RPO 17-18 Brochure

SUZY GORMAN

17 | 1

WARD STARE, MUSIC DIRECTOR

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE UP TO 20%! RPO.ORG | 454-2100

WARD STARE

MUSIC DIRECTOR

JEFF TYZIK

PRINCIPAL POPS CONDUCTOR

MICHAEL BUTTERMAN

PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR FOR EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

CARMEN IN CONCERT

The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair

CHRISTOPHER SEAMAN CONDUCTOR LAUREATE

The Christopher Seaman Chair, Supported by Barbara and Patrick Fulford and The Conductor Laureate Society

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vibrant ITZHAK PERLMAN

passionate

ISABEL LEONARD

BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL IN CONCERT

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HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONETM —FILM WITH ORCHESTRA

AUDRA MCDONALD

dramatic PUSH PHYSICAL THEATRE

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SEASON OLGA KERN

CONTENTS

joyful

Philharmonics Series

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Subscriber Rewards

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Pops Series

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Holidays 17 Itzhak Perlman

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Specials 19 MISHA DICHTER

Audra McDonald

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Sunday Matinee Series

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OrKIDStra Series

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Annual Fund

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Welcome!

I’m excited to embark on my third full season with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Each year, the amazing bond we all share—conductors, musicians, audience, and community—grows stronger and I look forward to a fantastic 2017–18!

We have an incredible season planned for you. Drama, romance, passion, and power are central themes—presented in many different forms throughout the year. Join us and be swept away by the breathtaking beauty of great ballet scores, enchanted by the famous arias of Bizet’s Carmen, entertained by showings of Harry Potter™ and E.T. performed live, and blown away by Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. As always, you’ll experience music you know and love while hearing many new things along the way. There truly is something for everyone in this dynamic season and I look forward to sharing it all with you.

Thank you for being a member of our RPO family. See you in the concert hall!

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SUZY GORMAN

WARD STARE, MUSIC DIRECTOR

PHILHARMONICS KODAK HALL AT EASTMAN THEATRE THURSDAYS AT 7:30 PM | SATURDAYS AT 8 PM

SPONSORED BY

Pre-concert chats begin one hour before performances

INON BARNATAN

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dynamic

O C TO B ER 5 & 7 SEP T E M B E R 2 1 & 2 3

PHILHARMONICS SEASON OPENER:

GRIEG’S PIANO CONCERTO + CINDERELLA Ward Stare, conductor Inon Barnatan, piano R. STRAUSS Don Juan GRIEG Piano Concerto in A Minor PROKOFIEV Excerpts from Cinderella

Drama and passion abound! Following the famous “timpani roll” opening, hear Grieg’s immensely popular Piano Concerto unfurl from the fingers of celebrated Israeli pianist Inon Barnatan, the first-ever Artist-inAssociation with the New York Philharmonic.

Prokofiev’s lushly romantic ballet score conjures up all the magic and fantasy of the beloved fairy tale. And, feel the racing pulse of history’s most legendary ladies’ man in Strauss’ famous tone poem, one of the all-time great showpieces for orchestra.

RAVEL’S BOLÉRO Ward Stare, conductor Isabel Leonard, mezzo-soprano ROSSINI Overture to The Barber of Seville ROSSINI “Una voce poco fa” from The Barber of Seville RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Capriccio espagnol GRANADOS Canciones amatorias FALLA Three-Cornered Hat Suite No. 2 FALLA Siete canciones populares españolas (Seven Popular Spanish Songs) RAVEL Boléro

Fandango and flamenco the night away in this concert of Spanish-inspired favorites! The vibrant folk songs of Andalusia come alive in music by two of Spain’s greatest musical voices, Enrique Granados and Manuel de Falla. It’s all crowned by Ravel’s sultry and sensual Boléro, music that hypnotically builds from a slow burn to a full-on blaze.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:

Isabel Leonard

Can’t make it to the Met? Experience the virtuosity of one of the world’s hottest mezzo-sopranos right here in Kodak Hall as Grammy-winner Isabel Leonard joins the RPO. “Wielding an easy mezzo that goes up from an amber-colored lower register to an impressive, soprano-like top,” (The New York Times), Leonard has quickly become a fan favorite at the Metropolitan Opera House, starring in productions of The Marriage of Figaro, Così Fan Tutte, Don Giovanni, The Barber of Seville, and more. In her RPO debut, she performs Rossini’s famous “Una voce poco fa”—one of her signature Met arias—along with the amorous art songs of Enrique Granados.

