myself: The Songs of Judy Garland. Those albums highlighted Eder’s abundant vocal gifts as well as her skill for delivering dramatic, emotionally resonant interpretations of familiar songs while making them her own. She followed up with The Other Side of Me, a country pop blend of contemporary music. Last fall, Eder released Soundtrack, produced by Peter Collins. The 12 tracks span the last 50 years in cinema, from Henry Mancini’s “Charade” to “Falling Slowly” from Once. In 2010, Eder and Clay Aiken covered Roy Orbison’s Crying as a duet on Aiken’s Tried & True album. The concert stage remains the mainstay of Eder’s career. She has performed for soldout crowds in prestigious venues across the country and throughout Europe. Her concerts have been televised on Bravo and PBS. Trail MIX, her primetime Animal Planet special, was a natural extension of her love of animals.
houstonsymphony.org
Notes.......................... by Carl Cunningham MESSIAH George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) Recording: William Christie conducting Les Arts Florissants. Vocal soloists: Sandrine Piau, Mark Padmore, Barbara Schlick, Nathan Berg (Harmonia Mundi) Instrumentation: two oboes, bassoon, two trumpets, timpani, harpsichord, organ and strings Public interest in Handel’s music waxed and waned several times. His popularity as a composer of Italian opera lasted from about 1711 to 1720, and then fell victim to competing forces. Interest in Handel’s operas revived somewhat during the 1720s, but dissipated again as his leading singers abandoned him for the works of rival composers and producers. Finally, critical satire of the stilted, foreign-language operatic medium sounded a virtual death knell of Handel’s efforts in that direction. In the 1730s, he turned to the English-language oratorio, adding a powerful choral element to the stage drama and, in many instances, a bibli-
Symphony Special Thursday, December 15, 2011, 8 pm Sugar Land Baptist Church Friday, December 16, 2011, 8 pm Saturday, December 17, 2011, 8 pm Sunday, December 18, 2011, 2:30 pm Jones Hall
Handel’s Messiah in Candlelights *Christian Knapp, conductor *Yulia Van Doren, soprano *Malin Fritz, contralto *Sean Panikkar, tenor *Michel Sumuel, bass-baritone Houston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, director
Handel
Messiah
Part the First Symphony: Grave—Allegro moderato Consistent with Frost Bank’s commitment to supporting the Texas communities it serves, Frost is pleased to underwrite the Houston Symphony’s Handel’s Messiah in Candlelight. Founded in San Antonio in 1868, Frost Bank—the largest home-grown banking company headquartered in Texas—is the banking subsidiary of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (NYSE: CFR). The $17.9 billion financial holding company operates more than 100 financial centers across Texas, including 25 serving Houstonarea customers. Frost was the only one among the top-10 Texas-based banks to survive the economic downturn of the 1980s without federal assistance or a takeover by an out-of-state financial institution. More recently, Frost navigated the mortgage meltdown of 2007, having exited the residential mortgage business in 2000 when it had become commoditized. Frost was the first bank in the nation to turn down TARP funds during the financial crisis of 2008. At every level, the company brings a high level of personal service to banking, investments and insurance relationships, offering the resources, products and technology of a larger bank, delivered with the personalized customer service of a community bank. Building on its 143-year heritage, Frost is committed to meeting the financial needs of generations of Texans to come. 14 www.houstonsymphony.org
Accompagnato (Tenor), Comfort ye, my people: Larghetto e piano Air (Tenor), Ev’ry valley shall be exalted: Andante Chorus, And the Glory of the Lord: Allegro Accompagnato (Bass-baritone), Thus saith the Lord of Hosts Air (Contralto), But who may abide the day of His coming?: Larghetto—Prestissimo Chorus, And he shall purify the sons of Levi: Allegro Recitative (Contralto), Behold, a virgin shall conceive— Air (Contralto) and Chorus, O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion: Andante Accompagnato (Bass-baritone), For behold, darkness shall cover the earth: Andante larghetto Air (Bass-baritone), The people that walked in darkness: Larghetto Chorus, For unto us a Child is Born: Andante allegro Pifa: Larghetto e mezzo piano Recitative (Soprano), There were shepherds abiding in the field— Accompagnato (Soprano), And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them: Andante Recitative (Soprano), And the angel said unto them— Accompagnato (Soprano), And suddenly there was with the angel: Allegro— Chorus, Glory to God in the highest: Allegro Air (Soprano), Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion: Allegro Recitative (Contralto), Then shall the eyes of the blind be open’d— Duet (Soprano and Contralto), He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: Larghetto Chorus, His yoke is easy, His burthen is light: Allegro INTERMISSION
Part the Second Chorus, Behold the Lamb of God: Largo Air (Contralto), He was despised and rejected: Largo Chorus, Surely, He hath borne our griefs: Largo e staccato Chorus, And with His stripes we are healed: Alla breve, moderato Chorus, All we like sheep have gone astray: Allegro moderato Accompagnato (Tenor), All they that see Him, laugh Him to scorn: Larghetto Chorus, He trusted in God: Allegro Accompagnato (Tenor), Thy rebuke hath broken His heart: Largo Arioso (Tenor), Behold, and see if there be any sorrow: Largo e piano Accompagnato (Tenor), He was cut off out of the land of the living— Air (Tenor), But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell: Andante larghetto Chorus, The Lord gave the word: Andante allegro Air (Soprano), How beautiful are the feet: Andante Chorus, Their sound is gone out: A tempo ordinario Air (Bass-baritone), Why do the nations so furiously rage together?: Allegro— Chorus, Let us break their bonds asunder: Allegro e staccato Recitative (Tenor), He that dwelleth in Heaven— Air (Tenor), Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron: Andante Chorus, Hallelujah: Allegro
Part the Third Air (Soprano), I know that my Redeemer liveth: Larghetto Chorus, Since by man came death: Grave—Allegro Accompagnato (Bass-baritone), Behold, I tell you a mystery Air (Bass-baritone), The trumpet shall sound: Pomposo, ma non allegro Air (Soprano), If God be for us: Larghetto Chorus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain: Largo—Amen: Allegro moderato * Houston Symphony debut sThursday’s performance will not be in candlelight. Thursday’s performance at Sugar Land Baptist Church is sponsored by Regions Bank. The Jones Hall concerts are generously sponsored by Frost Bank. Friday evening’s appearance of guest conductor Christian Knapp is generously sponsored by Stephen & Pamalah Tipps. Sunday’s appearance of guest conductor Christian Knapp is generously sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Haag Sherman. The Houston Symphony currently records under its own label, Houston Symphony Media Productions, and for Naxos. Houston Symphony recordings also are available on the Telarc, RCA Red Seal, Virgin Classics and Koch International Classics labels. These concerts are being recorded for future broadcast on Classical 91.7 FM, the Radio Voice of the Houston Symphony and Classical Season Media Sponsor.
December 2011 15
Upcoming Performances.................................................................................. RachFest! Rachmaninoff has enchanted music lovers for generations with his incredibly romantic themes. Come experience a special three-week festival—RachFest!—paying tribute to this most beloved Russian composer, featuring artist-inresidence Kirill Gerstein performing all four Rachmaninoff piano concertos.
Edward Gardner
RachFest 1 – Rach 3
January 5, 7, 8, 2012 Edward Gardner, conductor Kirill Gerstein, piano Wagner: Prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3 Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances
Fidelity Investments Classical Series
Hans Graf
RachFest 2 – Rach 1 & 4 January 13, 14, 15, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Kirill Gerstein, piano Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 1 Rachmaninoff: Isle of the Dead Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 4
Fidelity Investments Classical Series
TOTAL Gold Classics Series
Shell Favorite Masters Series
Kirill Gerstein
RachFest 3 – Rach 2
January 19, 21, 22, 2012 Hans Graf, conductor Kirill Gerstein, piano Rachmaninoff: Vocalise Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 3
Fidelity Investments Classical Series
Don’t let holiday shopping scrooge* you–let us make things a little easier! With the Houston Symphony’s Holiday Gift Passes, you’ll avoid what holiday shoppers dread the most— long lines and hours at the mall. Delight your loved ones with a gift of music this holiday season, and let us do all the work! Give 4, 6 or 8 passes that can be redeemed for any remaining Houston Symphony 2011-2012 subscription concert.
Holiday Gift Pass pricing
It’s easy for your loved ones:
• Each pass is good for one Houston Symphony ticket • They can choose concerts to fit their schedule
4 passes: $150 6 passes: $225 8 passes: $300
• They get best available non-premium seating • They can use their passes all at once or spread them over several concerts Visit houstonsymphony.org/holidaygift *Scrooge: [skrooj] noun – a mean-spirited or miserly person. Scrooges tend to wear ragged top-hats, tout “bah-humbug” as their favorite phrase, converse with ghosts and have a general distaste for anyone who enjoys the holidays.
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Notes continued from page 14................................................................................ cal story familiar to his audiences through their knowledge of sacred scripture. Alas, this new theatrical medium also nearly succumbed to lack of public interest by the end of that decade. Handel’s fortunes as an oratorio composer might have ebbed irretrievably had it not been for a request in 1741 by England’s governing Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, William Cavendish, that he visit Dublin and present a series of charity concerts benefiting Dublin’s Mercer Hospital. In his background study of Handel’s Messiah, author Richard Luckett cites a report published by the governors of Mercer Hospital, listing a 348£-deficit for the year ending November 1, 1740. With a population of 125,000, Dublin was then the 11th largest city in Europe, Luckett says, with more people than Berlin, Madrid and Milan. But half of the citizens lived in severe poverty and charity was a necessity in providing a modicum of healthcare for them. Handel quickly accepted Cavendish’s invitation and set about composing two new oratorios, Messiah and Samson. Messiah was completed in just 24 days, August 22-September 12, 1741. He then gathered up a group of other works, including several secular choralorchestral pieces, and departed for Dublin on November 18. A new concert room had been constructed on Fishamble Street the previous month, and it was there that Handel began his series on December 23 with performances of his setting to John Milton’s L’Allegro, Il Penseroso ed il Moderato, two instrumental concertos and an organ concerto. Messiah received its acclaimed premiere on April 13, 1742, and there was a second performance on June 3. Handel returned to England in the middle of August and began a season of oratorios at Covent Garden, highlighted by several acclaimed performances of Samson. But Messiah was less well received, apparently because religious elements in London considered it blasphemous to perform a work with so sacred a topic in a theater. (In Dublin, there had been objections to performing it in churches, because the inclusion of instrumental music and elaborate singing smacked of popery.) It was not until 1750, when Handel began presenting Messiah as a benefit for London’s Foundling Hospital, that the oratorio gained lasting popularity there. The opening Christmas portion of the oratorio is suffused with a pastoral feeling. There is a gently caressing quality to the initial tenor aria, “Comfort ye,” a trusting innocence to the musical character of the chorus, “For unto us a child is born” and a light, feathery sound in the florid theme of the choral fugue, “And he shall purify.” Even the alto aria and chorus, “O Thou that tellest good tidings to Zion,” attains a gently lilting quality by virtue of the easygoing 6/8 meter underlying the rhythm of that movement. But when Christ’s birth and good will toward men have been duly celebrated, the mood
changes abruptly. Part Two opens with a heavy heart, as the tonality turns suddenly to G minor while the chorus sings the drooping melodic line and jagged dotted rhythms of “Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world.” This is followed by one of the most treasured solos in the contralto repertoire, the sad but poignantly beautiful “He was despised.” Several aspects of the aria are typical of Handel’s style: its spacious, airy feeling with short thematic motives separated by little orchestral echoes, its inventive but orderly progression of musical ideas and its dignified character.
