Program Book: May 2022 | Shakespeare and the Silk Road with Alastair Willis by Rockford Symphony

Music Director Finalists Season SPRING / FALL 2022

Yaniv Attar

Scott Terrell

Andrew Crust

Tania Miller

Alastair Willis

Eric Garcia

Radu Paponiu

Yaniv Segal

Vlad Vizireanu

Alastair Willis

SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2022, 7:30 PM

Shakespeare and the Silk Road

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Contents Letter from the Conductor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Program.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Guest Artist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Conductor Biography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Program Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-20 Orchestra Roster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Larsen Legacy Campaign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Corporate and Foundation Contributors.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Leadership Giving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Individual Contributors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-29 Tribute Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Encore Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Contracted Musicians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 RSO Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency’s Partners in Excellence program

Additional support comes from the Rockford Area Arts Council

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Letter from the Conductor Dear Rockford Symphony Family, I am thrilled to be with you as a Music Director Finalist – I’ve been so looking forward to making music with your wonderful orchestra with this program that combines three loves of mine: the Silk Road, Shakespeare, and ballet. If you’ve ever seen Yo-Yo Ma’s award-winning Silk Road Ensemble in concert, you’ll know the musicians come from every corner of the globe, each bringing their own unique traditions of music, culture, and style. The fusion of styles represents something far larger than its parts, something I experienced first-hand on several tours with them. Not everyone speaks English – we have had to have translators with us – but we connect through the universal language of music. Sharing global cultures, learning from, and inspiring each other, has given me some of the most meaningful musical experiences of my life. These musicians are all solo artists in their own right, and one of my continued joys has been collaborating with them individually in concert with orchestras. The Persian, folk-inflected “Ascending Bird” was composed by two Silk Road Ensemble musicians, Colin Jacobsen and Siamak Aghaei. It’s a piece we often played as an encore on tour. Everyone joined in – the very essence of Silk Road sharing – what a menagerie of instruments! We are playing the version for strings and percussion. When the Silk Road Ensemble’s star tabla player Sandeep Das approached me with a concerto, I was at first skeptical, then intrigued. Skeptical, because I couldn’t fathom how two small drums could possibly hold interest and attention in a concerto setting for a 25-minute piece, intrigued, because if anyone could pull this off, it would be Sandeep. The concerto, composed by Dinuk Wijeratne, is genius – these drums talk! – what a showcase for these versatile and impressive drums. I hope you enjoy this unique music combined with Sandeep’s amazing artistry and infectious energy. “Romeo and Juliet” is one of those timeless stories that I have connected with throughout my life. In my teens I was all about trying to sneak over to my girlfriend’s house, and I resonated with Romeo’s strong, misunderstood emotions. Today it’s fascinating observing my 15-year-old stepson faced with these age-old challenges. Playing trumpet in the pit for a performance of West Side Story (a modern version of R&J) when I was 14 was life-changing, as it pushed me towards a career in music. The power of Prokofiev’s music resonated deeply while cheering my mum’s appearances with London City Ballet in the character roles of the Nurse and the Queen. I’ve programmed Prokofiev’s glorious music in concert many times, and my bucket-list wish of conducting a full production with a major company was finally realized a few years ago with the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle. About 15 years ago, I was invited to conduct selections from the ballet for an outdoor summer concert and was asked to tell the story in between the movements. I realized with horror and shame that I had never read Shakespeare’s original! I put that right quickly, and the narrative you’ll hear tonight is a revised version of that night. I encourage you to let yourselves be swept up in the emotions and richness that Prokofiev gives us through your fantastic orchestra. It’s a wonderful journey!

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Shakespeare and the Silk Road Saturday, May 14, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. Coronado Performing Arts Center

Rockford Symphony Orchestra Alastair Willis, conductor Sandeep Das, tabla

Ascending Bird

Colin Jacobsen (b. 1978) and Siamak Aghaei (b. 1974)

Tabla Concerto

Dinuk Wijeratne (b. 1978)

I. Canons, Circles II. Folk Song: White in the moon the long road lies (that leads me from my love) III. Garland of Gems Sandeep Das, tabla - INTERMISSION -

Selections from Romeo and Juliet Suites No. 1 and 2, Op. 64

Sergei Prokofiev (1891 – 1953)

Montagues and Capulets The Young Juliet The Street Awakens Madrigal Masks Romeo and Juliet: Balcony Scene and Love Dance Death of Tybalt Romeo at Juliet’s Tomb

Guest artists on the RSO Concerts are supported by an endowment gift from Richard Nordlof. Hotel accommodations for guest soloists are provided by Holiday Inn of Rockford. This evening’s performance will be broadcast on WNIU/90.5 or 105.7 FM on May 23, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.; audio streaming available at northernpublicradio.org.

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Guest Artist Sandeep Das, tabla A 2019-20 Guggenheim Fellow, Sandeep Das is one of the leading tabla virtuosos in the world today. Since his debut concert at the age of 17 with legendary Sitarist Pt. Ravi Shankar, Sandeep has established himself as one of India’s top tabla maestros, building a prolific international reputation that spans over three decades. Sandeep is an exponent of the Benares Gharana (school) of Tabla, which was established in the 1700s by Pt. Ram Sahai in continuation of an Indian drumming tradition that has been passed down from Guru (teacher) to Shishya (student) for millennia. Starting at the age of seven, Sandeep trained intensely for 12 years in the ancient “Guru-Shishya Parampara” by living with his Guru, the legendary Pt. Kishan Maharaj of Benares, India, and learning and practicing music as a way of life, rather than an isolated art form. Sandeep has performed at prestigious events such as the 150th annual celebration of the UNO at the General Assembly Hall in NYC, the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics in Shanghai, the opening ceremony of the 1st Asia Expo in Kunming, China, the World Economic Forum, the BBC Proms, and for visiting dignitaries such as the Queen of England, the Queen of Thailand, the Pope, and various other world leaders. His collaboration with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (SRE) for “Sing Me Home” won the 2016 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album, and he has had two previous Grammy nominations in 2005 and 2009. In 2017, Sandeep received the prestigious Brother Thomas Fellowship and the New England Choice Artist of the Year Award, and in 2018 he was awarded a Live Arts Boston (LAB) Grant from The Boston Foundation. Sandeep is an active recording artist and has recorded on over 20 albums for major labels such as Sony, Virgin Records, and T-Series in many genres including Indian Classical Music, World Music, Orchestral Music, and more. In addition to performing at major Indian music festivals with renowned musicians such as Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt. Shivkumar Sharma, and Ust. Amjad Ali Khan, among others, he is one of the unique Indian Classical musicians to expand beyond his traditional roots and collaborate with musicians from across the globe. Sandeep actively performs with and composes for major symphony orchestras, string quartets, jazz musicians, world music ensembles, and many other unique groups with regularly featured concerts at Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, the Hollywood Bowl, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Concertgebouw, to name a few. Sandeep’s training and life experiences provide a unique educational opportunity for students and ensembles to learn from, and he frequently gives masterclasses and residencies at schools and universities throughout the world. He has also taught at the annual Arts and Passion Driven Learning Institute at the Harvard Graduate School of Education for the past eight years, and has been a keynote speaker or invited speaker at other prestigious events such the New York Encounter, the annual E.G. Conference in California, the Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit in the United Arab Emirates, the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art’s Asian Cultural Heritage Month, and the United States Citizenship Naturalization Ceremony at Faneuil Hall, Boston, MA. Official Website: www.sandeepdas.com

