2015-2016 CONCERT SERIES MISSOURI THEATER | 717 Edmond Street
A Classical Halloween October 31, 2015 | 7:30 PM
Broadway Holiday Pops December 5, 2015 | 7:00 PM
Out Like a Lion March 26, 2016 | 7:30 PM
Featuring: Fountain City Brass Band
Heroes and Villains April 30, 2016 | 7:30 PM Featuring: Ben Gulley, Tim Hill & St. Joseph Community Chorus
saint joseph
symphony
Rico McNeela A Message from the Conductor Hello everyone and welcome to an evening of fine music and exciting performances. If you are a regular at our concerts - a warm welcome back! If you are new to the Symphony - we’re really glad you have decided to join us. We hope you have a great time tonight and will join us again in the near future. This season we will present a really wide range of musical offerings – lots of pieces written for the concert hall of course, but also some great music written for the opera house, the movie theater, and the Broadway stage. I think we have something for just about every musical taste. So, please settle in to your seat, and enjoy the beautiful music tonight. I think you are going to have a great time. Rico McNeela Music Director and Conductor
Become a Friend of the Symphony! The Friends of the Symphony is a social and fundraising auxiliary group of the Saint Joseph Symphony comprised of men and women from St. Joseph and surrounding communities who are passionate about supporting the arts and their communities. The group has an ever expanding membership of dynamic people who eagerly plan entertaining events that promote and support the Symphony. Members have the opportunity not only to work and learn in a variety of behind-the-scenes environments, but also to meet others who share their love of music. No membership fees or dues are required. If you’d like to join the Friends of the Symphony, please contact the Symphony office at 816-233-7701 or info@saintjosephsymphony.org
saint joseph
symphony
2015-2016 CONCERT SERIES
MISSOURI THEATER | 717 Edmond Street
A Classical Halloween
October 31, 2015 7:30 PM
Broadway Holiday Pops
December 5, 2015 7:00 PM
Out Like A Lion
March 26, 2016 7:30 PM Featuring: Fountain City Brass Band
Heroes and Villains
April 30, 2016 7:30 PM Ben Gulley, Tim Hill and St. Joseph Community Chorus
CHAMBER SERIES CHAMBER CONCERT I November 8, 2015 3:00 PM First Christian Church 927 Faraon St
CHAMBER CONCERT II January 17, 2016 3:00 PM Ashland United Methodist Church 2711 Ashland
CHAMBER CONCERT III February 14, 2016 3:00 PM First Christian Church 927 Faraon St.
For Ticket Information: 816-233-7701 OR www.saintjosephsymphony.org FRIENDS OF THE SYMPHONY
Saint Joseph Symphony Society Board Members
Officers
Sharon Kosek President: Friends of the Symphony
Joshua Bachman Carol Barnett Barry Birr Christopher Bond Donna Jean Boyer Lori Boyer Connie Brock Cynthia Brownfield David Cripe Dick Crowl Gerad Curry Eileen Dyer Jan Mehl David Merrifield Dot Miriani Ray Sisson Bernadine Stevenson Ann Thorne
Education Advisory
Advisory Council
Byron D. Myers President Bradley Weil Vice President Mary Jo Hornaday Secretary Charles Salanski Treasurer Michael Insco Legal Advisor
Jeff Hinton Bob Long
Brad Auge Dr. Robert Spurgat Jane S. Hausman Creath Thorne
Administrative Staff Rico McNeela Music Director, Conductor
Ann Brock Managing Director
S. Elizabeth Stephens Office Staff
Elizabeth Dunning Music Librarian
Richard Yeager Orchestra Personnel Manager
Frank Polleck Stage Manager
Monty Carter Program Annotator
Welcome to the Missouri Theater! Tickets Tickets for all performances are now available online 24 hours a day at saintjosephsymphony.org or by phone at: 816-233-7701, Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. You may also order tickets by mail by writing: Saint Joseph Symphony, 120 South 8th Street, St. Joseph, MO 64501 or pick them up in person at our office during business hours. Tickets may be purchased on the night of the performance at the Missouri Theater Box Office at 717 Edmond Street, beginning at 5:30pm. We accept VISA and MasterCard. Gift Certificates We offer gift certificates in any amount so you can offer your friends, family or colleagues the gift of live music. Season Subscriptions We now offer four season ticket options: You may choose the full season, with all four major performances at the Missouri Theater and the three chamber concerts; or all four major performances plus one chamber concert of your choice; “Compose Your Own” by selecting three performances of your choice; or all three chamber concerts. Details are available on the website or at the Symphony office Group Tickets Discounts available for blocks of group tickets! Call 816-233-7701, Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm for details. Ticket Exchange Can’t attend a performance? We’d be happy to exchange your tickets for another performance this season or assist you in donating your tickets to a worthy charitable organization in the Saint Joseph area. Admission Theater doors open 1 hour prior to curtain. Latecomers will be seated at an appropriate interval.
