APRIL/MAY 2016
The
Score
Noteworthy news from the Madison Symphony Orchestra
PROGRAM April 1, 2, 3
Pianist Garrick Ohlsson Plays Brahms
STEVEN STUCKY Symphony No. 1 RICHARD STRAUSS Don Juan JOHANNES BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 1 John DeMain Conductor Garrick Ohlsson Piano
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Photo by Pier Andrea Morolli
I’m thrilled to welcome back one of the world’s great pianists, Garrick Ohlsson, who will bring us Johannes Brahms’ virtuosic and fiery Piano Concerto No. 1. I can’t tell you how much the orchestra enjoyed collaborating with Garrick the last time he was here in 2012. During his last visit, Garrick and the MSO played Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2, a lesser known work, for the first time. It was great putting a concerto together that he had never played before, and that experience provided even deeper insights into his artistry. His presentation of Brahms should be definitive. Richard Strauss’ great tone poem, Don Juan, precedes the Brahms. This is another work that challenges the prowess of symphony orchestras, and the strings and horns in particular.
John DeMain
Photo by Bill Fritsch/ HarperFritsch Studios
New music has significantly evolved in the 21st century, and we have a wonderful example of this with Steven Stucky’s emotionally affecting Symphony No. 1, composed in 2012. I'm sorry to report Mr. Stucky passed away in February. Steven, like many other composers of new music, strove for a relationship with his audience, similar to the composers of old. He had a long relationship with the Los Angeles and New York Philharmonic Orchestras, and his accolades included winning the 2005 Pulitzer Prize in Music. His Symphony No. 1 spans a broad landscape with wonderfully contrasting sections and challenging virtuosity for the orchestra. I can’t wait to conduct it and for you to experience it. I encourage you to listen to this work at madisonsymphony.org before hearing it live. After listening, I hope you will agree that this is a masterful and deeply satisfying piece.
MUSIC DIRECTOR
PRELUDE DISCUSSION Learn about the music one hour before each concert in Overture Hall. Speaker: Susan Cook UW-Madison School of Music Director & Professor of Musicology Major funding provided by
Diane Ballweg
Fred and Mary Mohs Additional funding provided by
Boardman & Clark LLP Dan and Natalie Erdman
J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. Nick and Judith Topitzes WPS Health Solutions
Buy Single Tickets at madisonsymphony.org, the Overture Center Box Office or (608) 258-4141
with funds from the Stat and the National Endow
with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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PROGRAM April 29, 30, May 1 OTTORINO RESPIGHI Pines of Rome
2015-16 Season Finale: Carmina Burana
CARL ORFF Carmina Burana John DeMain Conductor Madison Symphony Chorus Beverly Taylor, Director Madison Youth Choirs Michael Ross, Artistic/Executive Director Jeni Houser Soprano Thomas Leighton Tenor Keith Phares Baritone
h PRELUDE DISCUSSION Learn about the music one hour before each concert in Overture Hall. Speaker: Beverly Taylor MSO Assistant Conductor and Chorus Director
Photo by Greg Anderson
I have long been a fan of the first half of the twentieth century. So many great pieces by a bevy of wonderful composers have become part of our standard repertoire. Pines of Rome and Carmina Burana are two cases in point. Written only eleven years apart from each other, both have become huge audience favorites, and we will present both to you at these concerts. Again, we turn to the symphonic poem as our musical form with the four consecutive movements of Ottorino Respighi’s Pines of Rome, which describes the great city of Rome. This delightful, sonic adventure concludes with brass emanating from around the concert hall. After intermission, we examine medieval life as given to us through secular texts, over seven hundred years old, set to music. The first poem deals with the “Wheel of Fortune” as controlled by Lady Fortune. Its musical setting has been heard in numerous TV commercials, and indeed, all of Carl Orff ’s Carmina Burana has achieved immense popularity. Our three marvelous soloists are joined by the over 125-voice Madison Symphony Chorus, under the direction of Beverly Taylor, in addition to boychoir members from the Madison Youth Choirs, led by Michael Ross. All of this should add up to a thrilling, sonic finale to our 2015-16 season. Thank you for being a part of it, and I look forward to a season of glorious music next year with all of you. I want to extend a special thank you to the musicians in our orchestra for their stellar work, and, of course, to our chorus for their work on this piece. I truly hope you were moved by the power of great music this season.
Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation
John DeMain
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MUSIC DIRECTOR
Photo by Bill Fritsch/ HarperFritsch Studios
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CELEBRATING YOUR SUPPORT LOYAL DONORS HONORED At our April concert receptions, we will honor and celebrate all donors who have made an annual donation to the MSO for 15 or more consecutive years, at any level. Look for a complete list of their names in the April concert program book. Here, we meet three of them! J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.
Patricia Bernhardt
Jim and Carol Ruhly
Findorff ’s partnership with our community goes back over 125 years. A leading Midwestern building company, Findorff is built on character and integrity and has a culture that supports giving back to the community that has helped it grow and thrive.
A longtime subscriber, annual donor, and lifetime MSOL member, Pat has given countless volunteer hours to the MSO and the MSOL. Volunteerism has been a regular part of her life since she started volunteering in her children’s elementary school. She occasionally attended MSO concerts but did not become a subscriber until a friend invited her to join the MSOL Board in the late 1990s and she started to feel more connected.
Carol (Comstock) Ruhly, a native Madisonian, remembers attending orchestra concerts with her parents during her formative years. She fondly remembers pops concerts with Roland Johnson on the podium. After marrying Jim Ruhly and starting a family, they decided to subscribe to the Symphony. Carol says, “We were delighted to have something lovely to do away from our two young sons.”
Findorff ’s leadership encourages board membership and volunteerism by employees, and the company annually contributes time, talent, and treasure to over 100 nonprofit organizations in the greater Madison area. Vice President Jim Yehle says, "Findorff supports the Symphony because we know that arts and cultural opportunities are a critical part of what makes Madison and south-central Wisconsin such a great place to live and work." “…arts and cultural opportunities are a critical part of what makes Madison… such a great place to live…” —Jim Yehle
In addition to building the Symphony’s new home—Overture Center for the Arts—Findorff ’s contributions to the MSO have been numerous, including annual concert sponsorships, a donation to the Great Performance Fund, annual support of the MSOL’s Concert on the Green, and service on the Board (Curt Hastings 20022008 and Jim Yehle 2014-present). We thank Findorff for sponsoring the upcoming April 1, 2, 3 concerts with pianist Garrick Ohlsson!
“I think it's important to continue to financially add to the MSO, as it benefits so many in the community.” —Pat Bernhardt
Pat became president of the League and joined the MSO Board of Directors, serving during a very exciting time— the years leading up to the opening of Overture Hall. She has helped with the MSOL Style Show, Showhouse, Gala, Parties of Note, Concert on the Green and annual holiday parties. Why does she make an annual contribution to the MSO in addition to purchasing tickets and volunteering? “I think it’s important to continue to financially add to the MSO, as it benefits so many in the community,” she says. She feels that the key to getting new concertgoers is for regular attendees to invite their friends to a concert. “People are more likely to try something new if a friend invites them.” Pat also serves on the board of Attic Angel Community and teaches weekly knitting classes in Sun Prairie. 3
Jim, an attorney, served as president of the Rotary Club of Madison in 1999-2000. Sue Baumann invited him to be one of six mayoral appointees to the Madison Cultural Arts District Board, and he later chaired the board from 2005-2008. Carol joined the MSOL Board in 2006 and helped with the annual membership drive and directory. They’ve enjoyed their involvement with the MSO and have increased their annual support over the years, becoming Crescendo Club members in 2014. The Ruhlys want to help the MSO continue to provide the opportunity for thousands of people to hear such great concerts each month. Carol enjoys being introduced to pieces that are unfamiliar, while Jim loves the big familiar works. “We want the Symphony to be here for future generations,” says Carol. Jim adds, “We want to invest in our community and support things that make it such a great place to live. We know the Symphony’s success depends on people who have the means to support it, and we think it’s important to do our part.”
EDUCATION HIGH NOTES SPRING YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT
Photo by Todd Maughan
Photo by Todd Maughan
Tues., Apr. 19, 2016 | 10 a.m. Overture Hall Approximately 1,500 students, teachers and community members attend this annual youth concert, designed for students in grades 8–12. Music Director John DeMain will conduct the concert, which features orchestral works by Mozart, Weinberger and Tchaikovsky. Teachers are supported in preparing students for the concert with the Curriculum Guide, available at madisonsymphony.org/sypc. The Spring Young People’s Concert will also feature the two high school-age winners of the 2016 Bolz Young Artist Competition as guest soloists! “It is truly a unique and sacred opportunity when our high school students are able to hear peers perform with such passion and sensitivity.” —La Crosse Central High School Teacher
Marimbist Robert Rockman will perform the Fantasy on Japanese Woodprints, Op. 211 by Alan Hovhaness and violinist Tabby Rhee will perform the first movement of Jean Sibelius' Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47. Major funding provided by the Madison Symphony Orchestra League and American Girl’s Fund for Children, with additional funds from American Family Insurance, Dane Arts, The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Barbara J. Merz and the Wisconsin Arts Board.
LINK UP: PREMIERE PROGRAM OF CARNEGIE HALL
SYMPHONY SOUP
Tues., May 10, 2016 10:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. Capitol Theater-Overture Center
Thurs., May 12, 2016 10:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. Capitol Theater-Overture Center
Symphony Soup is the capstone performance of the MSO’s Up Close & Musical® (UC&M) program. During the UC&M year-long residency, the Hunt Quartet (comprised of UW-Madison School of Music graduate students) visits six elementary schools throughout Dane County multiple times, presenting interactive lessons that encourage students to “hunt” for the basic elements of music within classical works.
The MSO is one of over 80 orchestras world-wide invited by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute to co-present this highly interactive education program.
The Hunt Quartet teaches students about melody, rhythm, expression and form. During the culminating Symphony Soup concerts, students find it difficult to contain their excitement when they hear the MSO play all of the melodies they learned about during the residency, and see their Hunt Quartet friends on the stage.
During the culminating concert, students will bring their soprano recorders to Overture Center to play along with the MSO during Dvorak’s New World Symphony and Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The students will also participate by singing in other pieces on the program.
If you would like to bring your students, children or grandchildren in grades Kindergarten–3, please contact the MSO office at (608) 257-3734. Learn more about Symphony Soup at madisonsymphony.org/symphonysoup. Major funding provided by the Madison Symphony Orchestra League and the John and Carolyn Peterson Charitable Foundation, Inc. Additional funding provided by the Wisconsin Arts Board, with additional funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Link Up unites the classroom and the concert hall by giving students in grades 4 and 5 the opportunity to explore music through a yearlong curriculum of activities, during which they learn to play some of classical music’s most famous melodies on the soprano recorder.
During the 2015-16 season, over 1,700 students from 20 schools have participated in the MSO’s Link Up program. Learn more about Link Up at madisonsymphony.org/linkup. Major funding provided by An Anonymous Friend and Joe and Mary Ellyn Sensenbrenner. Additional funding provided by Associated Bank, The Evjue Foundation, Inc., the charitable arm of The Capital Times, Heid Music, with funds from the Heid Family Foundation, Madison Symphony Orchestra League, U.S. Bank Foundation and Carl M. Hudig.
Concerts on this page are not open to the general public.
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OVERTURE CONCERT ORGAN NEWS RHAPSODIE QUARTET RECITAL Final Recital of the Season!
AHREUM HAN CONGDON IN RECITAL
Buy Single Tickets for the Apr. 5 organ concert at: • madisonsymphony.org • (608) 258-4141 • Overture Center Box Office
Tues., Apr. 5, 2016 | 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20
The Rhapsodie Quartet, resident ensemble of the MSO’s award-winning HeartStrings Community Engagement Program, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of HeartStrings with this final recital of the season!
