Prelude Volume 12 • Issue 2 • Dec 23 - Jan 24 by West Michigan Symphony

West Michigan Symphony Season Magazine Volume 12 • Issue 2 • December 2023 – January 2024

Home for the Holidays FRIDAY • DEC 15 • 7:30 PM

Mozart and Beethoven FRIDAY • JAN 26 • 7:30 PM

Serving West Michigan with all your metal needs Holland • Muskegon • Manistee • Spring Lake

WHAT'S INSIDE WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SCOTT SPECK | MUSIC DIRECTOR

Artistic Staff Scott Speck Music Director Angela Corbin WMS Debut & Premier Strings Director Lauren Garza Tune Up Program Manager & Lead Teaching Artist Beth Slimko WMS Children’s Choir Director Kristina Zeinstra Tune Up Teaching Artist

Administrative Staff Andrew Buelow President/CEO Amanda Dykhouse Orchestra Librarian Megan James Marketing & Design Manager Karen Mueller O'Neill Vice President of Development & Marketing Maris Myers Patron Services Manager Gabe Slimko Vice President of Operations & Orchestra Sherrie Tower Finance & Facilities Manager Karen Vander Zanden Vice President of Community Learning & Engagement

Message from the Music Director

Meet the WMS Principal Musicians

West Michigan Symphony Musicians

Message from the Chairperson

2023/24 Board of Directors

West Michigan Symphony Annual Fund

West Michigan Symphony Endowment

West Michigan Symphony Legacy Giving

Home for the Holidays

Mozart and Beethoven

Community Music Encounters

About West Michigan Symphony

Find Us Online West Michigan Symphony Website: westmichigansymphony.org Facebook: facebook.com/wmsymphony Email: info@westmichigansymphony.org The Block Website: theblockwestmichigan.org Facebook: facebook.com/AtTheBlock Email: info@theblockwestmichigan.org

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. Cover art by Megan James

SEASON SPONSORS

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 are a catalyst for a musicVISION We infused West Michigan: leading, facilitating, connecting and collaborating with the community to stimulate cultural vibrancy, inclusivity and pride of place.

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MESSAGE FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR Dear Friends, In uncertain times — indeed, in all times — live symphonic music can be an amazing cosmic power for good. All you have to do is let it in. I’m so happy that you’re here with us tonight to receive and share this power. At the West Michigan Symphony, we’re in the life-changing business, and we’ve created this season for maximum spiritual effect. This winter brings lovely musical treasures. You know how much I love movie music, and for December we've created a concert filled with the scores of the most treasured holiday movies. We'll play the themes from old favorites like White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, and Miracle on 34th Street, to modern classics like Elf and The Polar Express. We're happy to show off the musical talents of actor/singer Holly Payne, who is making her Frauenthal debut — along with the Mona Shores High School Choir, and our own beloved West Michigan Symphony Children's Choir. In January, the music of Mozart and Beethoven will suffuse our stage with deep and uplifting works of art. Mozart's Piano Concerto no. 21 features one of the most revered and recognizable melodies in all of music — performed by brilliant pianist Terrence Wilson. And the Pastorale Symphony gives us Beethoven at his happiest and most "unbuttoned." Jessie Montgomery's Strum opens the concert with dance-like rhythms and folk-inflected tunes. We hope to brighten your evening with first-class musical entertainment — but what we really want is much more than that. We want to embrace your soul, send you soaring, and yes, change your life. That’s what I came to Michigan to do, and that’s why the West Michigan Symphony is on the Frauenthal stage tonight. We never forget why we’re here: it’s you we’re making music for. Enjoy the concert!

Scott Speck Music Director Please see Scott Speck’s bio on page 32

VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

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.

Jesus Linarez

Gene Hahn

Concertmaster

Associate Concertmaster

Mark Portolese

Carmen Abelson

Jacie Robinson

Assistant Concertmaster

Arturo Ziraldo

Associate Principal – Violin 2 Assistant Principal – Violin 2

Igor Cetkovic

Associate Principal – Cello

Jonathan Holden Principal – Clarinet

Amanda Dykhouse

Rebecca Boelzner

Alica Gregorian Sawyers

Principal – Viola

Associate Principal – Viola

Cameron Slaugh

Robert Johnson

Jill Marie Brown

Chloe Robbins

Paul Clifton-O’Donnell

Principal – Bass

Assistant Principal – Cello

Principal – Bassoon

Riley Lindsey

Principal – Tuba 4

Adam Liebert

Assistant Principal – Violin 1

Leo Taylor

Principal – Horn

Principal – Timpani

Principal – Flute

Bill Baxtresser

Matthew Beck

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Principal – Cello

Asako Furuoya

Principal – Oboe

Edward Hickman

Principal – Trumpet

Principal – Percussion

Principal – Violin 2

Principal – Trombone

Sylvia Norris

Principal – Harp

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY MUSICIANS Music Director

Viola

Bassoon

Scott Speck

Arturo Ziraldo principal

Chloe Robbins principal Jason Kramer

Mike & Kay Olthoff Endowed Chair

Sponsored by Steve & Deb Olsen

Horn

Jonathan Holden principal Sponsored by Susan Cloutier Crain

Stephanie Hovnanian Lisa Raschiatore bass clarinet Sponsored by Don & Kathy Dahlstrom matched by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Percussion Matthew Beck principal Sponsored by Jill Sanders

Jordan Berini Eric Jones Sponsored by Cornelia Holley & Sheryl Wescott

Harp Sylvia Norris principal Sponsored by Paul & Karen Jackson

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. VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON

Stories Tell THE

The 2023-2024 Season got off to a rip-roaring start at the end of September with Aretha: A Tribute on Friday the 29th at the Frauenthal. Then on November 3, clarinetist Kinan Azmeh mesmerized audiences with his Suite for Improviser and Orchestra. Audiences were introduced to new Concertmaster Jesus Linarez, who played the violin solo theme, along with solos by virtually every instrument or section in the orchestra (even the double basses) in Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Our Community Music Encounters are in full swing. Between Tune Up, Debut Strings and the Children’s Choir — led by the ebullient team of Angela Corbin and Beth Slimko, respectively — we are engaging a record 120 young musicians. Associate Teaching Artist Kristina Zeinstra has joined Lead Teaching Artist Lauren Garza in the new Tune Up program, facilitating its expansion into all Muskegon’s Elementary schools and Middle School. (Please see pp. 2829 for more information.) As one patron remarked in a recent email, “If we want to keep this gem in Muskegon we must support it!” There are many ways to do so. During the year-end giving season, donors have the opportunity to make a gift to the Orchestra and have it matched by our dear friends Mike and Kay Olthoff. You can make a general donation or designate it toward a specific activity. For example, our Musical Chairs program gives you the opportunity to help sustain the amazing collection of talent and dedication you see before you onstage — by sponsoring a musician chair for the season. (Please see p. 5 for more information.) You sponsor a musical chair for a season, but you can endow one for a lifetime. At November’s concert we announced the Jeffrey Lake Johnson Endowed Principal Horn Chair, with his brother and sisters in attendance. With an Endowed Chair, the donor gift is permanently invested and the distributed earnings support the cost of maintaining a professional orchestra in West Michigan. If you would like to learn more about our Endowed Chair program, please contact us at (231) 726-3231. At West Michigan Symphony, we are building a community of listening and learning. We are doing this through our Mainstage Series at the Frauenthal, our small stage performances at The Block, and our Community Music Encounters for youth and adults. Your support and patronage is the energy behind all of this, fueling the WMS Vision to be A Catalyst for a music-infused West Michigan!