Other sentiments force their way into Handel’s drama of human redemption. The chorus, “All we, like sheep, have gone astray,” paints a picture of a distracted populace, deaf to the voice of God and heedless of his message. The piece is famous for its little running melody lines, which seem to wander aimlessly like the sheep mentioned in the text. In depicting the mockery of the babbling crowd at the foot of Christ’s cross, Handel chooses a pompous choral fugue for the psalm text, “He trusted in God that he would deliver him, if he delight in him.” The cynicism of their laughter is height-
December 2011 17
Notes continued...................................................................................................
Christian Knapp, conductor
Christian Knapp is known for his dynamic stage presence and energy on the podium. He has performed in festivals and concerts throughout the world and collaborated with renowned artists. Last season, Knapp successfully stepped in on short notice to conduct the Pacific Symphony and made successful debuts with the Phoenix 18 www.houstonsymphony.org
Knapp served as associate conductor of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra (SSO) from 2004 to 2006. He continues work with the SSO, conducting special concerts in collaboration with the Mark Morris Dance Group, subscription concerts and a Beyond the Score performance. An equally accomplished operatic conductor, Knapp was associate conductor of Broomhill Opera in London (2000-2003) and helped create its sister company in South Africa whose innovative productions brought international recognition and led to several worldwide tours. A passionate proponent of new music, Knapp conducted the world premiere of Paul Dresher’s opera The Tyrant with the Seattle Chamber Players (2005), the U.S. premiere of Zona with the International Contemporary Ensemble in New York as part of Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Festival (2006) and a program of Philippe Hurel music at Columbia University. Knapp received bachelor’s degrees in piano performance from the New England Conservatory and in philosophy from Tufts University. He studied conducting at Siena’s Accademia Musicale Chigiana and earned a post-graduate diploma in conducting from Russia’s St. Petersburg State Conservatory. In 1999, Knapp won a prize in the Third International Prokofiev Conducting Competition and was awarded the prestigious Paul Woodhouse Junior Fellowship in Conducting from the Royal College of Music in London. He participated in the National Conducting Institute with the National Symphony Orchestra (2003) and was awarded a grant from the Bruno Walter Memorial Foundation with the Seattle Symphony (2005).
Yulia Van Doren, soprano
Russian-American soprano Yulia Van Doren is a rising star among Baroque specialists. Winning top prizes in all four North American Bach vocal competitions, she will make her debut solo recording with the American Bach Soloists, featuring a program of Bach, Harbison and Britten. Upcoming debuts include the Mostly
Mozart, Ravinia and Tanglewood festivals, performances with the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, China’s Macau International Music Festival, Opéra de Nice and Opera Lafayette (including a tour and a recording for Naxos). A winner of Astral Artists’ 2009 National Auditions, she makes her Philadelphia recital debut in January 2012 on Astral’s concert series.
Van Doren
Biographies. ...............
Symphony, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra and at the Eastern Music Festival.
Knapp
ened by the fact that Handel starts this guffawing fugue in the low, heavy bass section of the choir. Where mockery brings on the tragedy of Christ’s crucifixion in the three poignant recitatives and arias sung next by the tenor, that sentiment turns to gentle consolation in three numbers dealing with his resurrection and the fulfillment of his mission to spread the word of God. Here, the changing mood from defeat to victory is quietly bridged with the recitative, “He was cut off,” the poignant aria, “But Thou didst not leave His Soul in Hell,” setting the stage for the short but florid chorus, “The Lord gave the word” and the lovely soprano aria, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace.” The bass voice returns chosen to depict righteous anger in the solo aria, “Why do the nations so furiously rage together?” The verb of that text is key to Handel’s inspiration here, for the piece is a “rage” aria typical of the whole tradition of baroque opera. It is the most operatic piece in the oratorio and, together with the more famous bass aria, “The trumpet shall sound” in Part Three of Messiah, this challenging piece sets the requirement for a very powerful, technically nimble bass voice in the cast of any Messiah performance. Just rage is also the dominant emotion in the intense tenor aria, “Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron.” All of these arias depict God as the Old Testament deity of power and vengeance rather than the New Testament deity of forgiveness and redemption. The music turns to a spirit of triumph in the exultant “Hallelujah” chorus that forms the climactic conclusion to Part Two of Messiah. With the drama of redemption essentially completed at this point, the mood changes to one of consolation and gratitude in Part Three. It opens with the lyrical soprano aria, “I know that my redeemer liveth,” and the gentle, poised character of that aria is typical of Handel’s treatment of the solo soprano voice in Messiah. A direct chordal style is Handel’s choice for “Worthy is the Lamb,” which begins the closing choral piece in the oratorio. As this concluding number progresses, the composer again turns to fugal devices, both in the martial setting of “Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto him,” and in the swelling “Amen” chorus which brings Messiah to a joyous ending. ©2011, Carl R. Cunningham
At the New England Conservatory, she began appearing as a soloist with the majority of the North American baroque festivals and orchestras, and is featured on several Grammy®nominated opera recordings with the Boston Early Music Festival. She regularly appears with Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dido and Aeneas. She was a featured artist of the 2011 Cartagena International Music Festival performing nationally televised performances of Bach’s Mass in B minor with soprano Dawn Upshaw and the City of London Sinfonia. She was invited to be in the inaugural class of Upshaw’s graduate program at Bard College and Van Doren graduated in 2008. Born in Moscow and raised in the U.S., Van Doren was a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Festival and Académie Musicale de Villecroze (France). She has received numerous academic scholarships, including the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. As the recipient of a Frank Huntington Beebe Grant for Advanced European Study, she will spend the 2011-12 season in Paris.
Malin Fritz, contralto
Contralto Malin Fritz has been praised by Opera News for her “dignity and excellent vocalism.” This season, in addition to this performance with the Houston Symphony, Fritz sings the Messiah with the Pacific Symphony. Her evergrowing passion for concert and recital work continued recently with her return to Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra for Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, a recital at Stanford University and a concert of opera arias with the Santa Rosa Symphony. Among Fritz’ operatic successes are performances of Moses und Aron with the Metropolitan Opera, as well as the role of Schwertleite in Die Walküre in the company’s tour to Japan; Amneris in Aida with Syracuse Opera and the Brevard Music Festival; and the title role in Carmen with
.......................................... the Estonian National Opera, Opera San Jose and in performances across Belgium.
Fritz Her orchestral credits include Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Bach’s Magnificat, Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 and Mozart’s and Verdi’s Requiems. She has performed Tchaikovsky’s rarely heard cantata, Moscow, with the American-Russian Youth Orchestra at both Tanglewood Music Festival and Carnegie Hall. She has also given a recital of Tchaikovsky songs with the Bard Music Festival at Lincoln Center. In addition to the recording of Giulio Cesare, Fritz also can be heard as Vera Boronel on the Chandos recording of The Consul. She is a graduate of the New England Conservatory, a Shoshana Foundation Richard F. Gold Career Grant Award winner and was a National Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.
Panikkar Sean Panikkar, tenor
Sean Panikkar is an American artist of Sri Lankan heritage who debuted at the Metropolitan Opera as Edmondo in Manon Lescaut. His European debut was as Gomatz in Mozart’s Zaide at the Aix-en-Provence Festival. This season, he makes an Opera Boston debut in the title role of Berlioz’ Béatrice et Bénédict, a Glimmerglass Festival debut as The Leader in Kurt Weill’s Lost in the Stars and a San Diego Opera debut as Narraboth in Salome. In concert, he has performed Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra, Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra at the Ojai Music Festival and Die Zauberflöte with Leonard Slatkin at the Hollywood Bowl. He December 2011 19
Biographies continued....... also has joined Esa-Pekka Salonen, Peter Sellars and the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the Tristan Project in Los Angeles and at Lincoln Center. Panikkar’s accomplishments include winning the Robert Jacobson Memorial Award (2007), George London Award (2009), 1st Place at the Gerda Lissner International Vocal Competition (2010) and 2nd place in the International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition (2009). He is a former member of the San Francisco Opera Adler Fellowship Program, Pittsburgh Opera, Central City Opera’s Artists Training Program and Seagle Music Colony. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in voice performance from the University of Michigan.
Sumuel Michel Sumuel, bass-baritone
Bass-baritone Michael Sumuel began this season with his San Francisco Opera debut as Tom in the world premiere of Christopher Theofanidis’ Heart of a Soldier. The Francesca Zambello production was conducted by Patrick Summers. He returns to San Francisco for Elviro in Handel’s Xerxes. He makes his European operatic debut as Schaunard in La bohème at Glyndebourne Festival Opera. He also appears with Houston’s Mercury Baroque Ensemble. As a second-year Houston Grand Opera Studio Artist, Michael Sumuel appeared last season as Sharpless in Madama Butterfly, Antonio in Le nozze di Figaro and a Lackey in Ariadne auf Naxos. He also sang Dulcamara in performances of L’elsir d’amore, Noble in Lohengrin, Sciarrone in Tosca and Narumoff in Pique Dame. Other operatic roles include Leporello in Don Giovanni, the title role in Gianni Schicchi, and Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro. Concert appearances last season included performances with both the Sarasota Artist Series and Mercury Baroque in Handel’s Messiah. Sumuel’s competition accolades include the 2009 Fielder Grant for Career Advancement and winner of the 2009 Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition. He is an alumnus of the Merola Opera Program at San Francisco Opera Center and Filene Young Artist program at Wolf Trap Opera. At Wolf Trap Opera, he performed the roles of Selim in Il turco in Italia, Theseus in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lelio in Le donne curiose. Sumuel holds degrees from Columbus State University and Rice University. 20 www.houstonsymphony.org
Symphony Ball Save the Date!........................................................................ This is one night of decadence you won’t want to miss!
Rock Me, Amadeus!
The 2012 Houston Symphony Ball Friday, March 23, 2012
Chairs
Tara & David Wuthrich
Co-Chairs
Audrey & Brandon Cochran
Alexandra & David Pruner
Cordially invite you to join them in supporting Music Matters!, the Houston Symphony’s education and outreach programs
For more information & to receive a formal invitation: specialevents@houstonsymphony.org or 713-238-1485
Musical Monster Mash.................................................................................... On October 27, The Methodist Hospital was treated to a special symphonic performance by the likes of Elvis Presley, a wicked witch, a farmer, a Mariachi band and many more. Disguised in their finest Halloween costumes, Houston Symphony musicians performed a free concert for patients, doctors and staff in The Methodist Hospital’s Crain Garden. Former Houston Symphony Assistant Conductor Brett Mitchell joined in the charade wearing a doctor’s lab coat and leading the orchestra in a series of chilling pieces like Psycho: A Narrative for String Orchestras, the Suite from Star Wars and Wagner’s The Ride of the Valkyries. The concert celebrated the long-standing partnership that the Houston Symphony has with The Methodist Hospital. Through the specialized practice of The Methodist Hospital’s Center for Performing Arts Medicine, musicians and guest artists of the Houston Symphony receive top-of-the-line diagnostic, preventive and emergency care from more than 100 medical experts. The Methodist Hospital also provides the Symphony with vital philanthropic support, having sponsored the orchestra both at home and away during the Symphony’s last two tours to Carnegie Hall.
