Official Program of
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Tonight in the Plaza
ontents
The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands
May 14 7-8 p.m. Seed Packets Giveaway & Color-a-Picture with Woodforest National Bank
Tonight in the Plaza....................................................................
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Art Project with Woodlands Online
Letter from the President & CEO..............................................
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Be Treated Like a Rock Star.......................................................
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Seat Exchange with Fidelity Investments
Hans Graf Biography..................................................................
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Forces of Nature Program.........................................................
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Michael Krajewski Biography....................................................
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Cirque de la Symphonie Program............................................
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Performing Artists’ Biographies................................................. 5 & 6 Orchestra.....................................................................................
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Sizzling Summer of Arts...............................................................
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Single Ladies...Put Your Hands Up............................................
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Sponsor Spotlight........................................................................
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Encore.........................................................................................
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Text to Win with Market Street-The Woodlands Register to Win “Best Seats in the House” with Tommy Bahama Color-a-Picture & Car Display with Audi of America Instrument Petting Zoo with The Pavilion Partners Make Leaf Rubbings with The Pavilion Partners Pavilion Talk with Ira J. Black
Off Stage.................................................................................... 10 Be the Biggest Winner................................................................ 11
7-8 p.m. Bean Bag Toss, Color-a-Picture and Meet Barkley with Woodforest National Bank
Fore the Arts Swing for the Arts Golf Tournament................... 11 ShowTime.................................................................................... 12 Concert Etiquette...................................................................... 13 Guest Information...................................................................... 14 The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s 2010 Performing Arts Season Presented by
Decorate Masks with Woodlands Online Ice Cream Social with Fidelity Investments Text to Win with Market Street-The Woodlands Register to Win “Best Seats in the House” with Tommy Bahama
and Sponsored by
The
Wortham Foundation
Color-a-Picture & Car Display with Audi of America Instrument Petting Zoo with The Pavilion Partners
official automobile of The Pavilion
official airline of The Pavilion
The North Plaza is sponsored by
Face Painting with The Pavilion Partners
Credits Our Mission Founded in 1990, The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides diverse, high-quality performing arts events for the entertainment and enrichment of a broad regional audience. Through numerous educational and community outreach programs, The Center is a catalyst for attracting new audiences to the performing arts and building strong ties between the arts and educational institutions.
Program design by Don Crouch, imagineer Cover design by Jude Studios Cindy DuBois – Editor in Chief Courtney Galle – Managing Editor
Home of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2005 Lake Robbins Drive • The Woodlands, TX 77380 Phone: 281-364-3010 Fax: 281-364-3011 www.woodlandscenter.org info@woodlandscenter.org
Welcome to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s 21st season of great entertainment and world-class performing arts. More than 400,000 guests attended events at The Pavilion in 2009 and we notched our 8-millionth visitor since opening in 1990. The Pavilion finished the year ranked sixth out of the top 100 amphitheatres in the world based on the number of tickets sold in 2009.
Officers Candice W. Glenn – Chairman of the Board Jerry MacDonald – President and CEO George Lindahl III – Vice Chairman Jeff Young – Vice President Brian Wing – Secretary Lori Figaro – Treasurer
We are extremely proud to be the Summer Home of the Houston Symphony, and as we embark on our Performing Arts Season, aptly titled Celebrate the Arts, we are very excited about the programs coming to our stage in 2010. It is a season filled with classical masterpieces, Broadway hits, patriotic favorites and amazing visual presentations. As a nonprofit organization, The Pavilion’s mission is to present a diverse offering of performing arts and to make the arts accessible to the masses. One way we strive to achieve this is by offering free mezzanine and lawn seating at all performing arts events so any individual at any income level can enjoy the world of performing arts. Our sponsors make this possible. We are very proud of the fact that attendance at these events continues to increase. To this end, I would like to thank our sponsors and The Pavilion’s Board of Directors for their support in making our arts programming and free seating possible. I hope you enjoy tonight’s performance. Thank you for supporting The Pavilion’s Performing Arts Season.
Tonight in the Plaza May 27
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Letter from the President & CEO
Board of Directors
A. Steve Arizpe Joseph P. Ash D’Artagnan Bebel Gary Becker David D. Dunlap Mark Ellis Jacque Geving Everson Keith Ferry James M. Gibbons Andrew T. Hall Jeff Harder Robert C. Hardin
Jonathan Homeyer W. Randall Lowry Julie V. Mayrant Ralph C. McIngvale C. Grant Mitchell Steven W. Nance Robert Potter Jeffrey H. Shipley Alex Sutton Raymond I. Wilcox Marsha Williams Hank Wood
Director in memoriam
Jerry MacDonald President and CEO
Cynthia Woods Mitchell (1922 - 2009)
Staff Jerry MacDonald – President & CEO Margaret Eichelberger – Executive Assistant
The Pavilion offers one of the world’s greatest entertainment experiences right in your own backyard. From classical music to rock, jazz, country, opera and ballet, The Pavilion offers something for everyone. Season tickets for The Pavilion’s 2010 Performing Arts series are available for only $150 per seat. Season tickets include VIP orchestralevel seating to all Houston Symphony concerts and the Houston Ballet at The Pavilion, as well as preferred seating for the Houston Symphony’s Star-Spangled Salute and Texas Music Festival Orchestra performances, VIP on-site parking and admission to the Woodforest Bank VIP Club for each show. Packages that include the Performing Arts series plus all The Pavilion’s exciting contemporary concerts start at $4,000 per seat. Along with having the best seats to all Pavilion concerts, packages include VIP parking, VIP club ac-
cess, a private entrance into the venue, e-mail updates and more. For more information about 2010 season ticket packages (contemporary and Performing Arts combined), contact JD Villaseñor, director of premium seat sales, at 281-210-1121 or jvillasenor@woodlandscenter.org. If you are interested in Performing Arts series subscriptions only, contact Josie Reeves, box office manager, at 281-210-1127 or jreeves@woodlandscenter.org.