Parking There are many parking lots and garages near the Theater available for free parking. Pay lots are offered across the street from the Theater. Facilities Restrooms are located upstairs off the mezzanine lobby. A wheelchairaccessible restroom is located downstairs. Our ushers can direct you to the nearest restroom. Services for Persons with Disabilities The Missouri Theater is committed to providing services for persons with disabilities. Accessible seating is available. Be sure to mention your interest in accessible seating when placing your ticket order. Smoking Policy The Missouri Theater is a non-smoking facility. Smoking is permitted outside the building in public areas. Tours Tours of the historic Missouri Theater are available by calling 816-271-4628. Refreshments Refreshments are sold on the mezzanine lobby during intermission. Coffee, soda and wine are available. Please note: The use of cameras, and/or audio/video recording devices is strictly forbidden. Please turn off your mobile telephones and pagers during the concert. The Saint Joseph Symphony reserves the right to make changes in programs and artists without prior notice. The Saint Joseph Symphony Society, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation. All donations are deductible on corporate, foundation and individual tax returns to the extent provided by state and federal law.
Saint Joseph Symphony Endowment The Symphony’s endowment plays a vital role in providing the financial support and stability that further the Symphony’s mission: to provide the best possible symphonic music by professional musicians for all the people of St. Joseph and the surrounding region. The Symphony’s endowment provides a revenue stream that allows us to plan for the Symphony’s enriching programs. Contributions to the Symphony’s endowment fund can be made as a direct lifetime gift or a planned gift. Cash, securities, and real property are typical assets used as contributions. Whether by a present or deferred gift, participating in the Symphony’s endowment fund offers a way for you to help ensure that the excellent music and meaningful programs you value are available to current and future generations. For more information or to make a donation, please contact the Symphony’s business office at 816-233-7701.
Thank You The Saint Joseph Symphony wishes to recognize and thank those who made our season possible. Guest Artist Circle ($15,000-$24,000) Thanksgiving Fund Anonymous Benefactor Circle ($10,000-$14,999) Mary Boder Charitable Trust Center Stage Circle ($5,000-$9,999) Leah Spratt Charitable Trust, Joyce Rochambeau, Rene McCrary Anonymous Maestro Circle ($2,500-$4,999) Norma J. & William J. Kenney Charitable Trust, US Bank, N.A. Trustee Podium Circle ($1,000-$2,499) Dr. & Mrs. R. Philip Acuff Dr. & Mrs. Edward H. Andres Caterpillar Foundation Matching Gifts Program Eileen Dyer Charles H. Taylor Memorial Trust John & Kay Mallon Jan Mehl Mr. & Mrs. David Merrifield James & Jeanne Murphy News-Press/KNPN Rich Nolf Maurice M. Peve Sarah Hofheimer Charitable Trust Anonymous Principal Circle ($500-$999) Calvin & Mary Ann Bibens Dr. Michael Depriest & Barbara Braznell
Patricia A. Boice & Lawrence T. Goldberg Jo Anne & Marty Grey Hillyard Companies Joe Houts, Jr., Commerce Bank Mike & Linda Kozminski Polsinelli PC Charles Salanski Mr. & Mrs. David Stevenson Anonymous Musician Circle ($250-$499) Jerry & Joanne Anderson John P. Barclay, Jr. Deb & Barry Birr Cynthia Brownfield Susan Carter Mr. & Mrs. James F. Dale Mignon & Dick Deshon Jim & Sharron Guest Clark & Nancy Hampton M. J. Hornaday Bill & Cindy Humphreys Michael Insco Dr. Richard & Alice Jacks Tom & Denise Kiehnhoff Eileen Lockwood Allan Lowenberg Dot Miriani Harold C. Mooney Wesley & Patsy Remington Dr. & Mrs. Robert Spurgat Jack & Janet Steury Ann & Creath Thorne Associates Circle ($100-$249) Joshua & Lindsey Bachman Tim & Connie Brock Dr. & Mrs. Wendell Bronson Pamela Bryson Tim & Merry Burtner Martha Chesney Dan & Susan Colgan Bob & Karen Corder
