ISO March 23, 2024 CONCERT PLAYBILL

2023 | 2024 Guest Artists

“Choni offered playing at once sophisticated and natural, and he’s clearly a major talent to watch.” — Dallas Morning News

Dmytro Choni took home Bronze at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in June 2022, only the second Ukrainian pianist to medal at the prestigious contest. He won hearts and accolades with a compelling and colorful musicality that is fortified by a genuine, immediately engaging stage presence. As one critic noted: “Each time he strode onstage, it was with winning confidence and a big smile. He’s clearly an accomplished, assured―and communicative—pro” (Dallas Morning News).

His Cliburn prize builds on an already impressive resume, having garnered top prizes and awards at the Paloma O’Shea Santander, Leeds, and the Bösendorfer USASU Competitions. He has collaborated with renowned orchestras, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

and Fort Worth, RTVE, and Ukraine National Symphony Orchestras, working with conductors Andrew Manze, Marin Alsop, Nicholas McGegan, Oksana Lyniv, and others. His performances in major halls and festivals—among them, the Kissinger Sommer, Verbier Festival, Beethovenfest Bonn, Wigmore Hall, Musikverein Vienna, Carnegie Hall, and Teatro Colón Buenos Aires—have made a lasting impression on his musical development. Also a devoted chamber musician, he has collaborated with the Quartetto di Cremona, Calidore String Quartet, violinists Rudens Turku and Jack Liebeck, clarinetist Sharon Kam, and violist Nils Mönkemeyer.

Recent and upcoming highlights include debuts at Wiener Musikverein and the Lucerne Festival; recital tours across Europe, including Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and Palau de la Música in Barcelona; appearances with the Wiener Kammerorchester and Polish Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra; and collaborations with violinists Frank Peter Zimmermann and Josef Špaček and cellist Julian Steckel. His artist-in-residency at Edesche Concertzaal in the Netherlands will feature a series of solo and chamber collaborations. Eager to explore the connection between music and other art forms, Dmytro performs in Wiener Konzerthaus’ Poetry and Music Series, pairing solo piano with André Gide’s Prometheus Illbound.

Dmytro’s debut album, featuring 20th-century works by Debussy, Ginastera, Ligeti, and Prokofiev, was released by Naxos in 2020. It received a “Supersonic Award” from Pizzicato and was highly acclaimed by the international press, with one critic raving he “could be one of the 21st century’s most outstanding pianists” (David’s Review Corner).

Dmytro Choni began piano in his native Kyiv when he was 4 years old. After a particularly meaningful performance at the age of 14, which he calls “a turning point,” his lifelong journey of professional musicianship began. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine under the guidance of Yuri Kot, then moved to Austria in 2015 to study with Milana Chernyavska at the Kunstuniversität Graz. In March 2022, he told the Fort Worth Report that music is “always kind of a hideaway from what’s going on in the world. Through the music, you can try to project the best possible emotion, the optimism, the hope.”

Héctor Guzmán Music Director and Conductor

Maestro Héctor Guzmán is regarded as one of the most respected and admired conductors in this country and abroad. He is Music Director of the Irving, Plano, San Angelo, and Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestras in the United States and Conductor Emeritus of the Jalisco Philharmonic in Mexico.

In addition, he has been guest conductor of an array of prestigious ensembles: Mexico: National Symphony, Mexico City Philharmonic, UNAM Philharmonic, Xalapa Symphony, Bellas Artes Chamber Orchestra, Vivaldi Orchestra of Mexico City, and State of Mexico Symphony. United States: Dallas Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Wheeling Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Tulsa Philharmonic, the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, and the Chicago Sinfonietta. Dominican Republic: National Symphony. Czech Republic: Collegium Orchestra of Prague. Poland: Rszezow Philharmonic. Japan: Japan Philharmonic. South Korea: Masan Philharmonic and Gangsam Symphony. Italy: Amadeus Orchestra, Sinfonia Venetto, Milano Classica Orchestra, Bari Symphony, San Remo Symphony, and Pomeriggi Musicale Orchestra of Milan. Spain: Sinfónica de Murcia, Joven Orquesta

de la Comunidad de Madrid, and Excelentia Orchestra. Germany: Herzer Orchester, Panamá: National Symphony, Guatemala, Festival Orchestra, among many others. In Sept. 2022, Maestro Guzmán was named “Artist in residence” of the prestigious “Madrid Soloists Orchestra” in Spain.