Cindy DuBois – Director of Marketing & Education Kacie Broadhurst – Social Media Analyst Courtney Galle – Marketing & PR Manager Lori Figaro – CFO Jenny Lewis – Accounting Assistant Heather Reding – Human Resources Manager Paula Smith – Senior Accountant Christine Scully – Director of Development Charlotte Weschler – Development Coordinator Jeff Young – Vice President of Operations Collin Bolen – Assistant Box Office Manager Carla DeHart – Administrative Coordinator Isidro Hernandez – Maintenance Department Lead Maria Hernandez – Maintenance Department Paula Jauregui – Maintenance Department Victor Maldonado – Maintenance Department Matt Meyer – Assistant Operations Manager Josie Reeves – Box Office Manager Kelly Rich – Event Manager Joey Rincon – Operations Department David Schlauch – Operations Manager Chad Sonnier – Operations Department JD Villaseñor – Director of Premium Seat Sales
May 2010 • 2
Photo by Christian Steiner
Known for his wide range of repertoire and creative programming, Hans Graf – the Houston Symphony’s 15th Music Director – is one of today’s most highly respected musicians. He began his tenure here on Opening Night of the 2001-02 season. Graf is a frequent guest with all the major North American orchestras. Guest engagements include appearances with the Cleveland and Philadelphia orchestras, the New York and Los Angeles philharmonics, the San Francisco, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Atlanta and National symphonies and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, among others. Over the past decade, he has developed a close relationship with the Boston Symphony and appears regularly with the orchestra during the subscription season and at the Tanglewood Music Festival. He made his Carnegie Hall debut with the Houston Symphony in January 2006 and returned in March 2007 leading the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Carnegie Hall welcomed Graf and the Houston Symphony again in January 2010 for the presentation of The Planets—An HD Odyssey. Internationally, Graf conducts in the foremost concert halls and music festivals of Europe, Japan and Australia. An experienced opera conductor, Graf first conducted the Vienna State Opera in 1981 and has since led productions in Berlin, Munich, Paris and Rome, including several world premieres. Recent engagements include Parsifal at the Zurich Opera and Boris Godunov at the Opera National du Rhin in Strasbourg. Graf and the Houston Symphony have recorded Zemlinsky’s Lyric Symphony and Berg’s Three Pieces from Lyric Suite, which Naxos released in May 2009. A disc of works by Bartók and Stravinsky, recorded for Koch International Classics, is currently available. Other Graf recordings are on EMI, Orfeo, CBC, Erato, Capriccio, JVC and BMG Arte Nova labels. His discography includes the complete sym3 • www.woodlandscenter.org
Program
Biography Michael Krajewski
Hans Graf
Biography
Forces of Nature Friday, May 14, 2010 - 8 p.m. Photo by Jeff Fitlow
Hans Graf, conductor MOZART Symphony No. 41 in C major, K.551 (Jupiter) I. Allegro vivace II. Andante cantabile III. Menuetto and Trio: Allegretto IV. Molto Allegro
Intermission BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6 in F major, Opus 68 (Pastoral) I. Awakening of cheerful feelings on arriving in the country: Allegro non troppo II. Scene by the brook: Andante molto mosso III. Merry assembly of country folk: Allegro— IV. Thunderstorm: Allegro— V. Shepherd’s song; Happy, grateful feelings after the storm: Allegretto
Please turn off all cellular telephones. Recordings and photography are not allowed. phonies of Mozart and Schubert and the premiere recording of Zemlinsky’s opera Es war einmal. Born in 1949 near Linz, Graf studied violin and piano as a child. He earned diplomas in piano and conducting from the Musikhochschule in Graz and continued his studies with Franco Ferrara, Sergiu Celibidache and Arvid Jansons. His international career was launched in 1979 when he was awarded first prize in the Karl Böhm Competition. He has served as music director of the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra, the Calgary Philharmonic and Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine. In 2002, he was awarded the Chevalier de l’ordre de la Legion d’Honneur by the French government for championing French music around the world and, in 2007, the Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria. Hans and Margarita Graf have homes in Salzburg and Houston. They have one daughter, Anna, who lives in Vienna.
