Issuu

Bach to Tchaikovsky

September 21, 2025 at 5pm

Rudder Theatre

Symphony Experience

CONCERT COURTESY

We strive to provide the best possible listening experience. Please silence all phones and electronic devices before the performance begins. Cough drops, candy wrappers, or other noises can be distracting to musicians and fellow patrons. Out of tradition, applause is usually reserved for the end of a work rather than between movements — but if you are truly moved by the performance, don’t be afraid to show it!

FOOD & DRINK POLICY

Food and drinks are not permitted inside the auditorium or theatre. Water is allowed, but please avoid plastic bottles that may cause noise during the performance.

LOST & FOUND

Lost items may be claimed through the Rudder Theatre Complex office.

ACCESSIBILITY

Wheelchair seating and accessibility accommodations are available. Please speak with an usher or contact us prior to the performance if assistance is needed.

SEATING

Concerts in the Rudder Theatre Complex are general admission by section. Season subscribers receive priority seating placement in the center front sections. Ushers will assist in guiding patrons to appropriate seating areas.

TICKETS

Tickets are non-refundable and nonexchangeable. If you are unable to attend, extra tickets may be left with the MSC Box Office to be given to Texas A&M students.

PARKING

Patrons may park in the University Center Garage (UCG), located directly across from the Rudder Theatre Complex, free of charge. Take a ticket from the machine upon entry; after the concert, the garage gates will be open for exit. If the gates are closed, press the help button at the exit kiosk, let them know you attended the Symphony, and the gates will be opened for you.

PRE-CONCERT RECEPTIONS

Join us an hour before each Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra performance at the Rudder Theatre Complex for a complimentary pre-concert reception. Enjoy light refreshments, a cash bar, and the chance to mingle with fellow patrons before the music begins.

CONTACT US

For questions or assistance, please contact the Symphony Office at 979-696-6100 or services@bvso.org

Thank You to Our Title Sponsors

Mike Connor

BVSS Board President

Howdy and welcome to Season 44 of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra!

Maestro Marcelo Bussiki has put together a wide variety of concerts this season, sure to please all musical tastes. From spooky Halloween numbers, to video game music, to the best of Broadway, this season has it all. Of course, there are also the traditional classical concerts with amazing guest artists, including our own Javier Chaparro and Elizabeth Lee, Bethany Clearfield, and the 2025 Van Cliburn Gold Medalist, Aristo Sham. In addition to the always-popular Holiday Pops Concert, this year, for the first time, the BVSO is joining forces with Ballet Brazos to present The Nutcracker.

A very special thanks to our season sponsors - College Station Hyundai, MercedesBenz of College Station, BMW of College Station, College Station Ford, Aggieland Chevrolet, and College Station Nissan. For the second year, this partnership continues to be a critical part of this season’s success. Thanks also to the Friends of the Symphony Orchestra, the Ham Family, the Rea Charitable Trust, The Plass Arts Foundation, and Becky and B. Don Russell for their generous support of individual concerts. The Youth Concerto Competition continues to be endowed by Tracy and Tamara Carter. In addition, the BVSO Endowment enables us to host new and innovative programs like Video Games Live.

We are also very grateful to have our new Executive Director, Renee Knox, on board. Many of you may already know her. Renee has been in Bryan-College Station for almost 20 years and is well connected to the arts community here. I hope you will take the opportunity to meet her at an upcoming concert and welcome her to the BVSO family. Many thanks to Sandra Castañon for keeping a steady hand on the wheel as the Executive Director for the past two years. We wish her nothing but the best in the next chapter of her life.

But most of all, thanks to you, our patrons, for your support of the BVSO. Whether this is your first time to attend a BVSO concert or you are a long-time season ticket holder, we appreciate your investment in this Brazos Valley treasure.