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CHRISTOPHER SEAMAN

OCTO B E R 1 9 & 2 1

SEAMAN CONDUCTS MOZART & SIBELIUS Christopher Seaman, Conductor Laureate

The Christopher Seaman Chair, Supported by Barbara and Patrick Fulford and The Conductor Laureate Society

Joyce Yang, piano BEETHOVEN Leonore Overture No. 3 MOZART Piano Concerto No. 24 SIBELIUS Symphony No. 1

How glorious it is to behold pure genius at its prime in Mozart’s late, great Piano Concerto No. 24, written during an astoundingly prolific stretch in which the music poured forth as if fully formed.

Sibelius is known today as one of the greatest symphonists ever, synonymous with lean, glacial beauty and a groundbreaking style all his own.

Here, we hear him on the cusp of a new century, brimming with youthful energy and soaring, expansive soundscapes.

MADE POSSIBLE BY THE MOZART PERFORMANCE FUND: SARAH D. ATKINSON, M.D. AND STEVEN HESS

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2 WEEKS OF

beethov NOVEMBER 9 & 11

N OVEMBER 16 & 1 8

Ward Stare, conductor Olga Kern, piano

Ward Stare, conductor Eastman-Rochester Chorus, William Weinert, director

OLGA KERN PLAYS BEETHOVEN’S “EMPEROR”

BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor” MUSSORGSKY Pictures at an Exhibition

Massive in scale, symphonic in scope, Beethoven’s final piano concerto elevated the art form to dazzling new heights unsurpassed to this day. The extraordinary Olga Kern—an RPO audience favorite—performs this trailblazing titan of the repertoire, music packed with power, poetry, and sheer beauty. And, stroll from Baba Yaga’s hut to the majestic gates of Kiev in Mussorgsky’s beloved sonic showpiece.

BEETHOVEN’S NINTH

WAGNER “Prelude and Liebestod” from

Tristan and Isolde BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 9, "Choral"

Unlike anything heard before, unlike anything created since: experience Beethoven’s monumental final symphony, a masterpiece for the ages which culminates in the exhilarating, transcendent “Ode to Joy.” The concert begins with lavish and romantic music from Wagner’s great opera, including the famous “Tristan chord” that rocked the musical world.

dazzling +

exhilarating

ven “Tones sound, and roar and storm about me until I have set them down in notes.”

Ludwig van Beethoven

MICHAEL CHRISTIE

˘ ANDREI IONITA ’

D EC E M BER 14 & 16

JA N UA RY 18 & 20

Michael Christie, guest conductor Juliana Athayde, violin

Marcelo Lehninger, guest conductor ˘ cello Andrei Ionita, ’

VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS

The Caroline W. Gannett & Clayla Ward Chair

VIVALDI The Four Seasons MOZART Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter”

Great in any season, perfect for the holidays: Concertmaster Juliana Athayde performs Vivaldi’s sparkling Four Seasons, virtuoso vignettes that conjure up the birds of spring, summer storms, an autumn country dance, and winter’s icy chill. Also featured is music from Corelli’s “Christmas” Concerto and Handel’s Messiah. A program of musical delights ends with Mozart’s ingenious final symphony.

MADE POSSIBLE BY THE MOZART PERFORMANCE FUND: SARAH D. ATKINSON, M.D. AND STEVEN HESS

NIGHT ON BALD MOUNTAIN

RAVEL Mother Goose Suite SHOSTAKOVICH Cello Concerto No. 1 MUSSORGSKY Night on Bald Mountain DEBUSSY Nocturnes

International Tchaikovsky Competition winner Andrei Ionita˘ has been dubbed “one of the ’ most exciting cellists to have emerged for a decade” (The Times). Be there as this 23-yearold sensation makes his North American concert debut with a barn burner by Shostakovich. An evening of Russian fire and French luster also features a fiendish favorite by Mussorgsky and Debussy’s airy, luminous reveries of drifting clouds and sirens’ songs.

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ROCHESTER CITY BALLET

FEBR UARY 8 & 1 0

TCHAIKOVSKY’S SWAN LAKE Ward Stare, conductor Rochester City Ballet, David Palmer, artistic director David Halen, violin ˇ DVORÁK Slavonic Dances

BARTÓK The Miraculous Mandarin Suite TCHAIKOVSKY Violin Suite from Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake

RAVEL La Valse

Beautifully poised, deliciously poignant, Tchaikovsky’s ballet music never fails to touch the heart. St. Louis Symphony Concertmaster David Halen shines as soloist in a suite of beloved selections from Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, both unquestioned “Top 40” classical greatest hits.

The evening begins with a special performance from RCB. To round things out, “not your average waltz”: Ravel’s fiery showstopper is a hair-raising whirlwind that evokes old-world elegance teetering on the brink of depravity.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT:

Bartók’s Miraculous Masterpiece In a program of great dance music, nothing is quite like The Miraculous Mandarin, a stunning ballet-in-one-act by Hungarian-great Béla Bartók. Raw, racy, and filled with Rite of Spring-like intensity, this is music that inhabits a heartless urban jungle, a 20th century nightmare world that’s all too real. The ballet’s explicit plot caused such a scandal upon its premiere that the work was banned on moral grounds.

While the full ballet is no longer performed, Bartók’s revelatory music has endured as one of his greatest works, a musical “thrill-ride to hell” that continues to astound modern audiences.

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MISHA DICHTER

MA RCH 1 & 3

BERNSTEIN CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Ward Stare, conductor Misha Dichter, piano BARBER Second Essay for Orchestra BERNSTEIN Symphony No. 2, "The Age of Anxiety" SHOSTAKOVICH Tahiti Trot SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 9

2018 is a year in which the world celebrates the towering musical legacy of Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990). Hear Bernstein’s “Age of Anxiety,” a brilliant fusion of symphony and piano concerto which spotlights Rochester favorite Misha Dichter. Barber’s intensely lyrical Essay and Shostakovich’s carnivalesque symphony— both notably interpreted by Bernstein as a conductor—round out this not-to-be-missed “salute to Lenny.”

MISHA DICHTER’S PERFORMANCE IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE ALFRED DAVIS AND BRUNHILDE KNAPP ARTISTS PERFORMANCE FUND.

WARD STARE

“I can’t live one day without hearing music, playing it, studying it, or thinking about it.”

Leonard Bernstein

MA RCH 8 & 10

MAHLER 4 Ward Stare, conductor BERG Seven Early Songs MAHLER Symphony No. 4

No symphony begins as beguilingly, none casts such an exquisite spell. Step inside the magical world of Mahler’s Fourth, famous for its ethereal sleigh bells, time-altering beauty, and child’s dream of heaven. The stage is set with Alban Berg’s dreamy, rapturous art songs which drift through wondrous landscapes of silver-lit nights and sweet summer breezes.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT:

Bernstein’s “Age of Anxiety”

PHOTO: JACK MITCHELL

“We would rather be ruined than changed We would rather die in our dread Than climb the cross of the moment And let our illusions die.”

—W.H. Auden, “The Age of Anxiety” Four lonely strangers in a New York bar, each one searching for ‘something’: this is the opening scene of Bernstein’s brilliant “Age of Anxiety,” music which draws as its inspiration Auden’s great 1947 poem of the same name. At its core, Bernstein’s symphony probes mankind’s search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world, traversing a spectrum of musical styles—from romanticism to atonality to hip, downtown jazz—and producing a veritable tour-de-force for piano along the way. Whether conducting, composing, or hosting a Young People’s Concert, Leonard Bernstein was, in all respects, a spellbinding storyteller. Here, we see the master storyteller at his absolute best.

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A note from the composer:

HANS GRAF

“My new oboe concerto was composed expressly for the RPO’s wonderful Principal Oboist, Erik Behr. It is at turns poignant, spirited, and virtuosic—a multi-faceted meditation on life, with the oboe center stage.” —Allen Shawn

YOLANDA KONDONASSIS

ERIK BEHR

A P R I L 19 & 21

MAY 10 & 12

Hans Graf, guest conductor

Ward Stare, conductor Yolanda Kondonassis, harp

THE PLANETS: AN HD ODYSSEY

MAR CH 2 2 & 24

TCHAIKOVSKY 5 + WORLD PREMIERE Ward Stare, conductor Erik Behr, oboe The Dr. Jacques M. Lipson Chair

HAYDN Symphony No. 22, “The Philosopher” ALLEN SHAWN Oboe Concerto

(World Premiere, RPO Commission)

TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5

Dive into the depths of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth, a sweeping musical cosmos filled with brooding darkness and aching beauty. The symphony’s colossal ending—replete with blazing brass fanfares and thunderous timpani—is guaranteed to leave you exhilarated. A not-to-be-missed evening also features the grand unveiling of Allen Shawn’s Oboe Concerto, an RPO-commissioned work that was written specifically for RPO Principal Oboe Erik Behr.