In addition to a spectacular career as a conductor, he enjoys international success as a concert organist, performing in venues such as the Meyerson Symphony Hall in Dallas, the Spivey Hall Distinguished Artist Series in Atlanta, the Olivet Nazarene recital series in Illinois, the cathedrals of Morelia, Guadalajara (Mexico) and Chartres (France), and the International Music Festivals in Toledo, Spain, and Zamora, Mexico. Maestro Guzmán holds degrees from the Conservatory of Music in Mexico City, the University of North Texas (BM), and Southern Methodist University (MM). His teachers include his mentor Anshel Brusilow, former concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra and former music director of the Dallas Symphony, and internationally renowned conductors Helmuth Rilling (University of Oregon) and Carlo Maria Giulini (Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy). He was also a protégé of the late Maestro Eduardo Mata, music director of the Dallas Symphony. In his native Mexico, Héctor Guzmán achieved an impressive reputation as an organist, under Prof. Victor Urban, by taking first prize in the “Chamber Soloists” and the “Manuel M. Ponce” national organ competitions. In the U.S, while a student of world-famous master teachers Dr. Robert Anderson and Alfred Mouledous, he earned further distinction by winning solo competitions at SMU and the University of North Texas. In addition, Maestro was the first Latin American ever chosen as a finalist in the “Grand Prix de Chartres,” the world’s most prestigious international organ competition celebrated in France. In addition, he received the “Mozart Medal,” Mexico’s highest musical honor, presented by the Embassy of Austria, the “Distinguished Mexican Award” from the government of Mexico, and is recognized as the 2022 North Texas Performing Arts “Distinguished Performing Artist Award” for his contributions to music worldwide.

2024-2025 Season

The Magic of Music

October 12, 2024

OPENING NIGHT - CLAYTON STEPHENSON, Cliburn Finalist and Movie Score Anniversaries

November 9, 2024

A WESTERN SWING CELEBRATION with Grammy nominee DAVE ALEXANDER

December 14, 2024

“HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” with the IRVING CHORALE and Guest Artist CHARLES BILLINGSLEY

February 22, 2025

THE BEST OF BROADWAY with Singer and Actor NORM LEWIS

March 22, 2025

“MUSIC OF THE WORLD” featuring Jazz Percussionist LEN BARNETT’S Ensemble and other musical sensations

April 12, 2025

GRAND FINALE - TAKE3 in Concert - “From Bach to the Beatles!”

SEASON TICKETS: CALL THE ISO 972-831-8818 or www.irvingsymphony.org

Serenity Meets Upscale Dining

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We’re glad to call the Irving Symphony Orchestra our new neighbors and are proud supporters of all they do.

Irving Symphony Orchestra

Maestro Héctor Guzmán, Music Director

March 23, 2024 • 7:30 pm

Irving Arts Center - Carpenter Performance Hall

Guest Artist Sponsor: Fidelity Investments

Guest Artist

Dmytro Choni, piano - Bronze Medalist

Sixteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition

Mr. Choni appears by arrangement with the Cliburn.

PROGRAM

Along the Winding Path (world premiere)**

Theodore Morris

ISO/SMU Composer-in-Residence

Concerto for piano and orchestra No. 2 in F Minor .......................................... F. Chopin

Maestoso

Larghetto

Allegro vivace

Dmytro Choni, piano

Symphony No. 8

Allegro con brio

Adagio

Allegretto grazioso

Allegro

INTERMISSION

A. Dvorak

**Along the Winding Path is an orchestral work inspired by the concept of embarking on a journey. The many twists and turns, griefs and joys, beauties, and perils one may encounter along the way, as well as the alternating determination and uncertainty one may feel, are depicted in this musical journey. These ideas are explored through the use of impressionistic orchestral texture, unexpected harmonic shifts, and a fluid, flowing form. The piece draws from the work of many composers, including, but not limited to: Ravel, Debussy, J. Schwantner, A. Wintory, and T. Takemitsu.

Theodore Morris is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Composition at the SMU Meadows School of the Arts. During his time at SMU, he has composed music for a variety of ensembles on the concert stage and for a number of film and video game projects. He would like to thank his friends, family, professors, and everyone at the ISO for their encouragement and support.

This Performance is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov

Patrons will not be admitted into the hall while the concert is in progress. Please silence cell phones. We ask that no flash photography be used, but taking pictures is permitted. Thank you for your cooperation.

