PianoRama Pursuit Playbill - November 19

S an d l e r C e n t e r f o r t h e Performing Arts presents SY M P H O N I C I T Y ’ S

NOVEMBER 19, 2023 | 3PM Daniel W. Boothe, Conductor Keara Smith, guest conductor Chad “Sir Wick” Hughes, guest conductor Larry Giddens | baritone Zhu Wang | piano

2: PURSUIT Zhu Wang’s appearance is made possible through Concert the Annaliese Soros Educational Residency Fund of Young Concert Artists.

1

2

Symphonicity’s 2023-24 Concert Season

SPONSORED BY

Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission, Virginia Commission for the Arts, Arts Alliance and GEICO Philanthropic Foundation

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Jon Ahern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Services Staff of the Sandler Center . . . . . . . . Production and Box Office

Concert 2: PURSUIT

3

Daniel W. Boothe is an internationally award-winning music professional currently serving as Music Director & Conductor for Symphonicity of Virginia Beach, Virginia and as Commander & Conductor for the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest in Ft. Worth, Texas. As a recording producer for numerous CD albums, and conductor or performer around the world, his live and recorded concerts for television, radio, and internet broadcasts have reached over 50 million people in 175 countries. Raymond Jones, legendary music host for WHRO Classical FM, says of Boothe, “He has ‘the gift’.”

In 2007, Boothe was the sole recipient of the prestigious David Effron Conducting Fellowship for the Chautauqua Institution in New York, where he led symphonic, ballet, and opera performances to critical acclaim. In 2016, Boothe was hand-picked to conduct the National Christmas Tree Lighting Concert broadcast for The Hallmark Channel featuring former U.S. President and First Lady Obama and a line-up of celebrity artists. Throughout his distinguished career he has performed for three U.S. presidents and worked with numerous GRAMMY-winning artists. In 2019, he was awarded the National Medal of the Arts, the highest award given to artists by the U.S. government.

As a composer, Boothe has been recognized by the National Band Association and featured by USA Today, where he was designated as one of America’s top 20 collegiate scholars. His commissioned music for winds, orchestra and chorus

4

Symphonicity’s 2023-24 Concert Season

MEET THE MAESTRO…

DANIEL W. BOOTHE “He uses music to make connections in the soul.”

USA TODAY

are exclusively published by Birchwood Music Services and distributed by Cane River Music.

Committed to education, he has served on three university faculties​and has provided leadership to nearly a dozen public school music programs​. H ​ ​is essays have been published with industry-leading journal​s and newspapers​, including multiple arts columns for The Virginian-Pilot. Boothe is also nationally sought after as a preeminent expert on music adjudication through a wide spectrum of genres including international music competitions.

In addition to his music career, Boothe is a skilled communicator, media creator, and public relations professional. He earned top recognition in media management and strategic communication as a Distinguished Graduate of the Defense Information School. He later earned a Public Affairs Communication Excellence Award from the U.S. Air Force which recognized him as the top communication professional out of 179 peers worldwide. He is a decorated officer and combat veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard, having earned numerous medals and awards, including the highest international award for military music.

Boothe resides in Chesapeake with his wife Andrea and their five children. In his spare time, he remains engaged as a guest conductor, composer, clinician, and professional speaker. For more information, visit his website: danielwboothe.com Concert 2: PURSUIT

5

A LETTER FROM MAESTRO DANIEL W. BOOTHE

Dear Symphonicity Patrons, “The piano keys are black and white but they sound like a million colors in your mind.”

That beautiful idea was conveyed by Maria Cristina Mena, Mexican-born author best known for her stories published in the early 20th century for The Century Magazine and American Magazine. Her words encapsulate the power and persuasion of one of history’s oldest and most beloved instruments.

I have always said that the piano is one of my best friends. It is an instrument with unifying powers, bringing people together in homes, churches, airports, restaurants and more. Now it brings us together at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts for an exciting Symphonicity season that is unique to any other.

We will introduce you to some of today’s most astonishing piano talents, including guest artists from The Curtis Institute and the Young Concert Artists of New York. We will also feature local virtuosity with the Governor’s School for the Arts faculty and dancers from Ballet Virginia. Favorites such as Dvořák’s New World Symphony and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony will stand as giants, dotting our musical journey that ends with movie music and piano man David Stewart Wiley.

Between the keys of the piano will emerge new partnerships with the Tidewater Ukrainian Cultural Association and the Virginia African American Cultural Center.

We will explore the millions of colors inherent to those cultural histories while also learning more about our own community in Hampton Roads.

With the piano, every key has its importance. Thank you for being here as a key to our success. As you look around, imagine others who might return with you to experience what we have to offer. Together we can fill this hall with colorful minds and happy hearts for the love of music.