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Conductor Alastair Willis Grammy nominated conductor Alastair Willis is currently the Music Director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, and Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Symphonia Boca Raton. In past seasons, Alastair has guest conducted orchestras around the world including the Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Mexico City Philharmonic, Orquestra Sinfonica de Rio de Janeiro, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchestra Berlin, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, China National Orchestra (Beijing), and Silk Road Ensemble (with Yo-Yo Ma) among others. His recording of Ravel’s L’Enfant et les Sortileges with Nashville Symphony and Opera for Naxos was Grammy nominated for Best Classical Album in 2009. Three seasons ago (there weren’t many conducting opportunities during the pandemic…) Alastair was re-engaged by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Pacific Northwest Ballet, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, La Porte County Symphony, Salute to Vienna, and The Symphonia Boca Raton. This season he returns to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Salute to Vienna, and The Symphonia Boca Raton. Previous positions include Music Director of the Illinois Symphony, Principal Guest Conductor with the Florida Orchestra’s Coffee Concert series, Associate Conductor of the Seattle Symphony, Assistant Conductor with the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestras, and Music Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra. Born in Acton, Massachusetts, Alastair lived with his family in Moscow for five years before settling in Surrey, England. He received his bachelor’s degree with honors from England’s Bristol University, an Education degree from Kingston University, and a Master of Music from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. He currently resides in South Bend, Indiana, with his wife and daughter. Alastair’s website: www.alastairwillis.com.

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Program Notes Colin Jacobsen and Siamak Aghaei Ascending Bird American composer and violinist Colin Jacobsen was born in 1978. Siamak Aghaei was born in Ahwaz, Iran on November 26, 1974. The score for their composition Ascending Bird calls for two flutes, one piccolo, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, two trumpets, two trombones, and strings. The duration is approximately eight minutes. Ascending Bird, composed in 2007, is a joint effort by composer and violinist Colin Jacobsen and Iranian composer and santur (a hammered dulcimer popular in Iran) player, Siamak Aghaei, colleagues in the Silk Road Ensemble. It is an arrangement of an old Persian folk tune – a version of the phoenix myth – which tells the popular legend of a bird attempting to fly to the sun. After two failed attempts, the bird finally makes contact with the sun, losing its physical body in fire, and in this way achieving a metaphorical spiritual transcendence. The music starts gently, and gradually ramps up by adding more instruments, leading to an ecstatic finish. The instrumentation is flexible, including traditional instruments whenever available. A graduate of the Juilliard School and the Royal Conservatory of the Hague, Colin Jacobsen is a founding member of the innovative Brooklyn Rider String Quartet as well as The Knights Chamber Orchestra. He is also a touring member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project since 2000.

Dinuk Wijeratne Tabla Concerto Dinuk Wijeratne was born in Sri Lanka in 1978, grew up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and currently lives and works in Canada. The instrumentation for his Tabla Concerto calls for two flutes with one doubling on piccolo, two oboes with one doubling on English horn, two clarinets with one doubling on bass clarinet, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, one trombone, timpani, percussion, and strings. The duration is approximately 25 minutes. The tabla is a pair of small drums of different sizes and shapes played with the fingers and palms, creating complex rhythms and a surprisingly wide range of sonorities. The tabla is most familiar to Western audiences as an essential feature of the Indian raga. rockfordsymphony.com | Rockford Symphony Orchestra

Program Notes Sri Lanka born composer, pianist, conductor, and tabla virtuoso Dinuk Wijeratne grew up in Dubai, studied music in the UK, USA, and Canada. He has composed for almost all the many artists and ensembles he has worked with, including Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble and tabla legend Zakir Hussain. Wijeratne writes about the Tabla Concerto, composed in 2011: “While the origins of the tabla are somewhat obscure, it is evident that this ‘king’ of Indian percussion instruments has achieved global popularity for the richness of its timbre, and for the virtuosity of a rhythmically complex repertoire that cannot be separated from the instrument itself. In writing a large-scale work for tabla and symphony orchestra, it is my hope to allow each entity to preserve its own aesthetic. Perhaps, at the same time, the stage will be set for some new discoveries. “While steeped in tradition, the tabla lends itself heartily to innovation, and has shown its cultural versatility as an increasingly sought-after instrument in contemporary Western contexts such as pop, film music, and world music fusion. This notion led me to conceive of an opening movement that would do the not-so-obvious by placing the tabla first in a decidedly non-Indian context. Here, initiated by a quasi-Baroque canon in four parts, the music quickly turns into an evocation of one my favorite genres of electronic music: ‘Drum-&-Bass’, characterized by rapid ‘breakbeat’ rhythms in the percussion. Of course, there are some North-Indian Classical musical elements present. The whole makes for a rather bizarre stew that reflects globalization, for better or worse! “A brief second movement becomes a short respite from the energy of the outer movements and offers a perspective of the tabla as accompanist in the lyrical world of Indian folksong. Set in ‘dheepchandhi,’ a rhythmic cycle of 14 beats, the gently lilting gait of the tabla rhythm supports various melodic fragments that come together to form an ephemeral love song. “Typically, a tabla player concluding a solo recital would do so by presenting a sequence of short, fixed (non-improvised) compositions from his/her repertoire. Each mini-composition, multi-faceted as a little gem, would often be presented first in the form of a vocal recitation. The traditional accompaniment would consist of a drone as well as a looping melody outlining the time cycle – a ‘nagma’ – against which the soloist would weave rhythmically intricate patterns of tension and release. I wanted to offer my own take on such a recital finale, with the caveat that the orchestra is no bystander. In this movement, it is spurred on by the soloist to share in some of the rhythmic complexity. The whole movement is set in ‘teentaal,’ or 16-beat cycle, and in another departure from the traditional norm, my nagma kaleidoscopically changes color from start to finish.”