Ahreum thrilled the audience in her Madison debut performance during a 2014 Farmers’ Market Concert. She returns for a full solo recital on the colossal Klais in a program of music by Bach, Mozart, Vierne and others.
The event is open to the public with a suggested donation of $5.
Ahreum’s imaginative, powerful, and extraordinary performances have delighted audiences throughout the United States, Asia, and Europe. Ahreum was a featured soloist at the National Convention of the American Guild of Organists held in Nashville, Tennessee in 2012 and has appeared as a solo recitalist in venues including Princeton University Chapel and St. Bartholomew’s Church. Her live performances have been featured on the radio show PIPEDREAMS from American Public Media.
This quartet brings live, interactive presentations into healthcare and residential facilities, annually reaching over 3,400 individuals. The Rhapsodie Quartet is comprised of MSO violinists Suzanne Beia and Laura Burns, cellist Karl Lavine, and violist Christopher Dozoryst. Learn more about the Rhapsodie Quartet members at madisonsymphony.org/rhapsodie.
“Han’s effortless command of technique and the remarkable sensitivity she was able to express through her playing made each piece she played memorable, and left no doubt that hers is a talent to watch.” Major funding for HeartStrings provided by the Madison Symphony Orchestra League and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional funding provided by Culvers VIP Foundation, Inc.; The Evjue Foundation, Inc., the charitable arm of The Capital Times; Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin; Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Foundation, Inc.; Madison Arts Commission, with additional funds from the Wisconsin Arts Board; Monona Plumbing & Fire Protection, Inc.; St. Mary's Hospital; UW Health & Unity Health Insurance; An Anonymous Friend; and Wisconsin Arts Board, with additional funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
—Nottingham Post, UK
Ahreum was born in Seoul, Korea and her family immigrated to Atlanta, Georgia when she was sixteen. Presently, she is the Principal Organist, Assistant Director of Music, and Artist-in-Residence at First Presbyterian Church in Davenport, Iowa. She also is the College Organist at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. 5
FREE COMMUNITY HYMN SING
Photo by Joe De Maio
Mon., May 23, 2016 | 7 p.m. Promenade Hall-Overture Center
Sat., Apr. 30, 2016 | 11 a.m. Samuel Hutchison, Organist Hymn sings are open to the public, all ages are welcome, and no tickets or reservations are needed. For the most up to date information, visit madisonsymphony.org/hymnsings. All organ concerts and hymn sings are in Overture Hall. Support for all Overture Concert Organ programs is provided by the Diane Endres Ballweg Fund.
The
Score
The Score is published four times per concert season for members and friends of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Editor: Ellen Larson Contributing Writers: Michael Allsen John DeMain
(608) 257-3734
Casey Oelkers Kathryn Schwarzmann
info@madisonsymphony.org
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Madison Symphony Orchestra League News Where Music and Friendship Meet
Parties of Note This is the MSOL’s tenth series of themed parties to benefit the MSO. All proceeds are used for the MSO's Education and Community Engagement Programs. For a complete list of parties and to register, visit madisonsymphony.org/parties. ARGENTINE TANGO AND PARRILLADA Fri., May 6, 2016 | 5-11 p.m.
Mon., June 27, 2016 Bishops Bay Country Club
(Please note: Date has changed from Sat., May 7, to Fri., May 6.)
Join us for a memorable Madison summer tradition on the shores of Lake Mendota!
Begin this delightful evening with snacks and a Pisco Sour at Doug and Katie Reuhl’s private dance studio (see photo), where you will learn the essence of Argentine Tango, the close embrace walks. Following this romantic interlude, a short drive will take you to their lovely home on Lake Mendota. Relax and enjoy Argentine wines and music as your hosts prepare a traditional Parrillada assortment of meats and other dishes.
Sherri Steinhauer, Honorary Golf Chair
Registration opens May 1. Golf (optional): During the day, enjoy the breathtaking Bishops Bay golf course. Gather a foursome of friends or be paired up with others. Registration fee includes box lunch. Evening Concert & Party: The evening festivities start at 4:45 p.m. with a pre-concert party on the lawn with appetizers and your favorite drink from the cash bar.
As the sun sets, you can linger at the tables or extend the party at Bishops Bay’s cocktail lounge. Learn more at madisonsymphony.org/cog or by calling (608) 260-8680 x232. The Madison Symphony Orchestra League’s 22nd Concert on the Green benefits the MSO’s Education and Community Engagement Programs.
Love the Symphony
…Join the League!
Photo by James Steakley
At 6 p.m., we gather under the tent overlooking Lake Mendota. Our Guest Conductor James Smith will lead the MSO musicians and one of the finalists of the 2016 Bolz Young Artist Competition in a memorable concert. A gourmet picnic dinner is served immediately following the concert.
MUSIC AND MORE IN FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S AIRPLANE HOUSE Sun., June 26, 2016 | 12 p.m. Built in 1908, this outstanding Madison landmark is rarely open to the public. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful interior architecture and furnishings as you linger over an elegant brunch prepared by Chef Andrew Wilson and the Madison Club staff. A performance by Garrick Olsen, 2012 Final Forte winner, on the recently restored 85-yearold Steinway, will complete this delightful Sunday afternoon experience.
PRAIRIE WALK Sat., July 16, 2016* | 1-4 p.m. Beautiful Noll Valley, surrounded by an area formed eons ago by a milehigh glacier, will be the setting for this back-to-nature party. We’ll hike along groomed trails through restored prairies and woodlands that are part of an 80-acre parcel of the Ice Age Trail, observing the birds and wild life that the unusual plants and grasses attract. Refreshments and conversation will follow. Bring your binoculars, cameras, and a “wild” imagination! *Rain date July 17
SAVE THE DATES! Spring Luncheon & Annual Meeting Thurs., May 19, 2016 Maple Bluff Country Club Social at 11:30 a.m. | Lunch at noon Guest musicians: MSO violinists Clayton Tillotson and Beth Larson $25 per person. Reservations must be received by May 12. Symphony Gala Fri., Sept. 16, 2016 Madison Concourse Hotel
The Madison Symphony Orchestra League is an organization of more than 300 dedicated men and women who are committed to support the artistic, educational, financial and community engagement goals of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. For more information, visit madisonsymphony.org/msol. 6
FIND MORE AT
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BACKSTAGE ASK AN MSO MUSICIAN This month’s featured musician is percussionist Rick Morgan.
RARE EARLY MSO RECORDINGS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
MSO: What initially drew you to playing percussion? RM: I guess it was just a natural fit. My mother said I was constantly banging on things like her pots and pans starting when I was a toddler. Since I was always beating on everything around me, they got me a drum. MSO: What is something most people don’t know about you? RM: Music is my avocation, not my vocation. I own a small consulting business helping utility companies provide energy efficiency programs for their customers. Concerning music, I also hold a patent and manufacture a device to raise mallet percussion instruments to the correct ergonomic playing height. It is called the “MalletJack.” We use one on our xylophone. MSO: What is the most challenging part of playing percussion in an orchestra? RM: In the orchestra, I get to play many different percussion instruments which is part of the fun of being a percussionist, but also a challenge. The principal percussionist (Tony) assigns parts, but we each need to determine what specific instrument we will play and what type of mallet or stick to use. The other challenge is logistics. We need to have instruments within our reach when there are quick changes and work out who is standing where. The audience can often see our “choreography,” which is very much planned.
