TROY QUINN, MUSIC DIRECTOR DIGITAL PROGRAM
Access all things The Venice Symphony with our digital program on your smartphone, tablet, or computer!
Inside you’ll discover:
● Concert notes detailing musical works, fun facts, and the history behind today’s symphonic selections.
● Local contributors and The Venice Symphony community partners
● More ways to get involved and stay connected with Symphony staff, programs, and musicians!
Please be courteous of other patrons…
Access the digital program before or after the concert, or during intermission.
Change your display settings to Night Mode for viewing while in the auditorium.
Thank you and enjoy the performance!
Dear Friends,
On behalf of The Venice Symphony, it is a thrill to welcome you to A Symphonic Spooktacular, our first-ever October concert weekend! We are grateful to Music Director Troy Quinn, our musicians, Symphony staff and the Venice Performing Arts Center for making it happen. A special welcome to everyone experiencing our orchestra for the first time and all the families and young people who joined us through our student engagement offers. We’re glad you’re here!
This season is packed with a dynamic lineup of every kind for every kind of music lover. Join us on October 19th for the first Soundscapes Chamber Series Concert: Dances of Life. We’re bringing BIG sound to the intimate setting of the Venice Community Center with musicians you know and love. This new series has limited seating so be among the first to experience our musicians up close and personal!
On November 9th, we invite you to “jukebox and jive” at our premier fundraiser for the 2025-26 Season…Jukebox Brunch at Plantation Golf & Country Club. Travel back in time to the sock hop era where you can hear (and even request!) classic tunes from Venice Big Band musicians and raise funds to support The Symphony’s mission. Sunday best encouraged.
Then on November 22nd, the full Venice Symphony Big Band makes its debut with Cornucopia of Jazz right here at the Venice Performing Arts Center. Led by Pete BarenBregge with special guest vocalists Jeremy Gaynor and Michelle Amato this is the perfect way to kick off your Thanksgiving week.
You can learn more about all our upcoming concerts and events at thevenicesymphony.com, see us during intermission, or visit our office. Thank you for being here today, and enjoy A Symphonic Spooktacular!
With heartfelt thanks,
Christine Kasten, President/CEO The Venice Symphony
TROY QUINN, MUSIC DIRECTOR TROY QUINN, MUSIC DIRECTOR
Emmy-nominated conductor Troy Quinn has quickly established himself as one of his generation’s most versatile young artists. Lauded for his energetic and riveting conducting, charismatic stage presence, and genre-defying programs, Quinn is in his eighth season as Music Director of the Venice Symphony in Florida. He is also in his ninth season as Music Director of the Owensboro Symphony in Kentucky and serves concurrently as the Pops Conductor of both the Rhode Island Philharmonic and the Santa Rosa Symphony in California. Quinn’s engagements have included performances with many prestigious orchestras in the United States, including the Boston Pops, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia.
Equally at home in the pops and commercial world, Quinn has performed and recorded with some of the most popular artists of our time, including The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Barry Manilow, Lee Greenwood, Josh Groban, Jennifer Hudson, Michael Feinstein, Tower of Power, Rockapella, Cypress Hill, The Indigo Girls, and Nas. As an accomplished vocalist, Quinn has also collaborated with such renowned composers as Alan Menken, Hans Zimmer, Alan Silvestri, and Alexandre Desplat while performing under prominent maestros, including Helmuth Rilling, Carl St. Clair, and Dan Saunders of the Metropolitan Opera. In addition to his concert work, Quinn has worked extensively in the television and recording industry, earning an Emmy nomination for the PBS special A Night at the Oscars with the Owensboro Symphony. He has made appearances on such hit television shows as Fox’s GLEE, NBC’s The Voice, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno while recording on films like The Call of the Wild and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. He has also appeared at many of the world’s major music centers and at such famed venues as the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Tanglewood.
