Digital Program Book | Symphony Orchestra 04.03.22

SPRING CONCERTS | APRIL 2022

INTRODUCING OUR NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR ETIENNE ABELIN!

2021-2022 SEASON | SPRING EDITION IV, VOLUME I

WELCOME TO OUR 2021-2022 SEASON!

Welcome back to the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall for another exciting performance featuring the Empire State Youth Orchestra's Symphony Orchestra. I hope you will be inspired by this performance by our incredibly talented youth, and that you will be moved by the beauty of Elgar's Cello Concerto. You are the first to hear Eujeong Choi, ESYO's 2022 Lois Lyman Concerto Competition winner, perform this work alongside her peers in Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to hearing Eujeong's command performance, I am excited to welcome our new Music Director and Symphony conductor, Etienne Abelin, to the ESYO stage for the first time. Etienne comes to us from Basal Switzerland, bringing a wealth of creativity and expertise that will surely inform a brilliant vision for ESYO. His international acclaim as a conductor, violinist, and musical collaborator reaffirms ESYO's history as a premier youth orchestra and cultural institution, while his spirit of innovation will establish ESYO as a creative force for good in the community and an incubator for new ideas in music and education.

I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of all our staff and Board of Directors, to thank you for attending this concert and supporting our youth. ESYO relies on the generosity and advocacy of so many of you. Thank you for making this performance possible and for continuing to believe in the power of music. I invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy. Let the music move you and inspire you to see in our youth what we have the good fortune of witnessing each day; creative and passionate musicians with talent and wisdom beyond their years.

Rebecca Calos Executive Director

EMPIRE STATE YOUTH ORCHESTRA

ETIENNE ABELIN, MUSIC DIRECTOR

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA APRIL 2022

ESYO Music Director Etienne Abelin makes his ESYO debut at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall conducting Elgar's Cello Concerto with the 2022 Lois Lyman Concerto Competition Winner, Eujeong Choi.

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2022 3:00PM

TROY SAVINGS BANK MUSIC HALL

SPONSORED BY

432 STATE STREET AT PROCTORS SCHENECTADY, NY 12305 | 518.382.7581 | ESYO.ORG 2021 -2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Omar Williams Chair Barry Richman Vice-Chair Caitlin Mochrie Treasurer Mary Clyne Secretary

Robert Altman Brian Axford Robert Bengraff Deidre Hill Butler Heather Chan Henk Elzenga James Haertel Stefon Harris

Andrew LaCoppola Kara Lais Brian Sacawa Christopher Shiley Elizabeth Silver

Anne-Marie Gorman Doyle Director of Development Andrea Restrepo Operations Assistant, Symphony Orchestra & String Orchestra Manager, & Librarian Zoë Auerbach CHIME & Young Leaders Program Manager

Justin Cook Marketing & Publications Manager Mary Rose Petrozola Administrative Assistant & Member Services Coordinator Sam Herman Administrative Assistant & Brand Manager

Richard Albagli Youth Percussion Ensemble & Repertory Percussion Ensemble Mark Foster Youth Percussion Ensemble John Antonio Repertory Percussion Ensemble Genoveffa Vitale Chamber Percussion Ensemble Hannah Dick Concertino Percussion Ensemble

Dr. Peter Bellino Youth Jazz Orchestra Keith Pray Repertory Jazz Orchestra Julie Taylor Concertino Wind Choir Scott Hopkins Concertino Brass Choir Rae Jean Teeter Concert Chorale

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Rebecca Calos Executive Director Lisa Stulmaker Finance Director Sue Lascoe Director of Operations & Repertory Orchestra Manager David Bebe Director of Education

CONDUCTING STAFF Etienne Abelin Music Director & Symphony Orchestra David Beck Repertory Orchestra Joseph Gumpper String Orchestra Leo Milman Concertino Strings Dr. Robert Hansbrough Wind Orchestra

CHIME STAFF Lenore Aldi-Snow Teaching Artist Brian Brancato Teaching Artist Jessica Bowen Teaching Artist Cathy Gatta Teaching Artist Cara Miner Site Manager Stefanie Nicou Teaching Artist

Teresa Gatta Norton Teaching Artist Richard Jimenez Teaching Artist Matthew Johnson Teaching Artist Lin Polster Site Manager Justin Relf Site Manager Bridie Schnore Teaching Artist

Nicholaus Smith Teaching Artist Susan Wheeler Teaching Artist Monica Wilson-Roach Teaching Artist

SECTIONAL COACHES Throughout the season, ESYO Symphony and Repertory Orchestra members are coached and mentored by a group of dedicated musicians and teachers from the Capital Region and beyond. We are grateful to our team of coaches for offering their guidance and expertise, inspiring our youth to pursue musical excellence.

VIOLIN & VIOLA Matthew Johnson, Viola Leo Milman, Violin Natalya Milman, Violin Jamecyn Morey, Violin Hilary Cumming, Violin CELLOS & BASSES Luke Baker, Bass David Bebe, Cello Andrea Restrepo, Cello & Bass Andre O'Neil, Cello

WOODWINDS & BRASS Michael Blostein, Brass Edward Marschilok, Woodwinds Jacqueline Wright, Woodwinds Susan Gierthy, Oboe Julie Taylor, Clarinet Michelle McLoughlin, Bassoon John Fatuzzo, Trumpet Jessica Cunningham, Horn PERCUSSION John Antonio, Percussion STRING CHAMBER MUSIC COACHES David Bebe Jamecyn Morey Jessica Belflower WIND CHAMBER MUSIC COACH Julie Taylor

THE ESYO EXPERIENCE Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) is continuing to challenge and inspire more than 600 of the most talented youth from the Capital Region of New York, Western New England, and all walks of life to achieve musical excellence through intensive instruction and high-level performance.

Through twelve performing ensembles and ESYO CHIME, ESYO is igniting a lifelong love of music in the youngest members of our communities, and breaking boundaries between communities and backgrounds to grow the future of music.

ESYO’s progressive program nourishes students in elementary through high school, growing with them as they expand their musical and personal capabilities. But, the ESYO experience is about more than exceptional music.

Through the ESYO experience, young people build confidence, practice teamwork, and cultivate personal drive, giving them the skills to achieve success in music, college, and beyond.

ESYO alums go on as leaders in fields as diverse as engineering and art.

They can also be found in all areas of the music industry – from national orchestras and recording studios to music classrooms.

ESYO also seeks to expand its impact beyond its membership, believing music can be a catalyst for social change in the communities in which ESYO musicians live, learn, and play. This belief is why ESYO has helped raise more than $8 million for Albany Medical Center’s pediatric oncology program through the Melodies of Christmas concerts. To further expand its impact, ESYO launched ESYO CHIME

in 2015. Through free, daily music instruction and mentorship, ESYO CHIME provides young musicians in Schenectady, Albany, and Troy schools with comprehensive support from elementary school through high school.

The CHIME team places children on the path to musical excellence and cultivates skills needed to succeed in all areas of life, including collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

Founded by parents and music teachers Barry Richman, Eleanor Barnes, and Lois Lyman in 1979, the ESYO experience now includes everything from concerts at Carnegie Hall to benefit performances, master classes with exceptional musicians like the Shanghai Quartet, DEKA Quartet, and the Musicians of Ma’alwyck to international tours of Europe and Asia.

All of this would not be accomplished without the support and the generosity of many individuals, corporations, and foundations whose gifts are an investment in the future of music.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us to learn, but not just in a classroom. It has challenged us to rehearse, but not always in a rehearsal room. It has challenged us to perform, both in-person and online. This season, join ESYO as we return to the stage and celebrate the grand opening of our first-ever Virtual Concert Hall. For more about ESYO or to pledge your support go to esyo.org. If you are a young musician interested in joining ESYO, there is a place for you!

For information on auditions visit esyo.org/join.

Musikkollegium Winterthur, the Basel Sinfonietta, the Orquestra Sinfonica Portuguesa, the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris and many others in venues and festivals such as Royal Festival Hall London, La Scala Milano, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Teatro Sao Carlos Lisbon, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus Athens or Beethovenfest Bonn. His enthusiasm for new, genre-crossing music led him to conduct world premieres by Gabriel Prokofiev and William Brittelle. In 2021 he enjoyed the distinction of being featured as one of five visionary conductors in the Karajan Foundation’s documentary series Conducting the Future alongside Marin Alsop, Paavo Järvi, Lars Vogt and Miguel Perez Iñesta.

ETIENNE ABELIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONDUCTOR Swiss conductor Etienne Abelin has been described as a “post-classical pioneer” in the BBC Music Magazine and an “icon of new ways in classical music” by the Musica Viva Magazine Brazil. His gripping, emotionally charged performances have been hailed as “always unforgettably fine” by eminent conducting mentor Jorma Panula.

Abelin won the exceptional accolade of being a musical collaborator for 18 years of a classical music legend, the late Claudio Abbado, who has been described as one of the three all-time greatest conductors by BBC Music. As such, he was handpicked

by Mr. Abbado to be a founding member of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra and the Orchestra Mozart Bologna where he was the Principal Second Violin for seven years.

With these orchestras, he performed in the world’s post prestigious concert halls and recorded for labels such as Deutsche Grammophon or Harmonia Mundi.

As a conductor, he has performed with the Beethoven Orchester Bonn, the

A gifted communicator, Etienne Abelin is a double time TEDx speaker and performer and has hosted numerous concerts of orchestras such as the Orquestra Sinfonica Portuguesa or the Sistema Europe Youth Orchestra in Lisbon, Istanbul, Milano or Athens. He’s a frequent contributor on Swiss National radio and television on a wide range of topics, from genre-crossing music to new concert formats, conductors and blind comparisons of recordings.

Abelin’s passion for entrepreneurship, technology, education and social change through music have, over the years, led him to co-found and co-direct the Pan-European Sistema Europe Youth Orchestra, the Swiss El Sistema-inspired program Superar Suisse, the Apples&Olives Indie Classical Festival Zurich, the Ynight-Classical in Club series and most recently Music:Eyes - See what you Hear, a music tech ed platform based on music animations.

Born in Bern, Switzerland, Abelin studied the violin at the Musik-Akademie Basel, Oberlin College and Indiana University, executive business administration at the University of St. Gallen and conducting with teachers such as Jorma Panula, Neil Varon, Larry Rachleff, Johannes Schläfli, James Allen Anderson and Don Schleicher.

