TROY QUINN, MUSIC DIRECTOR DIGITAL PROGRAM
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Dear Friends,
Welcome to our sold out concert weekend of “Crazy for Gershwin”! Together with Music Director Troy Quinn, we are thrilled to take part in the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with a concert that pays homage to the 20th century American composer and pianist. We are also delighted to welcome prodigy pianist Conrad Tao to Venice and perform alongside your Venice Symphony. New York Magazine calls him “The kind of musician who is shaping the future of classical music.”, and we are fortunate enough to have him here at The Venice Performing Arts Center!
With just a handful of concerts left in our season, our patrons are asking us for more…and we are excited to deliver just that! “More of What You Love”, is the theme of The Venice Symphony’s 2025-26 Season. As always, Maestro Quinn has programmed a new season of traditional classics and contemporary performances. You’ll be cheering on Classical Rock Stars like Beethoven and Mozart, traveling to exotic destinations, and celebrating TV & Film’s greatest scores without ever leaving your seat! Our new season brochure will be hitting your mailboxes at the end of this month so please update your mailing information with the Box Office at your earliest convenience.
Additionally, mark your calendars for our upcoming Patriotic Pops concert on May 24 at CoolToday Park. With the theme “The Greatest Generation,” this special event pays tribute to the brave spirit of World War II. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased via Ticketmaster or in person at CoolToday Park.
Whether we see you here at the VPAC, out at Wellen Park, or on the baseball field, The Venice Symphony is dedicated to keeping the music playing all season long. So please, sit back, relax, and enjoy today’s performance!
Warm regards,
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, yet sensitive conducting, Quinn is in his seventh season as Music Director of the Venice Symphony in Florida. He is also in his eighth season as Music Director of the Owensboro Symphony in Kentucky and serves concurrently as the Pops Conductor of both the Santa Rosa Symphony in California and the Rhode Island Philharmonic. 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, The Indigo Girls, and Nas. As an accomplished vocalist, Quinn has also collaborated with such prominent maestros as 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, where Quinn conducted the BUTI orchestra.
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.
CONCERT PROGRAM
March 14th, 2025 I 7:30pm March 15th, 2025 I 3:30 + 7:30pm
Troy Quinn, Music Director
George Gershwin Girl Crazy Overture
arr. Don Rose
George Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
arr. Ferde Grofé Conrad Tao, Piano
INTERMISSION
George Gershwin An American in Paris arr. Frank Campbell-Watson
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 SIC DI re CT or Troy Quinn David & Deborah West Chair
F I r ST V I o LI n
Marcus Ratzenboeck
Concertmaster
Paul & Linda Mulligan Chair
Hannah Cho
Associate Concertmaster
Stephen & Redenta Picazio Chair
Katherine Gilger
Assistant Concertmaster
Diane & James Crawford Chair
Erik Berg
Edward and Patricia Crary Chair
Sergio Carleo
Robert & Bonnie Anderson Chair
Francisco Diaz
Henry & Joan Hajdas Chair
Benita Dzhurkova
Mark & Jeanne Polzin Chair
João Felipe da Fraga
Frank & Kathe Magadance Chair
Emin Huseynov
Albert & Susan DiGiacomo Chair
Evgeny Komarnitskiy
Maria Bradley & Martin Pfister Chair
Karissa Ratzenboeck
Joseph & Maureen Bentley Chair
Iryna Usova
Rev. Chris & Paula Gray Chair
Se C on D V I o LI n
Amy Rawstron Watson, Principal
Beatrice Holt Chair
Wallace DePue, Assistant Principal
Barbara Freeman Chair
Samvel Arakelyan
Sidney & Suzanne Durham Chair
Isabella Diaz
Ernest & Judith Bago Chair
Jana Kaminsky
Robert & Barbara McClure Chair
Anna Khalikova
Elena Komarnitskaia
Jack & Beth Gehring Chair
Xiaomeng Ma
Nicole Rawley
Imanuel Sandoval
V I o L a
Paul Reynolds, Principal
Elliott & Dana Corn Chair
Ethan Durell, Assistant Principal
Fred & Cindy Gossman Chair
Yaniv Cohen
David Chivas & Ron Rice Chair
Roberto Henriquez
Brian & Ruth Smith Chair
Seongwoo Jeong
Monica MacMichael
Rafael Ramirez
Michael & Ginger O’Keefe Chair
Teal Vickery
Daphne Waggener
Ce LL o
Susan Debronsky, Principal
Thomas & Martha Galek Chair
Julia Tretyakova, Assistant Principal
Michael & Patricia Dunlap Chair
Oliver Cole
Maida Hoag Atkins Chair
Anthony De Peña
Antonio Innaimo
Helen Lewis
Rocio Mendoza-Silva
Chris Pegis
B ASS
Christopher Riley, Principal
John Myers Chair
Trent Harper, Assistant Principal
Kenneth & Selma Bitz Chair
Kevin Gallagher
Jonathan Ingram
Laura Miranda
Jordan Nashman
F L u T e
Francesca Arnone, Principal
Robert & Debra Waldron Chair
Angela Massey
Dennis & Marilyn Eshoo Chair
Jarrett May
Carole Raymond Chair
2024-25
p ICC o L o
Jarrett May
Carole Raymond Chair
O BO e
Amy Collins, Principal
George De Luisi Chair
Chanmi Kim
Patrick & Geri Allard Chair
en GLISH H orn Vacant
C L ar I ne T
Asher Carlson, Principal
Wesley John Schumacher Chair
Kelsey Castellanos
Dennis & Ruthanne Neeser Chair
Michael Drapkin
Vinod & Gail Sahney Chair
ba SS CL ar I ne T
Michael Drapkin
Vinod & Gail Sahney Chair
b a SS oon
Patrick Broder, Principal
Stephen & Nancy Eibling Chair
Javi Rodriguez
Stephen B. Hammond Chair
C on T raba SS oon Vacant
Stephen B. Hammond Chair
Horn
Joseph Lovinsky, Principal
Bill & Sara Gill Chair
Chase DeCarlo
Steve Easton Chair
Jennifer Miller
Floyd & Mary Juday Chair
William Bard
Margaret Dixon
Gerhard & Edith Mueller Chair
Tru M pe T
Kris Marshall, Principal
Henry & Barbara Price Chair
MUSICIANS
David Dash
Bert & Janetta Nicholson Chair
Kenneth Brown
Dean & Theresa Hilgers Chair
John Castleman
Jeff Wooldridge
Tro M bone
Joe Offner, Principal
Bill & Kitt Gamber Chair
Tom McNair
Teddy Arnold
ba SS T ro M bone
Chris Lundquist
Schultz-Hill Foundation Chair
Tuba
Joseph Alvarez, Principal
Mick & Cindy Bryan Chair
T IM pan I
Gavin Dougherty, Principal
Joseph & Susan Wolters Chair
Julie Angelis Boehler
p er C u SSI on
Dana Kimble, Principal
Robert Gilbert Storyk Chair
Al Lyman
Dr. Murray & Sharon Smith Chair
Michael Woods
Nick Bruno
William Brown
H arp
Giuseppina Ciarla, Principal
Sean & Esther Kelly Chair
K e Y boar D
Judi Glover, Principal
Joanne Corcoran Chair
The Venice Symphony is a proud member of
GUEST ARTIST
Pianist and composer Conrad Tao has been dubbed “the kind of musician who is shaping the future of classical music” by New York Magazine, and an artist of “probing intellect and openhearted vision” by The New York Times.
Conrad’s 2024/25 season includes a return to Carnegie Hall in recital performing Debussy’s 12 Études, alongside Keyed In, a work arranged and improvised by Tao on the Lumatone. He also returns to the San Francisco Symphony to perform Tchaikovsky with Nicholas Collon, the Dallas Symphony to perform Mozart with Jaap van Zweden, the St Louis Symphony to perform Saint-Saëns with David Danzmayr, and the Baltimore Symphony to perform Mozart with Jonathon Heyward. Further appearances include the Indianapolis Symphony’s opening Gala, as well as performances with the Seoul Philharmonic, and NDR Hannover with Ingo Metzmacher. He also continues his collaboration with award-winning dancer Caleb Teicher in a nationwide US tour.
In the 2023/24 season, Conrad made his subscription debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and reunited with the New York Philharmonic following summer appearances and his specially curated program for their Artist Spotlight series. Meanwhile, he celebrated Rachmaninov’s 150th anniversary with recitals presented by the Cleveland Orchestra and Klavierfestival Ruhr.
The season also saw performances with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Marin Alsop, and the Boston Symphony and Dima Slobodeniouk, as well as performances celebrating the 100th anniversary of Rhapsody in Blue at the Philharmonie Berlin, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, and the Concertgebouw Amsterdam with Matthias Pintscher and the Kansas City Symphony. His companion piece to Gershwin’s Rhapsody, Flung Out, was commissioned by the Santa Rosa Symphony, Aspen Music Festival, and Omaha Symphony.
In recent years, Conrad has been the subject of a special focus with the Finnish Radio Symphony and the Swedish Radio Symphony, both of whom have presented him over multiple concerts. He has also performed with the Orchestra Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, under both Orozco-Estrada and Antonio Pappano.
GUEST ARTIST
As a composer, his work has been performed by orchestras throughout the world; his first large-scale orchestral work, Everything Must Go, received its world premiere with the New York Philharmonic and its European premiere with the Antwerp Symphony.
Tao was born in Urbana, Illinois in 1994. He has studied piano with Emilio del Rosario in Chicago and Yoheved Kaplinsky in New York, and composition with Christopher Theofanidis.
CONCERT NOTES
George Gershwin (1898–1937) was an American composer and pianist known for his distinctive blending of classical music with jazz and popular styles. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gershwin displayed musical talent early on, studying piano and composition.
Throughout his career, Gershwin was known for his ability to effortlessly bridge the gap between different genres, with compositions ranging from orchestral works to Broadway hits. His life was tragically cut short at the age of 38 due to a brain tumor, but his legacy as one of America’s most influential composers endures. His works remain widely performed and celebrated for their creativity, rhythmic innovation, and emotional depth.
The Girl Crazy Overture is an orchestral piece composed by George Gershwin for his 1930 Broadway musical Girl Crazy, which starred Ethel Merman in her Broadway debut. The overture, which was
CONCERT NOTES
originally part of the show’s orchestral score, has become one of Gershwin’s most famous instrumental works, often performed as a standalone concert piece.
Rhapsody in Blue (1924) is one of George Gershwin’s most iconic compositions, blending elements of classical music with jazz, blues, and popular American music. It was originally written for solo piano and jazz band, and it premiered on February 12, 1924, in a concert titled An Experiment in Modern Music at New York’s Aeolian Hall. The piece was conducted by Paul Whiteman, a prominent bandleader who played a key role in bridging the gap between classical and popular music in the early 20th century.
The composition was groundbreaking for its time, showcasing Gershwin’s ability to fuse the improvisatory nature of jazz with the structure of classical music. It begins with the famous clarinet glissando (a swooping sound that became one of its signature motifs), and its themes move through a range of moods—from exuberant and energetic to lyrical and introspective. It’s often described as a “jazz concerto,” reflecting the energy and spirit of urban American life during the 1920s.
CONCERT NOTES
An American in Paris is a symphonic tone poem composed by George Gershwin in 1928. It was inspired by Gershwin’s experiences in Paris, where he traveled to study music and immerse himself in the European classical tradition. The work is one of his most beloved orchestral compositions and is a vibrant representation of the energy and charm of Paris, as seen through the eyes of an American visitor.
CONCERT NOTES
The piece was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and premiered on December 13, 1928, conducted by Walter Damrosch. An American in Paris is unique in that it blends classical orchestration with jazz influences, showcasing Gershwin’s signature style of fusing popular and classical music.
In 1951, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer released the musical film An American in Paris, featuring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron and directed by Vincente Minnelli. Winning the 1951 Best Picture Oscar and numerous other awards, the film featured many tunes of Gershwin and concluded with an extensive, elaborate dance sequence built around the symphonic poem An American in Paris (arranged for the film by Johnny Green), which at the time was the most expensive musical number ever filmed, costing $500,000 ($6.06 million in 2024).
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.
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*Denotes Chair Sponsors
For complete membership information contact
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Paul McCullough & Lynette Edmonds
Evan & Dianne Meltzer
Ronald & Margaret Meyers
Dawn & Michael Miller
Jean Miller
Frances Mogelnicki
Robert & Marilyn Moist
Catherine & James Monkowsi
John & Linda Moore
Joan Moran
Keith & Susan Munroe
David & Mary Ann Nelson
Martha Ness
Charles & Betty Newsom
Barbara & Edward O’Brian
Jack & Sue Onofrio
Mary Jo & Herb Ormsbee
Ralph & Loretta Orrico
Joseph & Patricia Paganini
Larry Patton
Eleanor Perfetto
Donna Perkins
James & Jane Phillips
Robert & Ann Porawski
Ralph & Sherri Progar
Mark & Jackie Puccinelli
Barbara Quinn
Donald & Cynthia Richardson
Anita & August Riska
Steve Robbins
Judith Roberts
Robert & Antoinette Ross
Bill & Corrine Roth
Joseph Rue
Sharon Rugh
Douglas Ryan
Whitney Sale
Marion Sautner & Virgilio Beruffi
Sarah Scaramella
Jim & Lynne Schaeffer
Peter & Beth Ann Schnorf
Loretta Schwaner
Gene & Winnie Scuteri
Dave & Sally Sentner
Jane Serio
Steve & Jan Simon
Nathan & Laurie Skjerseth
Mary Jane Smith
Barry & Jean Smithies
Frank & Kateri Snow
Chuck & Maureen Snyder
Samuel & Vicki Solomon
Lauree Spangler
Arthur & Mary Spears
Robert & Carol Speir
Julie A. Sperring
Helen Spindler
Jean Spitzer
Dan & Nancy Spohn
Mona Strahlman
Frank & Dr. Miriam Jill Sullivan
Barbara Talmage
Richard Tisch
Don & Leslie Titzel
Inia Tunstall
Susan Van Wieren
Linda Varone
Melissa Wall
Peter & Mary Wallin
Winthrop & Vanessa Wassenar
Susan Weiner
Margaret Weiss
Frances White
David & Loretta Whitney
Anita Wilson
Katherine Wolyniak
Judith Wood
Linda & David Workman
Kathleen & William Wright
John & Toni Yahres
William Yopp
Nicholas & Janet Zennario
If you believe there is an error or omission in this list, please call Jon DeVries or 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. *
new! 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
ADMINISTRATION & STAFF
2024-2025
The Venice Symphony board of Trustees
officers
Bob Hite, Chair
Brad Speckerman, Vice Chair
Penny Corell, Secretary
Tom Fitch, Treasurer
Members
Susan DiGiacomo
Jennifer Douglas
Roger Effron
Marc Gerken
Steven Ledbetter
Denise Mattmuller
Paul McCullough
Cole McHargue
Peter Oliger
Casey Riley
Ken Sadler
Honorary Member
Nick Pachota
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
artistic operations
Dana Kimble, Vice President of Artistic Operations
Tim Ferguson, Production Manager and Senior Education Consultant
Al Lyman, Principal Librarian
Terry Williams, Assistant Librarian
Patricia Dunlap, Musician Host Program Coordinator
Music education, Community engagement
John Castleman, Director of Education and Outreach
Nicole Rawley, Concert Strings Conductor
Christopher Riley, Symphonic Strings Conductor
David Wing, Symphonic Winds Conductor
Development
Holly Anderson, Vice President of Philanthropy
Jon DeVries, Director of Development
Finance
Erica Downs, Finance Manager
Marketing
Dania Hammad, Director of Marketing and Communications
Alison Posner-Solares, Patron Services and Ticketing Manager
Stacy Rector, Graphic Designer
Judith Engle-Purple, Graphic Designer
