A Sensory Friendly Concert
Sunday, June 1, 2025
A Sensory Friendly Concert
Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 2:30 pm
Allen-Bradley Hall
Ryan Tani, conductor
Pip Buffington, actor
Tayler Erby-Walker, actor
Eugene Strei, actor
Rebekah Farr, stage director
Derrick Cainion, ASL interpreter
Jill Kenehan-Krey, ASL interpreter
Concept and script by Katie Cummings, John Van Slyke, and Rebecca Whitney
JOHN WILLIAMS
“Superman March” from Superman
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Opus 55 “Eroica”
I. Allegro con brio (excerpt)
PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
Suite from Swan Lake, Opus 20a
II. Valse
GRACE WILLIAMS
Four Illustrations for The Legend of Rhiannon I. The Conflict
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492
SAMUEL COLERIDGE-TAYLOR
Petite Suite de Concert, Opus 77
III. Demonde et réponse
MICHAEL GIACCHINO
Theme from The Incredibles
The length of this concert is approximately 45 minutes.
RYAN TANI
conductor
Ryan Tani is in his second season as assistant conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. In 2021, he completed his two-year tenure as the Orchestral Conducting Fellow for the Yale Philharmonia under Music Director Peter Oundjian, where he was the recipient of the Dean’s Prize for artistic excellence in his graduating class. Committed to meaningful community music-making in the state of Montana, Tani has directed the Bozeman Chamber Orchestra, Bozeman Symphonic Choir, Second String Orchestra, and MSU Symphony Orchestras. He frequently serves as cover conductor for the St. Louis, Colorado, and Bozeman symphonies and recently served on the faculty at the Montana State University School of Music.
Tani recently concluded his tenure as music director of the Occasional Symphony in Baltimore. A fierce advocate of new music, Tani curated over 20 commissions from Baltimore-based composers during his fouryear directorship of OS. As resident conductor of the New Music New Haven series, he has collaborated, under the guidance of Aaron Jay Kernis, with Yale University composition students and faculty.
Tani is also a graduate of the Peabody Institute, where he studied conducting with Marin Alsop and Markand Thakar, and of the University of Southern California, where he studied voice with Gary Glaze. In 2015, he was declared the winner of the ACDA Undergraduate Student Conducting Competition at their national conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition to his studies at Yale and Peabody, Tani has also studied conducting with Larry Rachleff, Donald Schleicher, Gerard Schwarz, Grant Cooper, and José-Luis Novo. Tani currently resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he can be found in the park with his dog, playing board games with friends and family, in the library with a good book, or in the practice room with his violin.
ABOUT THIS PERFORMANCE
Welcome to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s sensory friendly concert event, Symphonic Superpowers! Sensory friendly concerts include modifications geared towards those on the autism spectrum or with any kind of sensory sensitivity, but all are welcome! Our three onstage actors will help guide everyone through the performance. Feel free to get up and move and dance and even change seats if you would like. The house lights will remain on and the theater doors will be open, so if you need to leave for a little while and then come back to the hall, you are welcome to do so. Please see the additional information below regarding resources and locations available that we hope will contribute to a positive experience for all in attendance today!
During today’s concert, we’ll explore the musical superpowers of melody, rhythm, dynamics, and harmony! With the help of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, actors from Pink Umbrella Theater, and music from composers ranging from Beethoven and Mozart to John Williams and Michael Giacchino, we’ll discover that we all just might have our own special superpowers.
The Bradley Symphony Center is proud to be a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue. More information can be found at www.kulturecity.org
Stay connected! Visit mso.org to find upcoming concerts and events at the Bradley Symphony Center.
IMPORTANT LOCATIONS AND AVAILABLE RESOURCES
If at any time you need assistance or have a question during today’s concert, please find an MSO Ambassador wearing a yellow lanyard or an MSO Volunteer.
Sensory bags, noise-reduction headphones, and weighted lap pads are available for check out from the Coat Check or by finding an MSO Volunteer. Sensory bags include one pair of noisereducing headphones, three unique fidget tools, one feeling thermometer, and one KC VIP Lanyard. These are available for check out at any MSO performance.
Quiet Areas can be found in the following locations:
Historic Exhibit – Lower Level (Mobile Sensory Unit located here) Please be aware that sometimes there is a buzzing sound in this area due to our humidifying system.
Quiet Room – Main Level (nearest Orchestra Left)
Phone Booths – 2nd Level (across from restrooms)
These booths will be equipped with a bean bag chair and some fidgets. We ask that these tools stay in the booths.
Food and Beverages are available for purchase in the Main Level Ellen & Joe Checota Gallery of the Pavilion. Drinks with lids and food are allowed in Allen-Bradley Hall during this performance.
All restrooms in the Bradley Symphony Center are wheelchair accessible. In addition, we have several Gender Neutral/Family Bathrooms with baby changing tables we’d like to call to your attention. Their locations are as follows:
Historic Exhibit – Lower Level
Ellen & Joe Checota Gallery – Main Level
Ellen & Joe Checota Atrium – 2nd Level
Assisted listening devices, Braille programs, and large print programs are available at most MSO performance. Find an MSO Volunteer to inquire.
