ou r per fect season is in
Your hands 2014 –201 5
o u r s e a s o n wa s
orchestr ated for someon e v ery speci a l ‌
You Photo: William Mahone
Welcome to the 2014–15 season of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, In Nature’s Realm. The RSO is celebrating the natural beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge through performances of great music of the past and present—a spectacular array of colorful programs. From Mahler’s imagined birdcalls to the real outdoors in Elmwood Park’s new amphitheater, the season is full of variety and excitement. I invite you to experience as many of these live performances as you can—together as a community—relaxing and re-connecting. Programs include great works of masters like Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Schumann, and Beethoven; contemporary music from composing legend John Williams and Broadway icons Rodgers & Hammerstein; plus a world premiere commission that celebrates our region’s mountain heritage by Roanoke’s own fiddler and mandolinist Jeff Midkiff. The entire season offers many choices for our growing audience. Speaking of choices, our new subscription options will put our season in your hands. We’re now offering you the freedom and flexibility to be your own program director. You choose the concerts that appeal to you and your schedule—or you can take it all with the “Max” subscription. Our new approach also allows you to choose the payment option that suits you best. Take a look inside, and I’ll look forward to seeing you soon at the Symphony!
David Stewart Wiley, Music Director & Conductor Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
per month
Join the Basic Membership and get as many Masterworks and Pops as you like! Just $9 per month locks-in your Bronze seating ($19 per month for Bronze-plus). Auto Renews. Cancel anytime.
The BASIC Membership
choose
Silver
Gold
29 39 49
$ $ $
Platinum
per month
5 months
Pick any FIVE concerts, then choose a seating section. You’ll enjoy your custom-built season of RSO! Use your credit card for five monthly payments or pay in full and save 10%. Available as long as at least five concerts remain.
S y m p h o n y-t o -t h e - m a x
$
RS o C h o i c e
Basic membership
9
starting at
starting at
278
$
t o t a l for all 12 RSO Subscrip t ion Concerts
Get “Symphony-to-theMax” with this total season ticket. Choose convenient monthly installments starting at $29 per month for 12 months, or pay in full with “one-pay” and save 20%. $278 to $470. Available only until August 22, 2014.
symphony to-the-max
your choice subscription
Masterworks Pops Destination
Photo: Jared Hall
Create your own subscription online at
rso.com/mytickets | 540.343.9127
own cr eate your
master piece
Roan o k e Sym ph o ny O rch estr a
Season Calendar 2014–2015 August September October Pops Silver Screen Classics: Spotlight on John Williams! Sun, August 24, 2014 | 3:00 PM Elmwood Park Amphitheater Special Guests: Plastic Musik Roanoke Symphony Orchestra David Stewart Wiley, Conductor We’ll bring to Elmwood Park the exciting music of The Emperor Strikes Back, Born on the 4th of July, The Patriot, Harry Potter, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Apollo 13, Star Trek, Gone With the Wind — and more.
d e s t i n at i o n The Classical Connection: From Baroque to Billy Joel Sun, September 21, 2014 | 2:00 PM Vinton War Memorial David Stewart Wiley, Piano Julee Hickcox, Flute John Smith, Bass Al Wojtera, Drums This David Stewart Wiley quartet program includes Baroque, Classical, Jazz, and Contemporary popular music.
masterworks In Nature’s Realm: Elizabeth Futral & the RSO Sun, October 5, 2014 | 3:00 PM Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre Elizabeth Futral, Soprano Roanoke Symphony Orchestra David Stewart Wiley, Conductor
Overture to Beethoven Egmont Barber
Knoxville, Summer of 1915
Mahler
Symphony No. 4 in G Major
*Single tickets on sale July 24, 2014
Henry Street Heritage Festival Sat, September 20, 2014 | 2:00 PM Elmwood Park Amphitheater Jane Powell & Trio RSO Strings & Maestro Wiley Contact: 540.857.4395 or harrisonmuseum.com
January
February
March
d e s t i n at i o n
masterworks
d e s t i n at i o n
Buy tickets for amphitheater seating. Free access to the lawn behind the amphitheater will also be available on concert day.
Sister Duo: To Broadway and Beyond Sat, January 31, 2015 | 6:00 PM Mill Mountain Theatre Trinkle Main Stage Adelaide Trombetta & Wendy Muir, Sopranos Tracy Cowden & David Stewart Wiley, Keyboards This high-energy program at Mill Mountain Theatre takes you to Broadway and beyond with the spectacular voices, infectious personalities, and fast-paced song and tap routines of sisters Adelaide and Wendy.
Tchaikovsky’s Romantic First Sun, February 15, 2015 | 3:00 PM Mon, February 16, 2015 | 7:30 PM Shaftman Performance Hall at Jefferson Center Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Tanya Gabrielian, Piano David Stewart Wiley, Conductor Mozart
Symphony No. 36 in C, Linz
Williams
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op 23
Single
Behind the Silence: Remembering the Holocaust Sun, March 15, 2015 | 4:00 PM duPont Chapel at Hollins University Roanoke Symphony Virtuosi Ensemble Judith Cline, Soprano & Narrator David Stewart Wiley Conductor & Host In collaboration with Hollins University, the RSO presents a moving tribute to the music and art that survived the Holocaust and to the musicians and artists — those who survived and those who did not. Behind the barbed wire and the behind the silence of the world, imprisoned Jews of the Holocaust created art and made music.
ON S a l e :
Create Your Own: July 1, 2014 | Single Tickets: August 25, 2014* www.rso.com | 540.343.9127 e tickets from $32 to $52 for most concerts. Some Pops table tickets, higher.
November
December
masterworks Beethoven & Midkiff Pastorale Sun, November 9, 2014 | 3:00 PM Mon, November 10, 2014 | 7:30 PM Shaftman Performance Hall at Jefferson Center Akemi Takayama, Violin Jeff Midkiff, Mandolin David Stewart Wiley, Conductor Bizet Farandole from L’Arlesienne Midkiff
Double Concerto for Mandolin, Violin, and Orchestra
Beethoven
Symphony No. 6 in F Major “Pastorale”
Pops Holiday Pops: Home For The Holidays Fri, December 5, 2014 | 7:30 PM Salem Civic Center Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Ariana Wyatt, Soprano Roanoke Symphony Chorus John Hugo, Chorus Master Virginia Tech Concert Choir Dwight Bigler, Director Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir Kimberly Davidson, Director David Stewart Wiley, Conductor With over 200 singers, star soprano Ariana Wyatt, full orchestra conducted by Maestro Wiley, we hope you’ll choose to be a part of the RSO’s holiday concert tradition!
April Masterworks Spring Symphony & Chorus Sun, April 12, 2015 | 3:00 PM Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Roanoke Symphony Chorus & Guest Choruses John Hugo, Chorus Master Leah Marer Wiley, Soprano Powell M. Leitch, Baritone David Stewart Wiley, Conductor Schumann
Symphony No. 1 in B-Flat Major, Spring
Faure
Requiem in D minor Op. 48 in F Major Pastorale
Extra event Christmas Messiah & More Thurs, December 11, 2014 | 7:00 PM Shaftman Performance Hall at Jefferson Center Roanoke Symphony Baroque Orchestra Roanoke Symphony Chorus Amy Williamson, Soprano Leah Melfi, Alto Scott Williamson, Tenor David Stewart Wiley, Conductor Hear the Roanoke Symphony Baroque Orchestra and outstanding Roanoke vocalists Amy Williamson, Leah Melfi and Scott Williamson in the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah and Hallelujah Chorus.
