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.
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
Bach’s Lunch
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.
Fri DAy, FebruA ry 9, 2024
First baptist Church of Longview
Jim Simmons, Classical Guitar
Fri DAy, M A rC h 8, 2024
Trinity episcopal Church of Longview
Minhae Lee, piano
Fri DAy, A P ri L 5, 2024
First Methodist Church of Longview
David Berryhill, Piano
Fri DAy, M Ay 10, 2024
First Presbyterian Church of Kilgore
Gala Strunk, Organ
Free Fri DAy C O n C erT Serie S
The Longview Symphony Presents
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.
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 Sy MP h O ny Le A gue
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 Sy MP h 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
Cablelynx broadband
Crain Foundation
Forbes & butler
Johnson & Pace
Dan Sorey
Longview regional Medical Center
Longview Symphony Foundation
rea Dentistry
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
O Pening nOT e 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.
wh AT i S O P eningnotes ?
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
Th A n K y O u TO O ur
Sy MP h O ny S PO n SO r S
MA e ST rO ($20,000+)
The Longview Symphony Foundation
City of Longview Arts and Culture Commission
Crain Foundation
Texas Commission on the Arts
CLASS i CAL ($10,000+)
Rosa May Griffin Foundation
Charlotte and John Wrather
C h AM ber ($5,000+)
Hollandsworth Foundation Sorey Law Firm
Gayle & Claire English
Texas Bank and Trust
Dr. John and Eleanor Kirk Vera Bank
en CO re ($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
OverT ure ($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
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
F un D
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
COMM e MO r AT ive CO n T ribu T i 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 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.
Tribu T e S A n D Me MO ri ALS
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.
bOA r D OF Dire CTO 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. Karen Rea
Dr. Kevin Richardson
Mindy Shook
Jerry (Wayne) Smith
Christina Stanger
Suzanne Brown Tuma
Wray Wade
L O ngview Sy MP h O ny PAST Pre S i D en TS
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.
PrO gr AM
Friday, December 1, 2023, 7:00PM LeTourneau University Belcher Center
Chri STMAS Fe ST ivAL Leroy Anderson (1908-1975)
Three Se L e CT i O n S F rOM The n u TC r ACK er Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy Danse Russe - Trépak Dance of the Reed-Flutes
The Chri STMAS S O ng (Che ST nu TS rOAST ing O n A n O Pen Fire)
Bob Wells and Mel Tormé, arr. Charles Grean Featuring Maryah McHam
i S Aw Three Shi PS, Tr AD i T i O n AL arr. Patricia Lou Harris, orch. David Luna Featuring the Children’s Choir of Longview
Sing-ALO ng Me DL ey
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
i n T er M i SS i O n
Chri STMAS C A rnivAL
Richard Bissill
g reen SL eeve S, Tr AD i T i O n AL arr. Matt Riley
Jing L e b e LLS, Tr AD i T i O n AL arr. Morton Gould
w hi T e Chri STMAS
Irving Berlin, arr. John Moss Featuring Maryah McHam
CO un T yO ur bL e SS ing S
Irving Berlin
Featuring Maryah McHam
S L eigh r i D e
Leroy Anderson
12 Days of Christmas arr. Matt Catingub
Flute
Mu S i C i A n S
Jessica Ogilvie, principal
Sue Bugg
Holly Rosenberg Piccolo
Holly Rosenberg Oboe
Jenna Sehmann
Joseph Ryan Estes
english horn
Kristin K. Perry
Clarinet
Timothy J. Wright, principal
Cheyenne Cruz
bassoon
Sarah Boyd, principal
Neva Abrisz horn
Andrea Denis, principal
Thomas Hundemer
Tammy Moorhead
Charles Gavin
Trumpet
Jake Walburn, principal
Glenn Bessinger
Michael Scarlatto
Trombone
Tom Mensch, principal
Danny Vinson
bass Trombone
Heather Mensch
Tuba J.D. Salas
Timpani
Chandler Teague, principal
Percussion
Anthony Armistead-Robinson, principal
Kevin Ogilvie
Mike Britt
harp
Dr. Janel S.R. Hector
Piano/Keyboard
David Berryhill
M u S i C i A n S
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
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
Cello
Evgeni Raychev, principal
Pam Martin
Brett Andrews Chanhee Lee
Caleb Moore
Laura Huff
Double bass
Ben Carter, principal
Bob Simmons
Personnel Manager
Jessica Ogilvie
Librarian
Sue Bugg
Stage Manager
Ty Hood
vice President of Production/ Longview Symphony League
Paul Roberts
S P e C i AL Th A n KS
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
Pre Lude C H oir
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
Isabella Ocheltree
Colton Ray
Adeline Smith
Asa Thompson
Ryker Thompson
Clara Winchell
Con C ert C H oir
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.
SP e C i AL gue ST
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!
SP e C i AL gue STS
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.
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.
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,
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
Pr O gr AM n OT e S i v
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
Pr O gr AM n OT e S 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
Pr O gr AM n OT e S 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
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.
Photo by O. Rufus Lovett
L O ngview Sy MP h 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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