December 2011 21
Houston Symphony Chorus.............................................................................. Photo by jeff fitlow
Hausmann Charles Hausmann, director
Dr. Charles S. Hausmann was named director of the Houston Symphony Chorus in 1986 and is celebrating his 25th anniversary in the 2011-12 season. He has prepared the group for more than 600 concerts, led them on numerous tours to Mexico and Europe, and worked with more than 40 acclaimed conductors including Hans Graf, Christoph Eschenbach, Claus Peter Flor and Robert Shaw. His extensive repertoire includes most of the major choral/orchestral masterworks. As director of graduate choral studies and professor of conducting at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music since 1985, Hausmann supervises the master’s and doctoral programs in choral conducting, teaches choral conducting and literature and conducts the Moores School Choral Artists—a graduate chamber choir. An active church musician, he has conducted church choirs in Colorado, Kentucky, New Jersey and Texas. He currently serves as Director of Choral Music at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston where he led the Houston Symphony and Chorus in a performance of Mendelssohn’s St. Paul (Spring 2008). Hausmann frequently appears as a guest conductor, lecturer, clinician and soloist. He led the Chorus on its fourth European tour in 2007, appearing as guest conductor during the Prague Spring Festival. He and the Chorus share a 24-year collaboration with Mexico City’s Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería, recently performing Mendelssohn’s Elijah with former Houston Symphony Associate Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto. Remaining this season, Hausmann prepares the Chorus for Orff’s Carmina Burana.
Support the Houston Symphony Chorus Endowment The Houston Symphony Chorus Endowment supports activities that enrich Houston’s musical life and enhance the high professional standards of the all-volunteer Chorus. For more on how you can help ensure the artistic future of the Chorus, call the Symphony’s Development office at (713) 3378528 or visit hschorus.org. 22 www.houstonsymphony.org
Charles Hausmann, Director Paulo Gomes Assistant Director
Sarah Berggren Chorus Manager
Scott Holshouser Accompanist
First Soprano Ramona Alms Alice Beckstrom Sarah Berggren Robyn Branning Laura Christian Monica M. Davis Clarice Gatlin Marta Giles Amanda Harris Sophia Hou Amy Ingram Allison Jewett Sarah Keifer Jennifer Klein Salyer Veronica Lorine * • Pamela Magnuson Rita Minter Lydia Musher Megan Owen Theresa Olin Karen Rennar Wendy Ridings Rhonda Ryan Heidi Sanders Beth Slaughter Deborah Spencer Annie Treverton Lisa Trewin Tania Van Dongen Beth Anne Weidler Megan Welch Pamela Wilhite Natalyn Whitis Jessica L. Williams
First Alto Krista Borstell Jami Bruns Patricia Bumpus Barbara Bush Thea Chapman Elizabeth Chitwood Nancy Christopherson Robin Clarkson Leah Bell Davis Christine Economides Mary Gahr • Susan Hall Judy Hill Kristin Hurter Berma Kinsey Joyce Lewis * • Mary Lopushansky Ashley Maack Gene Marie Matthews Lisa Morfin Cynthia Mulder Jennifer L. Phan Linda Renner Linda Richardson Carolyn Rogan Holly Rubbo June Russell Maria Schoen Andrea Slack Shelby Stratman Vicki Westbrook Bonnie Wilson Patsy Wilson Shelby Wilson
Francisco J. Izaguirre Christopher Lund Darrell Mayon * • Jim Moore Peter Peropoulos Bradley Persinger Douglas Rodenberger Gottfried Schiller David Schoen Tony Sessions Charles Thornburg Aaron Verber
Second Soprano Yoset Altamirano Lisa Anders Laura Bohlmann • Nancy Bratic Anne Campbell Debby Cutler Vickie Davis Corita Dubose Karen Fess-Uecker Kellie Garden Lorraine Hammond Debbie Hannah • Megan Henry Amanda Hopping * • Sylvia Hysong Yukiko Iwata Natalia Kalitynska Sapna Kumar • Carol Ostlind Linda Peters Susan Scarrow Vicki Seldon Paige Sommer Veronica A. Stevens Cecilia Sun Caryssa Treider Megan Truelson Nancy Vernau
Second Alto Melissa Bailey Adams • Sarah Wilson Clark M. Evelyn Clift Rochella Cooper Cecilia Corredor Andrea Creath Robin Dunn Holly Eaton Rachel El-Saleh Thi Ha Denise Holmes Catherine Howard Lois Howell * • Crystal Meadows Lynne Moneypenny Nina Peropoulos Laurie Reynolds Holly Soehnge Mary Voigt Kaye Windel-Garza First Tenor Robert Browning James R. Carazola Patrick Drake Richard Field • Robert Gomez James Patrick Hanley Steven Hazel Donald Howie
Second Tenor Bob Alban Jeff Bingham Randy Boatright Harvey Bongers William Cole Donn Dubois Jorge Fandino Mark Ferring Joseph Frybert John Grady Craig Hill Philip Lewis Micah Meads William L. Mize Dave Nussmann Greg Railsback Allen Roberts Rick Selby Lesley C. Sommer Dewell Springer Tony Vazquez Leonardo Veletzuy John W. Werner * • Lee Williams First Bass Joe Anzaldua Rich Arenschieldt Greg Barra Justin Becker Claude Bitner John Bond Bruce Boyle Christopher Burris Peter Christian Steve Dukes Leigh Fernau Will Hailey Taylor Harper Scott Hassett Stephen M. James * • Jay Lopez Clemente Mathis William McCallum Chris Ming Matt Neufeld Kevin Newman David Salazar David Schoen Gary Scullin Stephen Shadle Mark Standridge Sam Stengler
Tony Sessions Librarian Paul Van Dorn Joe Villarreal Kevin Wallace Second Bass Steve Abercia * • Wilton T. Adams Bill Cheadle John Colson Roger Cutler Paul Ehrsam Tom Everage Chris Fair Ian Fetterley David M. Fox Yevgeny Genin Michael Gilbert Matt Henderson Terry Henderson George Howe Nobuhide Kobori Alan MacAdams • Ken Mathews Bryan J. McMicken Scott Mermelstein Clyde L. Miner Greg Nelson Bill Parker John Proffitt • Robert Reynolds Daniel Robertson Doug Sander Andrew Shramm Eric Skelly Richard White James Wilhite
* Section Leader • Council Member
As of November 1, 2011
Symphony Society Board. ................................................................................. Executive Committee............................................................................................... President Chairman of the Board Robert B. Tudor III Jesse B. Tutor President-elect and Vice President, Finance Robert A. Peiser
Executive Director/CEO Mark C. Hanson Chairman Emeritus Mike Stude
Vice President, Artistic and Orchestra Affairs Brett Busby
Vice President, Board Governance and Secretary Steven P. Mach
Vice President, Volunteers Barbara McCelvey
Vice President, Popular Programming Allen Gelwick
Vice President, Education Cora Sue Mach
Vice President, Development David Wuthrich
Vice President, Audience Development and Marketing Gloria G. Pryzant
General Counsel Paul R. Morico
President, Endowment Gene Dewhurst
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Martha GarcĂa, Assistant Secretary Mark Hughes, Orchestra Representative Rodney Margolis Burke Shaw, Orchestra Representative Donna Shen, President, Houston Symphony League Brinton Averil Smith, Orchestra Representative Ed Wulfe, Immediate Past Chair
At-Large Members Ulyesse LeGrange Jay Marks Helen Shaffer
Governing Directors..................................................................................................... * Janice Barrow Darlene Bisso Marie Bosarge Terry Ann Brown Ralph Burch Prentiss Burt Brett Busby * John T. Cater Janet Clark Michael H. Clark Scott Cutler Lorraine Dell Viviana Denechaud Gene Dewhurst Michael Doherty Susanna Dokupil Kelli Cohen Fein
Julia Frankel David Frankfort Allen Gelwick Stephen Glenn Susan Hansen Gary L. Hollingsworth Ryan Krogmeier Ulyesse LeGrange Rochelle Levit Nancy Littlejohn April Lykos Cora Sue Mach Steven P. Mach Beth Madison Rodney Margolis Jay Marks Mary Lynn Marks
Jackie Wolens Mazow Billy McCartney Barbara McCelvey Gene McDavid * Alexander K. McLanahan Kevin Meyers Paul Morico Arthur Newman Robert A. Peiser Fran Fawcett Peterson Geoffroy Petit David Pruner Stephen Pryor Gloria G. Pryzant Kathi Rovere John Rydman Manolo Sanchez
Helen Shaffer Jerome Simon Jim R. Smith David Steakley Mike Stude Robert B. Tudor III * Betty Tutor * Jesse B. Tutor Margaret Waisman Fredric A. Weber Vicki West Margaret Alkek Williams * Ed Wulfe David Wuthrich Cary P. Yates Robert A. Yekovich
Samuel Abraham Philip Bahr Anthony Bohnert Meherwan Boyce Walter Bratic Lynn Caruso Audrey Cochran Louis Delone Tom Fitzpatrick Craig A. Fox Stanley Haas Kathleen Hayes
Brian James Joan Kaplan I. Ray Kirk Roslyn Larkey Carolyn Mann Paul M. Mann Judy Margolis Brian McCabe Marilyn Miles Tassie Nicandros Scott Nyquist Edward Osterberg Jr.
J. Hugh Roff Jr. Michael E. Shannon Jule Smith Michael Tenzer L. Proctor (Terry) Thomas Stephen G. Tipps Mrs. S. Conrad Weil Robert Weiner David Ashley White James T. Willerson Steven J. Williams
Ex-Officio Martha GarcĂa Mark C. Hanson Mark Hughes Susan Osterberg Burke Shaw Donna Shen Brinton Averil Smith Glenda Toole
Trustees. .................................................................................................................
* Life Trustee
............................................................................................................................ ENDOWMENT TRUSTEES Gene Dewhurst, President Prentiss Burt Janet Clark Marilyn Miles Michael Mithoff Jesse Tutor Past Presidents of the Houston Symphony Society 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
Past Presidents of the Houston Symphony League Miss Ima Hogg Mrs. John F. Grant Mrs. J. R. Parten Mrs. Andrew E. Rutter Mrs. Aubrey Leon Carter Mrs. Stuart Sherar Mrs. Julian Burrows Ms. Hazel Ledbetter Mrs. Albert P. Jones Mrs. Ben A. Calhoun Mrs. James Griffith Lawhon Mrs. Olaf La Cour 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 H. Carruth Mrs. David Hannah Jr. Mary Louis Kister Ellen Elizardi Kelley 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 Nancy Willerson Jane Clark Nancy Littlejohn
December 2011 23
Annual Campaign Donors. ......................................................................................... 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. Donors receive a wide array of benefits for the current season and recognition for one year following the date of their gifts. Below is a listing of those who have so generously given within the past 12 months. We are honored to count these donors among our closest Houston Symphony friends, and we invite you to consider becoming a member of one of our giving societies. For more information, please contact our Development Department at: (713) 337-8500.
