FEI-FEI, PIANO
DAVID CHO, CONDUCTOR
The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra would like to express gratitude to and
& RACHMANINOFF Tchaikovsky
Dolle barker and curtis griffith Partners in harmony
A LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
Dear Symphony Friends,
Good evening and welcome to the first Masterworks concert of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra’s 79th season! Our performance begins with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1, which is considered one of his earliest gems. It shows the beginnings of his signature style; beautiful melodies and enchanting qualities.
We are thrilled to welcome renowned pianist Fei-Fei as our guest artist to perform Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, widely considered to be his most famous piece. A graduate of The Juilliard School, Fei-Fei is a winner of the Concert Artists Guild Competition and a top finalist at the 14th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
We also would like to welcome students from Morton I.S.D. to tonight’s performance. Thank you to Dolle Barker, Curtis Griffith, and the staff at Morton I.S.D. for making this possible.
I want to express my gratitude to tonight’s sponsor, Partners in Harmony. I would also like to thank our generous Masterworks grant funders: CH Foundation, Helen Jones Foundation, Texas Commission on the Arts, and Civic Lubbock, Inc. The LSO would not be able to provide world-class performances without the generosity of our sponsors and grant funders.
This evening would not have been possible without the extraordinary talent of Maestro David Cho and our amazing LSO musicians. Thank you all for sharing your musical gifts with us! My heartfelt appreciation goes out to President & CEO Galen Wixson and his incredible staff for their work on tonight’s concert.
Finally, I thank all of you, our patrons and donors, for attending tonight’s concert. Your continued support of the LSO is invaluable.
With gratitude,
Jill Stangl Chair LSO Board of Directors
HEARING
A LETTER FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR
Dear Friends of the Lubbock Symphony,
Welcome to the Lubbock Symphony’s Masterworks Season Opener, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff!
We are excited to welcome pianist Fei-Fei who makes her debut with the Symphony tonight. She is one of the laureates of the prestigious Van Cliburn International Competition. She will perform one of the most beloved piano concertos from the romantic era, Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2.
Prior to the intermission, your Lubbock Symphony will perform Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony titled “Winter Dreams”. It is saturated with beautiful melodies of the Russian folklore. This masterpiece by the young Tchaikovsky, foreshadows his beloved ballet scores, symphonies and concertos.
On behalf of our incredible musicians of the Lubbock Symphony, I am truly grateful for your support. Our particular thanks to the LSO Partners In Harmony for sponsoring Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff.
Most gratefully,
David Cho Music Director Lubbock Symphony
SHOW THIS VOUCHER FOR SHOW THIS VOUCHER FOR valid through 11/09/2025
Fei-Fei, Piano
Infusing “intoxicating grace” with “exceptional musicality” and “inconceivable virtuosity,” pianist Fei-Fei conjures a special and undeniable connectivity with her audiences that brings joy, passion, and deep musical understanding (Badische Neueste Nachrichten). Her engaging and endearing personality shines through in every note, word, and expression—whether performing as a soloist, recitalist, chamber musician on world stages or as an advocate for community engagement.
“Sporting a naturally gracious charm and stage presence,” Fei-Fei has “shared her musical passions unstintingly” around the globe (Peninsula Review). Recent projects include her role as artistin-residence with the Baden-Baden Philharmonic touring in Germany, a Carnegie Hall performance and tour of Spain with the New York Youth Symphony, a cross-disciplinary collaboration with Ballet Arkansas, a performance of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3 at Lincoln Center with the Pegasus Symphony, a 19-city tour of China with the Aletheia Piano Trio (of which she is a founding member), and performances of lesser-represented repertoire, including concertos by Leroy Anderson, Florence Price, Clara Schumann, and Xiaogang Ye.
Additional concerto highlights include performances with the Fort Worth Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, Aspen Music Festival Orchestra, Illinois Philharmonic, Spokane Symphony, Corpus Christi Symphony, Austin Symphony, Denver Philharmonic, Anchorage Symphony, and the Juilliard Orchestra. Internationally, she has performed with Canada’s Calgary Philharmonic, Germany’s Rostock and Baden-Baden Philharmonic Orchestras, and in China with the Shenzhen Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and China National Symphony Orchestras. FeiFei made her debut with the Delaware Symphony in Fall 2025.
Fei-Fei was featured prominently as a Cliburn finalist in the documentary film, Virtuosity, about the 2013 Cliburn Competition, which premiered on PBS in August 2015. Deeply committed to sharing her joy for music and connecting with communities, Fei-Fei frequently engages students and community audiences through school and outreach concerts and masterclasses.
Born in Shenzhen, Fei-Fei began piano lessons at the age of 5. She is a graduate of The Juilliard School where she studied with Dr. Yoheved Kaplinsky and is currently pursing Doctoral of Musical Arts degree with pianist Yefim Bronfman at Manhattan School of Music. Fei-Fei is also a member of the piano faculty at John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University and teaching associate to Yefim Bronfman at Manhattan School of Music.
• 1 Yellow Onion - diced
• 3 Lbs Ekrich Smoked Sausage
• 1 Lb Casserole Premium Quality Pinto Beans
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Cumin
• 1 tsp. Oregano
• 1 tsp. Cayenne
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 2 tsp. Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp. Black Pepper
• 32 Oz Chicken Stock
1) Soak beans overnight per package instructions.
2) Place beans, onions, and dry seasonings into a slow cooker.
3) Pour in chicken stock.
4) Use water to fill liquid close to the top of your Slow Cooker.
5) Cook soup on low for 8 hours.
6) Turn off your Slow Cooker and add sliced sausage to the soup.
