Volume 2, Number 1 by WV Symphony

Thank You to Our Concert Sponsors!

PO Box 2292 â&#x20AC;˘ Charleston, WV 25328

Spring 2018

Volume 2, Number 1

wvsymphony.org

Jim & Keith Straw

John & Ruth McGee Foundation

West Virginia Foundation

Join Lee Greenwood and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an All-American night at the newly remodeled Charleston Civic Center. The Honorable Jim Douglas & Phyllis Veith

First Presbyterian Church, Charleston

Christ Church United Methodist

Celebrate Bugs Bunny and friends and their equally famous classical music.

Fall in love with Music Director Lawrence Loh as he kicks off the 2018-2019 season.

Join Lee Greenwood and the WVSO at the newly remodeled Charleston Civic Center.

“I love our ZMM Pops concerts, and we will have a fresh slate of concerts, including film in concert, Sinatra and our special Super Pops.”

With Lawrence Loh at the podium, the WVSO adds more concerts and a few intimate venues at no additional cost to you.

“In our beloved Elliot Foundation Symphonic Series, we will feature some of my most treasured pieces from the repertoire, along with stellar guest soloists. Many of our pieces are among my favorites, and many were requested by musicians in the WVSO. We will be exploring music that is loved by both the audience and the orchestra.”

“I can’t wait to explore this

exciting repertoire with you and the WVSO!”

Music Director

“Our new City National Bank Casual Classics Series will have a ‘dressed-down’ format, with commentary from the podium and intimate venues. ”

Opening Night Spectacular

NINE!

Something Old, Something Blue

September 29, 2018 Clay Center, Charleston Jon Nakamatsu piano

Lawrence Loh, conductor Nikki Chooi, violin Nikki Chooi violin

Ludwig van Beethoven: Coriolan Overture Richard Danielpour: “The Wounded Healer” Percussion Concerto Sergei Prokofiev: Romeo & Juliet

Lisa Pegher, percussion

November 17, 2018 Clay Center, Charleston

Lisa Pegher is known for pioneering percussion as a solo instrument within the orchestral realm and beyond. New York City’s The Glass once described her as “More than just a drummer—an alchemist of time, sound, and space, crafting visceral landscapes that penetrate the ears and mind.” Pegher will perform Richard Danielpour’s “The Wounded Healer” Percussion Concerto, which he wrote especially for her, with the WVSO in November.

January 12, 2019 Clay Center, Charleston

The Calgary Herald described Violinist Nikki Chooi as “richly expressive and technically assured.” The New York Times said he is “vigorous and colorful.” This 28-year-old has performed with symphonies across the globe.

A Percussive Surprise

Lawrence Loh, conductor Lisa Pegher, percussion

Camille Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1 Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 with area choruses

Jennifer Higdon: blue cathedral Jean Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor Brahms: Symphony No. 2 in D Major

Lawrence Loh, conductor Jon Nakamatsu, piano

Jon Nakamatsu is a true aristocrat of the keyboard, whose playing combines elegance, clarity and electrifying power. Of his 2014 solo disc of the piano works of Robert Schumann, BBC Music Magazine said “Nakamatsu clarifies Schumann’s mid-range saturated textures to a remarkable degree, reveling in its fantastic imaginings with rapier-like precision and effortless command.”

Special commission piece by American composer Gary Fry written especially for the WVSO and the Appalachian Children’s Chorus.

Jennifer Higdon composer

Jennifer Higdon is one of America’s most acclaimed composers and a Grammy Award winner who was once hailed by the Washington Post as having “a keen ear, an innate sense of form and a generous dash of pure esprit.” Higdon’s orchestral work, blue cathedral, which the WVSO will perform in January 2019, is one of the most performed contemporary orchestral compositions by a living American.

Photo credit Lisa Marie Mazzucco

Michael Torke: Javelin Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances

Gabriel Cabezas cello

Lawrence Loh, conductor Gabriel Cabezas, cello March 23, 2019 Clay Center, Charleston

The Oregonian once described Gabriel Cabezas as “an intense player who connects to music naturally, without artifice, and brings a singing line to the cello.” Cabezas combines a superb technique, intellectual curiosity and a pioneering musical spirit to his work and has appeared as a soloist with some of America’s finest orchestras, including those of Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Cabezas’ appearance is made possible by a partnership with Astral Artists. Gary Fry is an Emmy-winning Chicago-based composer with a passion for working with young people, particularly in choral music. The WVSO commissioned Fry to write a special arrangement featuring the WVSO and the Appalachian Children’s Chorus.

Christina and Michelle Naughton pianos

Double Treble Dmitri Shostakovich: Festive Overture Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Double Piano Concerto in E-flat Major Dmitri Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10 Lawrence Loh, conductor Christina and Michelle Naughton, pianos May 4, 2019 Clay Center, Charleston Pianists Christina and Michelle Naughton were hailed by the San Francisco Examiner for their “stellar musicianship, technical mastery, and awe-inspiring artistry.” The Philadelphia Inquirer characterized their playing as “paired to perfection.”

Gary Fry composer

All repertoire and guest artists are subject to change.

Lee Greenwood: Salute to America Lawrence Loh, conductor October 20, 2018 Charleston Civic Center Lee Greenwood is an award-winning country music icon known for the most recognizable patriotic song in America, God Bless the USA. This Academy of Country Music Male Vocalist of the Year’s CD “American Patriot,” went platinum in just three months. Greenwood will perform with the WVSO at the newly remodeled Charleston Civic Center with special VIP seating and hospitality tables on the arena floor

Sounds of the Season Michelle Merrill, guest conductor December 8, 2018, Clay Center, Charleston with the WVSO Chorus Join us for an evening of holiday music and fellowship as the WVSO celebrates the Sounds of the Season under the direction of Guest Conductor Michelle Merrill. This concert includes a visit from you know who as Santa brings back one of our recent guest conductors for this WVSO favorite.

Tony DeSare: Sinatra and Beyond Lawrence Loh, conductor February 9, 2019, Clay Center, Charleston Photo: Bill Westmoreland

Called “two parts Frank Sinatra and one part Billy Joel,” crooner and pianist Tony DeSare takes on the legend of Ol’ Blue Eyes. Headlining with the WVSO, Tony DeSare will deliver a fresh take on old-school classics in a critically-acclaimed tribute to Frank Sinatra that includes songs like Fly Me to the Moon, One for My Baby, The Summer Wind, Luck Be a Lady, Witchcraft, and My Way.

Bugs Bunny at The Symphony George Daugherty, guest conductor April 13, 2019, Clay Center, Charleston Bugs Bunny at The Symphony II celebrates the most famous and beloved cartoons in the world and their equally famous classical music. Conducted by Emmy Award winner George Daugherty, and created and produced by Daugherty and Emmy Award winning producer David Ka Lik Wong, this performance features Warner Bros. Looney Tunes characters on-screen with live, full symphony orchestra accompaniment.

Pipe Dreams Franz Schubert: Rosamunde Overture Francis Poulenc: Organ Concerto Beethoven: Symphony No. 1 Lawrence Loh, conductor Bradley Welch, organ October 13, 2018 First Presbyterian Church, Charleston

Hailed as “a world-class virtuoso” and “an expert at defining darks, lights, shadows and colors,” Bradley Hunter Welch is increasingly in demand as a recitalist, concerto soloist, and collaborative artist. Since winning the Dallas International Organ Competition in 2003 Welch devotes his full-time attention to a thriving solo concert career.

My Harp Will Go On Gioachino Rossini: Italian in Algiers Overture Alberto Ginastera: Harp Concerto Felix Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 Lawrence Loh, conductor Emily Levin, harp February 23, 2019 Saint Marks United Methodist Church, Charleston Emily Levin, Astral Artist, is the Principal Harpist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Bronze Medal Winner of the 9th USA International Harp Competition. The Jerusalem Post praised her playing for its “communicative, emotionally intense expression” while the Herald Times commended her “technical wizardry and artistic intuition.”

Vaughan Fellows

You Play the Most Important Part of the WVSO

2018:

Aya Hobeika

Armaan Karimpour

The Dr. James F. Dunphy Memorial Scholarship Fund that his family established offers private music lessons with a WVSO musician to an eighth- through eleventhgrader in Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Wirt and Wood counties. The Fund also supports Music Director Lawrence Loh visiting students in the Wood County Strings Program and presenting educational lectures in Wood County schools.

2017:

Piper McLaughlin and Nicholas Strawn

2016:

Kathryn Wantlin and Devin Lai

The memorial scholarship honors the late James Dunphy (1930-2011), a lifelong devotee of and advocate for classical music who lived in Parkersburg for nearly 40 years. Dr. Dunphy worked as a research scientist for DuPont and studied music as a passion and hobby.

2015:

Abigail Kellems and Olivia Boughton

2014:

Jacob Bumgarner, Peter Nichols, and Jonathan Shin

2013:

Jared Davis and David Buch

2012:

Samuel Saunders, Aryana Misaghi, Nathan Shin, and Adam Gillespie

2011:

Olivia Hay and Claire Wayne

2010:

Christian Smith

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) is pleased to announce a new scholarship fund to help aspiring students advance their music skills.

Music lovers like you have many ways to help keep the music playing in West Virginia for generations to come. Thank you to the countless contributors who have stepped forward to support our Playing It Forward Endowment Campaign, which seeks to raise $3 million by June 30. Whether it’s a gift of cash or a legacy gift, your generosity helps the WVSO attract the highestquality musicians, provide cutting-edge educational programs to thousands of young West Virginians each year and share the joy of music with friends across the Mountain State. David Debolt has endowed the Assistant Principal Viola Chair in memory of his wife Kitty. Andy and Margo Teeter chose to endow the Piccolo Chair. Otis Laury and Bob and Nancy Douglas became recent members of the Mary Price Ratrie Legacy, the symphony’s gift planning program. Bob and Nancy also endowed the Principal Horn Chair. Clarice Dunphy and her children established a new scholarship fund in honor of her husband to help inspire students to advance their musical skills. Regardless of which vehicle you choose, the WVSO is extremely grateful to each and every one of you who help to enrich our state by enabling the WVSO to provide high-quality orchestral music and educational programs to thousands of West Virginians each year.

Join the movement to keep your symphony

To give the gift of live orchestral music to future generations of West Virginians, contact Pamela Murchison at 304.957.9879 or at pmurchison@wvsymphony.org.

The Dunphy scholarship is a welcome addition to the WVSO’s hugely successful Andrew and Amy Vaughan Student Symphonic Fellowship, which has been nurturing young West Virginia musical talent since 2002. For more information about our educational opportunities, visit wvsymphony.org.

A Sampling of the WVSO’s Impact Sixteen years ago, Andy and Amy Vaughan made a commitment to the next generation of West Virginia musicians by creating the Vaughan Fellowship. The inaugural recipient, Luke Frazier is a shining example of the incredible impact participation in the WVSO’s educational programs has on our next generation of leaders. A Wood County, WV, native who took music lessons from WVSO horn player Luke Zyla, Frazier is a rapidly rising star in the orchestral Pops world and a proven conductor and pianist. This 2002 Vaughan Fellow is founder and music director of the American Pops Orchestra; founder of the National Broadway Chorus, which has performed at the Kennedy Center; artistic director of the performance production company Nouveau Productions; and artist in residence with the DC Youth Orchestra. Our deepest thanks to Dr. N. Andrew and Amy Vaughan for their vision and dedication in creating this program.

Julia Dombek and Alexandra Atkinson, Interns 2009:

Taylor Giorgio

Adam Plantz, Intern

2008: Elise Shen and Tristen Hott 2007:

Erin Chiparo and Alyssa Hughes

2006:

Charles Morey and Mark Bates

2005:

Erin Lawson and Kelli Coleman

2004:

Jonathan Smith

2003:

Joe Allen

2002:

Luke Frazier

GIFTS Bob & Nancy Douglas Principal Horn Chair

Mary Price Ratrie Legacy Society Member

Bob Douglas, drum major for the West Virginia University Marching Band from 1949 to 1952, and his wife, Nancy, a mezzo-soprano who sang onstage with the WVSO’s performance of the opera Boris Godunov, are long-time supporters of the WVSO. Bob, who is the only drum major in WVU history to lead the band for four consecutive years, said his eagerness to generously support worthy organizations, like the WVSO, was instilled in him as a child growing up in a McDowell County coal camp.

Elliot Family Foundation, in honor of Sallie McClaugherty Assistant Principal Second Violin Chair

James & Gloriann Caudill Dr. John Chambers Marlies Charbonniez, in memory of Jacques Charbonniez Victor & Drema Clark Rev. Luis Cortes Jr., in honor of Pat Bond Andrew Counts, in memory of Cynthia Counts Ms. Julia W. Crichton Charles & Christine Daugherty William Maxwell Davis Mike Del Giudice Stephen & Tricia Dexter The Honorable Jim Douglas & Phyllis Veith Robert & Nancy Douglas Thomas & Linda Dover Clarice Dunphy & family, in memory of James F. Dunphy Martin Wayne Eich Josephine Fidler William & Sharon Flanery, in honor of Angie Ovies Dwight A. Foley, in memory of Helen Lodge Mr. & Mrs. Briscoe Peyton Forbes Dr. Daniel & Kathryn Foster Bert Fredeking & Yolanda Tam Joseph Freedman Duval & Dorothea Fuqua Mark Harvey Gaston John & Paddy Sue Gay Lisa Ferrara & Ronald Gaertner Pat & Skip Gebhart Gary & Anna Belle Gillespie Pat & Jessica Graney, in honor of Fonda & John Elliot Larry & Sandra Groce Priscilla Haden

David DeBolt, in memory of Katharine Gerson DeBolt Assistant Principal Viola Chair In memory of Laurance Jones, III Assistant Principal Double Bass Chair In honor of Ellen Beal, from her friends Second Flute Chair Andrew & Margo Teeter Piccolo Chair Bob and Nancy Douglas Principal Horn Chair James & Ruth Kessler String Educator Program Anonymous (3)

Otis Laury

Mary Price Ratrie Legacy Society Member

Music has always been an important part of Otis Laury’s life. A classical music lover and avid art collector, Laury said his passion for music started when he was a child. Both of his parents played piano so his home was filled with music. The WVSO is a very important part of the community” and it is important to support the WVSO because “cultural experiences enhance the quality of life.”

AC&S, Inc. Michael & Laura Lee Albert William & Kathryn Bailey Victor & Ellen Bastron W. Marston & Kathy Becker Patrick A. & Mary Kay Bond Linda Bouvette Mary & David Burch Thomas & Elizabeth Burger Pamela & Robert Campe Governor Gaston Caperton, III Tessa & Shannon Carr Dr. & Mrs. William H. Carter John & Lisa Fischer Casto

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“The orchestra is a critical part of this community!” – J.R. and Barbara Wilson, South Charleston

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“WVSO’s music takes away all my cares and leaves me with a melody in my heart.” – Dr. Emily Thomas, Lewisburg

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CONDUCTOR The John L. and Sallie F. McClaugherty Conductor’s Podium VIOLIN I Concertmaster: The Mary Price Ratrie Chair Assistant Concertmaster: The Emil Schoenbaum Chair

VIOLIN II Principal: The Dorothy Taylor Hamilton Chair Assistant Principal: The Elliot Family Foundation Chair, in honor of Sallie McClaugherty VIOLA Principal: The Blanchette H. Rockefeller Chair Assistant Principal: David DeBolt Chair, in memory of Katharine Gerson DeBolt CELLO Principal: The Katharine B. Tierney Chair Assistant Principal: The West Virginia Symphony League Chair

John & Beverley Hall C. Grey & Cindy Harris Tom Heywood & Melody Simpson Tom & Jan Howard Barbara Hutchison-Smith Robert & Ruth Hutton Keith Jackson & Teresa Prullage Nancy Jackson Caroline Jennings Angela Jones Jeff & Ruth Joseck Emory & Janet Kemp Art & Virginia King Paul & Raymona Kinneberg Michael Klausing Kenneth & Joy Kleeman Adam & Sara Krason Alan & Carol Kuhlman Otis Laury Frank & Tanya Law Jacquelyn C. Lilly Lawrence & Jennifer Loh & family Irene Long Mr. & Mrs. Charles Love, III Dr. Tony & Prudence Majestro William B. Maxwell, III Sallie McClaugherty Timothy & Cindy McGhee Callen McJunkin Brittain & Judith McJunkin Sandra McQuain Edward & Melanie Van Metre Bettie Miller Steve & Kathy Moss Charles & Patricia Moyers Matthew & Pam Murchison Karon Myers

DOUBLE BASS Principal: The Hubert S. “Rabbit” Jones Chair Assistant Principal: The Laurance Jones, III Chair HARP Principal: Available FLUTE Principal: The Martha Gaines Wehrle Chair 2nd: The Ellen Beal Chair Piccolo: Andrew & Margo Teeter Chair OBOE Principal: The Lawson W. Hamilton Chair 2nd: Available

Jean E. O’Connor Otis & Elizabeth O’Connor Mary Ann Osborne William & Phyllis Payne Nina Ratrie Peyton Joan Phillips James & Calisa Pierce Tim & Cheryl Quinlan Robert & Rebecca Rodak Missy & Art Rubin Patricia Schumann Juliana Serafin & Albert Liu Carl Shaw James F. & Robin C. Snyder Millie Snyder Joan Steven Jim & Keith Straw Sam & Lynda Strickland Joe, Shannon, & Emilie Tackett Andrew & Margaret Teeter Emily Thomas Mrs. Charles E. Turner A. Stephen & Carolyn Underwood N. Andrew & Amy Vaughan James & Joan Waggy Donald & Anne Wandling Helen Walker Jim & Ann Weimer Uala Puckett Wells Wesbanco Robert & Diana Westmoreland Jayne Whitlow Steven & Linda Winkel Michelle Wittekind & Daniel Forinash Philip Wright Roger & Gwyn Wolfe Luke & Melani Zyla

CLARINET Principal: The John V. Ray Chair 2nd: Available

TROMBONE Principal: Available 2nd: Available

BASSOON Principal: Available 2nd: Available

TUBA Principal: Available

HORN Principal: Bob and Nancy Douglas Chair 2nd: Available TRUMPET Principal: The Betty & Harry Casto Chair Sub-principal: Available

TIMPANI Principal: The John and Fonda Elliot Chair PERCUSSION Principal: The American Electric Power Foundation Chair 2nd: Available

David DeBolt, in memory of Katharine Gerson DeBolt Assistant Principal Viola Chair David and Katharine “Kitty” DeBolt shared a strong belief that music plays a vital role in education, enriching life, and fostering creativity and imagination. Kitty, who died in 2012, played the viola. David plays the bassoon. The two met at The Ohio State University, while both were working on master’s degrees and playing with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, now the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. They performed together with several orchestras across the country, including 16 years with the Kansas City Elliot Foundation Philharmonic. After returning toSeries Ohio, Symphonic the DeBolts traveled the globe as solo and chamber music artists while Kitty also performed many seasons with the WVSO. “The WVSO has been a valuable thread in my life, and I see it as a vital cultural asset to the state and an important economic driver of our future.” – David DeBolt

Elliot Family Foundation, in honor of Sallie McClaughe Assistant Principal Second Violin Chair In memory of Laurance Jones, III Assistant Principal Double Bass Chair In honor of Ellen Beal, from her friends Second Flute Chair David DeBolt, in memory of Katharine Gerson DeBolt Assistant Principal Viola Chair James & Ruth Kessler String Educator Program All 5 Symphonic, 4 Pops & 2 Casual Classics Anonymous

Symphonic Series

(3)

(5 Symphonic + 2 Casual Classics)

Fri., Dec. 14, 7:30 pm Sat., Dec. 15, 2:00 pm

for 2018-2019.

Andy and Margo Teeter Piccolo Chair Andy and Margo Teeter support the WVSO because they believe it enhances the quality of life and provides exceptional cultural experiences and learning opportunities to the community. “Passing the torch to the next generation is one of the most important things we can do as a society member, and that is exactly what an endowment gift does,” Andy Teeter said. “We are only here a relatively short period of time in the scope of existence and if we can put our fingerprints on qualities that are incorporated in the WVSO that can be passed on, we wanted to do that.” – Andy Teeter

Mail to: The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra PO Box 2292, Charleston, WV 25328

Order Your Subscription Today

Grand Series: 5 Elliot Foundation Symphonic, 4 ZMM Pops and 2 City Bank Casual Classics performances. $195 to $495 Symphonic Series: 5 Elliot Foundation Symphonic and 2 City Bank Casual Classics concerts. $112 to $327 Pops Series: 4 ZMM Pops series concerts. $96 to $240 Single ticket sales begin August 1, and start at $12 for Elliot Foundation Symphonic, $17 for ZMM Pops and $20 for City Bank Casual Classics. For more information, visit wvsymphony.org or call Amanda McDonald at 304. 957.9880.