Symphony Central Coast 2016 Concert Season

2016 CONCERT SEASON

Artistic Director Dr Steven Stanke Symphony Central Coast “Excite, entrance and inspire through musical excellence”

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

STEVEN STANKE

Artistic Director's Message

W

elcome to Symphony Central Coast’s 2016 season which might be safely called a season of contrasts as we dip our musical toes into the autumnal and wintery waters of political oppression and battle scars, frolic on the spring hillside of timeless comedy and emerging virtuosity and relax with old friends come summer. There are tales to be told, memories to be revisited and conviviality to be shared, all in your local concert hall among friends.

Our year begins with Beethoven’s mighty Eroica symphony, a bold new statement encompassing the anguish and despondency felt by the composer as he responded to political and personal changes, the most telling the realisation that his deafness was worsening and his hearing likely to leave him completely.

Although initially claimed to be Napoleon, who was then First Consul but later self-proclaimed emperor of France, the ‘hero’

02

in this symphony is most likely Beethoven himself, resolving to merge determination and triumph over adversity through a work that exorcised his fears and provided a path for a renewed compositional philosophy. Max, a hero of a different kind, operates in Weber’s opera Der Freischütz (The Marksman), a tale of magic bullets, invisible spirits and pacts with the devil. Der Freischütz is a gothic horror, difficult to stage and is one of the cornerstones of romantic opera.

Its reputation as a precursor of German nationalism in music is hardly surprising since it was inspired by German folk song, based on German legend, and set in a German forest. For a further look at heroes and legends, we have included Sibelius’ tone poem En Saga (A Saga), an ‘adventure in an inner landscape, a state of mind’ the composer explained. In an effort to describe Finland’s emerging nationalism and escape from the Russian yoke, the work is typically Sibelian: icy textures, warm brass and woodwinds, and melancholy solo instruments. It paints a sound picture of a cold tundra at the northern extreme of the world. Jasmine Baric, winner of SCC’s 2014 concerto competition, provides a touch of finesse and virtuosity with Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto.

"...a tale of magic bullets, invisible spirits and pacts with the devil.

Der Freischütz is a gothic horror, difficult to stage and is one of the cornerstones of romantic opera."

In June, we follow our hero’s exploits through war and peace, beginning with Beethoven again and his overture to the play

03

Egmont, a powerful tribute to a man who was condemned to death for taking a stand against political oppression.

Dimitri Shostakovich lived with the same threats from Stalin’s regime and told his story through his symphonies, none less emotive than his Fifth, written in response to direct government domination over the spirit of the people. Fearing for his life, he wrote a triumphant symphony concluding with a rousing march but to many, the victory is hollow.

Shostakovich himself later said “I think it is clear what happens in the Fifth. The rejoicing is forced, created under threat. It’s as if someone were beating you with a stick, saying ‘Your business is rejoicing, your business is rejoicing...’” Sally Maer explores the profound wisdom and beauty of Elgar’s Cello Concerto, written in the aftermath of the Great War.

"Fearing for his life, he wrote a triumphant symphony concluding with a rousing march but to many, the victory is hollow."

For our September concert, we lighten the mood with Samuel Barber’s effervescent Overture to The School for Scandal and Zoltan Kodaly’s daydreaming story teller Hary Janos. Barber’s overture was written in 1931 when he was still a student and was a stunning success, immediately placing Barber as one of the most promising talents of his generation. It frolics along, convincingly complementing the play which is a comedy of

04

manners, containing plenty of wit and amorous intrigue. Can you imagine what a musical sneeze might sound like? Kodaly began his opera Hary Janos with a musical sneeze because there is an old Hungarian superstition that if one sneezes while telling a story, then it must be true! Hary Janos was a real person but he told real whoppers, including the time he defeated Napoleon’s army all by himself! And of course, we showcase emerging talent on the Central Coast through the Concerto Competition, traditionally hard fought and spectacularly performed.

To conclude the year, we spend time with our favourite musical ‘family and friends,’ sharing stories of love, dancing while no one is watching (at least on the inside) and remembering the year that was. There is a wedding, a tragedy, a rhapsody and musical trips to Norway, Finland, France and Spain. The sensational Angela Brewer shares some of her favourite songs and arias and Greg Turner and Vanessa Ropa, two of our woodwind principals, dazzle with a dance linked to the death throes of a tarantula bite!

Life is indeed full of contrasts and I do hope that you can join us for afternoons of heroism, determination, legend, beauty and triumph in 2016.  Dr Steven Stanke

symphonycentralcoast.com.au 05

HEROES

06

Sunday 3 APRIL 2016

Beethoven’s mighty ‘Eroica’ symphony, originally dedicated to Napoleon, concludes a program of Germanic bravado with Weber’s overture to Der Freischütz and Sibelius’ nod toward emerging Finnish nationalism in his tone poem En Saga. Jasmine Baric provides a touch of finesse with Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto..

Conductor STEVEN STANKE

WEBER Overture Der Freischütz SIBELIUS En Saga (A Saga) BARBER Violin Concerto BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 3

symphonycentralcoast.com.au 07

WAR & PEACE

08

Sunday 26 JUNE 2016

Beethoven’s overture to the play Egmont by Goethe is a powerful tribute to a man who was condemned to death for taking a stand against political oppression. Shostakovich lived with the same threats from Stalin’s regime and told his story though his symphonies, none less emotive than his Fifth, written in response to direct government domination over the spirit of the people. Sally Maer explores the profound wisdom and beauty of Elgar’s Cello Concerto, written in the aftermath of the Great War.

CELLO SOLOIST

SALLY MAER

Conductor STEVEN STANKE

BEETHOVEN Egmont overture ELGAR Cello Concerto Soloist SALLY

MAER

SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 5

symphonycentralcoast.com.au 09

PRODIGIES

10

Sunday 18 SEPTEMBER 2016

Barber's effervescent Overture to the School for Scandal frolics along, a convincing complement to Sheridan's comedy of manners, containing plenty of wit and amorous intrigue. Kodaly's Hary Janos (John Hary) is a teller of tall tales, including the time he defeated Napolean's army singlehandedly. Kodaly's suite begins with a musical sneeze so, according to ancient Hungarian superstition, it must be true! No tall tales from our concerto competitors though – sheer talent and skill.

Conductor STEVEN STANKE

CONCERTO COMPETITION FINALS BARBER School for Scandal KODALY Hary Janos Suite

symphonycentralcoast.com.au 11

CLASSICS

12

Sunday 4 DECEMBER 2016

Spend time at the end of the year with your favourite musical 'family and friends', sharing stories of love, dancing while no one is watching (at least on the inside) and remembering the year that was. The sensational Angela Brewer shares some of her favourite songs and arias and Greg Turner and Vanessa Ropa, two of our woodwind principals, dazzle with a dance linked to the desth throes of a tarantula bite!

VOCAL SOLOIST

ANGELA BREWER Conductor STEVEN STANKE Soloist ANGELA BREWER

SAINSBURY Australian Concert Overture GRIEG Wedding Day at Troldhaugen SIBELIUS Valse Triste LISZT Hungarian Rhapsody no. 2 RACHMANINOV Vocalise CHABRIER Espana

symphonycentralcoast.com.au

SAINT SAENS Tarantella - Soloists GREG TURNER, VANESSA ROPA 13

SALLY MAER

O

riginally from London, Sally studied at The Royal Academy of Music where

she performed in the presence of Diana, Princess of Wales. After graduating with an honours degree presented to her by Lord Yehudi Menhuin, she relocated from England to Australia in the late 90s.

Sally made the transition from being an orchestral musician in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and The Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, to playing on TV shows such as The Voice, Australian Idol and X Factor, to then becoming a headline entertainer on a variety of cruise ships including the famous Queen Mary II. Sally had a rare once-in-a-life-time invitation to perform at the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli 2004 with The Peter Sculthorpe String Quartet.

SOLOIST - CELLO

WAR & PEACE CONCERT Cello performance of: ELGAR Cello Concerto

Pre-concert talk with soloist SALLY MAER 26 June 2016 1.45pm

The ABC signed Sally to their label in

Sally has performed her solo Cello Diva

2005 as "Cello Diva". They produced her

show in all the major concert venues across

first solo album, ‘Bed of Roses’, aired

Australia including the Sydney Opera

regularly on Classic FM. Sally appears

House Concert Hall, the Melbourne Hamer

on many chart topping ABC compilation

Hall and at the Famous Speigeltent for the

albums and this year her second ABC

Melbourne International Arts Festival. 

album was released.

14

ANGELA BREWER

A

ustralian Soprano, Angela Brewer returns from singing by invitation at

The Royal Danish Opera House, Denmark.

After completing her honors degree at The Victorian College Of The Arts, Melbourne University with a thesis "The Physiology of Singing", Angela began work at the age of 23 with "Opera Australia" and has since performed in over 200 main stage Italian, French, German and English Operas at the

SOLOIST - VOCAL

Sydney Opera House.

As a freelance artist, Angela performed

CLASSICS CONCERT

with the Australian Ballet in the world

Vocal performance of:

premiere, "Wild Swans" by Elena Kats-

RACHMANINOV Vocalise

Chernin, Puccini's opera "Suor Angelica" in China and recently teamed with New York's contemporary composer, John Corigliano to present a classical take on Bob Dylan's seven poems, "Mr Tambourine Man".

ORFF Intrutina from Carmina Burana DVORAK Songs My Mother Taught Me The Water is Wide

Angela regularly makes appearances for ABC radio, live broadcasts, as a recording artist and has performed for the likes of Sean Connery, Kate Blanchett and Joan

BRACKETT Simple Gifts PUCCINI O mio babbino caro

Sutherland. ď Ź

15

Ticket Savings

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT SERIES HIGHLIGHTS Concert No.1: HEROES Sunday April 3 2016 BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 3 Concert No.2: WAR AND PEACE Sunday June 26 2016 ELGAR Cello Concerto – soloist Sally Maer SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No.5 Concert No.3: PRODIGIES Sunday September 18 2016 Finals of Concerto Competition KODALY Hary Janos Suite Concert No.4: CLASSICS Sunday December 4 2016 SAINSBURY Australian Concert Overture GRIEG, SIBELIUS, NICOLAI, LISZT Angela Brewer sings RACHMANINOV, DVORAK, PUCCINI 16

2016 CONCERT SEASON

Online: symphonycentralcoast.com.au Phone: Credit Card or Enquiries: Call 0478 708 474 Post: Please make cheques payable to Central Coast Symphony Orchestra and post, along with this form to Symphony Central Coast PO Box 86, Gosford 2250.

In person: Cash/Chq or Credit Card: Visit Central Coast Conservatorium, corner Mann and Georgiana Terrace, Gosford from 11th January 2016 Priority Season SCC 2016 subscriptions on sale from 4th January 2016 General Tickets from 1st February 2016

 Adult tickets @ $140 (save $20)  Concession tickets @ $120 (save $20)

 Child/Student tickets @ $45 (save $15)*  Family tickets @ $360 (2 + 2) (save $40)

Total: $_________ Total: $_________ Total: $_________ Total: $_________

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Name: _________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Email:__________________________________________________________ Phone:_________________________________________________________ 17

Help Support Us

B

ased in Gosford, Symphony Central Coast was formed from local community orchestras in 1999 with support from the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music.

SCC has grown into a full size symphony orchestra, presenting outstanding musical programs of orchestral and choral masterworks to the Central Coast community.

The flagship activities of the SCC are the annual subscription series, comprising four concerts and featuring the best orchestral works by leading composers and performers. The orchestra is also very active in wider community engagement, performing at a variety of venues and with other community groups. Artistic Director and Conductor Dr Steven Stanke and the SCC are committed to entertain and inspire through musical excellence.

18

Symphony Central Coast is one of the Central Coast's most valued and prized cultural assets, proving that the presence of a thriving symphony orchestra is a reflection of the pride in cultural awareness and support by the Central Coast community.

By necessity, sponsorship plays an essential role in ensuring the success of Symphony Central Coast. The generosity of local companies and individuals enables us to present innovative and acclaimed productions, maintain and develop artists' skills, and engage audiences.

We invite you to you to join us as a sponsor as we embark on our 2016 journey. As a sponsor you can make an immediate and tangible contribution to the company. Gifts of all sizes ensure the future of SCC. Please contact us to discuss how you can help keep orchestral music alive on the Central Coast in 2016. ď Ź

symphonycentralcoast.com.au 19

VIOLINS 1 Olena Zaporozhets  Miranda Arrighi Jasmine Baric Elissa McGregor Michele Dunn Ken Arnot #  Yuko Hughes Karina Hollands 

Charlotte Brown Josh Ingle Elizabeth Woolnough CELLI Michal Wieczorek Hilary Day Keiko Clements # Robyn Wand # Lean Logan Mark Hollands # Nicole McVicar Karly Melas

VIOLINS 2 Sarah Fisher-Dobbin Vanessa Anderson # Lauraine Fullbrook Jude Hulson-Calvert Vicky Palmer Reg Lear Madeleine Snook # Rachel Montalbano

20

OBOES Rachel Tolmie  Andrew Ross

# CCCon student

TROMBONE Gary Kosky Rowen McBride  E-Yang Liu 

BASSOONS Zola Smith Joe Wolfe

TUBA Rowan Taylor

HORNS Chris Hunt  Kahlea Balcomb Radu Boros Arthur Webster

FLUTES/PICCOLO Rosalie Bourne  Vanessa Ropa  Aaron Rothemond |

TRUMPETS Trish O'Hearn Michael Tierney

CLARINETS Greg Turner Diane Gardiner 

BASSES Ian Esplin Steven Dunn  Fiona Lugg 

VIOLAS Natalie Adby Danny Morris

 CCCon teacher

The musicians of SCC

|

 CCGS student

TIMPANI/PERCUSSION Barney Waters Wesley Chegwidden # Gerard Nicholls |

 CCGS teacher/tutor

Salute We salute our corporate sponsors and funding partners.

Their support helps ensure we provide musical experiences that continue to inspire our audiences.

DIAMOND $20,000 PLUS

GOLD $10,000 - $19,999

RUBY $5,000 – $9,999

BUSINESS PATRONS

21

22

HEROES Sunday 3 April WAR & PEACE Sunday 26 June PRODIGIES Sunday 18 September CLASSICS Sunday 4 December

2016 CONCERT SEASON

VENUE

Central Coast Grammar School Arundel Road, ERINA HEIGHTS

HOW TO BOOK

SCC 2016 subscriptions open now. Single tickets open in February.  Online symphonycentralcoast.com.au  Phone 0478 708 474 If you have any further questions about booking tickets, please contact SCC on 0478 708 474.

GET CONNECTED

Follow us on Facebook or sign up for email newsletters.

23

Connect with us

SYMPHONY CENTRAL COAST

SYMPHONY CENTRAL COAST

SYMPHONY CENTRAL COAST

symphonycentralcoast.com.au

 The SCC website is your gateway to more information about the artists and programmes of our exciting 2016 Season. G et the latest SCC news about upcoming special events. F ollow us on Facebook or sign up for email newsletters.

24