SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
The
Score
Noteworthy news from the Madison Symphony Orchestra
PROGRAM
September 25, 26, 27
TCHAIKOVSKY’S FOURTH TO LAUNCH 2015-16 SEASON
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Leonore Overture No. 3 AARON COPLAND Clarinet Concerto PETER ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 4 John DeMain Conductor Joseph Morris Clarinet
Photo by Bill Fritsch/HarperFritsch Studios
h Photo by Cheryl Savan
Our 2015/16 season begins where the 2014/15 season left off: with Beethoven. We climaxed our celebration of a decade in Overture Hall with the immortal ninth symphony of Beethoven, and I wanted to begin our second decade in our glorious performing space with another great masterwork from Ludwig van Beethoven, his Leonore Overture No. 3. This opening concert will also feature the solo debut of our amazing principal clarinetist, Joe Morris. Since joining the Madison Symphony in 2013, he has become a favorite with our audiences, and indeed, the entire Madison musical community. He will play the first MSO performances of Aaron Copland’s lyrical and jazzy Clarinet Concerto, a piece commissioned by and written for Benny Goodman. You will not want to miss this history making performance.
Keeping the focus of our first concert of the season squarely on our wonderful orchestra and its fine musicians, we close the concert with Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s great Symphony No. 4. This quasi-autobiographical symphony finds Tchaikovsky struggling with his own fate and finding happiness in rejoicing in the lives of those around him. This work will be an exciting showcase of our orchestra’s virtuosity and luscious sound.
PRELUDE DISCUSSION One hour before each concert in Overture Hall Michael Allsen MSO program notes annotator and MSO musician; UW-Whitewater, Professor of Music
Major funding provided by
Steinhauer Charitable Trust
John DeMain
Photo by Bill Fritsch/ HarperFritsch Studios
The orchestra and I look forward to you joining us for what I hope will truly be a moving experience, and a fitting way to launch our unique 2015/16 season.
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Buy Single Tickets at madisonsymphony.org/singletickets, the Overture Center Box Office or (608) 258-4141. 1
Tom and Nancy Mohs
Additional funding provided by
Carla and Fernando Alvarado
with funds from the Sta and the National Endow
with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
PROGRAM October 16, 17, 18 JOSEPH HAYDN Symphony No. 85 (La Reine)
JAMES EHNES PERFORMS BRUCH’S SCOTTISH FANTASY
MAX BRUCH Scottish Fantasy SERGEI RACHMANINOFF Symphonic Dances
“(Ehnes was) effusively lyrical… hair-raisingly virtuosic”
John DeMain Conductor
—The Guardian
James Ehnes Violin Photo by Ben Ealovega
h PRELUDE DISCUSSION One hour before each concert in Overture Hall Tyrone Grieve Former MSO Concertmaster and retired UW-Madison Professor of Violin
Major funding provided by
Margaret C. Winston Kenneth A. Lattman Foundation, Inc.
Our second subscription concert features the return of the great Canadian violinist James Ehnes, whose playing is as close to perfection as one gets. I’m so delighted that he agreed to play Max Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy, which will be our first performance of this work in twenty-three years. The music uses actual Scottish folk melodies as inspiration and is both a delight to listen to and virtuosic in scope. Ehnes’ performance should make us dance in our seats. I, of course, get to jump around on the podium. “Papa” Joseph Haydn, the father of the symphony, never ceases to amaze me with his endlessly creative approach to the classical form. His quintessential classical Symphony No. 85, was a favorite of Marie Antoinette, thus the nickname “La Reine.” This work belongs to a group known as the Paris symphonies, and opens our program. It is interesting to note that folk dances play a part in this music as well as in the Bruch. After intermission, we turn to the dance once more as we play, for the second time in my tenure here, the beautiful and very challenging Symphonic Dances, Sergei Rachmaninoff ’s final composition. This work represents Rachmaninoff at the peak of his powers, and he has written a tour de force for the orchestra. It will be exciting for me, and for our constantly evolving orchestra, to come back to this piece some twenty years later. The sonorities of our hall should also bring an added dimension to this visceral work.
Peggy and Tom Pyle John DeMain
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Photo by Bill Fritsch/ HarperFritsch Studios
I know this program will keep your ears entertained from start to finish!