Bobbie Cronk Dan W Dudeck Jean & Cliff Duggar Lanny & Janet Ellis Steven E. Goldring & Robert E. Wennersten James T. & Karen M. Graves Roger & Debby Ideker Lucinda & Raymond Kerns, Jr. Dave Brown & Ellen Kisker Dr. Sharon & Mr. Larry Kosek Dr. William Krusemark Lisa C. Logan Don & Sara Mahaffy Dr. & Mrs. Wallace McDonald Terry McKellar Michael & Ronda Meierhoffer Casey & Carol Meyers Howard & Linda Miller Ginevera Moore Phil & Judy Mullins Byron and Phyllis Myers Bill & Roseanne Mytton Gary & Glenda Nelson Richard & Roxanna Phillips June & Gordon Robaska Leo & Mary Ann Schmitz Lee & Judy Schuster Sonya & Dave Shinneman Stephen K. Showalter Ross & Mary Shuman Ronald Sipes Donald & Loah Stallard Bob & Mary Helen Stuber Barney & Dorothy Tietz Dr. & Mrs. Trout Wendy Tyrrell John & Diane Watson Bob & Patti Wayman Fred & Deborah Weems Lin Werner Susan Henley Yeager Joe Zuptich Anonymous Supporters Circle ($25-$99) Barbara Bielby Bob & Dolores Blair E.D. & Loretta Boice Rob & Sue Bolin/Bolin Auto & Truck Parts Co.
Pam & Rick Boyd Donna Jean Boyer Ron & Diane Brown Doug & Barbara Campbell Frank D. Connett Mary Cornett Grace Day Steve & Peggy Dillon Sandra & Erik Dunning Jeannine Glise Stan Hall John & Joan Hickman Janet B. Houston John R. Johnson John & Jane Joseph Edmund & Carlyn Kline W. Dale and Barbara Krueger Jean Lawhon Bill and Nancy Lutes Bill Manville Tom & Margaret Martin Brandon Massin Jerry & Sandra Mogg Charley & Patty Montag Jack & Anne Newton Steven & Jeannie Pitluck Phyllis Popplewell Marianne Kay Ronan Kathleen Schmidt David & Diana Schmidt Thomas P. Smith Sally Smith Rick & Annette Starks Charles Taliaferro Duane & Karla Thies Sonny & Jane Thompson Shirley & Tom Twombly Diane & Bob Waddell Ralph & Marie Walsh Nick & Scotia Washburn Anonymous
Tribute Gifts
In Honor In Honor of Mary Jo Hornaday’s Birthday Eileen Dyer In Honor of Jan Mehl Glenda Kelly
In Memory In Memory of Gayle Medsker Cordle Dr. Sharon & Mr. Larry Kosek In Memory of Roxielee Farmer Decker Dr. Sharon & Mr. Larry Kosek In Memory of Dr. Teresa Humphreys Dr. Sharon & Mr. Larry Kosek In Memory of Elizabeth “Libby” Bedenbaugh Dr. Sharon & Mr. Larry Kosek In Memory of Rosalee Thomas James & Roxanne Dale Jan Mehl
Saint Joseph Symphony conducted by Rico McNeela presents
Heroes and Villains April 30, 2016 7:30 PM Missouri Theater with special guests
Ben Gulley, tenor, Tim Hill, bass-baritone and the St. Joseph Community Chorus
~Program~ Overture from Don Giovanni
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
“Madamina, il catalogo, è questo” from Don Giovanni
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Tim Hill as Leporello (a charming villain’s servant) Francesco Cilea
“È la solita storia del pastore” from L’Arlesiana Ben Gulley as Federico (a hero) “Voici donc les débris…..Nonnes qui reposez” from Robert le Diable
Giacomo Meyerbeer
Tim Hill as Bertram (the Devil – here a seductive archvillain) Intermezzo from Cavelleria Rusticana
Pietro Mascagni
“Porquoi me réveiller?” from Werther
Jules Massenet
Ben Gulley as Werther (a tragic hero) “Au fond du temple saint” from Les Pêcheurs de Perles
Georges Bizet
Ben Gulley as Nadir (a hero) and Tim Hill as Zurga (also a hero) The Pilgrim’s Chorus from Tannhäuser
Richard Wagner
St. Joseph Community Chorus (pilgrims – some good, some not so good) “Te deum” from Tosca Tim Hill as Scarpia (the worst kind of villain) St. Joseph Community Chorus
Giacomo Puccini
~Intermission~ La Forza del Destino Overture
Giuseppe Verdi
“Mentre gonfiarsi l’anima” from Attila
Giuseppe Verdi
Tim Hill, as Attila (a heroic villain!) “Vesti la giubba” from Pagliacci
Ruggero Leoncavallo
Ben Gulley as Canio (tragic hero) Intermezzo from Pagliacci
Ruggero Leoncavallo
“Credo in un Dio crudel” from Otello
Guiseppe Verdi
