Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
15–16 Season Oct 29 | 7:30 PM Season sponsor
about tonight’s program
Video game music has grown increasingly popular in the last few years. Music plays an integral role in today’s games, enhancing players’ overall experiences. While still a growing market, video game soundtracks are now sold in major outlets and include a variety of genres such as rock, hip-hop, electronica, classical compositions, and songs performed by popular artists. The FINAL FANTASY soundtracks, which are original compositions, have grown so popular that TIME magazine named series composer Nobuo Uematsu a notable “Innovator” in its recent “Time 100: the Next Wave Music” feature. Square Enix, the game developers behind the franchise, has been a pioneer in creating awareness and appreciation of not only its own musical creations, but also video game music throughout the industry.
about FINAL FANTASY
Since the release of FINAL FANTASY in 1987, this unique role-playing video game series continues to showcase the spectacular visuals, highly imaginative worlds, and rich stories leading the industry and earning the highest accolades from users around the world. Titles of the series have so far achieved a cumulative shipment of more than 100 million units worldwide. Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY appears by exclusive arrangement with Columbia Artists Management, LLC. 1790 Broadway, New York, NY, 10019 | Tim Fox, President | 212-841-9571
Share your photos tonight with #RPOFinalFantasy
Join us again for the holidays!
Home Alone Sat, dec 1 2 | 7 PM
Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre Experience this holiday favorite as never before, on the big screen with live orchestral accompaniment! Save 20% with promo code GAMING, now through November 6 *Not valid on prior purchases. Cannot be combined with other offers. © 1990 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Home Alone – Film with Live Orchestra produced by IMG Artists, LLC and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.
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OCT 29 7:30 pm
KODAK HALL AT EASTMAN THEATRE
Music by Nobuo Uematsu Arnie Roth, guest conductor Susan Calloway, vocal soloist Madrigalia, chorus Cary Ratcliff, director
Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY
THU
FINAL FANTASY SERIES: Prelude FINAL FANTASY VIII: Liberi Fatali FINAL FANTASY SERIES: Victory Theme FINAL FANTASY VI: Character Theme Medley FINAL FANTASY IX: Roses of May FINAL FANTASY V: Main Theme FINAL FANTASY XII: Kiss Me Good-bye FINAL FANTASY VIII: The Man With The Machine Gun FINAL FANTASY X: Hymn of the Fayth FINAL FANTASY X: Zanarkand FINAL FANTASY SERIES: Chocobo Medley 2012
Intermission FINAL FANTASY SERIES: Battle & Victory Theme Medley FINAL FANTASY VIII: Eyes On Me FINAL FANTASY XI: Ronfaure FINAL FANTASY XIII: Blinded by Light FINAL FANTASY III: DS Opening FINAL FANTASY IV: Battle with The Four Fiends FINAL FANTASY VII: JENOVA COMPLETE FINAL FANTASY XIV: Answers FINAL FANTASY SERIES: Main Theme Join us on the orchestra level immediately after the concert for a panel discussion with Arnie Roth (guest conductor) Susan Calloway (vocal soloist) Shannon Symonds (associate curator, International Center for the History of Electronic Games at The Strong) Akinoni Nakamura (visiting scholar at The Strong; professor at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan) Stephen Jacobs (professor, School of Interactive Games and Media at RIT; associate director, RIT MAGIC Center) Season sponsor Promotional Partner: FINAL FANTASY is a registered trademark of SQUARE ENIX Group Co., Ltd. media sponsors: We kindly ask you to please silence all cellphones and electronic devices. Also, please note that photography and video recordings are prohibited during the performance.
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Roth calloway
Arnie Roth, guest conductor
Grammy Award-winning artist Arnie Roth is known for his work with artists such as Il Divo, Diana Ross, Jewel, The Irish Tenors, Charlotte Church, Peter Cetera, and Dennis DeYoung. Roth has conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Dallas Symphony, the Houston Symphony, the BBC Symphony, the Czech National Chamber Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, the San Diego Symphony, the Winnipeg Symphony, the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, the Detroit Symphony, the Ravinia Festival Orchestra, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tokyo Philharmonic, and the Sydney Symphony. This is his first appearance with the RPO. Roth is well known in the world of video game music for his work with Nobuo Uematsu and Square Enix as music director and conductor of “Dear Friends: music from FINAL FANTASY,” “More Friends: music from FINAL FANTASY,” “VOICES: music from FINAL FANTASY,” as well as his role as music director and conductor of “PLAY! A Video Game Symphony.” He was the winner of the Best Score Award at the 2003 DVD Premier Awards for the film Barbie™ as Rapunzel, and was nominated for an Emmy in 2007 for his original song, Shine, from the movie Barbie™ in The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Roth also has produced dozens of bestselling CDs. www.awrmusic.com
Susan Calloway, vocal soloist
