APRIL/MAY 2017
The
Score
Noteworthy news from the Madison Symphony Orchestra
Colossal Piano
with Pianist Philippe Bianconi
Our April concerts are particularly exciting for two reasons: first, the return of one of the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) favorite pianists, Philippe Bianconi, and second, the MSO’s first performance of Witold Lutosławski’s Concerto for Orchestra, a 20th-century masterpiece. Lutosławski developed into quite an avant-garde composer as he progressed through his artistic life, but like many before him, he began in a more conservative vein. This early work of Lutosławski is an exciting, virtuosic feat of writing for symphony orchestra and has long been on our musicians’ wish list of pieces they would love to perform for you. Like many other concertos for orchestra, this piece features different sections of the orchestra in a dazzling display of color and virtuosity.
PROGRAM
Over the span of Bianconi’s many appearances with us, we have so admired his flawless technique and natural musicianship as he spans so many different musical styles at the keyboard. This time, he takes on the Mount Everest of piano concertos, Sergei Rachmaninoff ’s Piano Concerto No. 3. This is a particular favorite of mine, and was inspirational in my own musical development when I heard Byron Janis play it when I was 13 years old. I have no doubt that Philippe’s performance will be definitive and immensely satisfying.
John DeMain, Conductor
Opening the concert is Robert Schumann’s Manfred Overture, a beautiful, romantic offering that was one of Schumann’s favorite compositions. This concert should be a wonderful aural and emotional experience and I look forward to being with you!
MUSIC DIRECTOR
3 Easy Ways to Buy Tickets: Online at madisonsymphony.org
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(608) 258-4141
Robert Schumann Manfred Overture Witold Lutosławski Concerto for Orchestra Sergei Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3
Philippe Bianconi, Piano Prelude Discussion Pre-concert talk beginning one hour before each concert in Overture Hall Speaker: John DeMain MSO Music Director
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Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation
Photo by Bill Fritsch/ HarperFritsch Studios
John DeMain
APRIL 7, 8, 9
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In person at the Overture Center Box Office (201 State St.)* *save the service fees when buying in person
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MA DISON S Y M P H ONY O R C HES TR A
Brahms’ Requiem Photo by Greg Anderson
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PROGRAM MAY 5, 6, 7 Charles Stanford Concert Piece for Organ and Orchestra Johannes Brahms A German Requiem John DeMain, Conductor Nathan Laube, Organ Devon Guthrie, Soprano Timothy Jones, Bass-Baritone Madison Symphony Chorus, Beverly Taylor, Chorus Director Prelude Discussion Pre-concert talk beginning one hour before each concert in Overture Hall Speaker: Beverly Taylor MSO Assistant Conductor and Chorus Director
I can’t believe we are already at the end of our 2016–2017 season! Our final concert of the season normally focuses on the Madison Symphony Chorus, and this year is no exception as we bring you Johannes Brahms’ A German Requiem. We will open the concert with the exciting U.S. premiere of Charles Stanford’s Concert Piece for Organ and Orchestra, which pairs nicely with the Brahms. Probably best known for his church music, Stanford was the teacher of great British composers like Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams. Brilliant virtuoso organist Nathan Laube returns to Overture Hall to perform this beautiful work. I have long wanted to present Brahms’ Requiem, but chose to wait a while since it was part of my predecessor, Roland Johnson’s, farewell season with the Madison Symphony. Brahms’ Requiem is not the same as the requiems that have come before it, which draw on Latin texts from the Roman Catholic Mass for the dead as their source. This piece instead focuses on other texts from the Old and New Testaments, offering comfort to those left behind and a spiritual future for those departed. This musical event features our lovely chorus, under the direction of Beverly Taylor, and two wonderful soloists, Devon Guthrie and Timothy Jones, in their Madison Symphony debuts. I am thrilled to finally conduct this masterpiece and share its musical mysteries with all of you. I also want to thank you for your support this season, and I look forward to an exciting 2017–2018 season (see back cover) with our glorious orchestra, star soloists, and excellent orchestral music!
John DeMain
Major funding provided by
Additional funding provided by
Kenneth A. Lattman Foundation, Inc.
