Acadiana Symphony Orchestra Season 39 Program

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ACADIANA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA A C A D I A N A S Y M P H O N Y. O R G



TABLE OF CONTENTS ASO Board of Directors....................................................................................... 3 ASO Staff................................................................................................................. 3 Sponsors & Partners............................................................................................. 6 Message from the Maestro................................................................................. 9 ASO Musicians......................................................................................................13 Symphony 101........................................................................................................15

ASO39: MASTERWORKS CONCERT SERIES Elegant Liaisons...................................................................................... 18 Featuring Plácido Domingo Jr. & Alicja Węgorzewska

Thursday, September 21, 2023 | Acadiana Center for the Arts | 7 PM

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™......................................... 22 The Film – Live With The Orchestra

Thursday, October 26, 2023 | Heymann Performing Arts Center | 7 PM

A Tale of Two Times............................................................................. 26 The Music of Antonín Dvořák

Friday, November 10, 2023 | St. John’s Cathedral | 7 PM

The Christmas Concert........................................................................ 30 Featuring Marc Broussard

Thursday, December 14, 2023 | Heymann Performing Arts Center | 7 PM

Forbidden Dance................................................................................... 34 Featuring Krzysztof Meisinger

Thursday, February 15, 2024 | Acadiana Center for the Arts | 7 PM

A Tribute to the Eagles........................................................................ 38 Featuring 7 Bridges

Thursday, March 7, 2024 | Heymann Performing Arts Center | 7 PM

The Red Violin........................................................................................ 42 Featuring Elizabeth Pitcairn

Thursday, May 2, 2024 | St. Mary’s Church | 7 PM


TABLE OF CONTENTS ASO39: THE LISTENING ROOM CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES Michel Bourdoncle, Piano ........................................................................................... 48 Sunday, August 27, 2023 Acadiana Center for the Arts | 2 PM

Orit Wolf, Piano ..................................................................................................................... 50 Sunday, January 7, 2024 Acadiana Center for the Arts | 2 PM

Alexander Hülshoff, Cello ........................................................................................... 52 Sunday, March 17, 2024 Acadiana Center for the Arts | 2 PM

Fabio & Gisele Witkowski, Piano ......................................................................... 54 Sunday, June 9, 2024 Acadiana Center for the Arts | 2 PM

OUR MISSION & VISION Our mission is to inspire culture through music. Our vision is to bolster our cultural economy and uphold unparalleled civic value, through the power and joy of music, by providing excellence in orchestral performances of diverse repertoire, and educational experiences to inspire and enrich our future generations, thus creating a vibrant community in which to live and work.

THANK YOU! Our sincere appreciation to those businesses and individuals who supported the symphony through advertising in this program booklet. We hope you enjoy this comprehensive guide of our 39th season!


BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee PRESIDENT........................................................................................ Cindy Veillon Mattei EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT............................................................... Kohlie Frantzen TREASURER....................................................................................................... Cecelia Hoyt SECRETARY.................................................................................................. Dr. Dee Garrett RECORDING SECRETARY................................................................... Edward Barousse MEMBER-AT-LARGE........................................................................................Cecile Tauzin MEMBER-AT-LARGE....................................................................................André Williams

Board Members Chuck Boudreaux Kyle Braniff Dr. Nahla Dahr-Malek Nadia de la Houssaye

Dr. Kenneth Habetz Jalesa Jones Nancy Loewer Stephen Morrow

Hunter Perret Lynn Sanders Robert Schacht

Orchestra Representatives Lauren Baker | ASO Concertmaster Andrea Kapell Loewy | ASO Principal Flute

Staff Representatives Dana Baker | Executive Director Mariusz Smolij | Conductor & Music Director

STAFF ASO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ASO MUSIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR

Mariusz Smolij

Dana Baker Administrative

Brad Burley.................................................................... Director of Fund Development Tonio Cutrera................................................................ Orchestra Operations Manager Rebeca Lemos................................................................ Orchestra Personnel Manager Tonya Theriot Mouton, CPA........................................................ Accounting Manager Michael Zeek............................................ Education Director & Ticketing Coordinator Alicia Zeringue................................................ Marketing & Communications Manager “Serving on the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors is a rewarding and fullfilling way to give back to the Lafayette community. ASO accepts applications and nominations for new board members each spring. If you are interested in applying for the board, contact me at dana@acadianasymphony.org today!”

—Dana P. Baker, Executive Director ASO39 | 3


ACADIANA SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA Directed by Dragoş Filip, Acadiana Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) is open to students ages 13 and older. This group is ASO’s premier youth orchestra, performing advanced orchestral literature throughout their season, which begins in September. ASYO members are provided with amazing performance opportunities throughout the year. These young musicians gain experience in front of audiences in a variety of environments and venues, including the opportunity to play alongside ASO, and performing at Festival International de Louisiane. It is ASO’s mission to build musicians, and guide them as they pursue their passions through real-world experiences.

ACADIANA SYMPHONY PREPARATORY ORCHESTRA Acadiana Symphony Preparatory Orchestra (ASPO) is open to string players ages 8-13. The program emphasizes technique development, incorporating instruction on fundamentals of scales, shifting, and bowing, in addition to formative ensemble skills experience. The Preparatory Orchestra feeds into the Youth Orchestra, giving these young musicians a better grasp of the responsibilities involved in being a part of an orchestra. ASPO musicians sharpen their skills and are given opportunities to perform, in order to expand their horizons and prepare them for their musical futures.

MEET FRIENDS | GAIN EXPERIENCE | GROW YOUR TALENT JOIN THE FUN! EMAIL info@acadianasymphony.org

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Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and Conservatory of Music

MUSIC LESSONS WE DO THAT!

AGES 3 TO 93 DOZENS OF INSTRUMENTS & VOICE

SIGN UP TODAY ACADIANASYMPHONY.ORG


Thank You

SPONSORS & PARTNERS We are honored that these businesses, organizations, and individuals have invested in ASO and believe in our mission to provide quality cultural performances and educational programs to this community.

THE UNDERWRITER’S CIRCLE Diamond Anonymous Ruby MPW Properties Emerald BCM Advisors Castle Row Jones Walker Lafayette Coca-Cola Bottling Vernon Moret

BUSINESS ALLIANCE Platinum Baton Townsquare Media Golden Baton Dr. Deiadre Garrett Service Chevrolet Cadillac Home Bank Billy and Cecile Tauzin Moss Motors The Acadiana Advocate

Katie Bernhardt Dianna Rae Jewelry First Horizon Bank

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Silver Baton Lafayette Music Company Raising Cane’s Red River Bank

Right at Home Rudick Construction The Gleason Group


CONCERTMASTERS Thib’s Auto Titles & Tags

FRIENDS OF THE SYMPHONY Acadiana Automotive | Acadiana Security Plus | Acadiana Travel Albarado’s Fine Furnishings | Dr. Jude & Anne Bares | Dr. Lon Baronne II Chuck & Lisa Boudreaux | Dr. Wayne & Shelley Cestia Dr. Anu & Mr. Amol Desai | Drs. Kim & Otis Drew Episcopal School of Acadiana | EZBIS, Inc | Ann Flannery Joel & Jay Godchaux | Hit N Run Food Stores Lafayette Music Company | Moncus Park Morgan Stanley – The Foard Group Moss Motors | MPW Properties | Paul’s Jewelry Perspective Valuation | Red River Bank | Rudick Construction Group Sabine Pools | Rodney Savoy | SOLA Violins Sharon & David Sturlese | The Better Living Group The Blake at Lafayette | The Orthodontic Studio Vermilion Strings | Virginia Wilkinson