7) Stir in sausage and let sit for about 15 minutes.
8) Alternatively: Smoke/Grill Sausage, slice, and serve on top of the soup.
Thank You To the mcdonald family
Happy Birthday Ann!
The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra is honored to announce the receipt of the gift from The McDonald Family. This gift helped make our 2025-26 Season possible, including Jurassic Park In Concert.
Craig’s passion for the arts led him to Ann, with whom he built a rich life in West Texas. Their shared enthusiasm for the land and its culture shaped a lasting legacy that continues to enrich our region.
To Craig, Ann, and the McDonald family—thank you for your vision, generosity, and unwavering belief in West Texas and in the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra.
Everglades, FL: Lilly the "show-o " Alligator
Boy Scouts of America: Black Racer Snakes
LUBBOCK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
CONDUCTOR
David Cho
The CH Foundation Endowed Conductor’s Podium
VIOLIN I
Annie Chalex Boyle
Concertmaster
Jones-Saathoff Family
Endowed Chair
Linda Lin
Associate Concertmaster
Diekemper Family Foundation
Endowed Chair
Abi Rhoades
Assistant Concertmaster
Abreal Whitman
Josenir Alves Cerqueira Junior
Lazaro Gonzalez
Adan Flores
Shawn Earthman
Radman Rasti
TTU School of Music
Endowed Performer
Guillermo Uribe Laudino
Asher Rove
Malik Winston
VIOLIN II
Evgeny Zvonnikov
Principal
Justice Phil and Carla Johnson
Endowed Chair
Saikat Karmakar
Assistant Principal
Cassidy Forehand
Kea Beasley
James Ellis
Shirley Wigley
Carroll Jane Goodyear
Brennan Lowrey
Martha Perez
Christine Tao
VIOLA
Israel Mello Principal
Mary M. Epps and Ralph E.
Wallingford Endowed Chair
Jordan Stubblefield
Sharon Mirll
Bruno Silva
Libby Herring
Vivian McDermott
Zahra Asadi
Jasmin Caldera
CELLO
Michael Newton Principal
Mary Francis Carter Endowed Chair
Danny Mar
Alejos Anaya
Madeline Garcia
Justin Barnwell
DOUBLE BASS
Stuart Anderson Principal
Eugene and Covar Dabezies
Endowed Chair
Christopher Arcy
Gregory Faught
Lucas Rocha
Aubrey Johnson
FLUTE
Kim Hudson Principal Crew of Columbia, STS-107
Endowed Chair
Antonio Herbert
Spencer Hartman
PICCOLO
Spencer Hartman
OBOE
Kathleen Bell Principal
Lubbock Symphony Guild
Endowed Chair
Susetta Rockett
CLARINET
David Shea Principal
Christine Polvado and John Stockdale Endowed Chair
Trisha Burrell
BASSOON
Vince Ocampo Principal
Nancy and Tom Neal Endowed Chair
Ian Resurreccion
HORN
Quentin Fisher Principal
Anthony and Helen Brittin Endowed Chair
Esteban Chavez
Clark Hutchinson
Ashley Beyer
Caleb Dent
TRUMPET
Gary Hudson Principal
Stacey and Robert Kollman Family Endowed Chair
Joe Vandiver
TROMBONE
James T Decker Principal
Larry and Lucy Landusky Endowed Chair
Bruce Keeling
BASS TROMBONE
Darin Cash
Tim and Mary Jane Sampson Endowed Chair
TUBA
Arturo Galvan Principal
Diekemper Family Foundation Endowed Chair
TIMPANI
Lisa Rogers Principal Lubbock Symphony Guild Endowed Chair
PERCUSSION
Christopher Mehrafshan Principal
Lisa Rogers/Alan Shinn Principal Percussion Endowed Chair
Erin Martysz
PERSONNEL MANAGER
Gary Hudson
LIBRARIAN
Israel Mello
The Symphony has the ability to bring us joy and comfort, to motivate us and to help us relax.
PROUD SUPPORTER OF
Symphony Orchestra
Lubbock
FEI-FEI, PIANO
DAVID CHO, CONDUCTOR
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Symphony No. 1 in G minor, op. 13 “Winter Dreams”
I. Dreams of a Winter Journey: Allegro tranquillo
II. Land of Desolation, Land of Mists: Adagio cantabile
III. Scherzo: Allegro scherzando
IV. Finale: Andante lugubre, Allegro maestoso
INTERMISSION
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, op. 18
I. Moderato
II. Adagio sostenuto
III. Allegro scherzando
Fei-Fei, piano
This program is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes
Whether you’re five or ninety-five, great discoveries await you at the Science Spectrum Museum and OMNI Theater! With well over 250 hands-on interactive science exhibits, Lubbock’s only public aquarium, the giant domed screen OMNI Theater, or the daily live science shows, it’s the perfect place for the Explorer in all of us
Science
Shaun the Sheep™: Flock This Way!
Special traveling exhibit available through Jan 25, 2026.
Kidpreneur Fair
Shopping Fair for local kid-owned businesses on Nov 8 from 10:30am-2:30pm
Seasonal Holiday Break Camps
Available for ages 4-12. Visit sciencespectrum.org for availability and registration.
PROGRAM NOTES
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 1
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) wrote seven symphonies - the six numbered ones plus the Manfred Symphony. The first of these was written in 1866 when he was 26 years old. Its gestation was a period of turmoil for the young composer. He complained of debilitating fatigue before he even began working on the symphony.
He had just joined the faculty of the newly founded Moscow Conservatory. He repeatedly revised the manuscript at the behest of his former teacher Anton Rubinstein, and the effort left him exhausted. Tchaikovsky was emotionally hypersensitive and fragile from childhood throughout the rest of his life.
Indeed, emotional lability may be the defining characteristic of the Russian intelligentsia and affluent class of the 19th century. The great literary works of Pushkin, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Checkov largely focus on this characteristic. For more on this trait, see the section below on Rachmaninoff.
Tchaikovsky’s always fragile health broke down due to the numerous revisions urged by Rubinstein. The latter was a musical conservative whose compositional ideal was the German model of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Though fully conversant with the German model, Tchaikovsky developed a symphonic style built on repetition and melodic inspiration. His doctor declared him “one step away from insanity” because of his working day and night to compose the symphony. The doctor ordered complete rest. Tchaikovsky complied. Finally, he discarded all the revisions that had been forced on him and went back to his original draft. The only revision he kept was because he had lost the original of a small section of the work.
After all the travails of its genesis, the First Symphony shows the germination of the seeds of genius that grew into the great masterpieces of his symphonies 4, 5, and 6. Tchaikovsky was a harsh critic of his own compositions, yet he was always fond of his First Symphony. He wrote to his patroness Nadezhda von Meck in 1883 that he believed, “although it is in many ways very immature... yet fundamentally it has more substance and is better than any of my other more mature works.”
The symphony has the melodic richness and momentum that is unique to Tchaikovsky. The title Winter Daydreams was Tchaikovsky’s as were the titles to the first two movements - Dreams of a Winter Journey and Land of Desolation, Land of Mists. the composer did not explain these titles, nor did he explain why the final two movements had no names.
Nikolai Rubinstein, Anton’s brother, to whom the symphony was dedicated, conducted the scherzo at a Moscow concert of the Russian Musical Society on December 22, 1867. Though the scherzo met with little success, Rubinstein was still ready to perform the complete work. This finally took place on February 15, 1868, to great success. Surprisingly, though, the symphony would have to wait 15 years for its next performance. This performance of a revised version took place in Moscow on December 1, 1883, under the baton of Max Erdmannsdörfer. Today it is regularly performed.
The symphony begins with an expressive flute and bassoon theme. The strings then enter. The lyric richness that characterizes all his subsequent work is already here. The second subject is given to the clarinet. A dream-like atmosphere pervades
the movement in keeping with the title. The music has all the hallmarks that make Tchaikovsky’s music unique and instantly recognizable.
The second movement has a melody of such breadth and grace that it could easily have come from one of his ballets. It signals that a genius, unlike any other Russian composer, had arrived. The composer’s melodic gift is unsurpassed and only matched by a handful. This melody is taken from the “Poco Meno Mosso” section of his first Symphonic Poem, The Storm. The horns enter about 70% into the movement. The score calls for two horns. Maestro Cho has upped the number to five to enhance the sound of this section of the movement.
The third movement is quick and agile. It is suggestive of Mendelssohn. It was the first movement to be written. It was salvaged from the third movement of a piano sonata that he had written as a student. Tchaikovsky transposed the movement down a semitone to C minor and replaced the trio with a waltz.
The finale is based on the Russian folk song “Will I open my little one, my little one?’. It is the basis for the introduction and the second subject. It is also incorporated into the vigorous first subject. The recapitulation, restates the movement’s introduction. The movement ends with a vigorous coda. Critics from Tchaikovsky’s own time to the present note its lack of inevitability, yet its energy remains irresistible.
The listener should be glad that Tchaikovsky rejected the academic advice of his elders and produced a work that only he could have. The succession of masterpieces that followed are all presaged by his First Symphony. It is the work that declares the arrival of a new master, one who has a sound and style that the entire world would soon come to embrace.
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was the last great composer in the Russian classical style. Stylistically, he was the direct heir to Tchaikovsky. In 1892 Tchaikovsky attended the premiere of Rachmaninoff’s Aleko, a one-act opera based on the narrative poem The Gypsies by Alexander Pushkin and praised Rachmaninoff for his work. When he learned of Tchaikovsky’s death the following year he was shattered.
Later that day, he began work on his Trio Élégiaque No. 2 for piano, violin, and cello as a tribute. The music’s aura of gloom reveals the depth and sincerity of Rachmaninoff’s grief for his idol. After that he underwent a period of profound depression and was unable to compose. This compositional inertia lasted for two years. In September 1895 he completed his Symphony No. 1. It was not performed until March 1897. The second performance of the symphony, a success, took place at the Moscow Conservatory on October 17, 1945. It is now part of the standard orchestral repertoire.
The first and only performance of the work during Rachmaninoff’s lifetime was an epic disaster. The work was savaged by the critics. Much of the blame for the symphony’s failure belongs to its conductor, Alexander Glazunov. He was a distinguished composer and pedagogue but was not a very good conductor. He may also have been drunk during the performance. Dmitri Shostakovich, who was later his student, said Glazunov always kept a bottle of vodka in his desk drawer.
Rachmaninoff suffered another mental collapse following the failure of his symphony. He was again unable to compose. At his best, he was not the happiest of men. Stravinsky described him as “Six feet six inches of Russian gloom.” At the behest of his friends he finally sought medical assistance from the neurologist Dr. Nikolai Dahl, who successfully treated him with hypnotherapy. The result was the Piano Concerto No. 2. The concerto is dedicated to Dr. Dahl.
The first performance of the complete concerto was at a Moscow Philharmonic Society concert on November 9, 1901. The composer was the soloist. He performed the work 143 times in concert throughout his career. The concerto was a huge success with the public from its initial appearance and has remained one of the most popular concertos in the repertoire. Critics were initially reserved, but the audience has overwhelmed them and the work is now an acknowledged masterpiece.
