Dead Serious | Nov. 2, 2025

Dead Serious: A Halloween Concert November 2, 2025 at 5pm Rudder Auditorium

Table of Contents Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra Symphony Experience President’s Letter Symphony Board of Directors Symphony Management & Staff Marcelo Bussiki, Music Director Concert Program Guest Artist Biography Concert Roster Program Notes The Brazos Valley Youth Concerto Competition

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Support & Giving Annual Fund Permanent Endowment Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra Corporate, Foundation & Community Support

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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

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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, Becky and B. Don Russell, and The Wakefield Foundation 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 2025-26 Season | 3

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Symphony Society Board EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mike Connor

Martha Vilas

Benton Cocanougher

Don Hellriegel

Andrew Wheeler

Marcelo Bussiki†

President

President Elect

First Vice President

Sue Lee

Secretary

Music Director

Sue & J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

Penny Zent

Ryan Becker

Chuck Hermann

Karen Bonarrigo

Cameron House

Blanche Brick

Tai Lee

Mark Browning

Cathy Loving

Pierce Cantrell

Adam Mikeal

Orchestra Chair

Orchestra Representative

Communications Director

Scott Shafer

Letty Fuentes

Marca Ewers-Shurtleff

Orchestra Representative

Executive Director

Treasurer

Second Vice President

Joe Cook†

Renee Knox†

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Melissa Sibley† Bush Board Fellow

Thomas Teegeman† Bush Board Fellow

Rod Thornton Gaines West Jennifer Wood FASO President

† Ex-Officio

Symphony Management & Staff

Renee Knox, Executive Director

Joe Cook, Communications Director

Deanna Harris, Bookkeeper

BRAZOS VALLEY SYMPHONY SOCIETY OFFICE HOURS: M-F 9AM - 5PM PHONE: 979-696-6100 WEBSITE: www.bvso.org EMAIL: services@bvso.org 4030 Hwy 6 South, Suite 230 College Station, TX 77845 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 3524 Bryan, TX 77805 2025-26 Season | 7

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.

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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 unforgettable songs and stellar Broadway vocals.

Tickets at MSC Box Office 979-845-1234

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THE

NUTCRACKER 2025

DEC DEC

05 06

­

A Brazos Valley tradition since 2012

FOLLOW US

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Concert Sponsor:

The Plass Arts Foundation

Dead Serious: A Halloween Concert Sunday, November 2, 2025 · 5:00pm Rudder Auditorium Marcelo Bussiki, conductor Sue & J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

Mike Wright, narrator

30′ The Composer is Dead

Nathaniel Stookey Words by Lemony Snicket

INTERMISSION

5′ “Infernal Dance” from The Firebird (1919 Version)

16′ Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14 (Selections)

Stravinsky

Berlioz

IV. March to the Scaffold (Allegretto non troppo) V. Dream of a Witches’ Sabbath (Larghetto—Allegro)

*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.

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Guest Bio

Mike Wright, narrator Mike Wright is VP/General Manager of ABC affiliate WAAY-31 TV in Huntsville, Alabama and Fox affiliate WCOV-TV in Montgomery, Alabama, joining the stations after many years at CBS affiliates KBTX and KWTX in Bryan-College Station and Waco. For many years, Wright served as radio play–by–play for Texas A&M Women’s Basketball and later for ESPN’s SEC+ network. Prior to his current role, Wright served as the “Voice At Kyle Field” for Texas A&M Football.

He has served local communities through hundreds of civic events and fundraisers, and was honored to be one of four “Educators of the Year” from the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum for his work with former First Lady Barbara Bush’s “Reading Literacy” initiative. He has served as narrator for numerous performances with the Brazos Valley Symphony. Wright has been previously honored by the Texas Association of Broadcasters as Broadcaster of the Year.

Mike and his wife, Bethany, are parents of adult twins, Macy and Mason. A native of Mexia, Wright holds an Associate of Arts from Blinn College and a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications from Baylor University.

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Concert Roster Marcelo Bussiki Music Director

Sue & J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

FLUTE Penny Zent, Principal

The Hermann Family Flute Chair

Jessica Borski-Owens

FIRST VIOLIN Javier Chaparro, Concertmaster

OBOE Rebecca Fairweather Haskins, Principal Amy Burgess

Jose Gerardo Flores Letty Fuentes Amy Harris Edward Ji Eddy Marcano Steve Merson Ricardo Montoya Amanda Schubert Oscar Vera

CLARINET Jill Stewart, Principal

Creighton Miller Concertmaster Chair

SECOND VIOLIN Adam Mikael, Principal

Penelope Kosztolnyik and Joe Ham Violin II Chair

Laura Callon Erika Elder Misty Elfer Ethan Lammayot Luis Osorio-Betancourt Lucina Reyes Mario Zelaya VIOLA Luis Perez, Principal Paul Duston Sam Lee Gregory Mata Carlo Mauricio Alejandro San Miguel

CELLO Jane McCormick, Principal

Ward and Diane Wells Cello Chair

Cony Knight Alex Lammayot Elizabeth Lee Brady Meyer Andrew Nguyen

BASS Gaven Krase, Principal Alex Collins Ray Fisher Steve Martin Josue Martinez

Wendy and Grant Wolfe Clarinet Chair In honor of Dr. Arthur Wolfe

Victor Battista

BASSOON Eric Miller, Principal Luis De la Garza Adam Drake HORN Mary McNeel, Principal John Craig Hubbard Chris Shelburne Michael Woodard TRUMPET Edgar Jaime, Acting Principal Paul Armitage Kristofer Hammond Daniel Venglar TROMBONE Austin Richardson, Acting Principal Steven Vogel BASS TROMBONE Michael Johnson TUBA Ethyn Evans, Principal Keith Packman TIMPANI Todd Quinlan, Principal PERCUSSION Sarah Burke, Principal

Gary Martin Percussion Chair

Zach Edwards Grant Gould Patrick Slevin HARP Hope Cowan

PIANO Catherine Schaefer

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Program Notes The Composer is Dead Music by Nathaniel Stookey and Words by Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler) Lemony Snicket is the pen name and alter ego of Daniel Handler, a well-known author of children’s books, including two Nathaniel Stookey series, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and All the Wrong Questions. Nathaniel Stookey is an American composer and musician whose numerous orchestral chamber, vocal, and theatrical compositions have won international acclaim. Both men were born in San Francisco, California, in 1970. Their joint endeavor, The Composer is Dead, was Daniel Handler commissioned by the San Francisco Credit: Rii Schroer Symphony Orchestra, and premiered by the same Symphony on July 8, 2006, with Snicket as the narrator. The book and accompanying CD were published in 2009. Stookey also co-authored translations of The Composer is Dead (his best-known composition to date) into Spanish and French.

Who killed the composer? Was it the strings, or was it the woodwinds?

Where were the brasses last night after the performance?

What does the percussion section have to say for itself?

As The Inspector (the narrator) interrogates each section, each of the instruments produces an alibi. And yet, the composer’s still dead!

This whodunit joins Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and Benjamin Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra as fun ways for children (and adults) to learn about the instruments of the orchestra.

CARSON ELLIS © HARPERCOLLINS

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Program Notes “Infernal Dance” from The Firebird (L’Oiseau de Feu) (1919 Version) Igor Stravinsky Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky was born in Oranienbaum (near Saint Petersburg), Russia on June 17, 1882, and he died in New York City on April 6 1971; he was buried in Venice, Italy. His ballet The Firebird was first performed at the Paris Opera on June 25, 1910, by Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, with Gabriel Pierné conducting. Stravinsky arranged the music into concert suites in 1911, 1919, and 1941, which he often conducted himself.

The Firebird was the first of Igor Stravinsky’s collaborations with Sergei Diaghilev, a Russian impresario based in Paris, and his pioneering troupe, the Ballets Russes. In 1909, Diaghilev, having failed at enlisting better-known Russian composers, invited the still young and relatively unknown Stravinsky to compose the score for a ballet based on Russian folklore. In the ballet’s story, Prince Ivan must defeat an evil ogre, Kastchei the Deathless, who has been capturing princesses and turning them into stone.

To do so, he enlists the aid of the Firebird, whose beautiful feathers gleamed like fire. This creature had previously given Prince Ivan one of her feathers in return for his having saved her from hunters. In the “Infernal Dance,” the fourth movement of the suite, the Firebird casts a magic spell on Kastchei and his minions, compelling them to dance frenetically to the point of Tamara Karsavina as the Firebird in the exhaustion. This enables Prince Ivan to destroy the giant 1910 Ballets Russes production of L’Oiseau de Feu egg containing Kastchei’s soul, and thus his power.