GRANTS & FOUNDATIONS Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana | Heymann Foundation Lafayette Parish School System | Lafayette Travel Lafayette Visitors Enterprise Fund Mills Family Foundation | Tides Medical

FUNDRAISING EVENTS Dianna Rae Jewelers | Dr. Deiadre Garrett Home Bank | Madeleine Groth, DDS | Mercedes Benz of Lafayette Rudick Construction Group | Service Chevrolet Cadillac The Better Living Group | The Gleason Group

SYMPHONY IN THE SCHOOLS Martha Abshire | Dr. Allen Acomb | Anonymous | BCM Advisors Jeanne Billeaud | Joseph Billeaud | Roberta Brink | Dr. Terry Cromwell Maria Doucet | Kellie Duhon | Claire Flores | Lane Fournerat Monique Fremin | Charles Garrison | Barbara Girard | Shaunda Grisby Sally Herpin | Stephanie Manson | Marcus Mason | Cindy Veillon-Mattei Britton McDermott | Gwen Perdomo | Raising Cane’s | Lynn Sanders Joe and Annie Spell | Sharman Steltenpohl | Jeigh Stipe Virginia Stuller | David Tadin | Billy and Cecile Tauzin Janine Thomson | Tiffany Webster ASO39 | 7


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Welcome to Season 39 of your Acadiana Symphony Orchestra! It’s been my great privilege and pleasure to curate another series of special musical presentations for this upcoming year. The challenges we’ve faced in past seasons have taught us how to better navigate in arduous circumstances, as well as to realize to greater effect, how arts and culture can offer much needed comfort and hope. Following the pandemic, our most recent seasons have celebrated a return to live concerts, and featured musical works associated with pivotal turning points in history, societies, and ourselves. Music is not only an expression of one’s feelings, thoughts and experiences. Music is also a reflection of communities and the spirit of humankind. It has the power to affect us all emotionally, morally, and culturally. The musical theme of Season 39 – Reflections is interwoven into all of this season’s orchestral and chamber music concerts. Those reflections range from deeply profound religious Psalms, penned by Johannes Brahms and Antonin Dvořák, to lighthearted songs of the iconic rock band, The Eagles. In our varied offerings this season, you can experience everything from “A Night at the Movies”, accompanied by live orchestral score – to a “philosophical symphony”, composed by Joseph Haydn, as well as elegantly nostalgic French and Spanish songs, and vividly colorful Jewish Klezmer tunes. A stellar line of guest artists will make this season exceptionally exciting. ASO’s talented musicians will be joined throughout the year by outstanding vocalists and instrumentalists including Placido Domingo Jr., (son of Placido Domingo), Alicja Węgorzewska (leading European mezzo soprano), Acadiana’s own Marc Broussard, French piano virtuoso Michel Bourdoncle, Israeli pianist and composer Orit Wolf, and German cellist Alexander Huelshoff. We’ll end the season with a special concert featuring one of the world’s most recognized violin prodigies, Elizabeth Pitcairn, who performs on the legendary 1720 Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius violin. I invite you to create your own relationship with the music of this season, by experiencing each concert and guest artist through the lens of your own reflections on the past, present and future. I look forward to seeing you on the downbeat!

MARIUSZ SMOLIJ ASO Conductor & Music Director

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Discover your inner artist. Build your confidence. Find your inspiration.

Believe you can learn anything! Schedule a visit at ESAcadiana.com. Lafayette Campus • PK3-5th • 721 E. Kaliste Saloom Rd. • 337-993-2263 Cade Campus • 6th-12th • 1557 Smede Rd. • 337-365-1416 ESA welcomes students and families of all races, religions, and national or ethnic origins, as well as those with physical disabilities.


Get to know MAESTRO SMOLIJ

Considered one of the most exciting conductors of his generation, Maestro Mariusz Smolij (pronounced MAR-EE-OOSH SMOLY) has led over 130 orchestras in 27 countries on five continents, appearing in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world. Smolij currently serves as Conductor and Music Director of Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of Riverside Symphony in New Jersey, as well as Artistic Director of Lipiński International Violin Festival and Competition, in Poland. An accomplished conductor, he has served previously as Resident Conductor of the Houston Symphony, Associate Conductor of the New Jersey Symphony, Artistic Director of Wrocław Lutosławski Philharmonic and International Festival Wratislavia Cantans and Toruń Symphony Orchestra, in his native country of Poland. Additionally, he is a frequent recording artist for Naxos International, and has consistently gained international acclaim, including praises by the New York Times for “compelling performances.” In North America, he has conducted the Orchestra of the Chicago Lyric Opera, St. Louis Philharmonic, Rochester Philharmonic, Indianapolis Symphony, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, New Orleans Philharmonic, Hartford Symphony and Symphony of Nova Scotia, among many others. Internationally, he enjoys a notable reputation, appearing with accomplished orchestras in Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, Holland, Austria, Israel, South Africa, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, and Poland. He is an internationally recognized pedagogue, having served as professor at Northwestern University in Chicago-Evanston and teaching at Zurich Conservatory in Switzerland. He is also a frequent guest professor at Tianjin Conservatory in China. In 2015, his Naxos CD with music by distinguished female composer Grażyna Bacewicz, won a Fryderyk Award (equivalent of a Polish Grammy). Most recently, in 2019, the president of Poland awarded Smolij the “Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland” for distinguished contributions to international cultural collaborations.

Photo Credit: Laura Pedrick, New York Times photographer

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Musician Roster

MUSIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR Mariusz Smolij VIOLIN

Lauren Baker, Concertmaster Marta Turianska, Associate Concertmaster (23/24 season leave of absence)

Stefka Madere, Principal Second Violin Iya Tsyrkot Michael Blaney Hannah Phyllis Urdea Marcus Eylul Ozturk Anna Stanley* Lina Casas Guzman* Oleksii Hamov* Hsin-Tzu Hsu* Serhiy Matvichuk* Johan Pepper Cevallos* Ye Tao* Bo Wu* Runze Shao* Natalia Canon Guidry*

VIOLA Grant Bedillion Cassandra Magee Oksana Grytsai* Patrick Prejean* Madison Smith* Kristine Venstrom* Maria Alexander* Timothy Gaffga*

CELLO Dragoş Filip, Principal Molly Goforth (23/24 season leave of absence)

Mert Özkan Jaime Compton Galvan Rebeca Lemos Gonzalez*

DOUBLE BASS Samuel Shreves Steve Lege Matthew Blaize

FLUTE Andrea Kapell Loewy, Principal Suzanne Buerkle

OBOE

Brennan Guidry, Principal Deborah (Hung Ying) Fei Perry Trosclair

CLARINET Renee Breaux, Principal Arthur Riedel

BASSOON Adrian Fonseca Tellez, Principal Susan Lauderdale, Associate Principal

HORN Rod Lauderdale, Principal Catherine Roche-Wallace Arisia Gilmore Mark Melancon*

TRUMPET Nicholas Whitchurch, Principal Paul Morton Etienne Stoupy

TROMBONE Michael Brian Logan, Principal Will Ford* Benjamin Yates (23/24 season leave of absence)

TUBA Scott Landry, Principal

TIMPANI Brett Landry, Principal

PERCUSSION Tonio Cutrera, Acting Principal Troy Breaux Otto Schrang

PIANO Susan Comeaux, Principal *Non-tenured players

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Keep the music going

FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS with your

LEGACY GIFT Your charitable bequest or other planned gift to the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra can make a significant impact by helping to ensure that ASO thrives for generations to come. Gifts of all sizes make it possible for us to build financial strength and maintain our tradition of excellence and committment to the Acadiana community. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION, VISION AND GENEROSITY.