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Larry and Jan Phelps
Carla and Fernando Alvarado
WPS Health Solutions
3 Easy Ways to Buy Tickets: Online at madisonsymphony.org
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(608) 258-4141
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with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the A
In person at the Overture Center Box Office (201 State St.)* *save the service fees when buying in person
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CELEBRATING YOUR SUPPORT Photos by Peter Rodgers
future gift to the Symphony is one way “weOur can help perpetuate the high quality of life we have been blessed to enjoy here in Madison.” Carla and Fernando Alvarado
Barbara and John Komoroske
Jim and Kathy Herman
FIRST DATES, SEAT MATES John and Barbara Komoroske’s (JBK) first date in 1960 was an orchestra concert at John’s alma mater, Lawrence University. Nineteen years later, Jim and Kathy Herman (JKH) went on their first date to a Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert. Ever since their first dates, music has been an underlying theme in their lives. Different life paths led the couples to become Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) subscribers. Their common love of music—and a bit of serendipity— brought the couples together.
who enjoy music. We also appreciate the Prelude Discussions which help us gain a deeper understanding of the music we hear at the concerts.
When Overture Hall opened, they were assigned seats next to each other for the Symphony’s Sunday concert series. It didn’t take them long to strike up a conversation, which has since blossomed into a lasting friendship—kept strong, of course, by their regularly scheduled “dates” at the Symphony! Both couples have been loyal annual donors to the MSO for over 15 years. The MSO will honor them, along with other 15+-year donors, at our April post-concert receptions. We talked with them about their interest in, and support of, the MSO. MSO: In addition to the concerts, what other Symphony programs and events have you participated in? JBK: A retired music educator, John has been an evaluator for the MSO’s Up Close & Musical program in the schools. We enjoy attending occasional Madison Symphony Orchestra League (MSOL) events such as the Symphony Gala and Parties of Note. We appreciate all the MSOL does to engage new concertgoers and supporters. JKH: We attend all the Magic of Music lunches, both for the guest speakers and for the opportunity to meet new people
MSO: What aspects of the Symphony excite and inspire you? JBK: We applaud the MSO for its outstanding education programs that help introduce young people to music at an early age. At the concerts, we always love hearing the big orchestral and choral pieces, and we love watching the musicians on stage. They are intensely engaged and clearly love what they are doing. JKH: We are always blown away by the soloists’ talent, and we love the audience’s enthusiasm and buzz during breaks between pieces. It always makes us happy to see younger people at the Symphony, and we’ve enjoyed many cross-generational conversations. MSO: Why do you make an annual donation in addition to subscribing? JBK: We want to support things that we value! We have an orchestra that is so talented, and a conductor who gives his all, and we feel they deserve our support. We appreciate being included in some of the after-concert receptions throughout the season and the opportunity to talk with John DeMain and the musicians. JKH: The Symphony has brought so much enjoyment to our lives. We know that our donations help the MSO bring music to our community in numerous ways, beyond the ones from which we benefit personally. We want to do our part to sustain the MSO for the future. To us, the Symphony feels like one big family, and we feel fortunate to be able to support it.
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.
THANK YOU! We wish to sincerely thank all donors who contributed in support of the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s 2016–2017 Season, as well as all who have already contributed in support of the 2017–2018 Season. If you are considering a gift, please visit madisonsymphony. org/individualgiving to view a list of individual donor benefits. Donate online or use the enclosed envelope to mail your gift. Gifts of all sizes make a difference. Don’t forget to ask whether your employer will match your gift!
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EDUCATION HIGH NOTES “Thank you for playing the orchestra. It was really fun. You should do it again. It made me feel special. It made me feel excited and happy…I was feeling grateful. I learned about contour. I learned about leaps and steps. I learned more instruments. It was a really fun trip and thank you again for letting me do this.” 2015–2016 Link Up Student
(These concerts are not open to the general public.)
During the culminating concert on May 18, students will bring their recorders to the Overture Center to play, sing, and move along with the Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO). Invited to become a Link Up partner by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute in 2013, the MSO is one of over 90 orchestras world-wide to co-present this highly interactive education program. During the 2016–2017 season, nearly 1,600 students from 21 schools will participate in the MSO’s Link Up program. Learn more about Link Up at madisonsymphony.org/linkup. Major Funding provided by: An Anonymous Friend Additional Funding provided by: The Evjue Foundation, Inc., the charitable arm of The Capital Times | Madison Symphony Orchestra League | U.S. Bank | Carl M. Hudig In-Kind Support provided by: Heid Music & Heid Family Foundation
SYMPHONY SOUP Tues., May 16, 2017 10:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. Capitol Theater, Overture Center (These concerts are not open to the general public.)
