Many Moods Program

Featuring celebrated tenor Rafael Davila

December 17th, 2023 TROY SAVINGS BANK MUSIC HALL Albany Pro Musica Concert Chorus Orchestra Pro Musica Celebrating the 10th anniversary of José Daniel Flores-Caraballo, Opalka Family Artistic Director

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A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT On behalf of the Albany Pro Musica Board of Directors, I welcome you to this concert, and to our notable 43rd season. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share some musical adventures with you.

Throughout the past four decades, Albany Pro Musica’s commitment has never wavered: to offer Capital Region audiences choral music at a level of excellence that can elevate the human spirit. While we each absorb a musical performance differently, the coming together of musicians and audience creates – for a while, at least – a new community. And as great music touches us in a setting as glorious as the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, we are carried beyond mere entertainment: We are transformed. That’s what we hope to offer you today.

We are particularly proud to salute Maestro José Daniel Flores-Caraballo as we celebrate the 10th season of his leadership of our organization. José Daniel’s dedication to extraordinary musical standards and to a broader reach for the ensemble has made us all aware of how fortunate we are to have drawn his unique talent to our community. We hope you get a chance to connect individually with the maestro during this season so that you can share with him your own perspectives on these performances.

One more thing: Our organization in recent years has renewed its commitment to music education, with an expanded High School Choral Festival (now held annually at the University at Albany) and, last summer, with the first-ever Pro Musica International Choral Festival, a dazzling success at Queen’s University in Canada. We have more plans in the works to ensure that future generations will get the opportunity, which so many of us have treasured, to experience glorious music.

Your presence here helps Albany Pro Musica continue this tradition of great choral music in our community. Thank you for sharing all of this with us. We hope to see you often this season.

Rex Smith, President Albany Pro Musica Board of Directors

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Albany Pro Musica (APM) is the preeminent choral ensemble in New York’s vibrant Capital Region and is renowned for its distinctive artistic style and mastery of a wide range of musical genres. Critically acclaimed for its performances of intimate a cappella pieces and large-scale choral works alike, APM is led by Opalka Family Artistic Director Dr. José Daniel Flores-Caraballo and is Chorus-in-Residence at the historic Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Now celebrating his 10th season with Albany Pro Musica, Maestro Flores-Caraballo has elevated the ensemble through ambitious programming, prestigious national and international collaborations, a renewed commitment to civic and educational engagement, and a bold vision for the future.

Locally and Internationally Celebrated Albany Pro Musica’s reputation as a world-class chorus attracts large, diverse audiences who encourage newer, bolder projects to satisfy their growing desire for exposure to a rich choral repertoire. It’s also a draw for distinguished guest conductors, soloists, and composers, including composers-in-residence Bradley Ellingboe (2020-2023 seasons) and Ola Gjeilo (2017-2020 seasons), who partner with APM for concerts, premieres, and commissioned works. In addition to long-standing hometown collaborations with the Albany Symphony Orchestra, the Musicians of Ma’alwyck, the Capital District Youth Chorale, and others, APM has developed exciting new relationships with numerous internationally renowned musicians and ensembles, including Canadian Brass, ACRONYM, the American String Quartet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, New York City Ballet, Vienna Boys Choir, the Escher String Quartet, and the Alturas Duo. Voices Capturing the Human Spirit at the Intersection of Creativity and Excellence Albany Pro Musica is now in its fifth decade as a driving musical force in the Capital Region, the Northeast, and beyond. At the heart of Albany Pro Musica is the vital realization that choral music at its best is not merely entertainment but rather a transformational and emotional experience for performers and audiences alike. This perspective is reflected in Opalka Family Artistic Director Dr. Flores-Caraballo’s vision for APM, which balances exceptional technical competency, exquisite artistry, and purposeful programming that is relevant and meaningful in today’s society.

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Under the leadership of Dr. Flores-Caraballo, APM is continuing to push the boundaries of choral performance in the area, embracing challenging musical programming and innovative new partnerships that elevate the ensemble to new heights. Dr. Flores-Caraballo has laid out a bold plan for APM’s future that includes the premieres of commissioned works; concerts across the Northeast; new civic events and partnerships; and the Pro Musica International Choral Festival, which was launched in July 2023 in partnership with the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.

Our Season Albany Pro Musica’s Concert Chorus is composed of 70 auditioned volunteer singers from several counties and states. For large choral and orchestral masterworks, the group expands to more than 100 singers as the Albany Pro Musica Masterworks Chorus, and is often joined by the instrumentalists of Orchestra Pro Musica. Albany Pro Musica offers four series concerts each season, including “Artist Series” concerts which bring world-renowned artists and ensembles to share the stage with APM; “Masterworks Series” performances of oratorios and other large-scale choral works with orchestra; and an annual Christmas program, which has become a beloved holiday tradition in the region. Each season is deliberately curated to include classical masterpieces from the choral canon, new compositions from modern and contemporary composers, and popular selections from the worlds of Broadway, traditional and folk music, and more.

Our Commitment to Education Music education is one of APM’s pillars, and the organization’s educational programs have made a mark on the lives of more than 4,000 young students in the Capital Region and beyond. APM’s annual High School Choral Festival brings together gifted musicians from high schools across the region for an intensive day of rehearsal and performance with Maestro FloresCaraballo and guest clinicians, on campus at the University at Albany. The festival culminates with a fun-filled concert in which all the students join the voices of Albany Pro Musica’s Concert Chorus on stage for a festival chorus performance.

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APM partnered with the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts at Queen’s University in Ontario and the University at Albany to offer the inaugural Pro Musica International Choral Festival in July 2023. The festival represented APM’s largest educational offering to-date and allowed students from across the United States and Canada to study and perform with the Festival’s guest clinician and composer Dr. Rollo Dilworth, as well as other distinguished faculty and world-class musicians. Generous funding from Bader Philanthropies, Inc. provided full fellowships to all participating students, allowing the Pro Musica International Choral Festival to waive the tuition and room & board fees for every attending student.

Our History Albany Pro Musica was founded in 1981 by University at Albany Distinguished Professor Dr. David Griggs-Janower, who created a community chorus capable of performing at a professional level. He remained the group’s Artistic Director until his death in August 2013. After an extensive national search, Dr. José Daniel Flores-Caraballo succeeded Griggs-Janower as Artistic and Executive Director in August 2014. Dr. Flores-Caraballo came to Albany Pro Musica with an ambitious vision to build upon the group’s impressive and cherished legacy and elevate APM to be among the best choirs in the nation.

APM has made numerous recordings, including most recently the first professional recording of Bradley Ellingboe’s Star Song. APM was one of only 16 choruses selected for inclusion on the 2005 National Public Radio (NPR) CD Christmas Around the Country. In 2004 APM collaborated with the Albany Symphony Orchestra and composer Michael Torke to record the opera Strawberry Fields for mass distribution. The group has toured nationally and internationally, including to France in honor of the 60th anniversary of D-Day at Omaha Beach, and to the Czech Republic, Spain, and Ireland.

Albany Pro Musica has commissioned numerous works from American composers and performed local and regional premieres of masterpieces such as Bristow’s Oratorio of Daniel and Handel’s Oratorio of Esther. Under the composer-in-residence program launched by Dr. Flores-Caraballo, APM has expanded the group’s library of commissioned works, sponsoring new compositions by celebrated local, national, and international composers including Steven Murray, Donald McCullough, Ola Gjeilo, and Bradley Ellingboe. APM is frequently invited to sing at high-profile events such as

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gubernatorial inaugurations, civic celebrations, and on stage with visiting artists, including Judy Collins, Kenny Rogers, Andrea Bocelli, and The King’s Singers. APM continues to introduce local audiences to challenging and bold choral repertoire, including Frank Martin’s a cappella Mass for Double Choir, the New York State premiere of Requiem by Raymond Torres, entire concerts devoted to musical theater, innovative programs including art forms such as visual arts and dance, and a powerful multimedia presentation of Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.

TROY SAVINGS BANK MUSIC HALL The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall opened in 1875, and its inaugural concert was performed to a full house and glowing reviews. In 1890 the Hall installed an Odell concert organ, the only unrestored 19th-century concert hall organ in existence in the United States, which helped it become the acoustical wonder it is today. Throughout its history, the Hall has been a hub of community activity, attracting premier musical groups—among them the Albany Symphony Orchestra, Albany Pro Musica, and Troy Chromatic Concerts, whose association with the Music Hall spans more than a century— and serving as the site for more than 300 recordings. Today, the Hall is one of only a handful of 19th-century concert halls in continuous operation in the United States and is a National Historic Landmark building.

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LETTER FROM THE OPALKA FAMILY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR As I enter into my tenth season with Albany Pro Musica, it is my great honor and pleasure to reflect on my time with this extraordinary organization, as we build a future together. APM’s founding director, David Griggs-Janower, built APM on a strong foundation; it has been a natural, organic process to build upon that legacy over the past nine seasons and bring APM into this next phase of the chorus’s life.

APM continues to elevate the quality of our performances by adding new talent and new growth opportunities for singers, performing ambitious repertoire, engaging remarkable guest artists, and more. Our Artist Series, launched in 2017, brings world-renowned instrumental ensembles to perform with APM. We continue to perform some of the great masterworks from the choral canon, in addition to more intimate works and contemporary repertoire. Through our Composer in Residence program, APM has engaged talented contemporary composers to commission and perform new works that add to the choral arts.

Albany Pro Musica has established and strengthened partnerships with educational and artistic institutions that inspire our chorus, invigorate our audiences, and open doors to new communities of music-lovers. They’ve also helped us expand our educational mission and programs, including the High School Choral Festival in partnership with the University at Albany, workshops and masterclasses, and the new Pro Musica International Choral Festival, launched in the summer of 2023 with Queen’s University. These ambitious and transformative programs are changing the lives of students in the Capital District and beyond.

For the 2023-2024 season we present four concerts that range widely in style. We launch the season in October with Legacy, an eclectic concert that celebrates our Composer-in-Residence program and features music by Donald McCullough, Ola Gjeilo, Bradley Ellingboe, and Steve Murray. My good friend Rafael Davila, celebrated operatic tenor, has special permission from The Met to join the chorus and orchestra for The Many Moods of Christmas

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in December. In March, APM and the acclaimed Alturas Duo explore the flavor and traditions of South America with Cadera de las Islas, or Oceana, an evocative work for chorus, guitar, charango, and viola based on the poetry of Pablo Neruda. Finally, we end the season in April with J.S. Bach’s Mass in B minor, considered by some the most venerated work in the choral literature, with four phenomenal soloists and an orchestra comprised of period instrumentalists drawn from the Handel + Haydn Society, Boston Baroque, Apollo’s Fire, Trinity Baroque, and others.

As I look ahead to Albany Pro Musica’s future, I am filled with tremendous optimism about the opportunities for continued excellence and growth in our artistic and educational mission. I am committed to expanding and strengthening those APM programs that make a difference in our community, which tell important stories, and which are inspiring and transformative—in both the concert hall and the classroom.

Our organization is strong, and our dreams are becoming a reality thanks to the generous support of our patrons and donors. APM’s budget has grown significantly in the past nine seasons, with increased fundraising to meet the operational and artistic needs of the organization. You, too, can be a protagonist in this exciting journey. Please consider joining APM’s committed donors, who make it all possible, by underwriting a concert or a season, contributing to the annual fund, becoming a corporate sponsor or providing foundation support, joining the Lux Aeterna Society for planned giving, or attending our special fundraising events.

Finally, I must add that I am humbled and honored by the tremendous trust and commitment of our Board of Directors, Council of Advisors, and staff; the remarkable artistry of our chorus; and the love and dedication of you, our audience. I’m so grateful for your continued support and shared vision.

MUCHAS GRACIAS!

José Daniel Flores-Caraballo Opalka Family Artistic Director

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ALBANY PRO MUSICA PRESENTS

THE MANY MOODS OF CHRISTMAS December 17, 2023 at 3:00pm Troy Savings Bank Music Hall ALBANY PRO MUSICA CONCERT CHORUS & ORCHESTRA PRO MUSICA JOSÉ DANIEL FLORES-CARABALLO, Opalka Family Artistic Director RAFAEL DAVILA, Tenor Mr. Davila appears by courtesy of The Metropolitan Opera NOAH PALMER, Assistant Director & Accompanist Support for our 2023-2024 season comes from our marquee season underwriters Christine and George R. Hearst III Ellen Jabbur Chet and Karen Opalka Wayne A. Senitta, Jr. and Daniel Washington William Tuthill and Gregory Anderson Additional season support provided by Michael and Linda Wolff

Support for this concert provided by

Massry Charitable Foundation John and Joyce Carver | Al De Salvo David and Nancy Wagner | Edelgard Wulfert and Richard Naylor

This event is being professionally recorded, photographed, and filmed for archival and promotional purposes.

Please silence all electronic devices.

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AMAZING PEACE: A CHRISTMAS POEM

By Dr. Maya Angelou Thunder rumbles in the mountain passes And lightning rattles the eaves of our houses.

Flood waters await us in our avenues.

Not just the absence of war. But, true Peace.

A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies.

Security for our beloveds and their beloveds.

Snow falls upon snow, falls upon snow to avalanche Over unprotected villages.

The sky slips low and grey and threatening.

We clap hands and welcome the Peace of Christmas.

We beckon this good season to wait a while with us.

We, Baptist and Buddhist, Methodist and Muslim, say come.

Peace.

Come and fill us and our world with your majesty.

We, the Jew and the Jainist, the Catholic and the Confucian, Implore you, to stay a while with us.

So we may learn by your shimmering light How to look beyond complexion and see community.

We question ourselves.

What have we done to so affront nature?

We worry God. Are you there? Are you there really?

Does the covenant you made with us still hold?

Into this climate of fear and apprehension, Christmas enters, Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope And singing carols of forgiveness high up in the bright air.

The world is encouraged to come away from rancor, Come the way of friendship.

It is the Glad Season.

Thunder ebbs to silence and lightning sleeps quietly in the corner.

Flood waters recede into memory.

Snow becomes a yielding cushion to aid us As we make our way to higher ground.

Hope is born again in the faces of children It rides on the shoulders of our aged as they walk into their sunsets.

Hope spreads around the earth.

Brightening all things, Even hate which crouches breeding in dark corridors.

It is Christmas time, a halting of hate time.

On this platform of peace, we can create a language To translate ourselves to ourselves and to each other.

At this Holy Instant, we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ Into the great religions of the world.

We jubilate the precious advent of trust.

We shout with glorious tongues at the coming of hope.

All the earth’s tribes loosen their voices To celebrate the promise of Peace.

In our joy, we think we hear a whisper.

At first it is too soft. Then only half heard.

We listen carefully as it gathers strength.

We hear a sweetness.

The word is Peace.

It is loud now. It is louder.

Louder than the explosion of bombs.

We, Angels and Mortal’s, Believers and Non-Believers, Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.

Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.

Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation.

We tremble at the sound. We are thrilled by its presence.

It is what we have hungered for.

Peace, My Brother.

Peace, My Sister.

Peace, My Soul.

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PROGRAM Ralph Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Greensleeves (1966) (1872-1958) arr. David Stone

Morten Lauridsen O Magnum Mysterium (1994) (b. 1943) Traditional

Hark the Herald Angels Sing (1961) arr. David Willcocks Audience is invited to join in the first verse, on conductor’s cue.

Lyrics found on page 12.

John Rutter What Sweeter Music (1988) (b. 1945)

John Francis Wade Adeste Fideles (1988) (1711-1786) arr. Steven Mercurio Rafael Davila, tenor Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

Mille Cherubini in Coro (1998) arr. Steven Mercurio Rafael Davila, tenor

Pablo Casals (1876-1973)

Song of the Birds (1972) Lucas Button, cello

Adolphe Adams (1803-1856)

Cantique de Noël (1981) arr. John Rutter Rafael Davila, tenor

Robert Shaw The Many Moods of Christmas, Suite 4 (1963) (1916-1999) Robert Russell Bennett - Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light (1894-1981) - The First Nowell - O Little Town of Bethlehem - I Saw Three Ships - Deck the Halls

~ INTERMISSION ~

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Traditional

A Christmas Scherzo (2001) arr. Don Sebesky

- Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella - Here We Come A-Wassailing - The Holly and the Ivy - I Saw Three Ships - O Come, All Ye Faithful - O Tannenbaum James Lord Pierpont (1822-1893)

Jingle Bells (2019) arr. Ryan James Brandau

Audience is invited to join in both verses, on conductor’s cue.

Lyrics found on page 16.

Traditional

Wassail (2019) arr. Ryan James Brandau

Georges Bizet (1838-1875)

“Farandole” from L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2 (1872) arr. Fritz Hoffmann

Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921)

Carol of the Bells (1936) arr. Peter J. Wilhousky

Trad. Spanish Carol

Esta Noche (2009) arr. John Rutter Rafael Davila, tenor

Rafael Hernández

Casitas de las Montañas arr. Rubén Colón Tarrats

Trad. Spanish Carol Pastores A Belén (1955) arr. Leroy Anderson

Irving Berlin White Christmas (1995) (1888-1889) arr. Mac Huff & John Moss Audience is invited to join in the first verse, on conductor’s cue.

Lyrics found on page 18.

John Baptiste Calkin I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (2021) (1827-1905) arr. Ryan James Brandau Rafael Davila, tenor Alan Silvestri God Bless Us Everyone (2009) (b. 1950) Rafael Davila, tenor Glen Ballard (b. 1953)

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O Magnum Mysterium

What Sweeter Music

O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, iacentem in praesepio!

Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Iesum Christum. Alleluia!

What sweeter music can we bring Than a carol for to sing The birth of this our Heavenly King?

Awake the voice, awake the string!

Gregorian Chant

Translation: O great mystery and wonderful sacrament; That the animals should see the newborn Lord lying in a manger.

O blessed Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Christ Jesus. Alleluia.

Hark, the Herald Angels Sing Text by Charles Wesley

Audience invited to sing: Hark the herald angels sing: Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled: Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies, With th’ angelic host proclaim: Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Hark the herald angels sing: Glory to the newborn King!

Christ by highest heav’n adored Christ the everlasting Lord!

Late in time behold Him come Offspring of a Virgin’s womb Veiled in flesh the Godhead see Hail the incarnate Deity Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.

Hark the herald angels sing: Glory to the newborn King!

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healings in His wings.

Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth Hark the herald angels sing: Glory to the newborn King!

Text by Robert Herrick

Dark and dull night, fly hence away And give the honor to this day That sees December turned to May. Why does the chilling winter’s morn Smile, like a field beset with corn?

Or smell like a meadow newly-shorn Thus, on the sudden? Come and see The ‘cause, why things thus fragrant be ‘Tis He is born, whose quickening birth Gives life and luster, public mirth To Heaven, and the under-Earth.

We see him come, and know him ours Who with his sunshine and his showers Turns all the patient ground to flowers.

The darling of the world is come And fit it is, we find a room To welcome him, to welcome him.

The nobler part of all the house here is the heart Which we will give him, and bequeath This holy and this ivy wreath To do him honor, who’s our King And Lord of all this reveling.

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Adeste Fideles

Mille Cherubini in Coro

Adeste fideles læti triumphantes, Venite, venite in Bethlehem.

Natum videte regem angelorum: Venite adoremus, Dominum.

Dormi, dormi Sogna, piccolo amor mio.

Dormi, sogna Posa il capo sul mio cor.

Vengregem relitto, umiles ad cunas, Vocati pastores ad properant.

Et nos ovanti, Gradu festinemus.

Venite adoremus, Dominum.

Mille cherubini in coro Ti sorridono dal ciel.

Una dolce canzone T’accarezza il crin Una man ti guida lieve Fra le nuvole d’or Sognando e vegliando per te, Mio tesor Proteggendo il tuo cammin.

Text by John Francis Wade

Translation: Oh come, all ye faithful Joyful and triumphant Oh come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him Born the King of Angels; O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Lo! The flock abandoned, the summoned shepherds Hurry lowly to the cradle: May we too make haste with exultant gait!

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Text by Ernst Marischka

Chiudi gli occhi Ascolta gli angioletti Dormi, dormi Sogna, piccolo amor.

Translation: A choir of a thousand cherubs smiles down on you from heaven.

A sweet song caresses your head.

A gentle hand leads you through the gilded clouds, dreaming and keeping watch over you, my treasure, protecting you on your way.

Sleep, sleep, dream, my little love.

Sleep, dream, rest your head on my breast.

Close your eyes, listen to the little angels, sleep, sleep, dream, little love.

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Cantique de Noël

Text by Cappeau de Roquemaure Minuit, chrétiens, c’est l’heure solennelle, Où l’Homme Dieu descendit jusqu’à nous Pour effacer la tache originelle Et de son Père arrêter le courroux.

Le monde entier tressaille d’espérance A cette nuit qui lui donne un Sauveur.

Peuple à genoux, attends ta délivrance.

Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur, Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur!

De notre foi que la lumière ardente Nous guide tous au berceau de l’Enfant, Comme autrefois une étoile brillante Y conduisit les chefs de l’Orient.

Le Roi des rois naît dans une humble crèche Puissants du jour, fiers de votre grandeur, A votre orgeuil, c’est de là qu’un Dieu prêche.

Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur.

Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur.

Le Rédempteur a brisé toute entrave La terre est libre, et le ciel est ouvert.

Il voit un frère où n’était qu’un esclave, L’amour unit ceux qu’enchaînait le fer.

Qui lui dira notre reconnaissance, C’est pour nous tous qu’il naît, qu’il souffre et meurt.

Peuple debout! Chante ta délivrance, Noël, Noël, chantons le Rédempteur, Noël, Noël, chantons le Rédempteur!

Translation: Midnight, Christians, is the solemn hour, When God as man descended unto us To erase the stain of original sin And to end the wrath of His Father.

The entire world thrills with hope On this night that gives it a Savior.

People, kneel down, await your deliverance.

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer, Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!

May the ardent light of our Faith Guide us all to the cradle of the infant, As in ancient times a brilliant star Guided the Oriental kings there.

The King of Kings was born in a humble manger; O mighty ones of today, proud of your greatness,

It is to your pride that God preaches.

Bow your heads before the Redeemer!

Bow your heads before the Redeemer!

The Redeemer has broken every bond The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.

He sees a brother where there was only a slave, Love unites those whom iron had chained.

Who will tell Him of our gratitude, For all of us He is born, He suffers and dies.

People, stand up! Sing of your deliverance, Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer, Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!

The Many Moods of Christmas, Suite IV Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light, and usher in the morning; Ye shepherds shrink not with affright, but hear the angel’s warning.

This Child, now weak in infancy, our confidence and joy shall be; the pow’r of Satan breaking, our peace eternal making.

The First Nowell The first Nowell the angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay: In fields where they lay keeping their sheep On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowel, Nowell Born is the King of Israel.

Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord, If we in our time shall do well, We shall be free from death and hell.

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O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by; Yet in the dark street shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

Bells will ring on Christmas Day, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day. Bells will ring on Christmas Day, On Christmas Day in the morning.

How silently, how silently, The wondrous Gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven.

No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in.

Then let us all rejoice a-main On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day. Then let us all rejoice a-main On Christmas Day in the morning.

I Saw Three Ships I saw three ships come sailing by On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day. I saw three ships come sailing by On Christmas Day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day? And what was in those ships all three On Christmas Day in the morning?

Our Savior Christ and His Lady On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day. Our Savior Christ and His Lady On Christmas Day in the morning.

Pray, whither sail’d those ships all three On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day. Pray, whither sail’d those ships all three On Christmas Day in the morning.

Oh, they sail’d into Bethlehem On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day. Oh, they sail’d into Bethlehem On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the angels in heaven’ll sing On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day. And all the angels in heaven’ll sing On Christmas Day in the morning.

Deck the Halls Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.

Don we now our gay apparel, Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la.

Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.

See the blazing Yule before us.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Strike the harp and join the chorus.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Follow me in merry measure, Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la.

While I tell of Yule-tide treasure.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Fast away the old year passes.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Hail the new year, lads and lasses Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Sing we joyous, all together.

Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la.

Heedless of the wind and weather.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!

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Jingle Bells

A Happy New Year as e’er I did see, In the wassail bowl, we’ll drink to thee.

Audience invited to sing:

But butler, come fill us a bowl of the best Then I pray that your soul in heaven may rest But if you do draw us a bowl of the small Then down shall go butler, bowl and all.

Text by James Lord Pierpont

Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh O’er the fields we go, Laughing all the way Bells on bobtails ring, making spirits bright What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh!

A day or two ago, I thought I’d take a ride, And soon Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side; The horse was lean and lank Misfortune seemed his lot We got into a drifted bank, And then we got upsot.

Then heres’ to the maid in the lily white smock, Who tripp’d to the door and slipp’d back the lock; Who tripp’d to the door and pull’d back the pin, For to let these jolly wassailers walk in.

Carol of the Bells

Text by Peter J. Wilhousky Hark! How the bells Sweet silver bells All seem to say Throw cares away Christmas is here Bringing good cheer To young and old Meek and the bold

Wassail

Author Unknown

Ding dong ding dong That is their song With joyful ring All caroling

Wassail! wassail! all over the town, Our bread it is white and our ale it is brown; Our bowl it is made of the green maple tree; In the wassail bowl, we’ll drink to thee.

One seems to hear Words of good cheer From everywhere Filling the air

Here’s a health to the ox and to his right eye, Pray God send our master a good Christmas pie: A good Christmas pie as e’er I did see, In the wassail bowl, we’ll drink to thee.

Oh, how they pound Raising the sound O’er hill and dale Telling the tale

Here’s a health to the ox and to his right horn, Pray God send our master a good crop of corn: A good crop of corn as e’er I did see, In the wassail bowl, we’ll drink to thee.

Here’s a health to the ox and to his long tail, Pray God send our master a good cask of ale: A good cask of ale as e’er I did see, In the wassail bowl, we’ll drink to thee.

Here’s a health to the ox and to his left ear, Pray God send our master a Happy New Year:

Gaily they ring While people sing Songs of good cheer Christmas is here Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas On on they send On without end Their joyful tone To every home Ding, dong, ding, ding...... dong!

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Esta Noche

Casitas de las Montañas

Esta noche nace un Niño entre las escarcha y el hielo.

Quien pudiera, Niño mio, vestirte de terciopelo.

Alegri, alegria, que placer!

Esta noche nace un Niño en el portal de Belén.

Casitas de las montañas Altares de Navidad Caminito que se baña Con perfumes de humedad Se alegran los corazones Bullicios en la ciudad Y vuelven las ilusiones De la Santa Navidad

Unknown Author

La virgen está lavando con un poco de jabón.

Se le picaron las manos, manos de mi corazón.

Alegri, alegria, que placer!

Translation: Tonight a child is born amid the frost and ice.

If only I could, my child, dress you up in velvet.

Joy, joy, what pleasure!

Tonight a child is born in a manger in Bethlehem.

The virgin is washing him with a little bit of soap.

His hands are wounded, the hands of my heart.

Alegri, alegria, que placer!

Text by Rafael Hernandez

Navidad, Navidad Para todos la felicidad A cantar, a cantar Esta noche de amor y de paz.

Translation: Mountain little houses, Christmas altars, Small path that bathes with moistened perfumes.

Hearts are glad, hustle and bustle in the city, and the illusions of the Holy Christmas return.

Christmas, Christmas, For all happiness, sing, sing, this night of love and peace.

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Star of hope, How beautiful is your glow!

That lights up the holy night of Jesus, the Redeemer.

Bells ring, bells, People, sing, sing.

Hosanna, Lord, hosanna How beautiful Christmas is!

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

White Christmas

Come together one and all in the Christmas spirit Gifts abound here great and small, joyously we feel it.

Blessings sent us from above guide us on our way; We raise our voice as we rejoice, bow our head and pray.

A miracle has just begun, God bless us everyone.

Text by Irving Berlin

The sun is shining, the grass is green, The orange and palm trees sway.

There’s never been such a day In Beverly Hills, L.A. But it’s December the twenty-fourth, And I am longing to be up north.

Audience invited to sing: I’m dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know, Where the treetops glisten, and children listen To hear sleigh bells in the snow.

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write.

May your days be merry and bright, And may all your Christmases be white.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Text by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, and mild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head; “There is no peace on earth,” I said; “For hate is strong, And mocks the song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

God Bless Us Everyone

Text by Alan Silvestri & Glen Ballard

To the voices no one hears, we have come to find you.

With your laughter and your tears, goodness, hope and virtue.

Father, mother, daughter, son, each a treasure be; One candle’s light dispels the night, now our eyes can see.

Burning brighter than the sun, God bless us everyone.

Come together one and all in the Christmas spirit; Gifts abound here great and small, joyously we feel it.

Father, mother, daughter, son, each a treasure be; One candle’s light dispels the night, now our eyes can see.

Burning brighter than the sun, God bless us everyone.

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MISSION

To perform a broad spectrum of quality choral music at the highest levels of artistic excellence that inspires and transforms our audiences, and to provide exceptional educational experiences that advance the choral art among new generations of singers.

VISION

Albany Pro Musica will be a leader in the choral arts in New York’s Capital Region, the Northeast and beyond ― bridging cultures, ethnicities, and generations.

CORE VALUES

Perform with excellence Inspire new generations of singers Engage expanded and broadly diverse audiences Operate with integrity Respect each other and our community Albany Pro Musica’s mission inspires all that we do. It is at the heart of every rehearsal and concert experience, each selection of musical compositions performed, and every collaboration and partnership. It also provides a foundation for us to build upon as we strive to serve as a leader in choral excellence and choral music appreciation in New York State’s Capital Region, the Northeast, and beyond.

Our vision of excellence and leadership, bridging cultures, ethnicities, and generations, depends on our core values, which we cultivate purposefully: • A lbany Pro Musica aspires to excellence in performance and repertoire, with a demanding rehearsal schedule for singers and a rigorous, uncompromising approach to choral technique that Opalka Family Artistic Director Dr. José Daniel Flores-Caraballo has continued and expanded upon from his predecessor, founding director David Griggs-Janower.

• The ensemble is dedicated to inspiring new generations of singers through numerous educational programs and our continuous recruitment of talented new singers.

• APM is committed to engaging expanded and broadly diverse audiences through innovative programming, challenging repertoire, an emphasis on inclusivity, and a wide range of musical selections.

• Finally, we actively partner with civic, cultural, and educational organizations and institutions to leverage the talents, passions, and resources of our collaborators and amplify our joined voices for greater impact. APM’s partnerships with the University at Albany (SUNY), where rehearsals and master classes typically take place, and with the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, where the ensemble sits as Chorus-in-Residence, represent two of our most essential relationships.

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PROGRAM NOTES Overview: At this time of year many of us think of chestnuts, like those “roasting on an open fire.”

Then there are the musical chestnuts, though without the implication that, by virtue of their familiarity, they have grown tasteless. No. Those beloved pieces, which come but once a year, nourish us with words and music that provide spiritual uplift. They are the traditional songs connecting us to ceremonies and celebrants that have gone before.

Today’s program features both fresh presentations of old chestnuts, thanks to imaginative chefs like Ryan James Brandau, and works that are not served up so often.

Wolcum Yole! Welcome Yuletide!

Once again Maestro Flores Caballo has arranged the concert in halves, with the first being a collection of sacred pieces and the second, seasonal.

The manger scene is set, and, for Christians, it is such an unprecedented one that words fail. Music only: Fantasia on “Greensleeves.” Then, the briefest, awestruck utterance in slow motion: “O Magnum Mysterium.”

“Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” is an explosion of joyous sound, announcing the events in the stable, presaging a life for the baby that seemingly transcends his humble beginnings, but which will, theologically speaking, really be an elaboration of them.

A reverential setting of Robert Herrick’s (1591-1674) poem “What Sweeter Music” celebrates this singular duality: the child is a king, December is May, the human is divine. That duality is implied through harmonic modulation and subtle shifts in meter: not everything is as it first seems.

And suddenly there is transformation: a curious crowd becomes believers.

“Adeste Fidelis,” sings the tenor, in Steven Mercurio’s bold arrangement for tenor, chorus, and orchestra of this old chestnut.

But the maternal moment is not yet over: Mary speaks. In Franz Schubert’s 1816 lullaby, she invokes the protection of 1,000 angels over her sleeping boy, whoever he may be destined to be aside.

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“The Song of the Birds” is a traditional Catalan carol which describes the responses of various birds to the nativity. Here, the arrangement by cellist Pau Casals (1875-1973) serves as a wordless evocation of the event, but, as he himself said, it is also a rebuke of Franco’s fascism and the tyranny of anyone who would disturb the peace on earth promised by this birth.

The tenor rejoins the chorus for the iconic “O, Holy Night,” John Rutter’s setting of Adolphe Adam’s summary description of the stable scene.

The first half concludes with the final Many Moods of Christmas suite by composers and arrangers Robert Shaw & Robert Russell Bennett, who teamed up in the 1960s to fashion four suites of traditional carols. Today’s presentation consists of “chestnuts” from Germany, England, the United States, and Wales.

The second half of today’s concert opens with an orchestral piece, “A Christmas Scherzo,” which pivots from the strictly religious to the popular. Arranged

by Don Sebesky, these six familiar tunes from the Medieval Period make up the work, starting with ‘Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella.’ What? A comma, suggesting two young women? Yes. Google the origins of the song when you get home because you, as I, have probably always wondered who SHE was.

Ryan James Brandau is the arranger of the next two numbers, “Jingle Bells” and “Wassail.” In the former listen for a passing reference to “Joy to the World,” and in the latter note the shift from a swinging (drunken?) 6/8 to a steady (sober?) 4/4. Artful!

“Farandole” is a traditional dance from the Provence region of France, and in the concert hall it appears most notably in Georges Bizet’s L’Arlesienne: Suite No. 2, excerpts from a larger score he wrote for a play by Alphonse Daudet.

Christmassy? Well, the first tune is based on a carol called “March of the Kings.” Stately, grand. The second tune is a playful quick-step, and eventually the two collide brilliantly. If you are reminded of the seasonal pleasure of, say, The Nutcracker, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Mykola Leontovych was a Ukrainian composer who wrote the charming “Carol of the Bells” in 1904, a piece that swings like the pealing bells it celebrates, a kind of meta experience. Note, too, the competing ostinato that represents that downbeat ding and dong.

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Traditional, too, is “Esta Noche,” a Spanish song arranged by John Rutter In 2006. In a rollicking 6/8, it expresses joy and concern for the tiny baby, perhaps from the perspective of an older child.

“Casitas de las Montañas,” by celebrated Puerto Rican composer Rafael Hernandez (1892-1965), makes more public the news of Jesus’s arrival: sing out a song about love and peace, which this wondrous night is all about.

Composer and arranger Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) wrote a Suite of Carols for Strings in 1955, and “Pastores a Belen” opens the collection. It’s a jaunty tune in 6/8 depicting the enthusiastic trip to Bethlehem by the shepherds.

“White Christmas”: treetops, children, snow, sleigh bells, cards, nostalgia. Check!

Ryan James Brandau’s treatment of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” is stunning. Like most settings this one excerpts four verses from the Longfellow poem from Christmas, 1863, leaving aside other verses that refer to the Civil War, one source of the narrator’s despair. But we know that “hate is strong” in every era. We certainly know it now. Yet Brandau builds a case, slowly and stately, for optimism, layering the psychological journey with musical touches, including a sly inclusion of “Joy to the World.”

The afternoon concludes with “God Bless Us, Everyone,” a high-stepping song of Dickensian sentiment: during this season we should show compassion, embrace community, and demonstrate gratitude, putting paid to the irritability, greed, and envy of one Ebeneezer Scrooge.

— Program notes by Paul Lamar

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BIOGRAPHIES José Daniel Flores-Caraballo

Opalka Family Artistic Director José Daniel Flores-Caraballo is a widely acclaimed conductor and musical director recognized for his artistry and integrity in stylistic performance of choral literature, his methodical and uncompromising approach to music learning, and his gifts as a patient and inspiring teacher. Dr. Flores-Caraballo brings that unique combination—along with an ambitious and energizing vision—to Albany Pro Musica (APM) as the Opalka Family Artistic Director, a role he has held since 2014.

As a trained organist as well as a celebrated orchestral and choral conductor, Dr. Flores-Caraballo places strong emphasis on technical precision as the fundamental seed from which musical artistry can grow. Dr. FloresCaraballo joined Albany Pro Musica with the goal of building upon the group’s impressive and cherished legacy and elevating APM to be among the best choirs in the nation. Through Dr. Flores-Caraballo’s leadership, APM is pushing the boundaries of choral performance in the area, embracing challenging musical programming, innovative national and international partnerships, and a renewed commitment to civic and educational initiatives.

Dr. Flores-Caraballo also serves as Conductor-In-Residence at the University at Albany (SUNY) and Chorus Director for the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Chorus. He has prepared his choirs for prominent orchestral conductors, including Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Bramwell Tovey, Stéphane Dèneve, and Kensho Watanabe of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Andrews Sill of the New York City Ballet, David Alan Miller of the Albany Symphony Orchestra, and Anthony Princiotti of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Flores-Caraballo came to the Capital Region from Vero Beach, Florida, where he was a musical force for more than a decade. There, he founded and directed three auditioned, community choral groups that transformed the musical landscape in the Treasure Coast: the Atlantic Symphonic Chorus, the Atlantic Schola Cantorum, and the Atlantic Children’s Chorale. A native of Puerto Rico, Dr. Flores-Caraballo served as Dean of Academic Affairs at the Conservatory of Music in San Juan and has led prize-winning schooland church-based choral programs in Puerto Rico and across the mainland United States. He holds a Doctorate in Sacred Music with an emphasis on Choral and Instrumental Conducting from the Graduate Theological Foundation, a Master’s in Choral Conducting and Organ from the University of Illinois, and a Bachelor’s in Music Education and Instrumental Conducting from the Conservatory of Music in San Juan.

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BIOGRAPHIES Noah Palmer

Assistant Music Director and Accompanist Conductor Noah Palmer is one of the Capital Region’s most in-demand collaborators. Noah was most recently appointed Artistic Director of Saratoga Voices and the Music at Trinity Lenox concert series; he also serves as Assistant Director and Accompanist for Albany Pro Musica and the Assistant Conductor of Concerts in the Village, in Kinderhook, NY. In 2018, Noah made his orchestral conducting debuts with both Concerts in the Village and Albany Pro Musica, following his opera debut with the Midwest Institute of Opera in 2015.

As a choral conductor Noah has led, among other groups, Albany Pro Musica, the Battenkill Chorale, the Northern Berkshire Chorale, the Sage Singers, and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Chorus. In 2016, Noah was the Chorus Master at the prestigious Merola Opera Program with the San Francisco Opera.

In addition to conducting, Noah is an accomplished vocal coach and pianist.

He has worked with several regional opera companies, including Sarasota Opera and Opera North. In 2021, Noah was the principal coach and rehearsal pianist for Tom Cipullo’s “Glory Denied” at the Berkshire Opera Festival and was subsequently invited back in 2022 for their production of Jake Heggie’s “Three Decembers.” Noah has performed with some of the Capital Region’s finest singers, including Andrew Boisvert, Vedrana Kalas, Sylvia Stoner, Irina Petrik, and the late Kevin Kees. In 2022, he accompanied violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn in a vibrant program of Russian and Polish music at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

As an educator, Noah was the Choral Director at Skidmore College in Spring 2021, where he led the college’s two choral ensembles through a series of innovative virtual performances during the COVID-19 pandemic. In collaboration with soprano Sylvia Stoner, Noah also directs the Skidmore College Opera Workshop.

Noah studied conducting with John Yaffe and Steve Osgood and attended conducting masterclasses with Markand Thakar, Christopher Zimmerman, Mark Gibson, and David Effron. Noah studied piano with the renowned Spanish pianist Jose Ramon Mendez at NYU (BA), and Bulgarian pianist Pavlina Dokovska at the Mannes School of Music (MM). Noah has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in the United States, Europe, and China.

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BIOGRAPHIES Rafael Davila Tenor

Tenor Rafael Davila has been part of The Metropolitan Opera roster for the past six seasons after making his debut in 2017 as Don Jose in Bizet’s Carmen. During the past year Rafael has sung the leading tenor roles in the operas Medea, Aida, and Nabucco, as well as the title role of Don Carlo with the company. Upcoming engagements include the opera Luisa Miller for Sarasota Opera, his debut in the title role in Saint-Saens’ Samson et Delilah for Opera Colorado, and as Faust in Berlioz’s The Damnation of Faust for the renowned Cassals Festival.

With more than 60 roles in a career that spans over 25 years, Rafael has appeared around the world in some of the most prestigious opera houses, including San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Kennedy Center, Ópera de Barcelona, Teatro San Carlo in Naples and The Macerata Festival in Italy, Leipzig Opera in Germany, Holland’s National Opera, New Zealand’s Opera, Manitoba Opera in Canada, and the Marinsky Theater in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

His repertory includes, among others, Verdi’s operas Otello, Il Trovatore, Rigoletto, Un Ballo in Maschera, La Forza Del Destino, and Ernani; Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Tosca, Turandot, Manon Lescaut, La Fanciulla del West, La Bohème, and Il Trittico; as well as Bellini’s Norma, Cavalli’s La Wally, Leoncavallo’s I Pagliacci, Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana, and Donizetti’s Lucia Di Lammermoor.

His concert repertory includes Mozart’s and Verdi’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde, and Rossini’s Stabat Mater.

Rafael started his musical education at the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico and holds a Master’s Degree in Opera from The University of Texas in Austin.

He has been nominated twice to the Grammy Awards for the recordings of Ariel Ramirez’s Misa Criolla and for Rafael Hernandez’s operetta Cofresi.

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BIOGRAPHIES Steve Murray

Honorary Composer in Residence Steve Murray began playing string bass in high school, and while doing graduate studies at Miami University, he studied with Harold Roberts, principal bassist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Over the years, Steve has performed with a variety of notables such as Buddy DiFranco, George Wilson, Gray Sargent and Judy Collins among others. Steve has founded and directed his own jazz bands including the 19-piece Berkshire Big Band which he directed and arranged for two decades, and he has contracted for the likes of Burt Bacharach, Natalie Cole, Willie Nelson, and others.

Steve’s formal studies in composition were with Eugene Hill at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio and with Donald Freund at the University of Memphis where he completed his Doctorate in theory and composition with a minor in jazz studies.

Steve is also a singer and has performed with the Hartford Chamber Choral.

He founded the Memphis State University Jazz Singers, and has been a member of Albany Pro Musica since 2002. He is the Honorary Composer in Residence for APM. As a composer, Steve has been active in a variety of genres. He has written instrumental chamber and orchestral music as well as works for music theatre. For the past decade and a half, he has concentrated on choral and solo vocal music. He is published in the U.S. and Canada, was the recipient of the grand prize in the Harmonia Choir Composition Contest, Ottawa in 2006, the grand prize in the Vaughan Williams Choral Composition Contest, Yorkshire, UK in 2008, and he was co-winner of the 2010 New England Choral Composition Contest, Somerville, MA. He won the grand prize in the 2011 Freudig Singers (Buffalo, NY) Choral Composition Contest. He was a semifinalist in composition for the 2013 American Prize and a finalist for the 2014 American Prize. He was one of four composers chosen to have a work premiered by the Minneapolis based First Reading Project in May of 2014 and by Novi Cantori in March in Simsbury, CT. in 2015. In May of 2015 the Berkshire Concert Choir (Pittsfield, MA) premiered two of his recent compositions. He was the 2015 – 2016 Composer in Residence for Albany Pro Musica and he won the second prize in the 2016 Edwin Fissinger Choral Composition Contest. Steve teaches music theory, song writing, and computer music notation at Berkshire Community College.

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ALBANY PRO MUSICA CONCERT CHORUS SOPRANO

ALTO

TENOR

Rachel Balbi

Gussie Bargeron

BASS

Maria Bedo-Calhoun

Martha J. Bond

Carol Christiana

Mitch Cohen

Matthew Clemens

Tonya Burandt Hansen*

Abigail Cowan*

Dan Foster^

William Crankshaw

Brianne Conner

Clara Eizayaga

Jonathan Hansen*

Evan DeFilippo

Marie Cox

Kathryn Farris†

Cal Miller†

Colin Helie

Valerie Donovan

Katrina Fasulo

Xavier Ortiz-Reyes

Jared Hunt

Meg Gallien

Meghan Garrison

Joel Pattison

Tom Johnson

Paige Griggs

Shay Gauthier

Greg Pratt

Daniel Lane†

Lauren Jurczynski

Rose Honold

David Wagner

Noah Palmer

SooYeon Justesen

Darcy Meadows

Lincoln Walton

Christopher Price

Nicole Lash

Sarah Ploof

John Xia

John Rodier

Heather Lessard

Devon Rooney

Rex Smith

Rachel Logee

Meredith Russell Grosshandler

Daniel Washington*†

Hannah Long Samantha Lyle† Katie McNally Rebecca Monaghan† Xinyi Nam Diane B. Petersen Emily Peterson Sandra Schujman Teresa Maria Solé

* Section Leader ^ Teaching Artist † Speaker

Dharma Sanchez-Flores Emily Sturman Irina Tikhonenko Julie Weston Lisa Wloch

Ross Brennan

†

Michael Wolff

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ORCHESTRA PRO MUSICA Flute and Piccolo

Trumpet

Violin 1

Norman Thibodeau

Allyson Keyser

Ann-Marie B. Schwartz*

Yvonne Hansbrough

Eric Latini

Heather Chan

Emily Orr

John Fatuzzo

Uli Speth Hilary Cumming

Oboe and English Horn Karen Hosmer Susan Kokernak Cathryn Jones

Clarinet Brett Wery Brian Carucci

Bassoon Gerald Lanoue Sue Daves

Trombone

Raymond Zoeckler

Philip Pandori Christopher Paul

Violin 2

Dan Cordell

Mitsuko Suzuki Julie Signitzer

Tuba Michael Silvagnoli

Timpani & Percussion Andrew Janack Rob Sanderl Matthew Dickson Geoffrey Snow

Marla Bracco Barbara Lapidus

Viola Andrew Snow Ariel Rudiakov Christine Orio Beth Moll

Joan Eason

French Horn Victor Sungarian Victoria Boell Katy Svatek

Cello Harp Karlinda Caldicott

Lucas Button Jordan Gunn Erica Pickhardt

Jessica Cunningham

Bass * Concertmaster

Evan Runyon

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ALBANY PRO MUSICA STAFF OPALKA FAMILY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR José Daniel Flores-Caraballo ARTISTIC STAFF Noah Palmer, Assistant Director and Accompanist SooYeon Justesen, Manager of Educational Programs Tonya Burandt Hansen, Abigail Cowan, Jonathan Hansen, Daniel Washington, Section Leaders Steve Murray, Honorary Composer in Residence Dan Foster, Teaching Artist Elizabeth Eschen Cacciola, Teaching Artist ADMINISTRATION Emily Sturman, Deputy Executive Director Jared Shortmeier, Director of Operations Liz Vinciquerra, Development Manager Rebecca Monaghan, Audition Coordinator Dharma Sanchez-Flores, Member Connections Liaison Katharine Harris, Music Librarian Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz, Orchestra Contractor Michele Susko, Roya Consulting, LLC, Development Counsel Primeau-Fahey Studios, Marketing and Public Relations Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Box Office, Marketing, and Financial Management

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz Dan Czernecki Dan Foster Gary Gold Kathy Harris E. Stewart and Kimberly Sanger Jones Paul Lamar

Courtyard by Marriott, Albany Troy/Waterfront Matthew Rogowicz Primeau Fahey Studios Troy Savings Bank Music Hall University at Albany WMHT Educational

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ALBANY PRO MUSICA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rex W. Smith, President Jeanette Altarriba, Vice President Tom McGuire, Treasurer Jonathan E. Hansen, Secretary DIRECTORS M. Tracey Brooks Mitch Cohen Al De Salvo James M. Gaughan Ben Golub Robert T. Hennes Ellen Jabbur Gwen Krause Steven E. Lobel (emeritus)

Douglas Petersen Raona Roy (emerita) Wayne Senitta Marion Terenzio Margery Whiteman (honorary) Michael Whiteman Russ Wilks Michael Wolff Edelgard Wulfert

ALBANY PRO MUSICA COUNCIL OF ADVISORS George R. Hearst III and Chet Opalka, Co-Chairs Alan Goldberg E. Stewart Jones, Jr. Kimberly Sanger Jones Richard Miller Paul Milton

John Nigro Karen Opalka Ellen Sax Marcia White

LEAVE A LEGACY WITH APM’S

LUX AETERNA

SOCIETY Albany Pro Musica has a legacy in the Capital Region and beyond, as a choral group whose music truly captures the human spirit. Our Lux Aeterna Society allows donors to keep the “eternal light” of your own legacy alive through Albany Pro Musica, by including APM in your estate plans.

The Lux Aeterna Society recognizes individuals and their families who have remembered APM in their estate plans through a planned gift. A planned gift to Albany Pro Musica can offer tax advantages, and allows you to designate a contribution – large or small – that will support the music you love, for years to come.

To learn more about how to include Albany Pro Musica in your estate plans, please visit our website or contact us for a confidential consultation.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO ALBANY PRO MUSICA!

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WAYS TO SUPPORT ALBANY PRO MUSICA Did you know that ticket sales make up only a portion of the funds needed to present the high-quality performances and dynamic educational programs that you love? Like most performing arts organizations, Albany Pro Musica relies on the generosity of our donors to deliver our season. Please consider making a contribution today to ensure that Albany Pro Musica can keep singing, this season and for years to come.

To make a gift to Albany Pro Musica, please scan with your smartphone or visit our website to donate safely online: albanypromusica.org/donate.

RECURRING DONATIONS Recurring donations are a important resource that form a revenue stream we know we can count on, which allows us to plan our programs with confidence. Contact us to set up a monthly or quarterly donation.

MATCHING GIFTS Many employers offer matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees. Some companies also match gifts by retirees and/or spouses. If your company has a matching gift program, please consider designating Albany Pro Musica as the beneficiary of your match. With matching gifts, you can double the impact of your gift! Examples of companies offering a corporate match include Bank of America, General Electric, IBM, Key Bank, MetLife, and many more.

GIFTS OF STOCK Gifts of stock can offer tax advantages while allowing you to support Albany Pro Musica. Please contact us to learn more.

PLANNED GIVING Planning for the future is vital, not only for individuals but for organizations as well. Turn your passion for music into a lasting legacy with a gift to the APM’s Lux Aeterna Society. If you’ve already made plans to recognize APM in your estate plans, or to learn more about supporting APM with a planned gift, please contact us.

Emily Sturman Deputy Executive Director 518.687.1947 or emily@albanypromusica.org Thank you for your support.

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2022-23 SEASON DONORS! Listing reflects gifts made between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023 CIRLCE OF FRIENDS GOLD MAESTRO CIRCLE ($50,000 and above) Chet and Karen Opalka SILVER MAESTRO CIRCLE ($25,000-$49,999) Isabel Bader* Christine and George R. Hearst, III BRONZE MAESTRO CIRCLE ($15,000-$24,999) Gregory Anderson and William Tuthill Ellen Jabbur Wayne A. Senitta, Jr. and Daniel Washington MAESTRO CIRCLE ($10,000-$14,999) Al De Salvo Michael and Linda Wolff PATRON ($5,000-$9,999) John Nigro Douglas and Diane Petersen Michael and Margery Whiteman BENEFACTOR ($2,500-$4,999) Dr. Jeanette Altarriba Marie and Johan Bosman John and Joyce Carver Mitchell and Susan Cohen James Gaughan and Keith Lee Alan Goldberg Jill Harbeck E. Stewart and Kimberly Sanger Jones Gwen Krause and Ross Bennett Vaughn Nevin

John and Raona Roy Rex Smith and Marion Roach Smith David and Nancy Wagner Dr. Edelgard Wulfert SPONSOR ($1,000-$2,499) Wendy Blair M. Tracey Brooks Charlotte and Charles* Buchanan Carol Bullard and Worth Gretter Carol Christiana and Thomas Johnson Bradley Ellingboe Joseph and Linda Farrell José Daniel Flores-Caraballo and Dharma Sanchez-Flores Meg Gallien and William Hammond, Jr. Colin Helie and Julie Weston Robert T. Hennes Paul and Alane Hohenberg Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Mark and Kelly Kjos Steven and Vivian Lobel Barbara and Chuck Manning Tom McGuire and Barbara Bradley Dan and Sally Nolan G. William and Norah Pattison Havidán Rodríguez and Rosy Lopez Sharon Roy Sandra Schujman Harriet B. Seeley Stan and Jan Smith Edward Swyer Norman and Nancy Tellier David G. Tieman Marcia White Paul Wing Charitable Fund Mark and Lynn Zielinski

* Denotes individuals who are now deceased

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AFFILIATE ($500-$999) Deborah Byers and Francis Pitts Rebecca Chirolla and Michael Barrett Judith Ciccio Donor Advised Fund Dawn and Dick Dana Valerie and Kevin Donovan David* and JoAnn Duquette Frederick and Barbara Eames Anonymous Tony Esposito Frederick E. Faught Jonathan and Tonya Burandt Hansen Katharine Harris K. Drew Hartzell, Jr. H. Graham* and Amber Jones Anna Kuwabara and Craig Edwards Agnes Leahy Ralph and Jacqueline Marino Thomas Johnston and Keith McCauley Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Musto George Nisbet and Jennifer Dorsey Gary David Gold and Nancy Pierson Margaret and Paul Randall Marsha and Steve Ras Tom and Ann Sansone Sarah May and Douglass Johnston Anonymous Mayor Katherine Sheehan and Bob Sheehan Audrie and Larry Sturman Emily and David Sturman James and Mary Sullivan Russ and Carolyn Wilks FRIEND ($100-$499) Gregory and Judith Aidala Gayle Anderson and Sidney Fleisher Suzanne Anderson Judith Arnold James B. Ayers and Miriam Trementozzi Timothy and Anne Barker Rebecca Baron Linn Becker Elmer Bertsch Sarah Boggess Bill and Carol Bott Pieter and Stacey Bridge

Crescentia and Bruce Brynolfson Gayle Burgess Judith A. Carlson Sara Carlson Maureen Casale-Reidy Joleen and Jim Chambers The Clarke Family Findlay and Marcia Cockrell Jane and John Corrou Joseph and Jeanne Costello Anne Marie Couser and Bill Kuchinski Joann Crupi Dr. Gladys I. Cruz John Defilippo Joyce Diwan Heather W. Drinkwater Marcia Dudden Seth Edelman Brian and Kathryn Enright Paul and Kelly Fahey Margaret Farrell Mr. and Mrs. John J. Ferguson Kathryn Fessenden Joanna Feuer Ann Filiault RoseAnne Fogarty and Perry Smith Francine Frank Linda Fruscione Faith Gay and Francesca Zambello Ronald C. Geuther Barbara Gigliotti David Gittelman and Tom Murphy Benjamin Golub Herb and Shirley Gordon Anthony Green Peter Haley Jeff M. Hall Michael Halloran Dr. David M. Hansen Philip and Dianne Hansen Frazer and Barbara Hilder Charitable Fund Alice Howard Linda Hunt Susan Jacobsen Priscilla and Eric Johnson Hugh Johnson P. Susan Jordan * Denotes individuals who are now deceased

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Mary C. Kahl Mildren and Albert Karoly Jean Kirsch George and Geraldine Koch Maureen Frances Leary Daniel Leinung Tara A. Lindsley, PhD Kathleen Lyman Stephen and Ann Lyman Michael and Susan Moyle Lynch William M. Lynch C. Ursula MacAffer* William and Gail Madigan Jean and Peter Maloy Robert and Carleen Marino Susan Linda Martin Mike and Suzanne Mason Joseph McCully Corinne McLeod Katie and Brendan McNally Robert J. McNamara Stephen Murray Judith Ann Mysliborski Nick and Carolyn Nicolay Lori Nieberg Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Older Edwin and Carol Osterhout Beth Ann Osthimer Judith and Richard Palmer Robert Pape Bob and Loretta Parsons Ruth Pelham Peter and Susan Pezzolla Chris and Carol Pfister Christopher Price and Leah Scott Edward Primeau Allan Randall Cheryl Reeves and Martha Schultz C. Michael Reger Dustin M. Reidy Alison Rhodes-Devey Gail and George Richardson Dr. and Mrs. Eric Roccario Yareli E. Rodriguez Rosemarie Rosen Steve Rosenblum Mary Scanlan Joanne Scheibly

Kendra Schrader Ralph and Dorothy Schultz Charles and Ann-Marie Schwartz Robert and Gail Schwartz Jack and Peggy Seppi Alison Sheahan Barbara Simoneau and Joseph Caron Gary and Kathie Smith Steve Snow Robin L. Soroka Donald Stauffer Sheila A. Sullivan Michele L. Susko and Fardin Sanai Frederick S. and Christine B. Szczepanek Jill Taylor and Paul Masters Marion Terenzio and Patricia O’Connor Roger Tippy Doris F. Tomer Congressman Paul D. Tonko Lyle Van Vranken Jeff Vandeberg Liz and Joe Vinciquerra Ann Volpel Anonymous Dawn Stuart Weinraub Dan and Maribeth White Barbara Wiley Hannelore Wilfert and Karl Moschner The Woytowich Family Theodore and Susan Standfast Wright Peter and Lynn Young Barbara M. Zavisky GIFTS IN MEMORIAM In memory of H. Graham Jones E. Stewart and Kimberly Sanger Jones Jean and Peter Maloy John Nigro The Woytowich Family In memory of Hugh G. Nevin, Jr. Alison Sheahan We apologize for any errors or omissions and would be grateful to have them brought to our attention. * Denotes individuals who are now deceased

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2022-2023 CORPORATE CIRCLE AND INSTITUTIONAL SPONSORS! GOLD CIRCLE ($10,000 - $19,999) Howard and Bush Foundation New York State Council on the Arts SILVER CIRCLE ($5,000 - $9,999) IBM Corporation BRONZE CIRCLE ($2,500-$4,999) Amidon & Petersen Financials LLC Massry Charitable Foundation The University at Albany Foundation

CORPORATE SUPPORTERS (up to $2,500) Amazon Smile architecture+ Capital Bank Community Care Physicians Hannaford Supermarkets Pursuit Foundation Stewart’s Shops United Way of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Albany Pro Musica is grateful for the support of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

THANKS TO OUR 2023-2024 CORPORATE CIRCLE DIAMOND

GOLD

Massry Charitable Foundation SILVER

BRONZE

WITH SUPPORT FROM

Capital Bank

Fenimore Asset Management

JOIN US FOR THE REST OF OUR 43RD SEASON!

Pro Musica in Paradise Presenting the 2024 Dr. Karen R. Hitchcock Award to Raona Roy

Spring Gala I Saturday, May 18, 2024 I Colonie Country Club Co-chaired by Karen Opalka and Alan Goldberg Information and tickets at albanypromusica.org/gala

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall | albanypromusica.org | 518-273-0038