CONTACT BRAD BURLEY FOR INFORMATION ON LEGACY GIVING

BRAD@ACADIANASYMPHONY.ORG | 337.235.1440


Symphony 101 A glossary of terms to enhance your Acadiana Symphony experience.

COMPOSER A person who writes music. (Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Vivaldi)

CONCERTMASTER The leader of the first violins of an orchestra. Customarily the assistant to the conductor. This person can stand in for the Maestro if he or she is unable to perform. (Lauren Baker is our Concertmaster)

CONCERTO (pronounced kuhn-chair-toe) Musical solo. A piece of music written for a soloist, generally accompanied by and orchestra or larger body of musicians.

CONDUCTOR A person who directs the performance of a musical ensemble/orchestra. (Mariusz is our conductor) Also See: Maestro

ENSEMBLE (pronounced on-sahm-bull) A musical performing group ‘assembled’ together such as an orchestra, choir, chamber group, or band.

FANFARE A short piece of music played by brass instruments and trumpets (and sometimes percussion), usually for ceremonial purposes. (We had our own Fanfare composed for our 35th Season)

MAESTRO A distinguished musician, especially a conductor of classical music. (Mariusz is our Maestro) Also See: Conductor

MOVEMENTS A principal division, part, or section of a sonata, symphony, or piece of music.

ORCHESTRA A group of musicians organized to perform music. A group playing various instruments including: string instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, etc); woodwind instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, etc); brass instruments (trumpet, trombone, tuba, French horn, coronet, etc); and percussion instruments (drums, cymbals, piano, bells, tambourine, etc). (The ORCHESTRA plays SYMPHONIC music)

PROGRAM A brief outline of what’s going to happen and who is participating in an event or performance. (You can find the concert “Programs” in this book)

SYMPHONY A large instrumental composition, generally divided into three or four parts. A long and complex work in sonata form, which an orchestra performs. (What our Orchestra plays as a whole)

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Music Makes Life

Sweeter

The Blake at Lafayette and its residents are proud to support the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra by partnering together to enrich our culture, by engaging and inspiring others, through the love of music.

Louisiana’s Premier Assisted Living & Memory Care Community 400 Polly Lane | Lafayette, La 70508 | (337) 993-8898 | www.blakeseniorliving.com


Masterworks

Reflections is a sentimental look-back at where we’ve been as a Symphony, as individuals, as a community, and as the world. Whereas Season 38 Turning Points examined famous moments of change throughout history, Reflections is a much more personal exploration of the warm nostalgia we often feel for eras gone by in our lives – unique to each of us – where memories of some of our happiest moments exist, somewhere between the realms of myth and actuality. Reflecting on our past experiences can provide wisdom, strength and resolve, preparing us for the present, and propelling us toward the future with a greater sense of hope.

Subscribe. Sponsor. Donate.

Support the Symphony Learn More 337.232.4277 ASO39 | 17


ELEGANT LIAISONS featuring Plácido Domingo Jr. & Alicja Węgorzewska Thursday, September 21, 2023 Acadiana Center for the Arts | 7PM GUE ST ARTI STS Plácido Domingo Jr. Alicja Węgorzewska

PROG RAM Libertango

Astor Piazzolla (1921 – 1992)

Yo Soy Maria

ELEGANT LIAISONS

Oblivion/Una Sombra Mas Hymne à l’amour (Paris chante)

Édith Piaf/Marguerite Monnot

Mi Mancherai

Luis Bacalov/Marco Marinangeli

Ave Maria

Astor Piazzolla

Per Una Cabeza

Carlos Gardel (1890 – 1935)

La Vie en Rose

Édith Piaf/Louiguy/Marguerite

Granada

Agustin Lara (1897 – 1970)

Sylvia’s Csardas

Emmerich Kálmán (1882 – 1953)

Besame mucho

arr. Vinicio Ludovic

La Chanson des Vieux Amants

Jacques Brel / Gérard Jouannest

Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

Pete Seeger (1919 – 2014)

La Voce del Silenzio

Elio Isola/Mogol /Paolo Limiti

Perhaps Love

John Denver (1943 – 1997)

Time to Say Goodbye

Francesco Sartori/Lucio Quarantotto

PRO G RAM NOT ES Reflections on early pop music. Medieval French troubadours were among the first masters a popular song and known for writing folk songs about love and courtship. Elements of their music, along with influence from a variety of local folk traditions, later inspired classical European composers to utilize this type of art in their compositions. This concert will explore pop music of the mid-twentieth century, when interest in popular art song saw another magnificent renaissance in Europe. During this time, 18 | ASO39


singer/songwriters like Edith Piaf and Tino Rossi became widely favored, partly due to the general public’s increased enjoyment of gathering in coffee houses, pubs, and night clubs to dance and listen to live music. Featuring Placido Domingo, Jr., son of the renowned opera singer and member of The Three Tenors.

What’s Interesting About This Concert • This program brings together singing traditions of French, Spanish, Argentinean, and Italian music. While the individual languages and styles are easily recognizable, there is a common element of lyricism and expression in all of the styles. • You’ll notice there are two folk-based songs on the program – Hungarian Sylvia’s Csardas, and American Where All the Flowers Gone? These were intentionally included, to not only present a somewhat contrasting style, but to create a program that encompasses multiple world musical traditions.

GUEST ARTIST PLÁCIDO DOMINGO JR. Plácido was born in Mexico City, son of tenor and philanthropist Plácido Domingo. From an early age he was exposed to the operatic world, and developed his great passion for music. He has written songs for artists like Michael Bolton, Riccardo Cocciante, Vanessa Williams, Sarah Brightman, Jose Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, Leona Mitchell, Diana Ross, Alejandro Fernández, Tony Bennett, and Plácido Domingo. He participated in the album Amore Infinito (released 2009) as executive producer, composer and singer. The album included verses by Pope John Paul II, performed by his father, which reached the top chart on Billboard Magazine’s Top Classical Crossover Albums. In 2010, together with SonicProjects Records, Plácido made his international debut as a performer, collaborating with Grammy award winner producer/engineer Juan Cristóbal Losada, with whom he created a Christmas EP called Songs for Christmas/Canciones de Navidad. The EP was released on November 9, 2010, one day before his worldwide debut at the “Person of the Year” ceremony at the Latin Grammy Awards In 2012, Plácido released his first full-length album, containing new Spanish and English versions of classic songs from the 50s and 60s like Bésame Mucho/Kiss Me Much, Solamente Una Vez/ You Belong To My Heart and Sabor A Mi/Be True To Me, made famous by artists like Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. It is a classical crossover album with influences from all across the Americas, containing tango, swing, big band, cha cha cha, and even bachata influences.

Alicja was born on February 28, 1967 in Szczecin, Poland. She spent the first ten years of her life at her beloved grandparents' house in Szczecin. When she was 4 years old, she fell in love with the piano. Two years later, she received a piano as a gift from her mother, which was a dream come true. She was educated at a music high school in Szczecin, where she discovered her vocal talent during compulsory classes in the school choir. After graduating from high school, she sang in the choir of the Szczecin Opera for 3 months. Then she studied music at the vocal and acting department of the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice, from which she graduated in 1993. Alicja performed at the Theater an der Wien for the celebration of the birth of the 6 billionth citizen of the world, as well as an opera gala recognizing the 750th anniversary of Breda, Netherlands. In 2003, she sang during concerts in Berlin, in the Konzerthaus hall and in Amsterdam at the Concertgebouw. She won many vocal competitions, including the first prize in Rheinsberg. She sang at the Donaufestwochen in Vienna, and at the Early Music Festival in Innsbruck. She’s performed mezzo-soprano parts on the soundtrack to the film The Witcher, and coached on the 1st edition of Polsat's Your Face Sounds Familiar. Since September 1, 2018, Alicja has been the general and artistic director of the Warsaw Chamber Opera. ASO39 | 19

ELEGANT LIAISONS

GUEST ARTIST ALICJA WĘGORZEWSKA


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HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE™


In a career spanning more than five decades, John Williams has become one of America’s most accomplished and successful composers for film and for the concert stage, and he remains one of our nation’s most distinguished and contributive musical voices. He has composed the music and served as music director for more than one hundred films, including all nine Star Wars films, the first three Harry Potter films, Superman, JFK, Born on the Fourth of July, Memoirs of a Geisha, Far and Away, The Accidental Tourist, Home Alone and The Book Thief. His 45-year artistic partnership with director Steven Spielberg has resulted in many of Hollywood’s most acclaimed and successful films, including Schindler’s List, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the Indiana Jones films, Munich, Saving Private Ryan, The Adventures of Tintin, War Horse, Lincoln, The BFG and The Post. His contributions to television music include scores for more than 200 television films for the groundbreaking, early anthology series Alcoa Theatre, Kraft Television Theatre, Chrysler Theatre and Playhouse 90, as well as themes for NBC Nightly News (“The Mission”), NBC’s Meet the Press, and the PBS arts showcase Great Performances. He also composed themes for the 1984, 1988, and 1996 Summer Olympic Games, the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. He has received five Academy Awards and fifty-two Oscar nominations, making him the Academy’s most-nominated living person and the second-most nominated person in the history of the Oscars. He has received seven British Academy Awards (BAFTA), twenty-five Grammys, four Golden Globes, five Emmys, and numerous gold and platinum records. In 2003, he received the Olympic Order (the IOC’s highest honor) for his contributions to the Olympic movement. He received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in December of 2004. In 2009, Mr. Williams was inducted into the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, and he received the National Medal of Arts, the highest award given to artists by the U.S. Government. In 2016, he received the 44th Life Achievement Award from the American Film Institute – the first time in their history that this honor was bestowed upon a composer. In 2020, he received Spain’s Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts, as well as the Gold Medal from the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society in the UK. In January 1980, Mr. Williams was named nineteenth music director of the Boston Pops Orchestra, succeeding the legendary Arthur Fiedler. He currently holds the title of Boston Pops Laureate Conductor which he assumed following his retirement in December 1993 after fourteen highly successful seasons. He also holds the title of Artist-in-Residence at Tanglewood. Mr. Williams has composed numerous works for the concert stage, among them two symphonies, and concertos commissioned by several of the world’s leading orchestras, including a cello concerto for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a bassoon concerto for the New York Philharmonic, a trumpet concerto for The Cleveland Orchestra, and a horn concerto for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In 2009, the Boston Symphony premiered his concerto for harp and orchestra entitled “On Willows and Birches”, and in the same year, Mr. Williams composed and arranged “Air and Simple Gifts” especially for the first inaugural ceremony of President Barack Obama.

MARIUSZ SMOLIJ Considered one of the most exciting conductors of his generation, Maestro Mariusz Smolij (pronounced MAR-EE-OOSH SMOLY) has led over 130 orchestras in 27 countries on five continents, appearing in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world. Smolij currently serves as Conductor and Music Director of Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of Riverside Symphony in New Jersey, as well as Artistic Director of Lipiński International Violin Festival and Competition, in Poland. An accomplished conductor, he has served previously as Resident Conductor of the Houston Symphony, Associate Conductor of the New Jersey Symphony, Artistic Director of Wrocław Lutosławski Philharmonic and International Festival Wratislavia Cantans and Toruń Symphony Orchestra, in his native country of Poland. Additionally, he is a frequent recording artist for Naxos International, and has consistently gained international acclaim, including praises by the New York Times for “compelling performances.” In North America, he has conducted the Orchestra of the Chicago Lyric Opera, St. Louis Philharmonic, Rochester Philharmonic, Indianapolis Symphony, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, New Orleans Philharmonic, Hartford Symphony and Symphony of Nova Scotia, among many others. Internationally, he enjoys a notable reputation, appearing with accomplished orchestras in Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, Holland, Austria, Israel, South Africa, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, and Poland. ASO39 | 23

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE™

JOHN WILLIAMS


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ACADIANA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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BIG! SPENT

BIG BUCKS

ON EDUCATION

CLASSICALLY TRAINED

THE PLACE

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& LOVE HOM NON-PROFIT - THE PROFESSIONAL EQUIVALENT OF E

A STARVING COLLEGE STUDENT (WE TAKE DONATIONS!)

DRIVING CULTURAL & ECONOMIC GROWTH (THE ARTS PART)

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A TALE OF TWO TIMES The Music of Antonín Dvořák Friday, November 10, 2023 St. John’s Cathedral | 7PM GUE ST ARTI ST LSU Choral Music, Trey Davis, Director

P ROGRAM Symphony No. 22 “The Philosopher” Adagio Presto Minuet e Trio Finale. Presto

Joseph Haydn (1732 - 1809)

Ave Maria Psalm 13, op. 27

Johannes Brahms (1833- 1897)

Legends for orchestra (No. 1, 9 & 3)

Antonin Dvořák (1841 – 1904)

Psalm 149, op. 79

Antonin Dvořák

P ROGRAM NOT ES

A TALE OF TWO TIMES

Reflections on cultural contrasts. In the nineteenth century, famous Romantic composers such as Dvorak and Brahms were known for their ability to connect the ideas, feelings, and collective conscience of people across many cultures and generations, through their compositions. Dvorak’s style was noted for having two sides, as it were – one inspired by his experiences with folk cultures in Moravia and North America, and the other, inspired by his interaction with European religious traditions, including sacred music written for Psalms and Mass. Often referred to as the “master of fusion”, his final work, New World Symphony, perfectly reflects the two sides of his life experiences.

What’s Interesting About This Concert • Antonin Dvořák had a unique talent of drawing inspiration from both deep historical and religious subjects, as exemplified by his Psalm 149 on this program, as well as popular culture that surrounded him at the time. His famous New World Symphony was his artistic response to the new music he heard upon his arrival in America, whereas Legends was inspired by folk stories from his native Czechia. • Dvořák was not only a distinguished composer, but also a very accomplished educator. He was asked to come to New York in 1892 to help with establishing music programs for higher education in America. His early efforts later led to the establishment of The Juilliard School.

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• Austrian composer, Joseph Haydn composed over 100 symphonies. Many of them bear intriguing titles such as Surprise, Miracle, and Schoolmaster. The title of Philosopher is thought to derive from the melody and counterpoint of the first movement (between the horns and oboes), which musically allude to a question, followed by an answer, and paralleling a system of a debate. • Psalms are one of the oldest forms of literary and musical expressions in the history of humankind. Psalms were the hymnbook of Old Testament Judaism, and the majority of them were written by King David of Israel, followed by others including Moses and Solomon. Psalms were the main source of inspiration for generations of composers, including Johannes Brahms and Dvořák, whose Psalms are among the finest examples in the choral-orchestral literature.

Trey Davis is the Associate Director of Choral Studies at Louisiana State University where he conducts the LSU Chorale and the LSU Tiger Glee Club and teaches courses in graduate and undergraduate conducting and literature. Active as a guest artist and vocalist, he frequently Working 24/7 when conducts Allyour safety matters. State and festival honor choirs throughout the nation. As the recipient of the Julius We work hard to provide you with Herford Dissertation Prize for outstanding the highest quality design, installation research in choral music, his writing has and monitoring for residential and been described as “exceptional for it its level of details, insight, contextual grasp commercial alarm systems. and elegance.” Dr. Davis has presented at state, regional, and national American Choral Directors Association conferences, for music educators associations throughout the nation, and for international conferences of the College Music Society. In 2020, he was selected as a featured presenter at the World Symposium on Choral Music in Auckland, New Zealand. Dr. Davis is the founder and conductor of Red Shift, the premier professional choir of Louisiana, Your Security which performed by invitation for the ACDA Our Number One Priority Southern Region Conference in Mobile, (337) 839-1880 Alabama. Dr. Davis completed graduate studies in choral conducting at Texas Tech www.GetASPnow.com University and Westminster Choir College of Rider University and holds a degree in music education from Pepperdine University.

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A TALE OF TWO TIMES

GUEST ARTIST TREY DAVIS


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THE CHRISTMAS CONCERT featuring Marc Broussard Thursday, December 14, 2023 Heymann Performing Arts Center | 7PM GUE ST ARTI STS Marc Broussard Acadiana Symphony Youth Orchestra, Dragoș Filip, director Lafayette High School Chorus, Holly Grefe, director

P ROGRAM A Most Wonderful Christmas Winter Wonderland I’ll Be Home for Christmas Santa Claus is Coming to Town Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

arr. Robert Sheldon

Nutcracker: March and Trepak

Piotr Tchaikovsky (1840 – 1893)

Selections with Marc Broussard Must Be the Water Edge of Heaven Au long de la Riviere Come in from Cold This Christmas

orchestrations by Harold Mims

THE CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Intermission Christmas Canticles Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Joy to the World O Christmas Tree O Come All Ye Faithful Silent Night

arr. Sean O’Loughlin

The Many Moods of Christmas

arr. Robert R. Bennett

Christmas Eve/Sarajevo

arr. Bob Phillips

White Christmas

Irvin Berlin (1888 – 1989)

Clarinet Candy Sleigh Ride

Leroy Anderson (1908 – 1975)

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas (song from “Home Alone”)

John Williams (born 1932)

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

arr. Arthur Harris

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P R O G R AM NOTES Reflections on a local Christmas tradition. The ASO Christmas concert is the Symphony’s longest-running tradition, and one of Acadiana’s most cherished holiday celebrations. “The Christmas Concert”, as it has come to be known to our musicians and the community, is noted for combining traditional orchestral selections with popular holiday tunes, and featuring revered local guest artists and youth musicians. This year’s concert will bring together more than 100 musicians on stage, including beloved Lafayette rockstar, Marc Broussard, to perform your favorite sounds of the season. Together, we will joyfully carry on this tradition for its 25th year.

What’s Interesting About This Concert • Irvin Berlin’s 1942 song, White Christmas won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 1943. Bing Crosby’s version is the world’s best-selling single ever (in physical media), with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. • This is Marc Broussard’s third appearance with ASO. He previously performed with the Symphony for its Christmas concert in 2015, and also he also narrated the Peter & the Wolf story, performed by ASO in 2021. • Christmas Eve/Sarajevo is an instrumental version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. The piece describes a lone cellist playing a forgotten Christmas carol in war-torn Sarajevo. It is based on the true story of a cello player named Vedran Smailović, who played alone each day among the bombed ruins of Sarajevo, in honor of each person killed in the bombing. He was not the only cellist who played through the siege – the Sarajevo String Quartet, which had elderly members, were also noted for their continuous performances throughout the Serbian siege.

Marc Broussard is an artist with a unique gift of channeling the spirits of classic R&B, rock and soul into contemporary terms. His father, Louisiana hall of fame guitarist of “The Boogie Kings” nurtured Marc’s musical gifts at an early age, and the vibrant Lafayette, Louisiana music scene gave Marc the opportunity to practice his craft consistently from childhood through early adulthood. After releasing a successful independent EP at age 20, Marc signed a record deal with Island Records. Marc’s song “Home” was successful at radio and catapulted him onto the national touring stage. Marc released multiple albums with major labels over the next 10 years but has recently returned to his independent roots having released multiple successful original and covers records. The covers records have largely benefited charities via his SOS Foundation (Save our Soul). Marc’s latest blues cover record, S.O.S. 4: Blues for Your Soul featuring Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, is out now.

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THE CHRISTMAS CONCERT

GUEST ARTIST MARC BROUSSARD


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FORBIDDEN DANCE featuring Krzysztof Meisinger Thursday, February 15, 2024 Acadiana Center for the Arts | 7PM GUE ST ARTI ST Krzysztof Meisinger, guitar

P ROGRAM La Cumparsita

G. M. Rodriguez (1897 – 1948)

El Dia que me Quieras

Carlos Gardel (1890 – 1935)

Suite “Cinema Paradiso”

Ennio Morricone (1928 – 2020)

Malagueña Asturias

Isaac Albéniz (1860 – 1909)

Bandoneon from “Suite Troileana” Milonga del Angel Libertango Soledad Concierto para Quinteto

Astor Piazzolla (1921 – 1992)

P ROGRAM NOT ES

LOVE, SAX & TANGO FORBIDDEN DANCE

Reflections on love languages. Human concepts of love and romance, as well as the complicated and sometimes messy emotions associated with them, have remained the primary basis of inspiration for artistic expression throughout history. Music and dance in particular, have been most popularly used in courtship and conveying adoration toward a partner. This concert will explore the love languages of music and dance that came about in the 1920s and 30s, when tango first burst into the mainstream. Classical guitarist, Krzysztof Meisinger will be joined by a company of talented dancers from Basin Arts, to present a visually and audibly stunning interpretation of some of the most famous tango pieces ever written.

What’s Interesting About This Concert • Astor Piazzolla is the sole creator of the new musical style Nuevo tango, which blends the traditional form of tango, (born out of the red-light district of Buenos Aires), with elements of jazz and classical music. • Piazzolla’s compositions have been featured in over 50 movies. Uniquely, his music has been performed by some of the greatest pop musicians, jazz players, and classical instrumentalists, including Itzhak Perlman, Mstislav Roztropovitch, and Yo-Yo Ma.

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GUEST ARTIST KRZYSZTOF MEISINGER

FORBIDDEN DANCE

Born in 1984, Krzysztof is considered to be one of the most fascinating and charismatic classical guitar players by many critics and music lovers from around the world. International critics have compared his artistry with that of Piotr Anderszewski and Pepe Romero. He has performed all over the world – from Tokyo to Los Angeles and Buenos Aires, in prestigious concert halls such as the Wiener Musikverein, Berliner Philharmonie, Wigmore Hall, Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, Ryutopia Concert Hall in Niigata, Tokyo International Forum, National Philharmonic Concert Hall in Warsaw, Lutosławski Polish Radio Concert Studio in Warsaw, National Opera House in Warsaw, Theatre du Palais Royal in Paris, Raitt Recital Hall in Malibu, Grossmünster in Zurich, or Hatch Recital Hall in Rochester. Krzysztof has also performed at many festivals, e.g. the “Music in Old Krakow” Festival, the National Philharmonic Festival in Warsaw, the Usedomer Musikfestival, the Music Festival in Łańcut, the La Folle Journee de Varsovie, the “Toruń: Music and Architecture” Festival, the Polish Music Festival in Krakow, or the Music Competition Winners’ Festival in Bydgoszcz.

LOVE, SAX & TANGO

• Spanish virtuoso pianist, conductor and composer, Isaac Albéniz is best known for piano works based on Spanish folk music idioms. Transcriptions of many of his pieces, such as Asturias, Granada, Sevilla and Malagueña, are important pieces for classical guitar.

ASO39 | 35


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A TRIBUTE TO THE EAGLES featuring 7 Bridges Thursday, March 7, 2024 Heymann Performing Arts Center | 7PM GUE ST ARTI ST 7 Bridges, The Ultimate Eagles Experience Members Brian Franklin, as Don Felder (vocals and guitar) Bryan Graves, as Glenn Frey (vocals and guitar) Devon Pangle, as Randy Meisner / Timothy B. Schmit (vocals and bass) Vernon Roop, as Joe Walsh (vocals, keyboards and percussion) Richie Scholl, as Joe Walsh (vocals and guitar) Keith Thoma, as Don Henley (vocals, percussion and drums)

P ROGRAM Act I 7 Bridges Reprise Already gone Witchy Woman In the City I cant Tell you why New Kid in Town Lyin Eyes One of these nights Peaceful Easy Feeling Love will keep us alive Funk 49 - (No Orchestra)

A TRIBUTE TO THE EAGLES

Intermission Act II Hotel California reprise Hotel California Heartache Tonight Take It To the Limit 7 Bridges Road (No Orchestra) Tequila Sunrise or Pretty Maids in a Row Desperado Desperado Reprise Life in the Fastlane

P ROGRAM NOT ES Reflections on classic rock. A night of greatest hits by one of the most popular American classic rock bands of all time – The Eagles – performed by tribute band 7 Bridges, and Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. This concert will feature original songs, accompanied by specially curated symphonic arrangements, to offer the audience a unique experience of the

38 | ASO39


music that defined a generation. 7 Bridges is a stunningly accurate tribute to the music of the Eagles. Using no backing tracks or harmonizers, the band faithfully re-creates the experience of an Eagles concert, by playing songs from their most prolific period of music.

What’s Interesting About This Concert • The Eagles are one of the world's most popular bands in history. The legendary artists have achieved 14 Top 40 hits, five number-one singles, and four number one albums. Their 1976 album Hotel California is the third best-selling album of all time. • This is the first ASO concert with music by The Eagles. Previous rock and roll musical collaborations have included the music of The Beatles, Elton John and Led Zeppelin. • The music of The Eagles has been featured in many movies and TV shows, including Seinfeld, The Big Lebowski, The Christmas Chronicles, Love Island, The Simpsons, Animal Kingdom, Rick and Morty, and Narcos: Mexico.

GUEST ARTIST 7 BRIDGES

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PROUD SPONSOR ACADIANA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

ASO39 | 39

A TRIBUTE TO THE EAGLES RENEWED VOICES

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7 Bridges : The Ultimate EAGLES Experience is a stunningly accurate tribute to the music of the Eagles. Using no backing tracks or harmonizers, 7 Bridges faithfully re-creates the experience of an Eagles concert from the band’s most prolific period. Every show features one brilliant hit single after another with some mighty Joe Walsh solo surprises sprinkled into the mix. 7 Bridges offers the perfect blend of songs to capture all levels of Eagles devotees. 7 Bridges is a tour de force of talent, combining incredible musicianship, vocal precision and a stage presence that has garnered them nationwide acclaim. The band features Bryan Graves as Glenn Frey, Keith Thoma as Don Henley, Devon Pangle as Randy Meisner/Timothy B. Schmit, Richie Scholl as the eccentric and unpredictable Joe Walsh, Brian Franklin as guitar wizard Don Felder, and Vernon Roop as Joe Vitale, the often unsung hero of many Eagles studio albums and live performances.

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THE RED VIOLIN featuring Elizabeth Pitcairn Thursday, May 2, 2024 St. Mary’s Church | 7PM GUE ST ARTI ST Elizabeth Pitcairn

P ROGRAM Divertimento in D, K136 Allegro Andante Presto

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 – 1791)

Suite from movie “Red Violin”

John Corigliano (born 1938)

Three Preludes for Violin and Strings Prelude I – Allegro ben ritmato e deciso Prelude II – Andante con moto e poco rubato Prelude III – Agitato

G. Gershwin/arr. M. Smolij (1898 - 1937)

Intermission “Louisiana Story: Acadiana Songs and Dances”

Virgil Thomson (1896 - 1989)

Suite for String Orchestra Allegro gracioso Andantino Tempo di Menuetto Presto non troppo

George Chadwick (1854 - 1931)

THE RED VIOLIN

P ROGRAM NOT ES Reflections on a legendary story. The 1720 Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius violin is said to be one of the world’s most legendary instruments. Its mysterious history and whereabouts after it went missing for 200 years, has inspired much speculation, and many tellings of its story, including the 1998, Academy Award winning film, The Red Violin. And the story of how it came into the hands of its current owner? It’s just as fascinating. Join us for a performance by worldrenowned violin virtuoso, and longtime keeper of The Red Violin, Elizabeth Pitcairn, who, along with her legendary instrument, will lead the ASO Chamber Ensemble in performing captivating arrangements from the now famous movie. This concert will double both as the Season 39 finale, as well as the premiere for ASO’s first-ever international debut, a 10-day concert tour of Poland, where the Symphony will travel with Pitcairn and her Red Violin, performing at some of the country’s most prestigious concert halls and music festivals.

42 | ASO38


What’s Interesting About This Concert • The soloist of today’s concert owns and performs on the historical “Red Violin”, crafted in 1720, by Antonio Stradivari. The instrument was the subject of the Academy Award movie The Red Violin, with music composed by John Corigliano. • The suite of Acadiana Songs and Dances was originally composed by Virgil Thomson in 1948 for the movie titled Louisiana Story. It is based on traditional tunes that were popular among the Acadian people at the time. Mr. Thomson was awarded Pulitzer Prize in Music in 1949 for the score. • Three Preludes was originally composed for a piano solo, and premiered by the composer in 1926. In 1942, American violin virtuoso Jasha Heifetz transcribed the suite for violin and piano. The chamber orchestra arrangement was created by ASO conductor, Mariusz Smolij, in 2021.

Violin virtuoso Elizabeth Pitcairn performs on one of the world’s most legendary instruments, the 1720 Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius violin, said to have inspired the Academy Award– winning film ‘The Red Violin’. She has earned a stunning reputation as one of America’s most beloved soloists, having performed alongside the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Academy of Music and the New York String Orchestra at Alice Tully Hall, and lighting up stages at Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Fisher Center, and the Kimmel Center. The 'Red' Stradivarius violin she performs on was a gift from her grandfather in 1990, at Christie’s Auction in London. Pitcairn believes strongly in philanthropy and is a frequent performer for such charitable events as the American Cancer Society, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Helping Hands and Hearts Foundation, and the Nakashima Foundation for Peace. Read more: www.elizabethpitcairn.com

ASO39 | 43

THE RED VIOLIN

GUEST ARTIST ELIZABETH PITCAIRN


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F E AT U R I N G

Michel Bourdoncle (France), Piano Sunday, August 27, 2023 Acadiana Center for the Arts 2PM

ASO C HAMBER EN SEM B LE Lauren Baker, violin Grant Bedillion, viola Dragoș Filip, cello

THE LISTENING ROOM

| Michel Bourdoncle

PROG RAM Nocturn in C-sharp minor, op. 7

Frederic Chopin (1810 – 1849)

Suite Cerdaña

Déodat de Séverac (1872 – 1921)

Mouvements perpétuels

Francis Poulenc (1899 – 1963)

Mirrors: Oiseaux tristes

Maurice Ravel (1875 – 1937)

Four Preludes Bruyères (Heather) Brouilliards (Mists) La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune (The Terrace of the Moonlight) Feux d’artifice (Fireworks)

Claude Debussy (1862 – 1918)

Intermission Piano Quartet No. 1 in C-Minor, op. 15 Allegro molto moderato Scherzo – Allegro vivo Adagio Allegro molto 48 | ASO39

Gabriel Fauré (1845 – 1924)


PRO G RAM NOT ES We’re proud of our rich and diverse culture in Acadiana. Our music, food, traditions and pastimes are influenced by many cultures from all over the world, including those indigenous to South Louisiana. At this concert, we’ll explore the connection to our French and Acadian ancestors, through the lens of classical music, written by famous French composers, including visionaries like Maurice Ravel, Claude Debussy, and Gabriel Fauré. Guest artist and French piano virtuoso, Michel Bourdoncle will lead the ASO Chamber Ensemble in performing a repertoire that touches on French Impressionism, old-world traditions, and quintessential French melodies.

What’s Interesting About This Concert • The program presents in a musical “nutshell”, the greatest French composers of late 19th and early 20th century, who influenced the world music for decades to come. • Music of C. Debussy and M. Ravel features a breakthrough new impressionist musical language. It follows the French impressionist painters idea of presenting a mere suggestion, rather than a define picture leaving the rest to the imagination.

ASO39 | 49

| Michel Bourdoncle

Michel Bourdoncle is the founder and artistic director of the music festival, academy and international music competition known as “Les Nuits Pianistiques” (Pianistic Nights). He has had an active concert career, regularly performing at top venues all over the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, Sala in São Paulo, Brazil, the Shanghai Grand Theatre in Shanghai, China, and the Anichkov Palace in Saint Petersburg, South Africa – to name a few. After completing his studies at the Darius Milhaud Conservatory of Aix in France, he was admitted to the National Superior Conservatory of Paris for Music and Dance. In 1984 he won Grand Prize in the Acanthes International Competition, and in 1986, he won a scholarship to the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory where he was mentored by Henriette Mirvis, Samvil Alumian, Mikhail Vosskressensky and Lev Naoumov. That same year, he won a prize in the First Frantz Liszt Piano Competition in Utrecht, Netherlands. From 1981 until 1991 Michel worked as accompanist for the National Superior Conservatory of Paris for Music and Dance. He also taught piano at the National Superior Conservatory of Lyon for Music and Dance, and chamber music at the regional Conservatory of Marseille.

THE LISTENING ROOM

GUEST ARTIST MICHEL BOURDONCLE

THE LISTENING ROOM

• The father of the greatest Polish composer, Frederick Chopin was French. Chopin compositional output maybe therefore considered also as a part of French musical heritage.


F E AT U R I N G

Orit Wolf (Israel), Piano Sunday, January 7, 2024 Acadiana Center for the Arts 2PM

ASO C HAMBER EN SEM B LE Lin He, violin Patrick Prejean, viola Dragoș Filip, cello Renee Breaux, clarinet Tonio Cutrera, percussion

THE LISTENING ROOM

| Orit Wolf

PROG RAM Romanza for Violin and Piano

Orit Wolf (1838 – 1920)

Kol Nidrei

Max Bruch (1860 – 1911)

Piano Quartet in A-minor

Gustav Mahler (1860 – 1911)

Hungarian Rhapsody

David Popper (1843 – 1913)

“Jewish Street” - Suite in Klezmer Style

Traditional

PRO G RAM NOT ES Give in to your wanderlust and head East with us – from the Middle East to Eastern Europe, where the art of traveling entertainment was mastered and refined over many centuries, by nomadic performers. These travelers would roam from town to town, putting on musical, dancing and theatrical performances, which often incorporated elements of the local culture. At this concert, guest artist and Israeli piano virtuoso, Orit Wolf will present a captivating and beautiful repertoire that explores the styles of Jewish Klezmer and Hungarian Gypsy music – both of which are known for combining components of other genres, including Ottoman, Arabic, and German, as well as Slavic folk dance, with that of their own musical traditions, to a create a unique and enchanting sound. 50 | ASO39


What’s Interesting About This Concert • Kol Nidrei is not a strictly Jewish prayer, but a ceremonial declaration recited in Synagogues before the evening service of Yom Kippur (“Day of Atonement”). It is written in a mixture of Aramic and Hebrew languages, and its name is taken from the opening words, which mean “all vows”. • David Popper was a Czech cello virtuoso, composer and teacher. His place in music history and importance for cello repertoire can be compared to the legacy of Nicolo Paganini for violin, and Franz Liszt for piano literature. • Gustav Mahler, as he himself stated, developed a permanent sense of exile. He was born to Jewish parents, but converted to Christianity later in his life. He frequently compared himself to Ahasuerus, the so called “Wondering Jew”, whose legend spread in Europe starting in the 13th century. Mahler’s music often reflects themes of isolation and homeless wandering, rather than any sense of religious identity.

ASO39 | 51

THE LISTENING ROOM

Dr. Orit Wolf is an internationally acclaimed concert pianist, composer, poet and senior lecturer, whose music career began at the age of 16, when she was offered a full scholarship to Boston University. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in piano and composition, and from there went on to continue her studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where earned a DipRAM and a Master’s degree with distinctions. Wolf earned her Doctorate in Beethoven and Improvisation from Bar Ilan University in Israel. Wolf’s work has earned her many international prizes including The Richmond Competition in Boston, BBC Radio 3 Young Artist Forum, New York’s East & West Artists International, Royal Academy Concerto Competition, the Kahn Award for the Arts, Lilian Davies Beethoven Prize, Kobler Award, Leverhulme and Craxton Trusts, Hattori Foundation Award (UK), AmericanIsrael Cultural Foundation Awards, and the Israeli Council for Culture and Arts Award for best contemporary music solo performance. She received the prestigious ARAM award from the Royal Academy of Music in 2008 and was the recipient of the Rosenblum Prize of the Tel Aviv Municipality in 2019 for her outstanding musical achievements and interdisciplinary work in the arts. In 2010, Wolf was named as one of the “Hundred Influential People of the Year” by The Marker Magazine (Israel’s Leading Economic newspaper).

| Orit Wolf

GUEST ARTIST ORIT WOLF


F E AT U R I N G

Alexander Hülshoff (Germany), Cello Sunday, March 17, 2024 Acadiana Center for the Arts 2PM

ASO C HAMBER ENSEM B LE Borislava Itcheva, violin Stefka Madere, violin Espen Lilleslatten, viola Dragoș Filip, cello

THE LISTENING ROOM

| Alexander Hülshoff

PROG RAM Suite for Violoncello No.3, in C-Major BWV 1009 Prelude

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750)

Allemande Courante Sarabande Bourée I/II Gigue

David Popper (1843 – 1913)

Intermission String Quintet in C-Major, D.956 Allegro ma non troppo Adagio Scherzo. Presto – Trio. Andante sostenuto. Allegretto

52 | ASO39

Franz Schubert (1797 – 1828)


PRO G RAM NOT ES Guest artist and German cellist, Alexander Hülshoff will lead the ASO Chamber Ensemble in presenting the works of famous Central European composers, Franz Schubert and Johann Sebastian Bach. Both were visionaries of their time, whose works continue to influence modern western music today. Bach’s genius found its expression in large scale religious, choral-orchestral works, as well as simple instrumental compositions, like that of Suite No. 3, which consist of a series of popular Baroque dances. Schubert was a master of compositions written for chamber ensembles. His String Quintet in C-Major, which will be performed at this concert, is widely considered to be not only Schubert’s most accomplished and important work, but also one of the most distinguished chamber works in the history of music.

What’s Interesting About This Concert • J.S. Bach’s Six Cello Suites and considered among the most profound music ever wrote, often called as the “bible of instrumental music” or music wherein a man has created a “dance of God”. • Following the prelude, each movement of Bach’s suite represent the most popular court dances of the early 18th century. • Franz Schubert was one of the most prolific composers in the history. In spite of is very short live (he died at age of 31) he wrote several operas, piano and chamber music, 8 symphonies and over 600 art songs. • Franz Schubert is considered “the father” of the form of art song, where the high-quality poetry is set to original music. His Ave Maria is one of the most frequently performed and recognizable songs all over the world.

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THE LISTENING ROOM

Alexander Hülshoff grew up in the Palatinate, in southwestern Germany, and has established himself as a soloist and chamber musician on concert stages all over the world. He stands out for his expressiveness, as well as a powerful, warm, and nuanced sound. His musical skills are valued by audiences and musical partners alike, and his exceptional hallmarks are recognized on concert stages all over the world. He is currently creator and artistic director of the Kloster Kamp Chamber Music Festival, and the artistic director of Villa Musica, a foundation of the Rhineland-Palatinate State. He has been a guest soloist for German and international orchestras, including the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie, the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie, the Staatsorchester Rheinische Philharmonie, the Brno Philharmonic, and the Neue Philharmonie Westfalen, as well as the Orquesta Ciudad de Granada, the Tel Aviv Soloist Ensemble, the Philharmonie Zuidnederland, and the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra in Rio de Janeiro, among many others. Chamber music occupies a central place in his performances and recordings in ensemble playing, and numerous CDs testify the wideness of his musical range, including (337) 347-9600, EXT 1 works by Brahms, Beethoven, Schubert, evan@perspectiveval.com Shostakovich, Bloch, Servais and others. www.perspectiveval.com

| Alexander Hülshoff

GUEST ARTIST ALEXANDER HÜLSHOFF


F E AT U R I N G

Featuring Fabio & Gisele Witkowski (Brazil) Piano duo Sunday, June 9, 2024 Acadiana Center for the Arts 2PM

ASO C HAMBER ENSEM B LE

T H E L I S T E N I N G R O O M | Gregory Harrington T H E L I S T E N I N G R O O M | Fabio and Gisele Witkowski

Lauren Baker, violin Stefka Madere, violin Grant Bedillion, viola Dragoș Filip, cello

PROG RAM Waltz op. 3

Ernst von Dohnányi (1877 – 1960)

Pastorale, Minuet Triste & Nocturne

George Enescu (1881 – 1955)

Slavonic Dances for piano four hands: E-Minor op. 72 No. 2

Antonin Dvořák (1841 – 1904)

Hungarian Dances, Book II Vivace Allegretto Presto Allegro non troppo Presto

Johannes Brahms (1833 – 1897)

Intermission Piano Quintet in C-minor, op. 1, Allegro Scherzo. Allegro Adagio, quasi Andante Finale. Allegro animato.

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Ernst von Dohnányi


PRO G RAM NOT ES Let us take you back to where it all began for chamber music – 19th century Europe. A time and place that gave rise to middle-class participation in arts and culture, and led to a popular new trend of average folks learning how to play instruments, for the distinct purpose of performing at home with their friends and family. Hence, the “salon” was born. To accommodate this changing demand, some of the greatest musical minds of the time, including Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, began composing chamber music, which was better suited for smaller settings. Join us for an afternoon of music by husband-and-wife piano duo, Fabio Witkowski and Gisele Witkowski, whose superlative piano playing in the “four hands” style, will offer the audience the quintessential chamber music experience.

What’s Interesting About This Concert

• Romanian violinist and composer, George Enescu, like Mozart, was considered a child prodigy and genius. He was the youngest student ever admitted to the prestigious Vienna Conservatoire, at the age of seven (the official rules state that no one under age 14 is allowed to study there). At the age of ten he gave a private concert at the Court of Vienna, for the Emperor, Franz Joseph. He is the official National Composer of Romania.

GUEST ARTISTS FABIO AND GISELE WITKOWSKI Brazilian pianists Fabio and Gisele Witkowski have been sharing stages around the world as the Witkowski Piano Duo. Accomplished pianists and dedicated educators, the Witkowskis are admired for their vibrant and dynamic four-hands, and two-piano recitals. They have performed in several prestigious venues, such as the Gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello, Italy, at the Kennedy Center, in Washington, D.C., at The Symphony Hall, in Shanghai, at the Shenzhen Concert Hall, at Carnegie Hall, in New York, in addition to numerous recitals in the USA, South America, Asia, and Europe. The New York Concert Review has described their playing as “showing marvelous rubato and tremendously clean playing, with a lovely sense of tone”. Individually, they have performed with the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra, Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Santo André Symphony, São Bernardo Philharmonic Orchestra, Hartt Symphony Orchestra, Piracicaba Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina, Rio Claro Philharmonic Orchestra, Wallingford Symphony Orchestra, and the Paulista Symphony Orchestra.

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• Ernst von Dohnányi was born in today’s Bratislava, currently the capitol of Slovakia, which at that time, was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. He considered himself Hungarian, living for many years in Budapest as the head of the famous Liszt Budapest Academy of Music. During World War II, he successfully used his musical position and influence to save many of his Jewish colleagues from Nazi persecution. Ernst spent the last 11 years of his life in the United States as a professor at Florida State University, in Tallahassee.

| Fabio and Gisele Witkowski

• “Piano four hands” is a type of piano duet involving two players, playing the same piano simultaneously. It was a very popular form of music making among the middle-class in central Europe, during the late 18th and early 19th century. Famous composers such as Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, and Dvořák originally composed their works for the form. Four hands piano arrangements of excerpts from famous operas and symphonies were also popular during this time, because they could be enjoyed in private homes and “salons”.


| Fabio and Gisele Witkowski THE LISTENING ROOM

GUEST ARTISTS FABIO AND GISELE WITKOWSKI cont'd As chamber players their performances include appearances with the Emerson String Quartet, The Guarneri Quartet, the Fine Arts Quartet, The Amerigo Trio, the São Paulo String Quartet, and cellist Robert deMaine, among others. Mrs. Witkowski’s Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall solo recital debut was hailed as “the most genuinely fascinating recital debut in many a moon,” (New York Concert Review). Mr. Witkowski’s playing has been described as having “many passages of bravura, sensitivity, and pearly agility” (The Hartford Courant). Concomitantly to their performing careers, they enjoy a busy academic life, both teaching at the Hotchkiss School, where Mr. Witkowski is the Head of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and Director of the music program. Mr. Witkowski holds a cum laude BM and MM from the Hartt School of Music. Mrs. Witkowski received her Masters degree from the Manhattan School of Music and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the Hartt School of Music. They are currently co- directors of the Hotchkiss in Florence Piano Program in Italy and the Hotchkiss Piano Summer Portals in the USA.

THE LISTENING ROOM

| Gregory Harrington

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