Wisconsin Lutheran College - Fall Guest Artists 2013

Presents

Doc Severinsen’s Big Band

September 20, 2013 7:30 p.m.

Wisconsin Lutheran College Center for Arts and Performance 8815 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI (414) 443-8802 (Box Office) (414) 443-8702 (Fine Arts Office)

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DOC SEVERINSEN Heeeeere’s Johnny!” That lead-in, followed by a big band trumpet blast, was the landmark of late night television for three decades. The ‘Johnny’ was Johnny Carson, the announcer was Ed McMahon and the bandleader was Doc Severinsen. Beginning in October 1962, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson ruled the night air for thirty years. On May 22, 1992, it came to an end…and the beginning of a new career for Doc Severinsen.

Within a week of the final telecast, Doc Severinsen and His Big Band were on the road. Their repertoire includes Ellington and Basie standards, pop, jazz, ballads, big band classics and, of course, The Tonight Show theme. Audiences are finally able to hear the depth of talent belonging to a band that rarely played a whole tune on the air.

Severinsen can blow the roof off with a trumpet solo, but he is not the only accomplished soloist. Many of his band members get their well-deserved turns in the spotlight.

A Grammy award winner, Doc has made more than 30 albums - from big band to jazz and classical, including his Grammy award album “Doc Severinsen and The Tonight Show Band - Volume I”.

Doc’s accomplishments began in his hometown of Arlington, OR, population 600.

His true name is Carl H. Severinsen and his nickname was “Little Doc” after his father, a dentist. Little Doc had originally wanted to play the trombone, but had to settle for the trumpet, which was the only horn available in Arlington’s music store. After a week of practice with the help of his father (also a musician) and an instruction manual, the seven year old was so good that he was invited to join the high school band. At age 12 he won the Music Educators National Contest, and while still in high school was hired to go on the road with the famous Ted Fio Rito Orchestra. He served in the Army during WWII and following his discharge landed a spot with the Charlie Barnett Band. Later, he became a regular trumpet pro touring with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Benny Goodman’s Big Band. In 1949 Doc headed for New York City and found himself at NBC as a staff musician.

He was very successful in this role and over time became highly sought after and caught the ear of Skitch Henderson, then director of The Tonight Show Band. Skitch invited Doc to join the band as first trumpet and five years later, in 1962, Doc took over as Music Director for The Tonight Show and stayed there until Johnny Carson retired in 1992.

Today, Doc has not lost his flair for fashion and witty banter, yet he is still highly regarded as one of the most technically proficient trumpeters around. He can blow a horn like few others and is a high note virtuoso. Doc is a tremendous band leader and front-man; truly a One-of-a-Kind stage presence. Somewhere along Doc’s journey from Oregon to New York, to this evening’s concert, the “little” was lost, but he remains ageless.

Doc Severinsen continues to be a favorite of audiences across America.

THE DOC SEVERINSEN BIG BAND Guest Vocalist................................................................................................................... Vanessa Thomas Piano............................................................................................................................ Mary Louise Knutson Bass............................................................................................................................................. Kevin Thomas Percussives....................................................................................................................... Stockton Helbing Saxophones........................................................................ Ernie Watts, Chip McNeill, Mike Migliore, Carlos Vega, Glenn Wilson Trumpets............................................................................ Brad Shermock, Zack Lozier, Steve Strand Trombones.................................................................... Michael Nelson, Wade Clark, David Budimir Tonight’s Program will be announced from the stage.

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Wisconsin Lutheran College

Presents

Keyboard Conversations速 with Jeffrey Siegel GERSHWIN AND FRIENDS

September 25, 2013 7:30 p.m.

Wisconsin Lutheran College Center for Arts and Performance 8815 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI (414) 443-8802 (Box Office) (414) 443-8702 (Fine Arts Office)

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PROGR A M Rialto Ripples.................................................................................................................... George Gershwin (1898-1937) The Union.............................................................................................................Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829-1869) To a Wild Rose ...............................................................................................................Edward MacDowell (1861-1908) The Cat and the Mouse...................................................................................................... Aaron Copland (1900-1990) Anniversaries ..................................................................................................................Leonard Bernstein For Felicia (1918-1990) Meditation on a Wedding Hoe-down from “Rodeo” ................................................................................................... Aaron Copland INTERMISSION Wall Street Rag.............................................................................................................................Scott Joplin (1868-1917) I Got Rhythm .................................................................................................................... George Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue (solo piano transcription by the composer) Questions and Answers

The Ottoman Society A FINE FURNITURE CONSIGNMENT SHOP

Visit us to find treasures or bring us your own to sell.

13408 Watertown Plank Rd Elm Grove Behind Great Harvest Bread

Tues-Sat: 10-5 • Open until 7:00pm on Thursdays 262-786-1786 • www.theottomansociety.com 4

Wisconsin Lutheran College

BIOGR APHY American pianist JEFFREY SIEGEL has been soloist with the world’s great orchestras. Abroad, these include the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony, Philharmonic and Philharmonia, Moscow State Symphony, Munich’s Bayerischer Rundfunk, the Amsterdam, Oslo and Stockholm Philharmonic, Orchestra of La Scala and NHK Symphony of Japan.

In the United States, engagements include the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Siegel has collaborated with many of the preeminent conductors of our time: Claudio Abbado, Pierre Boulez, Charles Dutoit, Neeme Järvi, James Levine, Lorin Maazel, Zubin Mehta, Leonard Slatkin, Michael Tilson Thomas, and David Zinman, as well as legendary maestros of the past, including Eugene Ormandy, Sir George Solti, William Steinberg, Klaus Tennstedt and Yevgeny Svetlanov.

In addition to his solo appearances, Jeffrey Siegel presents Keyboard Conversations®, a brilliantly polished concert-with-commentary format in which captivating remarks precede virtuoso performances of piano masterpieces.

The concert concludes with a lively Q & A. New listeners discover an informal, entertaining and immensely accessible introduction to the magnificent piano repertoire. Seasoned music lovers enjoy a deeply enriched, more focused listening experience. Ongoing series of Keyboard Conversations flourish in numerous American cities, among them New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Phoenix, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Dallas, Denver and Washington, D. C. Some of these venues have been presenting Keyboard Conversations for more than forty years— resounding testimony to Jeffrey Siegel’s superb artistry, innovative format and loyal fans. In 2013-14, Keyboard Conversations

continue for the fourth season at London’s dynamic, newest arts complex, Kings Place.

Mr. Siegel has appeared on Oprah Radio’s Dr. Oz Show, as guest of host and heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen. In addition, he has been a frequent guest on the popular BBC program In Tune in London. Keyboard Conversations® ~ Piano Treasures, a onehour, PBS special produced by Time Life, was recently broadcast to more than 150 cities nationwide and is now available on DVD. Recent CD releases include The Romantic Music of Chopin, as well as The Miracle of Mozart, recorded live in London.

Jeffrey Siegel has also recorded The Power and Passion of Beethoven, The Romanticism of the Russian Soul and The Romance of the Piano (Random House Audio Publishing Group); Music for the Young – and the Young at Heart (WFMT Radio, Chicago); and American Pianistic Treasures (WEDU, Tampa). All are available at Mr. Siegel’s concerts. Mr. Siegel’s recording of Gershwin’s complete works for piano and orchestra, with Leonard Slatkin and the Saint Louis Symphony, continues to be a best seller, Born into a musical family, Jeffrey Siegel studied with Rudolf Ganz in his native Chicago, with the legendary Rosina Lhévinne at The Juilliard School and, as a Fulbright Scholar, with Ilona Kabos in London. Mr. Siegel and his wife live in New York and have two grown children.

“Jeffrey Siegel has everything: massive technique, musical sensitivity and character, wide tonal resources, immense reserves of power, and the ability to communicate.” Los Angeles Times Please visit Mr. Siegel’s website at www. keyboardconversations.com for further information.

Jeffrey Siegel is a Steinway artist.

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Presents

Sons of the Pioneers

November 1, 2013 7:30 p.m.

Wisconsin Lutheran College Center for Arts and Performance 8815 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI (414) 443-8802 (Box Office) (414) 443-8702 (Fine Arts Office)

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Wisconsin Lutheran College

A U N I Q U E P L AC E I N H I S TO R Y Who are the Sons of the Pioneers and why do they have the audacity to claim to be “Icons of Western Music”?

The short answer is they singularly built a new genre and library of music that is an American original, one that has become synonymous with the American West and Cowboy and one which keeps enthralling generations of audiences. Although others have followed, although others have openly emulated them and although others have subsequently added to the genre of Western music, the Pioneers were the first and the best. They rightfully hold a legendary place in Americana.

What would the West be without its own style of music? Think of the term “the West” and you think of natural beauty, a cultural mind-set and a very distinctive type of music. The term evokes the image of the singing cowboy and of songs that paint vivid mental pictures of Tumbling Tumbleweeds, Cool Water, Tall Timber and that Strawberry Roan. The West has always had its heroes but until the 1930s a distinct type of music was not part of Western lore. The public did not connect any separate genre of music to the West and the cowboy.

Starting in the early 1930s the film and radio industry changed all that forever.

From the earliest days of the film industry the cowboy has been a favorite movie subject.

Westerns became the bread and butter of most early studios. When musical segments were added to broaden a movie’s interest the “singing cowboy” was born. It created mega stardom for people like Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Tex Ritter and Rex Allen. Enter the Sons of the Pioneers in 1934.

The Pioneers were different right from the start. While some screen stars sang traditional sweetheart songs, the Pioneers actually sang about the West. The Pioneers’ songs painted unforgettable images and stories of horses, cattle, cowboys, “night herds”, tall timber, cool water, canyons and prairies. The songs were original compositions freshly penned by the original members, Bob Nolan, Tim Spencer and Roy Rogers (then known as Leonard Sly).

They created a whole new library of music. The group and their music garnered millions of national and international fans through appearances in over 90 movies, numerous radio shows, major label recording projects and later television appearances.

Songs from the Pioneer catalog have been recorded and used by a long list of who’s who in the music industry ranging from Bing Crosby to Boston Pops, Frankie Laine, Johnny Cash, Riders in the Sky and Michael Martin Murphy. (There’s even film footage of Elvis Presley warming up for a concert using “Tumbling Tumbleweeds”!) Their signature songs have been recorded so many times by so many different artists that some people lose track of the fact these songs “belong” to the Pioneers.

The Pioneers inspired the creation of countless Western singing groups. As Doug Green of Riders in the Sky put it, “Any of us who sing Western music, it all goes back to the Pioneers.”

The Pioneers have accumulated more types of honors and awards than anyone in Western music. They’ve received coveted awards from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, Western Music Association and National Cowboy Hall of Fame among others.

It’s amazing; even today the Sons of the Pioneers are still mesmerizing long-term fans and creating new ones. They still have sell-out crowds and standing ovations. New fans are attracted by the current members’ musical ability, by their songs which haunt you long after the concert and by the mystique of the great American West. “It’s not something that is connected to hit records and charts and fads. It’s just an eternal interest in the American West and they sing about it beautifully and it’s written beautifully and that’s something that just will never go out of style.” as summed up by Doug Green.

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BIOGR APHIES Luther Nallie (Trail Boss) is an intricate part of the Sons of the Pioneers. With over 40 years in the group his longevity exceeds all the original members and is second only to Lloyd Perryman & Dale Warren. Recognized for his rich baritone voice and versatile musicianship the Pioneers recruited Luther to join the group in 1968. He was tutored by the architect of the “Pioneer Sound”, Lloyd Perryman, learning the trademark voicing and famous harmonies that still today distinguish the Pioneers from all other groups. As “Trail Boss” he serves as curator of that sound guaranteeing fans they will hear “The Pioneers” at every performance.

Luther’s contribution as musician and leader is immeasurable. Guitar, bass, clarinet, saxophone and keyboards are all Luther’s domain. He is the consummate musician who can sing any part needed, add a guitar riff, provide a dixieland clarinet, develop a song’s voicing and arrangement or contribute in a hundred other ways.

Luther participated in many of the groups’ pinnacle moments. As the group gathered awards such as Country Music Hall of Fame, Western Music Hall of Fame, Cowboy Hall of Fame, Luther was there. He has performed on the groups’ recordings as far back as the 1960s. And when the group appeared on several national television shows, Luther was there.

Growing up around Beaumont, Texas, Luther joined some of his high school buddies, including country music great George Jones, providing music for all types of occasions. He played with some regional bands and on the radio before hearing of a job in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1953.

Former Bob Wills vocalist Rusty McDonald was fronting a band that needed a bass player. The fact Luther hadn’t ever played bass was only a temporary inconvenience.

While in Albuquerque, Luther made friends with a yet to be famous Glen Campbell, then more a guitarist than vocalist.

Luther returned to Beaumont for two years of teaching guitar and playing before joining the Army in 1957. Along the line Luther had learned the clarinet and saxophone so he joined a military band while in service.

While the Pioneers were in Houston in 1967, Luther learned they had an opening.

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Although he was interested, other matters prevented him from auditioning. Somewhat later, Luther and his family moved to California looking for better work. In 1969 the Pioneers let Luther know there was an opening for a tenor. This time Luther made the audition. In a few days another phone call requested Luther to join the group in Olympia, Washington. Lloyd Perryman never told Luther he was “hired” but after a few more dates Luther assumed that he was.

Lloyd Perryman mentored Luther teaching him his parts, voicing, phrasing etc. just as he had done for others in the group. Luther temporarily left the group in 1974 returning in 1980. When Dale Warren got sick in 2008, it was Luther that he asked to take over as leader of the group. Other Nallie family members have also contributed talent to the group. Over various periods of time Luther’s brothers Tommy and Jack as well as his son John have been members of the Pioneers.

Gary LeMaster has spent his lifetime in music starting at the age of 3, then later performed in national charting rock n’ roll bands and subsequently landed in Las Vegas in 1969 where he performed with his own band until becoming the Entertainment Director at Sam’s Town in 1980. When visiting his father-in-law and Pioneer member Sunny Spencer in 1986, the possibility of filling in for Roy Lanham was suggested to Gary and ultimately resulted in Gary becoming an official member later that same year. Now Gary’s 30 year longevity surpasses many of the former members.

Gary’s tenor voice is used both on harmony and solos. His lead guitar provides the key intros and turnarounds which create an artistic landscape for each song. He’s recognized everywhere he goes as one of the country’s very best guitarists. Each performance is sprinkled with Gary’s humor and antics. Dale Warren once said, “Gary can do so many things in so many ways. I don’t know what we would do without him.”

Gary has great respect for the music and heritage of the Pioneers. He has spent years researching the group’s classic songs and developing arrangements for the current group. Gary recently penned “Pioneer Heaven” a re-write of the classic Tex Ritter

BIOGR APHIES

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“Hillbilly Heaven” but in his version paying homage to key past members of the Pioneers.

Ken Lattimore is the formal scholar of the group holding a degree in music from Texas Tech University. A tenor, Ken provides the higher harmonies. He also delights audiences with his fiddle solos and duets. Before joining the Pioneers, Ken had a rich experience in a variety of music genres ranging from singing lead tenor in Gilbert and Sullivan productions to performing in Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and a country music festival in Austria. Ken continues his diverse musical interests in the “off season” by joining the violin sections of several different symphony orchestras throughout Texas and Louisiana.

Ken’s interest in western music and particularly the Pioneers dates back to childhood when he became a fan after listening to his parent’s albums. The harmonies and lyrics roped in his interest.

As an adult he found himself falling deeper under the spell of Pioneer music and committed many of their songs to memory.

On a fateful 1997 stopover in Branson Ken felt led to approach Dale Warren and give him a demo CD. Although Dale was friendly to Ken’s approach and accepted the CD, Ken did not expect to hear anything more. To his surprise Ken got a call from Dale the next day suggesting that Ken try-out after he learned his assigned part to six or so songs. Weeks later Ken returned for the try-out and got the nod. Ken says, “Singing and playing violin with the greatest western singing group ever proves the old adage...at times your fondest dream can come true.”

When not working on his music Ken enjoys a variety of outside interests especially American history. Ken’s family roots dating back to the American colonies has led to him becoming a member of the 19th Texas Infantry, a group of Confederate army reenactors . The Marshall, Texas, native has “fought in battles” at Gettysburg and other locations across the country.

Randy Rudd’s full rich baritone voice makes him a natural as the “lead” singer of the group.

He officially joined the group in 2001. Dale Warren likened Randy’s voice to that of earlier Pioneer Ken Curtis. As an accomplished

guitarist, Randy not only supplies rhythm guitar but occasionally adds a riff or short solo. He’s also been known to add a laugh with one of his ad libs.

He’s the only native Missourian of the group having grown up in Marshall and Blue Springs, Missouri. Randy’s early musical influences were varied. He admired Merle Haggard, Larry Gatlin, Roy Orbison, Marty Robbins, James Taylor and guitarists Stevie Ray Vaughan and James Burton. Randy does say that he always had great admiration for the Pioneers songs, their style and their instrumentation.

“I’m delighted to be a member of a group whose musical performances are impeccable.

Working with the other members is a treat beyond compare. Two of my most favorite Pioneer songs are “Lillies Grow High” and “Blue Prairie” says Randy. He loves the music and it shows in every performance. Prior to joining the Pioneers, Randy performed in Branson first working at Roy Clark’s and then at Moe Bandy’s Theater.

Mark Abbott has a wealth of experience when it comes to knowing how to make a Western song sound great. Mark anchors the lower registers with his bass voice and upright string bass. As a small boy Mark’s mother persistently tried to get him to learn the guitar and Mark just as persistently refused. Then at about age eleven Mark was listening to radio station WWL in New Orleans and heard Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys play “Summit Ridge Drive” by Artie Shaw. The bass solo so captivated Mark that he pulled the old guitar from his closet and started picking the solo out by ear on the lower four strings.

He continued working on the bass and soon found an opportunity to join an old time string band playing at his god-parents’ theater. He asked his parents and got his own bass when he was 14. Meanwhile, he learned to read music in the public schools but as a brass horn player. At age 15 he again went to his parents, this time wanting a fiddle. Within a few months he had learned four fiddle tunes and confidently entered a local fiddle contest. But there was a problem.

Three other kids were better than Mark leaving him in fourth place. Undaunted, 9

BIOGR APHIES

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Mark continued practicing his fiddle. With his fiddle bow experience the orchestra teacher put Mark in the school orchestra playing the upright bass with a bow and several All-State championships followed.

Mark began picking up some paying gigs playing bass with local bands. One of the bands included Mark Chesnut, who had yet to become well known. Then there was a stint playing with Johnny Rodriquez. Deciding he wanted a different career Mark opted for a “day job” and dropped out of playing for 5 years. But he missed the music so when an opportunity to play with Janie Fricke came along he took it. Soon he was backing up Red Steagall and Don Edwards. When Sons of the San Joaquin, Willie Nelson or Marty Stuart headed into the recording studio to do western tunes it was Mark who got the call to play bass. His bass can be heard on many of the jazzy How the West Was Swung albums

by Tom Morrell and the Timewarp Tophands.

He got to fulfill a childhood dream by playing with the Texas Playboys under Leon Rausch.

The last 12 years before joining the Pioneers Mark played with Ray Price.

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Ricky Boen heads the list when it comes to top Western style fiddle players. Competing against the best of the best he has won the titles of Texas State Fiddle Champion and World Fiddle Champion. Ricky is totally dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Western music. “It’s real music and it’s our heritage”, says Ricky. “I grew up in Texas and in the Western culture, and this music is ours.

It didn’t come from England or some foreign country. It is totally American. I just want everyone to have a chance of enjoying it the way I do.”

Ricky’s career began when he was given a fiddle at age 10. Growing up in Odessa, Texas, Ricky has always been tutored in Western swing by his father Darrell, a noted musician in his own right. So Ricky already had a keen interest in emulating the music of Bob Wills and Johnny Gimble. But Ricky’s dad believed in learning the right way so he insisted Ricky also have training in proper classic violin.

He studied hard and took first chair in his high school and area orchestras. But Western swing still didn’t lose its hold on Ricky. By age 15 Ricky was playing in local dance hall bands.

Wisconsin Lutheran College

While still in high school Ricky’s grandmother convinced him to enter a “little fiddle contest” over in Crockett, Texas. When Ricky showed up the day of the contest he discovered it was more than just a “little fiddle contest” it was the World Champion contest that had been held in Crockett since the 1920s and was attended by all the greats.

Ricky didn’t win that year but the contest did inspire him to keep improving his talent. He returned every year to Crockett and at age 20 he won the title World Champion Fiddle Player. He accepted an invitation to learn more styling under the instruction of Terry Morris, a noted fiddle player with the famous Flying W Wranglers of Colorado Springs. Ricky continued his formal education obtaining a degree in business from the University of Texas at Permean Basin.

Prior to winning the World Championship, Ricky and some friends had an opportunity to go to a Johnny Gimble performance.

They arrived early and found the famous Johnny Gimble talking to another person on stage in the empty theater. As they walked toward the stage Johnny looked up and said “Well, there’s that Ricky Boen.” Ricky was astounded because they had never met.

Johnny admitted he had seen him at some of the fiddle contests. Ricky was invited to play a particular song which had difficult fingering. With his life-long hero watching Ricky’s fingers got “locked up” at certain spot in the song. Johnny said, “I was wondering how you were going to handle that spot.”

Johnny kindly showed Ricky a “way out” of the fingering problem and a friendship was born.

Before coming to the Pioneers Ricky played in the bands of Michael Martin Murphey, Asleep at the Wheel, and Red Steagall. He performed with Steve Wariner at the 1989 Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C. While touring with his own Western swing band in 1999 he met Dale Warren in Tucson, Arizona, and the two became friends. In 2005, Ricky started his own show in Branson, Missouri. A few weeks later Ricky got an unexpected call from Dale inviting Ricky to become a member of the Pioneers. Ricky accepted and has been a key member of the Pioneers ever since.

Presents

Keyboard Conversations速 with Jeffrey Siegel THE GLORY OF BEETHOVEN

December 11, 2013 7:30 p.m.

Wisconsin Lutheran College Center for Arts and Performance 8815 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI (414) 443-8802 (Box Office) (414) 443-8702 (Fine Arts Office)

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PROGR A M Presto in F, from Sonata No. 6, Op. 10, No. 2............................................... Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Minuet in G, from Sonata No. 20, Op. 49, No. 2.......................................... Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 54, “Appassionata”..................................... Ludwig van Beethoven Allegro assai (1770-1827) Andante con moto Allegro ma non troppo INTERMISSION Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major, Op. 110.......................................................... Ludwig van Beethoven Moderato cantabile - molto espressivo (1770-1827) Allegro molto Adagio, ma non troppo Fugue: Allegro ma non troppo Questions and Answers

TWO PIANOS

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 

   

  

FOUR HANDS

  

     

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BIOGR APHY American pianist JEFFREY SIEGEL has been soloist with the world’s great orchestras. Abroad, these include the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony, Philharmonic and Philharmonia, Moscow State Symphony, Munich’s Bayerischer Rundfunk, the Amsterdam, Oslo and Stockholm Philharmonic, Orchestra of La Scala and NHK Symphony of Japan.

In the United States, engagements include the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Siegel has collaborated with many of the pre-eminent conductors of our time: Claudio Abbado, Pierre Boulez, Charles Dutoit, Neeme Järvi, James Levine, Lorin Maazel, Zubin Mehta, Leonard Slatkin, Michael Tilson Thomas, and David Zinman, as well as legendary maestros of the past, including Eugene Ormandy, Sir George Solti, William Steinberg, Klaus Tennstedt and Yevgeny Svetlanov.

In addition to his solo appearances, Jeffrey Siegel presents Keyboard Conversations®, a brilliantly polished concert-with-commentary format in which captivating remarks precede virtuoso performances of piano masterpieces.

The concert concludes with a lively Q & A. New listeners discover an informal, entertaining and immensely accessible introduction to the magnificent piano repertoire. Seasoned music lovers enjoy a deeply enriched, more focused listening experience. Ongoing series of Keyboard Conversations flourish in numerous American cities, among them New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Phoenix, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Dallas, Denver and Washington, D. C. Some of these venues have been presenting Keyboard Conversations for more than forty years— resounding testimony to Jeffrey Siegel’s superb artistry, innovative format and loyal fans. In 2013-14, Keyboard Conversations

continue for the fourth season at London’s dynamic, newest arts complex, Kings Place.

Mr. Siegel has appeared on Oprah Radio’s Dr. Oz Show, as guest of host and heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen. In addition, he has been a frequent guest on the popular BBC program In Tune in London. Keyboard Conversations® ~ Piano Treasures, a one-hour, PBS special produced by Time Life, was recently broadcast to more than 150 cities nationwide and is now available on DVD. Recent CD releases include The Romantic Music of Chopin, as well as The Miracle of Mozart, recorded live in London.

Jeffrey Siegel has also recorded The Power and Passion of Beethoven, The Romanticism of the Russian Soul and The Romance of the Piano (Random House Audio Publishing Group); Music for the Young – and the Young at Heart (WFMT Radio, Chicago); and American Pianistic Treasures (WEDU, Tampa). All are available at Mr. Siegel’s concerts. Mr. Siegel’s recording of Gershwin’s complete works for piano and orchestra, with Leonard Slatkin and the Saint Louis Symphony, continues to be a best seller, Born into a musical family, Jeffrey Siegel studied with Rudolf Ganz in his native Chicago, with the legendary Rosina Lhévinne at The Juilliard School and, as a Fulbright Scholar, with Ilona Kabos in London. Mr. Siegel and his wife live in New York and have two grown children.

“Jeffrey Siegel has everything: massive technique, musical sensitivity and character, wide tonal resources, immense reserves of power, and the ability to communicate.” Los Angeles Times Please visit Mr. Siegel’s website at www. keyboardconversations.com. for further information.

Jeffrey Siegel is a Steinway artist.

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Presents

Neil Berg’s Broadway Holiday

December 14, 2013 7:30 p.m.

Wisconsin Lutheran College Center for Arts and Performance 8815 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI (414) 443-8802 (Box Office) (414) 443-8702 (Fine Arts Office)

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BIOGR APHY Neil Berg is the composer/lyricist of the hit Off-Broadway musical The Prince and the Pauper, which ran for two years at the Lambs Theater in New York City. The New York Times raved Prince and the Pauper “[soars] on wings of theatrical fun.” The original cast CD is released internationally on Jay Records, sheet music published by Hal Leonard, and licensing by Samuel French Inc. Songs from this show are also featured with many other classic songs in the official Off-Broadway Songbook, published by Hal Leonard.

Neil is currently the composer for the new Broadway-bound musical Grumpy Old Men, based on the Warner Brothers movie classic starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, which began its out of town tryout at the Royal Manitoba Theater Centre in Winnipeg in October 2011. The developmental readings have featured Academy Awardwinning actor F. Murray Abraham, Tony Award winner George Hearn, Marilu Henner, Carole Kane, Ken Page and Vicki Lewis.

Neil is also collaborating with Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Robert Schenkkan on a new rock musical called The Twelve.

Following a very successful showcase at the China Club in NYC, featuring Dan Spitz of Anthrax on lead guitar, The Twelve had its Concert World Premiere at the Broward Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 2010, produced by Adam Friedson, and was featured at the legendary B.B. King Blues Club in August 2011. Neil’s latest musical, The Man Who Would Be King, with book and lyrics by DJ Salisbury, will have its World Premiere at the 2,300 seat Rudder Auditorium in College Station, TX. in 2014. This show has been developed with dramaturgical guidance by Moises Kaufman of the Tetonic Theater Project.

Neil is also the currently working with writer Jonathan Feldman, who wrote the movie Swing Kids, on a new fairytale musical called Fiona, which will have its first developmental reading in August of 2013.

Additionally, Neil has been hired to write the music and lyrics for a new musical version of the famous cartoon comic strip “Blondie,” the most read cartoon in the world, with over 280 million readers daily.

Neil was the recipient of the 1995 Bistro Award for Best Musical for his show “Asylum in the Night,” a revue of Neil’s theater music.

Neil studied musical composition with Robert Printz, Sue Peters, and is a product of The BMI Musical Writer’s Workshop, mentored by Maury Yeston and Skip Kennon.

As a Producer, Neil is the creator and coproducer, along with his producing partner Adam Friedson, of Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway, which is now the number one Broadway touring concert in the United States, playing in over 120 cities in the 20102011 season.

As owner of Leftfield Productions, Inc., based in New York, Neil has produced over a thousand Broadway concerts worldwide with such legends as Michael Crawford, Bernadette Peters, Ben Vereen, Betty Buckley, Rita Moreno, Donna McKechnie, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Liz Callaway, and current stars Mark Kudisch, Alice Ripley, Stephanie Block, Capathia Jenkins, Jeremy Jordan and many other greats.

In May of 2012, Neil was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his artistry and dedication to community service, including helping to raise over $15 million dollars for the homeless youth at Covenant House with his Broadway Concerts. Neil was also honored with the Distinguished Citizen’s Award, along with Academy Award Winning actress Ellen Burstyn, by The Rockland Family Shelter for his efforts on behalf of abused women. Neil was also honored in 2001 as The American Red Cross Man of the Year, and was honored again in 2003 by The United Hospice Foundation. In 2008, Neil was awarded “Artist of the Year” by the Arts Council of Rockland County Neil is the proud co-owner, with John Asselta, of the SJR Theater Workshop, a theater camp for students in Montvale NJ, which instructs over 200 young actors/ singers a year. Neil dedicates everything to his son, Lucas David Berg.

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UPCOMING FINE ARTS EVENTS The Wisconsin Lutheran College Theatre Department will present a mainstage production in the Raabe Theatre on Saturday, September 21 through Sunday, September 29, 2013. The play “Becky’s New Car” is an original comedy by Stephen Dietz.

Jeffrey Siegel Keyboard Conversations® Series performs the first concert of the series “Gershwin and Friends” on Wednesday, September 25, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. American pianist Jeffrey Siegel enjoys a flourishing career and has appeared with every major American orchestra as well as in the leading music capitals of the world. His enthusiasm is contagious, his credentials are world-class, and his virtuosity is astounding. These experiences begin with an insightful and entertaining prologue on the music and its composer, are followed by a full performance of the works, and end with a lively question and answer session. KeyboardConversations.com The Wisconsin Lutheran College Music Department presents the Fall Band and Choir Showcase Concert. Performances are Friday, October 4 and Saturday October 5, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. each evening. This concert is their first performance of the season and has become a favorite of many, featuring Wisconsin Lutheran College’s choral ensembles and band. The Wisconsin Lutheran College Concert Band has a membership of about 50 student musicians and is continually growing. The Wisconsin Lutheran Choir is a 60 voice mixed ensemble, and the Chamber Choir is a 24 voice mixed ensemble made up of select members of the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir.

The world’s best known and best loved Cowboy ensemble arrives on Friday, November 1, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. For over 75 years the Sons of the Pioneers have been proud to perform the music of the American west celebrating its people, its culture, its awesome landscape and the American Cowboy. Many of the songs they originally introduced and which have become their signatures, such as Tumbling Tumbleweeds, Cool Water, and Ghost Riders in the Sky, have become forever entwined into the fabric of the west. Every song in their program is a familiar western favorite. Great family show. A “living legend in their own time” – the Sons of the Pioneers have become an American institution. Their unique harmonies and style have become the standard by which all other western singing groups are measured.

The Wisconsin Lutheran College Theatre Department will present a mainstage production in the Raabe Theatre on Friday, November 8 through Saturday, November 16, 2013. “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a popular classic by Oscar Wilde.

The Wisconsin Lutheran College Music Department presents the Winter Band Concert on Sunday, December 1, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. The Wisconsin Lutheran College Concert Band, under the direction of Professor Terry Treuden, is an ensemble that performs the finest of the wind band literature and presents concerts on the campus and tours regionally and nationally. The membership in this organization is through a seating audition. The band meets five hours each week while exploring a wide variety of band compositions and arrangements.

The Wisconsin Lutheran Choir, Chamber Choir and Chapel Choir will present the Christmas Choral Concert, a presentation of seasonal sacred choral music ranging from the ancient to the contemporary, popular Advent hymns to traditional European madrigals.

Performances are December 5-7, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. each evening and December 8, 2013, at 2:30 p.m.

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UPCOMING FINE ARTS EVENTS

c o n t.

Jeffrey Siegel Keyboard Conversations® Series performs the second concert of the series “The Glory of Beethoven” on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. American pianist Jeffrey Siegel enjoys a flourishing career and has appeared with every major American orchestra as well as in the leading music capitals of the world. His enthusiasm is contagious, his credentials are world-class, and his virtuosity is astounding. These experiences begin with an insightful and entertaining prologue on the music and its composer, are followed by a full performance of the works, and end with a lively question and answer session. KeyboardConversations.com Neil Berg’s critically acclaimed Broadway Holiday brings a mix of Broadway and holiday favorites to the stage on Saturday, December 14, 2013, at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Backed by an all-star band, Broadway stars will take audiences on a journey through history with the music of Kander & Ebb, Rogers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin. Broadway Holiday features hits ranging from classic shows such as My Fair Lady and South Pacific, through groundbreakers like West Side Story and Chicago, to current blockbusters like Jersey Boys and Wicked. The show will feature Rob Evan, Rita Harvey, Ted Levy, Andrea Rivette, and Chuck Wagner performing holiday tunes such as White Christmas, We Need A Little Christmas, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch. Add the Dinner Option at 5:30 p.m. as a Pre-show or Post-show meal!

The Wisconsin Lutheran College Theatre Department will present a mainstage production in the Raabe Theatre on Thursday, February 13 through Sunday, February 16, 2014. The production title has not yet been announced. Please call the box office for more information as the dates approach.

Thank You For the Music is an exciting and dynamic tribute to the Swedish pop supergroup ABBA. Powerful harmonies, high energy dance, and the unforgettable hits of ABBA make this musical tribute one not to be missed. Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Take a Chance on Me, Fernando, and Mamma Mia are only the beginning of his nostalgic musical journey. Join us as we turn back time, and re-live the moments of our past…moments when we heard each and every one of ABBA’s truly timeless hits. This show is thoroughly entertaining for all ages. This Valentine’s Day Special on Friday, February 14, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. will make you fall in love with ABBA all over again! This show is not only a vocal review of the ABBA music, but is a scripted show with dialogue that moves the show from song to song, and highlights some of the more important aspects of the original quartet. It is all done in good humor with lots of laughs. Make it a romantic Valentine’s Day with the addition of the PreShow Dinner Option at 6 p.m.

The Wisconsin Lutheran College Music Department will present a Band Concert on Friday, February 28, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. The Wisconsin Lutheran College Concert Band, under the direction of Professor Terry Treuden, is an ensemble that performs the finest of the wind band literature and presents concerts on the campus and tours regionally and nationally. The membership in this organization is through a seating audition. The band meets five hours each week while exploring a wide variety of band compositions and arrangements.

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F I N E A R T S E V E N T S C A L E N DA R September Sept. 20- Art Gallery Opening Reception, 6 p.m.

Sept. 20- Doc Severinsen’s Big Band, 7:30 p.m. (Dinner Option, 6 p.m.)

Sept. 21- WLC Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22- WLC Theatre Production, 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 25- Jeffrey Siegel Keyboard Conversations, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26- WLC Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27- WLC Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28- WLC Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 29- WLC Theatre Production, 2:30 p.m.

October Oct. 4- WLC Band & Choir Showcase, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 5- WLC Band & Choir Showcase, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31- Schooltime Program: Peter Pan, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

November Nov. 1- Sons of the Pioneers, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8- Art Gallery Opening Reception, 6 p.m.

Nov. 8- WLC Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 9- WLC Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 10- WLC Theatre Production, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 10- WLC Instrumental Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 14- WLC Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 15- WLC Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 16- WLC Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m.

December Dec. 1- WLC Winter Band Concert, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 5- WLC Christmas Choral Concert, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 6- WLC Christmas Choral Concert, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 7- WLC Christmas Choral Concert, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 8- WLC Christmas Choral Concert, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 11- Jeffrey Siegel Keyboard Conversations, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 14- Broadway Holiday, 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. (Dinner Option, 5:30 p.m.)

January Jan. 21- Schooltime Program: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

February Feb. 13- WLC Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 14- Thank You For The Music: ABBA Tribute, 7:30 p.m. (Dinner Option, 6 p.m.)

Feb. 15- WLC Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 16- WLC Theatre Production, 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 20- WLC Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 21- Art Gallery Opening Reception, 6 p.m.

Feb. 21- WLC Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 22- WLC Theatre Production, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 28- WLC Band Concert, 7:30 p.m.

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Wisconsin Lutheran College

S U P P O R T T H E A R T S AT W I S C O N S I N L U T H E R A N C O L L E G E Your gift to support the arts at Wisconsin Lutheran College will help provide support for visual art exhibitions, professional performing artist programs, schooltime programs for children, free Summer Arts in the Park concerts, and other special facility needs and productions. Please contact our Development Department at 414-443-8823 to make your contribution!

A special Thank You to our Corporate Sponsor Radisson Hotel Milwaukee West. Check out the back of your ticket stub for a great savings opportunity for Jimmy’s Island Grill!

C E N T E R F O R A R T S A N D P E R F O R M A N C E S TA F F Director of Arts Programming Daniel Schmal Fine Arts Events Manager Loni Boyd House Managers Katie Neuman Wendy Englebert

Schwan Concert Hall Technicians Brett Morris Martin Smith Ryan George Kamilla Thoma Tom Sebald Box Office Attendants Samuel Wessel Vashti Newble Shelly Tellier

Ushers Jamie Jensen Sara Thurber Adebnego Samudera Tina Chau Emily Malsack Amanda Pearson Thadius Atkisson Cassie Spanovich Daniel Martin Security Desk Staff Rachel Thiesfeldt

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