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Program Notes Sergei Prokofiev Selections from Romeo and Juliet Suites No. 1 and 2, Op. 64 Sergei Prokofiev was born in Sontsovka, Russian Empire (now Sontsivka, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine) on April 27, 1891 and died in Moscow, Russia on March 5, 1953. The score for his Romeo and Juliet suite calls for two flutes, one piccolo, two oboes, one English horn, two clarinets, one bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, two bassoons, one contrabassoon, four horns, two trumpets, one cornet, three trombones, one tuba, timpani, percussion, harp, piano, and strings. The duration is approximately 43 minutes. Apolitical and appalled by the mayhem created by the Russian Revolution, Sergey Prokofiev left his native country in 1918, settling first in the United States and then in Paris. But he never felt comfortable on foreign soil. By 1933, homesickness was consuming him: “The air of foreign lands does not inspire me because I am Russian and there is nothing more harmful to me than to live in exile,” he told a reporter in Paris. He was spending more and more time in Russia, although his family was still living in France. In 1936, he returned permanently to Moscow, aware that he would have to change his compositional style to satisfy Soviet cultural demands. He was never again able to travel abroad. The idea of composing a ballet based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a relatively “safe” lyrical subject, came to Prokofiev in the spring of 1935. A ballet on the same topic, written in 1925 by the English composer Constant Lambert for impresario Sergey Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, may have given him the idea. After returning to the Soviet Union, Prokofiev received a commission for the ballet from the Kirov Ballet in Leningrad; when Kirov backed out, the Moscow Bolshoy Theater took it over. Prokofiev tried to adhere as closely as possible to Shakespeare’s play, using both dance and mime to convey the story. When his innovative and complex score frightened the Bolshoy and the cast declared the music “undanceable,” Prokofiev revised the score. Their insistence, however, that the ballet have a happy ending turned out to be more than he could stomach. Romeo and Juliet was dead in the water. In the end, a hugely successful premiere took place in Brno, Czechoslovakia, in December 1938. Embarrassed, the Kirov took it on once again and after much wrangling, the ballet was finally premiered in Leningrad in January 1940. Galina Ulanova, the ballerina who danced Juliet, expressed the difficulties surrounding the production in a humorous parody of Shakespeare’s epilogue to the play:

“There never was a story of more woe Than Prokofiev’s music for Romeo”

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Program Notes Romeo and Juliet is a long ballet with 52 numbers, but the rapid switches between dramatic and lyrical sections assure that the tension is maintained. One of the reasons for the ballet’s immediate acceptance was the fact that by the time of the premiere, the music was already well-known. In view of the production delays, and never one to let good music go to waste, Prokofiev arranged two orchestral suites from the ballet score, which premiered in 1936 and 1937. During the same period he also made a piano arrangement of 10 excerpts and performed them in Moscow. He assembled the Third Suite from the ballet in 1946. It is common practice now for conductors to excerpt their own suites from the ballet. These suites, like Prokofiev’s own, do not necessarily adhere to the logical sequence of the story but are combined to be musically balanced. 1.

The Montagues and Capulets combines sections from Act I, in which the Duke forbids the two families, on the pain of death, to continue their feud, with the heavy-footed dance scene from the ballroom scene of Act II.

The Young Juliet describes the young girl, her interaction with her nurse, her mother, and her reaction to her prospective marriage.

The Street Awakens; a short folkdance segment, introducing the Madrigal.

Madrigal describes the lovers’ tender conversation from the ballroom scene of Act II.

Masks follows the minuet in the ballet, the arrival of the masked Romeo and friends.

Romeo and Juliet: Balcony Scene and Love Dance; the famous balcony scene reflects the initial shyness of the lovers that grows into a consuming passion. The scene concludes with the whisper of their parting.

Death of Tybalt; combines various sections of music from the end of Act II, including the duel with Romeo and Tybalt’s death. The initial theme accompanies the skirmish (Leonard Bernstein learned a lot from this section).

Romeo at Juliet’s Tomb is from the concluding scenes of the ballet, including Juliet’s funeral procession. Program notes by: Joseph & Elizabeth Kahn | Wordpros@mindspring.com | www.wordprosmusic.com

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Orchestra Roster Shakespeare and the Silk Road, May 14, 2022

Violin 1 Michèle Lekas, Concertmaster Rachel Handlin, Assistant Concertmaster Eric Pidluski Denise Connolly Joanna Bryk- Roberts Eli Chen Brandon Lamm Hanna Bingham Marty Hackl Michelle Wynton Wendy Evans Violin 2 Kathryn Siegel, Principal Tara Hayes Susan Oliverius Rachel Orth Annarita Tanzi Kristen Lejeune Cathy Schmidt Paula Johannesen Joanna Nerius

Viola Annika Sundberg, Principal Rebekah May Kelly Larson Darren Chan Emma Strohbusch Hannah Lamm Teresa Wilmot Cello Mark Lekas, Principal Paul Gronquist Mike Nelson David Bednarek James Haugland Phillip Suwandi Chingyun Cloudia Huang Bass Alison Gaines, Principal Weldon Anderson Scott Rosenthal John Tuck Adam Attard

Flute Scott Metlicka, Principal Elizabeth Marshall Jean Bishop

Trumpet Mark Baldin, Principal Paul Semanic Michael Swope

Oboe Laura Medisky, Principal Tricia Wlazlo Ruth Aurand Casserly

Trombone Rick Seybold, Principal Brian Rogers

Bass Trombone Clarinet Mark Fry, Principal Darlene Carl-Beck, Principal Tuba Anna Najoom Joshua Wirt, Principal Patrick Rehker Timpani Tenor Sax Jaime Cárdenas, Principal Jeremy Ruthrauff, Principal Percussion Bassoon Kerry Knodle, Principal Karl Rzasa, Principal Dan Bretz Josh Fleming Collin Boltz Jon Schuler Bryce Strunk Horn Harp Kathryn Swope, Principal Nanette Felix, Principal Jeremiah Frederick Piano Amy Krueger Joel Ross, Principal Ingrid Mullane