Stravinsky had studied with Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov until the latter’s death in 1908, and he emulated his teacher’s colorful orchestration in much of the ballet. But, in the “Infernal Dance,” Stravinsky employed the percussive orchestral effects, driving rhythms and dissonant harmonies that came to represent his style.

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Program Notes Symphonie fantastique (Fantastic Symphony), op. 14 Hector Berlioz Louis-Hector Berlioz was born in La Côte-Saint-André, France on December 11, 1803, and he died in Paris, France on March 8, 1869. He conducted the first performance of the Symphonie fantastique at the Paris Conservatoire in 1830.

Movement 4: March to the Scaffold Movement 5: Dream of a Witches’ Sabbath Hector Berlioz was the archetypal Romantic, a partly self-taught dreamer who composed according to his own concepts and imagination rather than by following established rules or models. Thus, his musical style is highly original and difficult to categorize. A man of letters in his own right (he was an astute music critic), Berlioz received much inspiration from literature. He attended a performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and fell passionately in love with the actress who played Ophelia, an Irishwoman named Harriet Smithson. At first Harriet ignored his love letters, but Berlioz was persistent in his pursuit. Three years later, he began to compose a semi-autobiographical work about a forlorn lover driven nearly to suicide by a failed romance. This work is his most famous composition, the Symphonie fantastique: épisode de la vie d’un artiste (episode in the life of an artist). In five movements and requiring a huge orchestra, it was the most monumental symphonic piece up to that time. It is an early example of program music, that is, music that tells a story to a predetermined script (Berlioz wrote his own program notes). Moreover, Berlioz’s use of an “idée fixe” (“fixed idea”), a theme that recurs throughout each movement, was a revolutionary development that led to Richard Wagner’s use of Leitmotifs (recurring themes relating to particular characters, places, or concepts) Irish actress Harriet Smithson, whose in opera. In the Symphonie fantastique, the “idée fixe” portrayal of Ophelia inspired Berlioz to refers to the Beloved, or Smithson herself. compose his Symphonie fantastique.

Portrait by George Clint, c.1827.

Tonight’s performance begins with the fourth movement, March to the Scaffold. Berlioz wrote in his program: “The Artist, knowing beyond all doubt that his love is not returned, poisons himself with opium. The narcotic plunges him into sleep, accompanied by the most horrible visions.” The Artist has killed his Beloved and is sentenced to be executed by the guillotine. A military band escorts him to the scaffold as the strings cheer. He thinks of his Beloved just as the blade of the 18 | Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra

Program Notes guillotine comes down, causing the “idée fixe” theme to be interrupted as his head rolls and drums roar. In the fifth movement the Artist finds himself in a vision of hell, full of sorcerers, goblins, and witches, one of whom is the Beloved. A church bell tolls, then the low brasses play snatches of the Dies irae, a chant from the Requiem, or Latin Mass of the Dead. There is a fugal section in this movement. Berlioz found the fugue a difficult form to master, and so he considered it an appropriate metaphor for hell. The music becomes more frantic as the soul of the Artist is carried to its damnation, with the Beloved looking on with glee.

Berlioz and Smithson did eventually get together and marry, but the marriage was unhappy; the two separated after less than a decade. Even so, Berlioz continued to support Smithson for the rest of his life.

Program Notes by Felicia Piscitelli Holiday Pops!

Dec. 14, 2025 | 5 PM Ring in the season with a joyful celebration of holiday favorites, featuring soaring choirs, festive brass, and magical moments the whole family will love.

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1000 George Bush Drive West, Colleg 20 | Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra

Plan your visit soon!

ge Station, Texas 77845 | Bush41.org 2025-26 Season | 21

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(979) 383-2500 napaflatscatering.com Tiny Bubbles Bar • Gelato Cart Pizza Oven • Full Service Catering

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YOUR support is CRITICAL

Please consider a gift to the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra and make a difference by supporting artistic excellence, music education, and outreach in the community. Each year, ticket sales cover less than 25% of the Symphony’s costs. Help support your Symphony and the music you love!

$10,000+ Maestro

DONATIONS & FUNDRAISERS

Ticket Sales

20%

$5,000-$9,999 Soloist 57%

$2,000-$4,999 Concertmaster $1,000-$1,999 Principal

23% Grant Support Membership in the Brazos Valley Symphony Socierty begins at $50 per person.