Additional funding provided by
Dr. Stanley and Shirley Inhorn
with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts
with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Concerts and parties with Madison’s Young Professionals! Young professionals are invited to attend this concert featuring violinist James Ehnes on Fri., Oct. 16, for a reduced price AND join us after the concert for an exclusive party (with food!) in the Overture Center’s Promenade Lounge. For more information and tickets, visit madisonsymphony.org/club201.
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CELEBRATING OUR SUPPORTERS CRESCENDO CLUB Crescendo Club members and special guests enjoyed visiting with Music Director John DeMain, guest singers, Concertmaster Naha Greenholtz and other MSO musicians following the May 2015 “Ode to Joy” concerts. We will celebrate with Crescendo Club members again throughout the September 25-27 opening concert weekend. Have you been thinking about joining the Crescendo Club? Why not do so before the new season begins? Your $1,500 Crescendo Club contribution can be pledged now and paid at a later date or on a schedule that works for you. The benefits of Crescendo Club membership include receptions with John DeMain, MSO musicians and guest artists, not to mention reserved parking for all concerts! Call Casey Oelkers at (608) 260-8680 x228 to learn more. Thank you for your generous support.
Dexter Northrop, Lynn Van Campen, Joan Johnston, Nan Beyer-Mears, Jim Johnston
Morris Robinson, Gwendolyn Brown, John DeMain, Melody Moore, Eric Barry
MSO musicians Frank Hanson, Linda Kimball, Stephanie Jutt
Walter and Karen Pridham
Kevin Colson, Elia Basurto
Guests enjoying post-concert refreshments
Robert Dinndorf, Gwendolyn Brown
Photos: Isthmus Media Group, LLC
Concertmaster Naha Greenholtz
ADOPT-A-STOP CAMPAIGN UPDATE The MSO and Friends of the Overture Concert Organ would like to thank everyone who has so generously supported the Adopt-a-Stop campaign for the Overture Concert Organ endowment. We have just under $289,000 left to raise towards our $2.0 million goal. You, too, can adopt your very own pipe, stop, division, or even the console! Please help the MSO ensure the “colossal Klais” will continue to be heard by future generations. Explore the campaign and view a list of donor names at madisonsymphony.org/adoptastop.
G Photo by
reg And
erson
BECOME A BUSINESS PARTNER! The Madison Symphony Orchestra plays a vital role in keeping our community a vibrant cultural, intellectual and creative mecca. A Symphony sponsorship is one of the most powerful investments your business can make.
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For questions or to discuss a specific gift, call Director of Development Casey Oelkers at (608) 260-8680 x228.
Visit madisonsymphony.org/corporategiving or call Casey Oelkers at (608)260-8680 x228 to learn more.
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OVERTURE CONCERT ORGAN NEWS 2015-2016 Subscription Concert Season ISABELLE DEMERS IN RECITAL Tues., Oct. 6, 2015 | 7:30 p.m. Brilliant Canadian organist Isabelle Demers makes her Overture Hall debut in a recital of exciting works by Bach, Reger, Prokofiev and others. Recently appointed Professor of Organ and Head of the Organ Department at Baylor University, Ms. Demers has established herself as one of the rising stars in the organ world with recitals around the globe. Learn more at madisonsymphony.org/demers. Sponsored by Skofronick Family Charitable Trust
AN ORGAN THREE-FOR-ALL Third Time’s a Charm! Sat., Jan. 23, 2016 | 7:30 p.m.
Join organists Bruce Bengtson, Gary Lewis and Samuel Hutchison in an evening of music as three organists celebrate the third installment of this popular recital. Music to shiver your timbers along with a few surprises! Learn more at madisonsymphony.org/threeforall. Sponsored by Friends of the Overture Concert Organ
All concerts and hymn sings are in Overture Hall. Support for all Overture Concert Organ programs is provided by the Diane Endres Ballweg Fund.
MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY CONCERT CHOIR AND MADISON YOUTH CHOIRS WITH SAMUEL HUTCHISON, ORGANIST Tues., Mar. 8, 2016 | 7:30 p.m. The Mansfield University Concert Choir, directed by Dr. Peggy Dettwiler, has distinguished itself internationally by winning three gold medals at the World Choir Games in 2012 and the gold medal at the Robert Schumann International Choir Competition in Germany. Joining the Mansfield Choir will be the Madison Youth Choirs, directed by Michael Ross. Samuel Hutchison will accompany the choirs as they present an inspiring program of music for organ and voices by Messiaen, Stanford, and Bach, among others. Learn more at madisonsymphony.org/mansfieldchoir. AHREUM HAN IN RECITAL Tues., Apr. 5, 2016 | 7:30 p.m. Ahreum Han 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, Mendelssohn, Dupré, Vierne and others.
2015-2016 FREE COMMUNITY HYMN SINGS Sat., Oct. 17, 2015 | 11 a.m. Sat., Apr. 30, 2016 | 11 a.m. Hymn Sings are open to the public, all ages are welcome, and no tickets or reservations are needed. For more information, visit madisonsymphony.org/hymnsings
OVERTURE CONCERT ORGAN DID YOU KNOW? Impress your friends during your next visit to Overture Hall! • The Overture Concert Organ was commissioned by the MSO in July 2001 and designed and built by Orgelbau Klais in Bonn, Germany. •
The organ weighs 174 tons and contains 4,040 pipes (3,779 metal and 261 wood pipes)
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The tallest pipe is 32 feet tall and weighs 1,200 pounds; the smallest weighs a few ounces and is smaller than a pencil.
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The organ console has three keyboards each with 61 keys.
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The pedal board has 32 notes.
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Materials used include fir, oak, beech, plum and cedar, in addition to tin, lead, brass, steel, bone and ebony.
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The entire organ is installed in a moveable organ chamber mounted on 16 steel boxcar wheels which travel on four steel rails powered by a push chain drive.
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Soft curves and shimmering pipes echo the visual motifs seen throughout Overture Hall and allude to the waves of Madison’s beautiful lakes and the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin.
Learn more at madisonsymphony.org/han.
Subscribe to all four concerts for just $63. It's like receiving one concert for FREE! Subscribe online: madisonsymphony.org/organseason15-16 Subscribe by phone: (608) 257-3734
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Learn more about this amazing instrument at madisonsymphony.org/organ.
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EDUCATION HIGH NOTES Photo by Todd Maughan
FALL YOUTH CONCERTS Tues., Nov. 24, 2015
Violinist Emily Hauer, one of the 2014 Fall Youth Concerto Competition Winners
FALL YOUTH CONCERTO COMPETITION Thurs., Sept. 17, 2015 The 2015 Fall Youth Concerto Competition is open to young musicians in grades 4-8 who play piano, string, wind, brass or percussion instruments. Winners will be featured during the annual Fall Youth Concerts, playing with the MSO for an audience of their peers. Winners also receive a scholarship to attend the UW-Madison Summer Music Clinic in June of 2016. Applications are due Thurs., Sept. 10, and can be downloaded at madisonsymphony.org/fycc. AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC EDUCATION An interview with the 2015 award winner, Patty Schlafer! Patty has taught beginning instrumental musicians in the private and public schools of Wisconsin since 1981 and she currently directs concert band and jazz band at Mount Horeb Middle School. Q: What inspired you to become a music educator? A: I grew up making music and I knew I wanted to spend my life in a musical place. I went to UW-Madison hoping to become a professional horn player and was excited to study horn with Professor Doug Hill. In deference to my father who was a science teacher, I agreed to get an education degree “just in case.” So I also had the privilege of working with Professor Gerald Olson. I owe both these mentors a world of thanks for modeling a professional commitment to artistry and teaching that was inspiring.
The 2015 Fall Youth Concerts will take students in grades 4-8 on an engaging journey observing what nature, science and math teach us about composition. Musical excerpts will include: Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 in D minor, "Aquarium" from SaintSaëns' Carnival of Animals, Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10 in E minor, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet, and the “Throne Room Scene” from Star Wars, by John Williams. This program was created and will be conducted by Maestro Randal Swiggum. For more information please visit madisonsymphony.org/fallyouthconcerts. Major funding is provided by the Madison Symphony Orchestra League, with additional funding provided by American Family Insurance, The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Inc. and the Wisconsin Arts Board, with additional funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Q: What is your goal for every student who enters your classroom? A: The challenge is that all children bring a unique soul and a different set of skills to a classroom. Finding the right pedagogical connection to unlock their potential is the joy. I believe any interested student can have a successful experience in a band room. I also want every student who passes through the band room in Mount Horeb to feel known and valued. We have only two rules in my classroom; you must want to belong and you have to be willing to try. Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching music to students every day? A: I have the wonderful opportunity to meet students as they embark on something new. Once a child chooses his or her instrument in a band room, the textbook is music! What a lovely curriculum! Read Patty’s full interview at madisonsymphony.org/award.
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YOUR SKILLS ARE NEEDED FOR THE FALL YOUTH CONCERTS DOCENT PROGRAM Are you a member of the Madison Symphony Orchestra League (MSOL) who would like to take your musical knowledge into local classrooms? Annually, the MSO offers a Docent Program to schools who are registered to attend the Fall Youth Concerts. During these docent visits, an MSOL member teams up with a musician from the orchestra to provide students with information about the musical selections, composers and concert etiquette. Training for the Docent Program is provided. If you are interested in becoming a docent, please contact the MSO Office at (608)257-3734. SAVE THE DATE! Magic of Music Lunch with cellist Sara Sant'Ambrogio Fri., Nov. 20, 2015 | Nakoma Golf Club Learn more at madisonsymphony.org/magic.
DO YOU KNOW A DESERVING MUSIC EDUCATOR? Nominate them for the 2016 Award for Excellence in Music Education! Co-presented by the Madison Symphony Orchestra and WardBrodt Music, this award recognizes an outstanding music educator who both advocates for the success of his/her students and champions in-school music education. The recipient will receive a commemorative plaque and monetary award. Visit madisonsymphony.org/award for more information and to download a nomination form! Presented in partnership with:
Madison Symphony Orchestra League News CONCERT ON THE GREEN RECAP This year’s Concert on the Green may have started a little off key, but it finished on a high note! On June 22, 2015, the day of the event, forecasters called for everything from hail and thunderstorms to wind gusts of 60 miles an hour. Despite dire predictions, dark skies and an early down pour, the show did go on. Although the golf tournament had to be cancelled, the weather cleared and the sun came out in time for the cocktail reception, concert and dinner. The 400 people who attended the 21st Concert on the Green experienced a memorable evening of music, food and friendship on the beautiful grounds of Bishops Bay Country Club overlooking Lake Mendota. Music Director John
DeMain put together a wonderful program that included Bolz Young Artist Competition winner, violinist Julian Rhee. He joined Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) members to perform the third movement of the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Major, Op 77 by Johannes Brahms. After hearing Julian play, it was easy to understand why the judges awarded him first prize at the Final Forte earlier this year. In addition, MSO and Madison Symphony Orchestra League (MSOL) supporter Peter Livingston was another special guest, conducting Pavane by Gabriel Fauré. He won his spot on the podium as the high bidder for the silent auction prize donated by Music Director John DeMain at the 2014 Gala: a conducting lesson and opportunity to conduct at the 2015 Concert on the Green. The money the MSOL raises from Concert on the Green helps support the MSO's nationally recognized Education and Community Engagement programs.
to the success of the MSO, where she has served on the Board and been an active member of the Madison Symphony Orchestra League for over four decades. The Evening: Fri., Sept. 18, 2015 | 6 p.m. The Madison Concourse Hotel
• Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and music by the John Schaffer Trio
The Madison Symphony Orchestra League invites you to a very festive evening of celebration with Grecian-inspired decor and menu in tribute to this year’s John DeMain Award for Outstanding Commitment to Music recipient: Valerie Kazamias.
• Greek dinner, performance by the Hunt Quartet and award presentation
Valerie Kazamias has been a philanthropist and volunteer with the Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) since moving to Madison with her family over fifty years ago. Her tireless efforts and keen fundraising abilities have been instrumental
Love the Symphony
…Join the League!
• Complimentary coffee, cordials, and more music Unleash your Inner Conductor! Attend the Gala and bid on a one-hour conducting lesson with John DeMain and the opportunity to conduct at the June 2016 Concert on the Green. To register and for more information, visit madisonsymphony.org/gala. Please reserve your spot by Friday, September 11, 2015.
Photos by Todd Maughan
Where Music and Friendship Meet
During the evening, guests also could contribute $20 or more to Send a Child to the Symphony; $20 is the cost of supporting a student visit. Thanks to all of our sponsors, golf foursomes and in-kind donors, along with everyone who purchased a ticket, the event is expected to raise nearly $40,000. For more photos of this event, visit the MSOL Facebook page! Special thanks to Anonymous Friends, The Gialamas Company, Building Systems, American Printing, NBC-15, Wisconsin State Journal, Madison Magazine, WIPFLI Hewins, The Community of Bishops Bay and Sub Zero-WOLF.
FALL LUNCHEON
Thurs., Oct. 22, 2015 Blackhawk Country Club MSO bassoonist Cynthia Cameron-Fix and oboist Dr. Laura Medisky will give a short performance and talk about their educational work with MadReeds. MadReeds is a Madison-based organization that is dedicated to promoting double reed instruments in the community. Learn more at madreeds.com. ARTS BALL
Sat., Nov. 14, 2015 | 7 p.m. Nakoma Golf Club
For further information and reservations, please contact (608) 257-0158 x238 or email valerie@mmoca.org.
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
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BACKSTAGE ASK AN MSO MUSICIAN In each issue of the Score we will give readers the opportunity to ask a featured MSO musician questions about their life on and off the stage. This month’s featured musician is violinist Geri Hamilton. Q: If you could play one instrument that you don’t currently play, what would that be? A: If I had to choose a different instrument, it would have to be the piano. Not only do I love its tone and versatility, but the ability to sing while playing is truly something much more difficult, if not impossible, with the violin. As a kid I always wanted to play the saxophone! Thank goodness orchestra started before band in my elementary school!! BOARD NEWS The Madison Symphony Orchestra Board recently elected new officers, directors, and advisors. The Board consists of 39 elected directors serving 3-year terms, plus several ex-officio directors, who also have voting privileges. John Wiley, former chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, continues as the president of the Board. New Officers: Vice President: Elaine Mischler, Physician Health Care Strategist & Consultant Treasurer: William Banholzer, University of Wisconsin Research Professor Secretary: Mary Alice Wimmer, Retired Professor of Art/University of Wisconsin System
Q: Other than musician, what is your dream occupation/career? A: Professional traveler!! I’ve had the opportunity to travel to many different countries throughout my life and absolutely love to experience different cultures of the world. Q: If stranded on a desert island, which three items would you bring with you? A: My husband and love of my life, my violin (my first love) and enough chocolate to last the duration of my stay! Q: What is your favorite non-classical song? A: I know it sounds corny and way over done but ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ may just be one of my favorite secular works. Something about that song has always seemed so magical to me.
Q: Which piece are you most looking forward to performing with the MSO in the 15-16 season? A: Without a doubt, the Scottish Fantasy by Max Bruch at the October concert. I studied and performed this piece with piano in college and absolutely fell in love with each and every movement. Such character and beauty lies throughout its theme and variations that I’ve never been able to experience in another piece. You can’t imagine the excitement I felt when I finally saw it on the season's schedule and have been waiting my entire Madison Symphony career for a soloist to perform my most favorite of all the violin concertos! Is there a question you’d like to ask the Nov/Dec featured musician, cellist Jordan Allen? Email your question to elarson@madisonsymphony.org.
Ellis Waller, Retired, Credit Union National Association (CUNA) New Advisors: Jackie Colbert, Owner/Artistic Director, Visionary School of Music Eric Esser, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Dept. of Safety and Professional Services Greg Piefer, CEO, SHINE Medical Technologies Tamara Stanley, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools in Verona
MUSICIAN AWARDS The 2015 Madison Symphony Musician Awards were presented at the Annual Meeting of the Board this past June. MSO Concertmaster Naha Greenholtz and Madison Symphony Chorus Manager First-Time Directors: Dan Lyons both won the Marie Spec Robert Barnard, Vice President, Retired, Award, which honors a longtime MSO Stratatech first violinist and ensures an annual bonus Michael Bridgeman, Communications for the two positions. Madison Symphony Consultant, Retired; Former Communications Chorus tenor Mitch Patton received the Director, Wisconsin Public Television Ann Stanke award which honors a longtime John Clancy, Attorney, Godfrey & Kahn S.C. Chorus manger. Bassoonist Amanda Szczys Elaine Mischler, Physician Health Care and horn player Michael Szczys both Strategist & Consultant received the Margaret Rupp-Cooper award, named for Ms. Cooper who was a harpist Paul Norman, Attorney, Boardman & Clark with the Symphony for 50 years. Aaron Olver, Director, University Research Park 7
2015 Musician Award recipients (L-R): Mitch Patton, Amanda Szczys, and Michael Szczys.
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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
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Tchaikovsky’s Fourth
Alina Ibragimova, Violin
OCT. 16, 17, 18
MAR. 11, 12, 13
BEETHOVEN • COPLAND TCHAIKOVSKY
James Ehnes, Violin HAYDN • BRUCH RACHMANINOFF
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