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Larsen Legacy Thank you to our Larsen Legacy Campaign Donors The Larsen Legacy Campaign honors Steven Larsen and his final season with the RSO. Gift of $100,000 Rockford Symphony Orchestra Foundation Gifts of $10,000 Dr. & Mrs. William Baskin Dr. & Mrs. Paul Christensen Jack & Colleen Holmbeck Dick Leighton Fred & Wendy Young Gifts of $5,000 - $9,999 Don Banks Robin Gausebeck Michael Kikta & Karen Stephenson In memory of John & Lois Kikta Ralph Kreissler In memory of Dorothy E. Kreissler Ms. LoRayne Logan Mrs. Carol Malmgren Gerald & Diana Ogren Dr. Richard & Karen Olson Drs. Arnold Rosen & Kathleen Kelly Brian Willemot Gifts of $1,000 - $4,999 Anonymous Dr. & Mrs. Ron Burmeister Mr. & Mrs. James Dehler Mrs. Elizabeth Dickinson

Ellwyn & Gayle Englof Mr. & Mrs. Frank Flores Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Herdeman Dr. & Mrs. Bill Kobler Mrs. Judith Larson Craig & Lin Milius Marcia L. Mueller In memory of Charles “Chuck” Prorok Ronald F. Peterson Jay & Cathy Pick RSM Dr. & Mrs. James Sadlon Savant Wealth Management Charles & Stella Schroeder Lora E. McClelland & Michael O. Simmons In honor of Amanda Eden & Nicolai Janitzky Jack & Barbara Simon The Stim Family Mr. & Mrs. Russ Stoneback Keith C. Syfert & Linda K. Miller In memory of Charles “Chuck” Prorok Dr. & Mrs. Dean E. Thomas Mike & Judy Thompson Title Underwriters Agency Mr. & Mrs. Doral Watts Stephen & Rita Weber

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David & Rosalie Whitehouse In memory of Charles “Chuck” Prorok Gifts of $500 - $999 Gene & Maggie Anderson In memory of Brian Anderson Paul & Teri Baits The Estate of Jean-Marc Bartsch In memory of Jean-Marc Bartsch Kyle & Marge Bevers Capri Restaurant Dr. Ronald Foran & Ms. Martha Dahlberg Joseph & Susan Drennan Mr. & Mrs. De Lon Fox Jason & Louise Gesmer Shirley Holzwarth Mr. & Mrs. J. Laird Lambert Mr. & Mrs. Donald Martin Nancy Matthews Marcia L. Mueller In celebration of Fred & Wendy Young’s 40th Wedding Anniversary Nielsen Chorale Richard & Sandra Niggemann Northwest Bank of Rockford Chris & Megan Perry Sarah Pfluger

Larsen Legacy Virginia Poust Wirsing Tom & Vira Rudnicki Mr. & Mrs. Frank Schepley Schirger Family Brian & Julie Thomas Doug & Diane Wilson Christopher & Sandra Wrate Drs. Mark & Jo Ann Zarnke Gifts of $100 - $499 Anonymous (2) Mrs. Barbara Adam AFHL Law Anna & John Borchers Taylor & Susan Carlin In memory of Charles “Chuck” Prorok Mary Caskey James & Connie Coffey Ms. Susan Conant Mr. & Mrs. John Cook John & Geri Cygnor Dan & Kirby Doyle Gene & Carolyn Elliott Dr. & Mrs. George English Paula A. Fitzpatrick Michael & Audra Freeze Alan & Marlene Garrett The Piano Doctor Bonnie & Bob Gosdick Ms. Brina Grigg In memory of Charles “Chuck” Prorok Gerrie Gustafson Erich & Jan Hagenlocher Ms. Susan Hansen Margret & Brett Hanson Mrs. Janis Hedrick Madeline Herdeman Mrs. Nancy Hyzer In memory of Keith Hyzer Beverly Joyce In honor of William & Christine Howard Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Keating Mr. & Mrs. David Klintworth Jerry Kortman & Doc Slafkosky Ms. Constance Kramer Dr. & Mrs. Fredric Kullberg Brian LeClercq Mr. & Mrs. Brian Livingston Mr. Richard Luthin Mark & Mary Madaus Mr. & Mrs. Roger Mahler Katie Malnor Mrs. Marty Mangas

Drs. Michael & Karol Manley Faye Marcus Tom & Sandra Mathews Joseph & Mary Rita McCarthy Daniel McCullough In celebration of Steven Larsen’s tenure John & Barbara McNamara Mary Mercer Susan Moller Mr. & Mrs. Parker Moyer Lowell & Carol Nafziger OliverClose, LLC Robert & Amy Phelps Ken & Marth Reinert Carole M. Restuccia In memory of Dr. Robert D. Restuccia Sharon Robertson Martha Rolf Bill & Kathy Scarpaci Tom & Karen Shifo Sigma Alpha Iota William & Karen Sikorski Mr. & Mrs. Richard Silvestrini Steven & Julie Spencer Kyle & Margo Stedman Reid & Anthea Tanouye Duane & Melissa Teske Ms. Patricia Timm & Mr. Roger Kaage John & Kathy Torrence Jim & Jean Twyning Karen Van Howe Dubravka Vedo Tom & Linda Vojtech James & Stephanie Waddell Dr. Loyd J. Wollstadt William & Joyce Zartman Ethan Zentz Mr. & Mrs. David Zumdahl Gifts up to $99 Anonymous Dick & Sally Baker Patricia Bartels Kevin & Monna Bergdall Mr. & Mrs. John Buzzard Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Carlson Lori Chappell Ron & Patricia Cox Phil & Shirley Davidson Michael & Nancy Driscoll Rev. Jane Eesley

In honor of Rev. Jay and Kris Quinn Ellwyn & Gayle Englof In memory of Charles “Chuck” Prorok LaVona Farney Cindy Fischer Minoo Hagshenas Rev. & Mrs. Gordon Hanstad Leonora Hantke Mr. & Mrs. Robert Harms Cynthia Hill Capt. Jeffrey Keho Jeannine Kleczewski Richard & Nancy Kunnert Ms. Luba Levin In memory of Lyudmila Levina Colleen McDonald In memory of Jim Brechlin William Midgett Lynda Moser Mr. & Mrs. Robert Pauwels Curtis & Selma Peterson Ms. Dorothy Powell Ms. Stephanie Quinn In celebration of Steven Larsen’s tenure Nick & Gayle Scheuer Sancee Siebold Jim & Sharon Smith Sandra Stevens Jim & Patti Tefft Joan Tilson Jack & Dora Tippens Brad & Meredith Townsend Shirley Wooden RSO Musicians Tom & Becky Asher James Brechlin Ruth Aurand Casserly Lisa Chodorowski Barbara Drapcho Jackie Fisher Alison Gaines Jayne Latva Scott Metlicka Saphra Mikal Brent & Ingrid Mullane Joel Ross Karl Rzasa Rick & Julie Seybold Teresa Wilmot Gifts as of April 18, 2022.