Much in demand across the United States and Canada, Michael Krajewski delights concertgoers with his imaginative and entertaining programs and his wry sense of humor. Audiences leave his concerts smiling, remembering the evening’s music and surprises. Maestro Krajewski joined the Houston Symphony as Principal Pops Conductor at the beginning of the 2000-01 season. His fans especially enjoy his Star-Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and the Houston holiday tradition, Very Merry Pops. He also serves as principal pops conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and the New Hampshire Music Festival Orchestra. He enjoys a special relationship with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, appearing frequently as a guest conductor. He previously held principal pops conductor positions with the Long Beach and New Mexico Symphonies. As a guest conductor, he has performed with the Boston Pops and the Hollywood Bowl orchestras, and has appeared with symphonies across the U.S., including those of Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit, Minnesota, Phoenix, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Francisco and more. In Canada, he has led Ottawa’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, as well as the Edmonton and Winnipeg symphonies. Krajewski has performed with an eclectic group of artists including Sir James Galway, Marilyn Horne, Alicia de Larrocha, Roberta Flack, Judy Collins, Art Garfunkel, Al Hirt, Cab Calloway, The Kingston Trio, Ben E. King, Mary Wilson, Patti Austin, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Canadian Brass and Pink Martini. With degrees from Wayne State University and the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music, Krajewski furthered his training at the Pierre Monteux Domaine School for Conductors. He was a Dorati Fellowship Conductor with the Detroit Symphony
Program
Cirque de la Symphonie Thursday, May 27, 2010 - 8 p.m. Michael Krajewski, conductor Janice Martin, violin Shana Lord, Alexander Streltsov, Vladimir Tsarkov, Aloysia Gavre, Vladimir Malachikhin and Jarek & Darek, special guests RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Suite from The Snow Maiden IV. Dance of the Buffoons: Vivace RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Capriccio espagnol, Opus 34 IV. Scena e Canto gitano: Allegretto— V. Fandango asturiano BIZET Suite No. 1 from Carmen 1a. Aragonaise: Allegro vivo 5. Les toréadors: Allegro giocoso Suite No. 2 from Carmen 7. Habañera: Allegretto quasi Andantino 11. Danse bohême: Andantino quasi Allegretto SAINT-SAËNS Danse bacchanale from Samson et Dalila KHACHATURIAN Suite No. 1 from Gayane 3. Ayesha’s Dance Suite No. 3 from Gayane 5. Saber Dance: Presto J. WILLIAMS RAVEL
Across the Stars from Attack of the Clones Boléro
There will be no intermission. Please turn off all cellular telephones. Recordings and photography are not allowed.
and later served as that orchestra’s assistant conductor.
Find us on
Michael Krajewski lives in Orlando, Florida, with his wife, Darcy. When not conducting, he enjoys traveling, photography, jogging, bicycling and solving The New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle. May 2010 • 4
Performing Artists’ Biographies Aloysia Gavre is another incredible aerial performer from the Ecole National de Cirque, Montreal, with early training from Master Lu-Yi and the Pickle Family Circus School. Her aerial acrobatics and graceful maneuvers on the aerial hoop, suspended high above the stage, add three-dimensional excitement to the symphony and the music hall. Aloysia was the Special Prize Winner at the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. A veteran of stage and theater performances worldwide, Aloysia is best known as a veteran of Cirque du Soleil’s “Quidam” and “O.” Her five years with Quidam established her as one of the best aerial artists in the world, and today she shares that experience with others as choreographer for Cirque Mechanics and Troupe Vertigo and as director of Cirque School in Los Angeles. Aloysia’s regular performances with Cirque de la Symphonie and live orchestras take aerial acrobatics to a new level.
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The mind-boggling strength and agility of Jarek and Darek’s “Duo Design” provides one of the most powerful acts to be included in Cirque de la Symphonie’s captivating program. This dynamic and exciting balancing act consists of Jaroslaw Marciniak and Dariusz Wronski, former Polish national hand-balancing champions. They have competed and performed throughout Europe and the United States, winning championships in Evian, France and Sarasota, Florida. Over the past few years, these prolific performers have thrilled audiences at several NBA halftimes, Cirque du Soleil, Circus Circus, Busch Gardens, and the national tour of Cirque Ingenieux. Their Cirque de la Symphonie performances have left audiences stunned and amazed at music halls everywhere.
Vladimir Malachikhin
Vladimir Tsarkov provides a spell-binding performance with combinations of mime and juggling feats. A favorite of the younger members of the audiences, Vladimir’s Red Harlequin act features rings, balls, and batons, and he’s even been known to teach the maestro a trick or two! He is a veteran of Circus Circus, Cirque Ingenieux, and various Cirque de la Symphonie performances. Vladimir graduated from Russia’s prestigious State College of Circus and Theater Arts and won the gold medal at the Cirque de Demain International Festival in France. His performance with the symphony is pure entertainment and guaranteed to please audiences of all ages.
Vladimir Malachikhin began his career before he was 5 years old, performing handstand acrobatics with his father in an act that traveled through Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Today he lives in Las Vegas, and his combined performance of balance and smooth movements has been a major part of many award-winning shows. He is a veteran of Circus Circus, Cirque Productions, Ill Cirque, and other major productions. Vladimir is the winner of the Gold Clown award in Monte Carlo, the Gold Medal in Italy, and the Bronze Lion Award in China. The strength exhibited in his hand-balancing performance is complimented by the graceful and gravity-defying sleek movements he performs on stage. Vladimir is a unique talent and valuable addition to the Cirque de la Symphonie organization and certain to be a favorite of concertgoers.
Shana Lord
Jarek and Darek
Alexander Streltsov is a Russian aerial artist who started working with future Cirque du Soleil choreographer Pavel Brun and famed producer Valentin Gneushev when he was only 12, performing on Broadway at the Gershwin Theater. The same year he won the gold medal in the competition among international cirque artists at the prestigious Festival Mondial Du Cirque De L’Avenir in Paris. His combination of natural strength, artistic expression, and grace sets his performance apart from other aerialists. Also known as “Sasha,” he has performed for three Russian presidents and the Bolshoi Ballet, numerous symphonies in the U.S. and Europe, and elaborate theater and stage productions worldwide. He has made many television appearances, such as the star-studded ABC-TV special “Christopher Reeve - A Celebration of Hope” and the PBS nationwide broadcast of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s Fourth of July Celebration. He continues to be a favorite at music halls, where he soars out over the audience in a spectacular display of aerial artistry or performs his riveting spinning cube act.
Alexander Streltsov
Vladimir Tsarkov
Janice Martin
Janice Martin, a brilliant classical solo violinist, has won many awards, including the Career Award Grant from the National Endowment of the Arts. In addition to being a concert violinist, opera singer and classical pianist, Martin has become a cirque artist as well. This “supergirl” may be suspended in the air on silk fabrics or an aerial hoop, while playing a violin solo. Her performances with Cirque de la Symphonie add another dimension to the live concert, as she fuses cirque with symphony.