A native of Connecticut, Quinn pursued a bachelor of arts degree from Providence College where he was the recipient of the Leo S. Cannon award for superior achievement in the music field. He went on to earn his master’s degree with honors from the Manhattan School of Music, studying conducting with David Gilbert and voice with highly acclaimed Metropolitan Opera singer Mark Oswald. He completed his doctorate in conducting at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, where he studied with Larry Livingston and Jo-Michael Scheibe and was named the outstanding doctoral graduate of his class. Quinn has participated in numerous masterclasses as a conducting fellow, attending conducting institutes at the Royal Academy of Music, Eastman School of Music, and Bard Conservatory of Music. He has been mentored by such renowned conductors as Benjamin Zander, Neil Varon, and Leon Botstein. Quinn serves on the conducting faculty at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music and has previously served as a faculty member at Providence College, where he was also awarded an honorary doctorate.
CONCERT PROGRAM
October 10, 2025 | 7:30 pm
October 11, 2025 | 3:30 pm
Troy Quinn, Music Director
Modest Mussorgsky Night on Bald Mountain arr. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Bernard Herrmann
Paul Dukas
Johannes Brahms
Psycho: A Short Suite for String Orchestra
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
INTERMISSION
Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68
I. Un poco sostenuto – Allegro
II. Andante sostenuto
III. Un poco allegretto e grazioso
IV. Adagio – Più andante – Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
Today’s performance will be approximately 90 minutes in length.
The box office is open before the concert and during intermission. Late arrivals will be seated during musical breaks in the program. Please silence your cell phones during the concert.
Food and beverages are not allowed in the concert hall. Please visit the information tables in the lobby. Enjoy the concert.
MUSICIANS
M u S i C D ire CT or Troy Quinn
Fir ST Vio L i N
Marcus Ratzenboeck
Concertmaster
Paul & Linda Mulligan Chair
Hannah Cho
Associate Concertmaster
Stephen & Redenta Picazio Chair
Katherine Gilger
Assistant Concertmaster
Diane & James Crawford Chair
Wallace DePue
Edward & Patricia Crary Chair
Sergio Carleo
Robert & Bonnie Anderson Chair
Francisco Diaz
Albert & Susan DiGiacomo Chair
Sardor Djumaev
Henry & Joan Hajdas Chair
Benita Dzhurkova
Maria Bradley & Martin Pfister Chair
João Felipe da Fraga
Frank & Kathe Magadance Chair
Evgeny Komarnitskiy
Jack & Beth Gehring Chair
Karissa Ratzenboeck
Joseph & Maureen Bentley Chair
Eliot Roske
Patricia McClure Chair
Iryna Usova
Rev. Chris & Paula Gray Chair
Ilana Zaks
Se C o ND Vio L i N
Amy Rawstron Watson, Principal
Beatrice Holt Chair
Erik Berg, Assistant Principal
Barbara Freeman Chair
Samvel Arakelyan
Ernest & Judith Bago Chair
Isabella Diaz
Robby Cordes & Ginger Mace Chair
Anna Khalikova
Elena Komarnitskaia
Xiaomeng Ma
Alex Shlifer
Brian Stuligross
David & Deborah West Chair
Yordan Tenev
Rebecca Tozzie
Nicole Rawley
Vio LA
Paul Reynolds, Principal
Joseph & Sally DeAngelo Chair
Ethan Durell, Assistant Principal
Mark & Jeanne Polzin Chair
Yaniv Cohen
Michael & Ginger O’Keefe Chair
Roberto Henriquez
Brian & Ruth Smith Chair
Seongwoo Jeong
Emily Lane
Rosa Ortega
Audrey Naffe
Rafael Ramirez
Ce LL o Susan Debronsky, Principal
Thomas & Martha Galek Chair
Natalie Taylor, Assistant Principal
Michael & Patricia Dunlap Chair
Chen Chen
Oliver Cole
Antonio Innaimo
Helen Lewis
Joel Osinga
Chris Pegis
B ASS
Christopher Riley, Principal
John Myers Chair
Trent Harper, Assistant Principal
Kenneth & Selma Bitz Chair