May Pops
Rodgers & Hammerstein Broadway Celebration Fri, April 17, 2015 | 7:30 PM Salem Civic Center Broadway Stars Mandy Gonzalez Jennifer Hope Wills Rob Gallagher Jeremiah James For the first time, the RSO presents four amazing Broadway stars together on stage with David Stewart Wiley and the Roanoke Symphony Pops Orchestra. Musical selections will come from from Carousel, Sound of Music, Oklahoma, South Pacific and many other Broadway hits.
d e s t i n at i o n RSO Solo Showcase Sat, May 9, 2015 | 6:00 PM Calvary Baptist Church, Roanoke William Parrish, Jr., Oboe Kathleen Overfield-Zook, Viola Kelley Mikkelsen, Cello Tracy Cowden, Piano Hear RSO musicians in solos, duets, trios and quartets at this Saturday Destination performance. RSO Principals William Parrish, Jr., Kathleen Overfield-Zook, Kelley Mikkelsen, and Tracy Cowden perform music by Baroque and Classical masters in the beautiful and resonant acoustics of Calvary Baptist Church. Musicians will also be available to “meet & greet” following the concert.
The classical con n ect ion:
From Baroque to
Bi l l Jo el A Kr oge r D e st in a t ion C on ce r t Sunday, August 24, 2014 | 3:00 PM Elmwood Park Amphitheater, Roanoke Special Guests: Plastic Musik Roanoke Symphony Orchestra David Stewart Wiley, Conductor Buy tickets for amphitheater seating. Free access to the lawn behind the amphitheater will also be available on concert day.
We proudly present our first ever Picnic at the Pops on a Sunday afternoon at Elmwood Park! Maestro David Stewart Wiley serves as conductor and host as we celebrate the greatest film scores for full symphony by acclaimed film composer John Williams. We’ll bring to Elmwood Park the exciting music of The Emperor Strikes Back, Born on the 4th of July, The Patriot, Harry Potter, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Apollo 13, Star Trek, Gone With the Wind — and more. Gather your friends and family and join us at this great new venue, with a program that is sure to please audiences of all ages. As a special bonus, guest percussion virtuosos Plastic Musik will perform astounding musical feats with the RSO.
Su nd ay Br u nc h i n
V i n t o n Sunday, September 21, 2014 | 2:00 PM Vinton War Memorial David Stewart Wiley, Piano Julee Hickcox, Flute John Smith, Bass Al Wojtera, Drums
This high-energy Sunday Brunch with the David Stewart Wiley Quartet includes repertoire from the baroque, classical, jazz, and contemporary popular music. Did you know that Procul Harem’s A Whiter Shade of Pale is adapted from Bach’s Air on the G-String and that Peter De Rose’s 1939 The Lamp is Low is taken from Ravel’s Pavane … Jethro Tull’s Jazzy Bouree began as a familiar Baroque masterpiece? We’ll explore these, and the classical roots of more popular music, with The Classical Connection: From Baroque to Billy Joel at the elegant Vinton War Memorial.
Pops
D e s t i n at i o n
in nature’s realM:
Elizabeth Futral & t h e RSO
b e e t h ov e n &
m i d k i f f Sunday, October 5, 2014 | 3:00 PM Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre Elizabeth Futral, Soprano Roanoke Symphony Orchestra David Stewart Wiley, Conductor
Our opening masterworks concert of the season features world-renowned soprano and recording artist Elizabeth Futral and the RSO performing Mahler’s poetic and colorful Fourth Symphony and Samuel Barber’s picturesque Knoxville, Summer of 1915. Join us in “nature’s realm” with these two spectacular 20th Century works for large orchestra and soprano. The RSO opens the new season with Beethoven’s powerful and equally expressive Egmont Overture. Beethoven
Overture to Egmont
Barber
Knoxville, Summer of 1915
Mahler
Symphony No. 4 in G Major
Pastorale Sunday, November 9, 2014 | 3:00 PM Monday, November 10, 2014 | 7:30 PM Shaftman Performance Hall at Jefferson Center Akemi Takayama, Violin Jeff Midkiff, Mandolin Roanoke Symphony Orchestra David Stewart Wiley, Conductor
Beethoven’s pastoral symphony paints the composer's picture of the countryside — scenes along a brook, a village dance, a fierce storm and the celebration that follows. We'll also celebrate the mountain traditions and pastoral beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge with a new concerto for violin and mandolin by virtuoso Jeff Midkiff. Hear the relevancy of Beethoven and the classic beauty of Midkiff's new concerto! Bizet
Farandole from L’Arlesienne
Midkiff
Double Concerto for Mandolin, Violin, and Orchestra
[a world premiere commission from the RSO]
Beethoven Symphony No. 6 in F Major “Pastorale” On tour: November 11, 2014 | 7:30 PM Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech
masterworks
masterworks
c h r i s t m a s
Holiday Messiah
2014
POPS
& More
Home for the
Holidays Friday, December 5, 2014 | 7:30 PM Salem Civic Center Roanoke Symphony Orchestra David Stewart Wiley, Conductor Ariana Wyatt, Soprano Roanoke Symphony Chorus John Hugo, Chorus Master Virginia Tech Concert Choir Dwight Bigler, Director Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir Kimberly Davidson, Director
Our Holiday Pops just keeps getting bigger and better. With over 200 singers, star Soprano Ariana Wyatt, full orchestra conducted by Maestro Wiley, and a history of huge audiences, we hope you’ll choose to be a part of the RSO’s holiday concert tradition! Hear heartwarming musical selections, a few holiday surprises, and show-stopping musical numbers in the spirit of the season!