Leadership Gifts
Ima Hogg Society – $150,000 or More
Anonymous (1) Dr. & Mrs. W. E. Bosarge Lieutenant Governor David H. Dewhurst Mrs. Alfred C. Glassell Jr. Ms. Beth Madison, Madison Benefits Group Inc. Mr. George P. Mitchell Mr. M. S. Stude Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Tudor III Mr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Margaret Alkek Williams Maestro’s Society – $50,000 - $74,999 Gene & Linda Dewhurst Maestro Hans Graf & Mrs. Graf Rochelle & Max Levit
Concertmaster’s Society – $25,000 - $49,999 Anonymous (2) Janice Barrow Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Blackburne Jr. Mr. Michael H. Clark & Ms. Sallie Morian Mr. & Mrs. Russell M. Frankel Ms. Sharin Shafer Gaille Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Griswold Dr. Gary L. Hollingsworth & Dr. Ken Hyde Drs. M.S. & Marie-Luise Kalsi Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Kaplan
Mr. & Mrs. Ulyesse J. LeGrange Joella & Steven P. Mach Jay & Shirley Marks Barbara & Pat McCelvey Mr. & Mrs. Alexander K. McLanahan Nancy & Robert Peiser Mr. & Mrs. David R. Pruner Mrs. Sybil F. Roos Mr. & Mrs. James A. Shaffer Mr. & Mrs. Jim R. Smith
Principal Musician’s Society – $15,000 - $24,999 Marian & Gary Beauchamp Captain & Mrs. W. A. “Cappy” Bisso III Mr. & Mrs. J. Brett Busby Janet F. Clark Angel & Craig Fox Stephen & Mariglyn Glenn Cora Sue & Harry Mach Mr. & Mrs. Rodney H. Margolis 24 www.houstonsymphony.org
Mr. & Mrs. Billy McCartney Ann & Hugh Roff Mr. & Mrs. Clive Runnells Laura & Michael Shannon Mr. & Mrs. Robert R. Springob, Laredo Construction, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Fredric A. Weber Dede & Connie Weil Mr. & Mrs. Steven Jay Williams
..................................................................................................................................... Artist/Conductor’s Society $10,000 - $14,999 Anonymous (3) Mr. & Mrs. Philip A. Bahr Mr. & Mrs. Charles G. Black III Dr. & Mrs. Meherwan P. Boyce Mr. & Mrs. W. T. Carter IV Mr. & Mrs. Gerald F. Clark Mr. & Mrs. Brandon Cochran Ms. Jan Cohen Dr. Scott Cutler Mr. Richard Danforth Leslie Barry Davidson & W. Robins Brice Dr. & Mrs. Alexander Dell Mr. & Mrs. Michael Dokupil Mrs. William Estrada Aubrey & Sylvia Farb Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein & Martin J. Fein
Mr. S. David Frankfort Dr. & Mrs. William D. George Mr. & Mrs. Melbern G. Glasscock Mr. & Mrs. Richard D. Hansen Mr. Brian James Dr. & Mrs. I. Ray Kirk Meredith & Cornelia Long Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Lykos Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Michael Mann Dr. & Mrs. Paul M. Mann Mr. & Mrs. J. Stephen Marks Dr. & Mrs. Malcolm L. Mazow Betty & Gene McDavid Stephen & Marilyn Miles Ms. Peggy Overly & Mr. John Barlow Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Owsley
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Owsley Gloria & Joe Pryzant Mr. & Mrs. William J. Rovere Jr. Mrs. Maryjane Scherr Mr. & Mrs. Haag Sherman Mr. Louis H. Skidmore Jr. Julia & Albert Smith Foundation David & Paula Steakley Alice & Terry Thomas Paul Strand Thomas Stephen & Pamalah Tipps Margaret Waisman, M.D. & Steven S. Callahan, Ph.D. Vicki & Paul West Cyvia & Melvyn Wolff Mr. & Mrs. Ed Wulfe
Miss Catherine Jane Merchant Mr. & Mrs. Kevin O. Meyers Dr. & Mrs. Robert M. Mihalo Cameron Mitchell Sue A. Morrison Bobbie & Arthur Newman Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan E. Parker Kathryn & Richard Rabinow Mr. & Mrs. William K. Robbins Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Ken N. Robertson Mr. Glen A. Rosenbaum Ms. Amanda Savo
Donna & Tim Shen Dr. Alana R. Spiwak & Sam Stolbun Mr. Stephen C. Tarry Ann & Joel Wahlberg Dr. Jim T. Willerson Nancy Willerson Isabel B. & Wallace S. Wilson Mr. & Mrs. C. Clifford Wright Nina & Michael Zilkha
Mr. & Mrs. W. R. Hayes Mr. & Mrs. Frank Herzog Mr. & Mrs. David V. Hudson Jr. Debbie & Frank Jones Drs. Blair & Rita Justice Mr. & Mrs. Richard D. Kinder Mary Louis Kister Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Lasher III Dr. & Mrs. Fred R. Lummis Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Stevens Mafrige Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Mayer Mr. & Mrs. George McCullough Mrs. Beverly T. McDonald Sidney & Ione Moran Paul & Rita Morico Mr. & Mrs. Lucian L. Morrison Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Richard P. Moynihan Mary & Terry Murphree Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Nelson Mr. & Mrs. Edward C. Osterberg Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Gary Peterson Mr. Howard Pieper Mr. Robert J. Pilegge Mrs. Lila Rauch Mr. Carlos Rossi Mr. & Mrs. Manolo Sanchez Mr. & Mrs. Richard P. Schissler Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Mark R. Smith Mr. & Mrs. Tad Smith Mr. Yale Smith Mr. & Mrs. Antonio M. Szabo Mr. Jonathan Tinkle Ann Trammell Stephen & Kristine Wallace Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Warren Robert G. Weiner Ms. Jennifer R. Wittman Woodell Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. David J. Wuthrich Winthrop A. Wyman & Beverly Johnson Dr. & Mrs. Robert Yekovich Erla & Harry Zuber
Musician’s Society $7,500 - $9,999 Anonymous (1) Mr. & Mrs. Walter V. Boyle Mr. & Mrs. Walter Bratic Ms. Terry A. Brown The Robert & Jane Cizik Foundation Roger & Debby Cutler Allen & Almira Gelwick Lockton Companies Mr. & Mrs. Fred L. Gorman Jo A. & Billie Jo Graves Christina & Mark Hanson Dr. & Mrs. Bernard Katz Conductor’s Circle $5,000 - $7,499 Anonymous (1) Mr. & Mrs. Karl H. Becker Dr. Alan Bentz & Ms. Sallymoon S. Benz Ms. Dianne Bowman Ruth White Brodsky Mrs. George L. Brundrett Jr. Mr. Ralph Burch Barry & Janet Burkholder Marilyn Caplovitz David & Nona Carmichael Mrs. Lily Carrigan Margot & John Cater William J. Clayton & Margaret A. Hughes Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Cutsinger Mr. & Mrs. James D. Dannenbaum Judge & Mrs. Harold DeMoss Jr. Mr. & Mrs. David Denechaud Ms. Sara J. Devine Mr. & Mrs. Paul F. Egner Jr. Mr. Roger Eichhorn Diane Lokey Farb Mary Ann & Larry Faulkner Ms. Bernice Feld Mr. George B. Geary Mrs. Aileen Gordon William A. Grieves & Dorothy McDonnell Grieves
Grand Patron’s Circle $2,500 - $4,999
Anonymous (1) Eric S. Anderson & R. Dennis Anderson Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey B. Aron Mr. Richard C. Bailey Mrs. Bonnie Bauer Dr. & Mrs. Devinder Bhatia Mr. & Mrs. James D. Bozeman Mrs. Catherine Campbell Brock & Dr. Gary Brock December 2011 25
Annual Campaign Donors. ......................................................................................... The Honorable & Mrs. Peter Brown Mr. & Mrs. Sean Bumgarner Dr. & Mrs. William T. Butler Toba Buxbaum Mr. & Mrs. Thierry Caruso Mr. William E. Colburn Lois & David Coyle Mr. & Mrs. Louis F. DeLone J.R. & Aline Deming Mr. James Denton Mr. & Mrs. Carr P. Dishroon Mr. & Mrs. Michael Doherty Mr. William Elbel & Ms. Mary J. Schroeder Mr. Parrish N. Erwin Jr. Mr. & Mrs. J. Thomas Eubank Mr. & Mrs. Donald Faust Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Ference Mrs. Arvia Few Ron & Tricia Fredman Mr. Edwin C. Friedrichs & Ms. Darlene Clark Dr. & Mrs. Robert H. Fusillo Thomas & Patricia Geddy Mrs. Lila-Gene George Mr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Glanville Mr. & Mrs. Morris Glesby Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Haas Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Hayes Mr. & Mrs. Eric Heggeseth Mr. & Mrs. James E. Hooks Mr. & Mrs. R. O. Hunton Mrs. Donna P. Josey-Chapman Mr. & Mrs. Francis S. Kalman Mr. & Mrs. Richard P. Keeton Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kenney William & Cynthia Koch Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Krogmeier Mr. Willy Kuehn Mrs. Barry Lewis Mrs. Margaret H. Ley Mr. James Lokay Mr. & Mrs. William L. Maynard Mr. & Mrs. William B. McNamara Mr. & Mrs. Pershant Mehta Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mitchell Mr. & Mrs. Richard Mithoff Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Moore Julia & Chris Morton Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Olfers Edward Oppenheimer Mr. Michael H. Price Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Pryor Mr. & Mrs. Thomas R. Reckling III Michael & Vicky Richker Drs. Alejandro & Lynn Rosas Dr. Philip D. Scott & Dr. Susan E. Gardner Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Simon Mr. & Mrs. Louis J. Snyder Joel V. & Mary M. Staff Dr. & Mrs. C. Richard Stasney Mr. & Mrs. James R. Stevens Mr. & Mrs. Keith Stevenson Mr. & Mrs. Gene Van Dyke Mr. & Mrs. Wil VanLoh C. Harold & Lorine Wallace Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Wray Mr. Cary P. Yates 26 www.houstonsymphony.org
Edith & Robert Zinn Sustaining Patron’s Circle $1,000 - $2,499
Anonymous (9) Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Abraham Mr. & Mrs. Elliot Abramson Mr. & Mrs. Edgar D. Ackerman Mrs. Harold J. Adam Joan & Stanford Alexander Mrs. Nancy C. Allen, President Greentree Fund Frances & Ira Anderson John & Pat Anderson Mr. & Mrs. William J. Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Anthony P. Apollo Mr. Maurice J. Aresty Mr. & Mrs. John M. Arnsparger Mr. Alan Aronstein Paul H. & Maida M. Asofsky Mr. Jeff Autor Mr. Jamil Azzam Mrs. Nancy Bailey Julie Ann & Matthew Baker Dr. & Mrs. Christie Ballantyne Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Barbieri Mr. & Mrs. John A. Barrett Mr. & Mrs. Joshua L. Batchelor Ms. Deborah S. Bautch Dr. & Mrs. Arthur L. Beaudet Betty Bellamy Drs. Henry & Louise Bethea Ms. Joan H. Bitar Mrs. Thomas W. Blake Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Bolam Dr. & Mrs. Milton Boniuk Mr. Teodoro Bosquez Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bray Joe Brazzatti Mr. & Mrs. John B. Brent Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Bresenhan Mr. Malcolm Brewer & Mrs. Irina S. Dudley Katherine M. Briggs Steve & Diana Brown Lilia Khakinova & C. Robert Bunch Mrs. Anne H. Bushman Mr. & Mrs. Raul Caffesse Ms. Marjorie Carter Cain Mr. William Caudill Dr. Robert N. Chanon Mr. & Mrs. Paul D. Chapman Mr. & Mrs. Allen Clamen Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Clarke Mr. & Mrs. James G. Coatsworth Mr. & Mrs. Todd Colter Mr. & Mrs. Robert D. Colvin Mr. Mark C. Conrad Mr. H. Talbot Cooley Dr. & Mrs. James D. Cox The Honorable & Mrs. William C. Crassas Mr. & Mrs. Robert Creager Sylvia & Andre Crispin Mr. & Mrs. T. N. Crook Mr. & Mrs. James W. Crownover Mr. & Mrs. Harry H. Cullen Jr. Mr. Carl Cunningham Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Davis Mr. Denis A. DeBakey & Ms. Lavonne Cox John & Tracy Dennis Mr. & Mrs. Mark Diehl Mike & Debra Dishberger Mr. & Mrs. Jack N. Doherty Mr. & Mrs. James P. Dorn Drs. Gary & Roz Dworkin
John & Joyce Eagle Mr. & Mrs. Edward N. Earle Carolyn & David Edgar Mrs. Carolyn Grant Fay Dr. Judith Feigin & Mr. Colin Faulkner Jerry E. & Nanette B. Finger Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Fischer John C. Fitch Mr. & Mrs. Tom Fitzpatrick Mr. Jeff Fort Mr. & Mrs. Vince D. Foster Ms. Beth Freeman & Mr. Dave Stanard Paula & Alfred Friedlander Mr. Douglas Garrison Mr. John Gee Mr. Jerry George Mr. Michael B. George Mrs. Joan M. Giese Dr. & Mrs. Jack Gill Walter Gilmore Mr. Mauro Gimenez & Ms. Connie Coulomb Gary & Marion Glober Mr. & Mrs. Bert H. Golding Helen B. Wils & Leonard Goldstein Robert & Michelle Goodmark Dr. & Mrs. Brad Goodwin Mr. Carlos Gorrichategui Ms. Joyce Z. Greenberg Mr. Charles H. Gregory Mary & Paul Gregory Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Hafner Jr. Mr. Michael Haigh Mrs. Thalia Halen Dr. & Mrs. Carlos R. Hamilton Mr. & Mrs. Bob Hammann Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Hanna Mr. & Mrs. Paul Hanson Marion S. Hargrove Mr. & Judge Frank Harmon III Ms. Claudia Hatcher Dr. & Mrs. Eric J. Haufrect Mr. & Mrs. Houston Haymon Mr. & Mrs. David Hemenway Mark & Ragna Henrichs Mr. Azteca Henry Marilyn & Robert M. Hermance Mr. & Mrs. Robert P. Herrmann Ann & Joe Hightower Mr. & Mrs. Doug R. Hinzie Mr. Tim Hogan Mrs. Holly Holmes Mr. & Mrs. Norman C. Hoyer Eileen & George Hricik Mr. Mark Hughes Mr. Bradford Irelan Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Isham Dr. & Mrs. Robert Ivany Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Jackson Mr. Jacek Jaminski Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Jankovic Mr. Eric S. Johnson & Dr. Ronada Davis Mr. & Mrs. John F. Joity Dr. & Mrs. Robert E. Jordon Mr. & Mrs. Walter Kase Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Katz Sam & Cele Keeper Linda & Frank S. Kelley Mr. & Mrs. Mavis Kelsey Jr. Lucy & Victor Kormeier Ms. Deborah Kosich Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Lane Ms. Joni Latimer Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Eugene Lehrer
..................................................................................................................................... Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Leighton H. Fred & Velva G. Levine Mrs. Ann Lewis Mr. William W. Lindley Mr. & Mrs. Michael Linn Ms. Barbara Lister Mr. & Mrs. H. Arthur Littell Ms. Nancey Lobb Mr. & Mrs. John Lollar Robert & Gayle Longmire Mr. & Mrs. Paul F. Longstreth Ms. Alissa Maples Mr. & Mrs. Michael L. Mason Mr. & Mrs. J.A. Mawhinney Jr. Mr. & Mrs. James W. McCartney Mr. & Mrs. Andrew McFarland Mr. & Mrs. John M. McGill Mr. & Mrs. Michael McGuire Mr. & Mrs. Martin McIntyre Mr. & Mrs. David R. McKeithan Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Lance McKnight Barnett & Diane McLaughlin Alice R. McPherson, M.D. Melba Hoekstra Miers Estate Mr. & Mrs. David A. Mire Mr. & Mrs. John C. Molloy Mr. David Monk Dr. Eleanor D. Montague Ms. Marsha L. Montemayor Mr. & Mrs. Gerarld Moynier Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Mueller Daniel & Karol Musher Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Newman Mr. & Mrs. Charles G. Nickson Steve & Sue Olson Mr. & Mrs. John S. Orton Mr. Austin M. O’Toole & Ms. Valerie Sherlock Jane & Kenneth Owen Mr. & Mrs. Robert Pacini Mr. & Mrs. Robert Page Mr. Robert Pastorek Mr. & Mrs. Raul Pavon Michael & Shirley Pearson Pamela & James Penny Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Perry Mr. Carlton Perry JoAnn & John Petzold Mr. & Mrs. W. Hugh Phillips III Dr. & Mrs. Jorge Pinera Mr. James D. Pitcock Dr. & Dr. Eduardo Plantilla Mr. & Mrs. James Postl Mr. John Potts Mrs. Dana Puddy Darla & Chip Purchase Mr. Dale Qualls & Mrs. Melissa McWilliams Dr. & Mrs. Henry H. Rachford Jr. Mr. Thomas P. Randt Clinton & Leigh Rappole Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. Rauch Anne D. Reed Mr. & Mrs. Michael A. Reeves Mr. Charles M. Reimer Dr. Alexander P. Remenchik & Ms. Frances Burford Mr. & Mrs. Allyn Risley Ms. Janice Robertson & Mr. Douglas Williams Mr. & Mrs. James T. Robinson Ms. Franelle Rogers Ms. Regina J. Rogers
Dr. & Mrs. Franklin Rose Mr. Edward Ross Mr. Kent Rutter Mr. Barry Samuels Mary Louise & David Sanderson Harold H. Sandstead, M.D. Mr. & Mrs. David Saperstein Mr. & Mrs. Raymond E. Sawaya Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Schanzmeyer Beth & Lee Schlanger Mr. Ed Schneider & Ms. Toni A. Oplt Drs. Helene & Robert Schwartz Mr. Ralph D. Sikes Mr. & Mrs. Steve Sims Barbara & Louis Sklar Mr. & Mrs. William T. Slick Jr. Ms. Marcia Smart Mr. Brinton A. Smith & Ms. Evelyn Chen Mr. & Mrs. Wesley Smith Mr. & Mrs. William A. Smith Dean & Kay L. Snider Ms. Aimee Snoots Mr. & Mrs. John Speer Carol & Michael Stamatedes Richard P. Steele & Mary J. McKerall Cassie B. Stinson & Dr. R. Barry Holtz Mrs. Christie Sullivan Emily C. Sundt Mrs. Mary Swafford Ms. Jeanine Swift Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas L. Swyka Mr. & Mrs. Albert S. Tabor Jr. Mr. Mark Taylor Mr. Jim Teague & Ms. Jane DiPaolo Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Thielke Jean & Doug Thomas Mr. & Mrs. Ralph B. Thomas Ms. Virginia Torres Mr. & Mrs. Trevor Turbidy Mr. & Mrs. Timothy J. Unger Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Vallee Mr. Donn K. Van Arsdall Ms. Barbara Van Postman Mr. & Mrs. William A. Van Wie Ms. Jana Vanderlee Mr. Danny Ward & Ms. Nancy Ames Mr. & Mrs. Peter S. Wareing Mr. & Mrs. James D. Webb Mr. & Mrs. Eden N. Wenig Mr. John Wetsel & Mrs. Joanne Breihan-Wetsel Mr. & Mrs. Patrick J. Whelan Mr. David Ashley White Carlton & Marty Wilde Dr. & Mrs. Rudy C. Wildenstein Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. Wilson Ms. Elizabeth Wolff Dr. & Mrs. Jerry S. Wolinsky Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Yankowsky Mr. & Mrs. William A. Young Mr. & Mrs. Charles Zabriskie Mrs. Betsy I. Zimmer
Composer’s Circle $500 - $999
Anonymous (18) Wade & Mert Adams Ms. Henrietta K. Alexander Ms. Joan Ambrogi Mr. & Mrs. Thurmon Andress Corbin & Char Aslakson Mr. & Mrs. John C. Averett
Mr. & Mrs. David M. Balderston Dr. David Barry Mr. Allen J. Becker Ms. Bernice Beckerman Carolyn & Arthur Berner Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Bickel Mr. Edward P. Bornet Ms. Joan Boss Bob F. Boydston Ms. Sally Brassow Mr. Chester Brooke & Mrs. Nancy Poindexter Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Brophy Mr. & Mrs. Jos C. Brown Fred & Judy Brunk Ms. Courtney Brynes Mr. & Mrs. Fred Buckwold Mr. Christopher Buehler & Ms. Jill Hutchison John T. & Elizabeth Burdine Ms. Cheryl Byington Mr. & Mrs. Charles Callery Mr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Campbell Mr. Len Cannon Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Cantrell Jr. Mr. John Carmichael Mr. Petros Carvounis Mr. & Mrs. John M. Cavanaugh Mr. & Mrs. E. Thomas Chaney K.D. Charalampous, M.D. Mr. William H. Choice III Virginia A. Clark Mrs. Cielle Clemenceau Mrs. Barbora Cole Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Colton Mr. & Mrs. Dave Coolidge Ms. Miguel A. Correll Mr. William S. & Dr. Mary Alice Cowan Mr. & Mrs. Timothy J. Crull Ms. Ann Currens Dr. & Mrs. Clotaire D. Delery Ms. Aurelie Desmarais Paul & Debbie Dougharty Mr. Paul Dougharty Elizabeth H. Duerr Mr. & Mrs. A. C. Dumestre Dr. Burdett S. & Mrs. Kathleen C.E. Dunbar Ms. Consuelo Duroc-Danner Mr. Ramsay M. Elder Mr. & Mrs. Peter Erickson Dr. Kenneth L Euler Mr. & Mrs. William Evans Dr. & Mrs. Louis A. Faillace Robert H. Fain Jr., M.D. Mr. Robert Fisher Rachel Frazier Mrs. Martha Garcia Martha & Gibson Gayle Jr. Ms. Lucy Gebhart Mr. & Mrs. Duane V. Geis Mr. & Mrs. Harry Gendel Ms. Carolyn Gibbs & Mr. Rick Nelson William E. Gipson Mr. Marita Glodt Mr. & Mrs. Herbert I. Goodman Ms. Melissa Goodman Mr. Bert Gordon Dr. & Mrs. Harvey L. Gordon Mr. Garrett Graham Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Greenaw Mr. Dane Grenoble
Dennis Griffith & Louise Richman Mr. Doug Groves Gaye Davis & Dennis B. Halpin Rita & John Hannah Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Harbachick Michael D. Hardin Bruce Harkness & Alice Brown W. Russel Harp & Maarit K. Savola-Harp Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Harrell Dr. & Mrs. William S. Harwell Mr. & Mrs. Brian Haufrect Ms. Ann Lents & Mr. J. David Heaney Mr. & Mrs. Frank L. Heard Jr. Ms. Lynn Herbert Mr. & Mrs. Fred D. Herring Mr. & Mrs. John R. Heumann Mr. & Mrs. W. Grady Hicks Mr. & Mrs. Ross K. Hill Mr. John Hodgin Mr. & Mrs. John Homier Dr. Matthew Horsfield & Dr. Michael Kauth Mr. Steve Hulsey Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth C. Isham Mr. Mark Johansson Mr. & Mrs. Okey B. Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Wesley A. Johnson Ms. Karen Juul-Nielsen & Mr. Rick Garnett Mr. Guido Kanschat Mr. & Mrs. Yoshi Kawashima Mr. & Mrs. Edward Kelley Ms. Karen Kelley Mr. John Kelsey & Ms. Gaye Davis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Kelsey Dr. & Mrs. Sherwin Kershman Nora J. Klein M. D. Mr. & Mrs. William H. Knull III Mr. & Mrs. Wilfred M. Krenek Ms. Diane Laborde Mr. James Leatherby Mr. & Mrs. William Leighton Ms. Golda K. Leonard Mr. James C. Lindsey Lisle Violin Shop Mr. Kelly Bruce Lobley Mrs. Sylvia Lohkamp Mr. & Mrs. Barry H. Margolis Mr. & Mrs. Robert Martin Ms. B. Lynn Mathre & Mr. Stewart O’Dell Mr. & Mrs. Rod McAdams Mr. & Mrs. James McBride Lawrence McCullough & Linda Jean Quintanilla Bill & Karinne Mc Cullough Dr. A. McDermott & Dr. A. Glasser William E. Joor III & Rose Ann Medlin Mrs. Diane Merrill Mr. Ronald A. Mikita Mr. & Mrs. Arnold M. Miller Ms. Kristen Miller Mr. & Mrs. Herbert G. Mills Mr. Willis B. Mitchell John & Ann Montgomery Ms. Deborah Moran Mr. & Mrs. Richard Murphy Alan & Elaine Mut Ms. Jennifer Naae Mr. & Mrs. Geoffrey B. Newton Mr. Robert Nichols December 2011 27
Annual Campaign Donors. ......................................................................................... Ms. Dorothy Nicholson John & Leslie Niemand Nils & Stephanie Normann Mr. & Mrs. Rufus W. Oliver III Katy Optiks Mr. & Mrs. Morris Orocofsky Mr. & Mrs. Enrique Ospina Mrs. Caroline Osteen Mr. Patrick C. Oxford Mr. & Mrs. Marc C. Paige Mr. Jonathan Palmer Rachel & Michael Pawson Mr. & Mrs. James L. Payne Mrs. Preston A. Peak Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Penn Ms. Glena Pfenning Grace & Carroll Phillips Ms. Meg Philpot Mr. Carmelo Pieri Mr. Warren B. Pond Jr. Mr. Robert W. Powell Mr. Arthur Preisinger Doris F. Pryzant Elias & Carole Qumsieh Dr. Mike Ratliff Mr. & Mrs. William B. Rawl Mr. & Mrs. Hugh M. Ray Mr. & Mrs. Dwain Reeves Ms. Rachaelle Reynolds Mrs. Constance Rhebergen Hilda & Hershel Rich Mrs. Barbara Riddell Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Rinehart Mr. & Mrs. Fabrice Roche Drs. Herbert & Manuela Roeller Mr. & Mrs. Keith A. Rogers Milton & Jill Rose Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Rubbo Brittany Sakowitz Ms. Donna Scott Mr. & Mrs. Rufus Scott Charles & Andrea Seay Mr. & Mrs. Vic Shainock Mr. Hilary Smith Mr. Marcus B. Smith Mr. & Mrs. Stephen N. Smith Mr. & Mrs. William Smith John L. Snyder Mrs. Lynn Snyder Mr. Nicholas Sollenne Mrs. Donna Sprudzs Mr. Myron F. Steves Dr. & Mrs. David Sufian Mrs. Louise Sutton Mr. & Mrs. George Tallichet Mrs. Nina P. Tate Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Taylor Mr. Kerry Taylor Mr. Brian Teichman Ms. Betsy Mims & Mr. Howard D. Thames Jacob & Elizabeth Thomas Mr. & Mrs. Tom Thweatt Dr. & Mrs. Karl Tornyos Mr. Daniel S. Trachtenberg Ms. Cathleen J. Trechter Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Tremant Mr. Gerard Trione Mr. & Mrs. D.E. Utecht Dr. & Mrs. Gage VanHorn Mr. Earl Vanzant Dean B. Walker Betty & Bill Walker 28 www.houstonsymphony.org
Mr. & Mrs. Dave Ward Mr. & Mrs. William B. Wareing Mr. Kenneth W. Warren Mr. & Mrs. James A. Watt J. M. Weltzien Drs. A. & J. Werch Mr. Burt Wilson Mrs. Beth Wolff Mr. Randall Wright Mr. & Mrs. Emil Wulfe
Patron’s Circle $250 - $499
Anonymous (21) William & Nancy Akers Mr. & Mrs. Edward Allen Mr. & Mrs. Steve Ameen Mr. & Mrs. Les Antalffy Dr. & Mrs. Roy Aruffo Mr. John B. Ashmun Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Baizan The Honorable & Mrs. James A. Baker III Mr. & Mrs. Saul Balagura Ms. Virginia C. Ballard Mr. & Mrs. Don Barnhill Mr. & Mrs. Seth Barrett Mr. Daniel Barretto Mr. A. Greer Barriault & Ms. Clarruth A. Seaton Dr. & Mrs. Robert C. Bast Jr. Barbara & Jim Becker Ms. Roberta Benson Mrs. Robert L. Berge Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Beshears Mr. & Mrs. Randall Beste Mr. & Mrs. Ed Billings Bonnie L. Siff & Ira J. Black Ms. Fannette Blum Mr. & Mrs. George Boerger Mr. Arno S. Bommer Mr. Philip Booth Ms. Suzie Boyd Dr. Arthur W. Bracey Mr. & Mrs. Steven Brosvik Mr. J. W. Brougher Sally & Laurence Brown Mrs. Norma Jean Brown Joan K. Bruchas & H. Philip Cowdin Mr. Frank Bryan Mr. & Mrs. William Bumpus Mrs. Shirley Burgher Mr. & Mrs. Gerald J. Bush Mr. Robert Cabes Mr. Gary Cacciatore Virginia & William Camfield Mr. & Mrs. J. Scott Campbell Mr. Carlos Campo Mrs. Marjorie H. Capshaw Mr. & Mrs. Fowler T. Carter Mr. & Mrs. Kevin J. Casey Mr. & Mrs. Christopher L. Chandler Ms. Anna Charlton Mr. & Mrs. Kent Chenevert Dr. Diana S. Chow Jim R. & Lynn Coe Shirley & Alan Cohn Mr. & Mrs. Tulio Colmenares Mr. & Mrs. Clayton A. Compton Michael T. Coppinger Mr. David Corder Ms. Jeanne A. Cox Mr. & Mrs. John F. Crawford Nigel Curtlet Dr. & Mrs. Joel Cyprus Mrs. Christina Daniels Mr. Michael Deavers Ms. Caroline Deetjen Mr. & Mrs. Rene Degreve Ms. Kay S. Derry Mr. & Mrs. Joseph B. Derzapf Mr. John A. Dickinson Ms. Dora Dillistone Ms. Judy Dines Mr. & Mrs. Ira Dinitz
Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Ditto Mr. & Mrs. George Dobbin Col. & Mrs. John Jay Douglass Patrick & Risha Dozark Mrs. Lesa Ducharme Mr. & Mrs. Clifford C. Dukes Mr. Kevin F. Dvorak Mr. & Mrs. Alfred H. Ebert Jr. Mrs. Karen A. Edgmon Mr. & Mrs. William J. Eggleston Mr. Paul Ehrsam Mr. & Mrs. Dean Eicher Mr. Howard Eisner Ms. Leslie Elkins Mildred & Richard Ellis Dr. Lillian R. Eriksen & Dr. James Turley Mr. Lee Eubanks Mr. Mike Ezzell Mr. Gregg Fajkus Mr. & Mrs. John R. Farina Ms. Ann S. Farrell Ms. Ursula H. Felmet Mr. & Mrs. Joe F. Flack III Mr. & Mrs. Theodore C. Flick Mr. James B. Flodine & Ms. Lynne Liberato Mrs. Lisa Forgan Dewitts Mr. & Mrs. John M. Forney Mr. & Mrs. Michael S. Francisco Mr. Ralph F. Frankowski Ms. Diane L. Freeman Robert A. Furse, M.D. Dr. Abdel K. Fustok Mr. & Mrs. Mike Gallagher Mrs. Holly Garner Mr. & Mrs. Neil Gaynor Mr. & Mrs. John Gerdes Ms. Margaret Wendy Germani Mr. Glen Gettemy Debbie & Kyle Gibson Mr. & Mrs. Peter Gillette Mr. Charles J. Gillman Ms. Heidi Good Dr. & Mrs. David Gorenstein Mr. Jon Kevin Gossett Mr. Ned Graber Mrs. Howard Grekel Mr. & Mrs. Laurent Gressot Mr. Steve K. Grimsley Ms. Jo Ann C. Guillory Dr. & Mrs. Howard Gutstein Zahava Haenosh Mr. Teruhiko Hagiwara Mr. & Mrs. Curtis D. Haines Mr. & Mrs. Uzi Halevy Ms. Vickie Hamley Mr. Jeff Hansen & Mrs. Kelly Marts Ms. Karen Harding Mr. & Mrs. Tod P. Harding Mr. Paul Harmon Mr. & Mrs. William Haskins Ms. Anna K. Hathaway-McKee Mr. & Mrs. Michael Hawes Mr. & Ms. Malcolm Hawk William & Lana Hazlett Mr. & Mrs. Walter A. Hecht Mr. David T. Hedges Jr. Mr. Douglas Heguy Mr. John Heiny Mr. & Mrs. Dean Hennings Ms. Hilda R. Herzfeld Mr. David Hoffman Ms. Constance Holderer Jacque Holland S.y. & Y.j. Kim Hong Ms. Denene Hooper Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Howes Mrs. Patricia P. Hubbard Ms. Vicki Huff Mr. & Mrs. Dean Huffman Ms. Cynthia Humphries Mr. & Mrs. James R. Hutton Ms. Jennifer Isadore Mr. Joseph Ivey Ms. Ariel James Mr. & Mrs. Edwin R. Janes Mr. & Mrs. Paul M. Janicke
Mrs. Paula Jarrett Dr. Margaret S. Jelinek Lewis & Dr. David S. Lewis Mr. & Mrs. George C. John Mr. & Mrs. John W. Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Mark Johnson Mr. Robert E. Johnson Mrs. & Mr. Laura Jones Mr. Raymond Jones Dr. & Mrs. Andrew P. Kant Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Kantor Mr. & Mrs. Curtis R. Kayem Ms. Arlette Keene Mr. & Mrs. James A. Keller Mr. & Mrs. David Kendall Ms. Malgorzata Kloc-Stepkowska Mr. & Mrs. John Klug Dr. & Mrs. Michael Koehl Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Koski Mr. & Mrs. Sam Koster Mr. & Mrs. William J. Kretlow Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Krezer Jr. Mr. Quin Kroll Suzanne A. & Dan D. Kubin Mr. Vijay Kusnoor Mr. Tom Kvinta Mr. Kent Lacy Mr. & Mrs. Joel C. Lambert Mr. & Mrs. James C. Lamoreux Mr. Doug Lawing Dr. & Mrs. William R. Leighton Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Leonard Mr. & Mrs. Earl L. Lester Jr. Paula & Steve Letbetter Charles H. (Eric) & Lucy Lewis Mr. & Mrs. Philip Lewis Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lineberry Sharon Lipsky, M.D. Ms. Priscilla L. List J. M. Little & Asso. Mr. William Looser Mr. Carlos J. Lopez Louise & Oscar Lui Mr. & Mrs. Peter MacGregor Mr. & Mrs. Harry E. Mach III Tom & Kathleen Mach Mr. & Mrs. N. K. Maer Jr. Mr. John Maguire Mrs. D.B. Marchant Ms. Renee Margolin Dr. & Dr. A. J. Marian Carole Nadelman Marmell Mr. & Mrs. Laban Marsh Mr. David Martin Mr. Mark Matovich Dr. Toshimatsu Matsumoto Ms. Suzanne McCarthy Mr. & Mrs. Edward McCullough Mr. George McKee Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence McManus Odette & James McMurrey Mr. & Mrs. James L. Mc Nett Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Mehlhoff Mr. & Mrs. Joseph R. Melanson Jr. Mrs. Dorri Melvin Dr. Robert A. Mendelson Mr. Russell J. Miller & Mrs. Charlotte M. Meyer Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Mireles Mr. & Mrs. Michael Mithoff Mr. & Mrs. John H. Monroe Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Jess R. Moore Ms. Lauren Morgan Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Moss Ms. Joan B. Murphy Mr. & Mrs. Robert N. Murray Mr. Arturo Narro Mr. & Mrs. R. Michael Nash Marjory & Barry Okin Mr. & Mrs. Albert Ong Mrs. Louisa Ordway Mr. & Mrs. Ken O’Rear Mr. Edgar J. Ortiz Mr. & Mrs. Sheldon I. Oster Ms. Jennifer Owen Linda & Jerry Paine
..................................................................................................................................... Ms. Linda Peterson Mark H. & Lynn K. Pickett Mr. Timothy N. Pitts & Mrs. Kathleen Winkler Kim & Ted A. Powell Mr. & Mrs. Arthur H. Pratt Mr. & Mrs. Richard Prinstein Mr. & Mrs. Larry & Nita Pyle Mr. & Mrs. Manuel E. Quintana Mr. & Mrs. Paul Ramirez Mr. & Mrs. William M. Ramos Mr. & Mrs. Venu Rao Ms. Joanna Raynes Loreta & Ronald Rea Mr. & Mrs. John Q. Reans Vicki & J.B. Reber Ralph & Becky Reed Ms. Louisa B. Reid Mr. & Mrs. Norman T. Reynolds Mr. & Mrs. Walter Rhodes Mr. & Mrs. Phil Rice Mr. & Mrs. Claud D. Riddles Mr. & Mrs. William F. Rike Mary & Jesse Roberts Mr. James L. Robertson Ms. Shari Rochen John & Peggy Romeo Mr. Daniel J. Romero Mr. & Mrs. Mervin Rosenbaum
Mr. Autry W. Ross Ms. Charlotte A. Rothwell Mr. & Mrs. Gregory M. Ruffing Mr. & Mrs. John E. Ryall Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Saltzberg Dr. & Mrs. David Sapire Mr. & Mrs. Kent Savage Mr. Donald Schmuck Garry & Margaret Schoonover Mrs. Jill Schroeder Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Schwaab Jean & Robert Schwarz Mr. & Mrs. Paul Shack Jonathan & Marcia Shear Art & Ellen Shelton Pamela & Richard Sherry Mr. & Mrs. Charles C. Shumaker Mr. Barrett Sides Mrs. Ray Simpson Mrs. Josephine Smith Mr. & Mrs. Richard Smith Mr. & Mrs. Tom Smith Hans C. Sonneborn James C. Stanka Ms. Blanche Stastny Mr. & Mrs. Donald K. Steinman Mr. & Ms. Gary Stenerson William F. Stern Mr. & Mrs. James W. Stovall
Mr. & Mrs. William G. Straight Dr. John R. Stroehlein & Ms. Miwa Sakashita Mr. & Mrs. Hans Strohmer Ms. Lori Summa Ms. Cili Sun Mr. & Mrs. John L. Sutterby Ms. Barbara Swartz Ms. Rhonda J. Sweeney Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Symon Ms. Jessica Taylor Mr. & Ms. Gary Teletzke Mrs. Marjorie Therrell Mr. & Mrs. P. H. G. Thompson Drs. Eric M. Timmreck & Carol W. Timmreck Mr. & Mrs. M. Dale Tingleaf David & Ann Tomatz Mr. Tom Tomlinson Mr. & Mrs. Louis E. Toole Mr. Jon D. Totz Mr. Herbert Towning Mr. & Mrs. Edmunds Travis Jr. Mr. James Trippett Dr. Robert Ulrich & Ms. June R. Russell Dr. & Mrs. Brad Urquhart Mr. & Mrs. Paolo Valente Mr. & Mrs. Dixon Van Hofwegen Mr. David Vannauker
Dr. Allen R. Vogt Jan & Don Wagner Mr. William Walker Mr. & Mrs. Bill Warburton Ms. Sandria Ward Leone Buyse & Michael Webster Mr. Paul Wehner Mr. & Mrs. Kane C. Weiner Ms. Bryony Jane Welsh Mrs. Corinne H. Wheeler Mr. Richard White Mr. Russell White Mrs. Amber Wilbanks Mr. Patrick Wilson Miriam & Marcos Witt Mr. & Mrs. Stephen R. Wood Miss Susan Wood Ms. Laura Woods Mrs. Michael Woolcock Ms. Kristi Wright Mrs. Peggy J. Wylie Mr. Le Roy Yeager Mr. Elan Yogeswaren Mr. Ray Young Mr. & Mrs. Mark Yzaguirre Ms. Carmen Zatorski
As of November 1, 2011
Houston Symphony Pops Patrons............................................................................................................ Principal Pops Conductor’s Circle $5,000 or More
Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Blackburne Jr. Ms. Sara J. Devine Allen & Almira Gelwick - Lockton Companies Mr. & Mrs. Fred L. Gorman Dr. & Mrs. Bernard Katz Dr. & Mrs. Paul M. Mann Paul & Rita Morico Mary & Terry Murphree Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Nelson Mr. Robert J. Pilegge Mr. & Mrs. Allan Quiat Mr. & Mrs. William K. Robbins Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Ken N. Robertson Mrs. Sybil F. Roos Mrs. Maryjane Scherr David & Paula Steakley
Grand Patron Pops $2,500-$4,999
Rita & Geoffrey Bayliss Mr. & Mrs. Byron F. Dyer Mr. & Mrs. George A. Rizzo Jr. Linda & Jerry Rubenstein Mr. & Mrs. Leland Tate Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence D. Wallace Sally & Denney Wright
Pops Patron $1,500-$2,499
Mr. & Mrs. James E. Dorsett Carol & Larry Fradkin Mr. Robert Grant Mr. & Mrs. Jerry L. Hamaker Michael & Darcy Krajewski Mr. Anthony G. Ogden Mr. & Mrs. Ben A. Reid Shirley & Marvin Rich Dr. & Mr. Adrian D. Shelley Mr. Roger Trandell Ms. Jody Verwers Mr. & Mrs. William B. Welte III
Headliner $1,000-$1,499
Stanley & Martha Bair Mr. & Ms. Bruce Buhler Mrs. Alan Gaylor Mr. & Ms. Eric J. Gongre Mr. & Mrs. George A. Helland Mr. & Mrs. Alex Howard Mr. & Mrs. Robin Lease Mr. & Mrs. Alan May Dr. & Mrs. Raghu Narayan Roman & Sally Reed Mr. & Mrs. John T. Riordan Mrs. Annetta Rose Mr. Morris Rubin Ms. Amanda Tozzi
Producer $500-$999
Rev. & Mrs. H. Eldon Akerman Mr. Stephen J. Banks Mr. John S. Beury Ms. Tara Black Ms. Barbara A. Brooks Mr. & Mrs. Warren J. Carroll Barbara Dokell Mr. Evan B. Glick Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Hansen Mr. Don E. Kingsley Mr. & Mrs. Joe T. McMillan W. R. Purifoy Ms. Phyllis Schaffer Mr. & Mrs. Tim Shaunty Norbert F. Stang Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Thompson Dr. & Mrs. James A. Twining
Director $250-$499
Anonymous (2) Mr. & Mrs. Kingsley Agbor Mr. & Mrs. David Archibald Mr. & Mrs. Don S. Aron
Mr. Donald Bates Dr. & Mrs. R. L. Brenner Mr. Jay T. Brown Ms. Carol Brownstein Mr. & Mrs. Rick A. Burris W. M. Calvert Mr. & Mrs. Michael F. Cook Ms. Debbie Culp Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Demeter Mr. & Mrs. Charles Grant Jim & Johanna Gunther Mr. & Mrs. Dale Hardy Jess Hines Jr. Mr. Larry January Mr. & Mrs. Bill Johnston Ms. Mary Keathley Charles C. & Patricia Kubin Mr. & Mrs. Roger Lindgren Ms. Doris M. Magee Mr. & Mrs. Carrol R. McGinnis Patrick & Peggy Mc Kinney Mr. & Mrs. Roger Medors Mr. Gerard & Mrs. Helga Meneilly Mr. James Miner Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Noland Mary Murrill North Mr. & Mrs. Roland W. Pringle Judy & Bill Pursell Mr. Robert Schick Mr. & Mrs. David K. Smith Ms. Beth Stegle Mr. Charles Stewart Ms. Jane B. Thompson Mr. & Mrs. Carl N. Tongberg Mr. Lam Tran Mr. & Mrs. Eugene N. Tulich Dr. Holly & Mr. Michael Varner Dr. & Mrs. William C. Watkins Mr. & Mrs. Don Wilton As of November 1, 2011
December 2011 29
Annual Campaign Donors. ............................................................................... Foundations......................................................................................................
As of November 1, 2011
$1,000,000 & above * Houston Endowment, Inc.
* Houston Symphony League The Wortham Foundation Inc.
$500,000-$999,999
* M. D. Anderson Foundation
The Alkek & Williams Foundation * Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Educational Fund * John P. McGovern Foundation
$25,000-$49,999
Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation The Humphreys Foundation * Sterling-Turner Foundation
$10,000-$24,999
$100,000-$499,999
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation * The Brown Foundation The Cullen Foundation The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts The Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation Madison Charitable Foundation * Spec’s Charitable Foundation
$50,000-$99,999
Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation
* Bauer Family Foundation Carleen & Alde Fridge Foundation * The Melbern G. & Susanne M. Glasscock Foundation * George & Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation * Houston Symphony League Bay Area * The Powell Foundation * Vivian L. Smith Foundation The Schissler Foundation * Vaughn Foundation Warren Family Foundation
$2,500-$9,999
Stanford & Joan Alexander Foundation * The Becker Family Foundation * Ray C. Fish Foundation William E. & Natoma Pyle Harvey Charitable Trust Huffington Foundation Leon Jaworski Foundation William S. & Lora Jean Kilroy Foundation * Robert W. & Pearl Wallis Knox Foundation Lubrizol Foundation Mithoff Family Foundation * Kinder Morgan Foundation * Lynne Murray, Sr. Educational Foundation The Helmle Shaw Foundation Strake Foundation Susman Family Foundation
Government Donors
* City of Houston National Endowment for the Arts State Employee Charitable Campaign * Texas Commission on the Arts * Sponsors of Houston Symphony Education & Outreach Programs
Corporations...................................................................................................... As of November 1, 2011
$100,000-$499,999 BBVA Compass Fidelity Investments United Airlines
$50,000-$99,999
Baker Botts LLP * Cameron International Corporation Chevron ConocoPhillips * ExxonMobil Frost Bank * GDF SUEZ Energy North America * Marathon Oil Corporation The Methodist Hospital * Shell Oil Company TOTAL * Weatherford International Ltd.
