Human Resources Manager, Webb Chemical Service Corporation
Larry Fife
Retired Infotainment Director, Siemens and Continental Automotive
Amy Hosford
General Manager, KN Literary Arts
Donna Joyce
Advancement Director, DOOR International
Stacy Mellema, CPA
Shareholder, Hungerford
Jason Olthoff
Vice President of Sales, Nichols
Emma Peterson
Director of Philanthropy, Trinity Health
Jennifer Ross
City Clerk, Muskegon Heights
Ryan Sterkenburg CTFA®, CISP®
VP / Senior Trust Administrator, Macatawa Bank
Thomas Trzaska
Chief Engineer, RENK America
West Michigan Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides programs and services without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability. Programs are funded in part by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs with the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Dates, artists and programs are subject to change.
Message from the Music Director
Meet the WMS Principal Musicians
West Michigan Symphony Musicians
Message from the Chairperson
West Michigan Symphony Annual Fund
West Michigan Symphony Endowment
West Michigan Symphony Legacy Giving
Home for the Holidays
Mozart & Beethoven
Community Music Encounters
About West Michigan Symphony
West Michigan Symphony 2024/25 Season
Block 2024/25 Season
MISSION
West Michigan Symphony connects and enriches our diverse community through the transformative power of music. We fulfill this primarily through three core offerings:
• Professional, live symphonic performances in a welcoming environment
• Inspired small ensemble performances in an immersive live listening room
• Learning activities that enrich the lives of children and adults through exploration, participation and performance
VISION
We are a catalyst for a musicinfused West Michigan: leading, facilitating, connecting and collaborating with the community to stimulate cultural vibrancy, inclusivity and pride of place.
Find Us Online
Website: westmichigansymphony.org
Facebook: facebook.com/wmsymphony
Facebook: facebook.com/AtTheBlock
Email: info@westmichigansymphony.org
Dear Friends,
Welcome to Our Winter Concert Series!
As the temperatures drop and the snowflakes begin to fall, the West Michigan Symphony invites you to find warmth and delight in great orchestral music. We're thrilled to share two unforgettable programs to thaw even the frostiest winter nights.
First up in December is our annual Home for the Holidays concert. We welcome beloved guest conductor John Varineau, vocalist Alyssa Garcia Bauer, and the always wonderful West Michigan Symphony Children’s Choir, along with the Western Michigan Christian High School Chamber Choir. Expect carols, heartwarming holiday tunes, and possibly a few of your seatmates hitting notes they didn’t even know existed. It's a festive, feelgood tradition to start the season right.
In January, we’re ringing in the New Year with Mozart and Beethoven. From the comedic flair of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro overture to the buoyant energy of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, this concert brings two musical giants in full form. And for the icing on the cake, our own Principal Clarinetist Jonathan Holden takes center stage to perform Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2, a piece that practically dances its way through winter. If you’ve ever wondered just how much heat a clarinet can bring, Jon’s got the answer.
As you join us for these performances, let music be your winter wonderland! May our concerts envelop you in comfort and joy. We love having you in the West Michigan Symphony family.
Scott Speck Music Director
Please see Scott Speck’s bio on page 32
MEET THE WMS PRINCIPAL MUSICIANS
Our musicians are West Michigan’s cultural ambassadors and a key part of its creative capital. In addition to WMS, our players teach privately and at major Michigan universities, perform with other orchestras, and appear as recitalists and chamber musicians across the Midwest and beyond.
Sponsored by Darlene Collet in memory of Lee Collet
Second Violin
Amanda Dykhouse principal
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Endowed Chair
Mark Portolese assc. principal
Sponsored by Joanna Norris
Carmen Abelson asst. principal
Katie Bast
Sponsored by David & Darcy Dye
Patrick Foley
Karen-Jane Henry
Natalie Hockamier
Sponsored by Mark & Karla Lange
Britta Bujak Portenga
Sponsored by Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors Jackie Engel, CFP®
Viola
Arturo Ziraldo principal
Sponsored by Jan & Laura Deur
Rebecca Boelzner assc. principal
Sponsored by Anonymous
Jason Butler asst. principal
Rebecca Miller
Carlos Lozano
Csaba Erdélyi
Sponsored by JoLee Wennersten
Josh Holcomb
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY MUSICIANS
Cello
Alicia Gregorian Sawyers principal
Sponsored by Steve & Deb Olsen
Igor Cetkovic assc. principal
Sponsored by David & Darcy Dye
Cameron Slaugh asst. principal
Sponsored by Dr F Remington
& Ginny Sprague
Lee Copenhaver
Sponsored by Dr Mark D & Kristina M Clark
Karen Krummel
Abigail Monroe
Sponsored by Cynthia Mazurek
Grace Mockus
Calin Muresan
Bass
Robert Johnson principal
Frank E. & Flora M. Johnson Endowed Chair
Stephen Reichelt
Flute
Jill Marie Brown principal
Sponsored by Anonymous
Marissa Olin
Sponsored by Mary E Malek
Leslie Deppe piccolo
Sponsored by David & Beth Pickard
Oboe
Asako Furuoya principal
Sponsored by Joanne & Amy Bensinger
Natalie Feldpausch
Sponsored by Ellie Williams
Clarinet
Jonathan Holden principal
Sponsored by Susan Cloutier Crain
Stephanie Hovnanian
Sponsored Anonymously in honor of Jane Blyth
Lisa Raschiatore bass clarinet
Sponsored by Don & Kathy Dahlstrom matched by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Bassoon
Chloe Robbins principal
Sponsored by Sheila & Patrick Miller
Jason Kramer
Sponsored by Eric & Merica Dobry
Horn
Paul Clifton-O’Donnell principal
Jeffrey Lake Johnson Endowed Chair
Greg Bassett
Sponsored by Allen & Sandy Beck
Lisa Honeycutt
Sponsored by Allen & Sandy Beck
Leah Brockman
Sponsored by Karen & John Wells
Trumpet
Bill Baxtresser principal
Sponsored by Roger & Rebecca Tuuk
Ethan Adams
Sponsored by Tom Knight
Trombone
Edward Hickman principal
Sponsored by Stephen & Debra Jackson
Joe Radtke
Carter Woosley bass trombone
Sponsored by Joel & Linda Engel
Tuba
Riley Lindsey principal
Sponsored by Dr. Chris Jansen-Yee
Timpani
Leo Taylor principal
Douglas & Janet Hoch Endowed Chair
Percussion
Matthew Beck principal
Sponsored by Jill Sanders
Jordan Berini
Eric Jones
Sponsored by Cornelia Holley & Sheryl Wescott
Harp
Sylvia Norris principal
Sponsored by Valerie & Fred Church-McHugh
Music Librarian
Amanda Dykhouse
Musical Chairs: Sponsor a musician for the season. Endow for a lifetime. For more information, contact Andy Buelow at 231.726.3231 or abuelow@westmichigansymphony.org.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON
Throughout the 85th Anniversary of your West Michigan Symphony, we are focusing not on ourselves but on YOU, our patrons. At WMS, we exist not simply to celebrate the art form, but to serve the community. This is your orchestra, not ours! As I announced in the last edition of prélude, we’re gathering stories to celebrate this occasion by honoring our loyal community of listeners and music lovers. If you have one you’d like to share, stop by the info table in the lobby and fill out a story form—or complete it online at tinyurl.com/bdym65er.
Scott Speck and his team have been busily planning the 2025-2026 season—which will be unveiled in late January. Not to steal his thunder, but I can’t resist telling you that he’s making the first Masterworks (slated for November 14, 2025) into an “Audience Choice” concert. You will get the opportunity to help us choose the music on the program! Voting is now open. See page 13 for details.
There’s a high correlation between symphony attendance and past participation in orchestra or band. Many of us used to play an instrument. In my case, it was percussion; in junior high band I ended up ensconced behind the timpani and bells because I could actually read music!
Do you have fond memories of playing an instrument? Maybe you still have an old horn, violin or cello somewhere in a closet at home. If so, we’re going to give you a chance to dust it off and make music again.
We're happy to announce the Rusty Musicians Performance Experience! If you have—or can borrow— an instrument, you’re invited to join Scott Speck and members of the orchestra this summer for a daylong immersive experience of rehearsing and learning, culminating in an evening performance. Rusty Musicians will take place at the Frauenthal Center on Saturday, July 12. This is your chance to experience what it’s like to perform on the Frauenthal stage with Maestro Scott Speck conducting! See page 13 for details.
Part of our Mission Statement is to provide learning activities that enrich the lives of children and adults (see p. 2). After all, why should the youngsters get all the fun?