SPONSORED BY RON AND SUSAN FIELDING THE COMMISSIONING OF ALLEN SHAWN’S OBOE CONCERTO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM RON AND SUSAN FIELDING.

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BRAHMS 2 + WORLD PREMIERE

LIGETI Atmospheres SCRIABIN The Poem of Ecstasy BRITTEN Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes HOLST The Planets (includes HD video) JENNIFER HIGDON Harp Concerto

Blast off to menacing Mars, jolly Jupiter, and beyond in this breathtaking feast for the senses!

Holst’s beloved sonic odyssey is paired with staggering high-definition footage from recent NASA explorations of our solar system, bringing you up close to the wonders of the galaxy.

Renowned Houston Symphony Conductor Emeritus Hans Graf leads this space-themed program which kicks off with music of Ligeti, famously used in Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.

(World Premiere, RPO Co-Commission)

BRAHMS Symphony No. 2

Melodies flow like a sunlit river in Brahms’ glorious Second Symphony, a masterpiece of sublime beauty that weaves shimmering threads into one radiant tapestry. It’s crowned by one of Brahms’ most ecstatically triumphant finales, an unbridled outburst of pure joy. The evening starts with well-known and evocative music from Britten’s landmark opera and a momentous world premiere from one of the greatest musical voices of our time, Jennifer Higdon.

dramatic +

passionate

M AY 24 & 2 6

Carmen PHILHARMONICS SEASON FINALE:

IN CONCERT

Ward Stare, conductor

BIZET Carmen (concert production)

“Free was I born! Free will I die!” Bizet’s ravishing heroine breaks hearts and lives life to the fullest in this riveting tale of passion and obsession, set amidst the backdrop of 19th-century Seville. Filled with instantly recognizable arias, including the slinky “Habanera” and swaggering “Toreador Song,” this special concert production will transport you to a lively world of gypsies, bandits, and bullfighters, along with providing an unforgettable evening of vocal and orchestral fireworks.

MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GOUVERNET ARTS FUND OF ROCHESTER AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND THE HASKELL ROSENBERG MEMORIAL FUND FOR OPERA

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Subscriber Rewards

BUY MORE, SAVE MORE, AND GET MORE PERKS! All Subscribers

Save up to 20% off single ticket prices when you subscribe to a package, plus: • Same great seats and the opportunity to keep or upgrade before anyone else next season* • Free and easy exchanges** • Presale priority and access to newly announced concerts before the general public • Subscriber-only will call table for quick service on concert nights • 10% discount on add-on single tickets throughout the season • Exclusive discounts at local restaurants

BEST VALUE

Full Series (Phils A & Pops X Series) Save up to 27% off single ticket prices when you subscribe to a package, plus:

• All of the benefits above • Additional 5% discount on add-on single tickets throughout the season (15% total)

* Only applies to Philharmonics, Pops, and Sunday Matinee Series subscribers. **Subscriber exchanges are not available for special concerts including Itzhak Perlman, Audra McDonald, The Snowman and The Bear, rePLAY, A Night of Symphonic Rock, and Michael Grandinetti.

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ERICH CAMPING

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rochesterphilharmonic.blogspot.com @rochesterphilharmonic youtube.com/SuperRPO

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POPS

KODAK HALL AT EASTMAN THEATRE FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS AT 8 PM SPONSORED BY

“The only thing better than singing is more singing.”