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RSO Annual Fund Corporations & Foundations Generous support from businesses and foundations help fund the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and specific programs and events each year. These vital partnerships provide support for the RSO’s concert performances, education and outreach programs, and many other projects. The following reflects gifts received towards the Annual Fund in the last year.

$50,000 +

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Rockford Symphony Orchestra Foundation Small Business Administration $10,000 - $49,999

Bergstrom, Inc. ComEd, An Exelon Company Illinois Arts Council Agency

Kjellstrom Family Foundation of Northern Illinois Midland Wealth Management

$5,000 - $9,999

Alfred & Ella Peterson Anderson Family Foundation Collins Aerospace

Community Foundation Kjellstrom Family Foundation of Northern Illinois Endowment Fund Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Savant Wealth Management Hunt Charitable Trust Estate William M. Miller Charitable Trust $2,500 - $4,999

DiBenedetto and Associates

Gloyd Family Foundation

$500 - $2,499

Aqua-Aerobic Systems Estwing Manufacturing Co. Gordy and Mary Ann Smith Charitable Trust

HMC Products, Inc. Jean VanLandingham Fund Rockford Area Arts Council

Sjostrom & Sons Foundation, Inc. UW Health

In-Kind ASM Rockford Abreo Artists’ Ensemble Theater Barnes & Noble, Inc. Benjamin Bernsten & Mary McNamara Bernsten Betty and Dot Pottery Catalyst Design & Photography Karla Clark Crust & Crumbles Didier Greenhouses Discovery Center Museum Event Floral Nanette Felix

Festa Italiana/ GRIAA John Gile Heartwood Creations Holiday Inn Home Depot John Morrisey Accountants, Inc. Kegel’s Bicycle Store Kellie Cheree Candles Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden Lucha Cantina Michelle Lyons John & Barbara McNamara Sarah Reed McNamara

Midway Village & Museum Center Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Nicholson Hardware Nothing Bundt Cakes Prairie Street Brewing Co. Rockford Park District Rockford Roasting Company Rooted Rockford Heather Savage Starlight Theatre Angie Theisen Julie & Brian Thomas Tavern on Clark

The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club The Norwegian The Urban Art Studio Van Laars Farm Market and Bake Shop Village Green Home and Garden Deanna Wilcox-Sandberg Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District Womanspace Wonderland Sweets Woodfire Pizza

Media

El Sol de Rockford 24

Northern Public Radio

Rockford Symphony Orchestra | rockfordsymphony.com

WREX

RSO Annual Fund Leadership Giving The investments made by our Larsen Circle and Founders Club members allow the Rockford Symphony Orchestra to strengthen our commitment to providing vibrant musical experience to our community. These donors receive special benefits including opportunities to meet RSO musicians and guest artists, and access to the Manager’s Apartment reception at intermission and following performances. The RSO is proud to count the following individuals among its leadership supporters.

Larsen Circle Fellow ($10,000+)

Anonymous

Dr. & Mrs. Paul Christensen

Larsen Circle Member ($5,000+)

Dr. & Mrs. William Baskin*^ Robin Gausebeck* Bill & Sally Hoff^ Michael Kikta & Karen Stephenson Betty Klingensmith

Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Pittman Drs. Arnold Rosen & Kathleen Kelly^ Mr. & Mrs. William H. Shippee Mr. & Mrs. Russ Stoneback

Founders Club Fellow ($2,500 - $4,999)

Don Banks Ron & Carol Burmeister Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain Ellwyn & Gayle Englof*^ Jack & Colleen Holmbeck*^ Dr. & Mrs. Bill Kobler^ Mrs. Judith Larson

Dick Leighton* Mrs. Barbara McDonough Steve & Donnette Nailor Dr. Arthur Rettig & Hon. Kathryn Zenoff Keith Syfert & Linda Miller*^ Stephen & Rita Weber

Founders Club Member ($1,750 - $2,499)

Ronald Armagost Judith Daykin Thomas & Tami Gaudreau Dr. & Mrs. Norm Hagman Mr. & Mrs. John R. Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Chris Kovarik Ms. LoRayne Logan*^ Mr. & Mrs. Ron Lundstrom Steve & Mary Martin Marcia L. Mueller*^

Dr. Richard & Karen Olson Ronald F. Peterson^ Ellen Poppen Tom & Linda Sandquist Daniel & Dr. Mieka Shuman Brian & Julie Thomas Brian Willemot Fred & Wendy Young^ Drs. Mark & Jo Ann Zarnke

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STEM plus Religious Focus and Strong Programs in the Arts.

We are the Area’s Leading STREAM School.

S CIENCE T ECHNOLOGY R ELIGION E NGINEERING A RTS M ATH MAP

Measure of Academic Progress

www.RockfordLutheran.org

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RSO Annual Fund The Rockford Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the hundreds of music lovers who contribute to our Annual Fund campaign. Every gift plays an important part in the success of the RSO’s many performances, programs, and education activities. The RSO is proud to count the following individuals among its most valued supporters with gifts received in the last year. Symphony ($1,000 – $1,749) Mrs. Barbara Adam Dennis Klapperich & Monique Aduddell Gene & Maggie Anderson Peter & Ann Boline Lynell Cannell Mrs. Jean Cassens Mrs. Marilyn Dougherty Dan & Kirby Doyle Dr. & Mrs. Donald Feeney Michael & Audra Freeze Jim & Mary Lou Gault Laina M. Gerace Matt & Heather Giebel Gerrie Gustafson Kerry Knodle* Mr. Steven Larsen & Ms. Marti Bein Paul & Judy Letourneau John & Karen Messley Craig & Lin Milius Glenn & Gail Palmer Jay & Cathy Pick Ken & Martha Reinert Trudy Reynolds Mr. & Mrs. Mark Taylor Dr. & Mrs. Dean E. Thomas Mrs. Carol Waxler David & Rosalie Whitehouse^ Teresa Wilmot Christopher & Sandra Wrate

Dr. Ronald Foran & Ms. Martha Dahlberg Mr. & Mrs. James Dehler Jeff & Maria Diestelmeier Dick & Emily Diller Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Geller Barrie & Alan Gibby Tom & Carol Guschl Warren & Mariel Heinke Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Herdeman Pam Lonsway Nancy Matthews Brian Molloy Marianna & Herb Page Mrs. Cheryl Parrett Colin & Hana Peterson Trish Rooney & Stanton McGroarty Tom & Vira Rudnicki Bill & Kathy Scarpaci Charles & Stella Schroeder Gene & Donna Seefeldt Rick & Julie Seybold William & Karen Sikorski Karen Starr Jim & Jean Twyning Dubravka Vedo Larry & Kathy Wachowiak James & Stephanie Waddell John & Marianne Wahlquist Dr. Ruth Ann Wasson

Concerto ($500 – $999) Mr. & Mrs. Gary Anderson Fr. David Beauvais Kyle & Marge Bevers Dennis & Joanne Blunt Anna & John Borchers Dr. & Mrs. Neil Brogren Alan & Susan Bryant Sandra Campbell Andy Conway

Overture ($200 – $499) Anonymous Mrs. Alice Alfredson Tom & Becky Asher Major General (ret) John & Myrna Borling Mary Caskey Mr. & Mrs. James Castree Mr. & Mrs. David L. Clendening Mr. & Mrs. John Cook

Alan Cooper Ron & Patricia Cox Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Davis Janet de Guehery John DeWaters & Lenore Lund Philip & Kathy Dierstein Mr. & Mrs. William Dilts Judith Ann Durgom Paula A. Fitzpatrick Dr. & Mrs. John R. Foster Mr. & Mrs. De Lon Fox John Fox Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Gray Mr. & Mrs. Paul Grover Erich & Jan Hagenlocher Mr. & Mrs. Richard Hager Minoo Hagshenas Mr. & Mrs. Bob Hallstrom Ms. Susan Hansen Margret & Brett Hanson Rev. & Mrs. Gordon Hanstad Mark & Kristin Hatch Mrs. Janis Hedrick Justin Holzwarth Ed & Beth Howard Mike & Lynne Istad Mr. & Mrs. Doug Kruger Mr. & Mrs. J. Laird Lambert Ms. Lorre LaPasso Ms. Betty J. Leeson George & Beverley Letcher Susan Lindsay-Jones Mr. & Mrs. Brian Livingston Kathlynn & James Lockard Mrs. Marty Mangas Drs. Michael & Karol Manley Faye Marcus Mr. & Mrs. Donald Martin Mr. Thomas McCullough Thomas & Enid Michalowski

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Grant & Erin Moore Mr. & Mrs. Parker Moyer Gerald & Diana Ogren* Raymond & JoMarie Paul Sue Polivka David & Linda Poole Terry Raiford Martha Rolf Mr. Daniel Peter & Ms. Ellen Roseberg Jeffrey & Dorice Royce José & Lois Seijo Harley Shepherd Mrs. Lynne Sobczak Chuck & Jan Thomas Ms. Patricia Timm & Mr. Roger Kaage Karen Van Howe Richard & Lan Vaughan Richard & Donna Warden William & Joyce Zartman Prelude ($75 – $199) Anonymous (2) Dr. & Mrs. George Arends Robin Ashley Drs. Ed & Molly Baker Dick & Sally Baker^ Patricia Bartels Mr. Don Bein Benjamin Bernsten & Mary McNamara Bernsten Anthony & Connie Bonaccio Susan Bowler Mrs. Karen Brown Mr. & Mrs. George Bull Lori Bush Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Carlson Mr. & Mrs. Steven Chapman Ms. Susan Conant Gordon Conover Greg & Lorna Cote Sue Custer Phil & Shirley Davidson John & Frances Donahue Joseph & Susan Drennan Loren & Patricia Due Kurt Duesterhoeft Martha Dunegan Mr. & Mrs. Charles Elliot Gene & Carolyn Elliott

Ms. Lynne Emling Bruce, Jocelyn, & Cynthia Fary Andrew Fenstermacher Cathy Ferguson-Allen Terrance & Lois Fisher Mr. & Mrs. Frank Flores Mr. & Mrs. Philip Frankfort Laura Frankiewicz & Lucio Bortolin Tom & Gail Giglio Ms. Suzanne Gill Rich & Debbie Gortowski Bonnie Gosdick Peter & Jane Gottlick John Gradick Keith & Judith Haggestad Mr. & Mrs. James Hansberry Sherri Hayes Tom & Sue Hayes Kent & Jean Heise Mr. & Mrs. John Heisel Jr. Dr. & Mrs. David Helland Cynthia Hill Don Holt David & Paula Hougan William & Christine Howard Dr. & Mrs. William Hutt Christel & Harvey Ilg Mr. and Mrs. Karl Jacobs Margaret Jindra Audrey Johnson Bonnie Johnson Clifford Johnson Martha Kaiser Nancy Joan Kauzlarich Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Keating John & Margaret Kleber Ed & Charlotte Kletecka Mr. Dave Lantz Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Lara Charlotte Larrison Ronald & Karen Larson Dr. & Mrs. Herbert Lash Ray & Debbie Lecuyer Mr. & Mrs. Ken Lemmel Erik & Susan Lewinski Mark & Mary Madaus Mr. & Mrs. Roger Mahler Sandra Martell

Rockford Symphony Orchestra | rockfordsymphony.com

Tom & Sandra Mathews Frank & Sue McCabe Joseph & Mary Rita McCarthy Daniel McCullough Tom & Sarah McNamara Orrin & Dorothy Merritt Judithann Meyer Candace Moore Allan & Cynthia Morrill Doris Mosser Thomas Myers Lowell & Carol Nafziger Mr. & Mrs. Robert Nelson Ralph and Sue Norman K. Sue & Bill Null Carol Ann Ostrom Owano Family Charitable Fund Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Pellicore Curtis & Selma Peterson James Petrie Robert & Amy Phelps Matthew & Jessica Piske Ms. Dorothy Powell Mr. James & Dr. Margaret Provenza Jane Reuber Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. Richard John & Anita Richards Ms. Darlene Riddle Elizabeth C. Rogers Nick & Gayle Scheuer Joe Herreweys & Twila Schock Brent & Lizabeth Schultz Bill & Tammy Schulz Doug & Tammy Scott Tom & Karen Shifo Bruce & Nancy Shindel Mr. & Mrs. James Smith Tyler Smith Molly Soper Fred Speer & Chris Mullins Steven & Julie Spencer State Farm Mr. Steven Stroker George Strombeck Mike & Judy Thompson John & Pat Timmerwilke Jack & Dora Tippens Matthew & Karen Toohey

John & Kathy Torrence Dale & Lynne Townsend Rudy Valdez Mr. James Vandervort & Ms. Patricia Sment Tom & Linda Vojtech

Waterside Financial Advisors Carol Wehmeyer Lenae Weichel Peggy Werner Paul & Sharon Werther

Fred & Mary Ann Wham Deanna Wilcox-Sandberg Pam & Barbara Wilson Mr. & Mrs. David Zumdahl

* In addition to this gift to the Annual Fund, the donor is an Encore Society Member, having pledged an estate gift to the RSO Foundation which will generate annual funding to the orchestra in perpetuity. ^ In addition to this gift to the Annual Fund, the donor has made a lifetime gift to the RSO Foundation which generates annual funding to the orchestra in perpetuity. We make every effort to ensure that our listing is accurate. If your name is missing or misspelled, we apologize. Please call the RSO at 815.965.0049; we will make the correction in our next Program.

Become a Leadership Donor! The Larsen Circle and Founders Club leadership giving groups offer significant support for the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. Each year, these committed RSO donors collectively provide 20% of the RSO’s contributed revenue – funds without which we could not support the orchestra. Please see page 25 for a list of these generous donors.

Larsen Circle and Founders Club members receive unique benefits and concert-night perks including the following: • Wine reception in historic Coronado Theatre Manager’s Apartment • After Party with Guest Artists and Musicians • Exclusive introduction and access to RSO Music Director Candidates • Invitation to the Annual Season Preview Party • Priority seating and personalized ticketing assistance • Reserved VIP parking on concert nights • Top season-long recognition in the RSO’s program books

Larsen Circle Fellows Paul and Sue Christensen share a special moment with Music Director Emeritus Steve Larsen at his retirement party.

Please visit the RSO website for a full listing of donor benefits and to make a contribution.

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Tribute Gifts Honor a loved one by making a donation to the Rockford Symphony Orchestra in their name. In celebration of Alice Alfredson’s 99th Birthday Harley Shepherd In memory of Arthur Alfredson Mrs. Alice Alfredson In memory of Brian Anderson Gene & Maggie Anderson In memory of Alice Bein Mr. Don Bein In memory of Jim Brechlin Friends and Family of Jim Brechlin Rock Valley Children’s Choir Rock Valley Master Chorale In memory of Mrs. Barb Campbell Susan Bowler In memory of John A. Durgom Judith Ann Durgom In memory of Rose Mary S. Durgom Judith Ann Durgom In celebration of Bradley Gabbert’s Birthday Gail Gabbert Janis Gabbert Ernie Redfern In celebration of Elena Giglio Tom & Gail Giglio In memory of Robert Gosdick Bonnie Gosdick In memory of Doris Gradick John Gradick In memory of Troy Hedrick Mrs. Janis Hedrick In memory of Shirley Holzwarth The Century Club Ruth Dahlberg Mrs. Elizabeth Dickinson Bruce, Jocelyn, & Cynthia Fary Andrew Fenstermacher Mr. & Mrs. Philip Frankfort Jennifer Furst Paul Gaziano & Rosemary Collins

Erich & Jan Hagenlocher Bill & Sally Hoff Justin Holzwarth Ms. LoRayne Logan Doris Mosser Marcia L. Mueller Ms. Lisa Novak Raymond & JoMarie Paul Jim Pirages Mr. & Mrs. Peter Rundquist Doug & Tammy Scott Mr. Steven Stroker In memory of Dick Hynes Anonymous Waterside Financial Advisors Judith Wyatt

In celebration of Carol Rice’s 90th Birthday Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Pittman In memory of Tom Rogiewicz John Gradick In memory of Dr. & Mrs. Bertil Roseberg Mr. Daniel Peter & Ms. Ellen Roseberg In memory of Selma Rosen Erich & Jan Hagenlocher Thomas Myers In memory of Greg Sisler Ms. Betty J. Leeson In memory of William H. Starr Karen Starr

In memory of James E. Johnson and James L. Johnson Audrey Johnson

In honor of Rebecca Swan Elizabeth C. Rogers

Anonymous

In memory of Rudolf Vedo Dubravka Vedo

In recognition of The Third Degree In memory of Mary Stuart Johnson Major General (ret) John & Myrna Borling Mr. Don Bein In celebration of Julie Thomas In memory of Ms. Suzanne Gill Holly Beth and Betsy Kaske In celebration of Phil Klintworth José & Lois Seijo In memory of Jeanne Lindquist Harley Shepard

In memory of Helgee & June Wahlquist John & Marianne Wahlquist

In memory of Dennis McDonough Mrs. Barbara McDonough

In celebration of John Wahlquist’s Birthday John G. Anderson John Klosterboer Bill & Carolyn Kobler Candice Moore William Waller

In memory of John F. McNamara Barbara McNamara

In memory of Don Zimmerman Dennis & Joanne Blunt

In memory of Mary J. Lucas Dr. Ruth Ann Wasson In honor of Sandy McCullough Mr. Thomas McCullough

In memory of A. Nekunam Minoo Hagshenas In memory of Ron Parrett Mrs. Cheryl Parrett In memory of Chuck Prorok Matthew & Karen Toohey

Rockford Symphony Orchestra | rockfordsymphony.com

Ensuring the Legacy of Great Music in Rockford We are grateful to the following leaders who have contributed to the endowment, where their gift will live on forever. $250,000 and above Mr. James Lathers Mr. Richard Nordlof

Classics Series Guest Artist Chair

$100,000 - $249,999 Mary Ann Eibler Loving Trust The Funderburg Foundation John C. McCarthy

Assistant Concertmaster and Principal Cello Chair

$50,000 - $99,000 Dick & Grace Leighton

Youth Concert Education Program

$10,000 - $49,999 Dr. & Mrs. William Baskin Dan & Ruth Nicholas Priscilla & John Cotton Dr. & Mrs. Robert Pasky Gordon & Georganne Eggers Bob & Patty Rhea Ellwyn & Gayle Englof Severson Charitable Isadore Olson Scholarship Fund Remainder Trust DeWayne & Donna Fellows Sterling Charitable Trust RSYO Sterling String Quartet Jim & Carol Gingrich Verona A. Swenson Goddard Family Foundation Keith Syfert & Bill & Sally Hoff Linda Miller Jack & Colleen Holmbeck Glenn Theil Janet Kjellstrom David & Rosalie Whitehouse LoRayne Logan Fred & Wendy Young Mrs. Jane Marlowe $1,000 - $9,999 Mr. & Mrs. Richard Baker, III Ronald F. Peterson Edward J. Enichen Mr. Charles Prorok & Ms. Marcia Mueller Dr. & Mrs. Donald Feeney Caroline Reed Mark D. Johnson In Memory of Roger & Mary Reithmeier KristyAnn Lauren Johnson Brian A. Ritter David D. Kalber Arnold Rosen & Dr. & Mrs. Bill Kobler Kathleen Kelly Kent & Marti Mallquist Dick & Katie Wolff Lisle Menzimer

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra Foundation was established in 2007 to build a permanent endowment to benefit the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. The Foundation prudently invests donated funds to generate annual income in perpetuity for the RSO. Special opportunities are available to endow a chair, a program, or to underwrite RSO musicians. Naming chairs or programs recognizes donors (or honors a person dear to a donor) in a most caring and enduring way. Endowed chairs and programs are named in perpetuity.

For more information about supporting the Rockford Symphony Orchestra Foundation, please call 815.965.0049.

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A Special Thanks Dr. & Mrs. William Baskin Lyn Becknell Ruth Aurand Casserly Ellwyn & Gayle Englof Mrs. Crawford Gates Robin Gausebeck Jack & Colleen Holmbeck Shirley Holzwarth Mrs. Janette Howard Kerry Knodle Dick Leighton Ms. LoRayne Logan Gerald & Diana Ogren Charles J. Prorok & Marcia L. Mueller Joel Ross Mr. & Mrs. Frank Schepley Tom & Jennie Seeling Keith Syfert & Linda Miller David & Fleur Wright 32

Are you a member of the Encore Society? Have you made a bequest through your will or provided another type of estate gift to the Rockford Symphony Orchestra? If so, we hope you will share this information with us. Remaining anonymous is a choice that is understood and respected by the RSO. But sharing information about your gift can also be an important choice to help us clearly understand your desires and ensure your wishes are carried out. Informing the RSO about your intentions also allows us to celebrate your generosity and thank you during your lifetime and could inspire others to make a similar commitment. Unless otherwise designated, all bequests go directly to the Rockford Symphony Orchestra Foundation Endowment Fund, benefitting the RSO in perpetuity. For more information about becoming a member of the Encore Society, please call 815.965.0049.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra | rockfordsymphony.com

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Rockford Symphony Orchestra with Endowed and Sponsored Chairs Violin I Michèle Lekas, Concertmaster Sponsored by Barbara McDonough Rachel Handlin, Assistant Concertmaster John C. McCarthy Chair Matthew Cataldi Denise Connolly Jacqueline Fisher Gretchen Madson-Sherrell Eric Pidluski Carol Yampolsky Violin II Azusa Tashiro, Principal Lisa Chodorowski Kathryn Siegel Tara Hayes Susan Oliverius Viola Rebecca Swan, Principal Noel Navoa Ria Hodgson Annika Sundberg Nick Munagian Teresa Wilmot Cello Mike Beert, Principal John C. McCarthy Chair Michael Nelson Sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. William Baskin Kerena Moeller James Haugland * Derek Handley Lisa Bressler

Bass Alison Gaines, Principal Sponsored by Dr. Michael Kikta & Ms. Karen Stephenson Weldon Anderson James Brechlin Chair Doug Bistrow Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Steve Nailor Flute Scott Metlicka, Principal Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. John Holmbeck

Trumpet Mark Baldin, Principal Sponsored by Bill & Sally Hoff Paul Semanic Saphra Mikal Trombone Rick Seybold, Principal Brian Rogers

Nicole Frankel Bass Trombone Jean Bishop Mike Zielinski, Principal* Sponsored by Tuba Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain Joshua Wirt, Principal** Oboe Sponsored by Laura Medisky, Principal** Drs. Arnold Rosen & Sponsored by Kathleen Kelly Dr. & Mrs. Paul Christensen Timpani Ruth Aurand Casserly

Clarinet Darleen Carl-Beck, Principal Colleen Griggs Patrick Rehker Bassoon Karl Rzasa, Principal Sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Bill Kobler

Simón Gómez Gallego, Principal Sponsored by Dick Leighton Percussion Kerry Knodle, Principal Harp Nanette Felix, Principal Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Russ Stoneback

Piano Joshua Fleming Sponsored by Robin Gausebeck Jayne Latva Joel Ross Gerik Fon-Revutzky Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. William H. Shippee

*Leave of Absence **Acting Principal

Horn Kathryn Swope, Principal** Rob Murphy Beth Kinch Ingrid Mullane

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Mulford Office 1235 N. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61107 ph: (815) 227-9800 fx: (815) 227-9808

Roscoe Office 4908 Hononegah Rd. Roscoe, IL 61073 ph: (815) 623-3400 fx: (815) 623-3260

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RSO Administration Board of Directors

RSO Foundation

Artistic Staff

Officers

Colin Peterson President

Ellwyn Englof President

John Floeter Personnel and Operations Manager

Joe McCoy Immediate Past President

Bill Kobler Vice President

Ethan Zentz Treasurer

Marcia Mueller Secretary/Treasurer

Tami Gaudreau Secretary

Trustees LoRayne Logan

Directors

Keith Syfert

Donald Banks

David Whitehouse

Judy Bridgeman

Julie Thomas (ex officio)

Andy Conway Gayle Englof Matt Giebel

Marty Hackl Music Librarian Linc Smelser RSYO Conductor Curt Johnsen Production Manager

Administrative Staff Julie Thomas Executive Director Margo Stedman Education & Community Engagement Director Angie Theisen Development and Communications Manager

John Johnson Michael Kikta, M.D.

Matt Guschl Patron Services Coordinator

Kerry Knodle Arnold Rosen, M.D. Russ Stoneback

Audra Freeze Education and Engagement Coordinator

Ruth Aurand Casserly Musician Liaison

Heather Savage Administrative Coordinator

Thomas Sandquist

Music Director Emeritus Steven Larsen

Administrative Office Riverfront Museum Park | 711 North Main Street | Rockford, IL 61103 815.965.0049 (phone) • 815.965.0642 (Fax) rockfordsymphony.com • email: info@rockfordsymphony.com Visit the RSO on Facebook at: facebook.com/rockfordsymphony

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Program Book: May 2022 | Shakespeare and the Silk Road with Alastair Willis

Articles inside

Foundation

Conductor Biography

Corporate and Foundation Contributors

Letter from the Conductor

Larsen Legacy Campaign

Individual Contributors

Encore Society

Guest Artist