TROY QUINN, MUSIC DIRECTOR DIGITAL PROGRAM
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Dear Friends,
As the magic of the holiday season fills the air, all of us at The Venice Symphony are overflowing with gratitude for you, our cherished symphony family. Music Director Troy Quinn has crafted a celebration of seasonal favorites, and he and our musicians are thrilled to share this joyful program with you today. We are also grateful to be joined by the phenomenal vocalist Christal Rheams and our wonderful friends from Key Chorale. We hope today’s concert brings you joy. If our music has ever brought a smile to your face or touched your heart, we invite you to take part in our holiday giving campaign, Orchestrating Joy. Donation cards are available in the VPAC lobby, or you can visit thevenicesymphony.org to explore additional ways to support the performing arts. Your enthusiasm and generosity make it possible for us to share world-class symphonic music with our community, and we couldn’t be more grateful for your continued support. Looking ahead to 2026, The Venice Symphony is excited to ring in the New Year with you. Join us back here at the Venice Performing Arts Center on January 9-10th for TV Classics!, experience our second Soundscapes Chamber Series on January 18th at the Venice Community Center, and step back in time with Andrea Ross and Venice Symphony Big Band on January 24th. You’ll find details about all of our upcoming performances on our website. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday and a happy new year!
Christine Kasten, President/CEO The Venice Symphony 2025-2026 Season • TheVeniceSymphony.org • 1
TROY TROYQUINN, QUINN,MUSIC MUSICDIRECTOR 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. 4 • 2025-2026 Season • Tickets: 941-207-8822
CONCERT PROGRAM December 19th, 2025 | 7:30 pm December 20th, 2025 | 3:30 pm + 7:30 pm December 21st, 2025 | 3:30 pm
Troy Quinn, Music Director Key Chorale, Joseph Caulkins, Director Arr. Nigel Hess A Christmas Overture Traditional Good King Wenceslas arr. Morton Gould John Debney Buddy and Santa’s Flight from Elf Johnny Marks Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer arr. Richard Hayman Paul O’Neill Dreams of Fireflies (On a Christmas Night) arr. Bob Phillips Bruce Broughton Miracle on 34th Street Concert Suite Arr. Paul Murtha A Jazzy Nutcracker Suite INTERMISSION Jerry Herman We Need a Little Christmas from Mame Jerry Herman The Best Christmas of All from Mrs. Santa Clause John Williams Somewhere In My Memory from Home Alone Leroy Anderson Sleigh Ride Traditional Joy to the World Christal Rheams, Vocalist Greene/Lowry Mary Did You Know? Christal Rheams, Vocalist Traditional Go Tell It On the Mountain Christal Rheams, Vocalist Gaye/Gordy/Story What Christmas Means To Me Christal Rheams, Vocalist 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.
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GUEST ARTISTS Christal Rheams is a powerhouse vocalist whose journey began on the musical theater stages of Raleigh, North Carolina, at the age of five. Raised in the spotlight under the mentorship of future Broadway stars, she sang professionally throughout her youth before dedicating 30 years to serving her country in the United States Army. Her final military post was as the enlisted leader of the popular music ensemble for Pershing’s Own, The U.S. Army Band. A national audience may also recognize her as one-fourth of Voices of Service, Season 14 finalists on America’s Got Talent. Christal has shared the stage with music legends including Brooks & Dunn, Wayne Newton, and Billy Ray Cyrus—bringing a voice that heals, inspires, and connects every time she steps behind the mic.
Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, led by Maestro Joseph Caulkins, produces one-of-a-kind programming, collaborations that inspire, and artistry that stirs the soul. In addition to the 110+ member chorale, the Key Chorale Chamber Singers selected from the full chorale, perform unique, often genre-bending performances. Key Chorale was founded in Spring 1985 by Ann Stephenson-Moe, Organist and Choirmaster of the Church of the Redeemer and Don B. Ryno, Minister of Music at St. Boniface Church. For 21 years, Daniel Moe served as Artistic Director of Key Chorale. Referred to as the “Dean of Choral Conductors” by the New Yorker, Dr. Moe previously conducted the internationally renowned Oberlin College Choir. He announced his intended retirement in October 2005, which allowed the Chorale to conduct a nationwide search for a new Artistic Director. Dr. Moe’s last concert was April 30, 2007, with a performance of Verdi’s acclaimed Requiem. His tenure with Key Chorale established a standard of choral excellence continued by current Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins, appointed in 2007. Under the baton of Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale has become known for its award-winning community and educational outreach programming in addition to its one-of-a-kind and adventurous programming. 6 • 2025-2026 Season • Tickets: 941-207-8822
GUEST CONDUCTORS December 19th 7:30pm • Guest Conductor Mick Bryan
“Don’t ask, he’ll tell you more than you want to know!’ Mick Bryan will also be the first to help, lend a hand or come to your defense. He was raised in the Midwest and enjoyed playing the darbuka (Lebanese drum) for social and large family gatherings. He became a retail executive with L. Lucia & Sons and owned motels in the UP of Michigan. Retiring to Venice in 2016 (his third Florida residency) Mick and his wife Cindy now reside in Osprey. They have been season ticket holders since 2020. His appearance tonight is an 85th birthday present.