Ella Fitzgerald

SEPTE M B E R 1 5 & 1 6

POPS SEASON OPENER:

A CELLABRATION: THE MUSIC OF ELLA AND MORE Jeff Tyzik, conductor Carmen Bradford, vocals | Herb Smith, trumpet Joe Locke, vibes | Brian Scanlon, saxophone Get ready for an evening honoring the Queen of Jazz Ella Fitzgerald during her centennial year, plus other favorites featuring world-renowned jazz musicians! Vocalist Carmen Bradford channels "The First Lady of Song, " performing sweet melodies like A-tisket A-tasket and Honeysuckle Rose, while Jeff Tyzik and Co. set the mood for a night of cool jazz. Don't miss this incredible evening as the legacy of Ella Fitzgerald is honored live by the RPO! SPONSORED BY

NOV E M BER 3 & 4

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONETM— FILM WITH ORCHESTRA The film concert at Kodak Hall will feature the RPO performing live, to picture, every note from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's StoneTM. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the film in highdefinition on a 40-foot screen while hearing the orchestra perform John Williams' unforgettable score.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s17)

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DEC EMBER 22 & 23

GALA HOLIDAY POPS Jeff Tyzik, conductor Festival High School Chorale, Amy Story and Harold McAulliffe, co-directors Denzal Sinclaire, vocals It’s not the holidays without Jeff Tyzik and the RPO! Beloved carols and joyful melodies celebrate the season, plus crooner Denzal Sinclaire joins the festivities for a new spin on a Rochester tradition, performing holiday classics by vocal legends and more.

SPONSORED BY

JA NUA RY 12 & 13

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL IN CONCERT Filled with unparalleled magic and imagination, E.T. The Extra-TerrestrialTM follows the moving story of a lost little alien who befriends a 10-year-old boy named Elliott. Experience all the mystery and fun of their unforgettable adventure on the big screen, complete with John Williams’ Academy Award®-winning score performed live by the RPO! Academy Awards © A.M.P.A.S E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLC. All Rights Reserved.

F EB R UA RY 2 & 3

BROADWAY'S ASHLEY BROWN Jeff Tyzik, conductor Ashley Brown, vocals It’s supercalifragilistic! Ashley Brown originated the role of Mary Poppins on Broadway and starred as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Now the “golden-throated” (Time Out Chicago) singer makes her RPO debut with an evening of show tunes, Disney melodies, and other favorites.

JEFF TYZIK

vibrant +

PRINCIPAL POPS CONDUCTOR

exciting RPO.ORG | 454-2100

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F E B R UARY 23 & 24

LATIN HEAT WITH THE MAMBO KINGS Jeff Tyzik, conductor The Mambo Kings Camille Zamora, vocals Since their orchestral debut with Jeff Tyzik and the Rochester Philharmonic more than 20 years ago, the Mambo Kings have earned a national reputation for their unique blend of Cuban and jazz rhythms.

The perennial favorite returns to the RPO for a night guaranteed to be muy caliente, also featuring Latina vocalist Camille Zamora.

MA R C H 16 & 17

CELTIC CELEBRATION WITH CATHIE RYAN Ward Stare, conductor Cathie Ryan, vocals You’ll find the luck of the Irish at Kodak Hall on St. Patrick’s Day weekend with Cathie Ryan, “one of the leading voices in Celtic music” (L.A. Times). The original lead singer with Irish music sensation Cherish the Ladies, Cathie Ryan brings her endearing charm and wit to the RPO for this special engagement.

A P R I L 13 & 14

BREAKING BOUNDARIES WITH PUSH PHYSICAL THEATRE Jeff Tyzik, conductor PUSH Physical Theatre Known for their intense athleticism, gravity-defying acrobatics, and soulful artistry, Rochester’s PUSH Physical Theatre sets a new standard for physical storytelling. See them interpret Jeff Tyzik’s ode to New York City life, Traffic Jammin,’ among other works by various composers. Plus, local photography and music combine to round out an evening combining three different art forms.

J U NE 1 & 2

CLASSICAL MYSTERY TOUR: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WHITE ALBUM Jeff Tyzik, conductor Classical Mystery Tour Celebrate the 50th anniversary of two albums that redefined the rock genre—Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and The White Album—with the RPO and four musicians in character as The Fab Four! Classical Mystery Tour returns to the RPO performing hits like "Revolution," "A Day in the Life," "Penny Lane," and more, exactly as they were recorded. A must-see for any Beatles fan!

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Holidays

ADD SOME HOLIDAY CHEER TO YOUR SERIES!

at the RPO

WED, N OV 2 2 | 7 P M FRI, N OV 24 | 2 & 7 P M SAT, N OV 2 5 | 2 & 7 P M SU N , N OV 2 6 | 2 P M KODAK HAL L AT EAST MA N T H EAT R E

THE NUTCRACKER

THU, D EC 14 | 7: 30 P M SAT, D EC 16 | 8 P M KO DA K HA LL AT EASTMA N THEATRE

VIVALDI'S FOUR SEASONS

Michael Butterman, conductor

Michael Christie, guest conductor Juliana Athayde, violin The Caroline W. Gannett & Clayla Ward Chair

Rochester City Ballet, David Palmer, artistic director Bach Children’s Chorus, Karla Krogstad, director

VIVALDI The Four Seasons MOZART Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter”

The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair

The Nutcracker’s timeless tale of wonder and imagination has captivated audiences for over a century. Be whisked away to a magical land of sparkling snow and delectable sweets as enchanting dance from RCB pairs with Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, performed in all its glory by the RPO. This beloved story of a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream never fails to touch the heart, and is the perfect start to the holiday season.

SPONSORED IN PART BY

OrKIDStra Holiday Special SU N , D EC 1 0 | 2 P M KODAK HAL L AT EAST MA N T H EAT R E

THE SNOWMAN AND THE BEAR

Enjoy two animated winter classics on the big screen with a live soundtrack played by the RPO! A young boy is delighted to find a special friend come to life in The Snowman, and a kind polar bear comes to live with a young girl in The Bear. Plus, be delighted by other holiday musical favorites.

Great in any season, perfect for the holidays: Concertmaster Juliana Athayde performs Vivaldi’s sparkling Four Seasons, virtuoso vignettes that conjure up the birds of spring, summer storms, an autumn country dance, and winter’s icy chill. Also featured is music from Corelli’s “Christmas” Concerto and Handel’s Messiah. A program of musical delights ends with Mozart’s ingenious final symphony.

MADE POSSIBLE BY THE MOZART PERFORMANCE FUND: SARAH D. ATKINSON, M.D. AND STEVEN HESS

THU, D EC 21 | 7: 30 P M FRI, D EC 22 | 8 P M SAT, D EC 23 | 2 & 8 P M KO DA K HA LL AT EASTMA N THEATRE

GALA HOLIDAY POPS Jeff Tyzik, conductor Festival High School Chorale, Amy Story and Harold McAulliffe, co-directors Denzal Sinclaire, vocals It’s not the holidays without Jeff Tyzik and the RPO! Beloved carols and joyful melodies celebrate the season, plus crooner Denzal Sinclaire joins the festivities for a new spin on a Rochester tradition, performing holiday classics by vocal legends and more.

SPONSORED BY

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SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE!

Add on to your subscription

Itzhak Perlman TUE, SEPT 12 | 7:30 PM KODAK HALL AT EASTMAN THEATRE Ward Stare, conductor Itzhak Perlman, violin

“As Time Goes By” from Casablanca “Love Theme” from Cinema Paradiso Theme from Far and Away Theme from Out of Africa “Marian & Robin Love Theme” from The Adventures of Robin Hood Theme from Sabrina Tango (“Por Una Cabeza”) from Scent of a Woman Theme from Schindler's List Beloved the world over for his charm, humanity, and irrepressible joy of music-making, Itzhak Perlman is undeniably the reigning virtuoso of violin. Join this extraordinary artist for an unforgettable evening of cinematic treasures, including the poignant Theme from Schindler’s List, which he performed for the movie itself.

SPONSORED BY DR. EVA PRESSMAN AND DR. SETH ZEIDMAN

Subscribe today to get

exclusive presale access.*

Subscriber-preferred prices only available through April 14! *OrKIDStra subscribers not eligible for presale priority

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Specials

ADD ON TO YOUR SUBSCRIPTION

T H U, OCT 26 | 8 P M KO DA K HA LL AT EASTMA N THEATRE

rePLAY: SYMPHONY OF HEROES

n

Amy Andersson, guest conductor From the creators of The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses and Dear Friends: Music from Final Fantasy, embark upon a hero’s journey told through the amazing worlds of the most popular and beloved video games of all time, including Halo, Final Fantasy, Castlevania, Kingdom Hearts, BioShock, Portal, Metal Gear Solid, and many more. The RPO is your soundtrack, performing each iconic theme live, while stunning visual projections bring the art of video games to dazzling life.

SPONSORED BY:

SAT, AP RIL 28 | 8 P M KO DA K CEN TER FO R P ERFO RMIN G A RTS

A NIGHT OF SYMPHONIC ROCK Join the RPO and a six-piece all-star band for an unforgettable night of classic rock, including the greatest hits of Aerosmith, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Foreigner, Journey, Starship, Kansas, and more!

F R I , MAY 11 | 8 P M KO DA K HA LL AT EASTMA N THEATRE

MICHAEL GRANDINETTI - ILLUSIONIST Prepare to be amazed as illusionist Michael Grandinetti, star of the hit CW series “Masters of Illusion,” combines his astonishing magic with the beautiful and powerful music of the RPO.

Add on these special Pops Series performances!

See pages 14 & 15 for details.

NOV EMB ER 3 & 4

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONETM— FILM WITH ORCHESTRA

JA N UA RY 12 & 13

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL IN CONCERT RPO.ORG | 454-2100

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SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE!

Add on to your subscription

Audra

McDonald THU, JAN 25 | 8 PM KODAK HALL AT EASTMAN THEATRE

After playing to a sold-out crowd in 2015, superstar Audra McDonald returns to the RPO for a one-night-only engagement.

With a record-breaking six Tony® Awards, two Grammy® Awards, an Emmy® Award, and a long list of other accolades to her name, she is among today’s most highly regarded performers. She’s known for her roles on Broadway in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, and Porgy and Bess. Join Audra for an evening of Broadway and other personal favorites.

Subscribe today to get

exclusive presale access.*

Subscriber-preferred prices only available through April 14! *OrKIDStra subscribers not eligible for presale priority

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Sunday Matinees HOCHSTEIN PERFORMANCE HALL | SUNDAYS AT 2 PM

6 CONCERTS FROM $135!

OC TOB E R 2 9

RPO SECTION SPOTLIGHT: DVOŘÁK & MORE Ward Stare, conductor ERIC EWAZEN Symphony in Brass R. STRAUSS Suite in B-flat Major for 13 Wind Instruments ˇ DVORÁK Serenade for Strings

F EB R UA RY 25

JU N E 3

MOZART & HAYDN Ward Stare, conductor Yevgeny Kutik, violin WEBER Oberon Overture MOZART Violin Concerto No. 3 HAYDN Symphony No. 103, “Drum Roll” YEVGENY KUTIK’S PERFORMANCE IS MADE POSSIBLE

BY DR. SIDNEY SOBEL AND MRS. BARBARA SOBEL. MOZART VIOLIN CONCERTO MADE POSSIBLE BY THE MOZART PERFORMANCE FUND: SARAH D. ATKINSON, M.D. AND STEVEN HESS

SCHUMANN’S FOURTH Michael Butterman, conductor Juliana Athayde, violin The Caroline W. Gannett & Clayla Ward Chair

W. Peter Kurau, horn

The Cricket and Frank Luellen Chair

BUTTERWORTH The Banks of Green Willow ETHEL SMYTH Concerto for Horn,

Violin and Orchestra SCHUMANN Symphony No. 4 JULIANA ATHAYDE’S PERFORMANCE IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE KATHERINE T. AND JON L. SCHUMACHER ORCHESTRA MUSICIAN SOLOIST FUND

NOVE M B E R 1 9

MENDELSSOHN’S “REFORMATION” Michael Butterman, conductor The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair

Nazareth College Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, Mark Zeigler, Yunn-Shan Ma, directors MENDELSSOHN Verleih uns Frieden MORTEN LAURIDSEN Lux Aeterna MENDELSSOHN Symphony No. 5, “Reformation”

JANUARY 1 4

BACH & BRAHMS Matthew Kraemer, guest conductor HANDEL “Entrance of the Queen of Sheba” from Solomon J.S. BACH Suite No. 1 in C Major, BWV 1066: Overture BRAHMS Serenade No. 1 in D Major, Op. 11

“the most dynamic duo of this generation” (San Francisco Classical Voice) A P R I L 15