2024–2025
Susan Cloutier Crain Chairperson, WMS Board of Directors
40 Feb. 7–22, 2025 Frauenthal Stage Black Box
Conceived and Originally Directed by John-Michael Tebelak
Music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Originally Produced on the New York Stage by Edgar Lansbury, Stuart Duncan, Joseph Beruh
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
Your WMS honors and recognizes our most loyal patrons – our subscribers. You’ve seen the many faces of the orchestra through time, seen us through financial successes and challenges, artistic triumphs and disappointments. But always with unwavering commitment, encouragement and support. You are our greatest fans. Thank you!
Magical Moment:
Maestro Scott Speck has brought our orchestra to world class level, and every concert is a magical moment!
- Joanna Norris, 40 year subscriber
Magical Moment:
West Michigan Symphony has been our treasure for 16 years, since it was known as West Shore Symphony. From the beginning, sitting in front row center seats, we have had the privilege of viewing the movements of guest artists, noting how the musicians play their remarkable instruments, and observing Scott as he gave mini music lessons— all up close.
- Wally and Jane Ewing, 16 year subscribers
40+ Years
Karla Bates
Ron & Ann Marie Brown
Timothy & Anne Erickson
Pat Johnson
John & Jessie Martin
John & Barbara Mullally
Joanna Norris
William & Erika Paulson
William Randall
Rem & Ginny Sprague
Stephen & Gwynne Schoff
Judith Tierney
Jane Wright
30+ Years
Curtis Chambers
Susan Cloutier Crain
Charles Tindall & Susan Rogalla Tindall
Kay VanderWall
20+ Years
William Baldridge
Karla Brown
Rudolph & Patricia Chmelar
Anne Dake
Amy Klop
Steve & Cindy Movesian
Joanne VanOordt
Susan Rehrer
Al Steinman
JoLee Wennersten
Brewster & Mary Ellen Willcox
10+ Years
Steve & Martha Bartlett
Jack Brown
Don & Kathy Dahlstrom
Patricia Dee
David Dietrich & Mary Jo Thies Dietrich
Gregory & Kathleen Edwards
Wally & Jane Ewing
Robert & Mary K Hogan
Marcia Howe
Donna & Scott Lachniet
Paul & Winnie McNergney
Laird Schaefer
Jocelyn Shaw & Doug Hannink
Joanie Smith
Peggy Tully
Roger & Becky Tuuk
5+ Years
Agnes De Boer
Sally Dunn & Douglas Doering
Carol & Ross Feltes
Lisa Henry
Jean Regester
Diana Wojton
Partial list, representing those who responded to 85th anniversary subscriber survey.
West Michigan Symphony Annual Fund
Your annual contributions to West Michigan Symphony help to sustain a vital community resource. Just over 60% of contributions to WMS come from individual patrons, with the remainder generated from corporate and foundation support. We extend our deepest appreciation to you for helping make WMS a cultural touchstone in our community.
The listings below represent total pledges and gifts by each patron household from Sept 1, 2023 through Nov 19, 2024. This includes our Annual Fund, other special initiatives and events. In particular, we wish to express our gratitude to Mike and Kay Olthoff for their support of our November-December Matching Challenge campaign.
We have given careful attention to ensure a complete and accurate list. Please notify us of any inaccuracies by calling 231.726.3231.
$10,000 and up Anonymous (3)
Dr Mark D & Kristina M Clark
Susan Cloutier Crain
Jan & Laura Deur
Pat & Julie Donahue
Nelson & Elizabeth Huldin
Wendy M Kersman
Daniel & Sheryl Kuznar
Clara Lang
Steve & Deb Olsen
Mike & Kay Olthoff
Brad & Kathleen Playford
Jill Sanders
Jocelyn Shaw & Doug Hannink
Jack & Becky Slimko
Peter M Turner
$5,000-$9,999 Anonymous
George W & Lori Lynn Cannon III
Deborah DeVoursney
William & Mary Lou Eyke
James & Susan Geisler
Robert & Clara Harrell
Greg & Debi Hillebrand
Stephen & Debra Jackson
Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough
Rich & Nancy Klassen
Ryan & Emily Leestma
Chris McGuigan & Gary Neal
Patrick & Sheila Miller
Mike Muskovin
Joanna Norris
Frank & Emma Peterson
Sawyer Family Fund of CFFMC
Tom Schaub & Mary Price
Dr Michael & Marijean Smith
Roger & Rebecca Tuuk
Hazel Whittaker
$2,500-$4,999
Cindy Ackerman
Melisa Baker
Allen & Sandy Beck
Amy Bensinger
Joanne Bensinger
Jane Blyth
Pete & Sherry Brown in memory of Marilyn Andersen
Claudia Bryant
Andy & Beth Buelow
Valerie Church-McHugh & Fred McHugh
Darlene Collet
Mary Douville
Kevin & Annette Even
Larry & Lynette Fife
Bob & Heather Garretson
David F Gerdes & Carolyn Smith-Gerdes
Brad & Janice Hilleary
Bruce & Donna Hood
Hon Kathy L Hoogstra & Dr Robert Hoogstra
Amy & William Hosford
Ed Hunt & Nancy McCarthy in memory of Donna Little
Paul & Karen Jackson
Patricia Johnson
Rob & Julie Johnson
Ratan & Vicky Khatri
Bonnie Olson Memorial Fund
Jason & Jamye Olthoff
Barbara Potuznik
Susan Rehrer
Laura Schultz in memory of Jack Schultz
Sam Slaughter & Anne Lehker
Scott Speck
Dr F Remington & Ginny Sprague
Ryan & Kris Sterkenburg
Susan & Stephen Struck
Liz & Tom Trzaska
Brad & Erika Vanbergen
Michael & Patricia Wade
Karen & John Wells
JoLee Wennersten
Tom & Jane Witt
Jim & Linda Zolman
$1,000-$2,499
Charles Alstrom
Susan & Frank Bednarek Fund of the CFFMC
Herb & Anne Bevelhymer
Colin Billingsley
David & Sue Bird
Dave Bishop
Susan Blake
Nick Bolema
Ron & Ann Marie Brown
Janice Buck
Bob & Charlotte Chessman
Amy Conn Tenny in memory Jeff Conn
Anne M Dake in memory E Allan Dake
Eric & Merica Dobry
Marcia D'Oyly
Deb & Chris Drake
Robert & Cathleen Dubault
Joel & Linda Engel
Charles & Patti Fisher
Brian & Gwen Fosse
Charles & Lynn Freeman
Evelyn Geile
Tilio Giacobassi Family
Brennen & Rachel Gorman
Mary Anne Gorman
Mark & Jennifer Gross
Mary Gust in honor Liz and Tom Trzaska
Carl & Sylvia Hansen
Bill Haug & Jane Curtis
Gwen & Jeff Hazekamp
Roberda Hilleary
Larry & Lari Hines
Cornelia Holley
Richard & Holly Hughes
Pat Hunt
Wilda James
Christian Jansen-Yee
Joel & Kathleen Jarvis
Charles & Vivian Johnson
Dick & Lynn Kamps
Heather Kettler
Pete & Mimi Kunz
Denise Kwiecien
Patricia Ladas
Mark & Karla Lange
Tim & Lynette Lipan
Mark Luttenton
Jim & Mary Malek
John & Jessie Martin
Cindy Mazurek
Don & Jean Medema
Mark & Bonnie Meengs
Stacy and Eric Mellema
Susan Meston
Richard & Katie Norton
KN Literary Arts
on behalf Amy Hosford
Thank you West Michigan Symphony, for the work you do to transform lives in meaningful ways!
Chris & Amy Olthoff
David & Beth Pickard
Terry & Joy Puffer
Robert Pyka
Gretchen & Randy Rhoades
Clyde & Beth Rinsema
David Roodvoets
David Ruck
Julia Rupp
John Saling & Diane Fischer
Robert N & Merle N Scolnik Advised Fund of the CFFMC
Josh & Amy Silvis
Dr Carlo V Spataro
Dr Alan Steinman
Kim Suarez
John & Mary Swanson
Drs David & Linda Taylor
Elinore Verplank (Norna)
Melody & JR Whitby
Ellie Williams
Dr Roy Winegar & Ms Barbara Klingenmaier
Marguerite & Kenneth Winter
Jan Witt
Jon J & Cathy Workman
Jane J Wright
$500-$999
Anonymous (3)
Anonymous in honor of Joanna and Fred Norris
Merry Christmas, Joey!