CONCERT PROGRAM Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

EMPIRE STATE YOUTH ORCHESTRA

ETIENNE ABELIN, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Sunday, April 3, 2022, 3:00PM

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ETIENNE ABELIN, CONDUCTOR EUJEONG CHOI, CELLO MISSY MAZZOLI (b. 1980) River Rouge Transfiguration SIR EDWARD ELGAR (1857-1934) Cello Concerto in E minor op. 85 I. Adagio – Moderato II. Lento – Allegro molto III. Adagio IV. Allegro – Moderato – Allegro, ma non-troppo – Poco più lento – Adagio Eujeong Choi, cello 2022 Lois Lyman Concerto Competition Winner SERGEI PROKOFIEV (1891 - 1953) Suite No. 2 from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 I. Montagues and Capulets (The Prince Gives His Order and Dance of the Knights) II. Juliet as a Young Girl III. Friar Laurence (Romeo at Friar Laurence's) IV. Dance (Dance of the Five Couples) V. Romeo and Juliet Before Parting VI. Romeo at Juliet's Tomb (Juliet's Grave)

MAKING A DIFFERENCE This performance is made possible in part by the generosity of

ESYO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MUSICIANS Principals ¹ Mazzoli ² Elgar ³ Prokofiev *Guest

First Violins Faith Borkowski, Concertmaster Romeo Vashishth, Assistant Principal Georgia Burtt Minyi Chen Ingrid Colafati Pallavi Datta Tyler Jung Kristine Kim Karina Li Maia Regan Caitlin Weinheimer Tao Xie Catherine Yang Cadence Young Second Violins Tiffany Ma, Principal Gordon Amodeo, Assistant Principal Darren Cheng Fay Hu Isabella Hu Daniel Joung Eric Kim Chris Kurbiel William Vartuli Michael Wong Allison Wu Xuning Ying Lauren Zhu Violas Yu-Heng Wang, Principal Peyton Roach, Assistant Principal Thomas Ahl Matthew Kenyon Annika Robin Grace Wei Violoncellos Trey Coughlin, Principal Eujeong Choi, Assistant Principal

Tom Bowstead Hannah Byun Bryan Chae Christina Cheng John Connolly Casey Gao Ian Gu Ian Jin Johann Junkins Kyle Markham Stilian Mile Hanh Nguyen Liam Sullivan William Wu Michael Xie Double Bass Joseph Weinberg, Co-principal Sophia Barnes, Co-principal Orin Carlson-Lee Flutes Emily Dupuis Benjamin Halpin ²,³ Lucy Lee Madilyn Connor ¹ Oboes Olivia Petti ³ Alicia Prieto ¹ Madeleine Stewart Tingwen Zhang ² Clarinets Regan Doherty John Giordano ¹, ² Hailey Lotz Julia Spretty ³ Bass Clarinet John Giordano Tenor Saxophone Nathan Yan*

Bassoons Charlie Beauregard ¹ Ryan Kegg ², ³ Gigi Stewart Contrabassoon Charlie Beauregard French Horns Kate Szumowski ¹ Duncan Wall ²,³ Abbie Snyder* Mallorie Meyer* Trumpets Brian McNamara ², ³ Amanda Roberts ¹ Trombones Kevin Lee ² Nicholas Lynch Anthony Zhang ¹,³ Tuba Cecelia Betts Timpani Bailey Yerdon Percussion Clara de Long Austin Ernst Piano/Celesta William Lauricella Harp Malachi Cherubini*

PROGRAM NOTES MISSY MAZZOLI RIVER ROUGE TRANSFIGURATION "…all around me and above me as far as the sky, the heavy, composite, muffled roar of torrents of machines, hard wheels obstinately turning, grinding, groaning, always on the point of breaking down but never breaking down."

— Louis-Ferdinand Céline, from Journey to the End of the Night I first fell in love with Detroit while on tour with my band, Victoire, in 2010.

When I returned home to New York I dove into early Detroit techno from the late eighties, Céline’s novel Journey to the End of the Night and early 20th century photographs by Charles Sheeler, who documented Detroit’s River Rouge Plant in 1927 through a beautiful, angular photo series. In my research I was struck by how often the landscape of Detroit inspired a kind of religious awe, with writers from every decade of the last century comparing the city’s factories to cathedrals and altars, and Vanity Fair even dubbing Detroit “America’s Mecca” in 1928. In Mark Binelli’s recent book Detroit City Is the Place to Be, he even describes a particular Sheeler photograph, CrissCrossed Conveyors, as evoking “neither grit nor noise but instead an almost tabernacular grace. The smokestacks in the background look like the pipes of a massive church organ, the titular conveyor belts forming the shape of what is unmistakably a giant cross.”

This image, of the River Rouge Plant as a massive pipe organ, was the initial inspiration for River Rouge Transfiguration. This is music about the transformation of grit and noise (here represented by the percussion,

piano, harp and pizzicato strings) into something massive, resonant and unexpected. The “grit” is again and again folded into string and brass chorales that collide with each other, collapse, and rise over and over again.

River Rouge Transfiguration was commissioned by the Detroit Symphony in honor of Elaine Lebenbom. Thank you to the Detroit Symphony, Leonard Slatkin, Erik Ronmark, Rebecca Zook, Farnoosh Fathi, Katy Tucker and Mark Binelli.

Program note by Missy Mazzoli

SIR EDWARD ELGAR CELLO CONCERTO IN E MINOR, OP. 85 Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) wrote many popular works, such as the Pomp and Circumstance marches (190130), his first symphony (1908) and the famed Enigma Variations (1898-99).

However, the piece that truly stands out is his last major orchestral work, the Cello Concerto (1919). Written in the aftermath of World War I, while recovering from a major operation, this work is perhaps his most dark and introspective; a great contrast from his typically grand and lighthearted oeuvre. The choice of cello as the solo instrument, with its dark, singing, and human timbral qualities, is especially appropriate for this ruminative concerto.

The opening of the piece, rather than leading us in with an orchestral introduction, plunges us straight into an anguished cello solo, setting the mood for the movement. The

main theme, a simple, introspective, nostalgic melody, is presented by the violas, and picked up by the cello.

However, as the orchestra builds up, nostalgia transforms into sadness, a sadness that is not resolved. A second theme, also introspective, is introduced and developed, but despite memories of happier times that come and go, ultimately nothing changes.

A recapitulation of the main theme occurs, the music’s sadness continues, and the movement closes in a dark manner.

The second movement begins without a break. A recitative introduction, dark like the previous movement, gives way to a lively, virtuosic showcase for the cello, featuring a whirlwind of sixteenth notes and highlighting the instrument’s high register. The light playfulness of this scherzo provides a gratifying contrast from the first movement.

A brief but gorgeous slow movement follows, featuring the cello’s expressive capabilities. The light instrumentation (the orchestra is only strings and select winds), train-ofthought structure and lack of a definite climax or firm cadences combine to give the music a ruminative, meditative quality. The movement ends quietly on a major chord, but the music only feels half-resolved.

The fourth movement begins with a foreboding introduction and cadenza, recalling fragments from the first movement. This section introduces a motif which becomes the basis for the main portion of this movement, masterfully developed by Elgar. After a time, the music gradually reduces

tempo and leads us into a slow section, the emotional conclusion to this piece.

Through some soaring solos, the cello declares its sadness and hope slowly fades. The movement closes with a recapitulation of the dramatic opening of the first movement, followed by one last statement of the main theme of the fourth movement with all the orchestra, driving in once and for all the sadness of this concerto.

This piece was not very popular initially. There was limited rehearsal time at the premiere, and in any event, Elgar was losing popularity with audiences. Despite this, just a year after the premiere, Elgar conducted an abbreviated recording of the concerto with cellist Beatrice Harrison as the soloist. A complete recording was finally made in 1928, also by Elgar and Harrison. And Jaqueline du Pré’s famous 1965 recording brought the Cello Concerto into the musical spotlight it deserved, where it has remained ever since.

Program note by Duncan Wall French Horn, Symphony Orchestra

PROGRAM NOTES CONTINUED SERGEI PROKOFIEV ROMEO AND JULIET SUITE NO. 2 By 1935, the year of Romeo and Juliet’s composition, Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) had been abroad from his homeland of Russia since 1918, when the Bolshevik takeover occurred.

However, Prokofiev had been facing barriers to his composition career due to the Great Depression, and furthermore was growing homesick.

These factors lured him into greater ties with the Soviet Union (he and his family would move back in 1936), where he was able to receive more commissions, Romeo and Juliet among them. Sadly, he returned during a time of increasing censorships for composers around the Soviet Union, and the ballet would have to wait until 1940 for its premiere performance.

Fortunately for music lovers however, the ballet, and the three suites derived from them, have enjoyed success around the world since then.

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is, of course, one of the most famous stories of all time. Romeo and Juliet, two lovers from the rivaling houses of Montague and Capulet. A plan for them to be together fails, ending the play in tragedy. And although the order of the movements of this suite is not exactly as it is in the play, nonetheless it provides the listener with a musical outline of this celebrated tale.

This suite, the second of three derived by Prokofiev from the ballet, begins with Montagues and Capulets, depicting the tensions between the two families. The dramatic introduction

(“The Prince Gives his Order”, from scene one of the ballet), features extreme dynamic contrasts. The main section that follows is the famous “Dance of the Nights” from scene two of the ballet. The melody is introduced in the violins and clarinets, with a heavy, pulsating accompaniment from the low instruments of the orchestra. This tumultuous music is interrupted by a relatively calmer middle section, featuring the flutes, but the main melody soon returns, and the movement comes to a crashing close.

The second movement, Juliet as a Young Girl, contrasts from the foreboding first movement and depicts Juliet through different stages of her childhood. The movement begins with impressive sixteenth note runs in the strings counterbalanced by short phrases in the winds. Gradually, the music transitions into a slower, more lyrical section dominated by the woodwinds and horns. The first theme briefly comes back, but as quickly as it returns it goes away again, and a masterfully-orchestrated slow section closes this movement.

The next movement is entitled Friar Laurence. Having been banished from Verona, Romeo gets the help of Friar Laurence, who hatches a plan to reunite the two lovers. A bassoon solo immediately introduces the theme, which is picked up by richly-divided strings, with the assistance of only a select few winds. The bassoon solo returns, and the movement reaches a quiet ending.

Program note continued on next page.

PROGRAM NOTES CONTINUED The fourth movement, the quick and lively Dance, depicts the fateful ball where Romeo and Juliet first met.

A solo oboe presents an animated melody. Elements from the theme are then passed around the woodwind section. All in all, this movement is a short but jovial interlude for the suite.

The fifth movement, Romeo and Juliet Before Parting, sees the two lovers on their last night together before Romeo must leave Verona. A lyrical melody, passed between the flutes, clarinets and muted violins, introduces the movement. Following is the main section, one full of incredible passion.

Listen for Prokofiev’s masterful orchestration, as unusual combinations of instruments add to the beauty. The music culminates in the high point of the entire suite, as the horn section projects the lovers’ passion over lush, fast-moving strings and woodwinds.

The movement calms down, with a tuba and bass soli over an ostinato in the violins and woodwinds, and comes to a quiet, sparse ending, leaving our story unresolved but hopeful.

But there is no happy ending. The final movement, Romeo at Juliet’s Tomb, is an incredibly soul-crushing, tragic finale to the suite. The hope that concluded the fifth movement is gone. Unaware that she is still alive, Romeo finds Juliet’s body in the tomb, and is in mourning. Paris, Juliet’s other suitor, finds Romeo, but Romeo kills him. A tragic, lyrical theme is immediately introduced in the strings.

Dark proclamations in the brass contrast this with a more intense form of grieving. Listen for a reprisal of a

theme from the middle of the fifth movement as well. Throughout the finale, the lyrical and intense moods alternate, but there is never a speck of happiness, until the very end, when the strings, playing extremely softly in the high register, sound a glimmer of hope, albeit a mournful one. And with this, Prokofiev’s famed suite about the two star-crossed lovers comes to a close.

Program note by Duncan Wall French Horn, Symphony Orchestra

EUJEONG CHOI, VIOLONCELLO 2022 LOIS LYMAN CONCERTO COMPETITION WINNER Eujeong Choi, 15 is a sophomore at the Niskayuna High School, NY, and studies under Dr. David Bebe. She was principal cellist in the El Camino Youth Symphony Camerata Orchestra and the San Jose Youth Symphony Chamber Orchestra until 6th grade, and also played in the pit for the Los Gatos Ballet Company’s “The Nutcracker ''. After her relocation from California to New York, she became the principal of the Empire State Youth Repertory Orchestra (ESYO) during 7th grade and has been the Principal/Assistant Principal for the ESYO Symphony Orchestra since the 8th grade.

Her notable achievements include first place winner in the New York Laureate International Music Competition (2021), first place in the Prima Volta Music Competition (2021), and first place in the American Protegé International Music Talent Competition (2021). She performed at the Weill Hall in Carnegie in December 2021 for the American Protegé winner’s recital. She was also a finalist in the New York International Classical Music Competition (2021) and Uel Wade Scholarship Music competition (2021), where she won $5000 in scholarship money and was the winner in the Niskayuna Friends of Music Summer Scholarship Competition (2019) as well as ESYO’s Lois Lyman Concerto Competition (2022). She was also a finalist in the Elementary Division of the 2016 Silicon Valley Music Competition (SVMC) and Intermediate Division of the 2017 SVMC, third place in the Junior Division of the 13th Korea Times Youth Music Competition (KTYMC), and the Intermediate Division of the 14th KTYMC.

ABOUT THE LOIS LYMAN CONCERTO COMPETION

The Lois Lyman Concerto Competition is named after music teacher and one of ESYO's founding members, Lois Lyman. It began in 1985. The winner is selected through a rigorous application and audition process from amongst Symphony Orchestra's membership each year, representing some of the area's finest musicians. Applicants perform a concerto from memory before a panel. The winner is given the opportunity to perform a solo in concert each season.

Past winners include: William Lauricella, William Han, Gabrielle Kim, Aram Kim, Michael Zhu, Hannah Dick, Clare Criscione, Jacob Efthimiou, Lisa Liu, Turi Scilipoti, Zachary Evans, Ryan Reilly, Anthony Bellino, Leo Brown, Jack Qian, Eric Zhou, James Benoit, Kathryn Andersen, Ashley Bathgate, Benjamin Chan, Felice Kuan, Jonathan Chu, Adrienne Chamberlain, Jennifer Chu, Marisa Range, Nathan Lawrence, Clancy Newman, Emily Greitzer, Meg Bragle, Michelle Fenton, Stefon Harris, Martha Pushee, Dana Gooley, Lisa Cole, Joyce Ryu.

THE ART OF LISTENING If we've learned anything about music over the last two years, it is the power of live music. Whether listening to a masterful piece by one of the classical giants or a leadedge work by a living composer, orchestral music invites you into a musically daring adventure filled with excitement or stillness, joy or sadness, or triumph or loss. Your main job is to listen and be affected by what you hear. Let the music provoke you and inspire you.

Here are a few tips to help you master the art of listening: LISTEN AS CLOSELY AS YOU CAN You've most likely heard people describe orchestral music as a relaxing escape or a perfect soundtrack to daily life. Truth is, if you listen closely, you'll hear more, notice more, and appreciate the artful message woven between the notes.

TRY TO HEAR THE UNIQUE QUALITIES THAT THESE PERFORMERS BRING TO THE PERFORMANCE A composer is a partner in the creation of a concert. They provide the blueprint for the performance while the orchestra builds the house and adds the ornaments and furniture. With the freedom of interpretation, no single piece sounds the same.