Daniel W. Boothe Music Director & Conductor

6

Symphonicity’s 2023-24 Concert Season

PROUDLY PRESENTS

CONCERT 2:

PURSUIT NOVEMBER 19, 2023 | 3PM

Daniel W. Boothe, Music Director & Conductor Keara Smith & Chad “Sir Wick” Hughes, Guest Conductors Zhu Wang, Piano Larry Giddens, Baritone (special guest)

DVOŘÁK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Symphony No. 9 in E Minor Op. 95 (“From the New World”) I. Adagio — Allegro molto II. Largo III. Scherzo: Molto vivace IV. Allegro con fuoco Intermission HUGHES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visions of a Renaissance Conducted by Dr. Chad “Sir Wick” Hughes OKOYE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voices Shouting Out Conducted by Keara Smith PRICE. . . . . . . . . . . . Piano Concerto in D Minor in One Movement, Zhu Wang, Piano SILENCE YOUR DEVICES and NO PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEO Please disconnect audible electronic signals on watches, pagers, and cell phones before the start of the performance. Videotaping and flash photography during the concert are not permitted, except through the permission of Symphonicity.

Concert 2: PURSUIT

7

PIANORAMA

PURSUIT PROGRAM NOTES

Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, op. 95 (“From the New World”) Antonín Dvořák (1841 - 1904)

Dvořák wrote nine symphonies, but Americans are most familiar with his last one, Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, “From the New World.” Its popularity and success was assured from its première in Carnegie Hall in 1893. It is safe to say that it is the most important work composed in the United States up until that time. By the 1880s Dvořák was a leading composer with a worldwide reputation, although he had not achieved great financial security for his beloved family. So it was with notable alacrity that he responded to the offer by a wealthy New York philanthropist to come to that city and assume the duties of head of her new American Conservatory—and at a stunning salary! He came to America in 1892 and stayed for three years, during that time composing several significant works, including the cello concerto, the “American” string quartet, and, of course, the ninth symphony.

Dvořák plunged right in with his work in New York, and took the opportunity to continue in greater depth his interest in indigenous America musical materials— especially Black American spirituals and whatever Native American music—or what passed for that in those days—that he could find. The exact nature of “American” melodies, rhythms, and harmonies that surfaced in his music during those three years has long been a major source of controversy. And the “New World” symphony was ground zero for those debates. For the last century, scholars of all ilk have posited this tune and that melody in the symphony as derived or quoted from native sources. Characteristic “American” rhythms are served up as influences upon Dvořák. Longfellow’s epic poem, Hiawatha, is adduced as the model for the middle movements. And the famous melody of the slow movement for many years was claimed to be a Black spiritual, when in fact the “spiritual” was born three decades later, when newly-composed words in dialect were set to Dvořák’s immortal tune. It all was a fine kettle of fish.

Recent historical analysis has pretty much relegated specific American elements in the symphony as broad and vaguely inspirational—for most of what had been previously heard as “From the New World” is now known to be mostly from the “European World.” Characteristic scales and melodic shapes in the work are common to many cultures around the world. In the end, it is best to hear this great composition as essentially Czech in almost every way—Dvořák really couldn’t help being himself. Listen carefully to his many other compositions, and it’s clear that the “New World Symphony” is Bohemian from top to bottom.

The first movement begins with a brief, slow introduction, which lays out an essential melodic shape, important through the movement. Soon, after a spiky accent from the strings, the main theme is heard again, but clearly now in the horns. After a while the other main idea—a rather dark little bucolic “village dance”—is introduced by oboes and flute. The last idea is an optimistic tune, first heard in the low register of the solo flute. With all the themes introduced,

8

Symphonicity’s 2023-24 Concert Season

a relatively short development of them ensues—all of the ideas easily recognized. And, as at the beginning, the horns start our trip back home with the main theme. After a harmonic surprise, the movement ends with the same dynamic mood of the beginning.

A few dark, low chords in the brass and woodwinds introduce the famous English horn solo—just try to not think of the faux spiritual, “Goin’ Home,” if you can! The middle section, in the minor mode, seems to be a gentle, funereal march, supported after a little while by pizzicato basses. Softer and softer, the mood is sustained until a sudden interruption from dancing woodwinds brings in a brighter frame of mind, sounding almost like rustic bagpipes skirling. At this juncture, Dvořák, in a characteristic move, brings back two important ideas, easily remembered from the first movement—one played by the trombones, the other by the horns and violins. These he combines with the English horn tune, now in the trumpets—all in one measure! The solo English horn from the beginning quickly returns, and after a wistful contribution from a solo violin and cello, the ominous chords that opened the movement bring us to the end.

The third movement scherzo is a mad Czech dance, with the added treat of two trios--rather than the conventional single one--in the middle as contrast. They serve as a lyrical foil to the hammering freneticism of this careening Slavic folk choreography. By now, you’ve undoubtedly noticed how, in the best Romantic fashion, Dvořák is tying all the movements together, not only by quoting the same themes from movement to movement, but also by slyly fashioning all of them from the same simple musical intervals, creatively varied. This movement is no exception—after the dynamic opening (with some cross-accents familiar to those who remember his Slavonic Dances), the more relaxed first trio echoes the English horn tune from the slow movement. After a brief return to the thundering opening the second trio provides a diversion in the guise of a lilting Ländler, replete with the composer’s penchant for trills. Then, back to the hammering first section, ending with a coda, and what else?—a quote of the familiar horn motif from the opening of the symphony.