While not abandoning tonality and melody as did many of his 20th century coevals, his personal idiom, notable for its song-like melodicism, expressiveness, dense contrapuntal textures, and rich orchestral colors, makes his music unique. Though he is the direct descendant of Tchaikovsky, his style blends sweeping Romantic lyricism and rich harmonies into music that is both virtuosic and emotionally direct. His immediate connection to the audience likely outdoes any other 20th century composer. Arguably the greatest pianist of the last century, the demands of his concertizing limited his compositional output. Had he been less of a virtuoso, he would have left behind many more works.
The first movement is in sonata form. It starts with the piano alone playing dark chords of increasing intensity. The first theme is played by the strings with the piano accompanying it. The second theme is more lyrical. The development section features a dramatic interplay between the piano and orchestra. The main theme returns, and the movement ends with a coda based on the first subject.
The second movement, marked adagio sostenuto, is in A-B-A form. It begins with muted strings and clarinet, creating a dreamy, nocturne-like atmosphere. In the middle section, the piano sings one of Rachmaninoff’s most moving themes. This second theme, along with the one described below, has been used many times in both movies and as the basis of popular songs. The movement ends with the return of the tranquil opening material fading into a hushed close with the piano playing alone.
The final movement opens with a brief period of orchestral calm leading to a series of forceful chords. The piano enters with the music full of momentum and energy. This section transitions to one of the most beautiful melodies in the concerto literature. The melody fades as the music again becomes vigorous with a forward drive. The great melody returns, followed by the active music that preceded it. It then forms the basis for the glorious close to the concerto.
The piece established Rachmaninoff’s fame as a concerto composer and is one of his most enduringly popular pieces. While it is not the virtuosic showpiece that is his Piano Concerto No. 3, it uniquely touches the heart.
Thank you Dr. Dahl, Neil Kurtzman
ANNUAL FUND
The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra appreciates the generosity of the following individuals who have given to the Annual Fund between October 2024 and October 2025.
MAESTRO’S LEGACY CIRCLE
($100,000+)
Ann and Craig* McDonald Family
MAESTRO’S DIAMOND CIRCLE
($50,000-$99,000)
Herb and Evan Armstrong
Sandra and Neil Kurtzman
MAESTRO’S PLATINUM CIRCLE
($25,000-$49,999)
Dr. Doug Klepper and Terry Hawkins
Sam & Jana Scheef
Drs. Roger and Nadene Tipton
MAESTRO’S GOLD CIRCLE
($15,000-$24,999)
Deena and Harold Evensky
Patricia and Donnie Hicks
Shari and Randy Holloway
MAESTRO’S SILVER CIRCLE
($7,500 – $14,999)
The Advisors Group
Dolle Barker
Jill and Gilbert Berdine
Leen and Mounir Borno
Terri and Michael Byrne
Maureen Chadwick
Marcus Borhani and Dawn Kelley
Susan and Don Maddox
Katie and John Salter
Tricia and Dr. Peter Reed
Ralph Tamper and Don Shrum
Jo Anne M Smith
Drs. Lola and Thomas Windisch
Jenny and Edson Way
MAESTRO’S CIRCLE
($5,000 – $7,499)
Covar Dabezies
Stephen L. and Melissa A. Faulk
Maestro’s Circle, continued
Sue and Curtis Griffith
Leslie and Adrian Huckabee
Betsy and Thivakorn Kasemsri
Laura and Monte Monroe
Mary Jane and Tim Sampson
Lyn and Mark Stoll
Toni E. Wallingford
VIRTUOSO’S CIRCLE
($3,500 – $4,999)
Dolle Barker
Patricia Lynn Freier
Virginia Kellogg
Mary McCrary
CONCERTMASTER’S CIRCLE
($1,500 – $3,499)
Elizabeth and Will Ashmore
Betsy and Mark Bass
Mr. Anthony and Dr. Helen Brittin
Kasi and Chris Boutwell
Deborah Conn
Evelyn Davies
Linda and Bryan Dunn
Michael Epps
Martha Fregia
Elias Ghandour
John Hunter
The Honorable and Mrs. Phil Johnson
Stacey and Robert Kollman
Larry and Lucy Landusky
Jan Ledbetter
Nancy Neal
Janeen Patterson
Brenda and Curtis Parrish
Jill Stangl
Karol Tarbox
Cindy and Harry Zimmerman
MUSICIAN’S CIRCLE
($1,000 – $1,499)
Maria and Stephen Balch
Dr. Rebeccah and Mr. Dustin Baucom
Barb and Nathan Baie
Amanda Bourland
Mary Ann Bridges
Kathleen and Eric Burrell
Cassie Christopher
Musician’s Circle, continued
Allison Clayton
Patti and Jim Douglass
Clay Elliott
Al and Jolene Gary
Birgit and Brad Green
Amy and Jason Grisham
LaVelle and Tommy Hawkins
Bobbye Hrncirik
Grace and Robert Lin
Patti and James Lupton
Sharon and Rick Martin
Sally Murray
Nancy and Thomas Neal
Gwen and Thomas Nichols
Judith E. O’Brien
Cathy and Dr. Scott Porter
Melissa and Tim Pridmore
Stephanie Rogers
Judith Rowdon
Darya White
Joyce and Scott White
Brian A. Willcutt
Dr. Charles and Patricia Wheeler
YOUNG ARTIST’S CIRCLE
($500 - $999)
Gisele Bazan
Krista and Matthew Bumstead
Kristina Butts
Beverly and Dana Butler
The Collier Family