Susan Cloutier Crain Chairperson, WMS Board of Directors

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2023/24 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Susan Cloutier Crain, Chairperson Retired Executive Director, Disability Network Past ED of Disability Network/West Michigan, past president of Muskegon Rotary and former trustee of Harbor Hospice, Susan brings a community engagement sensibility to her work with WMS. She and her late husband Orville spearheaded the campaign to bring outdoor musical instruments to Muskegon parks. As WMS chair, she has fostered an organization-wide focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Kevin Even, Treasurer Shareholder, Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge A board member since 2016, Kevin serves on the Resources Committee and, since 2021, as Treasurer. He enjoys almost all kinds of music and is an advocate for concerts that bring in the next generation. A shareholder and partner at Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge, Kevin lives with his wife Annette in Fruitland Township. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, biking, golfing and hunting.

Melisa Baker Human Resources Manager, Webb Chemical Service Corporation Melisa joined the board in August 2022 and brings a business mindset and a background in human relations. She has volunteered for several non-profits including the United Way of the Lakeshore and the American Red Cross of Muskegon, Oceana and Newaygo Counties. She has been with Webb Chemical since 2004 as their Human Resources Manager.

Jan L Deur Retired CPA, Verizon A native of Fremont, Jan is now retired but spent most of his career as a financial executive with GTE and Verizon. A member of the board since FY2014, Jan served as Treasurer from FY2018 through the end of 2021 and co-chaired the Play Your Part Campaign with Kay Olthoff. He has chaired numerous other area campaigns and served on multiple boards.

Merica S Dobry Senior Council, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP A board member since April 2022, Merica attended Michigan State College of Law, launched an area solo practice, and is now an attorney at Warner Norcross + Judd, LLP, practicing in the trusts and estates field. No stranger to the performing arts, Merica sang in the Smith College Glee Club, various community choirs, and is a veteran of Muskegon Civic Theatre. She met her husband, Eric, on the golf course, a sport they continue to enjoy together.

Larry Fife Retired Infotainment Director, Siemens and Continental Automotive Now retired, Larry served as Infotainment Director for Siemens and Continental Automotive. Larry was a volunteer on the campaign to install outdoor musical instruments throughout Muskegon and Muskegon Heights. He was inspired to join the board in 2021 due to his passion for music and his interest in furthering WMS youth education programs.

Bob Garretson CEO, Embark Financial Partners Bob and his wife Heather moved back to Muskegon in 2019 after several years in New York City; one of the primary draws was the vibrant arts scene, including WMS. CEO of Embark Financial Partners, Bob loves to generate ideas that bring people together. Since joining the board in April 2022, his special focus is to make the Symphony more visible, accessible and inclusive. His other great loves are his family, cooking, golfing and scuba diving. 8

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Amy Hosford General Manager, KN Literary Arts A board member since 2021, one of Amy's greatest joys is to share the live concert experience with friends, family, and first-time symphony attendees. Amy retired from Amazon in 2022 after a 23-year career in publishing, and recently launched Hosford House, LLC, a healing arts studio based in downtown Muskegon. She's also the general manager of KN Literary Arts, a writing and book studio that supports authors. What motivates Amy to serve? "Muskegon is thriving! Each of us has the ability to shape the community we want to live in, and I want to live in a community that values and supports the Arts in its many forms and functions."

Donna Joyce Advancement Director, DOOR International Donna, a Muskegon native, moved to the Lakeshore in 2018 from the Grand Rapids area, where she had a 21-year career in Advancement at Calvin University and served on numerous community boards. Following Calvin, Donna spent two years as a development officer for Muskegon Rescue Mission and currently works for DOOR International, an international ministry serving the Deaf. This experience, along with her interests in community engagement, philanthropy, and the arts, drew her to support the initiatives of WMS.

Jason Olthoff Vice President of Sales, Nichols The West Michigan native found out early on that his path would run heavily through music and the arts. Jason spent the beginning part of his career performing and learning the backstage trade in Los Angeles. This led to a production specialty of over 25 Super Bowl halftime shows, 3 Opening and Closing Ceremonies and countless other special events. For 10 years he led a brand strategy and experiential marketing agency in Chicago, and is currently glad to be back in West Michigan as the VP of Sales for Nichols. Jason has served on the boards of Muskegon Civic Theater, The Block, The Young Americans and also the United Way of the Lakeshore.

Emma Peterson Director of Philanthropy, Trinity Health Emma attended WMS as a youngster, spent three years on the staff, and served as chair of The Block from 2019 through 2021. All four of her daughters have participated in Debut and Premier Strings, and one in Children's Choir. With this connection, it felt natural to join the WMS board when WMS and The Block merged in 2021.

Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough Retired Executive Director, Mediation & Restorative Services A resident of Whitehall, Kate is an active community volunteer in West Michigan. In addition to her engagement with WMS, she is current chair of True North Community Services and active in Muskegon Rotary as a member of its DEI Committee. She has lent her expertise and experience in the not-forprofit sector to help guide WMS’s Audience Committee efforts to build patron loyalty. She is inspired by downtown Muskegon’s revitalization and believes WMS and the other arts and culture organizations play a vital role. Previously, Kate served as Executive Director of Mediation & Restorative Services.

Ryan Sterkenburg CTFA®, CISP® Senior Wealth Administrator, West Shore Bank Recently relocating back to West Michigan with his wife Kris, Ryan wanted to get behind an organization that was contributing to the growth and well-being of the community. When the opportunity came to join the board, he jumped in. Ryan is a Senior Wealth Administrator for West Shore Bank, a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) and Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP). He has considerable experience assisting clients with intergenerational trusts, investment management, strategies for estate planning, wealth preservation, and risk management. In addition to WMS, Ryan volunteers with the Lake Michigan Estate Planning Council and the Rotary Club of Muskegon. Ryan and Kris enjoy biking, hiking, golf, pickleball and pretty much anything outdoors.