Aloysia Gavre
Performing Artists’ Biographies
Shana Lord has been an acrobat and dancer for over 10 years. She has traveled the world with many of the prestigious cirque programs, including Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam. She has worked with Disney in Japan and Sea World’s Cirque de la Mer. Television appearances include “The Today Show,” the “Grammy Awards,” “MTV Video Music Awards,” and others. Shana has performed with music artists such as Gwen Stefani, Will Smith and Anastacia. She is an accomplished performer with aerial silks, rope, hammock, bungees, Chinese poles, duo trapeze and her self-designed aerial web act. Shana brings aerial performances to new levels with Cirque de la Symphonie.
May 2010 • 6
Orchestra
Michael Krajewski,
Principal Pops Conductor Sponsor, Cameron Management
First Violin: Eric Halen, Acting Concertmaster Max Levine Chair Assia Dulgerska, Acting Associate Concertmaster Ellen E. Kelley Chair Qi Ming, Assistant Concertmaster Cornelia and Meredith Long Chair Marina Brubaker, Acting Assistant Concertmaster Fondren Foundation Chair Alexandra Adkins Hewlett-Packard Company Chair MiHee Chung Sophia Silivos Rodica Gonzalez Ferenc Illenyi Si-Yang Lao Kurt Johnson Christopher Neal Sergei Galperin Quan Jiang* Second Violin: Jennifer Owen, Principal Charles Tabony, Associate Principal Hitai Lee Kiju Joh Deborah Moran Ruth Zeger Margaret Bragg Martha Chapman Kevin Kelly Mihaela Oancea Christine Pastorek Amy Teare Viola: Wayne Brooks, Principal George Pascal, Acting Associate Principal Joan DerHovsepian, Acting Assistant Principal Linda Goldstein Thomas Molloy Rita Porfiris** Fay Shapiro Daniel Strba Wei Jiang Phyllis Herdliska Cello: Brinton Averil Smith, Principal Christopher French, Associate Principal Haeri Ju Jeffrey Butler Kevin Dvorak Xiao Wong Myung Soon Lee James Denton Anthony Kitai
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Hans Graf, Music Director Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair
Robert Franz,
Brett Mitchell,
Associate Conductor Sponsor, Madison Charitable Foundation Double Bass: David Malone, Acting Principal Janice H. and Thomas D. Barrow Chair Mark Shapiro, Acting Associate Principal Eric Larson Robert Pastorek Burke Shaw Donald Howey Michael McMurray Flute: Aralee Dorough, Principal General Maurice Hirsch Chair John Thorne, Associate Principal Judy Dines Allison Garza Piccolo: Allison Garza Oboe: Robert Atherholt, Principal Lucy Binyon Stude Chair Anne Leek, Associate Principal Colin Gatwood Adam Dinitz English Horn: Adam Dinitz Clarinet: David Peck, Principal Thomas LeGrand, Associate Principal Christian Schubert Position open E-Flat Clarinet: Thomas LeGrand Bass Clarinet: Position open Tassie and Constantine S. Nicandros Chair Bassoon: Rian Craypo, Principal Stewart Orton Chair Eric Arbiter, Associate Principal American General Chair Elise Wagner J. Jeff Robinson
Assistant Conductor/ American Conducting Fellow Trumpet: Mark Hughes, Principal George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Chair John DeWitt, Associate Principal Robert Walp, Assistant Principal Anthony Prisk Speros P. Martel Chair
This summer is filled with “hot” performances by the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and Texas Music Festival Orchestra at The Pavilion. Take your family on a journey filled with classical music, Broadway hits, patriotic fanfare and more.
and Berlioz’s “Symphony Fantastique.” The finalists and winner of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Young Artist Competition will be announced.
Tuba: Dave Kirk, Principal Timpani: Ronald Holdman, Principal Brian Del Signore, Associate Principal Percussion: Brian Del Signore, Principal Mark Griffith Matthew Strauss Harp: Paula Page, Principal Keyboard: Scott Holshouser, Principal Neva Watkins West Chair Orchestra Personnel Manager: Steve Wenig Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager: Stephen Stratman Librarian: Thomas Takaro Assistant Librarians: Erik Gronfor Michael McMurray Stage Manager: Donald Ray Jackson
Contrabassoon: J. Jeff Robinson
Assistant Stage Manager: Kelly Morgan
Horn: William VerMeulen, Principal Roger Kaza, Associate Principal** Wade Butin, Acting Associate Principal* Brian Thomas Robert and Janice McNair Foundation Chair Nancy Goodearl Philip Stanton Julie Thayer
Stage Technician: Zoltan Fabry Cory Grant *Contracted Substitute ** Leave of Absence
Photo by Amitava Sarkar
Michael Krajewski
On June 10, the Houston Symphony travels across Europe with a family concert for all to enjoy. Pack your bags for a musical journey to remember. With Robert Franz in the driver’s seat, buckle your seat belts for an exciting European Adventure. The free Texas Music Festival Orchestra returns June 18 featuring 100 gifted musicians from around the world. Under the direction of Horst Foerster, the orchestra performs Wagner’s Overture to Die fliegende Holländer (“The Flying Dutchman”), Bartok’s Concerto for Viola and Orchestra
Falling
Returning July 3 is the annual Star-Spangled Salute. This free Independence Eve spectacular features the Houston Symphony in a selection of patriotic favorites. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski, the Symphony performs a variety of traditional favorites, American classics,
Trombone: Allen Barnhill, Principal Bradley White, Associate Principal Phillip Freeman Bass Trombone: Phillip Freeman
and charisma. The group was a contestant on “America’s Got Talent” in 2009.