This performance will also feature ASL interpreters, located in House Center Right.
All levels of the Bradley Symphony Center are accessible by elevator. Booster seats are available at any MSO performance.
PIP BUFFINGTON
Peregrine “Pip” Buffington (they/them) is delighted to be back with the MSO for a second year of the Sensory friendly concert! Pip is an autistic, non-binary actor who loves to tell stories of all kinds, in all forms. Pip Buffington has done two productions with Pink Umbrella Theater Company: Kaleidoscope (2023) and Portraits (2024). They are also delighted to be a part of the upcoming Showcase in October of 2025 that will present the work done by the Pink Umbrella Theater Cohorts funded by the Ruth Foundation for the Arts. Pip has learned a lot about being a superhero from their three-year-old daughter, Beth. They hope to use their sense of fun to bring these lessons about music to life for you today and that you enjoy the performance.
TAYLER ERBYWALKER
Talk about excited...Tayler Erby-Walker is absolutely thrilled to play the role of Tchai in the MSO’s Symphonic Superpowers. Tayler has always loved attending live performances, but never believed she’d have the opportunity to perform herself. A few years ago, however, she began taking classes with Pink Umbrella Theater Company. There, she found her voice and was cast as an understudy for their wonderful play, Portraits. Tayler is grateful for the support she’s been receiving and so happy to be here.
actor
actor
EUGENE STREI
actor
Eugene Strei is an actor and playwright based in Milwaukee. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a BFA in musical theater and a minor in dance. Since graduating, he has performed with Pink Umbrella Theater Company, Forte Theatre Company, and Theatrical Tendencies. His plays have been staged in both Milwaukee and La Jolla, California. Recently, one of Eugene’s short plays was selected to be published by Smith and Kraus. When not onstage, Eugene works as a teaching artist at both Pink Umbrella and Skylight Music Theatre. As a former band kid, he is grateful to the MSO for this opportunity to collaborate with them. Hope you enjoy the super show!
REBEKAH FARR stage
director
Rebekah Farr (she/they) has been working in Milwaukee as an actor, educator, and director since 2018. They are grateful for their experience with many local companies such as Next Act, First Stage, Skylight Music Theatre, Optimist Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Bard and Bourbon, and Renaissance Theaterworks. As an associate artist with The Constructivists, she enjoys contributing to the presence of dark catharsis in Milwaukee. They are also proud to represent Pink Umbrella Theater Company as a director, teaching artist, and program coordinator. Rebekah highly values accessibility and education and takes pride in adapting traditional theatrical expectations to the individual. They believe that including everyone in the story will increase the theater’s intrinsic ability to create change and build community.
KATIE CUMMINGS
pink umbrella theater executive director and founder
Katie Cummings has dedicated over twenty years as a theater artist, educator, and advocate for inclusion and diversity in theater. A Wisconsin native, Katie graduated from Cardinal Stritch University with a BA in theater and business. Her resume includes First Stage, Bunny Gumbo, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and St. Joseph High School. Katie believes that theater has the power to develop empathy, create meaningful connections, and engage community.
DERRICK CAINION
asl interpreter
Nationally certified sign language interpreter and entrepreneur Derrick Cainion has been providing American Sign Language interpreting services nationally and internationally for almost 20 years. Derrick is a generalist and has developed expertise in interpreting within performing arts settings. Derrick’s passion for the arts and community doesn’t end with interpreting. He is also the founder of Art Intersection MKE — a community arts organization on the Near West Side of Milwaukee that focuses on using art to uplift and unite the community.
JILL KENEHAN-KREY
asl interpreter
Nationally certified sign language interpreter, entrepreneur, and artist, Jill Kenehan-Krey has served Milwaukee and beyond for over 30 years. Having established Interpreting Solutions, Inc in 2001, Jill interprets as well as coordinates interpreting services in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, theater, government, corporate, conference, education, and social services. A resident of and ambassador for Milwaukee, she endeavors to build an accessible, diverse, equitable, and inclusive world through service and community connections.