Tim Hill as Iago (a particularly sinister villain) “La donna è mobile” from Rigoletto
Guiseppe Verdi
Ben Gulley, as the Duke of Mantua (heroic but with some serious shortcomings) “Va, Pensiero” (chorus of the Hebrew slaves) from Nabucco
Guiseppe Verdi
St. Joseph Community Chorus (heroes all) “Nessun dorma” from Turandot
Giacomo Puccini
Ben Gulley, as Calaf (the best kind of hero) St. Joseph Community Chorus
Tonight’s guest artists sponsored by the Friends of the Symphony.
Ben Gulley The up-and-coming American operatic tenor, Ben Gulley has been hailed “as an outstanding tenor (Opera News)…startlingly-gifted (San Francisco Classical Voice).” Ben’s career is burgeoning with lead and feature roles in opera, solo engagements, concert work, film work, nationwide touring, and prestigious appearances abroad. Ben is the 2009 winner of the Metropolitan Opera’s National Council District & Regional Competitions and a National Semi-Finalists. Other awards include the winner of the Hellam Young Artists’ Competition, Richard Tucker Foundation finalist, Florida Grand Opera competition finalist, Silver Medalist and People’s Choice Award from the Tulsa Rotary Club’s Competition, and a finalist for the Palm Beach Opera Competition; as well as awards from the Gerda Lissner Foundation and Shreveport Opera’s Singer of the Year including the Audience Favorite Award and Encouragement Awards. The 2014-15 season began with MTH’s rave-reviewed Bernstein’s Broadway, role debut as Enee in Les Troyens under the baton of Maestro Kent Nagano in San Franciso, role debut as Radames in Aida with Opera San Luis Obispo and the start of Ben’s first solo national recital tour presented by Allied Concert Services. The 201114 seasons saw Ben on the stages of Chautauqua Opera as Edmondo in Manon Lescaut and Edgardo (cover) in Lucia di Lammermoor, Opera San Luis Obispo role debut as Tamino, debut in I Puratani as Arturo with Minnesota Concert Opera, Cedar Rapids Opera as the fourth Jew in Salome (his first HD Broadcast), Borsa in the Lyric Opera of Kansas City’s Rigoletto and as The Peasent in La fille du Regiment. Previous stage work includes UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance as the title role in Britten’s Albert Herring and Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore, Kansas Concert Opera as Turridu in Cavalleria Rusticana and Lt. Pinkerton in Madam Butterfly. Coming from, and equally at home in musical theater; his proudest MT moment was as Stromboli (taking the role over from Brent Spiner) in the world premiere of the TV movie adaptation Broadway musical Gepetto & Son with the Coterie Theater with Stephen Schwartz and David Stern. Commercially Ben is currently one half on the operatic tenor duo Gulley/Granner with fellow tenor Nathan Granner. 2014 saw the release of their first independent record release of Benchmark Tenor Arias with new arrangements for piano quartet. He was a member of the SONY/BMG Masterworks recording group The American Tenors™ 2010-14 and the 2011-12 National Tour through LiveOnStage. He has twice been featured on the PBS nationally televised Memorial Day event “Celebration at the Station” with the KC Symphony under the baton of Maestro Michael Stern. Ben is a graduate of the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance, where he is also a sitting member of the Alumni Board. Other training has included apprenticeships with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City 2009-2011, the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival singing as Jason in A Grand Night for Singing and as Ludwig in the World premiere of the opera Nocciolina, and Opera in the Ozarks as Lt. B.F. Pinkerton in Madam Butterly & Sam Polk in Susannah. In 2011 Ben had the privilege of being the first artist to sing on the stage of the incomparable Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts with Maestro Ward Holmquist at the piano in his hometown of Kansas City, MO.
Tim Hill Tim Hill has received accolades for both his beautiful singing and visceral stagecraft. Of his New York City performance as Scarpia in Tosca, OperaNotes said, “Timothy Hill was the star of the day.” Newark’s The Star Ledger called his Enrico in Lucia di Lammermoor, “... most polished, with a fine burly baritone and a developed actor’s sense of timing.” An active recitalist, Tim has presented varied programs throughout North Carolina and New York City. In August of 2011, Tim premiered A Live Oak Growing, written for him by rising composer, Clint Borzoni. Other engagements include Don Quijote in Manuel de Falla’s puppet opera El retablo de maese Pedro, and Raphael and Adam in Haydn’s The Creation. Tim made his Carnegie Hall debut with The Collegiate Chorale singing selections from Bernstein’s A White House Cantata (as the Delegate from Virginia). At the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, he covered the role of Fra Melitone in Verdi’s masterpiece La Forza del Destino, and the role of Ivan in the world premiere of Donizetti’s Elizabeth, both under the baton of Maestro Will Crutchfield. Tim performed the roles of Reverend Olin Blitch in Susannah and Il conte d’Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro for Connecticut Lyric Opera, Scarpia in Tosca with Myriad Opera and Prism Opera Showcase in New York City. He made his Ohio debut as Sciarrone and covered Scarpia in the Toledo Opera’s Tosca. While a member of The Santa Fe Opera’s prestigious Apprentice Program for Singers, his assignments included singing the role of the Sergeante in Il barbiere di Siviglia, covering Paolo in Simon Boccanegra, Leonato in Beatrice and Benedict, Mandarin in Turandot and performing scenes from Madama Butterfly, and L’elisir d’amore. Comfortable in both the worlds of opera and musical theater, Tim has performed many staples of both repertories. Some of his favorite roles include Vodník in Rusalka, Sweeney in Sweeney Todd, Marcello in La bohème, and Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods. He also has sung the role of Don Basilio in Paisiello’s original and rarely performed Il barbiere di Siviglia at the historic Théâtre d’Evreaux in Evreaux, France. Other roles also include Il Conte di Luna in Il Trovatore, Melisso in Alcina and King Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors. Tim is also a sought after teacher. He currently serves on the faculty of CAP21, Molloy College, and The Lee Strasberg Institute of Film and Theatre (in their prestigious NYU Tisch School program). Tim has served on the faculties of several well-known institutions, including Elon University, The Actors Studio Drama School, The New School for Drama, and UNC-Chapel Hill.
St. Joseph Community Chorus The St. Joseph Community Chorus is the largest all-volunteer performing organization in Northwest Missouri. Founded in 1980, the St. Joseph Community Chorus, in partnership with Missouri Western State University, presents interesting, challenging and diverse programs of choral music from classical to contemporary throughout the Midwest region. The Chorus, open to all age groups high school and above, includes 85 singers that rehearse on Monday nights from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Missouri Western State University Choir Room. Singers may join the Chorus at the beginning of each semester and may take the course for university credit if they choose. The Chorus has toured Great Britain, Eastern Europe, France and Belgium. It has performed at state and regional conventions (Missouri Music Educators Association, Missouri Choral Directors Association, American Guild of Organists, PEO) and premiered works by internationally known composers John Bacheret, Donald Patriquin and Stephen Paulus.
Soprano: Laura Barger Kayleigh Bell Angie Brunk Susan Bunse Martha Chesney Rhonda Cook Katchy Crowl Sharon Gray Elise Hepworth Aileen Hong Karen Jensen
Abra Johnson Florence Kinder Sherril Lewis Hillary Mellema Carol Merrifield Diane Nunn Christie Ottinger Sandy Prescher Joyce Schuster Sally Schwab Alda Sommer
Barbara Spencer Jennifer Stammers Kori Trautloff Jacqueline Thomas Sharmyn Thompson Sarah Waters Sharon Waters
Alto: Julie Alt Cindy Anders Grace Andres Jennifer Binder Claudia Black Penny Cannon Barbara Colby Rebecca Crawford Marti Dunbar Brenda Foster Terri Glenn Martha Greer Deborah Hall Patricia Hesson Nancy Huffman
Devon Kariker Rachael Kinney Sara Markt Karen McClellan Pam Miller Edna Muehlbach Judy Mullins Mary Noel-Owens Mari Ann Parker Amanda Plum Cheryl Rasmussen Linda Riddle Kathleen Schmidt Mary Sedlacek Janet Steury
Carolyn Sutton Amanda Thompson Leslie Thompson Judith Trout Kathy Wessler Elizabeth Whitehorn
Tenors: Colton Barger Ralph Colby John Cool Timothy Gordon Fred Hannah Daniel Hansen Ted Markt Ina Schowengerdt Robert Wimer Rich York Baritone/Bass: Edward Andres II Daniel Brooks Steve Crawford Greg Dixon Jeremy Eaton Kenneth Flint David Hoffman John Kreipe Michael Lane David Lewis
Harold Lister Bill McMurray Frank Thomas Daniel Trifan Gary Voetberg Duane Williams
Elise Hepworth, Artistic Director Dr. Elise Hepworth is the artistic director of the St. Joseph Community Chorus and associate professor and Director of Choral Activities and Music Education at Missouri Western State University. She teaches choral literature, choral conducting, K-6 and 7-12 music methods courses, and conducts the MWSU Concert Chorale and the MWSU Renaissance and Chamber Singers. She is advisor
for Sigma Alpha Iota, professional fraternity for women, NAfME-C, the National Association for Music Education Collegiate chapter, and Rotaract, a student service organization. Elise has been instrumental in opening and running the Campus Cupboard, MWSU’s student food pantry. She is currently working toward certification in the music pedagogy of Zoltan Kodaly endorsed by OAKE and completed Orff Schulwerk certification in July of 2013. She is an active member of the state and national chapters of NATS, NAfME, CMS and ACDA. She has been invited by the state chapters of NMEA (Nebraska), MMEA (Minnesota), SDMEA (South Dakota), KMEA (Kansas) and IMEA (Iowa), the regional chapters of ACDA (Boston and Kansas City), and the national chapters of SMTE/NAfME (Greensboro and Atlanta) as well as international conferences held in Hawaii, England, and Brazil to present her research and dissertation findings at conventions and she performs and presents regularly as a recitalist and clinician (vocal and choral) regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Program Overview Monty Carter, Program Annotator Only in opera could heroes and villains be so dramatically portrayed, portended, and blended – and what an operatic feast we have for you tonight! Settle in for a rousing appetizer, sinewy villainy, hearty heroics, rich pâte of passion, devil’s food and just desserts! The first note of our concert, the beginning of the Overture to Mozart’s Don Giovanni, is also the note of doom at the opera’s end, the arrival of the Stone Guest. “You invited me to dine with you!” shouts the statue of the slain Commendatore before a chorus of demons carry our protagonist to hell. His destiny notwithstanding, Don Juan, legend’s most licentious lad of the nobility, is upbeat and urbane in the hands of Mozart (1756-1791) and his brilliant librettist, Lorenzo Da Ponte (1749-1838). “My dear lady, this is the catalog,” Don Giovanni’s servant, Leporello tells Elvira. We’re not talking Sears Roebuck here; he’s referring to the number of reasons why Elvira should have nothing to do with D.G. (2,065 dalliances and counting). “It’s the tale of the old shepherd …” Federico is gaga over a girl from Arles, and in this gorgeous lament, pines for the peace that is leveled by unrequited love. From L’ arlesiana, by Francesco Cilea (1866-1950, Italian). “Here in the debris of ancient monastery … nuns who sit in this cold stone,” we hear from a seductive archvillain: Bertram from Robert le Diable, by Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864), hangin’ with creepy ghosts of lascivious nuns. Holy heebie-jeebies! Let us retreat to rustic chivalry. We’ll join the village folk at church, in the celebrated Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana, by Pietro Mascagni (1863-1945), who is noted for a new beginning: the post-Romantic practice of verismo – realism – in opera. “Why do you wake me?” asks tragic hero Werther, from the opera of the same name, a drame lyrique by Jules Massenet (1842-1912). Gloomy-Gus Werther is reading poetry to his unforgettable, un-gettable Charlotte. He’s badly in need of crisis counseling … I love you, man! In perhaps the world’s favorite friendship duet in all of opera, heroes Nadir and Zurga celebrate pearl-fisher bromance at its best. But will it withstand the two men’s passion for the same Hindu priestess? From Les peters de perles, by Georges Bizet (1838-1875). Penance and repentance can be heroic as well. Exquisite and powerful, the Pilgrims Chorus heralds the path of absolution. From Tannhäuser, by Richard Wagner (1813-1883). Wagner’s influential use of leitmotifs, short musical statements that symbolize characters and ideas, are well engaged by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) in his opera, Tosca. Beware of Baron Scarpia, murderous Chief of Police, villain of the worst kind … After intermission we grapple with no less than the Force of Destiny. Can you guess the composer of this exciting overture? Verdi good! Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), the foremost composer of Italian opera, distinguished by melodies familiar around the world, was unique in his long and multi-faceted life. We don’t know of any other great composer who was also
a senator and a successful farmer, who grew vegetables and raised livestock with the latest techniques, and planted a tree every time he finished an opera. And we know few great composers as reticent; he once hid out in a toolshed when a group of fans came to visit. From Verdi we have Attila, King of the Huns, this evening’s heroic villain! “As my soul seemed to swell,” he relates a portentous message of betrayal and demise. Send in the clowns (Pagliacci, that is; we’re still in Italian opera). Tragic hero Canio, put on your clown suit (Vesti la giubba). Your rough-andready wife Nedda is in love with another jester, but the show must go on, and we go from there to the breathtaking Intermezzo from this opera by Ruggero Leoncavallo (1857-1919). To Verdi we return for three vivid settings. First we hear the dark Credo of Iago, a particularly sinister villain, from Otello. Next we have the kinda-sorta heroic Duke of Mantua (he has issues), expounding on the fickleness of women (La donna è mobile). Verdi kept this aria from his tenor until the day before the dress rehearsal because he didn’t want it whistled in the streets before the premier. And speaking of indelible themes, we then hear the members of the St. Joseph Community Chorus (heroes all!) portraying the Hebrew slaves banished by Nebuchadnezzar, longing for their homeland in Va, pensiero, sull’ali dorate (“Fly, thought, on golden wings”), from Nabucco. We close with the finest kind of hero: Calaf, head over Ping, Pong and Pang in love with the princess of Turan. If you feel as ignited from tonight’s program as we do, you may second Calaf’s declaration: “Nobody shall sleep!” (Nessun dorma, from Turandot, by Ruggero Leoncavallo (18571919). Thank you for joining us for HEROES AND VILLAINS!
