VPO Labor Day Celebration Pops 2023

LABOR DAY CELEBRATION POPS

The Sharon®L. Morse

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Dear Patron of the Arts,

Welcome to The Sharon® L. Morse Performing Arts Center!

Much like the building’s namesake, my grandmother, Sharon L. Morse, we love all varieties of the performing arts here. It is in her memory that I, along with my amazing team of artists and arts administrators, strive to bring many different types of the highest quality entertainment here to The Sharon.

Since opening in 2015, we have strived to establish your trust, that a show at The Sharon is a show worth seeing. Perhaps you find yourself here today to see a concert of one of your favorite musicians, or to take in the national tour of a Broadway show. Either way, we encourage you to consider trying out a new show that perhaps you haven’t heard of before, knowing that it has been intentionally curated by our team.

We welcome you to The Sharon: a place for you to see an old favorite, but also a place to discover your new favorite. I sincerely hope you enjoy the show today, and I look forward to seeing you here again soon!

See You at The Sharon, Whitney

Morse

Artistic Director

The Star Spangled Banner

We’ve just Won Right Now

Ya got Trouble (from The Music Man )

On the Road Again

Nobody But Me With You I’m Born Again

September Morn

Seventy Six Trombones (from The Music Man )

~ Intermission ~

Blades of Steel

Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft

You Will Never Walk Alone

Delilah

Pure Imagination (from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ) At last

Going the Distance/ Gonna Fly Now

American Medley

The Stars and Stripes Forever

MESSAGE FROM THE MAESTRO

It is both my honor and a great privilege to present the opening of another exciting season of The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra. This 2023-2024 season we celebrate our 20 year anniversary of the VPO. This season, your Villages Philharmonic will present a variety of programs, including pop, opera, and powerful masterworks, featuring fantastic guest artists. I could not think of a more beautiful venue to share these concerts than the The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center. It is most certainly our home and an extraordinary Performing Art Center. This hall is a monument to the legacy of love and passion the Morse family has established and nurtured in The Villages.

I hope to see you all at all of our home performances and invite you to support The Villages Philharmonic by purchasing a season subscription and by inviting all your friends to share in the transformative power of music with us.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting this fine orchestra and the world-class artistry we craft for you.

Caramente, Pasquale Valerio

Musical Director and Founder

PASQUALE VALERIO, MAESTRO

Pasquale Valerio is an internationally acclaimed Orchestral Conductor. In 2004 he founded The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra, became its musical director, and is still engaged in concerts and tours throughout Florida and worldwide. Maestro Valerio was also the founder of the Lake Sumter Chamber Orchestra as well as co-founder and conductor of the Florida Lakes Symphony from 2005 to 2006.

He collaborates with various European orchestras such as the Philharmonic Orchestra ‘900 of the Teatro Regio Opera in Turin, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Prague, the Virtuosi of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, the Virtuosi of the Philharmonic of Bacau, the “A. Scarlatti” Symphony Orchestra of Naples, Orchestra Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia.

In 2006 had the opportunity to assist Sir Antonio Pappano, current Music Director of the Royal Opera House in London This collaboration represented a great point of reference for maestro Valerio and indelibly marked his experience of conducting growth. From 2007 to 2009 he collaborated with the internationally known Viotti music festival in Vercelli, Italy and in May 2018 he began an ongoing cooperation with the North California Music Festival as guest conductor.

Pasquale Valerio was born in Naples to a family linked to cultural traditions and founding religious values. The great passion for music was evident from the first years of his life, but, only towards the tenth year of age did he begin his musical studies, first with the piano, and subsequently, at the age of thirteen years, when he began studying trumpet. It is in this period that Pasquale met Maestro Filippo Veniero, an important musical guide for subsequent studies. He studied trumpet at the school of Maestro Francesco Lentini, Bari Conservatory, with whom he obtained the middle completion and, subsequently under the guidance of Maestro Diego Benedusi, he obtained the superior completion of trumpet.

After completing his trumpet studies, he collaborated as an instrumentalist with orchestras of major opera and symphonic institutions including the Opera House “Teatro di San Carlo in Naples “and with other major opera orchestras and symphonic institutions. Simultaneously he studied Composition and Score Reading at the School of Maestro Filippo Veniero.

The meeting with two conductors, J Withney and Gunther Smidth (United States) conditioned the musical journey and made it possible that in 1998 Pasquale resumed his studies started in Naples with F. Veniero. Also important was the meeting with the famous conductor Anton Coppola in 1999, who became

MAESTRO

Pasquale’s mentor and guide.

Pasquale is a guest collaborator at festivals and international competitions, including:

International Piano Competition “F. Schubert” in San Cristoforo Virtuosi of the Bacau Philharmonic, Romania, Viotti Music Festival, Camerata Ducale, Italy, Piano Festival of Carrara/Arezzo

Orchestra 900’ of the Teatro Regio of Turin, Oída Symphony Orchestra (Arezzo)

Philharmonic Orchestra of Benevento, New Orchestra Scarlatti and Florida

Philharmonia

In the academic year 2023 he was appointed Visiting Professor of Conducting Studies at the “London Performing Arts Academy”.

23/24 SEASON

SEPT 3 / MAY 6

Sunday, September 3 ..........................................Labor Day Celebration Pops

Sunday, October 8 ............................................ American Italian Celebration

Tuesday, November 28 ......................................................................... Messiah

Monday, December 18 .................................................... Holiday Celebration

Tuesday, December 19 .................................................... Holiday Celebration

Sunday, January 28 ................................................... Classical Concert Series

Wednesday, February 14 ..................... American Music Celebration of Love

Monday, March 18 ..................................................... Classical Concert Series

Sunday, April 21 Classical Concert Series

Monday, May 6 Opera Gala Magical Moments of Opera Scenes

SUBSCRIPTIONS* & INDIVIDUAL TICKETS ON SALE

CHOOSE AT LEAST 4 SHOWS & GET 10% OFF GET ALL 9 SHOWS & GET 15% OFF

FEATURED ARTISTS

CLARK BARRIOS

The name Clark Barrios has become synonymous with a musical talent that is both universal and entertaining. Born in New Orleans and raised by his grandparents, young Clark’s first musical exposure was through the recognition he achieved singing in the church choir at the tender age of 5. This recognition led to a Musical Scholarship at Loyola University. Recognizing that music and entertaining would become his life challenge, Clark began a musical quest which would ultimately bring happiness and joy to thousands of people in audiences and on stages across the country. Chasing a dream has led him from New Orleans to Atlanta to Las Vegas to Austin to Orlando twice and now to his home here in Central Florida. This gifted performer/singer is excited to share his vocal gifts with the audiences here in The Villages.

MARCELLA RICHARDSON

Started her singing career in northern Michigan, Torch lake area at a family restaurant called Brownwood. She went on to travel with the 10 piece show band that started from Brownwood called TORCH. She continued to travel the country performing and eventually formed her own groups with partners based out of Atlanta, GA. She also did radio, TV jingles and commercials. Eventually moving her business to The Villages, Florida and in 2010 she started singing in The Pops and Holiday concerts with The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra. Along with performing with The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra She studies and competes in ballroom dancing.

NORMAN LEE SCHAFFER

Norman Lee Schaffer: Singer, songwriter, entertainer and Pastor of The Garden Worship Center in Belleview, FL. Norman Lee has shared the stage with Kenny Roger, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Lou Rawls and The Temptations just to name a few. He has appeared in movies, television and many stages across the country for over 40 years. Norman Lee has released four Country albums and has also written and released 10 Christian albums that receive national radio airplay. He not only continues to build his church on 55 acres in Belleview, FL but is also recreating the Holy Land where the Bible comes to life. www.thegardenworshipcenter.com

FEATURED ARTISTS

KRYSTOF SREBRAKOWSKI, PIANIST

Was born and raised in Zary, located in the South Western part of Poland next to the German border, half-way between Prague and Berlin. He was training as a Classical Pianist since he was 5 years old. In the 1980s Krystof studied theory, modern harmony and composition under the tutelage of Prof. Edward Boguslawski (1940-2003) one of the most prominent European composers of the 20th Century.

Krystof moved to Boston in early 1990s and studied jazz piano performance at Berklee College of Music.

In 1996 he settled down in Orlando, and began performing at Walt Disney World, where he played all possible theme park shows, countless conventions, recitals, and jazz concerts.

Krystof performs regularly worldwide as an accompanist with Jodi Benson (the voice of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”), and he also performs with a rock band supporting a pop singer Tiffany. He was a featured pianist for the Nelson Riddle Orchestra (Original Nat King Cole band ), shared the stage with David Sanborn (as an opening act) and with Bernie Williams. He produced, composed and recorded several albums, including his jazz/new age CD entitled “Dream Journey”. He also composed and recorded two solo piano CD’s : “Stay Forever” and “Dimensions”.

Currently he is completing his newest album “Power Play” featuring a full symphony orchestra.

Krystof was a full-time bandleader for the Phil Collins show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, “Tarzan Rocks” which ran from 1999 until 2006. He also has toured worldwide as a pianist with Julio Iglesias in 2016.

Currently Krystof works as a full time featured organist and composer for NHL Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team, performing for 20,000 audiences during all home games (scheduled 45 dates throughout the regular season September - April, plus up to 16 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs). He also works at the Disney’s Wedding Pavilion as an organist, and as Disney’s special events pianist with DEG. He continues to perform as a pianist with Breward Symphony Orchestra, The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra and Orlando Philharmonics. He was a pianist for the Pixar Live show at Disney Hollywood Studios.

Krystof ’s musical adventure at Disney Springs began back in 1996, when he performed regularly as the Pleasure Island Jazz Company pianist with variety of jazz groups. He continues to perform as a solo act, with his ensembles, with Kalinka, with strolling Trio, with Nova Era - just to name a few. He is also an original pianist with Nova Jazz.

FEATURED ARTISTS

SEAN CHRISTOPHER STORK

Lyric baritone, has been singing across the state of Florida since graduating from Florida State University in 2007, including regular engagements with Opera Tampa as well as First Coast Opera in St. Augustine, The Florida Lyric Opera in Tampa, and The Villages Philharmonic, Imperial Symphony, and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestras. A strong supporter of modern music, his original works have been recorded on two CDs by the Basilica Choir of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. Mr Stork is currently performing across the country with Diversita Opera Arts Company, Opera Tampa, The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra; Orlando Philharmonic; The Hudson Valley Chorale; Orlando Harmony; Orlando Exchange; the Dickens Carolers; and the Basilica Choir of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe.

FLUTE

Nicolas Real, Principal

Tanja Agreiter

OBOE

Amy Collins, Principal

CLARINET

Jason Gibbs, Principal

BASSOON

Chris Eberle, Principal

FRENCH HORN

Joseph Lewinsky, Principal

Dann O’Donnel

TRUMPET

John De Paola, Principal

Tarcisio D’Addona

TUBA

Robin Sisk

PIANO

Krystof Sebrakowski

KEYBOARD

Zion Phoenix

GUITAR

Kevin Polacky

TYMPANI

Jordan Holley

DRUM SET

Simon Ramos

ORCHESTRA ROSTER

FIRST VIOLIN

Stewart Kitts, Concertmaster

Sandy Kitts

David Dajiang

Cindy Qi

Baoling Xu

Jose Guedez

Michael De Jesus

SECOND VIOLIN

Gregory Carreno, Concertmaster

Elizabeth Kitts

Luisamar Navarro

Natalie Kitts

Yenifer Laurens

Israel Mendez

VIOLA

Rafael Ramirez, Principal

Juan C. Siviero

Andrea Oliveira

Francia Laurens

CELLO

David Calhoun, Principal

Olga Beliaieva

Valentina Alejandra Hernandez Espitia

BASS

Kevin Gallagher, Principal

Jonathan Timothy Ingram

VPO DONORS 2023-24 CONCERT SEASON

ORCHESTRA CIRCLE

$10,000+

Margaret M. Dick

Linda Ferens

Maurice & Betsy Joy

Dean & Audrey

Throndsen

MAESTRO CIRCLE

$5,000 – $9,999

Augusto Bernardini

Jeff & Ursula Bergman

Charlotte & John Gates

David & JoAnne Kelch

Diane Kupchak

Peter & Mary Jane Moeller

Richard & Charlotte

Rahm

Mary Thomas

Don & Bonnie Waggoner

SYMPHONY CIRCLE

$2,500 – $4,999

Avrum Abramowitz

Sarah Jordan

Steve & Donna Bell

CONCERTO CIRCLE

$1,000 – $2,499

Anonymous Donor

John Canner

Bonita Carnes

Dennis R. Carney

David & Jeanette Colvin

Charlotte Conway

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph

DeVuono

Ralph William Gingery

Carol Guglielm

Janet Howell

Doris Martin

George Neal

Darlene Pruett

Dr. & Mrs. Winfred

Stringer

Abbott & June Webber

Keith & Randee

Workowski

OVERTURE CIRCLE

$500 – $999

Katheryn Batman

Robert Becker

Michelle Boone

Roger & Julie Cooper

Ruth DiMare

Richard & Jeanne

Geoffrion

Richard Hoag

Noel Kott

William & Sharron

Leonhirth

Robert & Sara McPhail

Norman Lee & Terri

Schaffer

Paul & Dorian Schnirring

Ken & Mary Shutts

Joan Spires

Anna Whipple

SUITE CIRCLE

$100 – $499

Bernie & Elizabeth

Albrecht

Gene Armani

Randall & Gemma

Benjamin

Linda Boese

Doug & Sharon Bretz

Thomas & Linda Casey

Kenny & Elizabeth

Constant

Glenda Crandall

Barbara Dipol

James & Karen Donavan

Mary Dzuro

Greg & Mary Feichtel

Jack & Nancy Fieldman

Leslie Flanders

Mia Ford

William & Gail FraserGiacchi

Lisa French

Peter Fritz & Carol

Mangan

Mary Ann Garback

Alan Geller

Greg & Carolynn Gilbert

Doris Goodwin

David & Kathleen

Haviland

VPO DONORS 2023-24 CONCERT SEASON

Debbie Halye

Richard & Susan Jacobs

Marlene Knopf

Brad Koozman

Gregory & Bonnie Larson

Gayle Marra

Eileen McCabe

James McQuiniff

Nick & Donna Meister

Thomas Murphy

Fritz & Debbie Neal

John Nickelson

Phillip Oliveira

Robert A. Phillips

Ron & Grace Ranger

Barbara Reynolds

Frank & Deborah Salerno

Paul & Rita Segnatelli

Andrew & Mary Sloan

George Stenz

Ronald Streib

Tony & Joanne Sutylo

Donna Thompson

Roy & Jackie Ullrich

Richard & Grace Waller

Robert & Joan Waller

Marie Washburn

Jeffrey Wheeler

Tera White

Theresa R. White

Carole Williamson

Bob & Debbie Wilson

Patricia Wilson

Mary Yankowski

Andrea Ziccarelli

Joseph Zientara

ARIA CIRCLE

Up to $99

Barbara Athanasiou

Irene Coen

Louise Elwood

Susan Escobedo

Paul F. Gaecke

Jordan Galvarino

Paul & Ann Hagerty

Valery Heyduk

K. L. Hoffman

Irene Hong-McAtee

Lora MacPherson

Joanne Michalski

Donald Mooty

Robert Muzzi

Patrice Pastore

Geraldine Piscitelli

Marianne Reinhard

Sally Rowe

Erika Schaffer

Joyce Smidt

Robert Smidt

C & H Van Benthuysen

Eric Williams

Susan Wright

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

Bill Barnes: Susan Escobedo

Fred Boyd: Frank & Janet

Argenziano

Fred Boyd: Mr. & Mrs. Manning

Fred Boyd: Don & Janet

Schiegel

Carolyn Johnson: Richard Johnson

Blackston Financial Advisory Group

FMK Restaurant Group

Francesco’s Ristorante

Fross & Fross Wealth Management

Havana Country Club & Legacy Restaurant at Nancy Lopez Country Club by Suleiman Family Restaurants

Royal Décor Company

Sheds N More

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