Reyhan and Richard Crider
Sandra and Robert Crosier
Patrick Dunne
Erin and Elgin Gregg
Ellen and Dennis Harp
Janeen Drew Holmes
Cindy and Mark McBrayer
Robert Nebb
Thomas J. Nichols
Norman and Betty Orr
Thomas and Sarah Parsons
Penelope and Gerald Pipkin
Melanie and Mike Ragain
Dr. and Mrs. Carlos A. Ricaldi
Dona Richardson
Janice and Lowry Schaub
Tracee and Dr. Scott Spore
Sally Walton
Dianne White
Wei Zhang
John Zias
PATRON’S CIRCLE
($275 - $499)
Eric and Janis Blackwell
Barry Cohen
David Cummings
James Fox
Jane Henry
David Hodges
Janice and Morris Knox
Kishor Mehta
Jill Nelson
Gerald Pipkin
Janet and Davis Price
Janice Stachowiak
Carol K Walker
Gay Word
SUSTAINER’S CIRCLE
($125 - $274)
H. Allen Anderson
Barb Baie
Jill and Randy Ball
Nancy and Alwyn Barr
Pam Blassingame
Bradley Blount
Mary Ann Bridges
Mary Cato
Manon and Neill Carter
Bobbe Crawford
Chris and Kathy Claus
Amy and Josh Corbin
Cari and Dennis Dillon
Alex Driggars
Sherri Field
Constance Goodwin
Cherrie Jose
Wendell Leatherwood
Judy and Gary Linker
Diane Lowell
Keri Lynn
Daniel McGrath
Beverly and Don McBeath
Dona Nussbaum
Denise Oviedo
Sylvia Sapsky
Sherril and Charles Skibell
Steve Synck
Jim Tapp
Susan Tarrant
Jack Thompson
Kristian Tsokanov
Jon Walter
Alina Warraich
Callie Watson
Alice V White
Gary Wood Sustainer’s Circle, continued
LUBBOCK SYMPHONY CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SPONSORS
Grey Hare Analytics, Inc.
SS Foundation
Patricia and Donnie Hicks
Prosperity Bank
Shari and Randy Holloway
LUBBOCK YOUTH ORCHESTRAS SPONSORS
The CH Foundation Comissioners Court / Lubbock County, Texas
Civic Lubbock
ESO Fan Wear
Helen Jones Foundation
Mighty Wash
Lubbock Live Festival for the Arts
UMC Connect
SEASON SPONSORS
*Lubbock Youth Orchestras and Lubbock Symphony Education Sponsors
MAESTRO’S PLATINUM CIRCLE
($25,000+)
The United Family
MAESTRO’S GOLD CIRCLE
($15,000-$24,999)
City Bank
University Medical Center
Lubbock Symphony Partners in Harmony
MAESTRO’S SILVER CIRCLE
($7,500 – $14,999)
Armstrong MechanicalBeth and Chris Carpenter
Chappell, Lanehart & Stangl P.C.
*Double T SmilesDrs. Colleen and Michael Segall
Hill & Ioppolo Oral & Dental Implant
Surgery of Lubbock
(The Ioppolo Family Foundation)Lory and Dr. Robert Ioppolo
MWM Architects
Office Wise Commercial Interiors
Overton Hotel & Conference Center
Texas Tech Office of the President / J.T. and Margaret Talkington College of Visual and Performing Arts
MAESTRO’S CIRCLE
($5,000 – $7,499)
Casserole Premium Quality Beans
Friends of Trout Fishing in America
Tiva Kasemsri
Lowry Schaub
Scott Spore
Roger Tipton
Thomas Windisch
John Zias
GRACO Real Estate Development
The Andrews Family
Birgit and Brad Green
Victory Bank
Visual Edge IT
VIRTUOSO’S CIRCLE
($3,500 – $4,999)
Grey Hare Analytics, Inc.
CONCERTMASTER’S CIRCLE
($1,500 – $3,499)
Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant
Grace and Robert Lin
Blue Layer
Evensky & Katz / Foldes
Wealth ManagementKatie and John Salter
Prosperity Bank
Science Spectrum
Tucker Floral
Our Crescendo fund aims to AMPLIFY Lubbock’s performing arts culture by raising $200,000 to bring popular musical artists to perform alongside the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra.
$200,000!
$0
$109,000 raised so far Help us bring the next big artist to Lubbock!
$200k
THANK YOU TO OUR CRESCENDO DONORS!
FORTISSIMO
($10,000+)
Evan and Herb Armstrong
Nancy and Thomas Neal
Ralph Tamper and Don Shrum
FORTE
($5,000 - $9,999)
Michael Epps
Don and Susan Maddox
Sharon and Rick Martin
Shanna and James St. Clair
Toni Wallingford
MEZZO FORTE
($1,000 - $4,999)
Pam and Rob Allison
Beth and Will Ashmore
Ruth Ann and Aubrey Bridges
Bobbe Crawford
Mezzo Forte, continued
Covar Dabezies
Stephen L. and Melissa A. Faulk
Patricia Lynn Freier
Birgit and Brad Green
Robbie Harbison
Sandy and Alan Henry
The Honorable and Mrs. Phil Johnson
Richard Jorgensen
Betsy and Thivakorn Kasemsri
Stacey and Robert Kollman
Grace and Robert Lin
Gwen and Tom Nichols
Sharmon and Keith Owens
Brenda and Curtis Parrish
Prosperity Bank
Dr. Wael and Hana Qubti
Tricia and Peter Reed
Judy and Paul Rostad
Mary and Roger Saathoff
Mary Jane and Tim Sampson
CRESCENDO
Mezzo Forte, continued
Tina and Tommy Sansom
Debbie Sims
Jill and Fred Stangl
Pat and Charles Wheeler
Darya White
MEZZO PIANO
($20 - $999)
Trudy Gamble
Carol Giblin
Alena Ilyushyna
Amanda Kuhn
Kit and Ben Linton
James McNabb
Jill Nelson
Mary Parra
Kathrin Price
Cloyce Stetson and Janice Stachowiak
Ross Waggoner
Susan Wilson
For over 79 seasons, the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra has been a bridge between the world’s top performers and the heart of the Hub City. Whether it’s up-and-coming talent or seasoned professionals, we take pride in showcasing the rich musical culture of our region to the world. Now, it’s time to turn up the volume and make it clear that Lubbock is a destination not to be missed.
The meaning of CRESCENDO is a gradual increase. In 1963, the Lubbock Symphony introduced the legendary pianist Van Cliburn, who performed with our local orchestra. Similarly in 1993, the Lubbock Symphony garnered attention by hosting a series of concerts featuring pop singer Tony Bennett. Since then, the orchestra has had the privilege of hosting notable performers such as Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Wynton Marsalis, Susan Graham, Renée Fleming, Boyz II Men, and Kristin Chenoweth. The Symphony has also paid tribute to renowned artists like Queen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Wicked The Musical, and Aretha Franklin. These performances hold a special place in the hearts of many members of our community, as they are cherished memories. This is why we strive to keep creating unforgettable experiences that can be treasured by future generations.
Did you know that only one-third of our annual budget comes from ticket sales? The remaining funds mainly come from music supporters in the community, like yourself. Crescendo aims to AMPLIFY your support of our evolving mission to bring the most prominent names in music to the Hub City.
You can add your name today to the expanding list of benefactors, who are leaving their mark on the Hub City and building a legacy of performances for generations to come.
Please join us with your gift to Crescendo today!
HONORARIUMS
The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra respectfully acknowledges donations received during the 2025-2026 Season in honor of the following:
Bess Haley In Honor Of Toni Wallingford
Evelyn Davies In Honor Of Toni Wallingford
The Randy Andrews Family In Honor Of David Cho
William Choe In Honor Of David Cho
Sue Sexton In Honor Of David Cho
Virginia Kellogg In Honor Of David Cho
Dean Kilmer In Honor Of David Cho
Rock Thoms In Honor Of David Cho
David J. Tobin In Honor Of David Cho
G3 In Honor of Stephen L. and Melissa A. Faulk
Michael Epps In Honor Of Stephen L. and Melissa A. Faulk
Robin and Don Walker In Honor Of Stephen L. and Melissa A. Faulk
Toni E. Wallingford In Honor Of Stephen L. and Melissa A. Faulk
Patricia and Charles Wheeler In Honor Of Stephen L. and Melissa A. Faulk
Twentieth Century Club In Honor Of Dr. Elissa Stroman
Jim Smith In Honor Of Donna Smith
In honor of Dawn Kelley & Marcus Borhani Musicians Support Endowment
James and Luann Beardemphl
Scott and Jessica Beardemphl
Crystal Borhani
Rahim and Martha Borhani
Tutti Burkett
David Cho
Bryan and Linda Dunn
Richard and Rebecca Gale
Larry and Susan Hess
Sheryl House
George R. Keeling Insurance
Doug Klepper and Terry Hawkins
Leslie Mihal
Allan Mackenzie and Carolyn Moore
Steve and Peggy Reinhart
Susan and Chris Seiter
Tom and Judy Spoonts
Priscilla Stennis
Cloyce Stetson and Janice Stachowiak
Lloyd and Betti Whetzel
Patricia and Charles Wheeler
Jo Anne M. Smith In Memory Of Norton Baker
Michael Epps In Memory Of Eva and Walter Beets
Thivakorn Kasemsri In Memory Of RADM Stephen K. Chadwick
Toni E. Wallingford In Memory Of Dickie and Fritz Epps
Martha Fregia In Memory Of Justin Fregia
Connie Goodwin In Memory Of Grace and Frank Goodwin
Allan MacKenzie In Memory Of Ruth Lauer
Peggy Dyess In Memory Of Audrey McCool
Carolyn Wooten In Memory Of Ricky Rasco
Suzanne Rasco In Memory Of Ricky Rasco
Jim Smith In Memory Of Donna Smith
Eric and Janis Blackwell In Memory of Dr. Roy Wilson
If you would like to honor an individual or organization important to you, please send your tax-deductible donation to the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, 601 Avenue K; Lubbock, TX 79401.
LSO ENDOWMENTS
The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra Endowment Trust
The CH Foundation Conductor’s Podium Endowment
Helen DeVitt Jones Endowment for Education
LSO Endowment for Musician Fees and Education
Shelley Hall Nelson Endowment for Musicians’ Salaries
Lubbock Symphony Opera Fund
Texas Tech University J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual and Performing Arts, School of Music Performer Endowment
Jones-Saathoff Family Concertmaster Endowment
Diekemper Family Foundation Associate Concertmaster Endowment
Justice Phil and Carla Johnson Principal Second Violin Endowment
Mary M. Epps and Ralph E. Wallingford Principal Viola Endowment
Mary Francis Carter Principal Cello Endowment
Eugene and Covar Dabezies Principal Bass Endowment
Drs. Audrey and Barry McCool Principal Flute Endowment, in memory of the Crew of Columbia, STS-107
Lubbock Symphony Guild Principal Oboe Endowment
Janeen Drew Holmes English Horn Endowment
Christine Polvado and John Stockdale Principal Clarinet Endowment
Nancy and Tom Neal Principal Bassoon Endowment
Anthony and Helen Brittin Principal Horn Endowment
Stacey and Robert Kollman Family Principal Trumpet Endowment
Larry and Lucy Landusky Principal Trombone Endowment
Tim and Mary Jane Sampson Bass Trombone Endowment
Diekemper Family Foundation Principal Tuba Endowment
Lubbock Symphony Guild Timpani Endowment
Lisa Rogers/Alan Shinn Principal Percussion Endowment
Rachel Jean Armstrong Thomas Principal Harp Endowment
Edward R. and Jo Anne M. Smith Principal Piano Endowment
Dawn Kelley and Marcus Borhani Musicians Support Endowment
PROUD TO FEED
Artistic Spirit
Market Street knows the art of creating lives in all of us and loves to support local arts and entertainment.