Complete bios of each board member may be found at westmichigansymphony.org/learn-more/board-of-directors/ VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

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 15, 2022 through Nov 15, 2023. 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 (2) Susan Cloutier Crain Deborah DeVoursney Pat & Julie Donahue Douglas & Janet Hoch Jeffrey Lake Johnson Ryan & Emily Leestma Steve & Deb Olsen Mike & Kay Olthoff In memory of Fred Norris and Michael Soimar Brad & Kathleen Playford Jack & Becky Slimko Peter M Turner $5,000-$9,999 Anonymous George W & Lori Lynn Cannon III Dr Mark D & Kristina M Clark Jan & Laura Deur Greg & Debi Hillebrand Nelson & Elizabeth Huldin Paul & Karen Jackson Buzz & Wendy Kersman Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough Daniel & Sheryl Kuznar Scott & Donna Lachniet Joanna & Fred Norris Jill Sanders Sawyer Family Fund of CFFMC Dr Michael & Marijean Smith Roger & Rebecca Tuuk Hazel Whittaker

James & Susan Geisler David F Gerdes & Carolyn Smith-Gerdes Tilio Giacobassi Family Hon Kathy L Hoogstra & Dr Robert Hoogstra Amy & William Hosford Happy 90th Birthday to Marlene Greiner Stephen & Debra Jackson Barbara Kelso Roger C Morgenstern Jason & Jamye Olthoff Frank & Emma Peterson Terry & Joy Puffer Wietse & Melanie Schaafsma Tom Schaub & Mary Price Laura Schultz Sam Slaughter & Anne Lehker Scott Speck Dr F Remington & Ginny Sprague Susan & Stephen Struck Liz & Tom Trzaska Michael & Patricia Wade

Robert & Jackie Engel Kevin & Annette Even Evelyn Geile Linda Gregorian In honor of Alicia Gregorian Sawyers Mark & Jennifer Gross Robert & Clara Harrell Bill Haug & Jane Curtis Kurt & Antoinette Hildwein Bruce & Donna Hood Pat Hunt Ed Hunt & Nancy McCarthy Todd & Tami Jacobs Wilda James Dr Chris Jansen-Yee Joel & Kathleen Jarvis Charles & Vivian Johnson Pat Johnson Rich & Nancy Klassen Clara Lang Mark & Karla Lange Estate of Joan Leder Tim & Lynette Lipan Jim & Mary Malek John & Jessie Martin Chris McGuigan & Gary Neal Mark & Bonnie Meengs Susan Meston Scott & Janee' Musselman Bonnie Olson Memorial Fund Chris & Amy Olthoff Dr Richard & Nancy Peters Ed & Judy Pietila Susan Rehrer Gretchen & Randy Rhoades In memory of Fred Norris Dan & Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga David Ruck Josh & Amy Silvis Gregg & Sue Slager Dr Alan Steinman Tom & Nanci Stone Marty & Heidi Sytsema LJ Verplank Karen & John Wells JoLee Wennersten Melody & JR Whitby Judy Wilcox Ellie Williams Dr Roy Winegar & Ms Barbara Klingenmaier Marguerite & Kenneth Winter Tom & Jane Witt Jane J Wright Jim & Linda Zolman

$2,500-$4,999 Krista Abbott Melisa Baker Andy & Beth Buelow Mary Douville William & Mary Lou Eyke Larry & Lynette Fife

$1,000-$2,499 Anonymous Thank you Susan Cloutier Crain Charles Alstrom Susan & Frank Bednarek Fund of the CFFMC Herb & Anne Bevelhymer Jane Blyth Pete & Sherry Brown Andrew Busard Michael Cerminaro & Connie Verhagen Bob & Charlotte Chessman Darlene Collet Don & Kathy Dahlstrom In memory of Fred Norris, Matched by Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Eric & Merica Dobry Deb & Chris Drake Rob & Cathleen Dubault

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

$500-$999 Anonymous (2) Anonymous In memory of my dad Darlene Alt

Bruce & Paula Baker In memory of JoAnn Landman Allen & Sandy Beck Fred & Ann Bleakley Ron & Ann Marie Brown Gordon & Mary Buitendorp Ardy Bulthouse Kroes Greta Bushnell Curtis Chambers & Diana Wojton George & Deborah Chmelar Valerie Church-McHugh & Fred McHugh Fritz Coutchie Dr Donald & Nancy Crandall Anne Dake Mary Theodore Danigelis Chris Dean Marcia D'Oyly Jean Enright Mark Foreman Brian & Gwen Fosse Ron Fritz Chip Furst Don Goodman Cornelia Holley Reedel & Rosie Holmes Jonathon & Wendy Hoogstra Richard & Holly Hughes Robert E. Johnson Donna Joyce Heather Kettler Tim & Catherine Kozal Denise Kwiecien Joan La Mourie Paul & Patricia Ladas Brian Leibrandt Shelley Essebaggers Lewis Patricia Locke Andy & Jill Maciejewski Charles Matthews & Kay Cater Matthews Paul & Winnie McNergney LeighAnn Mikesell & Ward LaDuke Perry & Deb Newson In memory of Fred Norris Eric & Jennifer Norris In memory of Fred Norris Nick & Barb Pietrangelo Roy & Britta Bujak Portenga Gary & Beth Post Denis & Barbara Potuznik Robert Pyka Mike & Char Ratchford Clyde & Beth Rinsema Dr Gary & Pennie Robertson David Roodvoets Allen & Mistelle Serio John & Elaine Severson Kim Suarez John & Mary Swanson John & Sue Sytsema Ann & Dan Tabor In memory of JoAnn Landman Dr Ryan & Heather Terlouw Stacey Uganski

Elinore Verplank (Norna) Matt & Cheryl Wansten Sheryl Wescott Jerry Wiersma Jonathan & Melissa Wilson $100-$499 Anonymous (6) Anonymous In memory of Robert & JoAnn Landman Ross & Sandra Aden Lionel & Contessa Alexander III Joanna Alfredson Lee Anderson Michael Anderson & Brooke Kieft-Anderson Tim & Cheryl Arter Margo Atwell Larry & Sandy Austin Travis Barkel Thomas & Muriel Beattie In memory of Fred Norris Gary Beatty Amy Bensinger David & Sue Bird William Black In memory of Fred Norris Jeanne Kuharivicz Bleich Aaron & Amy Bodbyl-Mast Brian & Jill Boersema Arthur & Marilyn Bolt David & Karen Booth Greg Borgman Monica & Matthew Bowen Mary & Bob Boyer Bill & Sue Brookstra Michael & Joanna Buboltz Brett Burza Rudy & Pat Chmelar Richard & Gay Cole Robert & Diane Collier In memory of Fred Norris Jared & Bethany Cramer William & Carol Cross III Jessica Wolin & Frank Crownover David Culver Ian K Davis Garry & Carolyn DeBoer Kurt & Cheryl Deford Larry DeVoogd Greg & Judith DeWeerd Joyce Downing Karen & Herb Driver Dennis & Barbara Dryer Amanda & Gregory Dykhouse Kath & Greg Edwards Bethann Egan & Len Lieffers Joel & Linda Engel Harold & Mary Englund Wallace & Jane Ewing Cork Farkas & Kathy Mauck Eugene Fethke

VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

Bobby Fisher Charles & Patti Fisher Roberta Fleischmann William Fohlbrook & Vicky Thalen Manley Ford Brenda Freye Mr & Mrs Peter M Friar Bruce Froelich & Margot Haynes Paula DeGregorio & Frank Galante Marisol Garcia Linstrom Chuck & Jeanne Gembis Jeff Gietzen & Heather Storck Tonya & Gary Gonzalez Marjorie Gorajec Brennen & Rachel Gorman Mary Anne Gorman Ann Gorter LaDon Gustafson Rev Jerry & Rev Susan Hagans Virginia Hague Jeff & Gail Hall Kirk Hallman & Dawn Boston Craig & Carolyn Hart In memory of Fred Norris Kathleen Harwood Patricia Hesling Dan & Celeste Hibler Roberta Hilleary Mary Ann Howe John & Jane Humphrey Katherine & Kenneth Jacobs Ken James Robert & Susan Johnson Connie Karry Karen Kayes James Kendra Francine Kieft Louie & Earlaine Kiel Randy & Debra Knapp Thomas Knight Vicki Kraus Mary & Greg LaGuire Children of James & Susan Geisler In honor of their parents on their 53rd Anniversary Corena Leutscher Jeff & Jody Lewis Lloyd & Mildred Lindland In memory of Fred Norris. A talented musician and champion of music. Kyle & Stacey Lohman Mark Luttenton William & Mary Macleod Sandy Majeski Deborah Margules Michael Martin Cindy Mazurek Shirley McIntire Jack McKeough Mr and Mrs Graydon Megan Alice Meldrum Rich & Teresa Micheil Patrick & Sheila Miller 11

$1,000-$2,499 Billie Klont Greinke Memorial Fund of the CFFMC Cofessco Hazekamp's Premier Foods Laketown Family Dental Mart Dock Corporation Mary C Payne Fund of the CFFMC Sparta Community Foundation

Sarah Miller Roger & Jane Missimer Amanda Moblo Vern Molitor Matt & Laurel Nease Kathryn L Neumann Susan and Tyler Newton In memory of Herb and Ellie Hoeker. Thanks for instilling in us appreciation for this kind of music. Carol Norris In honor of Fred and Joanna Norris David Olsen Garry & Charlotte Olson Henry & Mollie Osborn In memory of Fred Norris Richard A Pardini Gay C Petersen David & Beth Pickard Albert & Elizabeth Posthuma Sylvia Precious C Bruce & Shirley Privacky Rev William Randall Donna Little & Faye Redmond Robert & Sharon Remmerde In honor of Fred Norris, friend and multi-talented musician. Bruce & Mari Rice Christine & Marv Robere Kathy & Mike Rohlman Andy & Shelly Rush Duane & Susan Schecter Gwynne & Steve Schoff Pat & Ed Schroeder Lee & Sandra Schuitema Sue Schuiteman John Selmon Jocelyn Shaw & Doug Hannink Colleen & Joseph Skendzel Hayden Smith Joanie Smith Nancy Spargo In memory of Fred Norris. It is an honor to support the continued activities of the symphony he loved so dearly. Carlo Spataro James & Nancy Stier Eileen Stoffan Clifford & Lucia Storr George & Dottie Strabel Howard & Marilyn Swanson Mona Thelen Sera Thompson In memory of Fred Norris George & Laura Thurlow Judith Tierney Scott Timmer Charles & Susan Rogalla Tindall Richard & Marge Tourre David & Mary Turbessi Brandon Turnbull

Sandra Tyrrell In memory of Fred Norris Catherine & Chris Uganski Stephen & Valerie Vallier John Van Walsum Phillip VanderPol Ed DeJong & Diane VanWesep Tim Volkema Bill & Shirley Walther Dan & Nancy Weller Brewster & Mary Ellen Willcox Jan Witt Norman Young Robert & Joanne Zayko Lori Zeman Douglas & Jennifer Zwemer

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Corporate, Arts Council & Foundation Donors $10,000 and up City of Muskegon Community Foundation for Muskegon County DTE Energy Foundation Fund Embark Financial Services Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Harbor Steel & Supply Corporation Hines Corporation Leonel L. & Mary Loder Fund Meijer Foundation Michigan Arts & Culture Council RENK America Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge The Gerber Foundation Warner Norcross + Judd LLP $5,000-$9,999 Bank of America Consumers Energy Fifth Third Bank Fremont Area Community Foundation Howmet Community Fund of the CFFMC JSJ Foundation Fund Muskegon Community College Samuel L. Westerman Foundation The Leonard Luxury Apartments Trinity Health Webb Chemical Service Corporation West Shore Bank Women's Division Chamber of Commerce $2,500-$4,999 Grand Valley State University Howmet Aerospace I'move Lake Michigan Credit Union Lorin Industries Merrill Lynch PNC Bank Raymond James Scherdel Sales & Technology Shoreline Insurance Agency, Inc.

$500-$999 Ann & Bud Eichmann Fund of the CFFMC Charles Stewart Mott Foundation John L Wheeler Memorial Scholarship Fund of the CFFMC Shape Corporation Tyler Sales 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 Clara Lang 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 Scherdel Sales & Technology Shoreline Insurance Agency Jack & Becky Slimko Smith, Haughey, Rice and Roegge Trinity Health Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

7 Unique Dining Locations Along the Lakeshore Locally Owned & Operated

Lake hi Mic gan

Pub One Eleven, 111 W. Colby, Whitehall Red Rooster Tavern, 2998 N. Scenic Dr. Full Moon Diner & Saloon, 3408 Whitehall Rd. No Name Saloon & Grill, 609 W. Western Ave. Dockside Donuts, 1950 Lakeshore Dr. Marine Tap Room, 1983 Lakeshore Dr. Cherokee Restaurant, 1971 W. Sherman Blvd.

www.hometownhospitalitygroup.com VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY ENDOWMENT Now in its 84th Season, WMS is dedicated to building a music-infused West Michigan, providing professional concerts in a welcoming environment and learning opportunities 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), as well as in a third fund established at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF). Established in 1992, the CFFMC Secure the Spirit fund reported a fair market value of $573,958 on June 30, 2023. Established in 2020, the CFFMC Play Your Part fund reported $1,844,706 on the same date. The GHACF Play Your Part fund, established in 2021, was at $95,890. 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 West Michigan Symphony’s $5 million Play Your Part Campaign has two primary objectives. The first is to bring the Endowment to a level that will generate 15% of the annual budget, thereby providing a stable revenue model for the future. The second is to establish a five-year, $600,000 startup fund for Tune Up, a new string orchestra program for underserved students who currently lack access to such instruction. This program launched in fall 2022 in Muskegon Public Schools. For more information, please see page 28. At the end of September 2023, campaign leadership reported more than $3,968,167 in gifts and pledges. 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 community footprint. To learn more, please contact Andy Buelow at 231.726.3231 or abuelow@westmichigansymphony.org.

