Holiday Pops | Dec. 14, 2025

Holiday Pops December 14, 2025 at 5pm Christ Church

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 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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Cover Image: Claude Monet, The Magpie, 1868–69. Musée d’Orsay, Paris. Public domain.

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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

2 | Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra

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, The Wakefield Foundation, and The Clearfield Family 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

4 | Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra

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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

Renee Knox†

Executive Director

Treasurer

Music Director

Sue & J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

Second Vice President

Penny Zent

Ryan Becker

Chuck Hermann

Rod Thornton

Karen Bonarrigo

Cameron House

Gaines West

Blanche Brick

Tai Lee

Jennifer Wood

Mark Browning

Cathy Loving

Pierce Cantrell

Adam Mikeal

Joe Cook†

Orchestra Chair

Orchestra Representative

Communications Director

Scott Shafer

Letty Fuentes

Marca Ewers-Shurtleff

Orchestra Representative

6 | Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra

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 Sponsors:

Becky & B. Don Russell and The Wakefield Foundation

Holiday Pops

Sunday, December 14, 2025 · 5:00pm Christ Church Brazos Valley Symphony Brass and Percussion Marcelo Bussiki, music director Sue & J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

Christ Church Sanctuary Choir and Canticle Bell Ringers James Faith, director Chris Davis, assistant director Condy Carter, pianist Jesse Novak, pianist College Station High School Chorale and Purple Reign Katy Zorn, director of choirs Lisa Walston, pianist Brenham Children’s Chorus Jill Stewart, director Simon Ruth, pianist James Faith, organ

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Felix Mendelssohn

Away In a Manger

William Kirkpatrick

I Saw Three Ships

White Christmas

O Holy Night

Adoration

Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme from Cantata No. 140 Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 582

Arr. Mack Wilberg

Arr. Howard Helvey

English Christmas Carol

Arr. John Frederick Hudson

Irving Berlin

Arr. Howard Helvey

Adolphe Adam

Arr. Cynthia Dobrinski

Florence Price

Arr. David J. Miller

J. S. Bach

Arr. David J. Miller

J. S. Bach

Arr. David J. Miller

Gloria In Excelsis

Dan R. Edwards 2025-26 Season | 13

Pie Jesu

Traditional Latin

Arr. Victor C. Johnson

Ding Dong! Merrily On High

George Ratcliffe Woodward

Arr. Victor C. Johnson

Gaudete!

Traditional 16th Century

Arr. Michael Engelhardt

Silent Night

Franz Gruber

Arr. Jay Rouse

Masters in This Hall

Christmas Carol 19th Century

Arr. Mark Hayes / Lesley Zorn

Shalom aleichem

Traditional Hebrew

The Dreidel Boogie

Traditional Hebrew

Arr. Boris Pigovat

Arr. Ryan Meeboer

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

NSYNC

Arr. Roger Emerson

Sing Along Joy to the World

Attr. to G. F. Handel

Arr. Cathy and David Moklebust

The First Noel

Traditional

“Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah

Arr. Lloyd Larson

George F. Handel

Arr. Fred Mills

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 Bios performing with many local organizations and is honored to be a featured artist with the Brazos Symphony Orchestra, Texas A&M University Orchestra and the Brazos Valley Chorale.

James Faith, organ Director, Christ Church James Faith serves as Executive Director of Congregational Life for Christ Church where he directs numerous choirs and ensembles, including the Sanctuary Choir, Youth Choirs and Canticle Bells. He began his tenure at the church in 2004 after having served as the Director of Music at First United Methodist in Granbury, Texas from 1997-2004.

Faith developed a passion for church music at an early age. He began his study of piano at age 8 and organ at 15. He continued his study of music at Shorter University in Rome, Georgia, where he received a Bachelor of Church Music, concentrating in Organ Performance.

Moving to Texas in 1996, James continued his education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he studied with Dr. Albert Travis. He completed his Masters of Music in Organ Performance in 1999.

James loves making music with choirs and instrumentalists of all ages. He also has a strong dedication to traveling with his choirs to share music in a wide variety of venues, from small rural churches, retirement homes and veteran’s hospitals to the National Cathedral in Washington DC. Faith is a sought-after organist,

James is married to his beautiful wife, Jill, and they have two amazing sons, Dalton and Andrew, ages 16 and 13 and one perfect dog, Lady Grace! He enjoys traveling the world with his family.

Katy Zorn Director of Choirs, CSHS Katy Zorn is a passionate and dedicated choir director who has made an incredible impact at College Station High School since joining the faculty in the fall of 2022. A graduate of West Texas A&M University, Katy began her teaching career with eight years of experience at the junior high level before transitioning to high school. At College Station High School, she has quickly become known for her enthusiasm and commitment to growing the choral program.

Under her leadership, the program has flourished, expanding from 61 members to 125 students, with six performing ensembles. Katy is deeply invested in the growth of her students, not just musically, but also as individuals, and is passionate about bringing her choirs out into the 2025-26 Season | 15

Guest Bios community to share their talents and give back.

Her choirs have had the honor of performing regularly with the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, were privileged to open for the worldrenowned group, Chanticleer, and most recently performed with Deke Sharon at Lincoln Center in New York City. Katy’s dedication to excellence has earned her recognition, as she was voted a CSISD Star Educator and selected as a finalist in the high school category for the 2025 Brazos Valley Educator’s Society Awards.

Katy’s vision for the future of the program is to continue expanding its reach and impact, nurturing young talent, and inspiring a love of music in the College Station community and beyond.

Jill Stewart Director, Brenham Children’s Chorus Jill Stewart has served as Artistic Director of the Brenham Children’s Chorus since 2017, though her involvement with the organization spans many years as both a chorus parent and an instructor for Karussell Kids and Singenspiel. She is also a longtime faculty member at Blinn College, where she has spent almost 29 years teaching Clarinet Performance 16 | Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra

and Sight Singing and providing vocal coaching for the Blinn Theatre Department’s musical productions— occasionally performing onstage alongside her students.

Jill holds Bachelor of Music degrees in Clarinet Performance and Music Education, as well as a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance, all from Texas Tech University. She has been the Principal Clarinetist of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra since 1999 and has appeared with numerous regional symphonies, chamber ensembles, pit orchestras, and musical theatre groups throughout Texas.

Jill’s greatest joy is her family: her husband, Brian, a retired band director, and their daughters—Allison, a Concept Artist and graduate of Texas A&M University’s School of Visualization, and Paige, a sophomore Theatre major at Blinn College.

Concert Roster Brazos Valley Symphony Brass and Percussion Marcelo Bussiki

BASS TROMBONE Michael Johnson

Sue & J.C. Lee Music Director Chair

EUPHONIUM Henry Otts

HORN John Craig Hubbard, Acting Principal Katie Angielczyk Stephen Wadenpfuhl Michael Woodard

TUBA Ethyn Evans, Principal

Music Director

TRUMPET Phil Scoles, Principal Edgar Jaime Colin Siege Daniel Venglar

TIMPANI Todd Quinlan, Principal PERCUSSION Sarah Burke, Principal

Gary Martin Percussion Chair

Patrick Slevin

TROMBONE Spencer Chapman, Acting Principal Lance Laster

Christ Church Sanctuary Choir and Canticle Bell Ringers James Faith Director

CHOIR MEMBERS Jay Anderholm Nena Armstrong Christie Ashley Janice Attaway Cathy Barrow Sandra Baxter Al Bormann Carey Boysen Ben Bradshaw Connie Bradshaw Jerry Bradshaw Lisa Brown Allyson Butler Sharon Camp Carolyn Cannon Condy Carter Laura Cass Sherry Caverlee Becky Conley Evy Cutshall Dana Daniels

Chris Davis Katie Davis Russell Davis Debbie DeFiore Nina Deskin Dori Doyle Roger Durden James Faith Maggi Focke Madalyn Frederick Liz Gabriel Coy Gammons Laura Gelderd Madison Glenn Nancy Glover Charles Gray Laura Hafford Tom Hafford Lauren Hantla Page Heller Skip Heller Claudia Holloway Martha Huffman Karen Jenkins Minjee Kim

Robbie Lastrapes Cathy Liles Nan Matush Janie McDougal Bonnie McGee Catherine McGuckin Hal Medley Gail Mills Joel Mitchell Karl Mooney James Richardson Linda Rinehart Doni Roper Teri Ross Julie Sample Polli Satterwhite John Shaw Sean Shields Alan Shoalmire Jennifer Shoalmire Priscilla Smith Ronnie Smith Cindy Stitt Sam Stitt Kristi Stokes

Richard Talbert Cary Tennis Kay Villasana Mark Villasana Steve Vogt Sandra Waller Donna Welch Karen West Erin Wilhite Kathy Wilson Brian Wright Kay Zook Loren Zook

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Concert Roster CANTICLE BELL RINGERS Lisa Brown Katherine Jahnke Allyson Butler Amanda Jons Jennifer Day Sue Kaiser Mark Gabriel Cynthia Murphy

Bill Murphy LeeAnn Nichols Polli Satterwhite Terri Shoemake

Karen Snowden

College Station High School Chorale and Purple Reign Katy Zorn Director

CHOIR MEMBERS Abby Arnold Brett Bowling Henry Bradford Sarah Ceballos Ivy Courtwright Matthew Curtis

Callie Ege Sashah Elabd Micah Field Salvador Gomez Zavala Callie Howe Noel Hromas Bre Ihrig Eve James Gentry Kissmann

Jerson Knoops Martell Emma Landry Laila Langari Josh Mathews Anthony Moore Jonas Motekaitis Beth Nabors Mia Ovalle Jakob Perry-Aguirre

Jaren Pick Houston Poole Elizabeth Reeves Gavin Tharp Jet Tippett Remi Tumlinson Harley Urbanosky Kailyn Witte Kensi Zorn Grayson Zorn

Colton Moore Bonnie Pelley Cora Ruemke Gracie Shelton Mya Shores Kaelynn Soto Sandy Supak Gracie Thacker Alexa Taylor Julie Terry

Avery Turner Thomas Upchurch Ella Wilson

Brenham Children’s Chorus Jill Stewart Director

CHOIR MEMBERS Connor Amelang Mia Amelang Helena Arellano Norah Forman Emma Forman Thalia Granger

Emma Hefferly Scarlett Herr Audrey Hnatt Codey Hnatt Sophia Huffman Jubilee Johnson Adelina Kirsh Marley Kocurek Brin Ludwigson Hadley Martin

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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 Society 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!

24 | Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra

$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 December 3, 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

Mike & Sheila Connor

Robert & Katherine Thomas

Sarah Ashburn

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 David & Joanne Claridge

Michael & Karen Pilant Shirley Smith in Memory of Robert E. Smith

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

Howard & Margaret Glueck

Ann & Byron Stebbins

Steve & Dorinda Arden

Phil & Zo Granberry

Connie Surrency

Rhonda Bauer

Tom & Linda Henry

Dean Thompson

Mary Blackburn

Clifford & Alice Hoelscher

Mark & Nancy Browning

Cameron House

Sandra da Conturbia

William Kennamore

Harvey Tucker in Memory of Valerie Woodcock

Brett & Olga Cooke

Rodger Koppa

Donna Cote

Dr. Roger & Mari Kuhnle

Kim Feldman

Drs. Laurine & William Marlow

Dr. Stephen Fulling

Wener Rose

Anat & Nehemia Geva

Nancy Small

Scan here to donate to the Annual Fund

26 | Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra

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

2025-26 Season | 29

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 December 3, 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

Showcasing the Region’s Finest: The 2025 Youth Concerto Competition Results For nearly twenty-five years, the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra and its support guild, the Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra (FASO), have worked together to elevate the extraordinary musical talent flourishing in our region. That mission was on full display on Sunday, November 16, 2025, as five exceptional young musicians took the stage at First Methodist Church in Bryan for the 24th Annual Brazos Valley Youth Concerto Competition.

First-Place Winner – Misato Koiwa A junior at A&M Consolidated High School, Misato began music lessons at the age of four and studies flute with Steve Fry and Nami Kimura. She performs in the A&M Consolidated Wind Ensemble and the Houston Youth Symphony. Her recent honors include earning a place in the Texas 5A AllState Band (2024, 2025) and winning the Houston Flute Club Young Artist Competition in 2025. Misato will appear as soloist with the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra at the Children’s Concert on January 26, 2026.

2025 Final Rankings First Place: Misato Koiwa, flute Second Place: Sherwin Lo-Kuo, violin Third Place: Jacob Goheen, trombone Finalists: Stefan (Leo) Tower, violin Gaya Kulatilaka, violin

Selected through a blind preliminary process led by BVSO Music Director Marcelo Bussiki and a panel of Symphony musicians, this year’s finalists represented the finest in artistry, hard work, and musical promise. Although clarinetist Evelyn Schmeichel was unable to compete due to illness, the remaining finalists delivered performances that captivated the audience and impressed a distinguished panel of judges: Dr. Diego Caetano, Associate Professor of Piano at Sam Houston State University; Ebonee Thomas, Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Texas at Austin; and Dr. James Van Zandt, Director of Orchestras at Texas A&M University.

After an inspiring afternoon of music, the judges awarded first place to Misato Koiwa, a junior flutist from A&M Consolidated High School, whose expressive tone, technical command, and poised musicality distinguished her performance. Violinist Sherwin Lo-Kuo, a freshman at A&M Consolidated High School, earned second place, while Jacob Goheen, a senior trombonist from College Station High School, captured third. Violinists Stefan (Leo) Tower and Gaya Kulatilaka were recognized as finalists.

Thanks to the generosity of The Tracy and Tamara Carter Youth Concerto Endowed Scholarship Fund, the top three winners received scholarships supporting their continued musical studies.

As this year’s champion, Miss Koiwa has also been invited to appear as soloist with the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra during the annual Children’s Concert on January 26, 2026—an invaluable opportunity to perform with a professional orchestra and inspire the region’s next generation of young listeners.

FASO once again coordinated and funded the event through the dedication of its volunteer members. Their work, in partnership with the BVSO, ensures that the Youth Concerto Competition remains a vibrant celebration of artistic excellence and an enduring investment in the cultural life of the Brazos Valley. Each year, the competition showcases not only gifted young musicians but also the community’s commitment to nurturing their growth.

The 2025 competition was yet another testament to that legacy.

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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

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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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38 | Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra

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.

2025-26 Season | 39

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