— Matshona Dhliwayo
FINANCIALLY SAVVY WAYS TO GIVE TO THE LUBBOCK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Your support enables the LSO to offer grand musical experiences, whether in concert with world-renowned guest artists or in classrooms sharing the wonder of music with students.
Below is a list of ways you can support your LSO:
Traditional Donation
Mail a check, payable to the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, or make an online gift. See the QR Code below to make a gift.
Matching Gifts
Many businesses will match employees’ charitable gifts. A donation may be matched dollar-for-dollar or at a percentage. Check with your company to see if they participate in a matching program.
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)*
Beginning at age 70½, you may contribute up to $100,000 annually directly from your IRA to the LSO through a QCD and avoid the distribution as income.
Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)*
You may contribute to the LSO through a donor-advised fund. The LSO can also be the beneficiary or successor advisor to your DAF.
Stock and Securities*
You can donate appreciated stocks and securities to the LSO, saving capital gains taxes while providing a deduction of the entire donation.
Bequests/Legacy Gifts*
Remembering the LSO in wills and trusts helps ensure we continue creating quality symphonic performances and educational experiences.
*To ensure your gift meets proper tax requirements and to determine the best method of gifting for your unique situation, we recommend reviewing guidelines and discussing with your tax and/or financial advisor and legal professional for bequests and legacy gifts.
For additional information or questions, contact Courtney Jordan, Director of Development, at 806.642.5228 or courtney@lubbocksymphony.org
Lubbock Symphony Orchestra
601 Avenue K | Lubbock, TX 79401
EIN #75-6001993
The LSO is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization.
MICHAEL POSTAR’S
ADVISORY COUNCIL, PAST CHAIRS
Jack M. Lewis
W.P. Clement
Charles E. Maedgen, Jr.
Roy Bass
Rex Webster
Marion Key
W.R. Sewell
J.C. Reynold
James L. Quicksall, Jr.
Asher Thompson
Richard G. Richards
Jack Kastman
Joe J. Moise
J. Harmon Jenkins
George C. Miller
Lonnie Langston
John Witcomb
O.W. English
Asher Thompson
Troy Myers
Arthur E. Gamble
Charley Pope
C.B. Carter
Robert E. Norris
Dean James Allen
Robert L. Stripling
Charley Pope
John R. Kreiger
Roger Key
Edwin E. Merriman
Owen McWhorter, Jr.
Frank Newton
Frank Anderson
Kay Sanford
Paul Meyer
Robert L. Stripling
Jim Ratliff
Coffee Conner
Alan Henry
William D. Armstrong
Susan Boling
Curtis Griffith
DeWayne Pierce
Mike Cunningham
Margaret Lutherer
Chris Barnette
Catherine S. Porter
Ray Fargason
Emily Ratcliff
Brad Green
Peter G. Daia
Kirk McLaughlin
Harry Zimmerman
Shannon Taliaferro
Heather Hocker
Brian Willcutt
Toni Wallingford
CONNECT WITH US & SIGN UP TODAY!
UMC Connect is a revolutionary fitness facility located inside UMC Health & Wellness Hospital in South Lubbock!
From Technogym wristband technology that integrates straight into our equipment to unlimited studio classes like group cycle, Pilates, yoga, and circuit-based training.
UNLIMITED CLASSES. NO HIDDEN FEES.
BEHIND THE MUSIC
OFFICERS
Jill Stangl
Chair
Dustin Baucom
Chair Elect
Brad Green
Treasurer
Stephanie Rogers Secretary
Toni Wallingford
Immediate Past Chair
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Beth Ashmore
Steve Balch
Dustin Baucom
Gilbert Berdine
Leen Borno
Kasi Boutwell
Terri Byrne
Maureen Chadwick
David Cho
Cassie Christopher
Allison Clayton
Covar Dabezies
Clay Elliott
Deena Evensky
Stephen L. Faulk
Melissa A. Faulk
Cassidy Forehand
Patricia Lynn Freier
Elias Ghandour
Brad Green
Amy Grisham
Spencer Hartman
Sandy Henry
Rhea Hill
Bobbye Hrncirik
Robert Ioppolo
Carla Johnson
Tiva Kasemsri
Amanda Kuhn
Neil Kurtzman
Larry Landusky
Grace Lin
Laura Monroe
Brenda Parrish
Board of Directors, cont.