To donate and become a member please call 979-696-6100, visit our website at www.bvso.org or scan the QR code to donate today!

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$500-$999 Patron

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 October 22, 2025, in support of the Orchestra’s 44th season.

MAESTRO ($10,000+) William & Nancy Benfer Charitable Trust

Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra

The Clearfield Family

The Ham Family Trust

Don Hellriegel Becky & B. Don Russell

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

Sue Lee

Cindy & Bruce Hamilton

CONCERTMASTER ($2,000 - $4,999) Amarillo National Bank Jan & Bill Johnson

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

Jane Flaherty

Ellen & Penrod Thornton

Fuller & Gloria Bazer

Charles & Lorraine Hermann

Ryan & Kari Becker

Jerry & Cathy Loving

Harvey Tucker in Memory of Sandra Tucker

Paul & Karen Bonarrigo

Jo Monroe

Pierce Cantrell in Memory of Carol Cantrell

John & Carol Nichols

Benton Cocanougher

Michael & Karen Pilant

David & Joanne Claridge

Shirley Smith in Memory of Robert E. Smith

Mike & Sheila Connor

Robert & Katherine Thomas

Dean & Dorothy Wichern Grant & Wendy Wolfe David Woodcock in Memory of Valerie Woodcock Rod and Penny Zent

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PATRON ($500 - $999) Robert & Blanche Brick

Susan Perri

Martha Vilas

Marcelo Bussiki

Dave & Lou Ellen Ruesink

Rand & Doris Watson

Claude & Joanna Gibson

Mark & Carol Sadoski

Eric & Julie Wilke

Janet Higgins

Scott & Debe Shafer in Honor of Peggy Shafer

Ann Wiatt

Dr. Michael J. King & Ms. Robin Altholz Billy & Mary Jo Lay

Carl Shafer Bobby & Nita Smith

Joyce Perkins

Mary Williams Dick & Linda Witherite The Estate of Arthur Wolfe

ANNUAL FUND CIRCLE ($50 - $499) Carolyn Adair

Phil & Zo Granberry

Dean Thompson

Steve & Dorinda Arden

Tom & Linda Henry

Rhonda Bauer

Clifford & Alice Hoelscher

Mary Blackburn

William Kennamore

Harvey Tucker in Memory of Valerie Woodcock

Mark & Nancy Browning

Rodger Koppa

Sandra da Conturbia

Dr. Roger & Mari Kuhnle

Donna Cote

Drs. Laurine & William Marlow

Kim Feldman

Wener Rose

Dr. Stephen Fulling

Ann & Byron Stebbins

Howard & Margaret Glueck

Connie Surrency

Scan here to donate to the Annual Fund

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Tom Vogel & Barbara Gastel Mary J. Volz Terry & Marilyn Wade 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

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Jarrad and Elisha McLeod ′03 and ′06 The Best Prices and Selection of Mattresses in BCS! www.thesleepstation.com 2 Locations: 1731 Texas Ave S or 4461 State Hwy 6 S

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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 October 22, 2025

FOUNDERS ($100,000+) Ruth Clearfield Memorial Fund

Gary and Lynn Martin

Charles and Cindy Still

Larry and Mary Koeninger

Creighton Miller Concertmaster Chair

Rose P. VanArsdel

Bert and Mary Loudon

Creighton and Jeannie Miller

Ward and Diane Wells

Sue and J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

Bookman and Florence Peters

DIAMOND ($50,000 - $99,999) Tracy and Tamara Carter

Gary Martin Percussion Chair

Taylor and Cindy Craigen

Carolyn McDaniel

The Hermann Family Flute Chair

Ward and Diane Wells Cello Chair

Penelope Kosztolnyik and Joe Ham Violin II Chair

Wendy and Grant Wolfe Clarinet Chair in honor of Dr. Arthur Wolfe Anonymous

PLATINUM ($25,000 - $49,999) In Memory of Evelyn and Fred Anderholm

Penelope Kosztolnyik and Joe Ham

Susan and Gaines West

Stephanie Sale and Jim Singleton

Linda and Dick Witherite

Maestro Marcelo Bussiki

Jan and Bill Johnson

Valerie and David Woodcock

Carol and Pierce Cantrell

Cathy and Jerry Loving

Rodney and Penny Zent

Chrissie and Jay Granberry

Joann Monroe

Anonymous (2)

Lorraine and Chuck Hermann

John and Carol Nichols

The Coulter and Lily Rush Hoppess Foundation, Inc.

Joyce Nies and Peter Witt

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

SILVER ($5,000 - $9,999) Don and Pat Allen Rice

Carolyn McDaniel

Elizabeth and Bill Ward

David and Joanne Claridge

Linda and Paul Parrish

Dorothy and Dean Wichern

Bonnie and Otway Denny

Karen and Michael Pilant

Gary and Judy Hart

Ellen and Penrod Thornton

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Bronze ($1,000 - $4,999) Steve and Lisa Aldrich

Jennifer Fredericks

John and Leslie Miller

Bob and Dorothy Anderson

Stephen A. Fulling

Andrew and Elizabeth Natsios

Jennifer and Chandler Arden in Memory of Valerie Woodcock

Phil and Zo Granberry

Carol Parzen

Alethea Bair-Sutherland

Gary and Judy Hart in Memory of Jeannie Miller

Joyce Perkins in Memory of Richard Perkins

Briaud Financial Advisors

Edward E. and Ruth Anne Hazen

Rhonda Raphael

Jo Berg

Alice and Clifford Hoelscher

Sheran Riley

Robert and Blanche Brick

Michael J. King and Robin L. Altholz

Jami and John Rudinger, Jr.

Taylor and Cindy Craigen

Randi and Averyt Knapp Celebrating Virginia and Russell Mays

Dave and Lou Ellen Ruesink

Terrance and Stacy Dill and Family Cydney Collier Donnell John and Naomi Fackler Warren and Mary Finch Rainer and Tami Fink Jan Folse

Karen Kubena Sue Lee Claire and John Lillie Marti Marberry and Thomas Roraff

Becky and B. Don Russell Carol and Mark Sadoski Thomas Sadoski and Amanda Seyfried in Honor of Carol and Mark Sadoski Jack Skinner

FRIEND (UP TO $999) Sara Alpern

Don and Rosemary Green

Kenneth and Kathi Appelt

Lisa Halperin and Jonathan Coopersmith

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 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 Gracie P. Graves Ivy V. Geiger

Matt and Toni Straley in Memory of Tom Roraff Barbara and Emil Straube

General Joe G. Hanover

Connie Swing Surrency

W.T. (Bill) Harper

Mrs. Dwayne (Carol) Suter

Tom and Linda Henry

Mrs. Ann W. Thompson

Susan and Rodney Hill

Milton Thompson

Susan Irza

Margaret E. Touchstone

Myong and Pedro Ledesma

Victor and Jo Ann Treat

Robert and Candace Leslie

Harvey and Sandy Tucker

Karon and Glenn Mathews

Randy and Mary Ulery

David and Jeanette McMahon in Memory of Tom Roraff

Brad and Pat Vinson

Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Miller

Barbara Buffington Walker

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

Tom Vogel and Barbara Gastel Bob Warden and Eva Read-Warden 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

Thomas and Liana Rike in Memory of Tom Roraff

Ann Wiatt

Larry and Jean Ringer

Lima and Joe Williams

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

Mary Jane Wiggins Dr. Arthur V. Wolfe Dr. and Mrs. Grant Wolfe William and Mary Young Anonymous (4)

Timothy Seubert Mary Sherwood in Memory of Tom Roraff

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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

Meghan Cain

3rd Vice President –Projects

Colleen Holmes Treasurer

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Beth Pennebaker Secretary

Alice Hoelscher

TASO Representative

Mary Blackburn† Sandy Farris† Karen Melvin† † Member at Large

Championing the Next Generation: The Brazos Valley Youth Concerto Competition Finalist Competition Sunday, November 16, 2025 3:00 p.m.

First Methodist Church, Bryan, TX Join us for this free concert and enjoy an afternoon of inspiring performances by some of the finest young musicians in the Brazos Valley as they compete for top honors in this year’s Youth Concerto Competition.

2025 Finalists Jacob Goheen, trombone Misato Koiwa, flute Gaya Kulatilaka, violin Sherwin Lo-Kuo, violin Evelyn Schmeichel, clarinet Stefan (Leo) Tower, violin

For nearly a quarter of a century, the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra and its support guild, the Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra (FASO), have joined forces to spotlight the extraordinary musical talent thriving in our community. The Brazos Valley Youth Concerto Competition, now in its 24th year, continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Symphony’s educational mission— encouraging young musicians, fostering artistic excellence, and enriching the cultural life of the region.

