ARTIST PROFILES

Broadway Music Director, Conductor, and Pianist, William Waldrop, recently finished a highly celebrated run as Music Director and Conductor of the Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York City. Equally comfortable on the podium with the orchestra on stage or conducting from the pit, Maestro Waldrop has been hailed for his ‘dynamic conducting’ and has been praised in cities all over the US and abroad. His recent symphonic engagements include concerts with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, the Long Beach Symphony, the Portland Symphony Orchestra, the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, and the Sarasota Orchestra.

Chester Gregory, C.H.E.S.S. is emerging on the scene with his critically acclaimed hit The Doppler Effect (It’s me), which already earned a GRAMMY consideration. This power ballad equates the result of the doppler effect to the plight of relationships. “Colors are changing but I’m still remaining, the person I have to be.” Sonically, his style is a fusion of New Vintage Pop/Soul. A blend of modern sounds, with a classic approach; resulting in songs that have been described as timeless. This charismatic artist has already collaborated with many greats in the industry and is well-known for his stellar vocals and rousing stage presence. He is often a crowd favorite wherever he performs.

Crystal Monee Hall’ s varied career as a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist and actress has included roles on Broadway (“RENT”), sold-out tours with acclaimed musicians Mickey Hart (Grateful Dead) and Dave Schools (Widespread Panic), being a featured vocalist on Saturday Night Live and also a guest appearance on the HBO comedy-drama High Maintenance. She has released three albums (one solo as well as two with Hart) with work from her most recent EP "If You Breathe" called 'riveting' by Billboard Magazine. Her newest release seamlessly blends Hall’s love for world, blues, jazz, soul and contemporary R&B, showcasing her talent as a songwriter, while highlighting a voice that has captivated audiences worldwide.

American Idol Michael Lynche is a new breed of soul singer with completely classic influences. Traces of Donny Hathaway, Al Green, Luther Vandross, Sam Cooke and James Brown all seem to flash in this uniquely talented performer. Undeniable charisma, wellcrafted song arrangements and a voice soaked in soul give the big man class all his own. “Big Mike”—as he was known while winning over the hearts of a nation during his stint on American Idol—has talent so versatile, he’s played intimate jazz & blues clubs, 20,000 seat arenas and opera halls with 100 piece orchestras backing him. Through it all “Big Mike” has always had one singular goal: to spread a message of love wherever he goes.

Robert Spano, Music Director

March 4, 2023 at 11 a.m.

Bass Performance Hall

Taichi Fukumura, Conductor

Jovane Caamaño, Narrator

DAN BROWN Wild Symphony

Maestro Mouse

Woodbird Welcome

Bouncing Kangaroo

Clumsy Kittens

The Ray

Happy Hippo

Frogs in a Bog

Anxious Ostrich

The Armadillo Shell

Dancing Boar

Impatient Ponies

Wondrous Whale

Cheetah Chase

Eager Elephant

Rat Attack

Busy Beetles

Spiders on a Web

Brilliant Bat

Swan in the Mist

Cricket Lullaby

Maestro Mouse Reprise

Video or audio recording of this performance is strictly prohibited. Patrons arriving late will be seated during the first convenient pause. Program and artists are subject to change.

Robert Spano, Music Director

March 10-12, 2023

Bass Performance Hall

Robert Spano, Conductor

Nancy Lee & Perry R. Bass Chair

Gil Shaham, Violin

TCHAIKOVSKY Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35

I. Allegro moderato

II. Canzonetta: Andante

III. Finale: Allegro vivacissimo Gil Shaham, Violin Intermission

MAHLER Symphony No. 1 in D Major

I. Langsam. Schleppend; Immer sehr gemächlich

II. Kräftig bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell

III. Feierlich und gemessen, ohne zu schleppen

IV. Stürmisch bewegt

Video or audio recording of this performance is strictly prohibited. Patrons arriving late will be seated during the first convenient pause. Program and artists are subject to change.