ANDERSON & ROE PLAY MOZART Michael Butterman, conductor & pianist Anderson & Roe, pianists FAURÉ Masques et bergamasques MOZART Concerto No. 7 in F Major for Three Pianos POULENC Concerto for Two Pianos in D Minor VARIOUS Anderson & Roe piano arrangements MOZART PIANO CONCERTO MADE POSSIBLE BY THE MOZART PERFORMANCE FUND: SARAH D. ATKINSON, M.D. AND STEVEN HESS

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Orkidstra HOCHSTEIN PERFORMANCE HALL | SUNDAYS AT 2 PM FREE pre-concert activities begin one hour before concert MICHAEL BUTTERMAN

PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR FOR EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair

SUBSCRIBE TO ALL 4 FOR ONLY $46 OC TO B E R 8

OPERA FOR KIDS 2 Michael Butterman, conductor Eastman School of Music vocal and opera students Steven Daigle, director Get ready for an afternoon of lively music and laughter! Following last season’s performance of The Pirates of Penzance for young audiences, the RPO will once again team up with the Eastman School of Music to present another Gilbert and Sullivan operetta guaranteed to spark the imagination.

MAY 20

NOVEM B E R 5

Michael Butterman, conductor

Matthew Kraemer, guest conductor Tereasa Payne, flute

What would it be like if a child had to describe the music of Beethoven?

Such is the premise for “Beethoven Lives Upstairs,” a musical story that follows a young boy’s letters to his uncle about the new tenant in the upstairs room. Be captivated by more than 25 excerpts of the master’s music, including the Moonlight Sonata, Für Elise, and the great Fifth and Ninth Symphonies!

A TOUR OF WORLD FLUTES WITH ORCHESTRA Even though we may look different, we are all connected. That’s the lesson world flutist Tereasa Payne will convey as she performs and shares exciting stories about the origins of 13 different flutes from around the globe. Join Tereasa and the RPO on a musical adventure that will take you to China, Japan, Ireland, South America, Romania, and more!

JANUARY 2 8

PETER AND THE WOLF Nazareth College Dance Ensemble Heather Roffe, director Bring your family to experience the magic of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf with new choreography by the Nazareth College Dance Ensemble.

The classic musical tale tells the story of an adventurous boy who stands up to the dreaded wolf with the help of some animal friends, represented by various instruments of the Orchestra!

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RPO.ORG | 454-2100

CLASSICAL KIDS: BEETHOVEN LIVES UPSTAIRS

Don’t forget to add on the special December 10th OrKIDStra holiday concert! See page 17 for details.

ERICH CAMPING

17 | 18 ANNUAL FUND Dear Subscribers, What a thrilling season we had last year—sold-out performances, stellar ticket sales, and amazing guest artists. I hope you, your family, and friends had an opportunity to experience the excitement!

As we look forward to the 2017–18 season, we are stepping up that excitement even more, providing you with a truly exceptional year of entertainment! Music Director Ward Stare and our wonderful Orchestra will once again share their incredible passion for music and their commitment to bringing the best in music, education, and collaboration to Rochester.

Each year, thousands of generous donors help support more than 60% of our annual costs for concert production, rent for performance venues, and education and community engagement programs. In essence, we can’t do what we do without you.

Please consider pledging your support for one of Rochester’s most beloved assets by supporting the RPO. Your order form includes a suggested donation to our 2017–18 Annual Fund, and I am personally matching all gifts from our subscribers up to $20,000.

Every dollar matters and YOU make the difference—to the RPO, to audiences, and to our community.

On behalf of everyone at the RPO, thank you for being an inspiring audience member!

Sincerely,

40%

Ticket sales and other earned revenue

60%

Philanthropic contributions from people like you

Jules L. Smith, Esq. Chairperson of the Board

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ROCHESTER

PHILHARMONIC

ORCHESTRA

1 0 8 E A S T AV E N U E ROCHESTER, NY 14604

17 | 18 SEASON Packages start at $120 SUBSCRIBE & GET EARLY ACCESS TO ITZHAK PERLMAN, BEETHOVEN 9, AUDRA MCDONALD, & MORE!

RPO.ORG/SUBSCRIBE SEASON SPONSOR

SERIES SPONSORS

| 454-2100 RPO PERFORMANCES ARE MADE POSSIBLE

BY NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS WITH THE SUPPORT OF GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO AND THE NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE.