We are excited to have you join us for the grand finale of our 55th Season of the Longview Symphony Orchestra!
Your continued support ensures our ability to help grow the next generation of musicians and music-lovers, bring top-quality musicians to our area, and provide educational and family experiences that are sure to unite and enlighten.
Please consider becoming a supporter of our 2024-2025 Concert Season. Your gift ensures another successful season for the Longview Symphony Orchestra! Wonderful benefits and privileges are extended for your sponsorship, including print and media exposure, complimentary event tickets, recognition in program and more!
The power of music to unite and inspire us is boundless.With your help the Longview Symphony will continue to grow, educate, and enrich. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Thank you for your support of the Longview Symphony!
Longview Symphony is a recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.
Ben Maines
air Conditioning, inc
“Serving East Texas, Since 1949”
Supporting the Longview Symphony League since 1968!
When you support the LSL, you support Fine Art and Fine Entertainment, in Longview.
From its humble beginnings, the LSO has brought the “World, to Longview, with world class musicians… performing with professional East Texas musicians. This was only possible with generous donations of our local patrons.
Please consider, making a tax-deductible gift, to the Longview Symphony League.
AND a salute, to all the past and present LSL Board members, LSO musicians, Conductors, patrons, contributors, and advertisers…. Cheers to the LSO, and the next 50 years!
TX 75693
Ready for tomorrow.
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At Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), we want to power change in East Texas by supporting the arts. Let’s break through boundaries and provide transformative experiences for the community. Working together, we have boundless energy to inspire dreams. That’s power that really builds a brighter future.
Chartered in 1976, the Longview Symphony Foundation is designated as a 501(c)(3) charitable trust by the Internal Revenue Service. Because of generous contributions from friends of the Longview Symphony and conservative investments of the Foundation’s assets by its Trustees, the trust has continued to grow, providing a solid underpinning for the Permanent Endowment Fund (PEF). A portion of the investment income of the trust is made available to the Longview Symphony League, Inc., in support of its ongoing music education and cultural programs.
There are many avenues to making a tax deductible transfer of assets into the PEF. Financial and legal advice is available
to assist in the consideration of the various gifting alternatives, such as cash bequests, estate planning, and bequests of appreciated assets.
The generosity of each gift is acknowledged with an individual listing in the concert program. At your request, this listing may be as an anonymous donor. Naming and recognition rights are available for gifts at various levels of participation.
Please contact the Longview Symphony at 903-236-9739 to arrange a meeting with a Foundation representative to discuss your participation in the growth of the PEF.
C O n C ert S p O n SO red in part B y:
B L air & F O rre S t
w i LL iam S
The Longview Symphony is supported in part by grants awarded through the City of Longview Cultural Activities Advisory Committee and the City Council funded by the hotel occupancy tax, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
L O ngview Symph O ny League
Hall of Fame
The Longview Symphony League recognizes extraordinary patrons and volunteers who have contributed of time, talent, and resources to help make it possible for Longview families to enjoy outstanding musical performances year after year. We invite you to share with us the privilege of honoring these remarkable individuals who make up the Longview Symphony Hall of Fame.
1999- Dr. Berdine Jones, Sara Richkie Whitehurst, Daisy M. Morris
2000- Wells Burton, Charles E. Watkins, Willis H. “Throck” Throckmorton
2001- Gerald G. Mullikin, M.D., W.E. “Gene” Lynn, Hazel Hickey
2002- Alyce Monsour
2004- Dr. & Mrs. B. Reid Clanton
2005- Bob Sweat, Logan & Eleanor Damewood
2006- Franklin Martin Jr., John & Anne Dean Turk
2007- Alvin O. Austin
2009- Dr. Morgan & Alma Ruth Willeford
2010- Richard E. (Dick) Miller
2011- Evalonia Barrett-Bolton
2012- Judy Anne Owens
2013- Ann & Isidor Saslav
2014- Dr. Charles & Paula Kaplan
2019- Maggie Ferrell and Dr. James Snowden
2022- Mary Taylor
L O ngview Symph O ny hO n O r rOLL
Cultural Arts Grant
The City of Longview
texas Commission on the arts
Radio Sponsorship
alpha media group
Season Sponsors
Ben maines air Conditioning
Crain Foundation
Forbes & Butler
Johnson & pace
dan Sorey
Longview regional medical Center
Longview Symphony Foundation rosa may griffin Foundation
Spring hill State Bank SwepCO
texas Bank & trust uS title veraBank
westlake Chemical women’s health Boutique
Guest Artist Sponsor Jud and nancy murray
Official Hotel Sponsor hilton garden inn
Orchestra Rehearsal Facilities
hallsville iSd
Feature Articles
Longview news-Journal
Donation of Music Folders
tatum music
Bach’s Lunch Hosts
First presbyterian Church, Longview | trinity episcopal Church, Longview
First presbyterian Church, Kilgore | First Baptist Church, Longview
First united methodist Church, Longview
First Lutheran Church of Longview
Opening nOte S
Dr. Weaver holds a Bachelor of Music from BYU and a Master of Music from TCU, specializing in vocal performance and pedagogy. She earned her Ph.D. in music history, with a secondary area in vocal performance from the University of Oregon in 2006. As the recipient of an International Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship, Dr. Weaver conducted her dissertation research in Bologna Italy, exploring compositional ethics of composers in Florence and in northern Italy during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. She continues to perform actively with early music and contemporary music ensembles.
what i S
Openingnotes ?
Get the most out of Longview Symphony Orchestra concerts by attending Opening Notes. Each Opening Notes is an informal and informative discussion about the program and provide a behind-the scenes look at the art of musicmaking. Your concert ticket is your admission.
6:15 pm
LeTourneau University Belcher Center, Allen Lobby (enter through left side door) presented by Dr. Jamie Weaver
t han K y O u t O O ur Symph O ny Sp O n SO r S
mae S trO
The Longview Symphony Foundation
City of Longview Arts and Culture Commission
Crain Foundation
Texas Commission on the Arts
CL a SS i C a L
Rosa May Griffin Foundation
Blair & Forrest Williams
Charlotte and John Wrather
C ham B er
Hollandsworth Foundation Eleanor & Dr. John Kirk
Claire & Gayle English Dan Sorey
Paula & Dr. Kim Howard Vera Bank
Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry
en CO re
Capital Wealth Group/Jon Cromer
Barbie & Jim Deborah
Forbes & Butler
Niki & Darren Groce
Pam & Dr. Pat O’Bryan
Johnson & Pace
Texas Bank and Trust
Westlake Chemical
t ri B ute S and m em O ria LS
Address your tax-deductible contributions to the Longview Symphony. Undesignated contributions will be placed in the Crescendo Fund. Contributions to the Crescendo Fund may be made online at www.LongviewSymphony.org or mailed to the Longview Symphony, P.O. Box 1825, Longview, TX 75606. If you wish to make a memorial or estate donation, please designate to the Legacy Endowment or the Longview Symphony Foundation. Mail contributions to Longview Symphony, P.O. Box 1825, Longview, TX 75606.
Would you like to support the Symphony?
Please see us at our table in the lobby during intermission.
Overture
Advanced Roofing
Austin Bank
Mary & Bryan Benson
Samantha & Paul Bradley
Bodacious BBQ
Mimi & Bruce Cammack
Cassity Jones Building Material
Coolidge and Company Real Estate
Gregg County Historical Museum
Jan & Sam Forester
Pat Florence
Bruce & Ruth Hathaway
Longview Eye Associates
Longview News Journal
Mary Lou Tevebaugh
Noble Electronic Security
Ginia & Gordon Northcutt
Priddy Deign Build
Sloan Law Firm
Susan Kay & Dr. Tom Smith
Spring Hill State Bank
Sugar Magnolia Properties
SWEPCO
Tomberlain Insurance
Women’s Health Boutique
F und
Edible Art | Elise Frigon | Lynette Goodson
Ellen & Dr. Jay Gordon | Lottie Guttry | Karen & Brent Haas
Christina & Matthew Nehrling | Karen & Ron Peters
Betsy & Dr. Joseph Pistone | Nancy & Dr. James Sawyer
Phyllis Shaw | Christina Stanger | Nancy Starr
Suzanne Stadden Brown Tuma | Nell & Johnny Ward
Julie & Wayne Young
CO mmem O rative CO ntri B uti O n S
In memoriam of Logan Damewood by Nan Mitchell
In memoriam of Mary Taylor by Nan Mitchell
In memoriam of Pilar McLemore by Dr. Joseph & Betsy Pistone
In memoriam of Dorothy Sayre by Bruce & Ruth Hathaway
In memoriam of Joan Rathbun by LouAnne & Steve Rainey
In memoriam of Andrew McCumber, Grandson of Nancy Starr by Claire English
In memoriam of Gail Grisham by Claire English
In memoriam of Raymond & Patricia Curry by Nan Mitchell
In memoriam of Mary Murdoch by Dr. James & Nancy Sawyer and Nan Mitchell
In memoriam of Bill Rice by Claire English
B O ard OF d ire C t O r S
Shelly Butler President
Paul Roberts
Vice President of Production
Pat O'Bryan
Vice President of Development
Barbie Deborah Treasurer
Mandi Blackford
Jon Cromer
Claire English Cierra Evans
Lynette Goodson
Ruth Hathaway NaTusha Howard
Jenn Eldridge Secretary
Charlotte Wrather Director-at-Large
Justin McFaul Past President
Niki Groce Executive-Director
Dr. Greg Grabowski, Conductor
Dr. John Kirk
Kenneth Kirkland
William McWhorter
Matthew Nehrling
Ginia Northcutt
Dr. Joseph Pistone
Dr. Kevin Richardson
Mindy Shook
Jerry (Wayne) Smith
Christina Stanger
Suzanne Brown Tuma
Wray Wade
L O ngview Symph O ny pa S t p re S ident S
Dr. Landon A. Colquitt ......... 1968-1969
Herbert Boyland ................... 1969-1970
Bob Boyett ............................ 1970-1971
Ben Franklin Martin, Jr. ........ 1971-1973
Marvin R. Mikeska................ 1973-1975
Jack T. Buchanan ................... 1975-1976
Wells Burton ......................... 1976-1978
John Cary .............................. 1978-1979
Wesley Ray ............................ 1979-1980
William C. Keese .................. 1980-1982
Steve Adell............................. 1982-1983
Gregory Grabowski, acclaimed for his engaging, nuanced, and genuine performances, has served as the Director of Orchestral Activities at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) since 2019.
Maestro Grabowski has led orchestras including the Bakersfield Symphony, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, and the Fairbanks Festival Orchestra. He served as interim director of the Flower Mound Symphony Orchestra and Assistant Conductor for the Lewisville Lake Symphony, and has appeared as guest conductor with groups such as the Richardson Symphony and the Dallas Asian-American Youth Orchestra. Grabowski completed his graduate degrees at the University of North Texas and Southern Methodist University, under primary conducting teachers David Itkin and Paul Phillips. He’s been honored to also study with many other distinguished conductors, including Don Schleicher, Nicolás Pasquet, Markand Thakar, Robert Franz, Paul Vermell, Samuel Jones, Harold Farberman, and Leon Botstein.
As Director of Orchestral Activities at SFA, in addition to conducting the SFA Symphony Orchestra (SFASO), Grabowski conducts SFA Opera productions, teaches conducting and music education courses, coordinates the Orchestral Studies area, and has a studio of graduate conducting students. Prior to his return to Texas, Dr. Grabowski served as Orchestra Director at Susquehanna University (Selinsgrove, PA). Under his leadership, the Susquehanna University Orchestra increased in size and prestige and was featured in two national public television performances aired in 2017.
Dr. Grabowski has taught and advocated for music education at every level from elementary school to professional. He began his career in the public schools of Frisco, TX, where he was the Associate Director of Winds and Percussion at Roach Middle School for three years. During his time at SFA, Dr. Grabowski assisted in the creation of the String Project, a community program sanctioned by the National String Project Consortium, in which SFA string music education majors work with elementary schoolaged students throughout Nacogdoches, teaching beginner string instruments classes. He has also instituted yearly educational outreach concerts for local elementary schools, and is a sought-after clinician and guest conductor for all-region and honor orchestras.
Greg grew up in Edison, New Jersey, where he began his musical studies as a jazz saxophone player and woodwind specialist. He now lives in Nacogdoches, TX with his wife, mezzo soprano Dianna Grabowski, and two sons, Ben and Sam. Aside from music Greg enjoys spending time on his many hobbies, including woodworking, photography, home renovation, and devising fun adventures with his family.
p rO gram
Ssaturday, april 27, 2024, 7:00 pm
LeTourneau University Belcher Center
Captain America March Alan Silvestri
Spiderman Theme Danny Elfman
Thor Suite Patrick Doyle
Superman March John Williams
Guardians of the Galaxy Theme Tyler Bates
Dark Knight Suite James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer
Avengers Age of Ultron Brian Tyler
Wonder Woman Suite Rupert Gregson-Williams and Hans Zimmer
i ntermi SS i O n
X-Men Suite John Ottman, John Powell, Michael Kamen
Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness Danny Elfman
Man of Steel Theme Hans Zimmer
Spiderman: Homecoming Michael Giacchino
Aquaman: Kingdom of Atlantis Rupert Gregson-Williams
Joker Theme and Bathroom Scene Hildur Guðnadóttir
Batman Suite Danny Elfman
Iron Man Suite Ramin Djawadi and Tyler Bates
The Avengers Theme Alan Silvestri
d C vs m arve L CharaC ter S
Agatha Harkness- Kate Wells
Alfred Pennyworth- Rodger Poe
Ant-Man- Justin McFaul
Aquaman- John Habinc
Bane- Marshall Pile
Batgirl- Natalie Gandy
Batman- Jason Berglund
Black Canary- Abby Jester
Black Widow- Aubrey Silverthorne
Bucky Barnes- Pete Silverthorne
Captain America- William McWhorter
Captain Marvel- Maranda Bieber
Catwoman- Catherine Camp
Clark Kent- Michael Cavazos
Commissioner Gordon- Jamie Sharp
Dr. Strange- James Smith
Flash- Shawn Hara
Gamora- Amanda Tilley
Green Arrow- Mitch Randall
Harley Quinn- Denise Knutson
Hela- Jo Popma
Hulk- Kim Howard
Jean Grey/Phoenix- Samantha Bradley
Jessica Jones- Donna Sharp
Joker- Patrick Hill
Lex Luther- Chad Patterson
Lois Lane- Christina Cavazos
Loki- Paul Roberts
Mantis- Brittany Ridgeway
Maria Hill- Maryah McHam
Mera- Donna Blalock
Miles Morales- Trevon Thompson
MJ- Sofia Cilk
Mystique- Cecily McGuire
Okoye- Marlana Jones
Peggy Carter- Olivia Hill
Penguin- Courtney Case
Peter Quill/Star Lord- Jim Tilley
Poison Ivy- Christina Stanger
Professor Xavier- Dale Lessenberry
Quicksilver- Chance Racine
Riddler- Darren Groce
Robin- Ewan Bowman
Rocket- Ash Fabre
Rogue- Paula Howard
She-Hulk- Katie Case
Shuri- Jaiden Steele
Spider Gwen- Jenee Wilson
Spider-Man- Joey Schultz
Storm- Cierra Evans
Supergirl- Christina Nehrling
Superman- Steven Lane
The Wasp- Kristina Coolidge
Thor- Joshua Mitchell
Tony Stark- Matthew Nehrling
Two Face- Kevin Richardson
Wanda/Scarlet Witch- Lindsay Loy
Wolverine- Greg Grabowski
Wonder Woman- Rocio Mendez
Yondu- Jerrad Parsons
Flute
Jessica Ogilvie, principal
Sue Bugg
Karina McBrayer
piccolo
Karina McBrayer
Oboe
Jenna Sehmann
Joseph Ryan Estes
english horn
Jeffrey Emge
Clarinet
Timothy J. Wright, principal
Vanessa Davis
Bass Clarinet
James Thomas Bassoon
Sarah Boyd, principal
Neva Abrisz
Contrabassoon
Jorge Cruz
horn
Andrea Denis, principal
Raymond Garcia
Quentin Fisher
Tammy Moorhead
Charles Gavin
trumpet
Jake Walburn, principal
Austin Stachowiak, ast. principal
Glenn Bessinger
Michael Scarlatto
trombone
Tom Mensch, principal
Danny Vinson
Rance Hawthorne
Bass trombone
Heather Mensch
tuba
J.D. Salas
timpani
Chandler Teague, principal
percussion
Anthony Armistead-Robinson, principal
Kevin Ogilvie
Mike Britt
Doug Parmalee
Tyree Hastings
harp
Dr. Janel S.R. Hector
piano/Keyboard
David Berryhill
electric guitar
Martyn Popey
mu S i C ian S
violin i
Dr. Jennifer Dalmas, concertmistress
Renee Ward
Diana Norwood
Dan Santelices
Christopher Reed
Chaerin Seo
Michele Gunn
Nat Reedstrom
Corey Bowe
Dr. Julia Hector
violin ii
Anna Larson, principal
Jamie Reason
Shannon Roberts
Isabella Cowart
Chance Watley
Shelby Rotramel
Ruth Salazar
Maggie Taliaferro
Chayton Gilmore
Diego Pastor viola
Shane Almendarez, principal
Ethan Cole
Sherry Wilkins
Dustin Woods
Brigette Kelling
Richard Leppert
Brandon Chandler
David Mills
Evgeni Raychev, principal
Chanhee Lee
Caleb Moore
Pam Martin
Hyelin Yoo
Elijah Salinas
Chase Teague
Daniela Herrera Garcia
double Bass
Ben Carter, principal
Bob Simmons
John Porter
Jeff Madlock
Deborah Scarlato
personnel manager
Jessica Ogilvie
Librarian
Sue Bugg
Stage manager
Ty Hood
vice president of production/
Longview Symphony League
Paul Roberts Cello
Spe C ia L t han KS
Thank you to our Makeup Artist, Mileah Lorenz for creating so much magic for us this evening! She is not only talented with makeup but an amazing artist as well! Please check her out at www.mileahlorenz.com
Based in East Texas, Mileah Lorenz is a custom portrait artist & professional organizer with background in a variety of artistic outlets including but not limited to graphic design, thread-painting embroidery, special-effects makeup, & wall murals.
As a self taught artist, Mileah's hope for her work is that it brings joy to whoever it reaches, whether it's through a newly-completed commission or a freshly organized space.
Beginning in July of 2022, Mileah discovered a love for creating photorealistic drawings using graphite; an artistic style she employs when creating custom portraits for clients. more recently, in april of 2023, she began exploring the medium of colored pencils in order to add more life & vibrancy to the pieces she completes.
And a special thank you to her assistant Azure McLuckie for all of your help!
Spe C ia L t han KS
Annamarie Cowart
ArtsLongview
Blair Williams & Christina Stanger
City of Longview
City of Longview Cultural Activities & Advisory Committee
Edible Art
Forbes & Butler
Gregg County Historical Museum
Jason Berglund, Steve Lane and Catherine Camp
John Nustad
Jo Popma & James Smith
Lads & Ladies of the Symphony
LeTourneau University Belcher Center Staff
LMFA
Longview Arboretum
Longview City Council
Longview Public Library
Longview Symphony Foundation
LongviewWOW
Michael Cavazos Photography
Oil Horse
Patrick Hill
Paul Roberts
Shannon Roberts
The Amazing Characters and Volunteers
Theatre Longview
Ty Hood
Visit Longview
p r O gram n O te S i
Welcome to the Longview Symphony’s performance of music from your favorite Marvel and DC films. The opportunity to hear these cinematic masterpieces live, in real time, played by real musicians who love this music as much as we do is rare. This concert will be an experience you will never forget. Listening to this music without the films gives us a chance to appreciate it on its own merits. We learn how the beautiful or action-driven themes increase our investment in the plot or the characters. We learn which instruments are our favorites and which we might want to learn to play. Finally, we learn how much music matters to our enjoyment of the movies we love.
w hat i S F i L m mu S i C?
Just like a good super hero needs a great costume, a handy tool kit, and a loyal sidekick, they need several hours of great music. Whether we realize it or not, the images on the screen and the dialogue only convey about half the story in an epic film. The rest of the information we want is transmitted through the music that creates tension, laughter, or contentment at just the right moments. There are two types of music commonly found in films featuring Marvel or DC characters. The first is called descriptive music. It is the music that mirrors the action you see on the screen, especially when there is less dialogue. It creates the sound track of soaring flights among the stars, murky underwater adventures, thrilling chases, epic battle sequences, and happy reunions. It describes the feeling of scaling a glass tower or the power of wielding a high-tech weapon. It describes the loneliness of cold, distant asteroids and dank dungeons. When we hear this music out of context, we often see vivid images from our favorite films in our heads, even when our eyes are closed. The next type of music prominent in film scores is called narrative music. It helps us understand how we should feel about the story unfolding before us. It inspires us when heroes triumph, moves us to the edges of our seats when they experience danger, and alerts us when a villain is hatching an evil plan. It allows us to find compassion when a hero reveals their human emotions, weaknesses, and fears, which we learn are much like our own. Occasionally, it
even allows us to identify with characters such as the Joker, driven to evil deeds through repeated struggle and pain.