Thursday, December 11, 2014 | 7:00 PM Shaftman Performance Hall Jefferson Center Roanoke Symphony Baroque Orchestra David Stewart Wiley, Conductor Roanoke Symphony Chorus Amy Williamson, Soprano Leah Melfi, Alto Scott Williamson, Tenor
Hear the Roanoke Symphony Baroque Orchestra and outstanding Roanoke vocalists Amy Williamson, Leah Melfi and Scott Williamson in the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah and Hallelujah Chorus. Plus, the orchestra performs Karl Jenkins’ familiar Palladio and C.P.E. Bach’s Symphony for strings — in celebration of the composer’s 300th birthday anniversary.
On tour: December 6, 2014 | 4:00 PM Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech On tour: December 7, 2014 | 7:00 PM Martinsville H.S. — piedmontarts.org
Pops
extra event
Tchaikovsky’s
Romantic
First A K r oge r D e st in at ion C on ce r t
sist er
duo :
To Broadway and Beyond Saturday, January 31, 2015 | 6:00 PM Mill Mountain Theatre— Trinkle Main Stage Adelaide Trombetta & Wendy Muir, Sopranos Tracy Cowden & David Stewart Wiley, Keyboards
This high-energy Destination program at Mill Mountain Theatre takes you to Broadway and beyond with the spectacular voices, infectious personalities, and fast-paced song and tap routines of sisters Adelaide and Wendy. Hear favorites from Wicked, Spamalot, West Side Story, Peter Pan, Into the Woods, and the Great American Songbook... all accompanied by Tracy Cowden and Maestro Wiley at the keys. We couldn’t think of a better place for this program of Broadway solos and duets — join us in the Wells Fargo Auditorium of Trinkle Main Stage at Mill Mountain Theatre.
Sunday, February 15, 2015 | 3:00 PM Monday, February 16, 2015 | 7:30 PM Shaftman Performance Hall Jefferson Center Tanya Gabrielian, Piano Roanoke Symphony Orchestra David Stewart Wiley, Conductor
The brilliant, young Armenian-American pianist Tanya Gabrielian rose to international acclaim with first-place prizes from the Aram Khachaturian and Scottish International piano competitions, and is the recipient of the Pro Musicis International Award, among others. Gabrielian performs Tchaikovsky’s romantic and exhilarating first piano concerto in her RSO debut. In this program of wide appeal, maestro Wiley has also programmed the great Linz Symphony by Mozart (composed for the city of the same name), and the hauntingly lovely Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis by English composer Ralph Vaughn Williams. Mozart Symphony No. 36 in C, “Linz” Williams
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Tchaikovsky
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op 23
On tour: February 17, 2015 | 7:30 PM Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech
D e s t i n at i o n
masterworks
Spring SYMPHONY AND
CHORUS
A K r oge r D e st in at ion C on ce r t Sunday, March 15, 2015 | 4:00 PM duPont Chapel at Hollins University Judith Cline, Soprano & Narrator Roanoke Symphony Virtuosi Ensemble David Stewart Wiley, Conductor & Host
In collaboration with Hollins University, the RSO presents a moving tribute to the music and art that survived the Holocaust and to the musicians and artists — those who survived and those who did not. Behind the barbed wire and the behind the silence of the world, imprisoned Jews of the Holocaust created art and made music. The Roanoke Symphony Virtuosi Ensemble and Maestro Wiley, along with soprano and narrator Dr. Judith Cline, will perform timeless music by J.S. Bach, Mozart, Puccini, and Jewish composers Klein, Schulhoff, Ullman, and others. A powerful visual presentation accompanies the music in this one hour program.