The last movement starts ominously in a dark, march-like mood, with unison horns and trumpets pealing out the famous modal theme. After chewing on this a bit, the orchestra goes to the expected second theme. This pleasant contrasting material is heard first in the soothing solo clarinet, followed by others. What then ensues is a magic development of all of almost everything that you will remember as a tune from all the movements—varied, combined, and worked through as only a composer at the height of his powers, and a true disciple of Beethoven and Brahms could do. Even without all of this truly admirable intellectual and musical discipline, the psychological buildup to the end is sheer joy to experience. Constantly changing moods, tempos, and dynamics inevitably lead us to the triumph at the end, as minor turns to major, sustained by fortissimo statements of our familiar melodies. Interspersed are

Concert 2: PURSUIT

9

PROGRAM NOTES the familiar ominous chords from the slow movement, now sounded out in stentorian tones by all the winds. A final last reiteration of the main themes of the first and last movements takes us home. When all has been said, it really doesn’t matter at all whether this magnificent work is from the “New World,” or the world of Dvořák’s beloved Bohemia—there is no doubt that it is from the musical world of a genius.

–Wm. E. Runyan

Visions of a Renaissance Chad “Sir Wick” Hughes (b. 1977)

This piece is about my love for the city of Detroit. The opening section is the fast past traffic on 1-75 and 1-96. The slow adagio section is our sun setting upon our riverfront. The recapitulation of the pizzicato is the masses returning back downtown to the evening festivals, theatre events, sports extravaganzas, and our illustrious Greektown in hope that the economy of the city shall be revitalized.

–Chad “Sir Wick” Hughes

Voices Shouting Out Nkeiru Okoye (b. 1972)

The composer, educated at Oberlin Conservatory of Music, took her graduate degrees at Rutgers University. Brought up on Long Island as the daughter of an American mother and a Nigerian father, she is known for her compositions that reflect, not only subjects from the American Black experience, but also her African heritage, as well. She has taught in Nigeria and Ghana, and is interested in combining elements of non-Western and popular music styles with that of the Western “classical” tradition. Recent works have been inspired by iconic Black women in American history, Harriet Tubman and Phillis Wheatley. But, not to be pigeon-holed, she also is adept at composing in a wide variety of musical styles, and moreover, is a noted “soft sculpture” artist, widely recognized for her multicultural dolls.

Voices Shouting Out is a response to the tragedy popularly known as 911, but unlike many artistic responses, it is not a solemn, and grieving exploration of that terrible event which changed forever American definitions of freedom and security. The composer relates that initially her intent was, indeed, to compose in grief, but she simply could not find the voice to do so. Rather, what ensued was a voice of affirmation, a reflection of a determination to move ahead in confidence and unity as a people. This is an artist’s statement of the necessity of national optimism in the midst of profound challenges. In her words, “It was a

10

Symphonicity’s 2023-24 Concert Season

march to acknowledge those fighting on behalf of our safety, and yet a sparkling celebration of life for those who continue living.” Voices Shouting Out was begun on New Year’s Eve, 2001 and given its première in February 2002 by The Virginia Symphony.

–Wm. E. Runyan

Price Piano Concerto in D Minor in One Movement Florence Price (1887 – 1953)

The first African American female composer to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra, Florence Price and her neglected compositions are being rediscovered.

Her story is remarkable. She performed in public at age 4 and published her first composition when she was 11. She was accepted to New England Conservatory at 16, studying composition, piano and organ. She settled in Chicago and was winning awards by the 1920s. In 1932, she earned first prize in the Wanamaker competition for her Symphony in E Minor. Chicago Symphony conductor Frederick Stock took note and premiered that work in 1933. He also encouraged her to write a piano concerto.

Unfortunately, Price’s original orchestration for the concerto did not survive— but two reduced scores did, along with her indications for instrumentation.

Drew University composer Trevor Weston based his reconstruction on those manuscripts. “My name came up as someone who could put Humpty Dumpty back together again,” he says, smiling.

Price’s style is neo-romantic, with models rooted in European Western classics.

For example, her orchestral introduction leads to a dramatic extended piano cadenza—a bow to Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto. Later in the first section, the figuration is reminiscent of both Schumann and Rachmaninoff. But AfricanAmerican elements play a role too, notably in call-and-response textures.

Although the concerto is nominally in one movement, it divides into three sections organized fast-slow-fast. An oboe trill heralds the lyrical slow movement, which opens with music that is half chorale, half spiritual. Blue notes surface here and there, a subtle reference to African American culture and the flourishing jazz world in 1930s America. Her finale is derived from Juba, an African American dance style thought to have originated in Congo. To modern ears, it sounds like a cross between ragtime and cakewalk. Irresistibly foottapping, it will captivate you.

–New Jersey Symphony Program Note

Concert 2: PURSUIT

11

ZHU

WANG PIANO

Zhu Wang’s appearance is made possible through the Annaliese Soros Educational Residency Fund of Young Concert Artists.