December 20th 3:30pm • Guest Conductor Tim Ferguson
You may recognize this guest conductor as he is one of the more familiar faces at The Venice Symphony! Tim Ferguson is not only Production Manager & Director of Education for The Symphony, he is also a music teacher at Garden Elementary. Tim was awarded the title of Sarasota County’s ‘District Teacher of the Year’ in 2023. Tim joined the Symphony in 2018 and continues to wear many hats. Whether he is orchestrating Venice Symphony Youth Orchestra programs, Symphony in the Schools, emceeing galas, editing dynamic videos for our concerts, or moving the music stands on stage at the VPAC, he keeps the symphony humming! Any time Tim is onstage, audiences can’t get enough!
December 20th 7:30pm Guest Conductor Mayor Nick Pachota Venice Mayor Nick Pachota moved to Venice in 1987. As a young man, he served as the chairman of the Venice Youth Advisory Board and was a Venice Police Explorer. Mayor Pachota has an extensive background in public safety. He attended college in Orlando, and became an EMT, a paramedic, a firefighter, worked in law enforcement as a SWAT medic, and was the EMS training program director, a tenured faculty, and the union president at Eastern Florida State College. Mayor Pachota is a member of the Venice Theatre Guild, SunCoast Reef Rovers (President), The Venice Symphony (Board of Directors), Venice MainStreet, Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, Venice Aviation Society Inc., Florida Fire Chiefs Association, Florida EMS Association, and National Association of EMTs.
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MUSICIANS MUSIC DIRECTOR Troy Quinn David & Deborah West Chair First Violin
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
Yordan Tenev Rebecca Tozzie Nicole Rawley
Viola
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
Cello
Susan Debronsky, Principal Thomas & Martha Galek Chair Nathaniel Taylor, Assistant Principal Michael & Patricia Dunlap Chair Chen Chen Oliver Cole Antonio Innaimo Helen Lewis Mitch & Katie Hartsock Chair Joel Osinga Chris Pegis
Bass
Christopher Riley, Principal Second Violin John Myers Chair Amy Rawstron Watson, Principal Trent Harper, Assistant Principal Beatrice Holt Chair Kenneth & Selma Bitz Chair Erik Berg, Assistant Principal Kevin Gallagher Barbara Freeman Chair Gerhard & Edith Mueller Chair Samvel Arakelyan Jonathan Ingram Ernest & Judith Bago Chair Laura Miranda Isabella Diaz Conroy-Mueller Family Chair Robby Cordes & Ginger Mace Chair Jordan Nashman Anna Khalikova Flute Elena Komarnitskaia Francesca Arnone, Principal Xiaomeng Ma Carole Raymond Chair Alex Shlifer Rene Miska Brian Stuligross 8 • 2025-2026 Season • Tickets: 941-207-8822
MUSICIANS 2025-26 Season Music Sponsors • Stephen and Redenta Picazio Megan Cardone Dennis & Marilyn Eshoo Chair
piccolo
Megan Cardone Dennis & Marilyn Eshoo Chair
Oboe
Amy Collins, Principal George De Luisi Chair Chanmi Kim Patrick & Geri Allard Chair Elias Daniel Medina
Trombone
Joe Offner, Principal Bill & Kitty Gamber Chair Tom McNair Teddy Arnold
ENGLISH HORN
Chanmi Kim
Clarinet
Asher Carlson, Principal Wesley John Schumacher Chair Kelsey Castellanos Dennis & Ruthanne Neeser Chair Michael Drapkin Vinod & Gail Sahney Chair
BASS CLARINET
Michael Drapkin
Bassoon
Patrick Broder, Principal Stephen & Nancy Eibling Chair Javi Rodriguez Ann Adair
CONTRABASSOON
Ann Adair Stephen B. Hammond Chair
Horn
Joseph Lovinsky, Principal Bill & Sara Gill Chair Chase DeCarlo Steve Easton Chair Jennifer Miller Floyd & Mary Juday Chair Margaret Dixon Lisa Bontrager
Trumpet
Kris Marshall, Principal Henry & Barbara Price Chair David Dash Bert & Janetta Nicholson Chair Kenneth Brown John Castleman Dean & Theresa Hilgers Chair Jeff Wooldridge
BASS TROMBONE
Chris Lundquist
Tuba
Joseph Alvarez, Principal Mick & Cindy Bryan Chair
Timpani
Gavin Dougherty, Principal Joseph & Susan Wolters Chair Julie Angelis Boehler
Percussion
Dana Kimble, Principal Elliott & Dana Corn Chair Al Lyman Martin & Nancy Lyons Chair 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
The Venice Symphony is a proud member of 2025-2026 Season • TheVeniceSymphony.org • 9