Launched in 1999 by longtime FASO member and music advocate Linda Rundell, the competition invites schoolaged musicians from across the Brazos Valley to submit a performance of any concerto movement for solo instrument and orchestra. Finalists are chosen through a blind judging process by BVSO Music Director Marcelo Bussiki and a panel of Symphony musicians, ensuring that artistry and musicality shine above all else.

Each year’s finalists are then invited to perform in a live concert before a panel of distinguished judges. The experience provides invaluable performance opportunities for these young artists—and a memorable evening for audience members, who are treated to virtuosic performances and the excitement of live competition.

As part of its mission, FASO coordinates and funds the event entirely through the efforts of its dedicated volunteers. “We invite the public to join us as these finalists compete to become this year’s winner,” said Project Chair Penny Zent. “This is a wonderful opportunity to hear some of the finest young musicians in the Brazos Valley. Plus, admission is free!”

The top three winners receive scholarships from The Tracy and Tamara Carter Youth Concerto Endowed Scholarship Fund, and the first-place winner is invited to perform as soloist with the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra during the annual Children’s Concert at Rudder Auditorium—an unforgettable experience that connects youthful promise with the professional stage.

Through the continued collaboration of BVSO and FASO, the Youth Concerto Competition remains a vibrant testament to the Symphony’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians and sharing the joy of music throughout the Brazos Valley.

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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.

IN-KIND SERVICES, CORPORATE, AND MEDIA PARTNERS

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Corporate, Foundation & Community Support GRANT, TRUST, AND COMMUNITY The Clearfield Family Eugene Edge, III Charitable Trust The Ham Family Trust Gilbert & Thyra Plass Charitable Trust Plass Arts Foundation

Union Pacific Rea Charitable Trust Nina Astin Winkler Charitable Trust Becky & B. Don Russell The Wakefield Foundation

This program made possible in part through Hotel Tax Revenue funded from the City of College Station through The Arts Center.

This project is also supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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FRIENDS OF CHAMBER MUSIC 30th Concert Series | 2025–2026 REACHING FOR THE STARS! 30th season

ANNA LAPWOOD, organ “She had rightly become the world’s most visible organist.”

September 19, 2025 | Fri, 7pm A&M United Methodist Church In collaboration with A&M UMC

SOLD OUT

DREAMERS’ CIRCUS fiddle, accordion, piano, cittern

October 29, 2025 | Wed, 7pm Ice House on Main

Nordic folk + your favorite beverage Historic ambiance sponsored by Ice House

DANISH STRING QUARTET “There are simply two kinds of string quartets: the Danish, and the others.”

November 19, 2025 | Wed, 7 pm First Presbyterian Church

FREE

CANADIAN BRASS “The world’s most famous brass group”

February 1, 2026 | Sun, 5pm A&M United Methodist Church In collaboration with A&M UMC

CANTUS | Land That I Love Low-voice a cappella ensemble

April 17, 2026 | Fri, 7pm

George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum All concerts take place in Bryan–College Station, TX Appelt Family Foundation Nina Heard Astin Charitable Trust

Eugene Edge III Charitable Trust Rea Charitable Trust

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Nina Astin Winkler Charitable Trust

fcmtx.org

FREE

30 Years of Improving Lives and Building Community. arkitex.com

Dr. Monica D. Brown DDS, PA 979-696-8594 aggiedentist@hotmail.com 122 Walton Dr College Station, TX 77840 2025-26 Season | 37

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A Season of Song

Traditions Old & New

Voices in Concert: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

featuring the Texas A&M University Singing Cadets and Brazos Breeze

5pm, October 19, 2025

First Presbyterian Church, Bryan, TX

A Season of Light

7:30pm, December 15, 2025

Visit our website for season details and to purchase tickets

First Presbyterian Church, Bryan, TX

bvchorale.org

Stage and Screen Spectacular includes dinner

6pm, March 14, 2026

First Methodist Church, Bryan, TX

Brahms Ein deutsches Requiem with the A&M United Methodist Church Choir

5pm, May 3, 2026

Rudder Theatre, College Station, TX Our program is made possible in part through Hotel Tax Revenue from the City of College Station through the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Texas Commission for the Arts, the Eugene Edge Charitable Trust, and the Plass Arts Foundation.

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