Darlene Alt
Bruce & Paula Baker
Brian & Jill Boersema
Richard & Marilyn Brown
Gordon & Mary Buitendorp
Michael Cerminaro & Connie Verhagen
Jeff & Kelly Clark
Dr Donald & Nancy Crandall
Don & Kathy Dahlstrom
Mary Theodore Danigelis
Chris Dean
Eugene Fethke
Manley Ford
Mark Foreman
Chip & Leslie Furst
Nick Gereaux
Michelle Kantor Hanley in memory of In Memory of
Mort and Maxine Kantor
Mike & Jamie Hekker
Kurt & Antoinette Hildwein
Susan Hoekenga
Reedel & Rosie Holmes
Jonathon & Wendy Hoogstra
Norma Jean Horan
Maureen & Don Huldin
Karen Kayes
Becky Kuznar
Brian Leibrandt
Shelley Essebaggers Lewis
Andy & Jill Maciejewski
Charles & Kay Cater Matthews
Dean Millar
Roger & Jane Missimer
Amanda Moblo
Perry & Deb Newson
Daniel & Dominga Partenio
Nick & Barb Pietrangelo
Roy & Britta Bujak Portenga
Mike & Char Ratchford
Bob & Bobbi Sabine
Duane & Susan Schecter
Allen & Mistelle Serio
John & Elaine Severson
Helen & Jay Smith
Mary Holmes Sorensen
Tracy Sprague
Eileen Stoffan
Tom & Nanci Stone
Clifford & Lucia Storr
Dr Ryan & Heather Terlouw
Judy Theune
George & Laura Thurlow
Don & Jane Tjarksen
Richard & Marge Tourre
Catherine & Chris Uganski
William & Susan Vander Zanden
Phillip & Loraine VanderPol
Bill & Shirley Walther
Sheryl Wescott
Judy Wilcox
Jonathan & Melissa Wilson
Rachael & Ian Wright
$100-$499
Anonymous (7)
Anonymous in honor of Dr. Bruce & Esther Drukker Celebrating their 90th birthdays
Krista Abbott
Ross & Sandra Aden
James Alexander
Lionel & Contessa Alexander III
Lee Anderson
Michael Anderson & Brooke Kieft-Anderson
Bernadette Arnold
Margo Atwell
Larry & Sandy Austin
Barbara Bakker
Esther Baldridge
Barbara Bates-Lalick & Martin Lalick
Lisa Bayne
Gary & Carol Beatty
Sherry Albertie Becker
David Beckmann
Jeanne Kuharivicz Bleich
Aaron & Amy Bodbyl-Mast
Arthur & Marilyn Bolt
David & Karen Booth
Greg Borgman
Sarah Bowman
Dr Mary & Robert Boyer
Martha & Eddie Brown
Michael & Joanna Buboltz
Marie Bustin
Roger Buter
Curtis Chambers & Diana Wojton
Rudy & Pat Chmelar
Joanne Cochrane
E Jane Connell & Steven W Rosen
Diana Cornell
Bill & Carol Cross
Jessica Wolin & Frank Crownover
Carol Lynn Cubitt
David Culver
Andrew & Samantha Cutler
Bill & Joan Davis in memory of Mary Eherenman
Agnes De Boer
Eugene & Beth Decker
Dean Denman & Gale Ford In memory of Janie Denman
Larry DeVoogd
David & Dortha DeWitt
Eric Douville
Joyce Downing
Judy Draper
Karen Driver
Bruce & Esther Drukker
Dennis & Barbara Dryer
Amanda & Gregory Dykhouse
William & Donna Eckert
James Edmonson
Bethann Egan & Len Lieffers
Eileen McCormick & Lynne Nash
Jean Enright
Wallace & Jane Ewing
Jill Farkas
Cork Farkas & Kathy Mauck
Katy & Walt Felver
Jenny Feringa
Bobby Fisher
Carla Flanders
Dale & Bridget Fox
Carol & Pete Friar
Bruce Froelich & Margot Haynes
Tommy Fuerst
Marisol Garcia Linstrom
Chuck & Jeanne Gembis
Rick Gentile
Dana & Jeff Glamzi
Diane Goodman
Marjorie Gorajec
Marcia Grasman
LaDon Gustafson
Revs' Jerry & Susan Hagans
Virginia Hague
Jeff & Gail Hall
Kirk Hallman & Dawn Boston
Raymond Hamil
Lois Haverman
Judith Hayner & Charlene Romanosky
Rhonda Hennessy
Patricia Hesling
Dan & Celeste Hibler
Molly McCarthy & Timothy Hicks
Vicky Hilliard
Carolyn Hillyer
Gwen Hoffman
Schierholz/Hogan Family Fund of CFFMC
Mary Anne & Thom Hornik
Marcia Hovey-Wright & Ernie Boone
Mary Ann Howe
John & Jane Humphrey
Nicholas Huryk
Katherine & Kenneth Jacobs
Dirk Jasperse
Jessica Jenkins
Jeffrey Lake Johnson in memory of Jeffrey Johnson.
Ken Johnson
Robert E Johnson
Natalie Johnson & Dana Pink in memory of Donna Little
Lamar & Diane Jordan
Linda Juarez & Chris Garzelloni
Brian Kadlec
John Karafa
Brett Karhoff
Loretta Kasprzyk
Francine Kieft
Louie & Earlaine Kiel
Sarah & Gregory Korose
Alyssa Kraker
Bruce & Mary Krueger
Meghann Kruse
Mike Kuznar
Joan La Mourie
Jeff & Jody Lewis
Pat Locke
Dale & Amanda Lowder
Deborah Margules
Mahmood & Barbel Masghati
Chris & Kayla May
Shirley McIntire
John & Cindy McKinnon
Paul & Winnie McNergney
Phil McPherson
Howard & Carole Meade Fund
JB & Lynn Meeuwenberg
Joan Menke-Schaenzer
Rich & Teresa Micheil
LaShelle Mikesell
Karen Miller
Deb Mogdis
Vern Molitor
Wendy Morden
Mark & Valerie Muilenburg
John & Barbara Mullally
Jil & Phil Nehra
Kathryn Neumann
Susan & Tyler Newton in memory of Herb and Ellie Hoeker
Thanks for instilling in us appreciation for this kind of music.
Donielle Nichols
Eric & Karen Nisja
David Olsen
Garry & Charlotte Olson
Thomas & Linda Gay Olson
Henry & Mollie Osborn
Bill Papo
Richard A Pardini
Dr Richard & Nancy Peters
Stacy Phillips
John & Karen Pitcher
Sylvia Precious
Monica Lakatos & Steve Preston
C Bruce & Shirley Privacky
Ellen & Vic Prowant
Rev William Randall
David Redmond
Faye Redmond in memory of Donna Louise Little
Joan Reeg
Cindy Ribesky
Bruce & Mari Rice
Dan & Sarah Rinsema Sybenga
Christine & Marv Robere
Dr Gary & Pennie Robertson
Bruce & Judy Rollston
Derek & Claire Root-Benson
Karl & Barbara Rowe
Kim Sakis
Penny Sander
Gregory Shaull
Gwynne & Steve Schoff
Susan (Sue) Schuiteman
Lennie Schwaiger
John Selmon
Euginnia Seyferth
Karen Shields
Craig & Cathy Simons
Colleen & Joseph Skendzel
Hayden Smith
Joanie Smith
Anbritt & Darlene Stengele
Michael & Cindy Stevens
James & Nancy Stier
George & Dottie Strabel
Julie Stuberg
Verne & Janet Sutherland
Marty & Heidi Sytsema
Loretta Temple
Rebecca Thomas
Judith Tierney
Scott Timmer
Charles & Susan Rogalla Tindall
Kathleen Torresen
Brandon & MonicaTurnbull
Janice Ubels
Bruce Van Dop
John Van Walsum
David Vanderwall
Kay VanderWall
Nancy L Vanderwest
Ed DeJong & Diane VanWesep
Gerald Walter
Ann Marie Wasserman
Nate & Amanda Westbrook
Neil & Beverly Whitbeck
Jenny Wilkes
Brewster & Mary Ellen Willcox
Beverly Williams
Lynn Winter
Raimonds T Ziemelis
Corporate, Arts Council & Foundation Donors
$10,000 and up
BCS Financial Partners LLC
City of Muskegon
DTE Energy Foundation
Fremont Area Community Foundation
Grand Haven Area
Community Foundation
Harbor Steel & Supply Corp
Hines Corporation
Howmet Aerospace
Leonel L. & Mary Loder Fund of the CFFMC
Michigan Arts & Culture Council
Smith Davis Morse Group
Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge
The Gerber Foundation
The Leonard
The Meijer Foundation
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Women's Division Chamber Of Commerce
$5,000-$9,999
Adelaide Pointe
Community Foundation for Muskegon County
Fifth Third Bank
Howmet Community Fund of the CFFMC
JSJ Foundation
Lorin Industries
Samuel L. Westerman Foundation
Shoreline Insurance Agency, Inc.
Trinity Health
Webb Chemical Service Corporation
White Lake Community Fund
$2,500-$4,999
Consumers Energy
Grand Valley State University
Hazekamp's Premier Foods
Hungerford
Lake MI Credit Union
Macatawa Bank
Muskegon Community College
Raymond James
RENK America
West Shore Bank
$1,000-$2,499
Billie Klont Greinke Memorial Fund
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Cofessco
I'move
Laketown Family Dental
Mary C Payne Fund of the CFFMC
Tyler Sales
West Michigan Dock & Market Corporation
$500-$999
Ann & Bud Eichmann Fund Of CFFMC
Choice One Bank
Wheeler, John L. Memorial Scholarship of the CFFMC
Past Chairs Committee
The Past Chairs Committee provides ongoing guidance, advocacy and support to the WMS long after its members’ terms are completed. WMS thanks and honors these individuals for their generosity, collective wisdom and continuing leadership.