Honorary Chairs

Operation Chairs

Larry & Lari Hines Robert & Wendy Kersman Fred & Joanna Norris Mike & Kay Olthoff Peter Turner & Jean Enright

Jan Deur Kay Olthoff

Cabinet Members Sherry Becker Jon & Jane Blyth Pete & Sherry Brown Ryan Bryker Susan Cloutier Crain Anne Dake

Kevin Even Bill Eyke Jim & Susan Geisler Dave Gerdes Kimberly L. Hammond Paul & Karen Jackson

Roger Morgenstern Steve & Deb Olsen Susan Rehrer Tom Schaub & Mary Price Dr Alan Steinman

Marilyn Andersen Troy Bell Bernie & Cathy Berntson Pat Donahue Steve Gawron Judy Hayner Amy Heisser

Brad Hilleary Todd Jacobs Clara Lang Cindy Larsen Gary Nelund Dale Nesbary Frank & Emma Peterson

Asaline Scott John Severson Dan & Ann Tabor Rebecca Veltman Walter Watt

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Endorsement Council

Maestro: $250,000 and up Michael & Kay Olthoff Larry & Lari Hines Jeffrey Lake Johnson Premiere: $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

VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

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 15

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 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

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

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 MICHIGAN Legacy Giving Circle SYMPHONY

Dedicated to the Memory of

Jeffrey Lake Johnson

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.” Even a single note, when combined with others, can become a symphony. Any gift you wish to make, now or in the future, can grow into something more impactful over time with the right planning. Imagine the impact if every member of this audience designated even 1% of their estate to WMS! 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!

Announcing the Jeffrey Lake Johnson Principal Horn Chair Thank You As Well To Our Newest Legacy Giving Circle Members: Jan & Laura Deur Pat & Julie Donahue Bob & Bobbi Sabine

We all encounter people who leave an indelible mark on the lives of those they touch. Jeffrey Lake Johnson (July 23, 1950 - January 18, 2022) was one of those individuals. Jeff was a loving and steadfast brother and uncle, a great friend, a man of strong political persuasions with a keen wit and great sense of humor, a supporter of nature and the arts, a connoisseur of language, and an excellent musician. In character with his quiet and generous ways, he left a meaningful bequest to the West Michigan Symphony, as well as two other local institutions, to support the cultural enrichment of the area. Born and raised in Muskegon, Jeff grew up surrounded by music and his love for it would become a major thread in the fabric of his life. His choice of the French horn at an early age led to a career that would bring him to every corner of the U.S., as well as parts of Asia. After graduating from Mona Shores High School in 1968, he continued his education at Alma College and then the University of Michigan where he earned a master’s degree in music. During the span of his long career, he served for six years as a member of the United States Marine Band and free-lanced with symphonic organizations in Washington D.C. for several years before spending two decades touring with the Broadway shows 42nd Street, Cats, and Les Miserables. In 2007, he landed in Las Vegas, Nevada where he became part of the music community playing in the shows such as The Producers, Spamalot, Showstoppers, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked. Highlights of his time in the music business included the honor of playing behind superstars Barbra Streisand, Andrea Bocelli, and The Who. Although most of his working life was spent in the broader world, when his schedule allowed, Jeff chose to return again and again to his much-loved home state where he played regularly with the Grand Rapids and Traverse symphonies, as well as right here in Muskegon with the West Michigan Symphony. 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 — the principal French horn chair in his name and another chair to be announced in the coming months. His generosity will also provide support to the West Michigan Symphony Tune Up program. Jeff's surviving siblings Jennifer Grow, Tim Johnson, and Amy McEwen, are honored to help see Jeff's gifts come to fruition and they join his friends and former colleagues in gratitude for a life well lived. Thank you, Jeff, for all you gave us. We will continue to draw inspiration from your quiet generosity and your commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

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La Bohème April 19 & 20, 2024 DeVos Performance Hall VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

operagr.org 19

POPS.2

Home for the Holidays: Timeless Movie Memories FRIDAY DECEMBER 15 7:30 PM Christmas at the Movies

Arr. Bob Krogstad

SCOTT SPECK CONDUCTOR

Elf: Suite from the Motion Picture

John Debney / arr. Victor Passavento

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Johnny Marks / arr. Michael Moricz

HOLLY PAYNE VOCALS

Silver Bells

MONA SHORES HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR SHAWN LAWTON, CONDUCTOR WMS CHILDREN’S CHOIR BETH SLIMKO, CONDUCTOR SPONSORS

“The Elf Next Door” Hugh Martin / arr. Michael Moricz (originally “The Boy Next Door”) from Meet Me in St. Louis “March of the Toys” from Babes in Toyland “When Christmas Comes to Town” from Polar Express

Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri / arr. Alan Billingsley John Williams

“Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas!” from Home Alone

John Williams

INTERMISSION Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri / arr. Jerry Brubaker

“The Trolley Song” from Meet Me in St. Louis

Hugh Martin / arr. Michael Moricz

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” from Meet Me in St. Louis

Hugh Martin / arr. Michael Moricz

“For the First Time in Forever” from Frozen CONCERT

Victor Herbert

“Somewhere in My Memory” from Home Alone

Polar Express Concert Suite CONCERT

Ray Evans and Jay Livingston / arr. Michael Moricz

Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez / arr. Michael Moricz

Sleigh Ride “God Bless Us, Every One” from Disney’s A Christmas Carol

Leroy Anderson Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri / arr. Joseph M. Martin

Christmas Singalong SEASON

“Christmas Eve Finale” from It’s a Wonderful Life

John Finnegan Dimitri Tiomkin / arr. Patrick Russ and Paul Henning

Loop and Infrared Systems in place for the hearing impaired. Please inquire with an usher for use of this system. Please silence all cell phones and other electronic devices. The use of cameras and recording devices during the performance is strictly prohibited.

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

A MESSAGE FROM CONCERT SPONSORS

Holly Payne Holly Payne is delighted to make her West Michigan Symphony debut with Home for the Holidays, reprising several songs she won praise for as Esther Smith in a recent production of Meet Me in St. Louis. Other recent credits include A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Past), The Addams Family (Wednesday), No No Nanette (Nanette), and her favorite role of all, Peter Pan.

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 Webb Chemical has been a part of the community for 60 years. We are a team of people who prioritize relationships, at work, home, and in our community. We invest in events that encourage families to learn, grow, and have fun. As such, we are delighted to sponsor the family-friendly WMS Home for the Holidays concert. We hope you enjoy the music!

Holly has had a passion for singing and performing since she was a little girl. She began performing in high school and quickly started earning awards. She won the “Best Leading Actress” award for Arizona from ASU Gammage. This sent her to New York City to compete in the 2016 Jimmy Awards where she earned the “Rising Star” award. In Meet Me in St. Louis, Holly played Esther, one of the Smith family's four sisters in the romantic comedy. She, of course, falls head over heels for the boy next door, while singing the iconic American songs made popular by Judy Garland in the movie, including “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Playing a role so strongly associated with Garland can’t be easy, but Holly received a glowing review from Talking Broadway: “With a voice that is incredibly pure, strong and simply beautiful, Holly Payne is a knockout. The memory of Judy Garland's portrayal may still be very clear to many audience members, but Payne doesn't attempt to copy Garland’s style in either her singing or acting. Instead, with perfect character choices and a voice that is warm, clear and crisp, she makes the role indelibly her own.” Holly says she learned something about the famous Christmas carol while doing the role. “Now I hear that song a little differently. It's more beautiful, has more meaning, because Esther is using the words to try and comfort her sister...and herself. She's assuring them both that as long as they are together, they can be happy anywhere.”

