2021 CHRISTMAS DINNER HONOREE EITHNE GOETZ

Starting in 2019, the Mid-Texas Symphony began a tradition of honoring those who have made a significant contribution to the longevity of the Symphony. Eithne Goetz can truly be called a Founding Mother of the Mid-Texas Symphony. A native of Ireland, Eithne has lived in Seguin since 1976, the wife of Dr. Joe Goetz. Eithne became involved with the Symphony when she read an article about Anita Windecker and her fellow pioneers, announcing the Symphony’s formation. Eithne decided she wanted to be a part of this new organization and joined the Symphony Guild. In fact, she was the hospitality chair for a champagne reception following the initial Symphony performance.

Shortly after that, she joined the Symphony as a member of the violin section, and played until 2018. Since 1994, she has been the organization’s Music Librarian. A symphony’s librarian is an essential member of the staff, responsible for all aspects of the musical scores. She maintains the scores we own; obtains the scores we rent; distributes and then collects scores from the musicians; keeps track of all music that is played; and monitors compliance with copyright and ASCAP/BMI rules.

While doing all this, Eithne also helps layout the concert program book and tracks ad sales. She has a long history of being involved in the Symphony’s annual children’s concerts. Eithne continues to be actively involved in the Seguin chapter of the Guild, taking on myriad duties. And she is a financial contributor to the Symphony. There is no aspect of the Mid-Texas Symphony that has not benefitted from Eithne’s touch.

2021-22 SEASON CONCERTS

Scheherazade

Sunday, September 12, 2021, 4:00 p.m.

Jackson Auditorium at Texas Lutheran University

Seguin, Texas

Akiko Fujimoto, conductor

Jennifer Berg, oboe

Concert sponsor: Texas Lutheran University

Sibelius: Finlandia

Marcello: Oboe Concerto in C minor

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, op. 35

It was MTS’ triumphant return to the stage! From Finlandia to Scheherazade, Akiko and the orchestra took the audience on an exciting voyage of epic proportions and musical storytelling. Principal Oboe Jennifer Berg performed a hauntingly beautiful concerto by Marcello.

American Voices

Sunday, October 17, 2021, 4:00 p.m.

Canyon High School Performing Arts Center

New Braunfels, Texas

Akiko Fujimoto, conductor

Charles Yang, violin

Gershwin: Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture (Excerpt)

Korngold: Violin Concerto, op. 35 in D major

Montgomery: Strum

Hanson: Symphony No. 2, op. 3 (Romantic)

This concert was a celebration of the brave and adventurous voices of four American masters, who boldly combined traditions with their unique perspectives to create a colorful tapestry of sounds, including music from one of the greatest American operas, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, and the pop-inspired Strum by Jessie Montgomery. MTS favorite Charles Yang returned to perform Korngold’s violin concerto, leaving us breathless. The orchestra’s performance of Hanson’s Romantic Symphony sent the audience out the door with smiles on their faces.

Home for the Holidays

Sunday, December 12, 2021, 4:00 p.m.

Jackson Auditorium at Texas Lutheran University

Seguin, Texas

Akiko Fujimoto, conductor

Rick Novak, tenor

Coleridge-Taylor: Christmas Overture

Waldteufel: Skater’s Waltz

Adam: O Holy Night

Tchaikovsky/Ellington & Strayhorn: The Nutcracker Suite

Wendel: Little Bolero Boy

Still: Mother & Child

Yon: Gesu Bambino

Finnegan: Christmas Sing-along

Anderson: Sleigh Ride

This festive holiday program featured a jazzy take on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, a powerful rendition of O Holy Night by tenor Rick Novak. Even Mrs. Santa (Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen) joined us to celebrate the holiday!

MTS Chamber Players: The Soldier’s Tale

Sunday, February 20, 2022, 4:00 p.m.

Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre

New Braunfels, Texas

Israel Getzov, conductor

Dave Ferguson, narrator

Danielle Campbell Steans, dancer

Concert sponsor: Mill Street Art Gallery

Shaw: Entr’acte

Daugherty: Dead Elvis

Stravinsky: The Soldier’s Tale

Stravinsky’s Soldier’s Tale, scored for 7 instruments, a narrator and a dancer, tells a dramatic story of a soldier who sells his violin to the Devil in return for a book that will make him wealthy. Audiences experienced this soulsearching and gripping work in the intimacy of the Brauntex Theatre, led by Guest Conductor Israel Getzov. Even Dead Elvis resurrected for that!

Star Wars & Beyond

Sunday, April 3, 2022, 4:00 p.m.

New Braunfels Civic Center

New Braunfels, Texas

Akiko Fujimoto, conductor

Concert sponsor: First Commercial Bank

Korngold: King’s Row Fanfare

Williams: Star Wars Suite

Holst: The Planets - Mars

Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake - Act II, Scene 10

Wagner: The Ride of the Valkyries

Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture (excerpt)

Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major

Audiences discovered how legendary film composer John Williams created such a fantastic soundtrack for Star Wars. The concert featured selections from the blockbuster film franchise, side by side with famous pieces of classical music that may have inspired it. SOLD OUT!! The Force was with Akiko – and all the musicians!

Pines of Rome

Sunday, April 24, 2022, 4:00 p.m.

Jackson Auditorium at Texas Lutheran University

Seguin, Texas

Akiko Fujimoto, conductor

Rachel Cheung, piano

2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Finalist & Audience Award Winner

Suzuki/Buchhauser: Twinkle Variations

Pärt: Fratres

Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Respighi: Pines of Rome P. 141

Our dynamic season ended with a colorful and glittering program featuring Respighi’s Pines of Rome. The concert started with young string students from the Suzuki studios around the region showcasing their talents. Rachel Cheung, the 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Finalist and Audience Award Winner, made her MTS debut with the heartpounding Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninoff.