Home for the Holidays Concert Program

T H E LO N GVI E W SYM PH O NY M ERRI LY PRESEN TS

LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY BELCHER CENTER

Opening Notes: 6:15pm Music Begins: 7pm

Longviewsymphony.org

The Longview Symphony is supported in part by grants awarded through City of Longview Cultural Activities Advisory Committee and the City Council funded by the hotel occupancy tax, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

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Dear Symphony Patron, We are excited to bring you the 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.

We will be kicking off our season with our Classical Concert featuring Tchaikovsky, Borodin and Grieg. This season features our Home for the Holidays Seasonal Event, and DC vs Marvel Concert at Belcher Center. We also have our free Downtown Bach’s Lunch Series as well as many special community outreach programs. Don’t miss our Candlelight Chamber Concert at Longview Community Center in January. A highlight of the season is our FREE Joker’s Gauntlet Maze at the Longview Arboretum on March 23, 2024.

Please consider becoming a supporter of our 2023-2024 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. www.longviewsymphony.org

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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!

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The Longview Symphony Presents

Bach’s Lunch

Free Friday Concert Series

These lunchtime recitals feature the music of Bach and other classical pieces while showcasing local musicians. There is no charge for these concerts.Many people bring their sack lunch to eat beforehand (a room is provided), and then attend the concert at 12:20.

Dining area opens at 11:30 AM. Concerts begin at 12:20 PM and end by 1:00 PM. Friday, February 9, 2024 First Baptist Church of Longview Jim Simmons, Classical Guitar

Friday, March 8, 2024

Trinity Episcopal Church of Longview Minhae Lee, piano

Friday, April 5, 2024

First Methodist Church of Longview David Berryhill, Piano

Friday, May 10, 2024

First Presbyterian Church of Kilgore Gala Strunk, Organ

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Music

Please make your tax deductable donation to the Longview Symphony Foundation by calling 903-236-9739 or visit www.longviewsymphony.org.

Longview Symphony Foundation 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 www.longviewsymphony.org

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. 17

Concert sponsored in part by:

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.

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Longview Symphony 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 www.longviewsymphony.org

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Longview Symphony Honor Roll Cultural Arts Grant The City of Longview Texas Commission on the Arts Radio Sponsorship Alpha Media Group Season Sponsors Ben Maines Air Conditioning Rosa May Griffin Foundation Cablelynx Broadband Spring Hill State Bank Crain Foundation SWEPCO Forbes & Butler Texas Bank & Trust Johnson & Pace US Title Dan Sorey VeraBank Longview Regional Medical Center Westlake Chemical Longview Symphony Foundation Women’s Health Boutique Rea Dentistry 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 22

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Opening Notes 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.

notes?

w h at i s O pe n i n g

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.

6:15PM

LeTourneau University Belcher Center, Allen Lobby (enter through left side door) presented by Dr. Jamie Weaver

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Thank you to our Symphony Sponsors MAESTRO ($20,000+) The Longview Symphony Foundation City of Longview Arts and Culture Commission Crain Foundation Texas Commission on the Arts CLASSICAL ($10,000+) Rosa May Griffin Foundation Charlotte and John Wrather CHAMBER ($5,000+) Hollandsworth Foundation Sorey Law Firm Gayle & Claire English Texas Bank and Trust Dr. John and Eleanor Kirk Vera Bank ENCORE ($2,500+) Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry Mimi and Bruce Cammack Capital Wealth Group/Jon Cromer Jim & Barbie Deborah Forbes & Butler Darren & Niki Groce

Paula and Dr. Kim Howard Johnson & Pace Sandy and Dr. Jerry Keaton Sarah and Tim Medin Dr. Pat & Pam O’Bryan Rea Dentistry

OVERTURE ($1,500+) Advanced Roofing Bryan & Mary Benson Bodacious BBQ Brazos Strategies Cassity Jones Building Material Suzanne Cook Coolidge and Company Real Estate Grady Crawford Construction Pat Florence Gregg County Historical Museum 24

Bruce & Ruth Hathaway Longview News Journal Sloan Law Firm Spring Hill State Bank Dr. Tom and Susan Kay Smith Spring Hill State Bank SWEPCO Westlake Chemical Women’s Health Boutique Karen and David Wright www.longviewsymphony.org

FUND Edible Art | Elise Frigon | Lynette Goodson Dr. Jay & Ellen Gorden | Brent & Karen Haas Joy McLemore | Emily Myers | Matthew & Christina Nehrling Karen & Ron Peters | Dr. Joseph & Betsy Pistone Dr. James & Nancy Sawyer | Phyllis Shaw | Christina Stanger Nancy Starr | Suzanne Stadden Brown Tuma John & Nell Ward | Wayne & Julie Young COMMEMORATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS 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 Nan Mitchell In memoriam of Mary Murdoch by Dr. James & Nancy Sawyer and Nan Mitchell

Would you like to support the Symphony?

Please see us at our table in the lobby during intermission.

Tributes and Memorials

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.

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Board of Directors Shelly Butler President Paul Roberts Vice President of Production Pat O'Bryan Vice President of Development Barbie Deborah Treasurer

Jenn Eldridge Secretary Charlotte Wrather Director-at-Large Justin McFaul Past President Niki Groce Executive-Director Dr. Greg Grabowski, Conductor

Mandi Blackford Jon Cromer Claire English Cierra Evans Lynette Goodson Ruth Hathaway NaTusha Howard

Dr. John Kirk Kenneth Kirkland William McWhorter Matthew Nehrling Ginia Northcutt Dr. Joseph Pistone Dr. Karen Rea

Dr. Kevin Richardson Mindy Shook Jerry (Wayne) Smith Christina Stanger Suzanne Brown Tuma Wray Wade

Longview Symphony Past Presidents Dr. Landon A. Colquitt ���������1968-1969

W.H. Throckmorton �������������1991-1993

Herbert Boyland �������������������1969-1970

Dr. Gerald G. Mullikin ���������1993-1995

Bob Boyett ����������������������������1970-1971

Dr. Clyde N. Clubb ��������������1995-1997

Ben Franklin Martin, Jr. ��������1971-1973

Mrs. Frank (Millicent) Canter �1997-1999

Marvin R. Mikeska ���������������1973-1975

Dr. Morgan L. Willeford �������1999-2002

Jack T. Buchanan �������������������1975-1976

Richard E. (Dick) Miller �������2002-2004

Wells Burton �������������������������1976-1978

Stanton Nash ������������������������2004-2005

John Cary ������������������������������1978-1979

Bryan Benson ������������������������2005-2008

Wesley Ray ����������������������������1979-1980

Wayne Smith �������������������������2008-2010

William C. Keese ������������������1980-1982

Randy Maines �����������������������2010-2012

Steve Adell �����������������������������1982-1983

Lynette Goodson �������������������2013-2015

W.E. Lynn �����������������������������1983-1985

Jon Cromer ���������������������������2015-2018

David Holland ����������������������1985-1987

Justin McFaul ������������������������2018-2022

Robert Sweat �������������������������1987-1989

Shelly Butler ����������������������������������2022-

Dr. Gerald G. Mullikin ���������1989-1991 26

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Conductor 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. www.longviewsymphony.org

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Program

Friday, December 1, 2023, 7:00PM LeTourneau University Belcher Center

Christmas Festival Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) Three Selections from The Nutcracker Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy Danse Russe - Trépak Dance of the Reed-Flutes The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) Bob Wells and Mel Tormé, arr. Charles Grean Featuring Maryah McHam I Saw Three Ships, Traditional arr. Patricia Lou Harris, orch. David Luna Featuring the Children’s Choir of Longview Sing-ALong Medley Angels We Have Heard on High, Traditional, arr. Lee Marcum We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Traditional, arr. Jerry Brubaker In the Bleak Midwinter arr. Bramwell Tovey Fantasia on We Three Kings Brian Balmages

Intermission

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Christmas Carnival Richard Bissill Greensleeves, Traditional arr. Matt Riley Jingle Bells, Traditional arr. Morton Gould White Christmas Irving Berlin, arr. John Moss Featuring Maryah McHam Count Your Blessings Irving Berlin Featuring Maryah McHam Sleigh Ride Leroy Anderson 12 Days of Christmas arr. Matt Catingub

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Musicians Flute Jessica Ogilvie, principal Sue Bugg Holly Rosenberg

Trumpet Jake Walburn, principal Glenn Bessinger Michael Scarlatto

Piccolo Holly Rosenberg

Trombone Tom Mensch, principal Danny Vinson

Oboe Jenna Sehmann Joseph Ryan Estes English Horn Kristin K. Perry

Tuba J.D. Salas

Clarinet Timothy J. Wright, principal Cheyenne Cruz

Timpani Chandler Teague, principal

Bassoon Sarah Boyd, principal Neva Abrisz Horn Andrea Denis, principal Thomas Hundemer Tammy Moorhead Charles Gavin

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Bass Trombone Heather Mensch

Percussion Anthony Armistead-Robinson, principal Kevin Ogilvie Mike Britt Harp Dr. Janel S.R. Hector Piano/Keyboard David Berryhill

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musicians Violin I Dr. Jennifer Dalmas, concertmistress Renee Ward Diana Norwood Anna Larson Christopher Reed Chaerin Seo Dr. Julia Hector Olivia Grohn Shelby Rotramel Meredith Corrales

Cello Evgeni Raychev, principal Pam Martin Brett Andrews Chanhee Lee Caleb Moore Laura Huff Double Bass Ben Carter, principal Bob Simmons

Violin II Dan Santelices, principal Jamie Reason Shannon Roberts Russell Lewis Michelle Frederick Diego Pastor Chayton Gilmore Chance Watley Javier Laya Corey Bowe Viola Shane Almendarez, principal Zack Grant Todd Gabriel Ethan Cole Brandon Chandler Brigette Kelling David Mills Brianna Alvarado www.longviewsymphony.org

Personnel Manager Jessica Ogilvie Librarian Sue Bugg Stage Manager Ty Hood Vice President of Production/ Longview Symphony League Paul Roberts

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Special Thanks City of Longview Vera Bank Longview Symphony Foundation Greater Longview Children’s Choir Maryah McHam Forbes & Butler Jo Popma & James Smith Annamarie Cowart Patrick Hill Lads & Ladies of the Symphony Matthew Nehrling LeTourneau University Belcher Center Staff Longview Public Library Paul Roberts Ty Hood

Greater Longview Children’s Choir Prelude Choir LailaKay Archer Ryker Bateman Jeff Brady Harper Bullard Charlotte Caldwell Paige Hale Declan Haney Tobias Haney Anabel Lewis Coraline Lewis Lenox Lewis Hazel Livingston Kaliana Marr Makiah Marr Meredith Morgan 32

Isabella Ocheltree Colton Ray Adeline Smith Asa Thompson Ryker Thompson Clara Winchell Concert Choir Caroline Applegate Olivia Applegate Bella Barrera Avery Beach Isla Beach Matthew Brady Riley Cox Reid Dolive

Wylder Gidley Emilia Hamilton Molly Hamilton Isabel Latchford Brenna Mettler Nathan Mettler Sara Roberts Sofie Spellings Rebecca Thompson Choirs are under the direction of Taylor Brown, Kristen Brady, Leigh Latchford and Susan Morgan.

Tonight’s piece was orchestrated by our wonderful accompanist, David Luna. www.longviewsymphony.org

special guest Maryah McHam

Maryah McHam is a Longview native and works as a special education teacher aide and inclusion specialist at Spring Hill High School. She also teaches voice and flute lessons at Joyful Noise Music Studio in downtown Longview.

Maryah has always loved to sing and began singing in the Oakland Heights Baptist Church children's choir at the age of five. At 12, she performed her first solo as a member of the OHBC youth choir and from there, became enamored with singing for others.

She served on two tours with the Continental Singers, travelling to Quebec, Canada (1999), and again, to Trinidad and Tobago (2000). She continued singing and touring while a member of the East Texas Baptist University Concert Choir, travelling overseas to Russia on a choir trip under the direction of Jim Moore in 2004. In 2021, she performed as soprano soloist with the Longview Civic Chorus and in June 2022, toured Paris, France with this local choral group.

Maryah has also performed as a guest vocalist accompanied by the Longview Symphony Orchestra the past two years.

Maryah is currently active in the Oakland Heights Baptist Church music ministry, serving on the praise team, in the choir and playing flute in the orchestra.

She also sings with the Sounds of Swing, a swing band based out of Carthage, and with Swinghouse, a "little big band." Most weekends, Maryah can also be seen performing with jazz guitarist, Martyn Popey, and has been doing so for over five years. They recorded, produced and released their own CD album in 2020 and have those available for purchase.

Maryah is honored to return for this LSO celebration of the holiday season and perform once again with this very talented group of musicians! www.longviewsymphony.org

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special guests Our mission at the Greater Longview Children’s Choir Association is to provide quality choral music education to children in the greater Longview area.

We offer two choir classes to accommodate all levels of singing. The Prelude Choir is designed to introduce children to the vocal and musical skills required for classical choral singing. The Concert Choir aims to provide an advanced choral opportunity for students with a musical background. Through the dedication of experienced choral teachers along with continued support from the community, the Greater Longview Children's Choir looks forward to growing and serving many more children in the years to come.

We are grateful to the Longview Symphony Orchestra for their generous support and encouragement. We are especially appreciative to LSO for the opportunity to contribute joyful holiday singing in a professional environment.

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Program notes I This evening the Longview Symphony welcomes you back home for the holidays as we share many of our traditional Christmas favorites and bring you some new music to brighten your holiday mood. Our program includes music for everyone and will feature wondrous stories, tunes we all love to sing, and expressions of faith. We have also invited some special guests to join us in our celebration.

Although many of us do not remember his name, we are all familiar with the music of Leroy Anderson, especially his Christmas works. Anderson (1908-1975) is best known to us for his light concert works including the Christmas favorite Sleigh Ride (also on our program this evening) and the exuberant Bugler’s Holiday. Born to Swedish immigrant parents who played music together in their home and who supported their son’s musical education, Anderson received his musical training in Cambridge, eventually attending Harvard university. A gifted linguist, Anderson also studied multiple languages and served in a counterintelligence unit during World War II. With the encouragement of conductor Arthur Fiedler, he began arranging and orchestrating for the Boston Pops Orchestra in the 1930s. Several of his compositions gained popularity as radio and television themes.

Anderson’s A Christmas Festival is perfect to open our concert, because it is a joyous presentation of our favorite carols arranged for Fiedler’s Boston Pops Orchestra. Featuring the rich sounds of brass and woodwinds that evoke images of bands on holiday streets, chimes that remind us of church bells, and seasonal sleigh bells, this delightful piece will lift your spirits and bring back happy holiday memories.

Christmas would not be Christmas without music from Tchaikovsky’s enchanting ballet, The Nutcracker, and, tonight, the orchestra performs three of the dances from the suite (a group of pieces for concert performance) created from the best-known dances in Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece. Based on an old Russian fairy tale, this timeless story of toys that come to life, guiding children to lands made of sweets is a favorite of audiences everywhere during the holidays.

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Program notes Ii From the moment the ballet opens, we are aware that we have been transported to a world of magic and fantasy, seen through the eyes of children.

The moment the children enter the great hall of their Russian castle and see the Christmas tree for the first time, their imaginations spring to life, and the following dances treat us to their dreams of the land of sweets. The kingdom of sweets is ruled by the handsome gingerbread prince and his graceful bride, the sugarplum fairy. After the prince escorts the children into his realm, the sugarplum fairy performs for them. Her sparkling dance features an instrument newly invented in the 1890s called the celesta. It is a keyboard instrument that sounds something like a music box, and it is perfect for evoking images of childhood, magic, and dreams.

The next dance in our performance features the sweets themselves. In this fast dance, colorful candy canes from Russia jump and kick with lively energy.

The tambourine and other percussion instruments accent their display of athleticism. Next comes the dance of the mirlitons or reed pipes. The word mirliton has several meanings. Originally, it was a small pipe or flute made from a reed and was played by shepherds. Therefore, this dance is often staged to include shepherds and shepherdesses who play the flutes we hear in the music. But sweet lovers everywhere speculate that Tchaikovsky appreciated the delights of Christmas pastries called mirlitons, which were filled with praline cream and cleverly shaped like the rustic reed flutes to make them more interesting. At last, the children’s dream ends, and they are escorted by its inhabitants back to the castle, where they join their families for Christmas.

Longview’s own Maryah McHam joins the orchestra to perform one of our favorite classics, called simply, “The Christmas Song.” While this song is about the joys of the season, it was not actually written at Christmas. Instead, it was composed in a sweltering New York apartment at the height of summer in 1945, when Bob Wells was trying desperately to keep his mind off the heat.

As he jotted down his favorite ideas about Christmas in the hope of cooling down, the thoughts took on a logical progression and formed the first draft of a song. Wells’ friend, Mel Tormé discovered his notes sitting open on his piano, www.longviewsymphony.org

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Program notes Iii filled out the lyrics, and composed the tune. Their efforts to survive a hot July Yielded a song that has captured our hearts for decades. This evening, Maryah and the orchestra perform the arrangement of this classic by Charles Green, familiar to us from Nat King Cole’s cherished recordings.

The Longview Symphony Orchestra is pleased to welcome the Longview Children’s choir home to its stage once again. This year, the young ensemble will perform the ancient British carol “I Saw Three Ships.” Originating in the seventeenth century, this carol was most popular in Cornwall and in other coastal towns in England. It relates the tale of the wise men traveling to visit the Christ child, but in a way that would make sense to coastal residents. On Christmas morning, the wise men, the new baby, and his mother are seen sailing in ships bound for Bethlehem, for which all heavenly and earthly beings shall rejoice.

Often, the best Christmas songs are the ones we sing together, especially if we get to sing with a live orchestra and a choir of children. Please join the orchestra as we all perform “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Angels We have Heard on High” together. The words are printed in your program.

British composer, conductor, arranger, and pianist Bramwell Tovey (1953-2022) collaborated with orchestras, ballet companies, and opera companies in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the U.S. In addition, he composed film scores, a concerto, a symphony, and short orchestral works.

His familiarity with all genres and styles of music are on full display in his arrangements of well-known melodies. In this lush, moving arrangement of the traditional carol “In the Bleak Midwinter,” Tovey presents the melody clearly while weaving in countermelodies for solo instruments and including a virtuosic section for his own performance instrument, the piano. The arrangement features solos for the flute, violin, and piano as well as beautiful work from our orchestra’s string section.

We conclude the first half of our concert with a work that allows us to explore the full range of the orchestra’s talents and abilities. A fantasia or fantasy is a one-movement piece in which a composer can utilize a theme as 38

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Program notes Iv an inspiration for creating a unique work rich with individual ideas. Brian Balmages’ Fantasia on We Three Kings is not an arrangement of the familiar carol. It is an imaginative symphonic work containing new music, but inspired by the “We Three Kings” melody as a starting point for the composer’s creativity.

Brian Balmages (Born 1975) is an American composer, conductor, and music educator who embraces many genres of music. He juggles careers as a university educator, international conductor, and active composer who writes music for wind ensembles, orchestras, chamber ensembles, and electronic media. .

Arrangements of or improvisations of Christmas favorites appear among his works.

Fantasia on We Three Kings begins quietly and with an air of suspense.

We hear parts of the “We Three Kings” melody, but only in fragments. Soon, we hear the entire melody in the oboe. Bits of the carol “What Child is This?” form a counter melody that makes appearances throughout the piece. The intensity builds gradually until the piece ends in a powerful, triumphant climax, complete with brass fanfares and celebratory percussion. Balmages Fantasia draws us into a world of our own imagination. Does the piece describe the journey of the magi as they travel to Bethlehem? Does it have another meaning or any meaning beyond its music? The composer has left it to us to decide.

This evening’s program resumes with A work entitled A Christmas Carnival. Its composer, Richard Bissill, was commissioned to write it for the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1986, and it became instantly popular, winning the composer a prestigious award. The title fits it well, as it retains a joyous mood throughout. The piece is a glittering medley of many of our favorite carols. While some are played in their entirety, others are cleverly hidden and may come as surprises. I challenge you to count them and share your results with me.

Last December, Maestro Grabowski and the Longview Symphony Orchestra introduced their audiences to the riveting and evocative works of Matt Riley. This year, we Bring you another of this composer’s holiday masterpieces. Matthew Riley (b. 1982) composes music for a wide variety of www.longviewsymphony.org

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Program notes v media and ensembles from television advertisements to documentary films.

His works have been performed by orchestras on six continents. His dazzling arrangement of “Greensleeves,” familiar as the Christmas carol “What Child is This?” will make you think of winter and magic. From the moment that the sparkling, chilly introduction, featuring the piano gives way to the warmth of the primary melody in the cello, we are spellbound by the constantly changing texture of this contemplative arrangement.

American composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist Morton Gould (1913-1996) was born at the right time to flourish in the established field of classical music as well as in the new industries of radio, recording, films, and television. Although he was educated as a classical composer, he spent his evenings and weekends working as a pianist in movie theaters and vaudeville houses. When New York’s Radio City Music Hall opened, Gould was its first pianist. He successfully mastered all the musical styles and genres of his time, moving fluidly between symphonies, jazz standards, Latin music, and cinematic composition. His works include ballets, symphonies, chamber music, radio and television scores and jingles, film scores, and Latin pieces.

His flare for the cinema and his understanding of the orchestra are both apparent in this light, fast arrangement of the holiday classic Jingle Bells.

Gould asks us to imagine our own winter sleigh ride from the exhilaration of its snowy, hesitant beginning to the comforting warmth of the fire after its conclusion. The upper strings introduce the piece with a clever imitation of distant sleigh bells. Woodwinds and then muted brass play the melody quietly, as if the sounds around us are muted by a thick layer of snow. But the musical texture changes frequently, helping us to imagine new aspects of our ride. The boisterous entrance of the brass indicates that our sleigh ride companions are having a great time. Each section of the orchestra takes the melody in turn and percussion instruments provide humor and fun. But then, our short ride is over, and Gould’s arrangement ends as quietly as it began.

Irving Berlin (1888-1989) is one of America’s most prolific and admired song composers. His ballads, rags, and show-stoppers have served as inspiration for films, Broadway musicals, and countless recordings. Berlin emigrated to the 40

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Program notes vi U. S. with his family at the end of the nineteenth century and, even as a child, would perform on the streets of New York for pennies. He produced his first hit song, Alexander’s Ragtime Band in 1911. His career spanned more than six decades.

Berlin composed the timeless classic “White Christmas” in 1940 while staying in a hotel in either California or Arizona, where the warm climate in winter made him nostalgic for snowy, northern holidays. Bing Crosby performed the song live on a radio broadcast in 1941, and soon thereafter, it became the signature song of the 1942 film Holiday Inn. The song met with such success that a second film, White Christmas, was made to feature it again, along with several other famous hits by Berlin. The song captured the feelings of loneliness and homesickness experienced by Americans serving in the military during World War II, and of all of us who dream of charming, wintry beauty at Christmas. “White Christmas” has now been performed and recorded by artists working in every genre of music. Berlin also composed the song “Count your Blessings” for the film White Christmas.” In the film, it is presented as a duet by Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney. But this evening, we will have the pleasure of hearing both Berlin songs performed by Maryah McHam. Composed for Arthur Fiedler’s orchestra, Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride is a fast, joyful, and uniquely American celebration of winter, romance, and friendship. It has become a staple of the American holiday music scene.

The melody glides along energetically as sleigh bells and wood blocks help us imagine the rhythmic clopping of the horses. The innovative use of additional percussion instruments, a jazz band, and even a trumpet imitating the neighing of a horse are now among the most iconic sounds of Christmas music for American listeners.

In the hope that you will remember this concert for days to come, we conclude our holiday program with The Twelve Days of Christmas arranged

by Matt Catingub. Catingub is an American composer, arranger, producer, and performer on several instruments. Although he began his career in the 42

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Program notes vi big band world, he is now equally in demand for creating orchestra pops.

The breadth of his musical experience is demonstrated in the title of his latest pops show From Samoa to Sinatra. It is no surprise, then, that the gifts in this version of the traditional carol are not your parents’ partridges and pear trees.

In fact, we could refer to Catingub’s arrangement as “The Twelve Styles of Christmas,” as it features so many types of music. The orchestra will function as chamber groups, a military band, a film orchestra, a big band, and several other ensembles during the course of its final musical gift to you. Happy holidays from all of us at the Longview Symphony Orchestra.

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2018-2019 Season

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If you are interested in creating an enduring legacy for your beloved friend or family member, contact the Longview Symphony office, 903-236-9739.

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Here’s what we Do: Social Events | Assist with Fundraising Efforts | Community Outreach | Volunteer Support for Concerts | Educational Outreach | Post-concert Receptions Please contact Niki Groce at 903-736-9531 or email ngroce@longviewsymphony.org for more information.

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