Warmest regards,

Mike Connor

BVSS Board President

Symphony Society Board

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mike Connor President

Blaine Decker Past President

Benton Cocanougher President Elect

Andrew Wheeler First Vice President

Sue Lee

Second Vice President

Martha Vilas Secretary Don Hellriegel Treasurer

Marcelo Bussiki†

Music Director

Sue & J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

Penny Zent Orchestra Chair

Renee Knox† Executive Director

Ryan Becker

Karen Bonarrigo

Blanche Brick

Pierce Cantrell

Joe Cook† Communications Director

Letty Fuentes Orchestra Representative

Chuck Hermann

Cameron House

Tai Lee

Cathy Loving

Adam Mikeal

Orchestra Representative

Scott Shafer

Marca Ewers-Shurtleff

Melissa Sibley† Bush Board Fellow

Thomas Teegeman† Bush Board Fellow

Rod Thornton Gaines West

Jennifer Wood FASO President

† Ex-Officio

Marcelo Bussiki

Music Director

Sue & J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

Marcelo Bussiki is the music director/conductor of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. He is also the Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Blinn College. He has had a passion for music since his early years. Born in Cuiaba, capital of Mato Grosso State in Brazil, Bussiki left home at age 14 to study at the Brazilian Conservatory of Music in Rio de Janeiro. He continued his conducting studies under Maestro Roberto Duarte at Rio de Janeiro Federal University. Upon graduation, he was named music director of the orchestra of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, a position he held for six years. Bussiki was awarded knighthood in the Ordem de Merito de Mato Grosso in recognition of his pioneering work in cultural expansion and musical education. He received the title of Oficial, the highest honor that the executive power can confer upon an artist in Brazil.

Bussiki came to the United States in 1992 under a scholarship from the Brazilian government and studied at the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston. From 1994-1996, he directed that university’s New Music Ensemble, developing an extensive repertoire of modern and contemporary music. He received a doctorate of musical arts in conducting from the University of Houston in 1998.

During his tenure with the Brazos Valley Symphony, Bussiki has been in demand as a guest conductor in Texas and out of state. In September, 2002, he returned to his native Brazil under sponsorship from the Brazilian National Bank in Rio de Janeiro to conduct 15 performances of Gaetano Donizetti’s opera Viva la Mama, as well as other symphony concerts in Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia. In October 2001, he conducted a premiere performance of the Organ Concerto by vanguard U. S. composer Lou Harrison, featuring organist John Walker and the Carnegie-Mellon Percussion Ensemble, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Bussiki conducts several concerts a year at the International Festival Institute at Round Top, Texas. He was conductor for the International Guitar Festival in 2005, 2006, and again in 2016. In 2014, Bussiki was awarded the “Artist of the Year” honor by The Arts Council.

BRAZOS VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

2025-2026 SEASON

BACH TO TCHAIKOVSKY - SEP 21

A thrilling start to the season featuring virtuosic violin and cello performances across iconic musical eras.

DEAD SERIOUS: A HALLOWEEN CONCERT - NOV 2

A spine-tingling symphonic tale with mysterious narration and haunting orchestral works.

HOLIDAY POPS - DEC 14

A festive concert ﬁlled with brass fanfare, choral harmonies, and holiday joy.

VIDEO GAMES LIVE - JAN 25

An immersive journey through legendary video game soundtracks brought to life by a full orchestra.

FRESH VOICES AND IDEAS - FEB 22

An adventurous program spotlighting contemporary works and the premiere of a bold new BVSO commission.

VAN CLIBURN GOLD - MAR 8

A dazzling evening of classical brilliance with award-winning pianist Aristo Sham and a spirited orchestral lineup.

DEFYING GRAVITY: BLOCKBUSTER BROADWAY - APR 26

A high-energy tribute to Broadway’s greatest hits with unforge able songs and stellar Broadway vocals.

Tickets at MSC Box Oﬃce 979-845-1234

DEC 05

DEC 06

A Brazos Valley tradition since 2012

Concert Sponsors:

Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra and The Rea Charitable Trust

Bach to Tchaikovsky

Sunday, September 21, 2025 · 5:00pm

Rudder Theatre

Marcelo Bussiki, conductor

Sue & J.C. Lee Music Director’s Chair

Javier Chaparro, violin

Elizabeth Lee, cello

15′ Partita No. 2 in D minor: Chaconne Bach/Raff

35′ Concerto in A minor for Violin, Cello and Brahms Orchestra, Opus 102 (Double)

I. Allegro

II. Andante

III. Vivace non troppo

INTERMISSION

44′ Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Opus 36 Tchaikovsky

I. Andante sostenuto – Moderato con anima

II. Andantino in modo di canzona

III. Scherzo: Pizzicato ostinato — Allegro

IV. Finale: Allegro con fuoco

*Times listed are approximate

This program made possible through the support of the Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts

Please note: audio and video recordings and flash photography by audience members is prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation. Program subject to change.

Guest Bios

Javier Chaparro, violin

Javier Chaparro, a violinist from Lima, Peru, began his formal training at the National Conservatory in Lima. He has performed with numerous orchestras, including the Sinfónica Nacional in Lima, the Fine Arts Theatre Orchestra in Mexico City, the Austin Symphony, and the Austin Lyric Opera. Since 1992, he has served as Concertmaster of the Brazos Valley Symphony. Mr. Chaparro has also appeared in solo and chamber music recitals throughout the United States, South America, and Europe.

His remarkable versatility shines in an eclectic career spanning Latin, Jazz, Gypsy, Pops, and Country Western music. In addition, he is a member of the Triple Take piano trio and leads his Latin Jazz group Salúd. Most recently, he appeared as concertmaster for Andrea Bocelli’s concert in Austin, Texas.

Mr. Chaparro has contributed as a featured recording artist to films and documentaries, including PBS’s Independent Lens, IMAX productions, and a Netflix soundtrack.

He continues to compose original music and frequently performs, both playing and singing, with various Austin ensembles.

Elizabeth Lee, cello

Elizabeth Lee has performed extensively worldwide as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. Lee graduated with her DMA in Cello Performance from the University of Texas Austin-Butler School of Music studying with the Miró Quartet cellist Joshua Gindele. Past studies have included degrees from Rice University and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as well as training in the Juilliard Pre-College division. Her principal teachers have included Norman Fischer, Jean-Michel Fonteneau, Timothy Eddy, Hyung-Won Chang, André Emelianoff, and Michael Kannen.

Nominated by the Austin Critics Table Awards for Best Instrumentalist in 2009 Lee has been a featured soloist with the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra, Balcones Orchestra, the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra, and the Texas Chamber Players. She has also performed as a chamber musician and recitalist in esteemed halls including the Overture Center, Alice Tully Hall and Carnegie Hall.

As a chamber musician, she has performed with artists Ian Swenson, Jorja Fleezanis, Bonnie Hampton, Joel Krosnick, Jean- Michel Fonteneau, eighth blackbird, Bang On A Can All-Stars, and the Colorfield Ensemble. She is a founding member of the Sonorous Ensemble, and

Guest Bios

the Okean Trio premiering many newly composed works. Currently she is a member of the piano trio Triple Take.

As an orchestral musician, she is the principal cellist of the Mid-Texas Symphony, and also has performed with Austin Unconducted, Austin Symphony, Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, Abilene Symphony, Waco Symphony, San Antonio Philharmonic, Monterey Symphony, Santa Cruz Symphony, and the San Francisco Lyric Opera.

In addition to performing, Lee is a dedicated Associate Professor at Texas Lutheran University and maintains her own independent teaching studio. For more information please visit www. cellomoji.com and find her on Youtube and other social media @cellomoji.