$25,000-$49,999 $5,000-$9,999 American Express Philanthropic Program Beck, Redden & Secrest, LLP Bloomberg, L.L.P. Andrews Kurth, LLP * Devon Energy Corporation * The Boeing Company Google, Inc. Chubb Group of Insurance Companies Greater Houston Partnership Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Oceaneering International Inc. KPMG LLP * Randalls Food Markets, Inc. $10,000-$24,999
* Bank of America Bracewell & Giuliani LLP * CenterPoint Energy Cooper Industries, Inc. Crown Castle International Corp. * Enbridge Energy Company, Inc. Ernst & Young * Macy’s Northern Trust Palmetto Partners The Rand Group, LLC Regions Bank SPIR STAR, Ltd. Star Furniture USI Insurance Services LLC Vinson & Elkins LLP * Wells Fargo * Wood Group
Russell Reynolds Associates, Inc. Stewart Title Company * Swift Energy Company
Gifts below $4,999
Allen Edmonds Shoe Corp. The Blue Jeans Bar Corp GEM Insurance Agencies Geste LLC Intercontinental Exchange Marvin Consulting SEI Global Institutional Group Smith, Graham & Company * Sponsors of Houston Symphony Education & Outreach Programs
Corporate Matching Gifts........................................................................................ Aetna Akzo Nobel AT&T Bank of America Boeing Cardinal Healthcare Caterpillar 30 www.houstonsymphony.org
Chevron Coca-Cola El Paso Corporation Eli Lilly and Company ExxonMobil Fannie Mae General Electric
General Mills Goldman, Sachs & Co. Halliburton Hewlett-Packard IBM ING Financial Services Corporation JPMorgan Chase
KBR Kirby Corporation Occidental Petroleum SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. Spectra Energy
Legacy Society. ................................................................................................. The Legacy Society honors those who have included the Houston Symphony in their long-term estate plans through bequests, life-income gifts or other deferred-giving arrangements. Members of the Legacy Society enjoy a variety of benefits, including an annual musical event, featuring a renowned guest artist. The Houston Symphony would like to extend its deepest thanks to the members of the Legacy Society – and with their permission, we are pleased to acknowledge them below. If you would like to learn more about ways to provide for the Houston Symphony in your estate plans, please contact our Development Department at: (713) 337-8500 or plannedgiving@houstonsymphony.org. Anonymous (9) Mrs. Jan Barrow George & Betty Bashen Dorothy B. Black Ermy Borlenghi Bonfield Ronald C. Borschow Anneliese Bosseler Joe Brazzatti Zu Broadwater Terry Ann Brown Dr. Joan K. Bruchas & H. Philip Cowdin Eugene R. Bruns Sylvia J. Carroll William J. Clayton & Margaret A. Hughes Leslie Barry Davidson Harrison R. T. Davis Judge & Mrs. Harold DeMoss Jr. Jean & sJack Ellis The Aubrey and Sylvia Farb Family Ginny Garrett Michael B. George Stephen & Mariglyn Glenn Mr. & Mrs. Keith E. Gott
Randolph Lee Groninger Marilyn & Robert M. Hermance Dr. Gary L. Hollingsworth Dr. Edward J. & Mrs. Patti Hurwitz Kenneth Hyde Mr. Brian James Drs. Rita & Blair Justice Dr. & Mrs. Ira Kaufman, M.D. John S. W. Kellett Ann Kennedy & Geoffrey Walker Dr. & Mrs. I. Ray Kirk Mr. & Mrs. Ulyesse LeGrange Mrs. Frances E. Leland Dr. Mary R. Lewis E. W. Long Jr. Sandra Magers Rodney H. Margolis Mr. & Mrs. Jay Marks James Matthews Dr. and Mrs. Malcolm Mazow Mr. & Mrs. Gene McDavid Charles E. McKerley Mr. & Mrs. Alexander K. McLanahan
Miss Catherine Jane Merchant Dr. & Mrs. Robert M. Mihalo Ron Mikita Katherine Taylor Mize Ione Moran Sidney Moran Sue A. Morrison and Children Mr. & Mrs. Richard P. Moynihan Gretchen Anne Myers Bobbie & Arthur Newman Mr. Dave B. Nussmann Edward C. Osterberg Jr. Joan D. Osterweil Imogen “Immy” Papadopoulos Sara M. Peterson Mr. Howard Pieper Geraldine S. Priest Daniel F. Prosser Gloria & Joe Pryzant Mrs. Dana Puddy Walter M. Ross Mr. & Mrs. Michael B. Sandeen Charles K. Sanders
Charles King Sanders Mr. & Mrs. Charles T. Seay II Mr. & Mrs. James A. Shaffer Dr. & Mrs. Kazuo Shimada Jule & Albert Smith Mr. & Mrs. Louis J. Snyder Mike & sAnita Stude Emily H. & David K. Terry Stephen G. Tipps Mr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor Dr. Carlos Vallbona & Children Margaret Waisman, M.D. & Steven S. Callahan, Ph.D. David M. Wax & Elaine Arden Cali Robert G. Weiner Geoffrey Westergaard Jennifer R. Wittman Mr. & Mrs. Bruce E. Woods Mr. & Mrs. David Wuthrich As of November 1, 2011 sDeceased
In Memoriam..................................................................................................... We honor the memory of those who in life included the Houston Symphony in their estate plans. Their thoughtfulness and generosity will continue to inspire and enrich lives for generations to come! Mr. Thomas D. Barrow W. P. Beard Mrs. H. Raymond Brannon Anthony Brigandi Lawrence E. Carlton, M.D. Mrs. Albert V. Caselli Lee Allen Clark Jack Ellis Mrs. Robin A. Elverson Frank R. Eyler
Helen Bess Fariss Foster Christine E. George Mrs. Marcella Levine Harris General & Mrs. Maurice Hirsch Miss Ima Hogg Burke & Octavia Holman Mrs. L. F. McCollum Joan B. McKerley Monroe L. Mendelsohn Jr. Mrs. Janet Moynihan
Constantine S. Nicandros Hanni Orton Stewart Orton, Legacy Society co-founder Dr. Michael Papadopoulos Miss Louise Pearl Perkins Walter W. Sapp, Legacy Society co-founder J. Fred & Alma Laws Lunsford Schultz Ms. Jean R. Sides
Robert Lee Gomez Philip and Audrey Lewis Gerald and Shirley Mathews Dave B. Nussmann Nina and Peter Peropoulos
Karen and Hank Rennar Holly S. Rubbo Jennifer Klein Salyer Susan Scarrow Paige and Rich Sommer
John K. & Fanny W. Stone Dorothy Barton Thomas Mrs. Harry C. Wiess Mrs. Edward Wilkerson
Chorus Endowment Donors........................................................................................... $500 or more
As of November 1, 2011
Anonymous Nadene and James Crain Paul and Vickie Davis Taylor Faulkner
Beth Anne Weidler & Stephen M. James Jennifer Young
In Kind Donors......................................................................................................... As of November 1, 2011
Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design Baker Botts L.L.P. Bergner & Johnson BKD, LLP Bright Star Classical 91.7 FM Cognetic Mr. Carl R. Cunningham
Darryl & Co. Deville Fine Jewelry DocuData Solutions The Events Company Foster Quan LLP Hilton Americas - Houston Houston Chronicle Jackson and Company JOHANNUS Organs of Texas Jim Benton of Houston LLC
The Lancaster Hotel Limb Design Martha Turner Properties Meera Buck Minuteman Press – Post Oak Music & Arts Neiman Marcus New Leaf Publishing, Inc. Nos Caves Vin PaperCity
Rice University Saint Arnold’s Brewery Shecky’s Media, Inc. Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods United Airlines Valobra Jewelry & Antiques John Wright/Texprint Yahama
December 2011 31
Backstage Pass. ................................................................................................. Mr. & Mrs. Alexander K. (Mike & Muffy) McLanahan, musician sponsors Birthplace & Education: Alexander (Mike) - Paris, France, December 11, 1925; St. Paul’s School, Concord New Hampshire; Yale, B.A., 1949.
Earliest musical memory: Alexander (Mike) - Hearing my mother play Gershwin, Ravel and Debussy on the piano All in the family: My mother was a superb amateur pianist, and Muffy was a fine pianist as a younger woman. Current listening: The CD player contains Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1, Ravel’s Piano Concertis and Adams’ Nixon in China. Looking forward to: The Rachmaninoff weekends (RachFest – January 2012) Favorite Symphony experience: We enjoy listening to the Houston Symphony’s performances of favorite composers. October’s performance of Daphnis and Chloe was superb! Pastime: As the former president of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, I enjoy art, tennis three times weekly, dove and quail hunting in the U.S. and Argentina. Becoming a Musician Sponsor: It’s been about 10-15 years. We admired Mr. VerMeulen’s artistry and long devotion to the Symphony and particularly enjoy meeting with him and his wife and discussing the orchestra and its role in Houston. Proud support: My wife and I have raised millions of dollars to keep the Symphony viable in our city. It’s essential that Houston have a great orchestra. Great music, superbly performed, is an integral part of life. Without it, Houston is no longer a city with a balanced quality of life. Pass it on: Without art and music, a city falls behind. It cannot attract serious people to live here, work and raise families here and prosper as an international center. 32 www.houstonsymphony.org
Birthplace & Education: Lake Forest, Illinois, a suburb 30 miles north of Chicago. I attended Northwestern University for college and won a professional position during my freshman year. Joined the Houston Symphony: I joined the orchestra in 1990. Looking forward to in the 20112012 Season: Without question, the return of Maestro Eschenbach and the Mahler 5th Symphony will be a highlight for me. Beginnings: I started piano at age 5, and started horn at age 10 in fifth grade band. I also sang throughout my musical upbringing. Earliest musical memory: Attending community orchestra rehearsals with my mother, who was a semi-professional cellist. My mother took me to her rehearsals, and since it was a community orchestra, I was allowed to sit within the orchestra and watch the players and parts. Everyone had so much fun, and the music was beautiful. In addition, I had an excellent piano teacher who gave me a solid foundation of skills and phrasing. Best thing about being a musician: In the right circumstances, there is the ability to express ourselves in a far deeper way than through verbal communication. It allows us to reach directly inside of our souls and hopefully touch others as well. Keeping your music making fresh: I revel in the miracle of the gorgeous sound of the horn with every note. I feel so blessed to be able to play an instrument with such satisfying tone colors. I never tire of a beautiful horn sound. Musical inspiration: For composers: the emotional complexity of Mahler, the simplicity of Mozart, the spiritual power of Bruckner, the creative genius of Beethoven, the harmonic beauty of late Richard Strauss. For musicians: I have been fortunate enough to become colleagues and perform with the world’s finest musicians, so I am constantly being nourished through their dedication and art. That being said, Christoph Eschenbach remains a mentor and inspires me by his complete devotion to music and its special place to advance humanity. Notable moments: Having a 22-year relationship with the Houston Symphony has afforded me a dream career. I now have a well diversified artistic life as a professor at Rice (we have the No. 1 horn studio in the country), a music publisher (VerMeulen Music, LLC, vermeulenmusic. com) and I travel about 12 weeks a year as a soloist and chamber musician (Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, among other presenters). My manager in New York helps with my bookings. This all is a result of a lot of hours of practice and the good fortune to have been named principal horn of this fine orchestra. For my personal life, the birth of my two fabulous children, Michael and Nicole, and my marriage to my beautiful wife, Sylvia, continue to ground me and remain ongoing highlights. Pastime and good company: I have a real passion for cooking, so in the few minutes I have between practice, teaching, publishing, performing and spending time with my family, you will find me in my state-of-the-art kitchen trying out different cooking techniques and cuisines. We usually entertain friends for dinner a couple of nights a week. It is like another performance, and the result is in the taste.
Eric Arbiter
Selena Garza at PWL Studio
Joined the Houston Symphony: Alexander (Mike) has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 1972, served as Board Chairman for four years and is now a Life Trustee. He received the Stewart Orton Golden Baton Award in 2006. Muffy has been fundraising for the Symphony for more than 58 years, starting in 1953. She was on the Board of Trustees prior to Alexander (Mike) and chaired the Annual Fund for three years. She has hosted lectures in their home for up-coming Houston Symphony concerts, started the Junior Patrons program, chaired a “Painting to Music” program in HISD schools and was a member of the Houston Symphony League.
William VerMeulen, principal horn