“ People who never lived here will learn of the number of musical events performed in Teresienstadt with wonder & amazement.” –Gideon Klein, prisoner at Teresienstadt
Additional sponsorship from Roanoke Jewish Federation
D e s t i n at i o n
Sunday, April 12, 2015 | 3:00 PM Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre Roanoke Symphony Orchestra David Stewart Wiley, Conductor Roanoke Symphony Chorus & Guest Choruses John Hugo, Chorus Master Leah Marer Wiley, Soprano Powell M. Leitch, Baritone
Celebrate the arrival of spring with Robert Schumann’s lovely masterpiece, one of the great romantic era symphonies — his first. After intermission, the RSO and choruses perform Gabriel Faure’s enchanting Requiem; full of soaring choruses, ethereal solos, and lush symphonic texture. It’s a colorful and uplifting Sunday afternoon program — just in time for the budding of spring! Schumann Symphony No. 1 in B-Flat Major, Spring Faure
Requiem in D minor, Op. 48
masterworks
Rogers and Hammerstein
Celebration
RSO SOLO
showcase A Kr oge r D e st in a t ion C on ce r t
Friday, April 17, 2015 | 7:30 PM Salem Civic Center
Saturday, May 9, 2015 | 6:00 PM Calvary Baptist Church, Roanoke
Broadway Stars: Mandy Gonzalez Rob Gallagher Jennifer Hope Wills Jeremiah James
William Parrish, Jr., Oboe Kathleen Overfield-Zook, Viola Kelley Mikkelsen, Cello Tracy Cowden, Piano
Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
For the first time, the RSO presents four amazing Broadway stars together on stage with David Stewart Wiley and the Roanoke Symphony Pops Orchestra. Musical selections will come from from Carousel, Sound of Music, Oklahoma, South Pacific and many other Broadway hits. Current Broadway stars Mandy Gonzalez, Rob Gallagher, Jeremiah James, and Jennifer Hope Wills sing, work the stage, and share stories about their active careers on Broadway. This is a show for ages 8 to 98. We celebrate the great collaboration of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein in our Picnic at the Pops season finale.
POPS
Hear RSO musicians in solos, duets, trios and quartets at this Saturday, Destination performance. RSO Principals William P. Parrish, Kathleen Overfield-Zook, Kelley Mikkelsen, and Tracy Cowden perform music by Baroque and Classical masters in the beautiful and resonant acoustics of Calvary Baptist Church. Don’t miss this special opportunity. Musicians will also be available to “meet & greet” following the concert.
D e s t i n at i o n
LIVE IN THE NRV?
Hear the RSO at the Moss Center.
Beethoven & Midkiff Pastorale in November, Holiday Pops in December, and Tchaikovsky's Romantic First in February. Contact the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech for tickets and information. www.artscenter.vt.edu or 540.231.5300. Learn about the New River Valley Friends of the RSO: rso.com/NRV.
THE
Green Room 128 E ast C am pb ell Aven u e | Roanoke 24011 In addition to subscription concerts at concert halls and other venues, the RSO offers a range of performances and learning opportunities in The Green Room. Most RSO events in The Green Room are free or “Name Your Own Price.” Located at the corner of Campbell Avenue and Williamson Road, The Green Room is the focal point of the RSO’s downtown location. Performance series have included [Musical] Art By Night, Brown Bag lectures, and Saturday Sounds! for young audiences. Meet us in The Green Room for music, learning, and fun in the rhythm of Roanoke’s downtown city center. For upcoming program information, visit rso.com/thegreenroom or call 540.343.9127. Sponsored by
Photo: Jared Hall
R S O I n - S choo l E nsembl es These fun and informative programs educate and entertain! Programs correlate to Standards of Learning and enrich students’ K–12 curriculum in the Roanoke Valley schools. Programs have included Rhythms Around the World, The Wright Kids Wrock, America's Got Music, and in-school visits from Maestro David Stewart Wiley.
A fter - S choo l V io l in I nstr u ction In partnership with local school systems, the RSO’s after-school violin instruction affords students access to group lessons using a proven method with trained instructors.
R oano k e Yo u th S ymphony Since 1955 the Roanoke Youth Symphony (RYS) has provided professional orchestra training and performance experience for young musicians in southwest Virginia. The RYS includes: Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Strings, String Ensemble, and Flute Ensemble. Visit rso.com/education for more information.
roa nok e you t h sy m phon y concerts RYS String Ensemble
RYS orchestra
Young Artist Awards
String Ensemble Fall Concert Sat., December 6, 2014 | 2:00 pm Taubmann Museum of Art Free admission
RYSO Fall Concert Sun., November 23, 2014 | 3:00 pm Covington Center, Radford University
Sat., March 21, 2015 | 6:30 p.m. St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church Roanoke
String Ensemble Spring Concert Taubman Museum of Art Sat., March 7, 2015 | 2:00 pm Free admission
RYSO Spring Concert Sun., May 3, 2015 | 3:00 pm Shaftman Performance Hall at Jefferson Center $5 at the door
special concert event
Water Music! Sunday, January 25, 2015 | 4:00 PM Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre Tickets: $10 | Children 12 & under: $5 Roanoke Symphony Orchestra members Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra James Glazebrook, RYSO Director David Stewart Wiley, Conductor, Narrator, Pianist
Come hear and see over 125 musicians performing some of the greatest orchestral music inspired by the sound and movement of water, from Handel’s Water Music to Duke Ellington’s music from The River. You’ll also hear Britten’s Guide — the perfect introduction or re-introduction to the mighty symphony orchestra — plus an American classic by Richard Rodgers.
Program Includes: G.F. Handel Hornpipe from Water Music Britten Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra Dvorak The Water Goblin Richard Rodgers Victory at Sea Symphonic Suite Duke Ellington Giggling Rapids from The River [in honor of Black History Month]
Education
Photo: Jared Hall
RSO Gifts We are successful in fulfilling this mission only with the support of our community. Join the growing list of RSO supporters by making a tax-deductible contribution. No gift is too large or too small! RSO contributors enjoy a range of benefits including special events tailored for the donor, private recitals, concert dedications, priority parking, receptions, and open rehearsal invitations. To learn more about making a contribution to the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, including planned gifts or bequests, please contact our Development Department at 540.343.6221 extension 225, or visit rso.com/give.
media Get connected
Interact, connect, and learn through KeyNotes, audio podcasts, and social media.
facebook | facebook.com/RoanokeSymphony Find behind the scenes photos, news & updates, and special promotions at the RSO’s facebook page. twitter |
twitter.com/RoanokeSymphony Follow us on twitter for current information.
audio podcasts | rso.com/podcast Our audio podcast series takes you “Inside the Music” with David Stewart Wiley and host Steve Brown as they explore each RSO Masterworks program. keynotes
Join Maestro Wiley and noted guests for these half-hour discussions from the stage beginning one hour prior to each Concert Hall Masterworks concert. Free to concert ticket holders.
media partners
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mission: e n r i c h l i ve s , e d u c at e & entertain diverse audiences in western virginia
Photo: Jared Hall
128 E. Campbell Ave Roanoke, VA 24011-1406
www.rso.com | 540.343.9127
Sponsors The RSO also receives support from: City of Roanoke, City of Salem, National Endowment for the Arts, Roanoke County, and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
1-800-steemer