West Michigan Symphony Children’s Choir Now in its eleventh season, 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.

VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

Mona Shores High School Choir The Mona Shores Choir (Singing Sailors) enjoys a rich tradition of excellence in choral singing as well as a reputation for offering a diverse and unique menu of musical opportunities in order to nurture well-rounded, enthusiastic and skilled singers. Members of the choir present both a Broadway quality musical and a popular music concert, known as Pop Go the Sailors, each year. The choir has traveled internationally numerous times beginning in 1993, including Brazil, Greece, Austria, Italy, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Switzerland, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Spain and Turkey. The choir visits New York City every other year and will tour South Africa this summer.

The Mona Shores Choir is known internationally for presenting “America’s Tallest Singing Christmas Tree” concerts each December to 6,000 enthusiastic audience members, having just celebrated their 38th season. This event has been featured on The Learning Channel, The Travel Channel, National Public Radio, PBS-Under the Radar, USA Today, the New York Times, ABC News, and the Smithsonian. The Performing Arts Department at Mona Shores has been recognized as a Grammy Signature School and has earned the National Association of Music Merchants prestigious “Best Communities for Music Education” award every year since 2016.

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Merrill is proud to support the West Michigan Symphony. The Smith-Davis-Morse Group Merrill Private Wealth Management 110 North Wacker Drive Suite 1900 Chicago, IL 60606

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Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Merrill Private Wealth Management is a division of MLPF&S that offers a broad array of personalized wealth management products and services. Investment products:

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VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

MASTERWORKS.2

Mozart and Beethoven FRIDAY JANUARY 26 7:30 PM SCOTT SPECK CONDUCTOR TERRENCE WILSON PIANO

Jessie Montgomery (b. 1981) Strum! Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467 I. Allegro SPONSORS

II. Andante III. Allegro vivace assai

CONCERT

MEDIA

Terrence Wilson, piano Intermission Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68, “Pastoral” I. Awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the countryside

LUNCH N' LEARN

II. Scene by the brook III. Merry gathering of country folk IV. Thunderstorm

SEASON

V. Shepherd’s song. Cheerful and thankful feelings after the storm Loop and Infrared Systems in place for the hearing impaired. Please inquire with an usher for use of this system. Please silence all cell phones and other electronic devices. The use of cameras and recording devices during the performance is strictly prohibited.

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791) Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467

Jessie Montgomery (1981 - ) Strum! Raised on the Lower East Side of Manhattan by parents who were politically active artists, Jesse Montgomery writes that she has “created a life that merges composing, performance, education and advocacy.” Since 1999, Montgomery has been affiliated with the Sphinx Organization: a Detroit-based nonprofit that supports young African American and Latinx string players. She served as their composer-in-residence and received their highest honor, the Sphinx Medal of Excellence. Through the 2023-2024 season, Montgomery is the composerin-residence of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, where she curates their contemporary music series. Montgomery has an ever-growing body of work performed frequently by leading orchestras and chamber ensembles. Strum began its life as a string quintet in 2006. It was revised into a string quartet and then a piece for string orchestra, completed in 2012. The piece challenges string players to shift rapidly between different playing techniques: arco (using the bow), harmonics, pizzicato and — of course — strumming. Montgomery writes, “Within Strum I utilized texture motives, layers of rhythmic or harmonic ostinati that string together to form a bed of sound for melodies to weave in and out. The strumming pizzicato serves as a texture motive and the primary driving rhythmic underpinning of the piece. Drawing on American folk idioms and the spirit of dance and movement, the piece has a kind of narrative that begins with fleeting nostalgia and transforms into ecstatic celebration."

In February of 1785, Leopold Mozart arrived in Vienna to check up on his newly married and already famous son. Wolfgang had written to his father about the hectic life he now led, joking that, after having played 22 concerts in 38 days, “I don’t think that in this way I can possibly get out of practice.” Still, it seems that Leopold was not prepared for the constant buzz of musical activity that was now his son’s life. Wolfgang’s life was a nonstop stream of socializing, teaching, composing, and performing. He wrote a dozen piano concertos between 1784 and 1786, while still having time to complete The Marriage of Figaro, compose the Symphony No. 38, and churn out a number of string quartets and smaller works. He was speeding through composing, with copyists at times completing orchestra parts just hours before concerts, and premieres taking place with very little rehearsal. Leopold watched in disbelief as Wolfgang’s piano was shuttled between his home and concert venues day after day. These were to be the busiest and most successful years of the composer’s short life. Wolfgang was an efficient musical machine. It is hard to imagine that, out of such a frenetic existence, something as sublime as the Piano Concerto No. 21 could emerge. The second movement of the concerto — one of the most famous middle movements of Mozart’s output — is so expressive that critics and musicologists consistently use words like “floating” and “dreamlike” when describing it. It is operatic in its range of emotion, with the piano singing a simple melody over orchestral accompaniment. In contrast to the beautiful melody, the insistent motion of the accompaniment sounds restless. Maynard Solomon, one of Mozart’s biographers, describes the movement as “unrelieved, time-stopping beauty.” The sublime second movement is sandwiched between contrasting fast movements. In each you can hear how the concerto form evolved under Mozart’s influence. The soloist, no longer content to always alternate in large swaths with the orchestra, instead frequently enters into dialogue with it. Listen to how the piano sometimes sounds as though it is in conversation with a section of the orchestra. And, in Mozart’s hands, the writing for the solo piano became more varied and demanding. These concertos were, after all, a chance for Mozart the pianist to show off.

VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

During his visit to Vienna, Leopold Mozart had the distinct pleasure of meeting the composer Franz Joseph Haydn. In the following months, Leopold frequently recounted the elder composer’s remark: “I tell you before God, and as an honest man, your son is the greatest composer known to me by person and repute, he has taste and what is more the most profound knowledge of composition.” After hearing this piano concerto, it is easy to believe that this was not merely flattery for a proud visiting papa.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68, “Pastoral” Ludwig van Beethoven is often portrayed as a stormy, tragic artist. He was tortured by the loss of his hearing, by constant financial and romantic woes, and by political upheaval in his hometown of Vienna. This Beethoven composed the dark and driving Symphony No. 5. But there was another side to Beethoven, which we catch a glimpse of in his Symphony No. 6 — a work composed, premiered, and published alongside his Fifth. In the Sixth Symphony, we hear the Beethoven who loved nature, who frequently escaped the city to wander the countryside, and who left Vienna almost every summer to compose in a rural setting. Beethoven once disclosed in a letter to a friend: “How delighted I will be to ramble for awhile through the bushes, woods, under trees, through grass, and around rocks. No one can love the country as much as I do. For surely woods, trees, and rocks produce the echo that man desires to hear.” At first listen, Beethoven’s fifth and sixth symphonies may sound worlds apart. But they do share some interesting characteristics. In both, he stitches together the final movements with no break. And in both, he delays the entrance of piccolo and trombones for a dramatic entry in the fourth movement. But the similarities end there. The Sixth stands apart from Beethoven’s symphonic output as the only one where he deviates from the standard four-movement symphonic structure, adding a fifth movement. And in the Sixth Symphony, Beethoven, who typically avoided revealing extramusical connections in his music, shared with his listeners what he sought to express.