“ We both love classical music
and believe it is so important for children to be exposed to it early on. We have chosen to support the MSO’s youth education programs through our estates so that future generations of children can benefit from our wonderful orchestra.” Kenneth and Joan Riggs
Dr. Sigfrid Prager's farewell program, May 23, 1948, UW Stock Pavilion
Ever wonder what the orchestra and chorus sounded like decades ago? In celebration of the MSO’s 90th season, MSO Bass Trombonist and Program Annotator Michael Allsen has made several recordings of performances from the 1940s and 1950s available online as streaming audio. This collection includes recordings from as early as 1941 (local singer Alexius Baas singing an aria from Messiah), and pieces by local composers Oskar Hagen and Sybil Ann Hanks. Also included are excerpts from a May 1948 performance of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis (pictured above). This concert was the farewell program of Dr. Sigfrid Prager, the MSO's first Music Director, who led the then-Madison Civic Symphony and Madison Civic Chorus from 1926-1948. This recording—a set of eight 10” disks— lay unnoticed in a closet for decades until it came to light two years ago.
Photo by Todd Maughan
You can help preserve the MSO’s legacy of great music for future generations by including the Symphony in your estate plans. Call (608) 257-3734 to learn more.
The recordings (with program notes… of course!) and other MSO historical pages can be accessed online at madisonsymphony.org/history. JOIN MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF MADISON’S LGBTQ COMMUNITY!
Performance Partners:
MSO: What is your favorite part about performing with the MSO?
SAT., APR. 30, 2016
|
8:00 PM
CONCERT: Carmina Burana — features choirs and guest soloists TICKETS: $40–$60; includes concert, after party admission and a drink ticket
RM: Making beautiful music with great musicians for an engaged and supportive audience in an amazing hall. What could be better?
BUY TICKETS AND LEARN MORE: madisonsymphony.org/out Promotional Partners:
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2016 SEPT. 25, 26, 27
| 2017 Season FEB. 12, 13, 14
Tchaikovsky’s SEPTEMBER 23,Fourth 24, 25
BEETHOVEN • COPLAND The Planets: An HD Odyssey TCHAIKOVSKY Enescu | Corigliano | Holst
Alina FEBRUARY Ibragimova, Violin 17, 18, 19
OCTOBER OCT. 16, 21, 17,22, 1823 Beethoven’ s Pastorale James Ehnes, Violin
Stephen Hough, Piano 11, 12, |13 BarberMAR. Tchaikovsky | Saint-Saëns
NOV. 20, 21, 22
Tine Thing Helseth, Trumpet Beethoven Hummel APR.| 1, 2, 3 | Strauss
Henning Kraggerud, HAYDN • BRUCHViolin Elgar | Bruch | Kraggerud RACHMANINOFF Beethoven NOVEMBER 11, 12, 13 Sara Sant’Ambrogio, Cello
Paired to Perfection
RAVEL • SAINT-SAËNS Christina and Michelle Naughton, BERLIOZ Piano Duo
Debussy DEC. | Mozart | Shostakovich 4, 5, 6
A Madison Symphony DECEMBER 2, 3, 4 A MadisonChristmas Symphony Christmas Madison MadisonSymphony Symphony Chorus Chorus Madison MadisonYouth Youth Choirs Choirs Mt. Zion Gospel Choir Mount Zion Gospel Choir JANUARY 15*
Beyond the Score: Scheherazade
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TCHAIKOVSKY • RAVEL : Ultimate Tchaikovsky The Last Symphony BEETHOVEN
Emanuel Ax, Piano
MARCH • 10,FRANCK 11, 12 KABALEVSKY Peak Performance STRAUSS • MAHLER
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CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Garrick Ohlsson, Piano APRIL 7, 8, 9
STUCKY • STRAUSS Colossal Piano BRAHMS Philippe Bianconi, Piano
Schumann | Lutosławski APR. 29, 30, MAY 1 Rachmaninoff Carmina Burana
Madison Symphony MAY 5, 6, 7Chorus RESPIGHI ORFF Brahms’ •Requiem
Nathan Laube, Organ Madison Symphony Chorus Stanford | Brahms
MA D I S O N SY MPHONY ORC HESTRA
Multi-media/symphony concert Rimsky-Korsakov
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