Melissa Pridmore
Peter Reed
Carol Robertson
Stephanie Rogers
Tim Sampson
Jill Stangl
Andrew Stetson
Nadene Tipton
Alejandro Verdugo
Toni Wallingford
Edson Way
Darya White
Joyce White
Lola Windisch
Galen Wixson
ADMINISTRATION
Galen Wixson
President & CEO
David Cho
Music Director
Eric Allen
Lubbock Symphony Chamber Orchestra Artistic Director
Suzanne Rasco
Director of Accounting
Courtney Jordan
Director of Development
Molly Ramirez
Director of Marketing and Communications
Callie Watson
Box Office Coordinator
Amelia Jamieson
Graphic Designer
Julia Griffith
Education Outreach Manager
Lee Schrader
LYO Manager
Gary Hudson
Personnel Manager
Corey Dolter
Operations Manager
Israel Mello Librarian
Karyn Roy
Development Intern
Weston Rasco
Marketing Intern
A LETTER FROM THE LUBBOCK SYMPHONY GUILD PRESIDENT
Welcome Patrons,
Thank you for attending tonight’s performance! We appreciate your support of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. The 2025-2026 season promises to be an outstanding year of symphonic performances. We are excited to experience the joy of music with you.
Tonight’s performance, and every performance since 1952, has been made possible in part by the Lubbock Symphony Guild. For 73 years, the Guild members have donated their time, talent and resources to keep symphonic music thriving in West Texas.
I hope that you enjoy the incredible talent of our remarkable Orchestra and value the educational and cultural contributions they provide to our community. I invite you to consider becoming a member of the Lubbock Symphony Guild, to join us in further supporting the efforts of the LSO. For more information, please visit our website at www.lubbocksymphonyguild.com.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Burrell, President Lubbock Symphony Guild
Lubbock Symphony Guild Senior Debutantes
Front Row Left to Right - Kathleen Jane St. Clair, Angelia Liu, Sarah Simpson, Sadie Gillespie, Meridith Bradley, Lauren King, Payton Reed, Emyrson Parrott, Blakely Martin, Katelyn Bollens, Chayce Johnson, Ella Bennett, Viviana Ziegner, Olivia Mudd
2nd Row Left to Right - Georgia Kitten, Alice Everett, Ellie Underwood Reya Felton, Mckanna Garcia, Kennedy Cowan, Joleigh Reno, Ashlyn Edwards, Brynlee Smith, Emma Lane, Erin Brodbeck
3rd Row Left to Right - Elizabeth Nicholson, Cassidy McKinnon, Campbell Beeler, Katelyn Glenn, London Bird, Baylee Fillingim, Addison Stewart, Natalie Sweat, EllaMaria Webb, Chayce Welborn, Campbell Franklin, Harper Burrell
4th Row Left to Right - Halley Reynolds, Addison Neufeld, Landry Allen, Joy Wischmeyer Adelaide Underwood, Madison Heider, Ava Smith, Finnley Forero, Dannelle McCourt Not Pictured - Talitha Dalton
Lubbock Symphony Guild Junior Debutantes
Front Row Left to Right - Lola Latham, Kayci Cave, Shelby Rivas, Ella Condra, Carter Piland
Sophie Scolaro, Sarah Poe, Rynn Riddle
2nd Row Left to Right - Alexis Gregory, Aubry Elrod, Sophie Carter, Emily Aldinger, Sage Boyle, Kristine Wischmeyer, Riverson Sawyer, Kayleigh Lewis, Hope Stonestreet
3rd Row Left to Right - Alyssa Joiner, Ashtyn Neufeld, Isabella Hernandez, Kaylee Jordan
Emersyn Cross, Marlee Thompson, Presley Taylor, Pamela Buckley, Addison Evans, Kaylee McKee, Kaelie Fincher
Back Row Left to Right - Finley Cross, Ellison Roberts, Elizabeth Thane, Campbell Wilson
Abbott Spitzer, Hadley Payne, Lula Biondi, Elizabeth Williams, Kate Harlien
Not Pictured - Lauren Brashear, Hannah Owen
Lubbock Symphony Guild Senior Debutantes
Front Row Left to Right - Cannon Miller, Tatum Maines, Kaylee Cottrell, Audrey Oaks
Hope Acrey, Elizabeth Cruce-Roberst, Jack Callahan, Frederick Strangl, Emerson Mooty
Ella Hurst, Tess Stockdale, Avery Garza, Grace Cone
2nd Row Left to Right - Alexis Edwards, Halle McPherson, Caroline Cathey, Wade Massengale, Beau Bennett, William Marcinkowski, McKenna Tidwell, Clara Pesterfield, Channing Boyd
3rd Row Left to Right - Avery Smith, Avery Underwood, Ella Polk, Ainsley Wisniewski
Grace Tippy, Elly Craft, Saylor Sexton
Back Row Left to Right - Channing King, Hurley Neufeld, Taylor Haymes.
Caroline Crawford, Anna Belle Needham, Elizabeth Burrell, Allison Clifford, Ava Grace Wright, Josephine Butts
Thank You
To our Partners In Harmony founding members
Beth and Will Ashmore
Kasi and Chris Boutwell
Mary Ann Bridges
Maureen Chadwick
Bobbe Crawford
Deena and Harold Evensky
Patricia Freier
Terry Hawkins and Dr. Doug Klepper
Honorable Phil and Carla Johnson
Dawn Kelley and Marcus Borhani
Diane Lowell
Ann McDonald
Laura and Monte Monroe
Nancy Neal
Melissa Pridmore
Janice Stachowiak
Toni E. Wallingford
Carol Walker
Dr. Charles and Patricia Wheeler
Birgit Green
Dr. Lola B. Windisch
Susan Tarrant
Our mission is to support the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra’s education initiatives by underwriting a Masterworks concert each season that builds on the LSO’s 80-year tradition of education and outreach, providing students from education related organizations the opportunity to experience the power of a live symphonic performance.
If you are interested in joining the LSO’s Partners In Harmony, please contact Courtney Jordan at courtney@lubbocksymphony.org or call 806-762-1688