Concert Roster

Marcelo Bussiki

Music Director

Sue & J.C. Lee Music Director’s Chair

FIRST VIOLIN

Amanda Schubert, Acting Concertmaster

Creighton Miller Concertmaster Chair

Ryan Coppin

Naomi Frausto

Letty Fuentes

Amy Harris

Edward Ji

Eddy Marcano

Kevin Mendoza

Darren Tidwell

Oscar Vera

SECOND VIOLIN

Adam Mikael, Principal

Penelope Kosztolnyik and Joe Ham Violin II Chair

Laura Callon

Matthew Chan

Misty Elfer

Ethan Lammayot

Ricardo Jimenez Montoya

Lucina Reyes

Mario Zelaya

VIOLA

Luis Perez, Principal

Paul Duston

John Holguin

Sam Lee

Omeed Manshouri

Gregory Mata

CELLO

Jane McCormick, Principal

Ward and Diane Wells Cello Chair

Cony Knight

Alex Lammayot

Tom Lawshae

Brady Meyer

Andrew Nguyen

BASS

Gaven Krase, Principal

Sabrina Behrens

Ray Fisher

Steve Martin

Andy Moritz

FLUTE

Penny Zent, Principal

The Hermann Family Flute Chair

Jessica Borski-Owens

Nami Kimura

OBOE

Rebecca Fairweather Haskins, Principal

Amy Burgess

CLARINET

Jill Stewart, Principal

Victor Battista

BASSOON

Eric Miller, Principal

Luis De la Garza

HORN

Mary McNeel, Principal

John Craig Hubbard

Stephen Wadenpfuhl

Michael Woodard

TRUMPET

Phil Scoles, Principal

Wesley Miller

TROMBONE

Brian Logan, Principal

Steven Vogel

BASS TROMBONE

Michael Johnson

TUBA

Ethyn Evans, Principal

TIMPANI

Todd Quinlan, Principal

PERCUSSION

Sarah Burke, Principal

Gary Martin Percussion Chair

Zach Edwards

Patrick Slevin

Program Notes

Chaconne, BMW 1004, D minor from Partita No. 2 for Unaccompanied Violin

Johann Sebastian Bach (arranged by Joachim Raff)

Johann Sebastian Bach was born in Germany on March 21, 1685, in Eisenach, Germany, and he died in Leipzig, Germany on July 28, 1750. He wrote the Partita No. 2 for solo violin, including the Chaconne (the fifth movement), between 1717 and 1720. Joachim Raff (1822-1882) made and (likely) conducted this arrangement for orchestra in 1873.

A chaconne is a theme in a slow ¾ meter that is repeated over and over while variations are played over it. In this chaconne, originally written for violin without accompaniment, Bach’s variations are so complex that the single violin part suggests an entire orchestra. Bach adds interest by using the major mode in the middle of the piece, then returning to the minor towards the end. The Swiss-born German composer and pianist Raff’s fullsounding orchestration reflects the style and taste of the Romantic era in which he lived. (Note: “BWV” stands for Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis, or Catalogue of Bach’s Works; the numbers were assigned to identify and categorize Bach’s compositions.)

Double Concerto for Violin and Violoncello in A minor

Johannes Brahms

Johannes Brahms was born in Hamburg, Germany, on May 7, 1833, and he died in Vienna, Austria on April 3, 1897. He conducted the premiere of the Double Concerto in Cologne, Germany on October 18, 1887, with soloists Joseph Joachim (violin) and Robert Hausmann (Cello).

Allegro (Fast)

Andante (Walking speed)

Vivace ma non troppo (Lively, but not too much)

Brahms composed this piece, his last major work for orchestra, in 1887, partly to reconcile with the great violinist, Joseph Joachim, a longtime friend and collaborator. Joachim had divorced his wife, but Brahms had taken the wife’s side in the dispute. Fortunately, Joachim agreed to play this concerto with Brahms and with Hausmann (another of Brahms’s friends) in the premiere and in subsequent performances. Clara Schumann mentioned in her journal that the two men were finally back on speaking

Program Notes

terms. Brahms gave the manuscript of the score to Joachim, “to him for whom it was written.”

Although concertos for more than one solo instrument were common in earlier times (for example, the concerto grosso of the Baroque era), they were rather unusual in the late 19th century. Brahms handles both cello and violin deftly; the two instruments seem to be in dialogue with each other throughout the concerto. At times, the scoring is thinner than in most of his other orchestral works; in these places, the soloists are accompanied mostly by the winds, with occasional touches by the strings. The first movement is the longest, with constant variation in the thematic material. The second movement is sweetly lyrical, in an ABA song form. A staccato theme resembling Brahms’s Hungarian Dances opens the third movement. It alternates with more lyrical themes in a lively rondo that ends in A major.

Symphony No. 4, op. 36, F minor

Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky

Peter Ilich (Pyotr Ilyich) Tchaikovsky was born in Votkinsk, Russia on May 7, 1840, and died in St. Petersburg on November 6, 1893. His Symphony No. 4 in F minor was composed in 1877-1878 and first performed in Moscow on February 22, 1878, with Nikolai Rubinstein conducting. Andante sostenuto—Moderato con anima (Sustained walking tempo—Moderate with animation)

Andantino in modo di canzona (Moderately slow in the manner of a song)

Scherzo. Pizzicato ostinato. Allegro

Finale. Allegro con fuoco (Fast, with fire)

Tchaikovsky wrote his Fourth Symphony during an eventful time of his life. He was working on his opera Evgeny Onegin, as well as on this ambitious symphony. 1877 was the year of his brief and devastating marriage to one of his former pupils (neither party was suited to such a union), followed by an attempted suicide and a general nervous breakdown. He left Russia for a while, recovered, and resumed composing. He had also begun corresponding with Nadezhda von Meck, the widow of a wealthy railroad baron, who became his patron and confidante for thirteen years, even though they never met. He shared the symphony with his new “best friend,” Madame von Meck, and sent her a program detailing the emotions expressed in each movement.

The first movement begins with a somber fanfare in the brass, which Tchaikovsky called Fate, “the power which hinders one in the pursuit of happiness… that poisons continually the soul. This might is overpowering and invincible. There is nothing to do but submit and vainly to complain.” This “Fate” theme dominates the first movement and recurs. A “sighing” melody comes in at a slightly faster waltz like tempo. Ever the

Program Notes

melodist, Tchaikovsky introduces more thematic ideas to produces a lengthy sonataallegro form periodically interrupted by the fanfare. In the second movement the oboe introduces a melody expressing a different kind of sadness, “that melancholy feeling that enwraps one when he sits alone at night in the house exhausted by work; a swarm of reminiscences arises. It is sad, yet sweet, to lose one’s self in the past.” The third movement offers a relief from grief as the strings play pizzicato (plucked) throughout. The fourth movement begins in a fiery manner, and then it slows down to incorporate a Russian folk song, “In the meadow there stands a birch.” Fate rears its head again, but this time it is overcome by more celebratory voices. In his program Tchaikovsky recommends the melancholy soul to look outside him/herself and revel in the happiness of other people.

Program Notes by Felicia Piscitelli

Brazos Valley Symphony Endowment

A strong endowment provides lasting support for the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, ensuring world-class performances, music education, and cultural enrichment for generations to come. Endowments grow over time, creating a legacy of artistic excellence while extending the impact of generosity beyond a lifetime.

Contributions to the BVSO Permanent Endowment provide stability for the Orchestra. Chair Endowments help the Symphony engage and support exceptional musicians, sustaining the artistry that defines every performance. A chair may be endowed for a five-year term (starting at $25,000) or in perpetuity (starting at $50,000), and can be named in honor of a family member, friend, or admired individual or organization— making this a meaningful way to invest in the Symphony’s future.

For more information about supporting the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra Endowment, whether through a planned or lifetime gift, please contact Renee Knox, Executive Director, at renee@bvso.org or 979-696-6100.

Pledged or received as of September 5, 2025

FOUNDERS

($100,000+)

Ruth Clearfield Memorial Fund

Larry and Mary Koeninger

Bert and Mary Loudon

Sue and J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

DIAMOND

Gary and Lynn Martin

Creighton Miller Concertmaster Chair

Creighton and Jeannie Miller

Bookman and Florence Peters

($50,000 - $99,999)

Tracy and Tamara Carter

Taylor and Cindy Craigen

The Hermann Family Flute Chair

PLATINUM

Penelope Kosztolnyik and Joe Ham Violin II Chair

Gary Martin Percussion Chair

($25,000 - $49,999)

In Memory of Evelyn and Fred Anderholm

Penelope Kosztolnyik and Joe Ham

GOLD ($10,000 - $24,999)

Maestro Marcelo Bussiki

Carol and Pierce Cantrell

Chrissie and Jay Granberry

Lorraine and Chuck Hermann

The Coulter and Lily Rush Hoppess Foundation, Inc.

