Concert: Moores Chamber Music Downtown I

Moores Chamber Music Downtown I

Steven Block, director and

Brian Suits, piano; Timothy Jones, baritone; Woody Witt, saxophones

PROGRAM

Selections from Sechs Deutsche Lieder, Op. 103

Sei still mein Herz

WachZwiegesangauf!

(Jones; Witt, soprano saxophone; Suits)

Three Dream Portraits

Minstrel Man Dream Variation I, Too

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

(Jones, Suits)

Selections from “Border Line,” Op. 24

Border Line

PoppyCirclesOne

Flower

Gypsy Melodies

The End (Jones, Suits)

Early American Songs

Zion’s Walls

At the Ching-a-ringRiver Chaw

Louis Spohr (1784-1859)

Margaret Bonds (1913-1972)

Langston Hughes (1901-1967)

Robert Owens (1925-2017)

Langston Hughes

Aaron Copland (1900-1990)

(Jones, Suits)

Moores Chamber Music Downtown I

INTERMISSION

Pièce concertante (dans l’esprit du “jazz”)

(Witt, alto saxophone; Suits)

Paul Bonneau (1918-1995)

Pièce en forme de Habanera Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)

(Witt, soprano saxophone; Suits)

Fascinatin’ Rhythm (arr. Suits) George Gershwin (1898-1937)

(Witt, alto saxophone; Suits)

Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)

(Witt, alto saxophone; Suits)

Sophisticated Lady (arr. Suits *) Duke Ellington (1899-1974)

(Jones; Witt, tenor saxophone; Suits)

* A petition is currently circulating to finally award Duke Ellington the 1965 Pulitzer Prize which was denied him. It seems to me that, as one of the towering figures in jazz, Ellington deserves his due, albeit posthumously. We hope that my arrangement of this piece, and our presentation of it today, may help in some small way to support that effort.

Moores Chamber Music Downtown I

THE TimothyARTISTSJones

Timothy Jones, who received his Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan, is an American Bass-Baritone who enjoys a reputation as a charismatic presence on operatic and concert stages throughout the United States, Europe and South America. The Boston Globe hailed his voice as “stentorian and honeyed” and the Chicago Tribune called his “complete connection with the text extraordinary.” The Pittsburgh Trib une-Review praised him for his theatricality, noting that he “relished the dramatic possibilities of the songs ’text and music.” His eagerly anticipated performances combine intelligent musicianship, commanding vocal technique and a unique ability to connect with audiences. A distinguished concert performer, Mr. Jones has soloed with the Cleveland Orchestra singing Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. He has also performed with Boston Baroque, Baltimore Symphony, St. Petersburg Chamber Orchestra, Austin Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, Houston Symphony, New Mexico Symphony, New Haven Symphony, Portland Symphony, Saginaw Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Utah Symphony, Wichita Symphony Orchestra and the Virginia Symphony. Dr. Jones is widely celebrated as an enthusiastic champion of new and contemporary music. His tour de force performance of Eight Songs for a Mad King by Peter Maxwell Davies was called “an amazing feat, making unnatural demands seem natural… bizarre behavior coalesced into a sympathetic portrayal.” (The Salt Lake Tribune) He has commissioned and premiered numerous compositions by composers Derek Beryl, Robert Avalon, James Balentine, Laura Carmichael, John Vasconcelos Costa, Kevin Puts, Marcus Maroney, Pierre Jalbert, Karim Al-Zand, Anthony Brandt, Kieren MacMillian, David Passmore, David Cutler, Jeffrey Goldberg, David Heuser, Doug Opel, and Jeffrey Nytch. His annual appearances with Kevin Noe and the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble are a high point of the season. The Salt Lake Tribune raved over his performance of Argento’s A Waterbird Talk con ducted by Keith Lockhart, stating “Jones was a marvelous singing actor…. His wry enjoyment was contagious.” His performance of Pulitzer Prize Winning Composer Kevin Puts’s Einstein on Mercer Street is featured on PNME’s recent recording Against the Emptiness. Other recordings include “Drunken Moon” and “The World of Ruth Crawford Seeger”.