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CONCERT NOTES Good King Wenceslas is a Christmas carol that tells a story of a tenth-century king of Bohemia (modern day Czech Republic) who goes on a journey, braving harsh winter weather, to give alms to a poor peasant on the Feast of Stephen. During the journey, his page was about to give up the struggle against the cold weather, but was enabled to continue by following the king’s footprints, step for step, through the deep snow. In 1853, English hymnwriter John Mason Neale wrote the lyrics in collaboration with his music editor Thomas Helmore to fit the melody of the 13th-century spring carol Tempus adest floridum” (The Blooming Time Is Here), they found in a 1582 Finnish song collection. The carol first appeared in Carols for Christmas-Tide, published by Novello & Co the same year. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was composed by Johnny Marks (19091985), an American songwriter who specialized in Christmas songs, including Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, A Holly Jolly Christmas, and I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. His wife, Margaret May Marks, was the sister of Robert L. May, who authored the original story of Rudolph. Marks himself appeared as an imposter on the December 11, 1961 episode of the TV game show To Tell The Truth. Impersonating the owner of a herd of reindeer, he did receive two of the four votes. After the true contestant was revealed, Marks identified himself as the composer of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. In 2024, Gene Gene Autry‘s recording Autry’s recording was inducted into the National became the No. 1 hit on Recording Registry by the Library of Congress the U.S. charts the week as being ‘’culturally, historically or of Christmas 1949 aesthetically significant’’. Sleigh Ride, written by Leroy Anderson, (1908 - 1975) is one of his most famous and enduring compositions. Anderson was an American composer and conductor, known for compositions that often featured catchy, whimsical melodies. He formed the idea for the piece during a heat wave in July 1946, and finished it in February 1948. Its first performance was by the Boston Pops Orchestra, with Arthur 12 • 2025-2026 Season • Tickets: 941-207-8822
CONCERT NOTES Fiedler conducting, on May 4, 1948. It was intended to be part of an album of Anderson’s light orchestral music and meant to evoke the feeling of a winter sleigh ride, capturing the joy and fun of the season. Although the song is often associated with Christmas and appears on Christmas compilation albums, its lyrics, written by Mitchell Parish in 1950, do not mention any holidays. Joy to the World was not written as a Christmas carol. In its original form, it had nothing to do with Christmas. The song comes from an English hymn written in 1719 by the English minister and hymnist Isaac Watts. His lyrics, interpreting Psalm 98, were originally written as a poem. The hymn is usually sung to an 1848 arrangement of a tune attributed to George Frideric Handel by the American composer Lowell Mason. More than a century later, it was slightly adapted into what has become one of the most famous of all Christmas carols. Since the 20th century, Joy to the World has been the most-published Christmas carol in North America. Mary, Did You Know? is a Christmas song with music written by Buddy Greene in 1991 and lyrics written by Mark Lowry in 1984.. The song has since become a modern Christmas classic, recorded across multiple genres by hundreds of artists over the years, including a 1997 duet by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd, and later singles by Clay Aiken, CeeLo Green, Dolly Parton, and Carrie Underwood among others. Several recordings have reached the top ten in the Billboard R&B and Holiday charts. Go Tell It on the Mountain is an African-American spiritual song and Christmas carol which was most likely derived from the oral tradition, but was first printed in an early-1900s compilation of African-American folk songs, attributed to John Wesley Work, Jr. (1871-1925). Work, the son of a choir director, grew up in Nashville and became the first African-American collector of Negro spirituals. The song has been arranged, performed, and recorded across many genres by Peter, Paul and Mary, Simon & Garfunkel, and Little Big Town. 2025-2026 Season • TheVeniceSymphony.org • 13
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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 Pat Behe & Bob 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* Gilbert & Carol Drendel 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* Byron & Janet Hill Gary Hill & John Schultz Barbara Hoeker Paul & Marilyn Hollowell
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2025-26 MEMBERSHIP 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 Martin & Nancy Lyons* 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* Kenneth & Jerrilyn Schulze Thomas & Anne Sherman Brian & Ruth Smith* Murray & Sharon Smith* Lucinda Spaney Paul & Charlene Turczyn Frederick & Claudette Varricchio Margaret Weiss Malcolm E. Williamson Dave & Deborah West* Anita Wilson Joseph & Susan Wolters* ^Charter Members *Denotes Chair Sponsors
New members are always welcome! Brochures are available in the lobby, or look for a patron wearing a gold lapel pin. For complete membership information contact Holly Anderson, Vice President of Philanthropy at 941-207-8822 or email handerson@thevenicesymphony.org 2025-2026 Season • TheVeniceSymphony.org • 17
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. 18 • 2025-2026 Season • Tickets: 941-207-8822
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COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS We gratefully acknowledge contributions and support received June 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025
Corporations & Businesses Bonefish Grill BrewBurgers Bridgette Forgette-Sarasota Advanced Skincare & Boutique Celebrity Nails Spa Coca-Cola Corporation Collectors Gallery & Framery Croissant & Co Crow’s Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina Douglas Jeep Chrystler Dodge Ram Enstrom Candies First Watch FourThought Private Wealth Gecko’s Hospitality GroupDockside Waterfront Grill
Gold Rush BBQ Johnson & Johnson Kendra Scott Krystyna’s Designs Merrill Lynch The Picazio/McHargue Group Myakka Pines Golf Club Nice Nails Patchington Ruth’s Chris Steak House Shattered Glass Studio-Sarasota Simplicity Salon & Day Spa Tarpon Point Grill & Marina The Island Bookshop Troll Music Venice Art Caffé Venice Garden of Eden Florist
Foundations Community Foundation of Sarasota County Gehring Family Foundation Gulf Coast Community Foundation McHargue Family Foundation The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation The Patterson Foundation Schultz-Hill Foundation Sommer Family Foundation Stuhley Charitable Foundation Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation
Government Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues
Organizations SAI Sarasota-Manatee Alumnae Chapter Venice-Nokomis Rotary 22 • 2025-2026 Season • Tickets: 941-207-8822
COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS Individual Giving Maestro • $20,000 - $49,999
Rosalie Hardman John Myers Stephen & Redenta Picazio Dale & Nancie Shellenbaum Trust In memory of Nancie
Concertmaster • $10,000 - $19,999
Elliott & Dana Corn Steve & Laura Enz Barbara Freeman Stephen B. Hammond Floyd & Mary Juday Linda & Paul Mulligan
Frank & Elaine Pagliaro Gary Prior Michael Sbabo Murray & Sharon Smith David & Deborah West
Virtuoso • $5,000 - $9,999
Dale & Caroline Anderson Anonymous Bill Baxter John & Chris Behnke Mick & Cindy Bryan Diane & James Crawford Sally & Joseph DeAngelo Greg & Jen Douglas Stephen & Nancy Eibling Patricia Fjetland & Linda Newton Tom & Martha Galek
Paul & Marilyn Hollowell Beatrice Holt Tom & Mary Lynch Michael & Anita McRobert Jon Metzger Dennis & Ruthanne Neeser Carole Raymond John & Sara Sanborn Scott & Karen Sommer Cynthia & Thomas Stuhley
Principal • $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 Robby Cordes & Ginger Mace George DeLuisi Michael & Patricia Dunlap Dennis & Marilyn Eshoo Mark & Lees Ferguson Dr. Jonathan & Mrs. Sophia Fong Bill & Kitty Gamber
Fred & Cindy Gossman Timothy & Dawn Jackson Nancy & Martin Lyons Cole McHargue Gerhard & Edith Mueller Martin Pfister & Maria Bradley Mark & Jeanne Polzin Henry & Barbara Price Craig & Karen Riley Melvin Storm Gay Ann Wiese David & Beverly Wimberly Susan & Joseph Wolters
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COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS Orchestra • $1,000 - $2,499 Doug & Nancy Adams Angelo & Mary Agliardo Patrick & Geraldine Allard Robert & Bonnie Anderson Ernest & Judith Bago Linda & Bill Baldwin Pat Behe & Bob Davies Joe & Maureen Bentley Steven & Kathleen Black William Blomquist Gary Boruff James & Carmen Brackman Don & Jean Broman Debra Buttaggi Russel & Stephanie Campbell Jeanne & Larry Clark Marlene Cote Edward & Patricia Crary Susan DiGiacomo Steve Easton Roger & Sally Effron Jack & Beth Gehring Robert & Jane Goldsmith Chris & Paula Gray Henry & Joan Hadjas Robert Hardy Mitch & Katie Hartsock John Haseltine John & Maureen Heakin Joyce Heimonen
John & Betty Herr Dean & Theresa Hilgers Robert & Barbara Hintze Barbara Hoecker Laurel & Jackie Kaddatz Carol Karakashian Doug & Dana Kasl Sara & Curtis Kasten Linda Lally Don Lazzaro Frank & Kathe Magadance Patricia McClure Paul Michael & Betty Morton Michael Mueller & Mary Ann Conroy Jonathan Mulford Bert & Janetta Nicholson 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 Sara Stafford Judy Wolf Richard Yow Janice Zarro
Sustainer • $500 - $999 Frances Arnone Kathy Baer Russell & Barbara Bahner Roxanne Baker Jadynne Berg Suzanne Biviano June Bock William & Cindy Bouman Robert & Sharon Boynton John & Irene Bozogan Glenn Bradley & Don Farrelly Mark & Julie Braukhoff 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 John Fippen Robert & Susan Foster Dennis & Barbara Gahry Jason Gallourakis & Edwin Beltran
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COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS Robert & Anne Germain Joseph & Marietta Graber James & Anne Grubb David & Joan Heald Rita Hebel Byron & Janet Hill Gary Hill & John Schultz Paul & Marilyn Hollowell 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 Marion Kathleen Ogle Joe & Melanie Piacentino Howard & JoAnne Reed Robert & Antoinette Ross Jerry & Judy Rush John & Jacklyn Ruthman Kenneth & Jerrilyn Schulze Tom & Anne Sherman Maxine Slattery Paul & Charlene Turczyn Linda & Tony Varone Frederick & Claudette Varricchio Kathryn Wandoff Winthrop & Vanessa Wassenar Frances White Malcolm Williamson
Supporter • $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 Janet Banks William & Bettye Bartholomay Gerry & Lynn Baskin Robert & Leanne Belancik Warren Benson Linda Bentley Robert & Kathleen Bittner Elaine Bixler Renee Boone & Keith Knight Patricia Bowman Bette Boysen Pat Brandt Marjorie Brooks Anne Burbine Betty-Ann Busby Rosemary Bussiere Karen Christianson
Russell & Deirdre Christman Nicholas Ciallelo Richard & Caryle Cirello Ana Ciszek Camille Cline Judith Collins Katharine Couchot Eleanor & James Crawford John & Carol Cummiskey Joseph Daku & Marge Bundy Rob & Janice Daly Janet Dapkunas Steve & Elizabeth Dauphinais Gloria Davies Norma & Bruce Dayton Scot Deagan Evelyn Delph & Roger Hilfiker Patricia & Frank Desiderio Geoff & Julie Dobson Andrew & Karen Durette Judith Engle-Purple Fred & Kathleen Englert Linda Falco Lewis & Helen Fincke Nancy Fink John Fischer
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COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS Supporter continued George & Jacqueline Lincoln Eddie & Sandra Fisk Susan Littlehales Terry & Brenda Foster Judy Livingston Richard & Fillisha Fox Hal & Shirley Loud Karl E. Fraedrich Jan & Tom Mack Carolyn & Charles Francis Anthony Madera Robert & Grace Fries Patricia Madyda Dreama Fumia Marcia Major Carla & Jerry Gabbard James & Jo Manwaring Judith Ganschaw Jane Marcin Al & Peg Gatto Margaret Massara Norb & Diana Geiss Linda Masterson Linda Gobler Mark Mathisen Peter Goldthwaite Kathy McCarthy Karen & DRC Gonzales Paul McCullough & Cathi Grote Lynnette Edmonds Arnold & Ellen Gwirtzman Bryant & Jane McNiece Paula Hagan Ronald & Margaret Meyers Elizabeth Hall Jean Miller Warren & Jean Hall Kary & Jennifer Miller Earl & Phyllis Hannum Mary Louise Morris Jane Hardy The Mortensen Family Kathleen Harrison Bernhard & Dorothy Muller James Henry & Jane Smith Martha Ness Nancy Herron Charles & Betty Newsom Virginia Hofford Barbara O’Brian Barbara B. Howe Mary Jo & Herb Ormsbee Dennis & Jill Hudson Ralph & Loretta Orrico Ed & Diane Huller Richard Pastore Carol & Larry Humes Linda Patriarca Peggy Hunt Eleanor Perfetto Michael & Virginia Hurney Donna Perkins Quint Jackson Jane Phillips Terry & Cheryl Jardis Robert & Ann Porawski Bill & Lois Johanns Ralph & Sherri Progar Pamela Johnson Barbara Quinn Sonny Jones Donald & Cynthia Richardson David & Janet Keffer Craig & MJ Rivaldo Patricia Knasiak Judith Rovins Deborah Kostroun Joseph Rue Gabriele Kramer & Horst Malchow Sharon Rugh James & J.C. Kuczynski Marion Sautner & Virgilio Beruffi Bob & Carol Kunath Margo Schneeloch & Bill Troetel Frank & Rosalie Kunsman Michael & Dorothy Schneider John & Beverly Larson Dirk & Lucinda Scholten Nora Lavelle 26 • 2025-2026 Season • Tickets: 941-207-8822
COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS Larry Schornack Patsy Scuzzo Nina Sedule-Ross Dave & Sally Sentner Jane Serio Tom & Charlene Sherrer Steve & Jan Simon Rosalie K. Smith George & Jacquelyn Snyder Lucinda Spaney 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 Mike & Louise Wiggins Mack & Judith Wilcox Malcolm Williamson Anita Wilson Rich & Kathie Wilson Katherine Wolyniak John & Toni Yahres Sora Yelin Beverly Zaffino Nicholas & Janet Zennario
In Memoriam In Memoriam of Vincent J. Arnone-Father of Principal Flutist Dr. Francesa Arnone Jadynne Berg in memory of her husband Don Marlene Cote in memory of John G. Maguire Susan DiGiacomo in memory of her husband Albert Gary Prior in memory of his wife Nancy Kathryn Wandoff in memory of MaryAnn Grisdale Schrotenboer Tuma If you believe there is an error or omission in this list, please call Holly Rubin at 941-207-8822.
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
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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.
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MUSIC EDUCATION
PHOTO CREDIT: DEIRDRE CHRISTMAN
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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MUSICIAN HOST PROGRAM The Musician Host Program is the heartbeat of The Venice Symphony, providing a home away from home for our out-of-town musicians. It creates unforgettable bonds that enrich our orchestra and community.
Thank You 2025-2026 Musician Hosts Frank & Jennifer Annetti Carl & Kathy Baer Ebert (Edge) & Leigh Bagg Elizabeth Baker Stan & MaryJo Bastacky Lynn Bisighini Gary Boruff Glenn Bradley & Don Farrelly Susan Calhoun Brian & Joanne Cinco Carey & Kim Clouser Ken Cook Robert Cordes & Ginger Mace Richard Daitch Sally De Angelo Jim & Sharyn Dent Michael & Patricia Dunlap Steve Easton Denny & Marilyn Eshoo Don & Marlene Fleming Rebecca Folta & Mark Page Elise Fox
Damaris Frank Tom & Martha Galek Greg & Marlene Gannon Fred & Cindy Gossman Mark & Kathleen Harrison David & Joan Heald Frank & Carolyn Hill Randy & Ingrid Hoerauf Ruth Immel Curt & Sara Kasten Steve & Tavia Lesage Karen Mann Jane Marcin Laura Marianino Warren & Mary McBride John & Bernadette McEnearney Carol McGrain Tony & Belva McNair Gary & Shelli Meliker Louise Moloney Lois Mueller Ann Norville
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MUSICIAN HOST PROGRAM Eleanor Perfetto Donna Perkins Celeste Pfister Ralph & Sherri Progar Craig & Karen Riley Park Showalter & George Ward Brian & Ruth Smith Murray & Sharon Smith Roy & Teri Smith Chuck & Maureen Snyder
Lauree Spangler Jon & Lois Steketee Jon & Cindy Stolson Nicolette (Nicki) Trager Bill Troetel & Margo Schneeloch Tony & Linda Varone Margaret Weiss David & Fran White Michael & Louise Wiggins Gordon & Carole Wilkie
Tony & Linda Varone with Second Violinist Alex Shlifer
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ADMINISTRATION & STAFF Executive Office 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
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
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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.
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