Stephanie Sale and Jim Singleton

Susan and Gaines West

Rose P. VanArsdel

Ward and Diane Wells

Carolyn McDaniel

Ward and Diane Wells Cello Chair

Anonymous

Linda and Dick Witherite

Jan and Bill Johnson

Cathy and Jerry Loving

Joann Monroe

John and Carol Nichols

Joyce Nies and Peter Witt

Valerie and David Woodcock

Rodney and Penny Zent

Anonymous (2)

SILVER ($5,000

- $9,999)

Don and Pat Allen Rice

David and Joanne Claridge

Bonnie and Otway Denny

Gary and Judy Hart

Bronze ($1,000 - $4,999)

Steve and Lisa Aldrich

Bob and Dorothy Anderson

Jennifer and Chandler Arden in Memory of Valerie Woodcock

Alethea Bair-Sutherland

Briaud Financial Advisors

Jo Berg

Robert and Blanche Brick

Taylor and Cindy Craigen

Terrance and Stacy Dill and Family

Cydney Collier Donnell

John and Naomi Fackler

Warren and Mary Finch

Rainer and Tami Fink

Jan Folse

FRIEND (UP TO $999)

Sara Alpern

Kenneth and Kathi Appelt

Pat and Sarah Ashburn

Karen Bachman

Leonard and Nancy Berry

Carol and Doug Biggs

Brett and Alisa Boatner

Robert C. Borden

Leonard L. Bowden

Scott Ball and Janice Bradshaw

Lorence and Zora Bravenec

Karen Buck and Porscha Buck

Jack and Mary Campbell

Irwin and Claudia Carroll

Dara and Judith Childs

Charlotte Christman

Carolyn McDaniel

Linda and Paul Parrish

Karen and Michael Pilant

Ellen and Penrod Thornton

Jennifer Fredericks

Stephen A. Fulling

Phil and Zo Granberry

Gary and Judy Hart in Memory of Jeannie Miller

Edward E. and Ruth Anne Hazen

Alice and Clifford Hoelscher

Michael J. King and Robin L. Altholz

Randi and Averyt Knapp

Celebrating Virginia and Russell Mays

Karen Kubena

Sue Lee

Claire and John Lillie

Marti Marberry and Thomas Roraff

John and Leslie Miller

Robert H. Clearfield

Franco and Sandra da Conturbia

Olga and Brett Cooke

Marian and Gus Cothran

The Dangott Family Trust

Mr. David Dellwo and Mrs. Nancy Inglis

Ronald and Barbara Douglas

Norma Dunn in Memory of Cindy Still

Billie Elmendorf

John Fackler in Memory of Jeannie and Creighton Miller

Ann Fancher

Chris and Sandra Farris

Jack and Anita Friedman

Elizabeth and Bill Ward

Dean and Dorothy Wichern

Andrew and Elizabeth Natsios

Carol Parzen

Joyce Perkins in Memory of Richard Perkins

Rhonda Raphael

Sheran Riley

Jami and John Rudinger, Jr.

Dave and Lou Ellen Ruesink

Becky and B. Don Russell

Carol and Mark Sadoski

Thomas Sadoski and Amanda Seyfried in Honor of Carol and Mark Sadoski

Jack Skinner

Gracie P. Graves

Ivy V. Geiger

Don and Rosemary Green

Lisa Halperin and Jonathan Coopersmith

General Joe G. Hanover

W.T. (Bill) Harper

Tom and Linda Henry

Susan and Rodney Hill

Susan Irza

Myong and Pedro Ledesma

Robert and Candace Leslie

Karon and Glenn Mathews

David and Jeanette McMahon in Memory of Tom Roraff

Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Miller

FRIEND (UP TO $999)