Tim Arter
Pete Brown
Marcia D’Oyly
David Gerdes
Holly Hughes
David Hogan
Pat Hunt
G Thomas Johnson
Wendy Kersman
Audience Choice Concert
YOUR VOTE. YOUR MUSIC.
Help program the opening Masterworks concert of the 2025/26 Season.
Cast your vote for the music you’d like to hear on the opening Masterworks concert of the 2025/26 Season, scheduled for November 14, 2025.
Choose your favorite overture, piano concerto and symphony from a selection of choices in each category.
Voting open through May 15, 2025. One vote per individual. Results will be unveiled at the 2024/25 season finale, May 30, 2025 and via the WMS website.
Deb Newson
Kay Olthoff
Mike Olthoff
Sylvia Precious
Chip Sawyer
Ann Tabor
Peter Turner
Jane Wright
Block Underwriters
Consumers Energy
Grand Valley State University
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Lorin Industries
Michael & Kimberly Martin (Endowed)
Muskegon Community College
Steve & Deb Olsen
Mike & Kay Olthoff
Mary Price & Tom Schaub
Shoreline Insurance Agency
Jack & Becky Slimko
Raymond James
Smith, Haughey, Rice and Roegge
Trinity Health
Tyler Sales
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Listening Links & Online Ballot Here bit.ly/4hYXmH0
All participants who provide contact information will be entered in drawing to win one of three prizes:
- Coffee with Music Director Scott Speck
- Pair of tickets for May 30, 2025 season finale
- Pair of tickets for the Audience Choice Concert Nov 14, 2025
Rusty Musicians Performance Experience
Do you play an instrument? Or wish you still played?
Have you wondered what it would be like to perform on the Frauenthal stage with Scott Speck conducting?
Saturday, July 12, 2025 | Frauenthal Center
We invite any adult who has a string, woodwind, brass instrument, or plays percussion, to join us for a day of rehearsing, learning, and performing under the direction of WMS Music Director Scott Speck.
Register online for this one day only special event! Questions? Contact Karen at kvanderzanden@westmichigansymphony.org
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY ENDOWMENT
Now in its 85th Season, WMS is dedicated to building a music-infused West Michigan, providing professional concerts in a welcoming environment and music encounters and learning that enrich the lives of both children and adults. The Endowment, along with robust annual giving, provides a stable funding base that supports this cause. WMS’s Endowment is held in two funds at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC) and in a third at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF).
Established in 1992, the CFFMC Secure the Spirit fund reported a fair market value of $619,909 on June 30, 2024. Established in 2020, the CFFMC Play Your Part fund reported $2,902,875 on the same date. The GHACF Play Your Part fund, established in 2021, was at $107,805.
The corpus of each fund is owned, managed and directed by these foundations, whose staff and trustees determine the timing and amount of distributions—normally an annual amount equal to 4% of the average balance over the previous 16 quarters. Foundation staff handles all administrative details and investment responsibilities, freeing WMS leadership and staff to focus on mission delivery.
Play Your Part Campaign
The primary objective for WMS’s 2020-2022 Play Your Part Campaign was to grow the organization’s Endowment, providing a stable revenue model for the future. The second objective was to provide funding for a new string orchestra program for underserved students in Muskegon Public Schools. This initiative, called “Tune Up,” launched in fall 2022 and is now entering its third season. For more information, please see page 29.
As of June 30, 2024, gifts to the Play Your Part Campaign totaled $3,722,180 with outstanding pledges of $274,815 for a total of $3,996,996. We thank all those who have given generously to the campaign to date, and invite you to consider “playing a part” in WMS’s future. Whether through an outright gift or a designation in your will and trusts, your support will ensure continuity and future growth of WMS’s artistic and education footprint.
To learn more, please contact Andy Buelow at 231.726.3231 or abuelow@westmichigansymphony.org.
Maestro: $250,000 and up
Michael & Kay Olthoff
Larry & Lari Hines
Jeffrey Lake Johnson
Premier: $100,000-$249,999
Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC)
Douglas & Janet Hoch
Robert & Wendy Kersman
Scott & Donna Lachniet
Crescendo: $50,000-$99,999
Bernie & Cathy Berntson
Jon & Jane Blyth
Mary Theodore Danigelis
Jan & Laura Deur
Pat & Julie Donahue
Mark & Christine Fazakerley
Mrs Carol Folkert
Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF)
Howmet Aerospace
Dan & Sheryl Kuznar
Meijer Foundation
Patrick O’Leary Foundation
Steve & Deb Olsen
Jack & Becky Slimko
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Symphony: $25,000-$49,999
Pete & Sherry Brown
Orville & Susan Cloutier-Crain
Don & Kathy Dahlstrom
matched by Charles Stewart Mott Fund
Rob & Cathleen Dubault
Eagle Alloy
William & Mary Lou Eyke
Fifth Third Bank
Paul & Karen Jackson
John & Jessie Martin
Monica Morse
Dr Richard & Nancy Peters
Tom Schaub & Mary Price
Concerto: $15,000-$24,999
Marilyn Andersen
Allen & Sandy Beck
Jackie Engel, CFP
James & Susan Geisler
Kimberly & Michael Martin
matched by Bank of America
Stephen & Susan Struck
Roger & Rebecca Tuuk
Prelude: $10,000-$14,999
Anonymous
Andy & Beth Buelow
G&L Hot Dogs
The Gerber Foundation
David Gerdes & Carolyn Smith-Gerdes
Stephen & Debra Jackson
F Martin & Dorothy A Johnson Fund of the GHACF
Paul C Johnson Fund of the CFFMC
Fred & Joanna Norris
Greg & Shelley Olson
Susan Rehrer
Robbins Road Animal Clinic
Dr Alan Steinman
John & Mary Swanson
Liz & Tom Trzaska matched by RENK America
Peter M Turner
Webb Chemical
Judy Wilcox
Overture: $5,000-$9,999
Anonymous BDO
Bill Baldridge
Sherry Albertie Becker
Frank & Susan Bednarek
George & Lori Lynn Cannon
Cofessco Fire Protection
Consumers Energy
Dr Donald & Nancy Crandall
Anne & Allan Dake
Kevin & Annette Even
Mary Anne Gorman
Judith Hayner & Charlene Romanosky
Greg & Debi Hillebrand
Pat Hunt
Bari Johnson
Tom & Pat Johnson
Dick & Lynn Kamps
Ray & Betsy Komray
Clara Lang
Mark & Bonnie Meengs
Frank & Emma Peterson
Bruce & Marilyn Reichardt
Suzanne Richards & Lee Burlison
Kurt Rosen
Dr F Remington & Ginny Sprague
John & Sue Sytsema
Dan & Ann Tabor
Don & Jane Tjarksen
LJ Verplank
Webb Chemical
Kathy West in memory of David Alan West
Sonata: $1,000-$4,999
Anonymous (3)
Cynthia Ackerman
Christine Adams
Charles & Gloria Alstrom
Margo Atwell
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Jack & Marilyn Brown
Ryan & Katie Bryker
Ardy Bulthouse Kroes in honor of Amanda Dykhouse
Robert & Charlotte Chessman
Dr & Mrs Paul Christie
Dr Mark D & Kristina M Clark
Darlene Collet
Core Realty Partners
Kurt & Cheryl Deford
Jean Enright
Charles & Lynn Freeman
Evelyn Geile
Michael Gluhanich
Mr & Mrs Bill Hendrick
Cornelia Holley
Keith & Mary Kay Hopkins
Hugh & Barbara Hornstein
Richard & Holly Hughes
Ed Hunt & Nancy McCarthy
Joel & Kathleen Jarvis
Heather Kettler
Bruce & Mary Krueger
Peter Kurdziel
Michael Martin
Cindy Mazurek
Chris McGuigan & Gary Neal
Susan Meston
Roger & Jane Missimer
Roger & Michelle Morgenstern in memory of Richard & Nancy Morgenstern
Scott & Janee’ Musselman
Gary Nelund & Angie Wasserman-Nelund
matched by State Farm Insurance
Dr Dale & Connie Nesbary
Steve & Kathy Parker
Gary & Beth Post
Denis & Barbara Potuznik
RENK America
David & Georganna Rice
David Roodvoets
John & Marilyn Ruck
John Saling & Diane Fischer
Jill Sanders
Chip & Susan Sawyer
Duane & Susan Schecter
Laura Schultz
John & Elaine Severson
Jocelyn Shaw & Doug Hannink
Shoreline Insurance Agency
Michael & Corina Soimar
Scott Speck in honor of the WMS Musicians
Ted & Judy Stojak
Suarez/Polakis Family
Marty & Heidi Sytsema
Bryce & Marti Tallant
Carol Parker Thompson
Peter & Judy Theune
Judy Tierney
Evan & Rachel Ufer
David & Laura Valk
Karen & John Wells
JR Whitby
Eleanor Williams
Dr Roy Winegar & Ms Barbara
Klingenmaier
Jan Witt
Jane Wright
Robert & Joanne Zayko Environmental Fund of the CFFMC
Douglas & Jennifer Zwemer
Introit: Up to $999
Anonymous (4)
Larry & Sandra Austin
Susan A Bissell Memorial Fund
Charles Black in honor of Fred & Joanna Norris
Gary & Rhonda Bogner
Dana & Claudia Bryant
Jerry & Marcia Brichan