LINK UP: THE ORCHESTRA MOVES Thurs., May 18, 2017 10:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. Capitol Theater, Overture Center
Link Up unites the classroom and the concert hall by giving students in third through fifth grade the opportunity to explore music through a year-long curriculum of activities, during which they learn to play some of classical music’s most famous melodies on the soprano recorder.
Photo by Todd Maughan
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OPEN DRESS REHEARSAL with Pianist Philippe Bianconi Thurs., Apr. 6, 2017 | 7:00 p.m. Overture Hall Experience a unique and educational behind-the-scenes look at an MSO rehearsal the night before a concert weekend! French pianist Philippe Bianconi will join the Symphony as they prepare for their performance of Rachmaninoff ’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Reserve your spot at (608) 257-3734 or madisonsymphony.org/odr. Space is limited.
MSO’s Education and Community Engagement programs are made available for free or at a low cost to participants, but they are not free for us to present! To learn how you or your company/organization can support these and other MSO programs, please contact Casey Oelkers, Director of Development, at (608) 260-8680 x228.
Symphony Soup is the culminating concert event for the Up Close & Musical (UC&M) in-school residency program. During the UC&M residency, the Hunt Quartet, comprised of UW-Madison Mead Witter School of Music graduate students, visits six elementary schools throughout Dane County four times each, presenting interactive lessons that teach students about melody, rhythm, expression, and form. The Symphony Soup concerts help solidify the concepts taught through the UC&M curriculum, and are designed to get kindergarten through third grade students excited about classical music and the symphony orchestra. During the concert, students will experience orchestral favorites ranging from J.S. Bach to Aaron Copland. If you would like to bring your students, children, or grandchildren in Kindergarten through third grade to Symphony Soup, please contact the MSO office at (608) 257-3734 for more information. Learn more about Symphony Soup at madisonsymphony.org/symphonysoup. Major Funding provided by: Madison Symphony Orchestra League John and Carolyn Peterson Charitable Foundation, Inc. Additional Funding provided by: American Family Insurance | Wisconsin Arts Board William J. and Joyce F. Wartmann Fund
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Madison Symphony Orchestra League News Where Music and Friendship Meet DON’T MISS THE 23RD ANNUAL
Photo by Todd Maughan
Mon., June 19, 2017 Bishops Bay Country Club
MSOL members in the news, June 1970. Headline: ‘Friends’ of Civic Music Promote Concerts.
MSOL CELEBRATES 60 YEARS By 2016–2017 MSOL Board President Janet Cabot GOLF (optional): Compete for a chance to win prizes with your team, and as an individual golfer. Prizes include luxury cars, cash, and clubhouse credits. COCKTAIL PARTY: Relax and enjoy friendships with morsels from a delicious array of savory delicacies, along with your favorite libation from the cash bar. DINNER: Savor an elegant gourmet picnic dinner, served by the exceptional staff at Bishops Bay. MUSIC: Enjoy the Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in a concert overlooking the waters of Lake Mendota.
Eisenhower was president and ladies wore white gloves to luncheons when the Women’s Committee of the Madison Civic Music Association was organized on June 7, 1956! The organization began when founders Mrs. Helen Marling Supernaw and Mrs. Viola Ward gathered ladies in the home of Mrs. Adolph Bolz to form a group to support the Madison Civic Symphony (precursor to the MSO). It wasn’t until 20 years later that then president Marian Bolz changed the membership from invitation only to “anyone desirous of ” supporting the MSO. The name of the reconstituted organization was changed to the Madison Symphony Orchestra League, as it is known today.
Photo by Todd Maughan
Over the decades, there have been many League projects to provide financial support to the Symphony. A few highlights include: • Two cookbooks: Composition for Cooking and Composition for Cooking Opus II • Symphony Designer Showhouses Proceeds from this MSOL fundraising event help support the MSO’s Education and Community Engagement programs that reach over 23,000 children and adults each year.