Kevin Gallagher
Jonathan Ingram
Laura Miranda
Conroy-Mueller Family Chair
Jordan Nashman
F L u T e
Francesca Arnone, Principal
Carole Raymond Chair
Rene Miska
Megan Cardone
Dennis & Marilyn Eshoo Chair
P i CC o L o
Megan Cardone
Dennis & Marilyn Eshoo Chair
O BOE
Amy Collins, Principal
George De Luisi Chair
Chanmi Kim
Patrick & Geri Allard Chair
Elias Daniel Medina
e NGL i SH H or N
Chanmi Kim
Patrick & Geri Allard Chair
C LA ri N e T
Asher Carlson, Principal
Wesley John Schumacher Chair
Kelsey Castellanos
Dennis & Ruthanne Neeser Chair
Michael Drapkin
Vinod & Gail Sahney Chair
b ASS CLA ri N e T
Michael Drapkin
Vinod & Gail Sahney Chair
bASS oo N
Patrick Broder, Principal
Stephen & Nancy Eibling Chair
Javi Rodriguez
Ann Adair
Stephen B. Hammond Chair
C o NT r A b ASS oo N
Ann Adair
Stephen B. Hammond Chair
Hor N
Joseph Lovinsky, Principal
Bill & Sara Gill Chair
Chase DeCarlo
Steve Easton Chair
Jennifer Miller
Floyd & Mary Juday Chair
Margaret Dixon
Lisa Bontrager
Tru MP e T
Kris Marshall, Principal
Henry & Barbara Price Chair
David Dash
Bert & Janetta Nicholson Chair
Kenneth Brown
John Castleman
Dean & Theresa Hilgers Chair
Jeff Wooldridge
Tro M bo N e
Joe Offner, Principal
Bill & Kitty Gamber Chair
Tom McNair
Teddy Arnold
b ASS T ro M bo N e
Chris Lundquist
Tub A
Joseph Alvarez, Principal
Mick & Cindy Bryan Chair
Ti MPAN i
Gavin Dougherty, Principal
Joseph & Susan Wolters Chair
Julie Angelis Boehler
Per C u SS io N
Dana Kimble, Principal
Elliott & Dana Corn Chair
Al Lyman
Michael Woods
Jeanne & Larry Clark Chair
Nick Bruno
John & Maureen Heakin Chair
Isaac Hernandez
HARP
Giuseppina Ciarla, Principal
David Chivas & Ron RIce Chair
KEYBOARD
Judi Glover, Principal
Fred & Cindy Gossman Chair
CONCERT NOTES
Night on Bald Mountain
background:
● Composer: Modest Mussorgsky
● Composition Date: 1867 (originally composed as a tone poem for orchestra)
● Premiere: The piece was never performed during Mussorgsky’s lifetime; it was first performed posthumously in a different version
Concept:
● The work is a vivid orchestral depiction of a witches’ sabbath taking place on Bald Mountain, inspired by Russian folklore and the imagery of dark, supernatural forces
Structure and Themes:
● The piece is known for its dramatic and unsettling atmosphere, featuring an eerie and tumultuous orchestral texture
● It portrays a nightmarish vision with a chaotic and tumultuous structure, illustrating the gathering of witches and demons
Original Version Highlights:
● Introduction: The piece starts with a mysterious and foreboding atmosphere, building up to a frenetic and climactic depiction of the witches’ revelry
● Themes: Mussorgsky’s use of powerful rhythms and dissonant harmonies creates a vivid representation of the supernatural
Nikolai rimsky-Korsakov’s Arrangement background:
● Arranger: Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
● Date of Arrangement: 1886 (published in 1886, nearly 20 years after the original composition)
● Premiere of Arrangement: Rimsky-Korsakov’s version was performed shortly after its completion and became the more popular and widely recognized version
Concept:
● Rimsky-Korsakov’s arrangement of Mussorgsky’s work is known for its polished orchestration and refined sound. Rimsky-Korsakov made significant changes to enhance the orchestral color and clarity, making the piece more accessible to audiences
CONCERT NOTES
reception:
Rimsky-Korsakov’s version became the standard performance text for Night on Bald Mountain, overshadowing Mussorgsky’s original version due to its enhanced orchestration and more polished presentation.
This arrangement of Night on Bald Mountain remains a staple in the classical orchestral repertoire, celebrated for its dramatic power and vivid orchestration.
Psycho: A Short Suite for String Orchestra
background:
● Composer: Bernard Herrmann
● Composition Date: The suite is based on Herrmann’s original film score for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 film Psycho
● Premiere of Suite: The suite was arranged and performed in various versions after the film’s release, with arrangements for concert performance becoming popular in later years
Concept:
● Herrmann’s original score for Psycho is known for its iconic and unsettling music, which plays a crucial role in enhancing the film’s suspense and psychological intensity
● The suite for string orchestra distills key elements of the film score into a condensed concert format, showcasing Herrmann’s mastery of tension and atmosphere through a more focused orchestral medium
reception and impact:
Herrmann’s Psycho score is widely regarded as one of the greatest film scores of all time, and the suite for string orchestra provides an opportunity for audiences to experience its powerful music outside the context of the film.
CONCERT NOTES
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
background:
● Composer: Paul Dukas
● Composition Date: 1897
● Premiere: 1897 in Paris
● Original Context: The piece was inspired by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s poem of the same name, which was published in 1797. Goethe’s poem was also famously depicted by Ludwig van Beethoven in his incidental music for the play Egmont, and the story has been a popular subject for various artistic interpretations
Concept:
● The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is a symphonic poem that captures the narrative of Goethe’s poem, which tells the story of an apprentice who, in his master’s absence, uses magic to perform a task but loses control, resulting in chaos and disaster
reception and impact:
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is one of Dukas’s most famous works and is celebrated for its inventive orchestration and vivid storytelling. It has been a popular piece in concert repertoires and was famously featured in Disney’s Fantasia (1940), where it was animated by Walt Disney Studios, bringing the story to life in a memorable and influential way.
The piece remains a favorite for its dramatic and colorful portrayal of a well-known story, demonstrating Dukas’s skill in orchestral composition and his ability to translate literary narrative into musical form.
Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, op. 68
background:
● Composer: Johannes Brahms
● Composition Date: 1855-1876 (with the final version completed in 1876)
● Premiere: November 4, 1876, in Karlsruhe, Germany, conducted by Hermann Levi
CONCERT NOTES
Concept:
● Brahms’s Symphony No. 1 is often seen as a monumental work, reflecting Brahms’s evolution as a composer and his efforts to establish his own symphonic voice in the shadow of Beethoven
● The symphony is sometimes referred to as “Beethoven’s Tenth” due to its thematic depth and complexity, and Brahms’s own struggle with the legacy of Beethoven’s symphonies
reception and impact:
Brahms’s Symphony No. 1 was met with critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a staple of the symphonic repertoire. It represents a significant achievement in Brahms’s compositional career and is admired for its formal complexity and emotional depth.
The symphony’s historical context, combined with Brahms’s innovative approach to symphonic writing, ensures its place as a cornerstone of the orchestral repertoire.
Don’t Miss Our Pre-Concert Talks
Join Music Director Troy Quinn, soloists and musicians for a casual, entertaining and informative talk and Q&A.
This is a free half-hour program before every concert, and you do not need a concert ticket or reservation. Open seating is in the orchestra level of the concert hall.
SPONSORED BY
CHAIR SOCIETY
The Venice Symphony Chair Society is dedicated to supporting The Symphony today and in the future.
Members have the opportunity to sponsor a musician’s chair in the orchestra, attend exclusive events with Maestro Troy Quinn and Symphony musicians and more.
Patrick & Geri Allard*
Dale & Carolyn Anderson^
Robert & Bonnie Anderson^*
Mary Jo Ardington
Ernest & Judith Bago^*
Russell & Barbara Bahner
Roxanne Baker
Mary Behe & Robert Davies
Warren Benson
Joe & Maureen Bentley^*
Linda Bentley
Kenneth & Selma Bitz*
Steven & Kathleen Black
Karen Booth*
William & Cindy Bouman
Robert & Sharon Boynton
Glenn Bradley & Don Farrelly
Maria Bradley & Martin Pfister*
Pat Brandt
Marjorie Brooks
Mick & Cindy Bryan*
Edmund Campbell Jr.^
Paul Campbell
Betty Castigliano^
David Chivas & Ron Rice*
Jeanne & Larry Clark*
Robby Cordes & Ginger Mace*
Elliott & Dana Corn^*
Katharine Couchot
Edward & Patricia Crary*
Diane & James Crawford*
George De Luisi*
Sally & Joseph DeAngelo*
Susan DiGiacomo*
Michael & Patricia Dunlap^*
Steve Easton*
Steve & Nancy Eibling*
Dennis & Marilyn Eshoo*
Chet & Patsy Fennell
Diane & Mark Fennelly
Patricia Fjetland & Linda Newton
Barbara Freeman^*
Dennie & Barbara Gahry
Thomas & Martha Galek*
Jason Gallourakis & Edwin Beltran
Bill & Kitty Gamber*
Jack & Beth Gehring*
Bill & Sara Gill^*
Fred & Cindy Gossman*
Rev. Chris & Paula Gray*
James & Anne Grubb
Henry & Joan Hajdas^*
Stephen B. Hammond*
Katie & Mitch Hartsock
John & Maureen Heakin*
David & Joan Heald
Theresa & Dean Hilgers*
Gary Hill & John Schultz
Barbara Hoeker
2025-26 MEMBERSHIP
Paul & Marilyn Hollowell
Beatrice Holt^*
Quint Jackson
Robert & Lili Jones
Floyd & Mary Juday^*
Carol Karakashian
Doug & Dana Kasl
George & Sue Kennedy
Billie & Lee King
Pat Knasiak
Joe & Janice LaFramboise
John & Beverly Larson
Gordon & Joan Lehman
Tim & Christine Madigan
Patricia Madyda
Frank & Kathe Magadance*
Marcia Major
Jane Marcin
Barbara & Sil Martinage
Margaret Massara
Linda Masterson
Denise & Tom Mattmuller
Patricia McClure*
Michael & Anita McRobert
Jon Metzger
Gerhard & Edith Mueller^*
Michael Mueller &
Mary Ann Conroy*
Paul & Linda Mulligan*
John Myers*
Dennis & Ruthanne Neeser^*
Bert & Jan Nicholson*
Michael & Ginger O’Keefe*
Helen Pape^
Linda Patriarca^
Donna Perkins^
Joe & Melanie Piacentino
Steve & Redenta Picazio^*
Mark & Jeanne Polzin*
Henry & Barbara Price^*
Carole Raymond^*
Howard & JoAnne Reed
Dr. Jim Renz
Vinod & Gail Sahney*
Brian & Ruth Smith*
Murray & Sharon Smith*
Lucinda Spaney
Paul & Charlene Turczyn
Frederick & Claudette Varricchio
Margaret Weiss
Dave & Deborah West*
Anita Wilson
Joseph & Susan Wolters*
^Charter Members
*Denotes Chair Sponsors
For complete membership information contact
EXPERIENCE • ENGAGE • CONNECT
Stay connected with The Venice Symphony even after the concert ends!
Stop by our tables in the VPAC lobby or visit thevenicesymphony.org to learn more about our many programs:
Friends of The Venice Symphony
Become an ambassador of The Venice Symphony. Our Friends meet each month to plan fundraisers, socials, and other Symphony events. Volunteer in the Symphony office, at concerts, and educational events.
Patrons on Percussion
Join our Patrons on Percussion (POPS) program and be our guest bass drum soloist, playing The Star Spangled Banner at one of our concerts at The Venice Performing Arts Center. (No experience necessary … we’ll provide coaching.)
Chamber Musicians & ensembles
Members of The Venice Symphony are available to perform at your special event. Whether it’s a soloist to serenade your guests or a jazz ensemble for larger parties, we will find the perfect musicians for your needs.
Musician Host Program
Our musicians travel from all over the world to perform for you in Venice, FL. Through the Musician Host Program, select patrons and volunteers share their homes and experiences with visiting musicians to provide a rehearsal space and a “home away from home.”
Chair Society
Invest in excellence when you join this ensemble of our most loyal and passionate concertgoers. Many Chair Society members go the extra mile in their giving to sponsor a chair in the orchestra. This additional investment helps significantly to cover production costs necessary to provide the highest standard of concerts.
COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS
we gratefully acknowledge contributions and support received
June 1, 2025 - September 17, 2025
Corporations & Businesses
FourThought Private Wealth
Johnson & Johnson
Merrill Lynch - Picazio/McHargue Group
Foundations
Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Gulf Coast Community Foundation
McHargue Family Foundation
The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation
The Patterson Foundation
Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation Government
Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues
Organizations
SAI Sarasota-Manatee Alumnae Chapter
Venice-Nokomis Rotary
Individual Giving
M A e ST ro • $20,000 - $49,999
John Myers
Stephen & Redenta Picazio
Dale & Nancie Shellenbaum Trust In memory of Nancie
Co NC er TMAST er • $10,000 - $19,999
Elliott & Dana Corn
Steve & Laura Enz
Stephen B. Hammond
Rosalie Hardman
Floyd & Mary Juday
Linda & Paul Mulligan
Frank & Elaine Pagliaro
Michael Sbabo
Murray & Sharon Smith
David & Deborah West
Vir T uo S o • $5,000 - $9,999
Dale & Caroline Anderson Anonymous
John & Chris Behnke
Mick & Cindy Bryan
Diane & James Crawford
Sally & Joseph DeAngelo
Patricia Fjetland & Linda Newton
Bill & Kitty Gamber
Paul & Marilyn Hollowell
Beatrice Holt
Tom & Mary Lynch
Michael & Anita McRobert
Jon Metzger
Carole Raymond
Pri NC i PAL • $2,500 - $4,999
Kenneth & Selma Bitz
Karen Booth
William Brand & Patricia Bullock
Berta Campagna
Paul Campbell
Sue Chapman & Robert Brooke
David Chivas & Ron Rice
George DeLuisi
Michael & Patricia Dunlap
Dennis & Marilyn Eshoo
Mark & Lees Ferguson
Tom & Martha Galek
Fred & Cindy Gossman
Timothy & Dawn Jackson
Cole McHargue
Gerhard & Edith Mueller
Dennis & Ruthanne Neeser
Martin Pfister & Maria Bradley
Mark & Jeanne Polzin
Henry & Barbara Price
Melvin Storm
David & Beverly Wimberly
Susan & Joseph Wolters
o r CH e ST r A • $1,000 - $2,499
Robert & Bonnie Anderson
Ernest & Judith Bago
Mary Behe
Joe & Maureen Bentley
William Blomquist
Gary Boruff
Don & Jean Broman
Debra Buttaggi
COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS
Russel & Stephanie Campbell
Jeanne & Larry Clark
Robby Cordes & Ginger Mace
Edward & Patricia Crary
Steve Easton
Roger & Sally Effron
Chris & Paula Gray
Henry & Joan Hadjas
Robert Hardy
John & Maureen Heakin
Joyce Heimonen
John & Betty Herr
Dean & Theresa Hilgers
Barbara Hoecker
Doug & Dana Kasl
Sara & Curtis Kasten
Russell & Barbara Bahner
Roxanne Baker
Suzanne Biviano
June Bock
William & Cindy Bouman
Robert & Sharon Boynton
Glenn Bradley
William & Linda Cantrell
Kristine Cottrill
James & Natalie Croston
Robert Denmead
Tony Dolejs
Mike & Marty Dolley
Gilbert & Carol Drendel
Chet & Patsy Fennell
Diane & Mark Fennelly
Sanford Feuer & Bonnie Morley
Robert & Susan Foster
Dennis & Barbara Gahry
Jason Gallourakis & Edwin Beltran
Jack & Beth Gehring
Robert & Anne Germain
Joseph & Marietta Graber
James & Anne Grubb
Katie & Mitch Hartsock
Don Lazzaro
Frank & Kathe Magadance
Patricia McClure
Paul Michael & Betty Morton
Jonathan Mulford
Michael & Ginger O’Keefe
Stephen & Kay Olah
Helen Pape
Paul & Mary Ellen Quigley
Dr. Jim Renz
Vinod & Gail Sahney
Gene & Winnie Scuteri
Brian & Ruth Smith
Judy Wolf
Richard Yow
Janice Zarro
David & Joan Heald
Rita Hebel
Les & Elaine Jones
Robert & Lili Jones
David & Caitlin Joyner
George & Sue Kennedy
Billie & Lee King
Cora Kukula
Janice & Joe LaFramboise
Gordon & Joan Lehman
Tim & Christine Madigan
Barbara & Sil Martinage
Denise & Tom Mattmuller
Douglas & Mitti Meyers
Joe & Melanie Piacentino
Howard & JoAnne Reed
Craig & Karen Riley
Robert & Antoinette Ross
Jerry & Judy Rush
John & Jacklyn Ruthman
Maxine Slattery
Paul & Charlene Turczyn
Linda Varone
Frederick & Claudette Varricchio
Winthrop & Vanessa Wassenar
COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS
Su PP or T er • $100 - $499
Gale & Anne Adams
Judith Ammerman
Judith Anderson
Virginia Lee Anderson
Mary Jo Ardington
Robert & Charlene Arena
Bernard & Monica Baker
Paul & Jean Ballas
Stephen Balsam
William & Bettye Bartholomay
Gerry & Lynn Baskin
Bill Baxter
Robert & Leanne Belancik
Warren Benson
Robert & Kathleen Bittner
Elaine Bixler
Kathleen & Steven Black
Patricia Bowman
Pat Brandt
Marjorie Brooks
Anne Burbine
Betty-Ann Busby
Rosemary Bussiere
Nicholas Ciallelo
Richard & Caryle Cirello
Ana Ciszek
Judith Collins
Katharine Couchot
Eleanor & James Crawford
John & Carol Cummiskey
Joseph Daku & Marge Bundy
Rob & Janice Daly
Steve & Elizabeth Dauphinais
Gloria Davies
Norma & Bruce Dayton
Scot Deagan
Patricia & Frank Desiderio
Geoff & Julie Dobson
Greg & Jen Douglas
Andrew & Karen Durette
Fred & Kathleen Englert
Linda Falco
Nancy Fink
John Fippen
Eddie & Sandra Fisk
Terry & Brenda Foster
Richard & Fillisha Fox
Karl E. Fraedrich
Carolyn & Charles Francis
Robert & Grace Fries
Dreama Fumia
Carla & Jerry Gabbard
Judith Ganschaw
Al & Peg Gatto
Norb & Diana Geiss
Linda Gobler
Peter Goldthwaite
Karen & DRC Gonzales
Cathi Grote
Arnold & Ellen Gwirtzman
Paula Hagan
Warren & Jean Hall
Earl & Phyllis Hannum
Jane Hardy
Kathleen Harrison
James Henry & Jane Smith
Nancy Herron
Virginia Hofford
Barbara B. Howe
Dennis & Jill Hudson
Ed & Diane Huller
Carol & Larry Humes
Peggy Hunt
Michael & Virginia Hurney
Quint Jackson
Terry & Cheryl Jardis
Bill & Lois Johanns
Pamela Johnson
Sonny Jones
Carol Karakashian
David & Janet Keffer
Patricia Knasiak
Deborah Kostroun
James & J.C. Kuczynski
COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS
Supporter continued
Bob & Carol Kunath
Frank & Rosalie Kunsman
John & Beverly Larson
Nora Lavelle
George & Jacqueline Lincoln
Susan Littlehales
Judy Livingston
Hal & Shirley Loud
Anthony Madera
Patricia Madyda
Marcia Major
James & Jo Manwaring
Jane Marcin
Margaret Massara
Linda Masterson
Mark Mathisen
Kathy McCarthy
Bryant & Jane McNiece
Ronald & Margaret Meyers
Jean Miller
Kary & Jennifer Miller
Mary Louise Morris
Bernhard & Dorothy Muller
Martha Ness
Charles & Betty Newsom
Barbara O’Brian
Mary Jo & Herb Ormsbee
Ralph & Loretta Orrico
Richard Pastore
Linda Patriarca
Donna Perkins
Jane Phillips
Robert & Ann Porawski
Barbara Quinn
Joseph Rue
Sharon Rugh
Marion Sautner & Virgilio Beruffi
Dirk & Lucinda Scholten
Larry Schornack
Dave & Sally Sentner
Jane Serio
Tom & Charlene Sherrer
Steve & Jan Simon
George & Jacquelyn Snyder
Dan & Nancy Spohn
Dowd & Dr. Jill Sullivan
Barbara Talmage
Sandra Thomas
Don & Leslie Titzel
Inia Tunstall
Renee Uhlich
Susan Weiner
Margaret Weiss
Clarke & Diane Welsh
Louise Wiggins
Malcolm Williamson
Anita Wilson
Rich & Kathie Wilson
Katherine Wolyniak
John & Toni Yahres
Beverly Zaffino
Nicholas & Janet Zennario
iN Me M ori AM
Don Lazzaro in memory of Maggie Kennedy
Maria Micillo in memory of Carlo Pizzati
Michael Sbabo in memory of Carol Sbabo
T ribu T e S
Mark & Roberta Simon in honor of Elliott Corn on the occasion of his 75th birthday
If you believe there is an error or omission in this list, please call Holly Anderson at 941-207-8822.
SUPPORT THE SYMPHONY
Your personal investment is the reason The Venice Symphony delivers exceptional concerts and affordable music education. Together, musical excellence is sustained and lives transformed.
Annual Fund – The Venice Symphony’s primary source of operating revenue and outreach. Contributions may be given monthly, quarterly or annually.
Donor Advised Funds and irA Distributions – A contribution from an IRA or DAF is an excellent way to achieve your charitable giving objectives. *
employee Match – Many corporations will match their current employee’s or retiree’s donation. This can potentially double or triple the amount you give.
Living Trusts and bequests – Pledge a will bequest or name The Venice Symphony as a beneficiary of a retirement or life insurance plan. *
Monthly Giving option – An easy and affordable way to offer support! Simply select monthly recurring payments when giving online or when visiting or calling our administrative offices.
Play it Forward - Donate an instrument and help make a difference for a young musician in our community.
Small business and Corporate engagement – Strengthen your community by offering support through concert sponsorships, participating in special events, advertising or other unique opportunities. Let’s curate a doable option for your business!
Stock and Securities – Gifts of appreciated stocks are welcomed and may be advantageous to the donor from a tax point of view. *
For more information on any of these opportunities, speak with a Development Team member by calling 941-207-8822 or visit our Administrative Offices.
*Because each situation is different, please consult your tax advisor about tax benefits.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION #CH5442 AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
941-207-8822
MUSIC EDUCATION
PHoTo CreDiT: DeirDre CHriSTMAN
ADMINISTRATION & STAFF
2025-2026
The Venice Symphony board of Trustees
officers
Roger Effron, Chair
Brad Speckerman, Vice Chair
Peter Oliger, Secretary
Cole McHargue, Treasurer
Members
Robby Cordes
Natalie Croston
Susan DiGiacomo
Jennifer Douglas
Marc Gerken
Denise Mattmuller
Paul McCullough
Nick Pachota
Joshua P. Perez
Casey Riley
Ken Sadler
our MiSSioN
The Venice Symphony exists to inspire and transform lives through exceptional musical experiences.
our ViSioN
Uniting Through Music
executive office
Christine Kasten, President/CEO
Candace Kurtz, Manager of office operations
Alison Posner-Solares, Patron Services and Ticketing Manager
Artistic operations
Dana Kimble, Vice President of Artistic operations
Susan Debronsky, Artistic Coordinator
Al Lyman, Principal Librarian
Terry williams, Assistant Librarian
Patricia Dunlap, Musician Host Program Manager
Development
Holly Anderson, Vice President of Philanthropy
Holly Rubin, Development Associate
Crystal wellman, Special Events Associate
Finance
Erica Downs, Finance Manager
Music education, Community engagement
Tim Ferguson, Production Manager + Director of Education and outreach
Nicole rawley, Concert Strings Conductor
Christopher riley, Symphonic Strings Conductor
David wing, Symphonic Winds Conductor
Marketing
Dania Harvey, Director of Marketing and Communications
Keishen Lloyd, Digital Marketing Specialist
Stacy Rector, Graphic Designer
Judith engle-Purple, Graphic Designer
Get Social
wiTh The Venice SYmphonY
NEWS ••• PHOTOS ••• VIDEOS
Stay connected with The Venice Symphony even after the concert ends!
Follow us on Facebook, instagram, and youtube for upcoming events and music news.
Like and Share The Symphony with Your Friends