Photo by Jeff Fitlow
sing-alongs, and of course, Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with cannons from atop the hill. Joining the Symphony July 3 are The Texas Tenors, a vocal group that blends harmonies with their energy
Choreographer: Stanton Welch Dancers: Melody Herrera & Ian Casady
Houston Ballet’s Three for the Ages Aug. 20 takes the audience on a journey through time and history. “Fancy Free” (1944) is set in New York City on a hot summer night and portrays three sailors on shore leave in the 1940s. “Apollo” (1928) traces the birth of the god of music, poetry and prophecy and his education by three muses. And “Falling” (2005) is a classical, playful piece for five couples set to the music of Mozart’s “Salzburg Symphonies.” For more information on these concerts or The Pavilion’s 2010 season, visit www. woodlandscenter.org. Also visit The Pavilion on Facebook and Twitter.
Single Ladies... Put Your Hands Up Ladies (single or not) can bid on the bachelor of their dreams at the “Frosted” bachelor auction and help raise money for the arts. Join Wine & Food Week’s “Frosted” June 18 where The Pavilion is the beneficiary of a unique bachelor auction. Ten of the area’s most eligible bachelors will be auctioned off with exclusive “Frosted” date night packages. The Pavilion is receiving 100 percent of the funds raised from the auction. “Frosted” takes place at the Avia Hotel in Market Street from 7 - 10 p.m. The night shines with the bachelor auction and a fashion show by Chloe Dao, winner of Bravo’s “Project Runway 2.” Diamonds are a girl’s best friend at “Frosted” with a jewelry showcase where you can get your photo taken with a select piece of stunning diamonds, rubies, topaz, opals and other incredible gemstones. Ladies can sip on frosted martinis and champagne and delight in frosted cupcakes. Fashionistas can get sparkly makeovers and more.
“We are excited to be partnering with a great organization like Wine Week in The Woodlands. The money raised from the bachelor auction will greatly benefit our educational outreach programs and the event will raise awareness of our mission,” said Christine Scully, director of development for The Pavilion. “We really appreciate the bachelors who are participating in the auction on behalf of The Pavilion. It’s going to be a fun night for everyone!” The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is home to The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization. The Pavilion offers a diverse assortment of educational and community outreach programs that touch the lives of nearly 40,000 students and their families annually throughout the Greater Houston area. For tickets, visit www.wineandfoodweek.com. Tickets are only $50 if purchased before June 1. Just add CWMP as your coupon code during checkout. May 2010 • 8
Sponsor Spotlight
Off Stage
In each issue of OnStage, we turn the spotlight onto one of our sponsors, a gesture of thanks for their invaluable contributions to the many things we work hard to accomplish.
The Pavilion Partners is All About Bringing People and the Arts Together The Pavilion Partners, the official volunteer organization of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, is a dedicated group of volunteers who share a love for the performing arts. This dynamic group offers opportunities to volunteer, support the fine arts and network with others who have similar interests. As a Partner, you can be an event volunteer, a performing arts volunteer, help plan fundraisers/special events, promote the Partners scholarship program, network, or simply support the organization by making a donation. Partners is an integral part of The Pavilion and its education and fund-raising programs.
Each year, Partners contributes more than $100,000 to The Pavilion through three fundraisers including the annual Wine Dinner & Auction, Swing for the Arts Golf Tournament and the Pre-Concert Dinner & Fund-Raiser. “The best part of raising funds for educational outreach is seeing the happy faces of the children. One needs only to attend a children’s event at The Pavilion to enjoy the benefits of our efforts,” said Keith Ferry, president of The Pavilion Partners.
Students Score Big at The Pavilion’s Musical Scores!
On April 29, the Hats Off to Reading Celebration was held in conjunction with the Houston Symphony’s Tribute Concert to Cynthia Woods Mitchell at The Pavilion. More than 1,000 children were in attendance.
Partners also supports fine arts through its scholarship program. Since its inception, more than $400,000 in scholarships have been awarded to high school seniors or renewing college students in music, voice, theatre, dance, visual arts and graphic arts. In 2009, Partners volunteers worked more than 5,000 hours at The Pavilion at numerous educational events, performing arts concerts, contemporary concerts and fund-raisers. These volunteer hours save The Pavilion hundreds of thousands of dollars every year.
Wow! Awesome! Cool! Those are just some of the words heard from students at The Pavilion’s educational outreach program, Musical Scores, held on May 4, 2010.
If you are interested in joining Partners or making a donation, visit www.woodlandscenter. org/partners.
Encore The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands would like to thank the following contributors for their financial support of our 2010 Performing Arts Season and Educational Outreach Programs.
$100,000 - $249,999 Live Nation George P. Mitchell The Pavilion Partners $75,000 - $99,999 The Woodlands Development Company The Wortham Foundation $20,000 - $74,999 Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Audi of America H-E-B Lindahl Family Foundation The Pepsi Bottling Group The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau Woodforest National Bank $15,000 - $19,999 ARAMARK Sports & Entertainment $10,000 - $14,999 Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Northern Trust $5,000 - $9,999 AT&T Entergy Fidelity Investments FMC Technologies, Inc. Hewitt Associates LLC 9 • www.woodlandscenter.org
$5,000 - $9,999 cont. John P. McGovern Foundation KPMG, LLP Linn Energy Market Street-The Woodlands Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates $2,000 - $4,999 EMI Houston Northwest Medical Center Huntsman Corporation $1,000 - $1,999 Julie Bell Becki & David Borth Barbara & Stephen Crain Candi & Gerald Glenn Sheryl & Fredrick Greene Tricia & Jerry MacDonald Julie & Jerry Mayrant $500 - $999 Sylvia Caracio Anne & David Dunlap Sheri & John Hamm Amy & Jonathan Homeyer JoAnne & Randy Lowry Cindy Notarainni Shelly & Michael O’Neil Suzanne & Bob Potter Susie & Jeffrey Shipley Shannon & Brian Wing Melissa & Jeff Young
$250 - $499 Nancy & Tom Battle Katherine & John H. Beaird III Bunny & David Benditz Dixie & Bret Cope Julia & Mark Ellis Suzanne & Ed Ellis Essex The Woodlands Keith & Grady Ferry Beth & Doug Grijalva Peggy & Mitch Hausman Judy & Charles Lano Randi & Jay McClanahan Maurgan McGregor Tiziana & C. Grant Mitchell Annice & John Nanninga Pam & Tom Reno Arlene & Sol Sachs Tesar’s Steak and Seafood Peggy & Ray Wilcox In-Kind ARAMARK Sports & Entertainment Calfee Specialties Continental Airlines Don Crouch, imagineer Houston Community Newspapers Jude Studios The Pepsi Bottling Group The Woodlands Country Club
Hats Off to Reading Celebration Puts Smiles on Children’s Faces
sharing his unique, upbeat and unforgettable message that blends music, movement and humor with sign language. For the past several years, The Pavilion has worked with Carver Magnet High School graphic arts students to create the t-shirt artwork for Musical Scores. A gifted senior, Jacob Melendez, was the t-shirt design winner this year. Melendez was one of 15 students from Carver’s graphic arts program who submitted artwork for consideration. These complimentary t-shirts, along with free lunches, were given out to all students in attendance. Melendez’s design was the best visual representation of the Musical Scores program. Melendez, along with nine other finalists, attended the event on May 4.
Approximately 5,300 students from all over Houston attended a reward-based program called Musical Scores. Musical Scores primarily serves “at-risk,” low income middle school students who earn the privilege to attend the special event by displaying model behavior and achieving specific scholastic goals. Students enjoyed performances by the Houston Rockets Launch Crew, Soul Street Dance Company and Black Violin. The Launch Crew presents an energetic performance of aerobic dance, tumbling, acrobatics and audience interaction. Soul Street Dance Company is a high-energy, breakin’, poppin’ and lockin’ hip-hop dance group. Black Violin is a group of classically trained violinists who play a fusion of hip-hop, jazz, rock, blues and more. Their influences include everything from Bach to Nas and Jay-Z. Jean Donatto was the master of ceremonies and David Parker was the special guest
Megan McEntire, the teacher who coordinated the t-shirt design contest through her Electronic Media classes, said, “This project is relevant for the students because it shows them how their creative work in the classroom can be applied in the real world. It is a great example of what it would be like to work as a graphic artist. And what is so neat about this opportunity is that the winning designer gets to see their work on more than 5,300 t-shirts.”
Hats Off to Reading is a free event sponsored by the Reading Odyssey Committee, a community coalition that encourages students to develop a lifelong love of reading. Children got to take home a free book and participate in literacy-based activities such as a book walk, hat making, and face painting. The committee made a special presentation to Grant Mitchell at the event. They presented him with a memory book that students from Conroe Independent School District helped create in honor of Cynthia Woods Mitchell. A permanent book of artwork from the students will be displayed at the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library children’s department. Reading Odyssey is a partnership between Montgomery County Memorial Library System, Conroe ISD librarians, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School Library, Chick-fil-A, Scholastic Books and The Pavilion.
May 2010 • 10
Be the Biggest Winner!
Fidelity Investments holds a “Seat Exchange” where guests can register to upgrade their seats to center orchestra at that evening’s performance. Guests who plan to sit in mezzanine, lawn or even orchestra seating can win the opportunity to exchange their seats for Fidelity’s special seats. The seat exchange offer is for four guests. “We love coming out to The Pavilion each year and offering the Seat Exchange opportunity to guests,” said Robert Schneider, vice president/branch manager Houston
North Investor Center for Fidelity Investments. “Fidelity is pleased to continue its association with The Pavilion and is proud to be part of the outstanding performing arts community in The Woodlands.” Tommy Bahama offers guests the opportunity to register for the “Best Seats in the House!” The prize package includes four VIP tickets, VIP parking and dinner for four catered by Tommy Bahama at the next performing arts event. All you need to do is go to the Tommy Bahama booth in The Pavilion’s North Plaza before each performing arts event to register to win this fabulous evening. Join the fun at The Pavilion this season. You just might be the next biggest winner!
Tribute Concert to Cynthia Woods Mitchell
ShowTime is a list of events scheduled for The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, including start times and ticket prices. Information is subject to change. Please check our Web site for the latest event information.
the Arts! Golfers tee off June 7 at The Pavilion Partners Sixth Annual Swing for the Arts Golf Tournament at The Woodlands Country Club Palmer Course. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at noon. The Scoreboard Happy Hour starts at 4:30 p.m. followed by the awards presentation. Proceeds from the tournament benefit The Pavilion’s performing arts events and educational outreach programs. The format for the tournament is an 18-hole, fourman scramble in which participants have two options for tournament play: The Pavilion Cup Challenge or the Performing Arts Challenge. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams in both categories. The Pavilion Cup Challenge is available for company-sponsored teams that compete for the title of “The Pavilion Cup” champion. The winning team holds the title for one year and the company name is displayed on “The Pavilion Cup” at The Pavilion year-round.
April 29, 2010
Grant Mitchell initiates the Butterfly Release April 29 during the dedication of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Smokedance Garden at The Pavilion. Staff and some of the Mitchell family children helped release 400 butterflies that evening.
The entry fee for a team of four in The Pavilion Cup Challenge is $1,250. For individuals and groups, the entry fee for a team of four is $1,000 and for individuals is $250. All tournament participants can participate in the John Mahaffey Golf Clinic at the tournament. Golfers also can compete for individual prizes including closest to the pin, longest drive and hole in one.
Photo by Ted Washington
George P. Mitchell and his son, Greg Mitchell, sit on benches in the new Cynthia Woods Mitchell Smokedance Garden at The Pavilion. The garden was dedicated to Mrs. Mitchell at the Houston Symphony’s Tribute Concert to Cynthia Woods Mitchell April 29, 2010.
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Toot your own horn! Kids got the chance to see, touch and play musical instruments at The Pavilion Partners Instrument Petting Zoo during the pre-concert activities at the Houston Symphony’s Tribute Concert to Cynthia Woods Mitchell April 29. The Zoo provides kids with a broader understanding of an orchestral performance.
Major sponsors of the 2010 Swing for the Arts Golf Tournament include Audi of America, Chili’s Bar and Grill, Houston Community Newspapers, Kilgore Industries, The Pepsi Bottling Company, Willie’s Grill and Icehouse, The Woodlands Country Club and Silver Eagle Distributors. For more information, visit www.woodlandscenter.org or contact Christine Scully at 281210-1102 or cscully@woodlandscenter.org.
Styx
Robert Franz
Foreigner
Jimmy Buffett Lynyrd Skynyrd
Iron Maiden
Photo by Jeff Fitlow
Sting
The Doobie Brothers
Michael Krajewski
Chicago
Photo by Jeff Fitlow
Rush
Falling
Photo by Amitava Sarkar
Choreographer: Stanton Welch Dancers: Melody Herrera & Ian Casady
Step right up for a chance to win big at The Pavilion’s performing arts concerts. Fidelity Investments and Tommy Bahama offer guests chances to win at all performing art events.
ShowTime
Sheryl Crow
May 15 Styx, Foreigner and Kansas • 7 p.m. $125, $85, $65, $47.50, $35 & $25 Reserved / $20 Lawn May 20 Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band • 8 p.m. $136 & $86 Reserved / Lawn Sold Out! May 27 Houston Symphony • 8 p.m. Cirque de la Symphonie Michael Krajewski, conductor $15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating courtesy of Woodforest National Bank, KPMG, LLP and Anadarko Petroleum Corporation June 10 Houston Symphony • 8 p.m. European Adventure A Comcast Family Event Robert Franz, conductor $15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating courtesy of The Wortham Foundation June 11 Iron Maiden • 7:30 p.m. with Dream Theater $95, $75 & $55 Reserved / $35 Lawn June 13 Lynyrd Skynyrd • 7 p.m. with Bret Michaels and .38 Special $59.50 & $39.50 Reserved / $25 Lawn June 18
Texas Music Festival Orchestra • 8 p.m. Horst Foerster, conductor Rita Porfiris, viola FREE event
June 25 Sting • 8 p.m. with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra $209.50, $134.50 & $84.50 Reserved
The Dave Matthews Band
June 26 Chicago & The Doobie Brothers • 7:30 p.m. $200, $85, $45 & $35 Reserved / $25 Lawn July 3 Houston Symphony • 8 p.m. Star-Spangled Salute Michael Krajewski, conductor The Texas Tenors, special guests FREE event presented by The Woodlands Development Company July 24 Robert Plant & the Band of Joy • 8 p.m. $150, &95, $75, $50, $25 & $20 Reserved Aug. 18 Jack Johnson • 7 p.m. $55 Reserved / $35 Lawn Aug. 20 Houston Ballet • 8 p.m. Three for the Ages A Comcast Family Event $15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating courtesy of The Wortham Foundation, Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts and George P. Mitchell Aug. 27 Sheryl Crow • 8 p.m. with Colbie Caillat $95, $65, $47.50, $35, $25 & $20 Reserved Sept. 2 Houston Symphony • 8 p.m. Broadway Showstoppers Michael Krajewski, conductor Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston $15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating courtesy of The Wortham Foundation Sept. 8 Paramore • 6:30 p.m. with Tegan and Sara $39.50, $35 and $32.50 Reserved / $20 Lawn
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Sept. 10 The Dave Matthews Band • 7 p.m. with Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears $70 Reserved / $40 Lawn Sept. 22 Kings of Leon • 7:30 p.m. with The Black Keys & The Whigs $55.50 Reserved / $35.50 Lawn Sept. 24 Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers • 7:30 p.m. $133.50 & $107.50 Reserved / $43.50 Lawn Sept. 25 Rush • 7:30 p.m. $110, $85 & $65 Reserved / $35 Lawn Sept. 30 Houston Symphony • 8 p.m. The Planets-An HD Odyssey A Comcast Family Event Hans Graf, conductor Women of the Houston Symphony Chorus $15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating courtesy of Audi of America and Woodforest National Bank Oct. 21 Houston Symphony • 7:30 p.m. Hocus Pocus Pops Robert Franz, conductor $15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating courtesy of H-E-B Nov. 13
15th Annual Childrens Festival • 10 a.m. A Comcast Family Event $8 in advance / $10 at door presented by Devon Energy
Nov. 14
15th Annual Childrens Festival • 12 p.m. A Comcast Family Event $8 in advance / $10 at door presented by Devon Energy
Ticket Information Prices do not include service charge. Tickets are available at all outlets, including Fiesta, select FYE, Ritmo Latino and H-E-B locations and Media Magic, by calling 800-745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets also can be purchased at The Pavilion Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on event days through intermission. The Box Office is located at the north entrance to The Pavilion at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands. For more information, call 281-363-3300 or visit www.woodlandscenter.org. Prepaid, preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $5 per vehicle for most performing arts events and $15 per vehicle for most contemporary events. Tickets for on-site parking can be purchased in advance at all locations and The Pavilion Box Office. Some service charges may apply. Advance purchase is not required, but guarantees a space the day of the show.
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Concert Etiquette
Guest Information
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion offers concertgoers live performing arts events in a picturesque setting featuring such world-renowned organizations as the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and Texas Music Festival Orchestra. The following information about concert etiquette will enhance your visit and help ensure that all of our guests enjoy their arts experience to the fullest. Electronic Devices
During the Performance
Take a break from the outside world! Please turn off all cell phones, pagers and other audible electronics. Recording devices and photography are not allowed.
Guest should refrain from entering and exiting their seats while a performance is in progress. If you must leave your seat, please proceed quickly and quietly to the nearest aisle or ask the nearest usher for assistance. Please be courteous to other members of the audience.
Late Seating Fashionably late? If you arrive after a performance has started, our ushers will do their best to seat you during an appropriate pause in the program. For certain performances, and at the request of the artist, guests seated in the orchestra section might have to wait until a transition is made between songs to proceed to their seats.
Applause Not sure when to applaud and when not to? A good rule of thumb is to watch the conductor. The conductor should let you know when a piece is over by lowering both arms and turning to face the audience. After the Concert
Children The Pavilion is a family-friendly venue and we love to see families at our performing arts events. However, please be courteous of both the orchestra and those around you by keeping youngsters from talking loudly, laughing and running around during the performance. Even if you are seated on the hill, loud children can be very distracting for everyone. We want all of our guests to have the most enjoyable concert experience possible.
Bravo! As the applause dies down, the performers will put their instruments away and the leave the stage. The house lights will be turned on so guests can exit safely.
Tickets
Inclement Weather
Tickets are available at The Pavilion Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the day of performances through intermission. American Express, MasterCard, VISA and Discover are accepted at The Pavilion Box Office.
Pavilion concerts are not canceled due to rain. If it rains on the day of the concert, guests are encouraged to wear rain apparel.
Tickets also are available at all outlets, including Fiesta, select Ritmo Latino, H-E-B & FYE locations and Media Magic, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.
For most contemporary events, children five and under are admitted free to the lawn without a ticket. At most performing arts events, children are admitted free with their parents to the mezzanine and lawn areas. All children must have a ticket to sit in orchestra-level seating.
For guests with hearing impairments, Ticketmaster’s TDD number is 800-755-6244. Groups of 20 or more are eligible for discounts for performing arts and selected contemporary events. For information, call 281-210-1127 or visit The Pavilion Box Office.
Picnics are welcome at all performing arts events at The Pavilion. Guests can bring in any type of food item; however, beverages can not be brought into the venue. Guests are welcome to bring empty water bottles to fill at water fountains or to purchase beverages at our concession stands.
ATMs ATMs are located in the North, South and Lawn plazas of The Pavilion.
Parking
Prohibited Items
Guests may park free of charge in lighted and patrolled lots convenient to The Pavilion. Preferred parking is available for all events in the on-site Town Center Garage. For most events, lots open 90 minutes prior to the performance.
To ensure the enjoyment and safety of all our guests, the following items may not be brought into The Pavilion: glass bottles, cans, beverages, food (except picnic meals at performing arts events only), cameras, recording devices, weapons, aerosol cans, strollers, laser pointers, animals and lawn chairs.
Food and Beverages
To Picnic, or Not to Picnic?
Children
Food and beverage items are available from The Pavilion concession areas in the North, South and Lawn plazas. Concessions are operated by ARAMARK Sports & Entertainment. Food can be brought in during all performing arts events; however, beverages are not allowed into the venue.
Cameras and Recording Devices At the request of the individual artists, cameras and recording devices are not permitted at our facility. lost and Found
Permanent restrooms and telephones are located in all three plazas.
To inquire about lost items, guests may ask a Pavilion staff member for assistance or call The Pavilion Administrative Office during business hours at 281-364-3010.
Lawn Chairs
Tours
For comfortable hillside seating, guests may bring blankets or use The Pavilion’s specially designed lawn chairs free of charge for all performing arts events.
Guided tours of The Pavilion can be arranged for groups by calling 281-364-3010.
First Aid
The 1,600-square-foot Woodforest Bank Club, located just off The Pavilion’s North Plaza, is available for lease year-round. Outfitted with large video screens, multimedia equipment with surround sound, a copier, fax and dedicated telephone and modem lines, the Club is designed for business meetings and special, private events. For rental information, call 281-363-0900.
Restrooms, Telephones
Trained medical professionals are on duty at all Pavilion events. If medical help is needed, ask any Pavilion staff member for assistance. Guests with Special Needs The Pavilion is accessible to guests with disabilities. For detailed information, consult our free brochure available at the Information Booths, call 281-364-3010, or visit www.woodlandscenter.org.
Special Events
The Pavilion Event Tent provides a tented outdoor setting for pre- or post-concert gatherings. For more information, call 281-363-0900.
Information Booths
Lodging
Information booths are located at the gated entrances in the North, South and Lawn plazas. If guests have questions or concerns, they are encouraged to visit Pavilion volunteers who staff the information booths throughout the events.
A number of hotels are located within a five-mile radius of The Pavilion. For information, or a complete listing, visit www.woodlandscenter.org.
Photo by Ted Washington
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