• Style Shows
For more information, and to register starting April 12, visit madisonsymphony.org/cog.
• John DeMain Award for Outstanding Commitment to Music
Love the Symphony
…Join the League!
• New Year’s Eve Viennese Balls • Concert on the Green • Parties of Note
MSOL past presidents at the 40th anniversary celebration (l–r): Margaret Schroeder (1990–91), Sally Jamieson (1958–60), Viola Ward (founding president, 1956–57), Fern Lawrence (1996–98), Linda Graebner (1996–97)
Along with raising funds, committed MSOL volunteers functioned as the education department before the MSO had an education director on staff. In 1990, Nan Becknell, Ellen Simenstad, and Judy Braucht designed a docent program to prepare elementary school students to attend the Fall Youth Concerts, and this program continues to this day. Although the world has changed greatly since 1956, what hasn’t changed is the MSOL’s commitment to the Symphony’s artistic, financial, and educational mission. The connective thread that weaves through the decades is a passion for music and the joy of the friendships and sense of community that has come from supporting our Symphony. To conclude the anniversary year, the MSOL will honor past presidents at its Spring Luncheon and Annual Meeting on May 12, at Maple Bluff Country Club. To read the full version of this article, visit madisonsymphony.org/msol.
The Madison Symphony Orchestra League is an organization of more than 300 dedicated men and women who are committed to supporting the artistic, educational, financial, and community engagement goals of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. For more information, visit madisonsymphony.org/msol.
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OVERTURE CONCERT ORGAN NEWS
Composed in 1921, Sir Charles Villiers Stanford’s Concert Piece for Organ and Orchestra will receive its United States premiere at the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) May 5, 6, and 7 performances with Organist Nathan Laube (pictured left) as soloist. Similar in style to Brahms (whose German Requiem will also be featured at these concerts), this four-movement work is scored for strings, brass, and percussion, with solo organ. The opening flourish for pedals alone sets the character of the writing for the entire piece. The Concert Piece for Organ and Orchestra is the concluding work from a group of five organ sonatas that Stanford completed in a relatively short time period, from 1917–1921. The work was never published and is believed to have been recorded for the first time in 1990 with Dame Gillian Weir as soloist with the Ulster (Ireland) Orchestra (CHANDOS—CHAN 8861). About the Composer Sir Charles Villiers Stanford (1852–1924) Sir Charles Villiers Stanford was born in Dublin to a prominent family who schooled the young Stanford in piano, violin, organ, and composition. He became particularly drawn to the musical styles ˇ who of Brahms, Schumann, and Dvorák, later served as a mentor to the young composer. Stanford would later write seven symphonies, six Irish rhapsodies, numerous operas, and much chamber music. Today, he is chiefly remembered for his choral music and as the teacher of Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for these upcoming Overture Concert Organ performances! Free Farmers’ Market concerts: Saturday, August 12, 19, & 26, 2017
Photo by Joe De Maio
ORGAN PIECE RECEIVES U.S. PREMIERE AT MSO MAY CONCERTS By MSO Principal Organist and Curator Samuel Hutchison
2017–2018 Subscription Season: Monday, October 23, 2017 Tuesday, February 20, 2018 VOICES OF SPRING A Perfect 10—Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Friends of the Overture Concert Organ
Tuesday, April 17, 2018 Friday, May 11, 2018
Sat., May 20, 2017 | 6:00 p.m. Overture Center This gorgeous event will be a celebration of the Friends of the Overture Concert Organ’s (FOCO) 10th anniversary, honoring FOCO’s past and present leadership and reflecting on all the ways FOCO has helped the Overture Concert Organ program grow and thrive. Following a champagne reception in the Overture Hall lobby, MSO Principal Organist Samuel Hutchison will accompany a grand march to the Overture Hall stage. Guests will then enjoy a four-course meal with musical interludes, a brief spoken program, and a thrilling grand finale played by Mr. Hutchison! All proceeds from the event will benefit the Organ Endowment. Visit madisonsymphony.org/voices for the most up to date information. 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: Janet Cabot Casey Oelkers John DeMain Kathryn Schwarzmann Sam Hutchison (608) 257-3734
info@madisonsymphony.org
Printing provided by
JOIN THE RANKS! Become a Friend of the Overture Concert Organ What Do Friends Do? Friends of the Overture Concert Organ make it possible for the MSO to produce organ recitals, hymn sings, outreach and education events, and tune and maintain the treasured Klais organ. How Do I Join? Membership begins at $35/year (tax-deductible). Sign up online at madisonsymphony.org/foco or contact Jeff Breisach at (608) 257-3734 or jbreisach@madisonsymphony.org. Our world-class Overture Concert Organ was built with exquisite old-world craftsmanship, designed to last several lifetimes. We appreciate your help in preserving this legacy. Thank you!