Moores Chamber Music Downtown I

Woody Witt

Woody Witt has been an increasingly significant musical force during the past decade as a saxophonist, a composer and as an educator. Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Woody started on the clarinet in fourth grade, switching his focus to saxophone the following year. A professional musician from the age of 16, he studied at the University of Houston, earned a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. He has been a professor of music at Houston Community College since 2000, is an Affiliate Artist in Saxophone at the University of Houston and has conducted countless workshops and masterclasses throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. As a jazz saxophonist, Woody Witt has recorded over 30 CDs as a sideman and led 12 CDs of his own (Woody Witt, Square Peg Round Hole, Live at Cezanne’s, A Conversation, Willows, Seasons Ago, First Impression, Pots and Kettles, Absinthe: The Music of Billy Strayhorn, Presence, Made in Taiwan, Live at Cezanne).He has collaborated with such major jazz artists as trumpeters Randy Brecker, Tim Hagans and Jim Rotondi, saxophonists James Moody, David Liebman and Tim Armacost, trombonist Conrad Herwig, pianists Joe Lo Cascio and Mark Levine, drummers Louis Hayes, Adam Nussbaum, Billy Hart, and singer Nancy King. He has worked with the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra and has been featured on major third-stream works that blend together jazz and classical music. The winner of the 2010 Chamber Music America French American Cultural Exchange grant and the 2014 International Jazz Saxophone Competition in Taiwan, Woody has been the booker and theartistic directorat Houston’s top jazz club, Cezanne’s, since 1999 and now is the owner of the club, as it searches for a new location. Currently, Dr. Wittis serving as the saxophone instructor at the University of Houston and has been actively performing and recording in the classical realm, recently performing Ida Gotkovsky’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone with the MSM Wind Ensemble, recording select solo repertoire for release on You Tube and more projects on the horizon. Woody Witt is a consistently creative musician who is at the peak of his powers.

Moores Chamber Music Downtown I

Brian Suits

An eclectic musician, pianist Brian Suits has made a career primarily as accompanist and chamber musician, and has a broad knowledge of the repertoire both of instrumentalists and singers. He is a skilled improviser as well, and feels at home in a great variety of styles. Suits is also an occasional composer, conductor, and arranger. Among his recordings are a solo piano CD of jazz-flavored original works, and CDs with violinist Kyung Sun Lee and tenor Robert Swensen. Suits composed his 2019 Piano Trio for the Bayou City Trio, a group which he founded along with violinist Chavdar Parashkevov and cellist Louis-Marie Fardet. Other compositions include concerti, chamber works, and short piano pieces.

Arrangements include orchestrations for more than a dozen Korean films, including 2006 Cannes Festival favorite The Host, which was directed by 2020 Academy Award winner Bong Joon-Ho (for Parasite). Suits has conducted the French Chamber Orchestra Albéric Magnard, the Gonzaga Symphony, Nino Rota’s Italian Straw Hat at the University of Houston, and several orchestras in Korea. He taught at the Yale School of Music from 1990-2002, and currently teaches at the University of Houston as Professor of Accompanying and Chamber Music, as well as art song coach and professor of lyric diction. In summers he plays at both the University of Houston’s Texas Music Festival, and the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival in Burl ington, Vermont. He has also been involved with the Aspen, Great Mountains, and Banff Music Festivals. His BM is from the University of Texas at Austin, and his MM is from the University of Southern California. His teachers have included Brooks Smith (the last of violinist Jascha Heifetz’s collaborators), David Renner, Jean Barr, and Donald Grantham.