Most of Beethoven’s titled works either gained those titles due to dedications or were given titles later by someone else. The “Moonlight” and “Appassionata” sonatas, for example, were not named by the composer. Only one other Beethoven symphony bares a title: the composer initially titled the Third Symphony “Bonaparte,” later crossing that out and replacing it with “Sinfonia Eroica.” At the top of a violin part used at the premiere of the Sixth, an extensive title is given: “Pastoral Symphony / or / Recollection of Country Life / More an Expression of Feeling than a Painting.” Beethoven also titled each of the movements of the Sixth Symphony, and even noted specific points in the score where he intended to portray something extramusical. In the first movement — “Awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the countryside” — Beethoven writes typical pastoral music; listen for a drone accompaniment and repetitive melodies. In “Scene by the brook,” the second violins, violas, and cellos, provide a 16th-note motif that suggests running water. At the end of this slow second movement, Beethoven noted specific birdcalls in a cadenza-like woodwind passage: the flute is a nightingale, the oboe is a quail, and two clarinets play the cuckoo. In the third movement — “Merry gathering of country folk” — Beethoven evokes dance music played by an amateur town band. The revelry is interrupted by the arrival of “Tempest, Storm” (the fourth movement). Cellos and basses play the rumblings of distant thunder before violin eighthnotes sound the first rain drops. The movement climaxes with the timpani’s loud thunder, the piccolo’s lightning, the sound of wind coming from string arpeggios, and then a heavy downpour played by the strings. The storm clears for the fifth movement: “Shepherd’s song. Cheerful and thankful feelings after the storm.” Notes by Sarah A Ruddy, Ph. D.

Select Wednesdays, Noon – 1 pm @ The Block Event Sponsor: Embark Financial Partners 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.

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WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Terrence Wilson Piano Acclaimed by the Baltimore Sun as “one of the biggest pianistic talents to have emerged in this country in the last 25 years,” pianist Terrence Wilson has appeared as soloist with the symphony orchestras of Atlanta, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Washington DC (National Symphony), San Francisco, St. Louis, and with the orchestras of Cleveland, Minnesota, and Philadelphia and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Conductors with whom he has worked include Christoph Eschenbach, Alan Gilbert, Neeme Järvi, Jesús López-Cobos, Lawrence Renes, Robert Spano, Yuri Temirkanov, Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, Gunther Herbig and Michael Morgan. Abroad, Terrence Wilson has played concerti with such ensembles as the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra in Switzerland, the Malaysian Philharmonic, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the Orquestra Sinfonica do Estado de Minas Gerais in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He has toured with orchestras in the US and abroad, including a tour of the US with the Sofia Festival Orchestra (Bulgaria) and in Europe with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra conducted by Yuri Temirkanov. An active recitalist, Terrence Wilson made his New York City recital debut at the 92nd Street Y, and his Washington, DC recital debut at the Kennedy Center. In Europe he has given recitals at the Verbier Festival in Switzerland, the Louvre in Paris, and countless other major venues. In the US he has given recitals at Lincoln Center in New York City (both Alice Tully Hall and Avery Fisher Hall), the Ravinia Festival in Chicago, the Caramoor Festival in Katonah, NY, San Francisco’s Herbst Theatre, and for the La Jolla Chamber Music Society.

An avid chamber musician, he performs regularly with the Ritz Chamber Players. Festival appearances include the Blossom Festival, Tanglewood, Wolf Trap, with the San Francisco Symphony at Stern Grove Park, and an appearance with the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra on July 4, 2015 before an audience of over 15,000. In the 2022-2023 season, Wilson had numerous engagements as soloist with such orchestras as the Pasadena and Stockton Symphonies in California. He also performed recitals in Boston and Kansas City. Terrence Wilson has received numerous awards and prizes, including the SONY ES Award for Musical Excellence, an Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Juilliard Petschek Award. He has also been featured on several radio and television broadcasts, including NPR’s “Performance Today,” WQXR radio in New York, and programs on the BRAVO Network, the Arts & Entertainment Network, public television, and as a guest on late night network television. In 2011, Wilson was nominated for a Grammy for his world premiere recording with the Nashville Symphony, conducted by Giancarlo Guerrero, of Michael Daugherty’s Deus ex Machina for piano and orchestra - written for Wilson in 2007. Terrence Wilson is a graduate of The Juilliard School, where he studied with Yoheved Kaplinsky. He has also enjoyed the invaluable mentorship of the Romanian pianist and teacher Zitta Zohar. A native of the Bronx, he resides in Montclair, New Jersey. In March 2021, Wilson was appointed to the piano faculty at Bard College Conservatory of Music.

VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

COMMUNITY

MUSIC ENCOUNTERS WEST 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!

Debut Strings introduces beginning and intermediate students to large ensemble performance through challenging and diverse repertoire. Students in Debut Strings have one to two years of experience. Premier Strings is for intermediate to advanced string players who have previously participated in Debut Strings.

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.

WEST WEST MICHIGAN MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SYMPHONY SEASON SEASON MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

LINK UP

Beginning its 20th 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.

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

TUNE UP

Our newest learning program, launched in 2022, Tune Up brings free string instruments and instruction from qualified teaching artists to Muskegon Public School students as part of the afterschool CCLC Impact program. Tune Up expanded in 2023-2024 to include all Muskegon Public Elementary Schools and the Middle School reaching over 40 students in support of music education.

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

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.

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

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.

VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

TIFFANY LAMPS The Richard H. Driehaus Collection

September 7 - January 14

I see music as fluid architecture -Joni Mitchell

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INSPIRING WHAT’S

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

COMMUNITY

MUSIC

ENCOUNTERS

WMS Children’s Spring Sings and Strings Concert March 16 at 6 pm Frauenthal Theater

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VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

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ABOUT WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

MUSIC DIRECTOR SCOTT SPECK

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.

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.

Mission

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.

West Michigan Symphony connects and enriches our diverse community through the transformative power of music. We fulfill this primarily through three core offerings: •P rofessional, live symphonic performances in a welcoming environment • I nspired 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 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.