Rachel Calderon in memory of Dick Baker
Benjamin Christian on behalf of Tina Horigan
E Jane Connell & Steven W Rosen
Calvin Deur
Harold & Mary Englund
Eugene Fethke
Martha Ferriby
Tilio Giacobassi Family
Erica Gillard
Harvey & Maraleigh Heyer
Ellen Hanichen
Gwen Hoffman
Doug & Judy Hostetler
Mary Ann Howe
Kristi Klomp
Randy & Debra Knapp
Pete & Mimi Kunz
Cindy Larsen
Joeseph & Barbara Legatz
Charles Matthews & Kay Cater Matthews
Patrick & Sheila Miller
Barb & John Mullally
Kathryn Neumann
Perry & Deb Newson
Amy Norris & MJ Towle in honor of Fred & Joanna Norris
James & Ruth Olthoff
Thomas Pascoe
Janet Payne
William & Gay Peterson
Linda Quaine
Rev William Randall
Mike & Char Ratchford
Stephen & Susan Salisbury
Schieholz/Hogan Fund of the CFFMC
Sally Schwartz
Asaline Scott
Joanie Smith
Howard & Marilyn Swanson
Warren Tibbitts
Richard & Marge Tourre
Mary Towner
Nancy & Gerritt Vanderwest
Rebecca Veltman
Duane & Laurie Wright
Raimonds T Ziemelis
Jim & Linda Zolman
Tune Up Donors: $5,000 and up
Cathy & Bernie Berntson Fund of CFFMC
Jon & Jane Blyth
Orville Crain & Susan Cloutier Crain
Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC)
Mary Theodore Danigelis
Jan & Laura Deur
Mark & Christine Fazakerley
Fifth Third Bank
Gerber Foundation
Harbor Steel & Supply Corporation
Hines Corporation
Dr Douglas E & Janet P Hoch
Howmet Aerospace Foundation
Dick & Lynn Kamps
Robert & Wendy Kersman
Dan & Sheryl Kuznar
Scott & Donna Lachniet
Meijer Foundation
Patrick J O’Leary & Karen Yamasaki
Steve & Deb Olsen
Mike & Kay Olthoff
Jack & Becky Slimko
Stephen & Susan Struck
WEST
West Michigan Symphony Legacy Giving Circle
MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
It Takes just one note to Start a Symphony
With a planned gift to West Michigan Symphony, you can continue to support the Orchestra even after your passing. Planned giving is simply creating a plan to make a gift. You don’t need to be wealthy to make an impact—you just need to make a plan.
The easiest way to make a planned gift is through a charitable bequest, where you designate in your will or trust the assets that you wish to gift to WMS upon your death. A bequest is not all or nothing; you can leave either a percentage of your total estate value, a specific asset (such as part of an investment portfolio), a specified amount of money, or the remaining assets in your estate after all your other requests have been satisfied. You can also make a planned gift by designating the WMS as a beneficiary of your retirement or IRA account, or your life insurance.
You can also specify how you would like your gift used by designating it toward music education, the Endowment, or “wherever it is needed.”
Creating a planned gift is a wonderful way to leave a legacy, provide future funding, and ensure that WMS continues to delight, teach and entertain audiences in the future. Talk with your estate plan attorney about your options.
We welcome your questions. Please reach out to Andy Buelow at 231.726.3231, or visit our website at westmichigansymphony.org. We would be happy to provide sample language to include in your estate plan documents, explore your ideas about your plan, or simply connect. And if you do make a planned gift, or have already done so, please consider letting us know so that we can thank you!
FRANK E. AND FLORA M. Johnson Principal DOUBLE BASS CHAIR
Thank You As Well To Our Newest Legacy Giving Circle Members:
Susan Cloutier Crain
Jan & Laura Deur
Pat & Julie Donahue
Robert & Jackie Engel
Jeffrey Lake Johnson
Mike & Kay Olthoff
Bob & Bobbi Sabine
IN LOVING Memory of Frank E. AND Flora M. Johnson
Growing up in the Frank and Flora Johnson household meant a life rich with music, including attendance at the West Michigan Symphony concerts held in the Muskegon High School auditorium. Frank and Flora created a loving home where music was part of the family. Flora would accompany Frank on the piano as he rehearsed for his solo singing gigs at area churches and weddings. There were family sing-alongs around that same piano and holiday gatherings where Chris and Jeff (their oldest sons) would entertain the family with songs and guitar playing. Wintery Sunday afternoons were often spent lying on the living room floor listening to orchestral, Broadway, and opera LPs. And Frank and Flora supported each of their five children’s participation in all manner of musical endeavors from piano lessons to band, chorus, and the West Shore Youth Symphony.
Frank and Flora’s legacy of love and music has extended on through their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Their second son, Jeffrey Lake Johnson, developed his musical talents into a career in which he played French horn in traveling Broadway musicals and orchestras around the country — including right here in Muskegon.
Jeff left a legacy of his own through a meaningful estate bequest to the West Michigan Symphony, as well as two other local institutions, to support the cultural enrichment of the area. Jeff cared deeply for West Michigan — its people, environment, and culture. He believed strongly in the transformative power of music as well as the importance of having access to it right where you live. Of all the many worthy institutions and places he could have chosen for his estate giving, he wanted to make a difference in his hometown — the place that nurtured and developed his interests and character. His gift to the Symphony will endow two chairs and provide support to the West Michigan Symphony Tune Up program. The first endowment was the principal French horn chair dedicated in his name in 2023. For the second endowment, that of the principal double bass, it seemed fitting that the dedication be in the name of Frank and Flora in loving tribute to them and the musical legacy they passed down.
The remaining Johnson family children, Jennifer Grow, Tim Johnson, and Amy McEwen, are honored to help see their brother’s gift come to fruition. They join his friends and former colleagues in gratitude for Jeff’s life and in special appreciation for their parents, Frank E. and Flora M. Johnson, for nurturing in them the love of music and community.
Thank you, Jeff, and thank you Frank and Flora, for all you gave us.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
FRIDAY
DEC 20 7:30 PM
JOHN VARINEAU CONDUCTOR
ALYSSA GARCIA BAUER VOCALIST
WMS CHILDREN’S CHOIR
BETH SLIMKO, DIRECTOR
WESTERN MICHIGAN CHRISTIAN
HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
KATHRYN BECKSVOORT, DIRECTOR
Holiday Fanfare Medley
We Need a Little Christmas
Christmas Waltz
James Stephenson
Jerry Herman
Sammy Cahn/Jule Styne, arr. Paul Hemmer
“My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music Rodgers and Hammerstein
All I Want for Christmas is You
Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff arr. Luke Flynn
Caribbean Sleighride Robert Wendel
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer Johnny Marks, arr. Richard Hayman
Sweet Silent Night Andy Beck
Laura Ogren, piano
Jingle Bells
SPONSORS
CONCERT
CONCERT
James Lord Pierpont, arr. Paul Campbell
Sleigh Ride Leroy Anderson
Intermission
Passport to Christmas Matthew Naughtin
O Come, Emmanuel Elaine Hagenberg
Sherry Merz, piano
David Peshlakai, cello
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks Arr. Dan Forrest
Stille Nacht
All is Well
Mary, Did You Know
O Holy Night
SEASON
Franz Gruber, arr. Calvin Custer
Michael W. Smith/Wayne Kirkpatrick, arr. Lloyd Larson
Buddy Green/Mark Lowery, arr. Jack Schrader
Adolphe Adam, arr. David T. Clydesdale
Angels in the Snow Tracey Rush
A Merry Christmas Singalong Arr. Robert Wendel
Loop and Infrared Systems in place for the hearing impaired. Please inquire with an usher for use of this system.
Please silence and dim screens of all cell phones and other electronic devices. The use of recording devices during the performance is strictly prohibited.
John
Varineau Conductor
John Varineau was appointed in 2013 to the music faculty at Calvin University, where he conducted the Calvin Orchestra and the Calvin Community Symphony. Prior to this appointment he had been a visiting orchestra conductor at Calvin University, taught Music Theory at Calvin University and, as a clarinetist, taught clarinet at Calvin University, Cornerstone University, Grand Valley State University, and Grand Rapids Community College.
Mr. Varineau was also associate conductor of the Grand Rapids Symphony and conductor of the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, retiring in May 2021 after 36 years. For four years, he served as the Music Director of the Holland Chamber Orchestra (now the Holland Symphony). He has also been a visiting orchestra conductor Western Michigan University, a guest conductor for the Traverse City Philharmonic, the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, the Indianapolis Symphony, the Detroit Symphony, and the Duluth-Superior Orchestra.
Mr. Varineau conducted nearly all of the Grand Rapids Symphony concert series, including the Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series, Fox Motors Pops Series, the SymphonicBoom Series, Crowe Horwath Rising Stars Series, DTE Energy Foundation Family Series, PNC Lollipop Series and the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops. He also conducts a variety of educational and outreach concerts throughout the area. Mr. Varineau is committed to nurturing the next generation of classical music lovers.
He is a frequent visitor to area schools, and he shares an infectious enthusiasm with students throughout West Michigan. Mr. Varineau also appears in a variety of summer music programs in the region and plays in the chamber music group Montage. In 2003, he appeared twice as a guest conductor with the Arkansas Symphony.
A MESSAGE FROM CONCERT SPONSOR
Warner Norcross + Judd
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is honored to be a dedicated partner in the West Michigan Symphony’s mission of enriching our region with the magic of music. Together, we aim to ignite cultural vibrancy, inclusivity and a deep sense of pride in our region through the power of orchestral performances and community collaboration.
Webb Chemical
For over 60 years, Webb Chemical has been a proud part of our community, building lasting relationships at work, at home, and beyond. We’re committed to supporting events that bring families together to learn, grow, and enjoy quality time. That’s why we’re thrilled to sponsor the WMS Home for the Holidays concert—an event designed for fun, music, and lasting memories. We hope you enjoy the show!
Additionally, he conducts the Grand Rapids Symphony for performances by the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. Mr. Varineau attended Michigan State University, University of Wyoming and Yale School of Music for his clarinet training. He has made three recordings with the Grand Rapids Symphony and three with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He and his wife, Gwen, have a daughter, Jade, and a son, Justin.
Alyssa Garcia Bauer grew up in the Grand Rapids area and attended Hope College where she majored in theatre. Alyssa has worked with the Grand Rapids Symphony on educational concerts as a narrator, host and vocalist. She also enjoys pursuing commercial work and performing in musical theatre productions. Most recently, she played Carole King at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Other favorite local credits include The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Mary Poppins, Cinderella, Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Steel Magnolias, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Alyssa is married to Andrew and they have three kids, Guy, Faye and Hugo.
Alyssa Garcia Bauer Vocalist
West Michigan Symphony Children’s Choir
West Michigan Symphony Children’s Choir is a high quality choral program for children ages 8-13. The Children’s Choir brings together young singers from the lakeshore communities, fine-tuning their vocal abilities and rehearsing exciting repertoire. Meeting weekly from September through May, the Children’s Choir performs with the West Michigan Symphony and presents independent concerts and events throughout the area. Members are selected via auditions held in September and January of each year. No prior singing experience is needed—just a love of singing and a passion to share one’s voice with the community. Based at The Block, WMS’s downtown live listening room, the Children’s Choir is part of the organization’s Community Music Encounters: a comprehensive set of learning activities and programs that reach deeply into the community to inspire the next generation of music lovers.
Western Michigan Christian High School Choir
The Western Michigan Christian High School Chamber Choir is the advanced auditioned ensemble at WMC, comprised of 10th-12th grade singers. Each year, singers from the WMC Chamber Choir participate in Regional and State adjudicated festivals and consistently receive excellent ratings. Students from the WMC Chamber Choir participate in Regional, State and All-State Honors Choirs as well. The WMC Chamber Choir presents annual Fall, Christmas, Pops and Spring Concerts, as well as participating in numerous area worship services, civic activities, and service projects. They are conducted by Kathryn Becksvoort and accompanied by Sherry Merz.
June 17, 2025 8-10 pm
Help raise funds for WMS learning and community initiatives with this two-hour private party cruise. Mix and mingle with WMS musicians and fans while enjoying the natural beauty of West Michigan. Includes cash bar, live musical entertainment and small bites, catered by The Hearthstone Bistro. $75 per person. Tickets here >>>
MOZART & BEETHOVEN
FRIDAY
JAN 24
7:30 PM
SCOTT SPECK CONDUCTOR
JONATHAN HOLDEN CLARINET
SPONSORS
Fund
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492
George Walker (1922-2018) Lyric for Strings
Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826)
Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74
Intermission
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36
I. Adagio Molto - Allegro con brio
II. Larghetto
III. Scherzo: Allegro
IV. Allegro Molto
Loop and Infrared Systems in place for the hearing impaired. Please inquire with an usher for use of this system.
Please silence and dim screens of all cell phones and other electronic devices. The use of recording devices during the performance is strictly prohibited.
N' LEARN
Jonathan Holden is Associate Professor of Clarinet at Florida State University and Principal Clarinetist of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. Born in Great Britain, he completed his training in the United States, and now lives with his family in Tallahassee, Florida. This year marks his twentieth and final season as Principal Clarinet of the West Michigan Symphony.
As an artist-pedagogue, Holden performs frequently in many genres and settings, and mentors young performing artists and music educators. He made his concerto debut in England at age 17 and has since played and taught on four continents. Recent trips include a tour of Israel, where he performed Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Clarinet Concerto, and a solo appearance at the Golden Bell Festival in Rizhao, China. He has given clinics, master classes, and performances at over 50 colleges and universities in the US and overseas, including Vanderbilt and Northwestern universities, and the national conservatories of Paris and Rio de Janeiro. Holden is an ardent chamber musician and supporter of new music, appearing at conferences, festivals, and recital halls throughout the US, often presenting new works. Together with colleagues, he gave the international premiere of Pierre Jalbert’s Triple Set at the conference of the International Clarinet Association.
An experienced orchestral clarinetist, Holden has performed with over 20 professional orchestras throughout the United States, including the Louisiana, Fort Wayne, and Orlando Philharmonic orchestras, the Grand Rapids and Baton Rouge Symphony orchestras, and the Sarasota Orchestra. In 2019, he played Principal Clarinet with the Joffrey Ballet in its premiere run of the opera Anna Karenina at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre.
Holden appears on several studio recordings. His 2018 solo album, Notes from Home (Centaur Records), celebrates music of the British Isles. A 2020 review of that album in Fanfare Magazine cites his “richness of tone, technical address, and sophisticated musicality,” offering the recording as evidence “we’re living through one of the great ages of wind playing.” Holden’s forthcoming album, American Notebook, will complement the first album, featuring music by American composers.
Holden is a D’Addario Woodwinds Artist and a Selmer Paris Performing Artist.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Overture to The Marriage of Figaro
In 1782, a French playwright named Pierre-Augustine Caron de Beaumarchais wrote a play that was quickly banned by the French king due to its unflattering portrayal of the aristocracy. Louis XIV declared that La Folle Journée, ou le Mariage de Figaro was “detestable and must never be produced.” Of course, the ban made the play that much more popular and secret productions ensued. In 1785, a German translation of the play became available in Vienna where, once again, performances were banned. Not long after, Mozart and his librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte took on the subject and turned it into an opera buffa (comic opera) titled The Marriage of Figaro in 1786.
The opera, like the play, tells the story of two servants, Susanna and Figaro, who are engaged to be married. However, before they can wed, they must thwart the plans of their philandering employer Count Almaviva to seduce Susanna. Though still painting the aristocracy in an unflattering light, the opera is a bit tamer than the play and wraps the subject in the sparkling music and spectacle of opera.
Jonathan Holden
As was the custom at the time, the Overture to The Marriage of Figaro is a self-contained work: it does not quote the opera’s themes and it ends with a hard stop, rather than fading into the first scene. This frenetic, four-minute overture sets the mood for the opera that will follow. The opera itself is full of disguises, mistaken identities, and a lot of sneaking around and hiding. To match that mood, the overture is a happy romp, with quick melodies that scurry and whisper. In its original form, Mozart included a contrasting middle section featuring a slow, melancholy oboe solo. But before the premiere, Mozart cut that section, allowing a breathless energy to swirl around from beginning to end.
George Walker (1922-2018)
Lyric for Strings
Throughout his life, George Walker — the first African American recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Music — referred to Lyric for Strings as “my grandmother’s piece.” The work began its life as the slow movement of his String Quartet No. 1, composed when he was 24 years old and a graduate student at Curtis Institute of Music. He had only just begun writing the second movement when his maternal grandmother, the matriarch of his large family, passed away. Melvina King was born into slavery. She lost her first husband when he was sold away. She later escaped slavery. Melvina eventually settled in Washington, D.C., where she raised a large family. Upon her death, Walker turned the slow movement of his quartet into a lament and memorial to her extraordinary life. He later extracted the movement, arranged it for string orchestra, and retitled it Lyric for Strings.
The slow, single-movement work evokes the mournful, minor key sound of a spiritual. But throughout the piece, more hopeful, major key harmonies repeatedly struggle to come to light. The result is a powerful remembrance of Walker’s grandmother and the struggles of our nation’s history that she represents.
Walker said of a 1970s performance of his “grandmother’s piece” by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra: “I was astounded after the conclusion of the piece, absolute silence [followed] for what seemed to be almost twenty seconds. And then there was like a thunderclap of applause.”
Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826)
Clarinet Concerto No. 2
In 1810, Carl Maria von Weber and his father were arrested for embezzlement, participation in a draft evasion scheme, and theft of royal silverware — all in an effort to cover some personal debts. Weber spent some time in prison and was then expelled from Stuttgart. Full of regret for his actions and with very little in his pockets, Weber vowed to turn his life around. He found work performing as a pianist and composing for publishers and virtuoso soloists. His partnership with one such soloist significantly advanced the clarinet as a solo instrument.
When Weber met Heinrich Baermann (1784-1847) in 1811, he was the principal clarinetist of the Court Orchestra in Munich. Weber quickly composed a Concertino for him to premiere in April of that year. That performance led to a commission for two clarinet concertos from King Maximilian I of Bavaria. Weber wrote in a letter about the success this concert garnered: “You see I’m not doing at all badly, and very probably I will spend the summer here, where I am earning so much that I’ve something left over after all expenses.”
Since the composition of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto two decades prior, the mechanics and construction of the clarinet had advanced significantly. For one thing, the number of keys on the instrument was steadily growing from the five-keyed instrument of Mozart’s time. Changes in the material of the key pads were making it possible for keys to seal more tightly over the holes of the instrument. And the construction of the embouchure — or mouthpiece — was changing. Baermann was an early adopter of the technique of playing with the reed against his bottom lip instead of against the top lip, as had been the custom prior. All of these advances allowed the clarinetist to play with more agility, more flexibility, and more drama than ever before.
Weber took full advantage of these advancements and of Baermann’s virtuosic talents when he composed the second Clarinet Concerto commissioned by the King. From the very first entrance, Weber asked the soloist to perform feats never before asked of a clarinetist. The clarinet enters on a high E-flat, then plunges three octaves before sounding the main theme. This large leap is only the first of many heard throughout the first and third movements of the Concerto. The brilliant virtuosity displayed in the outer movements is contrasted by an aria-like middle movement, where the rich sonorities of the lower register of the instrument are put on display.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 36
Much of what we know about Beethoven we learn from his letters. That is how we know that the years 1801-1802, when he was composing his Second Symphony, were a particularly stressful time for him.
In 1801, Beethoven first admitted that he was becoming deaf. He wrote to his friend, a physician named Franz Gerhard Wegeler: “You can scarcely believe what an empty, sad life I have had for the last two years. My poor hearing haunted me everywhere like a ghost; and I avoided all human society. I was forced to seem a misanthrope, and yet I am far from being one.”
In the spring of 1802, he left the bustling city of Vienna to spend the entire summer and early fall in a rural setting. He hoped that time spent in the small town of Heiligenstadt would afford him the fresh air and sunshine needed to cure his many ailments, including his hearing loss. He finished the Second Symphony that summer before penning a famous letter to his brother, now known as the “Heiligenstadt Testament.” In this letter, which he never sent, he grappled with how to continue life as a musician with his most valued sense failing him:
“Ah, how could I possibly admit an infirmity in the one sense which ought to be more perfect in me than in others, a sense which I once possessed in the highest perfection, a perfection such as few in my profession enjoy or ever have enjoyed…. But what a humiliation for me when someone standing next to me heard a flute in the distance and I heard nothing, or someone heard a shepherd singing and again I heard nothing. Such incidents drove me almost to despair, a little more of that and I would have ended my life. It was only my art that held me back.”
The letter instructs his brothers on what to do with his estate and then concludes by stating that he will welcome death as an end to his suffering.
Though there is evidence that the onset of his deafness caused Beethoven to suffer from depression, his emotional state is not as simple as that. For one thing, Beethoven did not allow his deafness or his depression to keep him from working. Instead, he entered an intense period of productivity. At the same time that he was first admitting to his deafness, he wrote to a friend: “I live only in my notes, and with one work barely finished, the other is already started; the way I now write I often find myself working on three, four things at once.” One of the things he was working on that summer was his Second Symphony.
The Second Symphony encompasses a whole range of emotion. A brooding slow introduction to the first movement is followed by a downright cheery allegro. The scherzo of the third movement is a happy Austrian dance, though it slips into the minor key. And perhaps the most interesting feature discussed by scholars of Beethoven’s music is the unusual opening motive of the final movement. The annotator of the Los Angeles Philharmonic program notes describes the “high whoop and low gurgle” as “the symphonic equivalent of bringing a hand buzzer and a whoopy cushion to a formal party.” Musicologist Robert Greenberg interprets the motive as Beethoven transcribing his stress-induced gastric problems: a hiccup followed by a belch! Whatever the case may be, Beethoven lightens the mood with a funny little motive, perhaps admitting to the possibility of humor and joy even in the worst of times.
Select Wednesdays
Noon – 1 pm @ The Block
Hour-long informal conversations where Music Director Scott Speck and special guests share insights and anecdotes to enhance your enjoyment of Masterworks performances. Learn more on page 29.
Event Sponsor Catering Partner
Notes by Sarah A Ruddy, Ph. D.
MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
CLICK CLACK MOOSIC
Based on books by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, this series introduces children ages 3-8 to instrumental music in a storybook format. A host/ narrator introduces the small ensemble of WMS musicians, teaches the children about musical concepts, and then reads the story aloud— accompanied by music written for the series. Let us know if you are Interested in bringing CCM to your area!
Premier Strings brings together youth that are more advanced in their skill and performance levels providing them unique performance opportunities on stage with the West Michigan Symphony during Link Up concerts and forming string quartets that focus on community engagement performances.
Douglas Hannink & Jocelyn Shaw, 2024-2025 Season Sponsors
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
CHILDREN’S
CHOIR
Audition-based for children ages 8-13, WMS Children’s Choir performs in its own concerts, collaboratively with Debut and Premier Strings, and on stage with the Symphony during Home for the Holidays and the spring Link Up concerts.
Douglas Hannink & Jocelyn Shaw, 2024-2025 Season Sponsors
WEST
LINK UP
Beginning its 21st season, this free beginner music education program— a collaboration with Carnegie Hall—pairs WMS with 50 area schools in six West Michigan counties. Students in grades 3-5 learn to play music on the recorder and gain an understanding of orchestral repertoire. They benefit from regular contact with classroom visits from Music Mentors from the Orchestra. The program culminates with an interactive concert at the Frauenthal Center during which students perform on recorders along with the Symphony.
TUNE UP
Beginning its third year with additional Tune Up teaching staff, this afterschool string program partners with Muskegon Public School’s 21st CCLC Impact program. Students involved in Tune Up are learning to play an instrument at an earlier age and finding the thrill of making music. Tune Up offers students a free violin or viola instrument and performing opportunities, right in their own school. Currently offered at Muskegon Public Elementary Schools and the Charles Hackley Middle School.
LUNCH
‘N LEARN
These free noon hour events, hosted by Music Director Scott Speck, are held in The Block on Wednesdays prior to each Masterworks concert. Guests enjoy a delicious lunch and learn about the music on the upcoming concert. Everyone is invited, including those who already have tickets to the concert, those who are curious and want to learn more, downtown community businesses, and area residents.
WATCH
MUSKEGON PLAY
In 2020, WMS collaborated with Muskegon Rotary to bring all-weather outdoor musical instruments to Muskegon parks and neighborhoods. These durable sound sculptures enhance outdoor community spaces throughout Muskegon and Muskegon Heights. Please visit our website for details.
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
MUSIC DIRECTOR SCOTT SPECK ABOUT WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
An anchor cultural organization headquartered in Muskegon, WMS is a resident performing group at the Frauenthal Center, where its eight-concert season is the most visible part of a larger artistic enterprise of far-reaching community benefit. Founded in 1939, today’s WMS is comprised of professional musicians of the highest caliber playing challenging repertoire and presenting some of the world’s most acclaimed guest artists. WMS concerts and education events bring 16,500 people— more than 30% of whom are children and students—downtown annually, making it the largest performing arts organization on the West Shore. Audiences come from throughout Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent, Oceana and surrounding counties.
Mission
West Michigan Symphony connects and enriches our diverse community through the transformative power of music. We fulfill this primarily through three core offerings:
• Professional, live symphonic performances in a welcoming environment
• Inspired small ensemble performances in an immersive live listening room
• Learning activities that enrich the lives of children and adults through exploration, participation and performance
Statement Of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
West Michigan Symphony is committed to building an organization that fosters diversity, equity and inclusion. We acknowledge and celebrate the 19th century European cultural heritage from which the symphony orchestra arises. At the same time, we believe the art form is renewed and enlivened by embracing multifarious cultures and influences.
We will continually explore ways to reflect plurality, inclusivity and curiosity in our artistic programming. We commit to inviting under-represented ethnic groups into an ongoing, active dialogue so that we can learn, grow, and change, making the Symphony a place where everyone feels invited and accepted. In our Board, staff and volunteer base, we will work for greater inclusivity, thereby reflecting the rich diversity of the West Michigan community. We will strive to reflect these values throughout our organization.
Scott Speck became Music Director of the West Michigan Symphony in 2002. Since then he is proud to have helped the WMS enter the ranks of the nation's finest regional orchestras.
Scott also holds positions as music director of the Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Philharmonic and Mobile Symphony. He previously held positions as conductor of the San Francisco Ballet; music advisor and conductor of the Honolulu Symphony; and associate conductor of the Los Angeles Opera. During a tour of Asia he was named principal guest conductor of the China Film Philharmonic in Beijing. He was also invited to the White House as music director of the Washington Ballet.
In past seasons Scott Speck has conducted at London’s Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, the Paris Opera, New York's Lincoln Center, Chicago’s Symphony Center, Washington’s Kennedy Center, San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House, and the Los Angeles Music Center. He has led numerous performances with the symphony orchestras of Chicago, Houston, Baltimore, Paris, Moscow, Shanghai, Beijing, Vancouver, Romania, Slovakia, Buffalo, Columbus, Louisville, New Orleans, Oregon, Rochester, Florida, and Virginia, among many others.
Speck is co-author of the world’s best-selling books on classical music for a popular audience: Classical Music for Dummies, Opera for Dummies, and Ballet for Dummies. He has been a regular commentator on National Public Radio, the BBC, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Voice of Russia, broadcast throughout the world.
Born in Boston, Scott Speck is a Fulbright Scholar, a summa cum laude graduate of Yale University, and an Aspen Conducting Fellow. He is fluent in English, German and French, has a diploma in Italian, speaks Spanish and has a reading knowledge of Russian.
WMS’s Listening Room for the Musically Curious, The Block, is an innovative performance venue featuring a mixture of jazz, classical crossover and "curious." Since its opening in 2013, The Block has become a vibrant downtown gathering space that sparks curiosity, inspiration and fellowship through the shared experience of uncommon live music and educational programs. Audiences have found the venue a refreshing alternative—to the formality of a concert hall on one hand, the clamor of a brewpub on the other. The Block is also a gathering place for various nonprofit, musical and community groups. Recent users have included Black Business Expo, GVSU Piano Chamber Series, Greater Muskegon Economic Development, Harbor Hospice, Muskegon Rotary, the Poppen Foundation, Third Coast Trombone Retreat, Tux ‘n Chucks, and Young Black Professionals, to name a few.
For rental information, call 231.726.3231
MUSKEGON ARTS & CULTURE COALITION
WMS is a founding member of the Muskegon Arts & Cultural Coalition (MACC), whose purpose is to advocate for and educate the community on the significant economic and quality of life impact of the arts and cultural sector. Muskegon County is home to a wide range of institutions offering exceptional arts and culture experiences that reflect and celebrate our diverse community. The arts have been key to the revitalization of our region for decades, and they remain pivotal in the post-COVID recovery economy. A recent study by Visit Muskegon found that cultural institutions and festivals contributed more than $67.6 million annually to Muskegon County’s economy. According to the Creative State Michigan Report, the Arts accounted for $2.5 billion in state tourism revenues—more than professional sporting events, golf, boating and sailing, hunting and fishing, hiking and biking combined.
24/25 SEASON
CONCERTS BEGIN AT 7:30 PM FRAUENTHAL CENTER
MOZART & BEETHOVEN
January 24
This concert is full of music that feels good. If you like Barber’s Adagio, you’ll love Walker’s Lyric for Strings. Mozart’s Figaro sounds like radiant sunshine, and Weber’s captivating Clarinet Concerto is virtuosic and tuneful. Lastly, you’ll delight in the lightheartedness of early Beethoven.
TCHAIKOVSKY WINTER DREAMS
February 28
This all-orchestral concert will warm your heart and soul. Experience Wagner’s dramatic overture and Kodaly’s reflection of his Hungarian folk tradition. With “Winter Dreams,” you’ll hear the beginnings of the sound we have come to know as “pure Tchaikovsky.”
AMERICAN DIVA WITH SHAYNA STEELE
March 28
Shayna Steele returns with her eclectic style of soul and blues honoring the musical divas who inspired her — Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin and Mariah Carey, and more.
3-concert packages start at $87 231.726.3231 westmichigansymphony.org
DVOŘÁK CELLO CONCERTO
May 9
Immerse yourself in an evening of Bohemian melodies, crowned by Dvořák’s beloved Cello Concerto. This masterpiece is both exhilarating and profound, and pushes the instrument’s boundaries to deliver some of his most soulful, heart-achingly beautiful music you’ll ever experience.
AMERICAN LANDSCAPES
May 30
There’s nothing like experiencing a great American orchestra performing great American music. You’ll hear two of Copland’s majestic masterpieces and Torke’s Sky, written for violinist Tessa Lark, reflecting her Kentucky Bluegrass roots.
Immersive Listening Room for the Musically Curious
CONCERTS BEGIN AT 7:30 PM
Jon Holden Ensemble
Classical Chamber • Jan 25
WMS’s Principal Clarinet joins with friends from the orchestra – Concertmaster Jesús Linárez, Associate Principal Cellist Igor Cetkovic, and pianist Emily Grabinski – to bring you an inspiring night of music from Brahms, Bartok and more.
Ian Maksin
Valentine’s Day | Contemporary Cello • Feb 14
This Valentine’s Day, immerse yourself in the enchanting musical odyssey of cellist Ian Maksin. Breaking boundaries, his passionate performance weaves diverse genres, layering rich tapestries of sound with electronic looping devices.
Tony Monaco Trio
Organ Jazz • Mar 14
The Tony Monaco Trio, a powerhouse in jazz, dazzles with Hammond B3 organ mastery. Monaco’s virtuosic playing, combined with the trio’s dynamic chemistry, delivers soulful and energetic performances that breathe new life into classic jazz standards.
Bayberry String Quartet
Classical Chamber • Apr 26
Enjoy an evening filled with the exquisite sound of blended string instruments. You’ll hear string quartets by Mozart, Dvorak and Beethoven, all brought to life by The Bayberry String Quartet.
Inbal Segev
Classical Cello • May 10
The night after her appearance with WMS at the Frauenthal, cellist Inbal Segev brings a solo performance to The Block. She’ll perform music of Bach, Debussy and Prokofiev, as well as some of her own compositions.
Tessa Lark
Classical Violin | Stradgrass • May 31
American violinist Tessa Lark is one of the most captivating artistic voices of our time, consistently praised for her astounding range of sounds, technical agility, and musical elegance. Bridging classical and bluegrass, she’ll weave a unique musical narrative.
Dear Friends,
There’s more to your West Michigan Symphony than meets the eye... and even the ear. What you see before you is truly a miracle: a community resource nurtured and grown over the past 85 years and sustained through the dedication and love of the entire community.
WMS brings together the finest musicians and guest artists from across the country and touches the hearts and souls of listeners of all ages. We are proud to sponsor the 2024/25 Season. Enjoy the performance!
Mike & Kay Olthoff
2024/25 Season Sponsors
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
Made in Muskegon. 85 years strong. Here's a part of our journey.
1942
The need for live music during wartime spurred the orchestra to offer three concerts during the 1942-43 season. Despite the loss of musicians due to military service, the musician roster grew to 55 through the recruitment of high school students and females.
1982
Music Director Murray Gross’s long tenure (1982-2001) helped shape the orchestra you know today. His leadership quickly earned recognition for a commitment to artistic growth and community leadership. During his tenure the orchestra expanded its concert offerings and education programs, celebrated its 50th anniversary, and distributed its first CD recordings.
1986
Violinist Joshua Bell joined the orchestra to perform the Beethoven Violin Concerto. Just nineteen years old, The Chronicle noted Bells’ performance was “a wonder, and an astonishment” We’re proud to say we knew him when...
2024
WMS has roared back to life since the pandemic, inspired by its vision to be a catalyst for a music-infused West Michigan. During the 2023/24 Season, WMS played to the largest audiences in more than a decade, celebrated the 20th anniversary of Link UP education program serving more than 4,000 students and six counties, and expanded the Tune UP afterschool partnership with Muskegon Public Schools.