Moores Chamber Music Downtown I

SeistillmeinTRANSLATIONSHerz(KarlFriedrich)

SONG

Ich wahrte die Hoffnung tief in der Brust, Die sich ihr vertrauend erschlossen, Mir strahlten die Augen voll Lebenslust, Wenn mich ihre Zauber umflossen, Wenn ich ihrer schmeichelnden Stimme gelauscht, Im Wettersturm ist ihr Echo verrauscht, Sei still mein Herz, und denke nicht dran, Das ist nun die Wahrheit, das Andre war Wahn.

Die Erde lag vor mir im Frühlingstraum, Den Licht und Wärme durchglühte, Und wonnetrunken durchwallt ich den Raum, Der Brust entsproßte die Blüte,Der Liebe Lenz war in mir erwacht, Mich durch rieselt Frost, in der Seele ist Nacht. Sei still mein Herz, und denke nicht dran, DasistnundieWahrheit,dasAndre war Wahn.

Ich baute von Blumen und Sonnenglanz Eine Brücke mir durch das Leben, Auf der ich wandelnd im Lorbeerkranz Mich geweiht dem hochedelsten Streben, Der Menschen Dank war mein schönster Lohn, Laut auf lacht die Menge mit frechem Hohn, Sei still mein Herz, und denke nicht dran, Das ist nun die Wahrheit, das Andre war Wahn.

Be Quiet, Heart

I held hope deep within me Which I revealed to her in confidence My eyes radiated the joy of life When surrounded by her magic. But when I heard her caressing tones, The echos died in stormy weather. Be quiet, heart, don’t think about it Now it’s just reality; every thing else was madness.

The world lay before me in my dream of Spring, Infused with light and warmth And intoxicated with joy, I went forth into it, Blossoms upon my chest. The Spring of love was awakened in me; Now I have ice in my veins, night in my soul. Be quiet, heart, don’t think about it Now it’s just reality; everything else was madness.

From flowers and sunlight I built a bridge through Ilife.walked over it crowned with laurels, Filled with the noblest Mankind’splans.gratitude was my greatest reward; Now people just laugh in my face. Be quiet, heart, don’t think about it Now it’s just reality; everything else was madness.

Moores Chamber Music Downtown I

Zwiegesang(RobertReinick)

Im Fliederbusch ein Vöglein saß

In der stillen, schönen Maiennacht, Darunter ein Mägdlein im hohen Gras

In der stillen, schönen Maiennacht. Sang Mägdlein, hielt das Vöglein Ruh’, Sang Vöglein, hört’ das Mägdlein zu, Und weithin klang Der Zwiegesang

Das mondbeglänzte Thal entlang.

Was sang das Vöglein im Gezweig Durch die stille, schöne Maiennacht?

Was sang doch wohl das Mägdlein gleich Durch die stille, schöne Maiennacht?

Von Frühlingssonne das Vögelein, Von Liebeswonne das Mägdelein.

Wie der Gesang Zum Herzen drang, Vergess’ ich nimmer mein Lebelang!

Duet

A little bird perched in a lilac bush

In the quiet, beautiful May nightDown below, a young woman in the high grass, In the quiet, beautiful May night When the woman sang, the bird was quiet When the bird sang, the young woman listened And far away resounded the duet Throughout the valley of the shining moon.

What did the bird in the branches sing throughthe quiet, beautiful May night? And what did the girl herself sing through the quiet, beautiful May night? The bird sang of Spring sunshine, The woman of the joy of love.

The way that song Filled my heart, I will never forget.

Moores Chamber Music Downtown I

Wach auf! (Rudolf Kulemann)

Was stehst du lange Und sinnest nach?

Ach! schon so lange Ist Liebe wach. Hörst du das Klingen Allüberall?

Die Vöglein singen Mit süßem Schall.

Aus Starrem sprießet Baumblättlein weich, Das Leben fließet Um Ast und Zweig.

Das Tröpflein schlüpfet Aus Waldesschacht, Das Bächlein hüpfet Mit Wallungsmacht.

Der Himmel neiget In’s Wellenklar, Die Bläue zeiget Sich wunderbar.