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR Music is organized sound, filled with patterns, themes, and moods. Close your eyes and try to visualize what you hear. Do you see colors, shapes, characters or dancers, places, or locations? What is the story that is unfolding?

As you are listening, ask yourself the following questions: 1. What is the mood, feeling, or character of the music, is it staying the same or changing?

2. Loudness or softness? Does it suddenly change?

3. Timbre; what instruments are sounding together? What new sounds are created by different combinations of instruments?

4. What is the tempo of the music? Can I feel the beat in my body?

5. Do you notice recurring themes that you heard previously?

6. What are the other instruments doing if they don’t have the melody?

7. Musical conversations. Do different instruments or sections call or respond to each other?

8. Rhythms and emphasis. How are the rhythms different or complimentary?

MUSIC IS A TAPESTRY When you take the time to listen and enjoy it, you will always hear something new or different. You don't need to be a musician or an aficionado to enjoy an ESYO concert.

All you need is an open ear and an open mind. Let the music affect you, visualize what you hear, and connect it to your life. Most importantly, give yourself a break from email, social media, texting, and screens. Let the music speak to you, especially if it challenges you to listen differently.

ESYO SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS THE HARMONY IN MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED BY THE KOLODZIEJ AND RESTA FAMILY This scholarship supports the musical aspirations of talented young players who demonstrate financial need. In recognition of the challenges faced by larger families to afford enriching opportunities for all their children equally, this award favors applicants seeking to enroll more than one child in Empire State Youth Orchestra.

THE RICHARD ALBAGLI SCHOLARSHIPS ESTABLISHED BY THE CHANG, HARRIS & PROVANCHER FAMILIES These scholarships honor Richard Albagli’s more than thirty years of service to ESYO as percussion conductor, his deep commitment to music education and his compassion for others. These awards favor percussion applicants.

ALFRED Z. SOLOMON CHARITABLE TRUST SCHOLARSHIPS ESTABLISHED BY THE ALFRED Z. SOLOMON CHARITABLE TRUST The Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust believes, as do we, that no one should be denied the opportunity to pursue a talent because of economic hardship. These scholarships help safeguard ESYO’s longstanding commitment to grant any qualified musician the assistance they need to become a member.

SUZANNE D. LAKE SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED BY KATHRYN LAKE IN HONOR OF HER MOTHER This scholarship honors Suzanne Lake’s role as one of ESYO’s founders, and her decades of service to young musicians. This needs-based award favors a rising senior demonstrating a commitment to the serious pursuit of music.

SUMMER ENRICHMENT AWARDS ESTABLISHED IN HONOR OF KATHY GALLAGHER These awards pay homage to Kathy Gallagher’s devotion to young musicians and her years of service to ESYO. These needs-based awards range from $500-$1,000, and are to be used for summer programs, private lessons, and instrument purchase or repair.

BARRY RICHMAN CAREERS IN MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED BY BARRY RICHMAN This scholarship is awarded at the end of each ESYO season to a graduating senior from any ESYO group who best exemplifies the goals and standards of their ensemble, serves as a role model to their peers, has made outstanding musical contributions, and plans a career in music.

THE ACCELERATOR SCHOLARSHIPS These need-based scholarships honor Roger Hannay’s unwavering desire to help those in need who are also willing to help themselves. These awards favor returning ESYO musicians who have been accepted into a more advanced ensemble and who reflect Roger’s grit, determination and dedication to hard work.

THE HELEN CHA-PYO SCHOLARSHIP FUND Helen Cha-Pyo served as ESYO’s Music Director and Symphony Orchestra Conductor between 2002 and 2018. Under her extraordinary leadership, ESYO grew to become one of the preeminent Youth Orchestras in the nation.

Helen’s vision guided the launch of ESYO’s CHIME in 2015 to remove barriers to a comprehensive music program for young people in the Capital Region and her active community engagement sparked numerous collaborative projects both regionally and internationally. This award is given each spring to a senior who embodies Helen’s passionate commitment to music as a means to uplift and enrich the community.

THE HELEN CHA-PYO GOLDEN BATON AWARD This award is given each spring to a senior who embodies Helen’s passionate commitment to music as a means to uplift and enrich the community.

Additional scholarship funds were made possible through the generosity of donors in response to ESYO’s Annual Appeal.

If you are interested in more information about funding a named scholarship, please reach out to Anne-Marie Gorman Doyle at amgormandoyle@esyo.org.

ENDOW A CHAIR AN ENDURING GIFT Endowing a chair provides reliable, ongoing funding to underwrite key ESYO programs and retain outstanding musicians. Because endowed chairs are named in perpetuity, they offer a special opportunity to recognize your gift or honor a person or cause that is dear to you.

To discuss endowing a chair, contact Anne-Marie Gorman Doyle, Development Director at amgormandoyle@esyo.org or 518.382.7581.

ESYO YOUNG LEADERS ESYO is excited to provide opportunities for the next generation of musicians and arts leaders to gain hands-on experience and assist in the programs of an internationallyrecognized youth orchestra. Young Leaders spend a full season being mentored by an arts leader in the ESYO community and participate an average of 8-10 hours a month in professional development meetings and volunteerism in music education opportunities, special events, projects, and administrative tasks. 2020-2021 Young Leader projects included an instrument and music supplies drive, volunteer music festival, Soundwalk in Washington Park, and virtual collaborative music projects.

To learn more, contact youngleader@esyo.org

“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.”

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OFFERING DEGREES IN Music Education, Performance, Composition, Music Theory, Music History, and Music Business www.potsdam.edu/crane

WMHT’s Classical Student Musician of the Month celebrates the outstanding young musicians in our region.

Nominate a student today! wmht.org/studentmusician

Supporting the Arts for over 50 Years!

The Open Door Bookstore & Gift Gallery A Locally-Owned Independent Bookstore Since 1971

128 Jay Street • Schenectady (518) 346-2719 www.opendoor–bookstore.com

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012325627893 8 2

ROBERT S. WALENTA bob@wcagency.net

phone 518.966.4623

www.wcagency.net

toll free 800.994.5250

10734 Route 32 • PO Box 569 • Greenville, NY 12083

Manhattan School of Music

MSMNYC.EDU

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid Manhattan School of Music 130 Claremont Avenue, New York, NY 10027 917-493-4436 admission@msmnyc.edu

it all happens here.

THE JOYFUL PURSUIT OF MUSICAL EXCELLENCE

DONATE TODAY! Your gift will help ESYO to continue providing unparalleled musical experiences for the youth in our region. Donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations cover about 60% of ESYO’s operating budget; the balance is covered by tuition and concert ticket sales. This model keeps ESYO accessible to many more eligible young musicians by keeping tuition as affordable as possible.

1. Point your phone camera at the box below 2. You will see a link at the top of your phone 3. Click on the link and you will be brought to the donation web page 4. Fill in the details and make your donation

CONTRIBUTIONS Empire State Youth Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the contributions of our generous supporters. The following list represents gifts and pledges over $500 received from January 1, 2021 to March 4, 2022. We apologize for any errors or omissions and would be grateful to have them called to our attention. If you haven't had a chance to contribute, please go to esyo.org/donate to support our wonderful young musicians.

CORPORATE SPONSORS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS ($20,000 AND UP) Carnegie Hall Weill Institute Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation New York State Council on the Arts REA Charitable Trust $10K - $19,999K Albany Medical Center Bender Family Foundation M&T Charitable Foundation The McCarthy Charities The Review Foundation The Schenectady Foundation Seymour Fox Memorial Foundation The Times Union $5K - $9,999 El Sistema Presto Grant Henry M. Butzel Family Foundation $1K - $4,999 AYCO Berkshire Bank Foundation

Capital Bank, A Division Pearl Grant Richmans of Chemung Canal Prudential Matching Trust Company Gifts Program Capital District Takeda Pharmaceuticals Physicians’ Health Plan Matching Gifts Program Community Foundation of the Greater Capital *Includes In-Kind Region Donations Foy Fund Little Red School House DONORS Fund County of Schenectady TRANSFORMING Curtis Lumber VIRTUOSO CIRCLE Schenectady County ($20,000 AND UP) Initiative Program Roger & Sherley Hannay D’Addario Music Foundation MAESTRO CIRCLE GE Foundation Matching ($10,000 - $19,000) Gifts Program Price Chopper Golub ENRICHING BRAVO Foundation CIRCLE University at Albany ($5,000 - $9,999) Foundation Stefon & Shané Harris Stewart’s Foundation Heather Manthey George A. Vorsheim $500 - $999 Cengage Learning FANFARE CIRCLE Matching Gifts Program ($1,000 - $4,999) The Community Al Aumick Foundation for the Robert, Trish and Griff Greater Capital Region Bengraff Paul & Alane Hohenberg Kurt Bratten Fund Marlene Brody The Foundation For Robert Brown & Kenneth Jewish Philanthropies C. Ashe Global Foundries Charles & Charlotte Matching Gifts Program Buchanan

David Casper Sarah Cavanaugh Heather Chan Robert & Mary Chase Paul & Mary Clyne Grace & Thomas Davitt Patrick Doyle & AnneMarie Gorman Doyle Dr.James Fossett James & Deborah Freis David & Patricia Gosda Michelle & John Haller Walter Hayes & Jean Brand Hayes Patty Michaelson & Walter Klisiwecz Kathryn Lake Lee & Sharyn Miller Paul D. Moore Scott Provancher & Teresa Hoelle Daniel Pyo & Helen Cha-Pyo Brian Sacawa Christopher Shiley Lawrence Shore Elizabeth Silver Charles & Donna Slavik E. Stewart Jones & Kimberly Sanger Jones Al Sykes & Maureen Gorman Russell & Marjorie Ward Rory & Bonnie Wood SUSTAINING CONCERTMASTER CIRCLE ($500 - $999) Kathleen & Richard Ahl Robert & Patricia Altman Eric and Sharon Andersen Alan & Eric Bare Eric Bryson & Gina Falzarano Ben & Sarah Chan Barbara & Julian Cherubini

Celeste & Marc Dickie Thomas & Alison Enokian Matie Flowers & Joe Visalli Joanne & Jeffrey Gleba Gareth Griffiths Beverly Harrington John & Harriet Hart Donna & Fred Hershey Michael Kolodziej & Regina Resta Charles & Debra McCambridge Joyce Michaelson Kevin & Pat O'Bryan Peter & Lori Lauricella Jagat & Jigisha Patel Don & Lois Porter Michael Range Thomas F. Read Thomas & Evelyn Read Herbert & Cynthia Shultz Christopher Sohn & Sara Wengert Lucinda Strasenburgh Chang Sung & Chang Byun Liz & Noel Varghese Melissa Welch & Jason Kneaskern Todd Wetzel Omar Williams Kathryn Zox In Memory of: For Jonathan Bintz Zachary Anderson Lee Bickmore Mark Carr Gabrielle Casey Charles Dougherty Janice Dougherty Marilyn Ellis Daniel Elmendorf John Fatuzzo Arthur Foo April Friedman Debora Herrmann

Eugene Hickock Haejin Hwang Theresa Knickerbocker Zak LeBlanc Roxanna Leone John Lincoln Senate Services, NY State Senate Christopher Maloy Kim Mann Tony Martinez Kathleen Massaroni Vic Mazzotti Sandra E. McBride Luke Olson David Ossont James Resila Laurette Roddin Katherine Skopkowski Tracy Starr Fort Hunter Volunteer Fire Company Kerby Zimmerman Lisa S. Mastrangelo for Damon Turner Linda Anderson for Jeffrey Herchenroder For Richard Balsam Sheila Eustace Mary Balsam Susan Kulp Bruce Reisner Betty Lamson for Dave Lamson Alan Bare for Lois Bare Cindy Barkowski for William Grattan Mary & Robert Chase for Erica Chase For Joseph Choi Robert Ciulla Michele Esposito Judy Fuschino Debra Geer Cheryl Gelder-Kogan Barbara Griffin Robert Grossman Sandra E. McBride

Barbara Hamilton Anne Heller David Kibbe George Langford Sandra O'Donnell Mark Olson Ben Penney Maureen Schaefer Jeff Serbalik Joyce Serbalik Choi Allan Tedrow Martha Townley Richard Dever for Kathleen Gallagher Kit Goldman for Bernice Haber Sachs Ann Halpin for Thomas Halpin & Laura Kerzic For Marie H. Albrecht Carol Smith-Barrell The Kelly Family Virginia Yang John Pattison for Nina Pattison Michael Range for Sandrina Range In Honor of Jean D. Brown in honor of Roger F. Brown JoAnn Crinieri in honor of Dan McCarthy Barbara Dailey in honor of Inari & Anika Sohn Dalene DeHaney-Miller in honor of DeVaughn, Ciarra & Da’Viaire Miller Ralph Enokian in honor of Tom Enokian Roberta Friedman in honor of Ela Yucel Samantha Friedman in honor of Ela Yucel Nancy Jones in honor of Sean Jones Joe Kenyon in honor of Matthew Kenyon

Patty Michaelson in honor of Aidan Doyle, Josh Klamka & Carlos Ágreda Michael Phillips in honor of Ellie Caine Juan Ruilova in honor of Angelina & Jacob Ruilova Margaret Ryan in honor of Christopher Ryan Marguerite Shook in honor of Delphine Mann Elizabeth Simcoe in honor of Esti Simcoe Sherrie Sliski in honor of Duncan Wall James Strosberg in honor of Miriam Butzel Joseph Vinciquerra in honor of Joe Gumpper Helen White in honor of Tommy White Xiaoling Zhang in honor of Everest Kuang MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY! ESYO.ORG

Bard College Conservatory of Music

COMMUNITY CURIOSITY EXCELLENCE YOUR AD HERE! SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL YOUTH PERFORMERS BY ADVERTISING IN ESYO'S PROGRAM BOOK! For pricing and more information, email Justin Cook, Marketing & Publications Manager, at jcook@esyo.org.

The mission of the Bard Conservatory double-degree program is to provide the best possible preparation for a person dedicated to a life immersed in the creation and performance of music. bard.edu/conservatory/undergraduate conservatoryadmission@bard.edu Photo by Hsiao-Fang Lin 845-752-2409

Learn from a dedicated residential faculty

Belong to a fiercely supportive community

Discover your own path

Scan here to take a virtual tour of campus

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS For application information visit esm.rochester.edu/admissions

Proud to Support the Empire State Youth Orchestra and the future of music in our community!

@RosenblumCompanies

www.rosenblumcompanies.com

JUNE 25–JULY 9, 2022 Study with world-class performers and inspirational teachers www.skidmore.edu/summerjazz

Summer Music Academy PERFORM AT YOUR HIGHEST LEVEL.

Take your musicianship to new levels in a residential, supportive environment with other musicians from across the country.

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION July 10–23, 2022 • Entering grades 10–12 • Orchestra, wind ensemble, voice, and jazz programs INTERMEDIATE DIVISION July 24–30, 2022 • Entering grades 7–9 • Band, orchestra, and voice programs Registration Opens: December 1 Learn more at ithaca.edu/sma.

Albany Medical Center is committed to healing, medical education and research as well as to our community.

Today we thank the

Empire State Youth Orchestras for the opportunities they create for our talented young people.

We believe supporting the arts is part of improving our region’s quality of life. www.amc.edu

Continuing to make beautiful music together.

Nobody tells the story of our community better than the

To subscribe, please call (518)454-5454 or go to timesunion.com/subscribe.