Musicians Violin 1 Keith Stanfield† Jin-Wha Lee Teresa Edgar ° Laurel Parks Kenya Patzer Liz Codd Violin 2 Catherine Root* James Woods Marcus Dowty Connie Elting Signe Sandquist Katie Benyo Kelsei Peppars Joseph Toma Viola Monty Carter* Noel Good Ashley Stanfield Kenton Lanier Mary Tuven Kitty Hammond Cello Sascha Groschang* Hyerim Mapp Jan Kobialka Amy Harris Janelle Clark Jain Jang Sophia Hwang Bass Matt McGrory* Chance Dunaway Daniel Bates Ben Foerster
Flute Lory Lacy* Elaine Brown Virginia Backman,
Harp Wesley Kelly piccolo
Oboe Meribeth Risebig* Bonnie Krutz Clarinet Randy Cunningham* Chris Gibson Richard Yeager, bass
Timpani Mark Lowry Percussion Ken Eberhart* Katy Stickland Michelle Price
Bassoon Claudia Risebig* Aaron Ahles Leigh Munoz, contra English Horn Katherine Woolsey Horn Peter Jilka* Liz Dunning Andrea Stanton Jan Cohick Trumpet Bill Richardson Tim Thomas Philip Ellsbecker Trombone Philip Fink* Michael Dragen Sarah Braun, bass Tuba Paul Weissenborn †Concertmaster °Assistant Concert Master *Principal
Meet Our Musicians Catherine Root Instrument: Violin Member of the Saint Joseph Symphony since: 2009 Bio: Catherine graduated with a Bachelors of Music in performance from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in 2007. She spent 18 months teaching in Omaha, Nebraska and playing for the Omaha and Lincoln symphonies before she moved to Kansas City in 2009. Catherine began building her teaching studio in Kansas City and later attended Park University. She earned her Masters of Music in performance in 2012 studying under the instruction of Ben Sayevich. Catherine has been playing with the SJSO since 2009. She won the principal 2nd violin position in 2012. In 2013, she had the opportunity to live in South Korea and also delivered her first child over there. After 2 years of being away, Catherine is thrilled to be back in the U.S. and to resume her teaching and orchestral position with SJSO! How did you get your start in music? When I was in kindergarten, there was a boy in my class who played violin and I wanted to play too. My mom set me up with a private teacher and the rest is history. When you’re not rehearsing or performing, what music do you like to listen to? With my two year old daughter, I definitely get my fill of Disney music on a regular basis, but on my own, I listen to a variety of people. Artists I would see in concert are Ingrid Michaelson and Kansas City’s local band, Barclay Martin Ensemble. Hobbies? Going out for a nice run, watching a good movie, reading books of interests, visiting my local farmers market and coffee shopping with my friends. If you weren’t an orchestra musician, what would you be doing? I enjoyed chemistry and probably would have pursued that but definitely something more down the science line versus the arts. How do you think we should keep symphony music alive for new generations? It seems like there are programs in place helping us move in the right direction. There is more and more research showing how music is so influential in a kid’s performance at school and the earlier we can introduce it to them, the more integrated it will be in them from the beginning. Symphony music shows prime examples of the foundation of western music and hopefully kids can seize the opportunities and appreciate the exposure they get. It is truly a privilege to be able to learn an instrument and hopefully no one takes that for granted!
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Rico McNeela
This season marks the beginning of Mr. McNeela’s seventh year serving as the Music Director and Conductor of the Saint Joseph Symphony. He is also a member of the Missouri Western State University music faculty where he serves as Director of Orchestral Activities, and plays violin in the Faculty Piano Trio. Before coming to St. Joseph he taught at the University of Toledo, the University of Arkansas, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Allegheny College. Mr. McNeela holds Bachelor and Masters degrees from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he studied with Paul Makanowitzky, Eugene Bossart, Steven Errante, and Gustav Meir. He also studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music with David Cerone and Linda Sharon. Mr. McNeela has performed extensively throughout the United States as conductor, violinist, violist, and chamber musician. He has conducted ballets for the Arkansas Ballet, and the Toledo Ballet. He has performed as concertmaster with orchestras including: the North Arkansas Symphony, the Saginaw Symphony, the Allegheny Symphony, and the Canary Islands International Opera Festival Orchestra. He has a deep commitment to music education, and has over thirty years experience teaching at colleges and universities. He regularly presents clinics, workshops, and concerts throughout the northwest Missouri northeastern Kansas region. While teaching in Arkansas he conducted the North Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra for over eight years. Mr. McNeela has conducted Honors Orchestras in the northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan regions, and throughout Arkansas. He has also performed and taught at several summer music festivals including the Lake Luzerne Music Festival, the Allegheny Music Festival, the Arkansas Music Festival, and the Hot Springs Music Festival.
saint joseph
symphony Missouri Western State University and the Saint Joseph Symphony have share a special relationship for more than two decades. Following a long tradition of cooperation, Symphony Music Director Rico McNeela is also a member of the University’s music department faculty. He conducts the University orchestra, teaches music classes and gives individual lessons to student string players. The Symphony and the University share the salary for the position, allowing the conductor to serve both organizations and enhance the quality of music education and entertainment in the community. A number of University music instructors are regular members of the orchestra. Several members of the University faculty and staff serve on the Symphony’s board of directors, committees and task forces. Many music students work as volunteers in Symphony programs and the Symphony provides free or discounted tickets to all members of the University community. Both organizations continue to develop new ideas to enhance and strengthen the partnership and with it, the arts across our region.
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