Ein heit’ res Schwingen Zu Form und Klang, Ein ew’ ges Fügen Im ew’ gen Drang!

Was stehst du bange Und sinnest nach?

Ach! schon so lange Ist Liebe wach.

Wakeup!

Why do you stand there thinking?

Ah, love has already been awake for awhile. Do you hear the sound all around?

The birds are twittering sweetly. The leaves on the trees are already sprouting; Life is flowing in branch and bough.

The drops are falling From the forests, The brooklet leaps With power from the thaw.

Heaven bends down to the clear waves; The azure

Ah,WhytoAninARevealthemselveswondrously.heightsmerryswingingshapeandsound!eternalyieldingtheeternallife-force!doyoustandthereworrying?lovehasalreadybeenawakefor

a long time.

Translations by Brian Suits

The Moores Society is the philanthropic volunteer organization for the Moores School of Music. Moores Society members and donors promote community awareness and provide funding for scholarships and special projects. Moores Society members receive invitations to concerts and special events held throughout the year.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Darlene Clark, President

Jackie & Malcolm Mazow, Immediate Past Presidents

Donna Shen, Vice President Membership

Nancy Willerson, Corresponding Secretary

Linda Katz, Recording Secretary

Meg Boulware, Opera Production Council Chair

Ann Faget, Audience Development Chair

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Rita Aron Ann Ayre

Meg Boulware

Terry Ann Brown

Carla Burns

Cheryl Byington

Julie WarrenTimothyCoganDoyleEllsworth

Sheila

Marita Glodt

Sean MaureenGormanHigdon

Gary Hollingsworth & Ken Hyde Mady

MichelleLindaKadesKatz&JackMatzerGaryPattersonShirleyRose

ADVISORY BOARD

Frank Geider, MS DDS

Diane & Harry Gendel Mariglyn & Stephen Glenn Beatrice & Gregory Graham

Deb Happ Ellen & Alan Holzberg

Gladys Hooker

Janis Landry

Cora Sue & Harry Mach Karinne McCullough

Mary Ann McKeithan

Richard BobRhondaDonnaSchmittShenSweeneyAnnTornyosBettyTutor&MaryAnnWilkinsBethWolff

Jan Rhodes

Carol Lee Robertson

Lillie

FranJoJenniferMcNamaraMeyerCeliaMorgan&JosephNogeeKitten&RonPageKusumPatelFawcettPetersonCarrollR.Ray

Cathy

DonnaHeidiMinetteRobertsonRobinsonRockecharlieKathiRovereScott&MitchGlassmanHelenSchafferSatoko&AnthonyShouNancyStrohmerSusanThompsonVirginia&GageVanHornBarbaraVanPostmanCarol&CarlVartianNancyWillersonPhyllisWilliamsCyviaWolffJoDeeWrightGayYellen

As of 9/1/2022

OPERA PRODUCTION COUNCIL

Meg GwynethBoulwareCampbellAnnaDeanTimDoyleWarrenEllsworth Ann JackieEllenGeraldineFagetGill&AlanHolzbergLeeHuberShannonLangmanHelenMann&MalcolmMazow

Robin Angly Chris Bacon

David & Roz Rowan RhondaJohannaIrenaSweeneyWittWolfeJoDeeWright

Robin Angly & Miles Smith

Rita & Jeffrey Aron

Alan Austin & David A. White

Ann & Jonathan Ayre

Olga & Gerardo Balboa

Meg Boulware & Hartley Hampton Terry Ann Brown

Roxi Cargill & Peter Weston

Cheryl & Carl Carlucci Lydia & James Chao Darlene Clark & Edwin TimothyFriedrichsDoyle&RobertRoyall,IIAnnFagetSylviaFarbDebbieFeuer

Carla NancyHelenBurnsDavis&CarterHixon

Pamela & Stephen Bertone Robert Chanon

Drucilla & Richard Davis Joyce & John Frassanito Rachel & Howard Frazier Diane & Harry Gendel

Elad NicoleJulieJudyFeliciaBen-MenasheBrooks&HarryBristol&JohnCogan,Jr.Kenley-Miller&AndyMillerConnieLewis

DIRECTOR LEVEL ($1,000)

Jennifer & Todd Frazier Mariglyn & Stephen Glenn Marita & David Glodt

John Goode & Janwin Overstreet Goode Susan & Sean Gorman Maureen Higdon Gary Hollingsworth & Ken Hyde Ellen & Alan Holzberg MonzerLindaHouraniKatz

Sharon & Robert Lietzow Jay Marks

Jackie & Malcolm Mazow Paula & Robert Mendoza Shirley E. Rose Jane Ross Kathi & William Rovere

PARTNER LEVEL ($500)

Sophia & Keith James Helen Mann Susan & David Morris

PATRON LEVEL ($250)

Mady & Kenneth Kades Evan Leslie Catherine & William McNamara Jenny Meyer Rita & Doug Neagli Janis Parsley & Georges Mirza

FRIEND LEVEL ($120)

Terrylin Neale Robert Nelson Sue & Paul Ofield Susan & Edward Osterberg Kenneth Proctor Kate & Gregory Robertson Heidi Rockecharlie

Rosamund & David Rowan Fayez Sarofim

Jane & Richard Schmitt Donna & Tim Shen Melanie Sonnenberg Rhonda & Donald Sweeney Vita Taksa Susan BettyAnnAnnThompsonTomatzTornyos&JesseTutor, Jr. David Voll Betsy Cook Weber & Fredric Weber Bob & Mary Ann R. Wilkins Beth Wolff Jo Dee & Cliff Wright

Helen & James Shaffer Virginia & Gage Van Horn

Nancy & Hans Strohmer Elissa Taylor

Cyvia & Melvyn Wolff Gay Yellen & Don Reiser

Stephanie Sawyer Matthew Tomatz

Katherine L. Turner

Debra Witter & Scott Chase Cheryl LawrenceWorleyZomper

MOORES SCHOOL OF MUSIC

ABOUT THE MOORES SCHOOL

Moores School of Music

The University of Houston’s Moores School of Music (MSM) is one of the leading comprehensive music schools in the nation. Its remarkable faculty — of internationally recognized performers, composers, and scholars — outstanding student body, modern facilities, and broad range of programs make MSM the natural choice for nearly 600 students annually. The school’s commitment to academic excellence and the highest performance standards has ensured its role as a vital resource in the educational and cultural life of Houston and beyond.

Moores Society

The Moores Society is the philanthropic volunteer organization for the Moores School of Music. Moores Society members and donors promote community awareness and provide funding for scholarships and special projects. Moores Society members receive invitations to concerts and special events held throughout the year. Please visit uh.edu/kgmca/music/moores-society.

For more information, please contact Emily Wolfe, Patrons Relations and Communications Coordinator, at mooressociety@uh.edu or 713.743.8036.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts

The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts at the University of Houston is a dynamic home of creativity and collaboration in one of America’s most artistically vibrant and culturally diverse cities. Bringing together the performing and visual arts entities at the University of Houston, the college has the ability to harness the power of the arts to ultimately impact our world. Our award-winning, internationally distinguished faculty provides top-quality instruction to the talented, emerging student artists from more than 30 programs of study. The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts seeks to positively impact the community and to empower our students to use their talents to change the world.

Giving to the Arts

Please support emerging artists at the University of Houston's Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts. Your gift enables KGMCA students and educators to create, collaborate, and transform Houston’s cultural landscape. Your gift makes a difference.

• Please visit https://giving.uh.edu/gift. To give directly to the Moores School of Music, please visit uh.edu/ kgmca/music/giving

• For more information contact Emily Wolfe, Patron Relations and Communications Coordinator, at ewolfe@uh.edu or 713.743.7732