A classically trained musician, vocalist Susan Calloway also is an award-winning pop singer and songwriter. Several years ago, her commanding voice caught the attention of Grammy Award-winning conductor Arnie Roth and celebrated FINAL FANTASY composer Nobuo Uematsu. Strongly believing her vocals would complement the music from the video game franchise, she was asked to join the tour of “Distant Worlds I: Music from FINAL FANTASY,” where she performed Memoro De La Stona. She returned on “Distant Worlds II: Music From FINAL FANTASY” to perform Melodies of Life, Suteki Da Ne, and Kiss Me Goodbye. Uematsu then asked Calloway to sing Answers, a new theme song written for FINAL FANTASY XIV. More recently, she debuted Dragonsong for the FFXIV Extension game. Now a familiar and celebrated addition to the “Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY World Tour,” Calloway joins many of the concerts as the featured soloist. This is her first appearance with the RPO. Calloway also is known online for her inspirational blogs and social media posts, a fitting extension of her passionate and catchy songwriting. With more than one million website visits and thousands of followers, she is currently in the studio working on a second CD with Grammy Award-winning producer, Gerard Smerek, best known for his work with Aretha Franklin, Bob Seger, One Republic, and Natalie Merchant. www.susancalloway.com 4
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Ratcliff
Madrigalia, chorus
Cary Ratcliff, artistic director Madrigalia, now celebrating its 40th concert season, delights audiences with its beauty of sound and artistic excellence. The 20-member ensemble of highly skilled vocalists presents unique and challenging programs of choral music built around intriguing themes. They draw from all times and places, spanning the riches of classic choral styles, the vast range of compelling music being written in our time, and the intriguing musical expressions of cultures throughout the world. Madrigalia promotes the appreciation of choral singing to diverse audiences through performances, recordings, broadcasts, outreach, and the commissioning of new music. Their last appearance with the RPO was in December 1996. Artistic Director Cary Ratcliff is now in his third season with Madrigalia. Under his direction the chorus has released two CD recordings: For Better, For Worse: Music About Marriage, and On This Day Earth Shall Ring. The chorus also contributed to the recording of Ratcliff’s large-scale opera Eleni. Known as a composer of choral, orchestral, chamber music, art song, and opera, Ratcliff also plays keyboards with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and is music director at Bethany Presbyterian Church. His latest release, on the harmonia mundi label, features his oratorio, Ode to Common Things. His music is published by G. Schirmer and Boosey and Hawkes. Soprano Glenda Brayman Jackie Castiglia Juli Elliot Beth Fischer Karen Hospers Kristen Mellema Brenda Tremblay Heather Watras
Tenor Jason Cloen Justin Doyle Michael Gehl Dan McInerney Don Reaves Scott Reinholz Dennis Rosenbaum Jeff Tabor
Alto Katherine Dupra Dede Holmes Mary Mowers Brenda Nitsch Ann Rhody Darlene Simmons Tara Switzer Dawn Yehl
Bass Joe Borrelli Matthew Cali Eric Hauck Joe Finetti Miles Ludek John Messenger Steve Miller Cary Ratcliff
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First Violin Juliana Athayde, Concertmaster
The Caroline W. Gannett & Clayla Ward Chair, Funded in perpetuity
Wilfredo Deglรกns, Associate Concertmaster Shannon Nance, Assistant Concertmaster Perrin Yang Supported in part this season by Charles & Cindy Gibson
Tigran Vardanyan Ellen Rathjen Thomas Rodgers
Aika Ito William Hunt Kenneth Langley Molly Werts McDonald Jeremy Hill An-Chi Lin Margaret Leenhouts
2015-16 Season
The Orchestra
Supported in part this season by Kitty J. Wise
Second Violin Daryl Perlo, Acting Principal Patricia Sunwoo, Acting Assistant Principal John Sullivan Lara Sipols Nancy Hunt Boris Zapesochny Liana Koteva Kirvan Heidi Brodwin Ainur Zabenova Hee Sagong Ji-Yeon Lee Jing Xing Viola Melissa Matson, Principal Supported in part this season by John & Carol Bennett
Marc Anderson, Acting Assistant Principal Elizabeth Seka Olita Povero Olivia Chew David Hult Samantha Rodriguez Matthew Hettinga Kelsey Farr Cello Ahrim Kim, Principal
Bass Colin Corner, Principal*
The Anne Hayden McQuay Chair Funded in perpetuity
* On Leave + Full-time faculty at the Eastman School of Music ~ Eastman School of Music Orchestra Studies Diploma Intern
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The Cricket and Frank Luellen Chair Funded in perpetuity
Michael Griffin, Acting Principal Gaelen McCormick, Acting Assistant Principal Edward Castilano Fred Dole Jeff Campbell + Eric Polenik
Jonathan Dozois, Acting Assistant Principal Maura McCune Corvington David Angus
Kieran Hanlon Spencer Jensen ~
The Elaine P. Wilson Chair
Supported in part this season by Duane & Ida Miller
FLUTE Rebecca Gilbert, Principal
The Charlotte Whitney Allen Chair Funded in perpetuity
Joanna Bassett
Supported in part this season by Josephine Trubek
Jan Angus+ Diane Smith
PICCOLO Joanna Bassett Jan Angus+ OBOE Erik Behr, Principal
The Dr. Jacques M. Lipson Chair Funded in perpetuity
Anna Steltenpohl Geoffrey Sanford ENGLISH HORN Anna Steltenpohl
CLARINET Kenneth Grant,+ Principal The Robert J. Strasenburgh Chair Funded in perpetuity
William Amsel Andrew Brown Alice Meyer
E-FLAT CLARINET William Amsel BASS CLARINET Andrew Brown SAXOPHONE
The Clara and Edwin Strasenburgh Chair Ramon Ricker Funded in perpetuity Supported in part this season Kathleen Murphy Kemp, by Jeff & Sue Crane Assistant Principal Supported in part this season by Elizabeth & Larry Rice BASSOON
Lars Kirvan Christopher Haritatos Mary Ann Wukovitz Ben Krug Andrew Barnhart Ingrid Bock
HORN W. Peter Kurau,+ Principal
Matthew McDonald, Principal The Ron and Donna Fielding Chair Funded in perpetuity
Charles Bailey Martha Sholl
CONTRA-BASSOON Charles Bailey
Supported in part this season by Kathy & John Purcell
Stephen Laifer
TRUMPET Douglas Prosser,+ Principal Wesley Nance Herbert Smith Paul Shewan
TROMBONE Mark Kellogg,+ Principal The Austin E. Hildebrandt Chair Funded in perpetuity
Lisa Albrecht Jeffrey Gray
BASS TROMBONE Jeffrey Gray TUBA W. Craig Sutherland, Principal Supported in part this season by Rob W. Goodling
TIMPANI Charles Ross, Principal
The Harold and Joan Feinbloom Chair Funded in perpetuity
Jim Tiller, Assistant Principal PERCUSSION Jim Tiller, Principal The Marie-Merrill and George M. Ewing Chair Funded in perpetuity
Brian Stotz John McNeill
Supported in part this season by Bill & Ruth Cahn
Robert Patterson Jillian Pritchard Fiandach HARP Grace Wong, Principal
The Eileen Malone Chair, A Tribute by Mr. and Mrs. Harcourt M. Sylvester Funded in perpetuity
Barbara Dechario
KEYBOARD Joseph Werner, Principal The Lois P. Lines Chair Funded in perpetuity
Cary Ratcliff
PERSONNEL MANAGER Joseph Werner PRINCIPAL LIBRARIAN Kim Hartquist Production Crew David Zaccaria, Stage Manager Deirdre Street, Assistant Stage Manager
Erich Camping
Since its founding by George Eastman in 1922, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music. Currently in its 93rd year, the RPO is dedicated to maintaining its high standard of artistic excellence, unique tradition of musical versatility, and deep commitment to education and community engagement. Today, the RPO presents up to 130 concerts per year, serving nearly 170,000 people through ticketed events, education and community engagement activities, and concerts in schools and community centers throughout the region. RPO concerts are rebroadcast on WXXI 91.5 FM. For more information about the RPO, visit rpo.org.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TICKETS: The Eastman Theatre Box Office is located at 433 East Main St., downtown Rochester. The Box Office is open Mon-Sat, 10AM-5PM; 10AM-3PM on non-concert Saturdays; and 60 minutes prior to performances and through intermission. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 585-454-2100 or online through rpo.org; tickets for select performances are also available at Wegmans. Discounts are available for groups of 10+. Call 585-454-2100. PARKING: Paid parking for Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre is available at the East End Garage, located next to the theatre with entrances on Main, Scio, and Swan Streets. SERVICES FOR PATRONS WITH DISABILITIES: Wheelchair locations and seating for those with disabilities are available at all venues; please see the house manager or an usher for assistance. Elevators are located in the oval lobby of Kodak Hall and in the East Wing. A wheelchair-accessible restroom is available on the first floor. SERVICES FOR HARD-OF-HEARING PATRONS: Audio systems are available at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre; headsets may be obtained from an usher prior to the performance. CHANGING SEATS: If you find it necessary to be reseated for any reason, please contact an usher who will bring your request to the House Manager. LOST AND FOUND: Items found in Kodak Hall will be held at the Eastman Theatre Box Office, 433 E. Main Street. For more info, call 585-454-2100. ELECTRONIC DEVICES: The use of cameras or audio recording equipment is strictly prohibited. Patrons are asked to turn off all personal electronic devices prior to the performance. Refreshments: Food and drink are not permitted in the concert hall, except for bottled water. Refreshments are available for purchase in Betty’s CafÊ located on the orchestra level of Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. TICKET DONATION: If you are unable to attend a concert, please consider donating your tickets to us as a tax-deductible contribution. Return your tickets to the RPO no later than 2PM the day of the performance to make them available for resale.
Ward Stare, Music Director
Connect With Us
Jeff Tyzik, Principal Pops Conductor
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Michael Butterman, Principal Conductor for Education and Community Engagement The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair
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Christopher Seaman, Conductor Laureate
The Christopher Seaman Chair, Supported by Barbara and Patrick Fulford and The Conductor Laureate Society
youtube.com/SuperRPO rochesterphilharmonic.blogspot.com @rochesterphilharmonic, #rpo1516
Jules L. Smith, Chairperson of the Board Ralph P. Craviso, Interim President and CEO
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