Often, narrative music helps us to understand the complex personality of a character, and this understanding is accomplished through the use of recurring themes called Leitmotifs. For example, whenever Batman is worried that his nemesis the Joker is up to his old tricks, we hear this character’s theme (Leitmotif), even if the Joker does not actually appear on screen. The theme gives us insight into Batman’s thoughts about who might be behind the crimes in his latest case.
w hat i S a Suite?
Several of the works performed on tonight’s program are labeled as “suites.” A suite is a group of musical themes or selections from a specific work, such as a ballet, an opera, or a film, trimmed for concert performance and presented in a single composition. In other words, the suite will present much of our favorite music from these films together rather than separately. Tonight’s suites include the Batman and Batman Begins Suite, The Dark Knight Suite, The Wonder Woman Suite, The Thor Suite, and The Iron Man Suite.
m ain CharaC ter t heme S:
Character or title themes represent much of our favorite film music because they grow and change as a character develops. This is why so many are featured on this evening’s concert. These include The Captain America March, The Superman March, Man of Steel, The Spider-Man Theme, and the SpiderMan Homecoming theme, The X Men, Avengers: The Age of Ultron, and The Avengers Theme. Title themes include Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness and Aquaman: The Kingdom of Atlantis. Most of all, though, the music of the DC and Marvel films reminds us that there is a super hero inside each of us if we seek for courage within ourselves and seek justice for those around us.
p r O gram n O te S i ii
“Heroes are defined by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.” — Iron Man.
r ea L L i F e S uper herO CO mp OS er S:
Faster than a speeding glissando! More powerful than the impact of silence! Able to draw inspiration from any cinematic image! Look, hiding there in the film credits! It’s the composers! Fearless friends of directors, producers, orchestras, and audiences, they possess powers far beyond those of online streaming services. Mightier than a concertgoer with a ringing cell phone, they conquer harmony and dissonance and fight for the opportunity for everyone to hear great music. While composers choose to remain invisible to film audiences, their presence can be felt from the moment the adventure starts until the final end credit rolls off the screen. Ditching the flashy costumes and fancy toys in favor of digital work stations, batons, and orchestral musicians, they wield the super powers of talent, imagination, education, and patience. Let’s meet the heroes who always leave notes and who always settle their scores, the composers!
patri CK dOy L e (b. 1953) is from Scotland and continues to reside there. As both a composer and an actor, Doyle knows the film industry well and has written scores for more than sixty feature films. "Patrick Doyle's extensive body of work is some of the most compelling and affective in the industry. His flawless ability to cross genres in film, TV and beyond is why he can successfully score everything from Carlito's Way to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." (Paul Williams, ASCAP President and Chairman, 2013.) He collaborates often with Kenneth Branagh, such as for their work on Thor in 2011, and with both classical and popular musicians, moving seamlessly between all influential genres in today’s music. He also composes orchestral and solo piano works. Danny Elfman (b. 1953) is a Los Angeles native with a varied career. He wears the hats of composer, singer, songwriter, record producer, and musician. Today, we know him as one of Marvel’s first-rank composers. His career began very
p r O gram n O te S i v
differently, however, as he rose to fame while singing lead and serving as the leading songwriter for the 1980s new wave group Oingo Boingo. He composed his first film score in 1985 and now has more than one hundred film scores to his credit. With interest and background in a diverse range of genres including new wave, pop, rock, jazz, early film scores, and classical music, his scores are known for their originality and eclecticism. A fan of epic hero films, Elfman has composed for both the DC and MCU franchises. His collaborations with director Tim Burton on nearly twenty films has yielded some of our favorites, such as two Batman films. Other hero films include two Spider-Man films and Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness with Sam Raimi. Many of us know his energetic orchestration best from the television theme for The Simpsons. Elfman is truly one of our greatest super composers.
American composer and director m i C hae L g iaCC hin O (b. 1967) studied film-making in New York City and planned a career in the visual arts. After college, however, he began studying music composition and film scoring. He began scoring video games, but quickly gained the notice of prominent film directors. Today, he is a celebrated film, television, and video game composer best known for his work on films such as Up, The Incredibles films, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and the Batman films. Giacchino incorporates traditional orchestration into his scores, although he often expands his ideas with more modern sounds such as electric guitar, novel percussion, and more synthesized sounds. His familiarity with a variety of music means that he can construct limitless musical worlds and situations for us to explore.
h i L dur g uðnadóttir (b. 1982) is an Icelandic composer, cellist, singer, keyboard player, and percussionist who creates solo albums, music for video games, and, of course, film. Her original score for Joker earned her both an Oscar and a Golden Globe. She is the first Icelander to win an Oscar. In an usual move, Joker director, Todd Phillips request that she compose her score without having seen any of the film footage first. Instead, she relied only on
p r O gram n O te S v
the script for character information and inspiration. Apparently, the first scene to be recorded was the inimitable “Bathroom Scene” we will hear this evening. Soon, we will be hearing more great music from this composer, as she has been contracted to compose the score for the sequel to Joker this year.
Jame S n ewtO n hOward (b. 1951) maintains careers as a composer, arranger, music producer, musician, and conductor. He was born in the Los Angeles area and came from a family of musicians. While pursuing a piano performance degree, he reached the conclusion that there should be more to life than practicing, and opted for a less traditional career path. He has toured with Elton John and with the band Toto, and released some solo albums as well. His film scoring career began in the 1980s, and he has composed more than one hundred film scores since that time. These include scores for Pretty Woman, The Fugitive, Peter Pan, The Hunger Games franchise, Batman Returns, and The Dark Night, on which he worked with Hans Zimmer.
J O hn w i LL iam S (b. 1932) needs little introduction, as many of us are familiar with his music for iconic films outside the Star Wars franchise, such as Harry Potter, Jaws, Superman, the films of the Indiana Jones trilogy, Schindler’s List, and many others. Williams studied piano at the Julliard School of Music, but soon made his way to Los Angeles where he began work as a studio musician playing for television shows and movies. His conservatory education made him familiar with classical music of the past, while his upbringing, his studio work in L.A., and his interest in composition led him to become familiar with the music of early Hollywood film score composers, such as Max Steiner and Erich Korngold. Williams’ own work as a film composer was recognized in the 1970s when he began collaborating with Stephen Spielberg and George Lucas. He continues to compose and has plans for several new projects. Williams began his conducting career by serving with the Boston Pops Orchestra from 1980 to 1993. Today, at the age of ninety-two, he still maintains an international conducting career.
p r O gram n O te S vi
h an S Zimmer (b. 1957) was born in Germany and moved to London as a teenager. He attributes his unique development to his mother, who was very musical, and to his father, who was a scientist. He states that he liked to experiment with new sounds, even as a child, and that he would do things like attach chainsaws and other unusual objects to the family piano. While this terrified his musician mother, it delighted his father, who praised his son’s innovation. Zimmer has never stopped experimenting with sounds. While he gave up on formal music training after two weeks of piano lessons, he continued to teach himself about music and technology. In the 1970s, Zimmer played keyboards and toured with several new wave and punk bands, and began scoring films in the early 1980s. A turning point in his career came in 1988 when he created the score for Rain Man and a year later when he composed the score for Driving Miss Daisy. Both films used synthesizers and samplers heavily, which made them fairly experimental for their time. Both were awarded Oscars for best picture, giving Zimmer a great deal of exposure. His collaboration with Walt Disney Feature Animations on his first animated feature film, The Lion King, in 1994 earned him an Oscar, two Grammys, and a Golden Globe. The stage adaption of the score later earned a Tony. Zimmer has scored more than one hundred and fifty films, including his work on Batman Returns and The Dark Night with James Newton Howard. He maintains several careers as collaborative composer and music producer. We hope his broad imagination and modern, experimental approach will yield the music we love for years to come.
L O ngview Symph O ny
Legacy Endowment
would you like to provide a lasting remembrance for a loved one who shared or continues to share your love of beautiful music?
The Longview Symphony Legacy Endowment was created to improve the quality of the performances and to support the growth and development of the orchestra. The interest earned supplements the current operating budget.
If you are interested in creating an enduring legacy for your beloved friend or family member, contact the Longview Symphony office, 903-236-9739.
Get Involved with the Longview Symphony Guild!
The mission of our L A d S & L A die S Gui L d is to support the Longview Symphony Orchestra (LSO) by promoting its organization and events while fostering the art of music through community projects. We invite anyone who is interested to join us – no auditions or musical talent required! We share an enthusiasm and appreciation of the LSO’s contributions to our cultural and educational landscape.
He R e’ S WHAt W e d o: Social e vents | Assist with Fundraising e fforts | Community o utreach | Volunteer Support for Concerts | e ducational o utreach | Post-concert Receptions
Please contact Niki Groce at 903-736-9531 or email ngroce@longviewsymphony.org for more information.
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