Jane Miller

Jeannie Miller in Memory of Tom Roraff

Leon and Junett Noack in Memory of Tom Roraff

Dr. Ozden Ochoa

Mohsen and Terri Pourahmadi

Matthew and Merrilee Prochaska

The Quackenbush Kids

Thomas and Liana Rike in Memory of Tom Roraff

Larry and Jean Ringer

The Family of Arthur and Rosalie Roraff in Memory of Tom Roraff

Mary Frances Ross

Schade Family

Jay and Barbara Schleppenbach in Memory of Tom Roraff

Timothy Seubert

Mary Sherwood in Memory of Tom Roraff

Matt and Toni Straley in Memory of Tom Roraff

Barbara and Emil Straube

Connie Swing Surrency

Mrs. Dwayne (Carol) Suter

Mrs. Ann W. Thompson

Milton Thompson

Margaret E. Touchstone

Victor and Jo Ann Treat

Harvey and Sandy Tucker

Randy and Mary Ulery

Brad and Pat Vinson

Tom Vogel and Barbara Gastel

Barbara Buffington Walker

Bob Warden and Eva ReadWarden

Doris and Rand Watson

Anne and Thomas Wehrly

Gaines and Susan West in Memory of Lelia Bankston

Gaines and Susan West in Memory of Bonnie Denny

Gaines and Susan West in Memory of Jeannie Miller

Ann Wiatt

Mary Jane Wiggins

Lima and Joe Williams

Dr. Arthur V. Wolfe

Dr. and Mrs. Grant Wolfe

William and Mary Young

Anonymous (4)

Scan here to donate to the Endowment Fund

Dead Serious: A Halloween Concert Nov. 2, 2025 | 5 PM

A spooky-fun night for all ages with haunting music, ghostly drama, and a whodunit mystery narrated live – perfect for capping off your Halloween season with a thrilling twist. Festive costumes and creative attire are welcome!

Scan here to purchase tickets

Brazos Valley Symphony Annual Fund

The Brazos Valley Symphony Society gratefully acknowledges the individuals whose generous financial commitments and unique forms of support make possible the continued growth of the Symphony’s artists, programs, and services.

Gifts to the BVSO Annual Fund provide the vital operating support that sustains our concerts, guest artists, and community outreach each season. These contributions bridge the gap between ticket sales and the true cost of presenting live symphonic music, ensuring that world-class performances, innovative education programs, and meaningful cultural experiences remain available to our community.

The following list recognizes those who have contributed to the Annual Fund as of September 5, 2025, in support of the Orchestra’s 44th season.

MAESTRO

($10,000+)

William and Nancy Benfer Charitable Trust

The Clearfield Family

SOLOIST ($5,000 - $9,999)

Extraco Banks

Sue Lee

Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra

The Ham Family Trust

CONCERTMASTER ($2,000 - $4,999)

Amarillo National Bank

Jan and Bill Johnson

PRINCIPAL ($1,000 - $1,999)

Dorothy Anderson

Fuller and Gloria Bazer

Ryan and Kari Becker

Paul and Karen Bonarrigo

Pierce Cantrell in Memory of Carol Cantrell

Benton Cocanougher

David & Joanne Claridge

Mike and Sheila Connor

Jane Flaherty

Charles and Lorraine Hermann

Jerry and Cathy Loving

Jo Monroe

John and Carol Nichols

Michael and Karen Pilant

Don Hellriegel

Becky and B. Don Russell

Shirley Smith in Memory of Robert E. Smith

Robert and Katherine Thomas

Ellen and Penrod Thornton

Harvey Tucker in Memory of Sandra Tucker

Dean and Dorothy Wichern

Rod and Penny Zent

PATRON

($500 - $999)

Robert and Blanche Brick

Marcelo Bussiki

Claude & Joanna Gibson

Joyce Perkins

Dave & Lou Ellen Ruesink

Mark & Carol Sadoski

Scott & Debe Shafer in Honor of Peggy Shafer

ANNUAL FUND CIRCLE ($50

Carolyn Adair

Rhonda Bauer

Mark & Nancy Browning

Sandra da Conturbia

Kim Feldman

Dr. Stephen Fulling

Carl Shafer

Bobby & Nita Smith

Martha Vilas

Rand & Doris Watson

Eric & Julie Wilke

Ann Wiatt

Mary Williams

- $499)

Howard & Margaret Glueck

Phil & Zo Granberry

Tom & Linda Henry

Clifford & Alice Hoelscher

William Kennamore

Rodger Koppa

Scan here to donate to the Annual Fund

Dick & Linda Witherite

The Estate of Arthur Wolfe

Dr. Roger and Mari Kuhnle

Harvey Tucker in Memory of Valerie Woodcock

Tom Vogel & Barbara Gastel

Mary J. Volz

Shirley Watts

Thomas & Anne Wehrly

Video Games Live Jan. 25, 2026 | 5 PM

You don’t need to be a gamer to love this night of music and visuals. Featuring a full orchestra, massive screen projections, lighting effects, and beloved themes from blockbuster video games. This immersive concert is part symphony, part rock show – and all unforgettable.

Scan here to purchase tickets

Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra

For the past 40+ years, an auxiliary organization called FASO (Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra) has provided the volunteer hours required to promote and stage the exciting Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra concerts you enjoy each season.

We invite you to become a member of FASO this year to help increase educational opportunities and appreciation for classical music in the Brazos Valley. Membership applications may be found on the symphony website: bvso.org/faso

2025-2026 FASO OFFICERS

Jennifer Wood

President

Anne Prescott

President Elect

Becky Hall

Past President

Rebecca Ireland

1st Vice President

Julie Beazer

2nd Vice President – Ambassadors

SYMPHONY

Meghan Cain

3rd Vice President –Projects

Colleen Holmes

Treasurer

Beth Pennebaker

Secretary

Alice Hoelscher

TASO Representative

AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Mary Blackburn†

Sandy Farris†

Karen Melvin†

† Member at Large

The Symphony Ambassadors Program for high school junior and senior students enables them to understand the behind-the-scenes production of the Symphony. The Ambassadors usher at concerts, provide refreshments and snacks for the musicians, and participate in community service activities.

If you know a high school student who may be interested in joining, please scan the QR code or visit www.bvso.org/symphony-ambassadors/ for more information.

Scan here to find out more about being a Symphony Ambassador

Derby Day 2025 – Fund a Season

The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the generosity of those who supported our ‘Fund a Season’ initiative during Derby Day 2025. Their contributions help bring world-class performances, music education, and community engagement to the Brazos Valley throughout the 2025–26 season. We look forward to celebrating again at Derby Day 2026 on May 2 — visit bvso.org for updates as details become available.

Susan C. Adams

Nancy Bertsch and Kelly Wellman

Paul and Carol Biesemeier

Paul Boatright

Robert and Blanche Brick

Pierce Cantrell

Wanda and Bryan Cole

Mike and Sheila Connor

Warren and Mary Finch

Jerry Gaston

Becky and Bob Hall

Michael and Carolyn Hall

Rob and Dawn Hammatt

Don Hellriegel

Charles and Lorraine Herman

Sue Lee

Lori and David LePoni

David and Patty Loving

Jerry and Cathy Loving

John and Carol Nichols

John Rudinger Jr. and Jami Rudinger

Murat Russell

Scott and Debe Shafer

David and Melina Shellenberger

Jim Singleton and Stephanie Sale

John and Alishia Spriggins

Steve and Linda Vincent

Ward and Diane Wells

Gaines and Susan West

Andrew Wheeler

Ann Wiatt

David Woodcock

– Save the Date for Derby Day 2026 –May 2, 2026

Corporate, Foundation & Community Support

The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our corporate sponsors, foundations, community partners, and in-kind contributors. Their commitment helps sustain our artistic excellence, enrich music education, and ensure that live symphonic music continues to thrive in the Brazos Valley.