2024.25 SEASON
KEN-DAVID MASUR
Music Director
Polly and Bill Van Dyke Music Director Chair
EDO DE WAART
Music Director Laureate
BYRON STRIPLING
Principal Pops Conductor
Stein Family Foundation Principal Pops Conductor Chair
RYAN TANI
Assistant Conductor
CHERYL FRAZES HILL
Chorus Director,
Margaret Hawkins Chorus Director Chair
TIMOTHY J. BENSON
Assistant Chorus Director
FIRST VIOLINS
Jinwoo Lee, Concertmaster, Charles and Marie Caestecker Concertmaster Chair
Ilana Setapen, First Associate Concertmaster
Thora M. Vervoren First Associate Concertmaster Chair
Jeanyi Kim, Associate Concertmaster
Alexander Ayers
Autumn Chodorowski
Yuka Kadota
Sheena Lan**
Elliot Lee**
Dylana Leung
Kyung Ah Oh
Lijia Phang
Yuanhui Fiona Zheng
SECOND VIOLINS
Jennifer Startt, Principal, Andrea and Woodrow Leung Second Violin Chair
Ji-Yeon Lee, Assistant Principal (2nd chair)
John Bian, Assistant Principal (3rd chair)
Hyewon Kim, Acting Assistant Principal (3rd chair)
Glenn Asch
Lisa Johnson Fuller
Clay Hancock
Paul Hauer
Janis Sakai**
Mary Terranova
VIOLAS
Robert Levine, Principal, Richard O. and Judith A. Wagner Family Principal Viola Chair
Samantha Rodriguez, Assistant Principal (2nd chair), Friends of Janet F. Ruggeri Viola Chair
Alejandro Duque, Assistant Principal (3rd chair)
Elizabeth Breslin
Georgi Dimitrov
Nathan Hackett
Erin H. Pipal
CELLOS
Susan Babini, Principal, Dorothea C. Mayer Cello Chair
Shinae Ra, Assistant Principal (2nd chair)
Scott Tisdel, Associate Principal Emeritus
Madeleine Kabat
Peter Szczepanek
Peter J. Thomas
Adrien Zitoun
BASSES
Principal, Donald B. Abert Bass Chair
Andrew Raciti, Acting Principal
Nash Tomey, Acting Assistant Principal (2nd chair)
Brittany Conrad
Omar Haffar**
Paris Myers
HARP
Julia Coronelli, Principal, Walter Schroeder Harp Chair
FLUTES
Sonora Slocum, Principal, Margaret and Roy Butter Flute Chair
Heather Zinninger, Assistant Principal
Jennifer Bouton Schaub
PICCOLO
Jennifer Bouton Schaub
OBOES
Katherine Young Steele, Principal, Milwaukee Symphony League Oboe Chair
Kevin Pearl, Assistant Principal
Margaret Butler
ENGLISH HORN
Margaret Butler, Philip and Beatrice Blank English Horn Chair in memoriam to John Martin
CLARINETS
Todd Levy, Principal, Franklyn Esenberg Clarinet Chair
Jay Shankar, Assistant Principal, Donald and Ruth P. Taylor Assistant Principal Clarinet Chair
Besnik Abrashi
E-FLAT CLARINET
Jay Shankar
BASS CLARINET
Besnik Abrashi
BASSOONS
Catherine Van Handel, Principal, Muriel C. and John D. Silbar Family Bassoon Chair
Rudi Heinrich, Assistant Principal
Beth W. Giacobassi
CONTRABASSOON
Beth W. Giacobassi
HORNS
Matthew Annin, Principal, Krause Family French Horn Chair
Krystof Pipal, Associate Principal
Dietrich Hemann, Andy Nunemaker French Horn Chair
Darcy Hamlin
Scott Sanders
TRUMPETS
Matthew Ernst, Principal, Walter L. Robb Family Trumpet Chair
David Cohen, Associate Principal, Martin J. Krebs Associate Principal Trumpet Chair
Tim McCarthy, Fred Fuller Trumpet Chair
TROMBONES
Megumi Kanda, Principal, Marjorie Tiefenthaler Trombone Chair
Kirk Ferguson, Assistant Principal
BASS TROMBONE
John Thevenet, Richard M. Kimball Bass Trombone Chair
TUBA
Robyn Black, Principal, John and Judith Simonitsch Tuba Chair
TIMPANI
Dean Borghesani, Principal
Chris Riggs, Assistant Principal
PERCUSSION
Robert Klieger, Principal
Chris Riggs
PIANO
Melitta S. Pick Endowed Piano Chair
PERSONNEL
Antonio Padilla Denis, Director of Orchestra Personnel
Paris Myers, Hiring Coordinator
LIBRARIANS
Paul Beck, Principal Librarian, James E. Van Ess Principal Librarian Chair
Matthew Geise, Assistant Librarian and Media Archivist
PRODUCTION
Tristan Wallace, Production Manager/Live Audio
Lisa Sottile, Production Stage Manager
* Leave of absence 2024.25 season
** Acting member of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra 2024.25 Season
SPECIAL THANKS
We wish to acknowledge the following for their guidance and support. Their assistance has helped to make this Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Sensory Friendly concert possible.
Katie Cummings, Pink Umbrella Theater Company
Mary Stone, Stepping Stones Educational Services
Pink Umbrella Theater Company Teaching Artists
Brenna DeGraff, Erin Dietsche, Molly Kiefer, Noah Stone, Kayla Tillisch, Morgan Tillisch
White House of Music for providing and staffing Instrument Petting Zoo stations
Today’s MSO Ambassadors, who include MSO staff, board members, musicians, chorus members, and community volunteers.