Praised as “especially impressive” and “a thoughtful, sensitive performer” who “balanced lyrical warmth and crisp clarity” (Tommasini–The New York Times), pianist Zhu Wang was awarded First Prize in the 2020 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions. In 2019, Zhu was finalist in the Clara Haskil International Piano Competition, and he has been a featured soloist on WQXR’s Young Artist Showcase and WFMT’s Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts. The world-renowned pianist Fou Ts’ong recognized Zhu as an “excellent pianist with a natural sense of harmony and imagination,” whose sensitive and engaging performances exhibit a remarkable depth of musicianship and poise beyond his age. His Carnegie Hall debut made The New York Times’ “Best of Classical Music 2021” list.

Zhu has performed in China, Korea, Italy, Poland, Japan, and across the US at prestigious venues including the Kennedy Center, Kammermusiksaal of Berliner Philharmonie, Warsaw Philharmonic Concert Hall, Shanghai Concert Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, and The Morgan Library & Museum. Since his orchestral debut at age 14 with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, where he performed Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21, Zhu has also appeared as soloist with Fort Worth Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Brevard Sinfonia, Salzburg Chamber Soloists, Zermatt Festival Orchestra and Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra.

An active chamber musician and champion of new music, Zhu premiered works by John Corigliano, Timo Andres, Zhou Tian, Eric Ewazen, Steven Banks, Nina Shekhar and Alistair Coleman. He had appeared as a chamber musician at festivals and series such as Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Bridgehampton, La Jolla, PCMS, 92nd Street Y, Music@Menlo, Caramoor, Bravo Vail, Kneisel, and Four Seasons. Zhu had collaborated with artists including Ida Kavafian, David Shifrin, Orion String Quartet, Annie-Marie McDermott and Wu Han. A native of Hunan, China, Zhu started learning piano at the age of five. He is a graduate of the Music Middle School Affiliated to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Zhe Tang and Fou Ts’ong. Zhu received his Bachelor of Music degree from The Juilliard School and post-baccalaureate diploma from Curtis Institute of Music. He is the recipient of the Gina Bachauer and Mieczyslaw Munz Scholarship at Juilliard, and the recipient of the Mehlin Prize at Curtis. Zhu is currently pursuing his Master of Music degree, under the tutelage of Robert McDonald and Emanuel Ax. He gratefully acknowledges the support of the Bagby Foundation for the Musical Arts.

12

Symphonicity’s 2023-24 Concert Season

KEARA

SMITH GUEST CONDUCTOR

Keara Smith was born and raised in Norfolk, VA, where she developed a love for music and the arts at a young age. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Old Dominion University and a Master’s degree from James Madison University. Ms. Smith currently teaches orchestra and music theory at her alma mater, Norview High School. Under her guidance, the orchestras consistently receive superior ratings at district assessments, and her students are frequently selected to participate in Senior Regional Orchestra and All Virginia Orchestra events. In addition to her high school teaching, Ms. Smith also serves as the lead violin teacher for the Heart Strings program at the Kroc Center Hampton Roads. She has served as guest conductor for the Norfolk Public Schools 5th Grade Strings All City and adjudicator for various pre-assessment concerts. Ms. Smith enjoys playing viola with Symphonicity and has been a member since 2015.

CHAD “SIR WICK”

HUGHES GUEST CONDUCTOR

Chad “Sir Wick” Hughes (b. 1977) was born in Detroit, Michigan, graduating from Cass Technical High School and is currently the Director of Bands at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, where he also teaches history of jazz, orchestration, trombone, and improvisation.He graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a B.Mus in Composition, M.Mus from Kansas State University and a PhD from Louisiana State University. Sir Wick has recorded for major TV/Film projects such as Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Homecoming, Falcon and the Winter Soldier (episode 2) , and Dear Evan Hansen and has performed with The Temptations, Martha Reeves, Dwele, Tia Fuller, and Aretha Franklin. His novical soundtrack, “A Tale of Two Fools,” reached No. 1 on the UK Soul Charts and peaked at No. 2 on the UK Sweet Rhythm charts.

LARRY

GIDDENS BARITONE Larry Jay Giddens, Baritone, is a native of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Giddens graduated from the University of Colorado with his BM in Vocal Performance and magna cum laude from Old Dominion University (ODU) with his MME. He is currently a candidate for his DME from Liberty University and serves as the Director of Opera and Lecturer of Voice at ODU. Giddens has toured the US, Europe, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand as a professional opera singer. He has served as a senior arts administrator for nonprofit arts organizations in Virginia and North Carolina and is the founder of Vocaletics, an innovative nonprofit organization, and the CEO of GIDNZ LLC. Giddens is a resident of Virginia Beach, where he, his wife, and four children. When he is not fully immersed in the arts, he can be found cheering on his children as they compete in local, regional, and national sports competitions.

Concert 2: PURSUIT

13

CONCERT 2 ORCHESTRA ROSTER

CELLO Marguerite C. Alley Principal David Wing Frederick M. Kovner Marc Powell Déz Ramos-Smiley Charles Cook Brian Cortes-Bofill Kirsten Rowe Avery Suhay Jiayi “Grace” Li

FIRST VIOLINS Megan Van Gomple Concertmaster Cindy Bryan Assistant Concertmaster Christopher Taylor Stephen I. Fisher Danielle J. Fagan Alexandra Marlins Edo Mor Justin Stanley Anjoli M. Ferrara-Clayton Emmet Morris June Richardson Howard Horwitz Deborah Adams

BASS Joseph Eriksen Principal Larry Bell Rebecca Brown Bradley Gaylor Gregory Sowell Alex Vogler

SECOND VIOLINS Lynette Andrews Principal Alexandra Loubeau Nikki Nieves Larry Sunderland Verleyne Andrews-Rodgers Elaine Spitz Kylen Griffith Rebecca Houghton Monica Appleton Kelvin C. James Holly C. Martin Nick Raykhman

FLUTE Amber Kidd Principal Frank Jones Sue Grube Erika Frydenlund

VIOLA Shirley Luu Smith Principal, Margaret A. Brown Honorary Viola Chair Brenda Johnson Dawn B. Wing Linda G. Dyer Alaina Shaw Leslie Meher Savvas Harry Fukasawa Daniel Austin Julia Safron Andrew Dack Emily Souza Keara Smith

14

OBOE Harvey Stokes Principal Sandra Richards ENGLISH HORN Rena Long CLARINET Jo Marie T. Larkin Principal Alan J. Brown Lee Cooper BASS CLARINET Alan Brown

Symphonicity’s 2023-24 Concert Season

BASSOON Stephanie Sanders Principal Suzanne Daniel Laura Parker CONTRABASSOON Laura Parker FRENCH HORN Ellen Polachek Co-Principal Christine Foust Co-Principal Jonathan Twitero Jeff Warren TRUMPET Chad McGill Heath Losick Manny Hernandez TROMBONE Jay Larkin Principal Paul Weathers BASS TROMBONE Jeff Beckett TUBA Phil Sloan HARP (keyboard) Suzanne Daniel TIMPANI Brian Tuttle PERCUSSION Glenn Smith Principal Aaron Cook Vince Brown Wesley Coombs

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS & STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Marguerite Alley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .President Treena Lauer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President Leigh J. Cason . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer Martha McCrory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Secretary Alan Brown Janet Dingman Ryan Featherer Juanita Felton

Otilio Ramos, Jr. Christopher Sacra Tom Sherrill Lisa Sowell

Stephen Fisher Joe Mayes Edo Mor Rhan Pittman

EX-OFFICIO Lynette Andrews, Executive Director; Daniel W. Boothe, Music Director & Conductor MUSIC DIRECTOR EMERITUS David S. Kunkel

SYMPHONICITY STAFF AND KEY PERSONNEL Daniel W. Boothe. . . . . . . . . Music Director & Conductor Lynette Andrews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Director Megan Van Gomple. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Concertmaster Danielle Fagan. . . . . . . . . . . Strings Personnel Manager Alan Brown. . . . . . . . . Winds/Brass/Percussion Personnel Manager Paula Peebles-Bonds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Librarian

Charlotte Fisher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bookkeeper Jan Melton . . . . . . . . . . Office Administration & Ticketing Adam Robles . . . . . . . . . . . . Production Stage Manager Dr. Nancy K. Klein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chorus Master Mark Haswell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chorus Manager Dylan Reyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audio & Video Producer

FERMATA CLUB MEMBERS Andrea Boothe, Volunteer Coordinator Brenda Bigelow Diane Bilschak John Cawley Kristina Clonts

Lekesha Dawson Patricia Esch Linda Ferro Linda Griffin Ray Grover Timothy Price

Connie Purrington Erik Sweimler Joseph Umstead Andre’ Williams In Special memory of Nicholas Ilchyshyn

Symphonicity gratefully acknowledges the members of VIRGINIA BEACH ARTS & HUMANITIES COMMISSION for their generous support!

2023-24 MEMBERS & STAFF Cynthia C. Romero, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chair Olga L. Torres-Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice Chair The Hon. Winship C. Tower (Ret.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary Alicia “Sunny” Phillips Peoples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer Emily S. Labows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director Beth Hundley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Director Emily Brookover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Art & Placemaking Manager Jessica Champlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounting Specialist Mari R. Coronado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Assistant II C. Alex Dye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Media & Communications Coordinator II Hillary Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Programs & Partnerships Manager

2023-24 CHAIRPERSONS Emma “Em” Davis Michael Cloud-Butler Susan C. Grube Mia K. Guile

Raeesah Islam Mark A. Johnson Ashley K. McLeod Concert 2: PURSUIT

15

SY M P H O N I C I TY’S CO N C E RT S EASO N

202

NON-PROFIT SUPPORT

Chesapeake Rotary Club

BECOME A SPONSOR FOR SYMPHONICITY

16

Symphonicity’s 2023-24 Concert Season

3-20

24

W E G R AT E F U L LY A C K N O W L E D G E O U R S U P PO RT E RS

CORPORATE SUPPORT

Visit www.symphonicity.org/Become-A-Sponsor to learn more.

Concert 2: PURSUIT

17

FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS Symphonicity gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the following individuals and organizations.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT The City of Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission

The National Endowment for the Arts The Virginia Commission for the Arts

FOUNDATION SUPPORT A. H. Grandy Memorial Trust Baker Ames Charitable Foundation The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation The Helen G. Gifford Foundation Sandler Center Foundation

ARTS ALLIANCE Pacesetter Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. Hampton Roads Community Foundation Champion Atlantic Dominion Distributors/ Hoffman Beverage The Perry Family Foundation Virginia Natural Gas, Inc. Leader Bank of America Birdsong Corporation Kaufman & Canoles Wilbanks, Smith & Thomas Asset Management, LLC Willcox & Savage, P. C.

Advocate Richard & Carolyn Barry Cerity Partners LLC Davenport & Company LLC The Dragas Companies Even Keel Wealth Advisors of Raymond James FORVIS Southern Bank Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer, P.C. Williams Mullen Arts Ally The Pruden Foundation RBA Architects Within Interior Design, Inc.

CORPORATE CONTRIBUTORS AMG National Trust Bank Geico Philanthropic Foundation Artist Sponsor BIG Investment Group Bronze Sponsor The Capital Group Companies

Corbin & Company PRA Group Gold Sponsor Sykes, Bourdon, Ahern, and Levy, PC

MATCHING GIFTS Bank of America Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation

Symphonicity’s 2023-24 Concert Season

FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS CONTRIBUTIONS IN KIND Legal Services Jon Ahern Performances Marguerite C. Alley Lynette Andrews Verleyne Andrews-Rodgers Jeffrey Beckett Daniel W. Boothe Alan Brown Rebecca Brown Dr. Robyn Card Lee Cooper Danielle Fagan Stephen I. Fisher Christine Foust Susan Grube KC James

Brenda Johnson Irene Kohut-Ilchyshyn Frederick Kovner Jo Marie Larkin Heath Losick Alexandra Marlins Chad McGill Déz Ramos-Smiley Kirsten Rowe Leslie Meher Savvas Phil Sloan Shirley Luu Smith Justin Stanley Photography Lyle Eesley

We thank the named and unnamed who have made THE LOVE OF MUSIC A LEGACY by joining the Symphonicity Encore Society Lyle Eesley & Rebecca Brown Craig Grube Susan Grube In remembrance, we are grateful for Maurice Ralph Phillippi and his devotion to Symphonicity!

Launched in 2021, the Symphonicity Young Musician Scholarship Program offers Hampton Roads students and their families an opportunity to receive extra funding for private music lessons.

Marguerite Alley Lynette Andrews Paula Peebles-Bonds Daniel W. Boothe Christopher Brydge Anjoli Ferrara-Clayton Nancy Curtis, in memory of Sky Curtis Juanita Felton, in honor of Dr. K. Edwin Brown Hazel Jessee, & Margaret Ann Sadler John S. Husser III

Concert 2: PURSUIT

19

FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS

MAESTRO’S CIRCLE ($2500+) Anonymous Rebecca Brown and Lyle Eesley, Cols, USAF (ret) Janet Dingman

Mrs. Juanita G. Felton (Tom) Craig and Susan Grube Frederick M. and Elizabeth N. Kovner

ANGEL ($1000-$2499) Anonymous Dr. Leo & Isabel Brown Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Corbin Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dedman Janet Dingman Linda Ferro and Mark Sorin Treena and Chris Lauer Alexandra Loubeau and Brian Tuttle Andrew and Holly Martin

Martha McCrory Matthew McKeon Donald and Mary Ohnemus Henry Rankin and Shari Barbour John G. Tillery Henry and Eleanor Watts Bruce and Holly Weber

SUSTAINING MEMBER ($500-$999) Anonymous Marguerite C. Alley Dr. and Mrs. Earl Chappell III Dr. Stephen and Charlotte Fisher Mr. & Mrs. Hideo Fukasawa Dr. Raymond Jones Marcellus and Teresa Kirchner

Celeste Luhring Cheryl Pearson Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Perlin Mark and Patricia Seelenbinder Stephen Snyder

BENEFACTOR ($250-$499) Anonymous Lisa Baehre Jay Black Joel Brown and Jean Powlesland Dr. K. Edwin Brown Paula Peebles-Bonds Gael R. Daugherty Mr. and Mrs. Alan Fagan Regina Guazzo Rebecca S. Hubiak Mark and Julia Johnston Col (Ret. USA) Samuel Malave-Garcia

20

Elizabeth Miklos Vincent and Patricia Olivieri Louise Pesnicak The Pointe at Salt Ponds Neighborhood, Hampton Cdr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Ries Shirley Luu Smith Deborah Quam

Symphonicity’s 2023-24 Concert Season

FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS

SPONSOR ($100-$249) Aron Boney Howard Brantly Jill Broome John Campbell and Steve Brockman Joel Floyd Clingenpeel James and Paula Cook Marilyn Doline Tom & Kate Dillon Richard and Carol Engel Rawl and Paula Gelinas Chuck and Dottie Goldman Eric Graf Roger Gray William and Patricia Hunter Frank and Anne Jones Joseph and Bonnie Kuhn Linda LaPean Milton and Susan Martin Thomas Meals

Mrs. Alice Meinicke Deb Moore Dr. and Mrs. Richard Moriarty Ana Nieves Ruby Ann Pritchett Dr. George and Lynne Puia Otilio Ramos, Jr. Christopher Sacra Scherzo Music Club David and Garnett Shores Glenn and Gloria Smith Scott Strickland Joseph Umstead Lisa Walker Charles M. Warthen Christine Webb Barbara Wing John and Mary Zimmerman

PATRON ($50-$99) Jon and Sheryl Ahern Vickie L. Cunningham Mary Delaney Patricia Doss Kyle Grube Judith Miskimmin

Betty Moritz George and Susan Okaty Mark and Kim Parr Laurie Porter Jack & Barbra Stehlik James Wallis

FRIENDS ($25-$49) Marguerite R. Alley Sarah Chapman Linda Dyer Terry Hill

Arlene Losick John Markham Derrick T. McDonald Caroline Muller

Do you have a Facebook Account?

Consider organizing a fundraiser on behalf of Symphonicity. Once your campaign has concluded, email the office (Office@Symphonicity.org) with the names, addresses, emails, and donation amounts, so Symphonicity can acknowledge the gifts with a thank-you letter and tax receipt.

Concert 2: PURSUIT

21

FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS In honor of Daniel W. Boothe: Betty Moritz In honor of O. Richard Bundy, Jr.: Vickie Cunningham In memory of Donald N. Daugherty: Gael R. Daugherty In memory of Jim & Georgia Fletcher: Christine Webb In honor of Sue Grube: Tom & Kate Dillon, Kyle Grube, Mark and Kim Parr In honor of the Grube Family: Erich Graf In memory of Dr. Nicholas Ilchyshyn: Rebecca Brown, Janet Dingman, and Susan Grube In memory of William P. Kennedy: Dr. Richard and Katherine Moriarty In honor of Amber Kidd: Linda LaPean In memory of Olivia Kirchner: Marcellus and Theresa Kirchner In memory of Cynthia D. Lee: Shirley Luu Smith In memory of Dr. Jean-Michel Loubeau: Alexandra Loubeau In memory of Claire McDermott: Deborah Quam

Preserving Legacies for Generations AMG National Trust helps you and your clients protect and preserve the legacy they have spent a lifetime creating through our integrated approach to trust administration and investment management. Our advisors customize solutions that help safeguard assets, avoid unnecessary taxation, and help provide long-term financial support for your clients and their heirs.

In memory of RADM Thomas Meinicke: Mrs. Thomas Meinicke

780 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 140 Virginia Beach, VA 23452

In memory of Dr. Len Porter: Laurie Porter

757.368.4466 www.amgnational.com

In honor of Déz Ramos-Smiley: Otillio Ramos, Jr. In honor of Glenn Smith: Rebecca Hubiak

Member FDIC • Non-deposit investment products: Not FDIC insured, No bank guarantee, May lose value

In memory of Claire and Evangeline Umstead: Joseph Umstead In memory of John F. Wing: Barbara Wing

This list reflects donations made between November 2022 and 2023. Please contact the office at office@symphonicity.org with any questions.

Thank you!

22

Symphonicity’s 2023-24 Concert Season

Symphonicity is an all-volunteer orchestra comprised of members from communities throughout the Hampton Roads area. The orchestra provides an opportunity for professional, amateur and student musicians to work together and perform music ranging from classics to popular selections. In return, the live performances enrich our community and enhance the cultural education of our young people.

If you are interested in playing with the Orchestra, please call the Symphonicity office at 757-671-8611 or check out the Auditions page at www.Symphonicity. org for more information.

HERE IS MY TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION FOR: Maestro’s Circle ($2500 and Above)

Friend ($25–$49)

Sustaining Member ($500–$999)

Angel ($1000–$2499)

Sponsor ($100–$249)

Benefactor ($250–$499)

Billing Information: Name(s) _______________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________ City_______________________________ State___________ Zip ________________ Daytime Phone ________________________Evening Phone ___________________ Email Address _________________________________________________________ My/Our check payable to “Symphonicity” is enclosed.

My/Our credit card information is provided.

VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover accepted Card Number _______________________________________________3 or 4 Digit CSC __________ Signature Expiration Date ______________________________________________________________

COMPLETE THIS FORM AND MAIL IT TO OUR OFFICE

291 Independence Blvd, Suite #421, Pembroke Four Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462 Concert 2: PURSUIT

23

SY M P H O N I C I TY’S CO N C E RT S EASO N

202

3-20

24

757.671.8611 www.symphonicity.org SUBSCRIBE FOR SEASON TICKETS & BENEFITS ALL SEASON LONG!

Subscription tickets for the Masterworks concerts are on sale all year long. Single tickets will be available for purchase beginning September 1.

Symphonicity offers three options for purchasing subscription tickets: the popular Five-Concert Subscription with added benefits, the Four-Concert Subscription and the Two-Concert Subscription. Lollipop Concert crickets are sold separately.

Five-Concert Subscribers may purchase their specific seat for the entire season, whereas Four-Concert and Two-Concert Subscribers purchase their favorite section.

WHY SHOULD I SUBSCRIBE TO SYMPHONICITY? The Best Prices: Save up to 40% off single ticket prices and avoid single ticket fees.

The Best Seats or Section: Subscribers are given a chance each season to renew their seats or section before single ticket purchasers.

Complimentary Seats: Earn one complimentary ticket (for every five-concert subscription ticket purchase). Availability is limited and seat placement is random.

Early Seating at the Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along: Five-concert subscribers can use their subscription card for early seating for the annual sing-along.

Lollipop Concert: Subscribers have an opportunity to pick and purchase Lollipop Concert seats before it opens to the general public.

Free Ticket Replacement: Lost or misplaced tickets are replaced for free!

The Best Support: Subscription purchases provide the best way to support Symphonicity’s volunteer musicians who play for the love of music.

News and Invitations: Be one of the first to receive Symphonicity news and invitations to special events.

757.671.8611 | www.symphonicity.org

24

Symphonicity’s 2023-24 Concert Season

Subscribe at artsongupdate@whro.net and have two weeks of the calendar delivered to your inbox every Monday.

Concert 2: PURSUIT

25

Follow Symphonicity on your favorite social media platforms for exclusive content, including behind the scenes footage, guest takeovers, insights and more!

/symphonicity

/symphonicityorchestra

Symphonicity’s 2023-24 Concert Season

We don’t play music, but we’re pretty good at visual communication.

Concert 2: PURSUIT

Watch. Listen. Support.

Much has changed since we began airing in 1961 as Home Room One—like our expansion into four TV stations WHRO TV-15, WHRO Create, WHRO World, WHRO Kids and our expansion to six radio channels, including WHRO 90.3 FM and WHRV 89.5 FM—but one thing remains the same. Our commitment to education has never wavered.

Learn more at whro.org

growing together Our arts partners are uniting to provide more overall arts leadership, increased regional advocacy and unique services to our artist community.

You can be a part of this growth in the arts in South Hampton Roads.

Visit us at artsallianceva.org to find out how.

Dollar Tree & Family Dollar

Bank of America

Richard & Carolyn Barry

Southern Bank

Birdsong Corporation

Cerity Partners LLC

Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer, P.C.

Kaufman & Canoles

Davenport & Company LLC

Williams Mullen

Atlantic Dominion Distributors/ Hoffman Beverage

Wilbanks, Smith & Thomas Asset Management, LLC

The Dragas Companies

The Perry Family Foundation

Willcox & Savage, P. C.

Hampton Roads Community Foundation

Virginia Natural Gas, Inc.

The Pruden Foundation RBA Architects

Even Keel Wealth Advisors of Raymond James FORVIS

View all of our Partners at artsallianceva.org

Within Interior Design, Inc.

Coastal Virginia’s Ballet Company

Season 23/24

Moving Forward

The Nutcracker

October 13-14, 2023

December 15-17, 2023

Diversity in Dance

Cinderella

Zeiders American Dream Theater

The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

February 9-10, 2024

March 16, 2024

Zeiders American Dream Theater

The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

FOR DETAILS: balletvirginia.org OR call 757-446-1401

Sponsors

THE CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 2024 | 4PM

Featuring Ballet Virginia & Guest Soloists from The Governor’s School for the Arts

Frank Jones Instruction & Performance 3707 Virginia Beach Blvd Suite 205 Virginia Beach, VA 23452 Phone: 757-288-8228 Text: 757-288-8228 Facebook: theflutetooter

S an d l e r C e n t e r f o r t h e P e r f o r m i n g A r t s p r e s e n t s SY M P H O N I C I T Y ’ S

FEBRUARY 18, 2024 | 3PM Daniel W. Boothe, Conductor Ray Ushikubo | piano & violin Ray Ushikubo appears by special arrangement with Curtis on Tour, the Nina von Maltzahn global touring initiative of the Curtis Institute of Music.

PROGRAM

BERLIOZ: Hungarian March MENDELSSOHN: Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor SARASATE: Zigeunerweisen (Romany Airs) BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 5 in C minor

tickets at symphonicity.org

Concert 2: PURSUIT

35

Corbin & Company, P.C. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS A proud supporter of

SYMPHONICITY

Locally owned and operated since 1980 Patrick E. Corbin, CPA Andrew T. Martin, CPA Holly C. Martin, CPA/ABV Kevin M. Allison, CPA Julie L. Sokolowski, CPA (757) 436-4577 501 Independence Parkway, Suite 275 Chesapeake, VA 23320 www.corbinandcompany.net Symphonicity’s 2023-24 Concert Season