THANKS TO OUR 2023-2024 MAJOR CONCERT PARTNERS:

Roster

March 23, 2024

ISO’s “Cliburn Passion” Concert

Violin I

Ordabek Duissen, Concertmaster

Mevlan Mecid

Saejin Seo

Ania Bard-Schwarz Concertmaster Emeritus

Marina Dichenko

Claudia Holm

Christine Binzel

Molly Hines

Violin II

Yida Hu *

Klaudia Cop

Allie Miller

Teresa Grynia-Wight

Violeta Fane

Irina Salazar

Seowon Lee

Phoenix Abbo

Viola

Monika Nierychlo-Fryklund *

Bo Landefeld

Iris Messinger

Steven Juarez

Jorge Zapata

Cornelia Harris

Iva Raykova

Oscar Rendon

Cello

Dan Totan *

Shengni Rubiano

Alex Paradis

Ya-Chen Lee

Alexander Djinov

Kyungjin Yoo

Creed Miller

Hyelin “Hailey” Yoo

Bass

Dimitrius Samudio *

Randy Inman

Scott Sheffler

John Hunter

Flute

Janelle Olson *

Jennifer Wheeler (Piccolo)

Oboe

Susanna Hilliard *

Natasha Merchant (English Horn)

Clarinet

Gilbert Young *

Evan Wennerberg

Bassoon

Leslie Massenburg *

Russell Riding

Horns

Ben Carroll *

Janet Nye

Trenton Carr

Stephanie Baron

Trumpet

Glen Hummel *

Adam Miller

Steve Schiemann

Trombone

Jonathan Hinton *

Tyler Coffman

Charles Cudney (Bass Trombone)

Tuba

Nathan Frazier

Timpani

Jeffrey Keene

Librarian

Luis Rodriguez

Personnel Manager Jim Gasewicz

OVATION STudeNTS & VOLuNTeeRS

On behalf of The Irving Symphony Orchestra Association

Many thanks to each of you for your service this Concert Season!

Matthew Fernandez Bertoldo

Alan Chacko

Leslie Contreras

Jean Davis

Pamela Gamble

Mary Garcia

Sally Grantvedt

Biridiana Guerrero

Virdiana Guerrero

Sophie Herrera

Sana Ibrahim

Emily John

Marsiha Kahn

Alicia Lanier

Kaisa Le

Gimena Lopez

Karen Trejo Martinez

Asarela Mendoza

Keila Mendoza

Nancy Middleton

Destinie Miller

Manu Mishra

Lauren Mitchell

Katy Nguyen

Katy Nuenm

Ileana Colley Olivares

Parikshith Vijayaraj Panicker

Yareli Pena

Ninel Puente

Christian Ramos

Joseph Reagan

Nazifa Roza

Ayah Salih

Lorenzo Sanchez

Joanna Santhosh

Joshna Santhosh

Alvin Skaria

Dawson Sloan

Darlene Steinke

Ankur Tamang

Hetvi Thakar

Byrant Ung

Helena Walsh

& P ast P residents

MuSIc dIRecTOR | Héctor Guzmán

execuTIVe dIRecTOR | Kathrine Pennington

BOARd chAIR | Lisa Hultz

SecReTARy | Sunny Bettis

TReASuReR | Thom Davis

PARLIAMeNTARIAN | Dr. Robert Bettis

PReSIdeNT eMeRITuS | Marguerite Korkmas

Vice Presidents

Janet Boyce

George P. Cole II

Connie Dunn

Rick Lindsey

Robert Reichelt

Directors At Large

Michael Basoco

Stacey Blackmon

Grace Davis

Dr. Jerry Dunn

Janie Perelman

Bob Shema

Catherine Whitman

Al Zapanta (Ex Officio)

SyMPhONy LeAgue PReSIdeNT | Connie Dunn

OffIce/gRANTS A dMINISTRATOR | Judyann Robinson

SPecIAL PROjecTS MANAgeR | Kristin Anderson

OVATION PROgRAM | Vianey Mansoori

cO-MANAgeRS

cONceSSIONS | Jill Stephens / Lois Bair

Past Presidents | Chairmen

1962 N.E. (Mike) Grisham †

1963 James Gregory

1964-65 Joe Rich

1965-66 Pierce Shannon †

1966-68 Joe Vardeman † **

1968-69 Lynn Brown †

1969-71 Neill English † **

1971-72 Oscar Hazelbaker †

1972-73 Wre Sutherland †

1973-74 Jim Ratteree †

1974-75 Mark Gordon

1975-76 Larry Bellah

1976-78 Arnold Martin † **

1978-79 George Edwin †

1979-80 George Pepper

1980-81 Phil Silvernail

1981-82 Edward Holmes

1982-83 Curtis Headrick

1983-84 Jim Mcdougal †

1984-85 Ron Capps

1985-86 Gene Sparks †

1986-87 Norman McMurry †

1987-88 Robert Doan

1988-89 Earlene Matkin

1989-90 James Spriggs †

1990-91 Wanda Daugherty

1991-92 Harm Schreur †

1992-93 Don Schiller

1993-94 Ron Drew

1994-96 Jennings Smith † **

1996-97 Frank Cannon

1997-98 Milton Cardwell, MD

1998-99 Don Oberlin, MD †

1999-00 Frank Flatley †

2000-01 Thomas Prague †

2001-02 Robert M. Curtis

2002-03 René Castilla

2003-04 Beverly Adams

2004-06 Chris Wallace **

2006-08 Robert Martinez **

2008-09 Rick Kroner

2009-10 Dale Walsh

2010-12 Lisa Hultz **

2012-15 Charles Hosler**

2015-17 Connie Dunn**

2017-18 Victor Arias, Jr. Bob Shema

2018-21 Connie Dunn**

2021-23 Lisa Hultz**

Chris Wallace**

† Deceased

** Served two or more consecutive terms as president/ chairman

Distinguished Donors 2023

Overture Circle$100,000+

City of Irving through the Irving Arts Board

Underwriter’s Circle -

$25,000 - $49,000

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Oncor

Stemmons Foundation

Maestro’s Circle -

$10,000 - $24,999

Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Beach

Christus Health

Grace & Thom Davis

Design Block Zero (Bob Shema)

Kohl Foundation

Parma Mandalay Towers

Mr. R. B. Reichelt

Texas Commission on the Arts

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital

Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant

Chairman’s Circle -

$5,000 - $9,999

The Arts Community Alliance

Atmos Energy

BNSF Railway

Fidelity Investments

Frost Bank

Connie & Jerry Dunn

Mrs. Denise Buzard Snipes

Mr. Chris E. Wallace

Mrs. Jeannie Buzard Williamson

President’s Circle -

$2,500 - $4,999

Dr. & Mrs. Robert Bettis

Donna & Bob Bourgeois

Mrs. Jan Boyce

Mr. George P. Cole II

Comerica Bank

Richard Gordon & John Harpool

Mr. & Mrs. Rick Hultz

Las Colinas Association

Mazon Associates, Inc.

National Endowment for the Arts

Amati Circle$1,000 - $2,499

Mr. & Mrs. James Anderson

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Basoco

Lee P. Berlin & June Parker

Mr. & Mrs. Stacey Blackmon

Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Brookshire

Ms. Dawn Pennington Campbell

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Chris

The Constellation Club

Mrs. Diann Contestabile

Mr. & Mrs. Héctor Guzmán

Irving Symphony League

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Josch

Mr. & Mrs. Atlee Kohl

Mrs. Marguerite Korkmas

Mr. Rick Lindsey

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mercer

Omni Las Colinas Hotel

Dr. Jose & Genelle Parra

Ms. Kathrine Pennington

Ms. Janie Perelman

Mr. & Mrs. Bob Shema

The Stewart Organization

Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Rippel

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Stadler

University Hills Association of Homeowners

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Walker

Mr. & Mrs. Dale Walsh

Teresa & Chris Watt

Mrs. Kay Weaver

Ms. Catherine Whiteman

Mr. & Mrs. Al Zapanta

Ms. Debra Zarsk

Concertmaster’s Circle -

$500 - $999

Anonymous

Ms. Kim Andres

Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Djinov

Mr. & Mrs. Shahrokh Nemazie

Ms. Bettye Thomes

Musician’s Circle -

$100 - $499

Anonymous

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Anderson

Wendy & John Bleecker

Ms. Patty Caperton

Dr. & Mrs. Randall Case

Mr. & Mrs. Mohinder Chopra

Coppell Classical Academy

Mr. & Mrs. Ted Davidson

Linda & Jim Gasewicz

Ellen & Perry Gilbert

Mr. & Mrs. Gary Griffith

Mr. Marek Grochowski

Mr. Steve Hoisington

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Hopwood

Mr. & Mrs. Leo Hull

Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Jett

Vianey & Hassan Mansoori

Gay Lynne & Gordon Matter

Dr. A. Marie Morris

PayPal Giving Fund

Ms. Lynn Peters

Mrs. Anne Pfaff

Dr. & Mrs. Lance Pickard

Ms. Judy Pierson

Mr. Ed Richie

Ms. Nancie N. Rissing

Ms. Judyann Robinson

Mr. & Mrs. Zade Rosenthal

Julie & David Smith

Gina & David Tanner

Kaye & Oscar Ward

Ms. Marilyn Willems

Friends of ISO$50 - $99

Ms. Vicki Bell

Ms. Nell Anne Hunt

Kroger

Mrs. Nancy Raulston

Dr. Rosemary Robbins

Ms. Keira Scanks

Tom Thumb

Memorials & Honorariums

Honorariums

Jane & Chuck Beach

By: Ms. Kathrine Pennington

Maestro Héctor Guzmán (30th Anniversary with ISO)

By: Ms. Maria Barron

Mr. George Cole

Connie & Jerry Dunn

Ms. Nell Anne Hunt

Ms. Kathrine Pennington

Sofia & John Roberts

Ms. Judyann Robinson

Kaye & Oscar Ward

Mr. & Mrs. Al Zapanta

Mr. Rick Lindsey

By: Elaine & George Roberson

Mr. R.B. Reichelt

By: Mrs. Jan Boyce

Grace & Thom Davis

Connie & Jerry Dunn

Ms. Kathrine Pennington

Mr. Chris Wallace

By: Ms. Kathrine Pennington

Memorials

Chuck Boyce

By: Mr. & Mrs. Shahrokh Nemazie

Tracey & Pete Roberts

Jane Brasch

By: Mr. Bill Brasch

Robert & Patricia Buzard

By: Mrs. Denise Buzard Snipes

Mrs. Jeannie Buzard Williamson

Joe Contestabile

By: Dr. & Mrs. Robert Bettis

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Chris

Connie & Jerry Dunn

Mrs. Anne Pfaff

Mr. Chris Wallace

Neil Davidson

By: Dr. & Mrs. Robert Bettis

Ms. Kathrine Pennington

Mary Oberlin

By: Dr. & Mrs. Robert Bettis

Connie & Jerry Dunn

Ms. Kathrine Pennington

Mr. Chris Wallace

Las Colinas Women's Assoc.

Bill Olafsen

By: Ms. Kathrine Pennington

Robert Rissing

By: Dr. & Mrs. Robert Bettis

Ms. Kathrine Pennington

Vernon Schoemaker

By: Mr. Chris E. Wallace

Dorothy Wintringham

By: Dr. & Mrs. Robert Bettis

Ms. Kathrine Pennington

Ms. Judyann Robinson

Mr. Chris E. Wallace

Irving Symphony Orchestra

Concerts4Kids

February 2024

When instruments roamed the earth!

A DINOSAUR SYMPHONY

Made Possible by Generous Grants from THE CITY OF IRVING THROUGH THE IRVING ARTS CENTER

THE STEMMONS FOUNDATION

Together great things can be orchestrated.

Proud to support the Irving Symphony Orchestra.

Irving Symphony Orchestra

The Music of Billy Joel Performed by Tony Nominated MICHAEL CAVANAUGH with the Irving Symphony Orchestra ®

“Brilliant” -Variety Magazine

“The AMAZING Michael Cavanaugh” -New York Times

“A new piano man” -Broadway World

The Irving Symphony is pleased to welcome Tony and Emmy nominated “Entertainer of the Year” MICHAEL CAVANAUGH and his band for our 2023-2024 Season Finale!

13 APRIL

Sing along with all the Classic Hits from “Piano Man” to “Uptown Girl” to “Just the Way You Are!”

The Irving Symphony promises you a high-octane, unforgettable evening .

SATURDAY, 7:30 PM - CARPENTER PERFORMANCE HALL

Arrive Early for Complimentary Wine Reception

Irving Symphony Orchestra

The hospital you’ve relied on for more than 50 years is now Better than ever — with expanded surgical services and innovative cardiovascular suites, renovated healthcare services and advanced technology — all encompassed by a redesigned modern exterior, beautiful lobby, and brand new six-story patient tower. For a physician referral or to see it all, visit BSWHealth.com/Irving.

BNSF Railway

proudly supports the Irving Symphony Orchestra

Irving Symphony Orchestra