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BACKSTAGE MSO MUSICIANS PLAY OUT Hear MSO musicians perform in other area concerts!
Willy Street Chamber Players Third Annual Summer Series Announced
Brian Melk, bass
Ancora Quartet Presents Spring Recital Sat., May 13, 2017 | 7:30 p.m. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Madison
The Ancora String Quartet continues their 16th season with a performance of one of the great late quartets of Beethoven, his Quartet No. 12 in E-flat Major, and Saint-Saëns’ lyrical Quartet No. 2 in G Major. Tickets are available at the door. Visit ancoraquartet.com for more details. John DeMain Conducts Con Vivo! in Special Spring Concert Thurs., May 25, 2017 | 7:30 p.m. First Congregational Church, Madison
Con vivo!...music with life presents a special concert featuring Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Music Director John DeMain conducting a large chamber ensemble in music by Mozart ˇ Tickets are available at the and Dvorák. door for $20. Senior and student tickets are $15.
Performance Partners:
ASK AN MSO MUSICIAN
MSO: What inspired you to play the bass?
Recently named “Musicians of the Year 2016” by Madison’s The Well-Tempered Ear classical music blog, the Willy Street Chamber Players have announced their third annual Summer Series, featuring world-class guest artists, music that spans the centuries, and engaging post-concert receptions in partnership with local food vendors. Comprised of MSO members, the group will perform three concerts in July at the beautiful Immanuel Lutheran Church on Spaight Street in Madison. Visit willystreetchamberplayers.org for information and tickets. ENHANCE YOUR CONCERT EXPERIENCE We encourage you to explore and learn using any of the opportunities below! Program Notes Learn about the composers and music before the concerts via emails (sign up at madisonsymphony.org/enews) or by visiting madisonsymphony.org/ programnotes. Prelude Music Discussions Enjoy a free, 30-minute talk by music experts starting one hour before each season subscription concert (except Christmas concerts) in Overture Hall. Concert Reviews Receive an email the Saturday morning of subscription concert weekends with the Friday night concert reviews from local media. Sign up at madisonsymphony.org/enews.
BM: My dad has a band that plays Balkan folk music. When I was very young, the band would rehearse in our basement. I was always watching the bass player and fell in love with the sound. My parents were very musical and fed my enthusiasm for the bass with several makeshift basses before I was even in kindergarten. I started on the clarinet, but it wasn’t my cup of tea. Once I was older, and big enough to play the bass, I jumped right in! MSO: What is something most people don’t know about you? BM: I’m an avid golfer. In high school, I played in various leagues and was on the golf team. I haven’t been able to spend as much time out on the course in recent years, but I always enjoy the time I do get to spend playing the game. MSO: Where is the most unique place you’ve performed? BM: A few summers ago, I attended a music festival in Sewanee, Tennessee. The festival was held at the University of the South, which basically looks like Hogwarts. There were several unique places that I performed in while there, but the most unique was a small, outdoor stage that overlooked a courtyard. Coincidentally, Sewanee still uses a photo of our bass quartet on this stage in their current promotional materials! MSO: What are you currently listening to? BM: One of my best friends, Ben Ferris, recently released his first album, Home, with his jazz quintet. Ben is a fellow bassist and we went to UW-Madison together. They sound great!
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The
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MOZART | JANÁČEK Emily Pogorelc, Soprano Eric Barry, Tenor Symphony Chorus To Madison subscribe, request a MARCH brochure or for more 18 Madison Youth Choirs ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY Mount Zion Gospelvisit: Choir madisonsymphony.org information,
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or call (608) 257-3734. Elgar: Enigma Variations This special concert may be added to your subscription order.