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. Web: scottspeck.org; Twitter: ScottSpeck1 Facebook: facebook.com/ConductorScottSpeck

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

CONCERTS AT THE BLOCK

MUSKEGON ARTS & CULTURE COALITION

WMS’s Listening Room for the Musically Curious, The Block, is an innovative performance venue featuring a mixture of jazz, crossover-folk, and classical chamber concerts. 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, Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon Rotary, the Poppen Foundation, Third Coast Trombone Retreat, Tux ‘n Chucks, and Young Black Professionals, to name a few.

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 $56.48 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.

For rental information, call 231.726.3231

VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

23/24 SEASON

POPS

3 FRIDAYS • 7:30 PM • FRAUENTHAL CENTER

ARETHA: A TRIBUTE

September 29 at 7:30 pm This glittering tribute to the Queen of Soul lights up the Frauenthal with all your favorite Aretha Franklin hits.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: TIMELESS MOVIE MEMORIES

December 15 at 7:30 pm Join us for this fresh twist on our annual holiday tradition. A night of joyful, heartwarming, pure family fun.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION WITH CHERISH THE LADIES

March 15 at 7:30 pm The Grammy-nominated, Irish-American super group returns to bring you a night of traditional Irish music and dance.

MASTERWORKS

5 FRIDAYS • 7:30 PM • FRAUENTHAL CENTER

SCHEHERAZADE AND MORE

November 3 at 7:30 pm An evening of colorful, storytelling music that evokes an assortment of sounds, fragrances and sensations, from new to familiar.

MOZART AND BEETHOVEN

January 26 at 7:30 pm Enjoy this mid-winter musical comfort meal of Mozart and Beethoven. Pianist Terrence Wilson is widely-known for his interpretations of Mozart.

THE SEASONS: REIMAGINED

February 23 at 7:30 pm Four Seasons. Two Hemispheres. Dynamic violinist Chee-Yun returns to guide you on a journey through them all. Vivaldi’s beloved Seasons will be played side by side Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.

WMS AROUND THE WORLD

April 19 at 7:30 pm Experience new sounds and rediscover familiar favorites on this musical journey around the globe traversing Italy, Spain, Norway, Germany and more.

RHAPSODY IN BLUE

3-concert packages start at $87 231.726.3231 westmichigansymphony.org

May 10 at 7:30 pm Our season finale delivers high-energy, fast moving and not-to-be missed works, topped off by Pianist Aldo López-Gavilán’s brilliant rendition of Gershwin’s beloved Rhapsody in Blue.

BY WE ST M ICHIGAN SYM P H ONY

23/24 SEASON

Immersive Listening Room for the Musically Curious CONCERTS BEGIN AT 7:30 PM Trace Bundy Acoustic Guitar • Sat • Oct 14

Acoustic guitar “ninja” Trace Bundy uses harmonics, looping, multiple capos, and his unique banter and stage presence to deliver a truly unforgettable live concert experience.

Kinan Azmeh + Piano Classical & World Music • Sat • Nov 4 This performance showcases the multi-faceted character of the clarinet and music that is deeply inspired by a multitude of traditions.

Paul Keller Quintet Jazz & Swing • Fri • Nov 10

The Michigan-based Paul Keller Quintet is dedicated to delighting audiences with their unique brand of high-energy, top-shelf jazz and swing.

Lelm and Langford A Jazzy Christmas • Sat • Dec 2

This piano/vocal duo brings you a jazzy Christmas full of holiday favorites, including “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” and more with exciting new arrangements.

Terrence Wilson Classical Piano • Sat • Jan 27

On the heels of his performance with WMS, pianist Terrence Wilson puts The Block’s Steinway through its paces in an inspiring solo recital.

Edye and Mike Jazz Duo Jazz Guitar & Vocal • Fri • Feb 9

This husband and wife team interprets classic gems from the Great American Songbook.

Chee-Yun Classical Violin • Sat • Feb 24

The night after her appearance with WMS, violinist Chee-Yun presents some of the most virtuosic and beautiful violin works ever composed and/or inspired by women.

BLKBOK Contemporary Piano • Fri • Mar 8

BLKBOK’s high-energy style seeks to entertain with a live piano based performance that is culturally reflective and encourages dialogue.

Bobby Floyd Trio Jazz Trio • Sat • Apr 13

Grammy-nominee and jazz legend Bobby Floyd’s unique feel has led to appearances with artists including Arturo Sandoval, Byron Stripling and Ray Charles.

Aldo López-Gavilán Classical Piano • Sat • May 11

The Cuban closes out the WMS’s season with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. The next night, he brings a collection of original compositions to The Block.

Arturo and Friends Classical Chamber • Fri • May 17

Violist Arturo Ziraldo presents a new take on the “Best of the String Quartet.” This convention-busting concert links movements of famous and little known works.

231.726.3231 theblockwestmichigan.org

Alexis Lombre Quintet Jazz Quintet • Sat • Jun 1

The true essence of Alexis Lombre’s music is not just about what you hear but how music makes you feel. Her musical mission is to keep the ‘Soul’ in music alive.

ADVERTISERS Aquastar Cruises/The Mart Dock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 & 36

Muskegon Arts & Cultural Coalition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Beth Buelow Event Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Muskegon Museum of Art. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Beth Buelow Fine Art Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Parkland Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Blue Lake Public Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Community Music Encounters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Embark Financial Partners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Frauenthal Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Opera Grand Rapids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Quigley Draperies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Raymond James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 RENK America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Grand Valley State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Greenridge Realty – Tom Knight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Harbor Steel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside front cover Hearthstone Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside back cover Hometown Hospitality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Season Sponsor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back cover Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sytsema Funeral Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Block 2023/24 Season. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Lakeshore Museum Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

The Leonard Luxury Apartments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

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Muskegon Civic Theatre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

West Michigan Symphony 2023/24 Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

Enjoy these new pre- & post-concert experiences!

Summer Solstice Sunset Cruise with your WMS

Hearthstone’s Symphony Café

June 20, 2024 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. $65 per person. Tickets here >>> bit.ly/WMSCruise

Experience a high-end, pre-concert dinner experience curated by Executive Chef Nick Tushek. This provides an opportunity to arrive to the concert hall early, beat the last-minute parking rush, and enjoy a relaxing, exquisitely prepared three-course dinner in the elegant ambiance of the Frau Lounge. Lean more here >>> bit.ly/3sY79ID

Desserts & Snacks from The Book Nook Sweet and savory items will be available for purchase after each concert in the Frau Lounge.

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

WMS is the largest presenter of live music in Muskegon County, offering more than 30 events annually at the Frauenthal, The Block and elsewhere for audiences of all ages

Dear Friends, There’s more to the 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 80 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 2023/24 Season. Enjoy the performance!

Mike & Kay Olthoff

2023/24 Season Sponsors

WMS impacts more than 6,000 area youth from five West Michigan counties through its music education programs

Music Director Scott Speck also conducts the Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Philharmonic and Mobile Symphony

Tune Up provides free string instruments and free after school instruction at all Muskegon Public Elementary schools and Muskegon Middle School.

The Orchestra prepares Masterworks performances in just 3-4 evening rehearsals, Pops in 1-2 rehearsals 38

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE