The Venice Symphony 2023-24 Concert Season

DEAR FRIENDS,

Welcome to The Venice Symphony’s 2023-24 season at the Venice Performing Arts Center, our 50th anniversary celebration! The undeniable highlight is when we welcome world-class entertainer Michael Feinstein to our hall to perform the greatest hits from Hollywood and the silver screen.

Leading up to that spectacular event, we open the season in November with a grandiose work that will be played for the first time by the Venice Symphony, Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. We also welcome Andrew Bain, Principal Horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, who will perform contemporary composer Eric Ewazen’s moving Concerto for Horn and Strings. As always, December means our popular holiday concert mixing traditional favorites and brand new festive works. In January, Tall Tales and Treasures will appeal to every generation with music from Pirates of the Caribbean to The Lord of the Rings accompanied by guest Vocalist Lauren Jelencovich.

What can I say about legendary entertainer Michael Feinstein? Beloved by audiences around the world for his powerful and emotional vocals and piano playing, we are honored to bring him to Venice to perform with the orchestra. You will not want to miss this very special event.

We then present Disney’s Maestro: A Tribute to Alan Menken with the Key Chorale, where you’ll hear music from Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and much more. The orchestra and I are excited to present Rimsky-Korsakov’s showpiece Scheherazade in March at Arabian Nights.

For our 50th anniversary Crown Jewel Finale we are pulling out all the stops, with an expanded orchestra accompanied by the full Key Chorale and international singing stars Deanna Breiwick and Dashon Burton to perform Vaughan Williams’ masterpiece Dona nobis pacem It will be an epic conclusion to an unforgettable season not to be missed.

WELCOME...

To the milestone 50th anniversary season of The Venice Symphony. Whether you have been attending our Symphony for decades or are joining us for the first time this season, I know you will be thrilled by Music Director Troy Quinn’s innovative and exciting program celebrating our legacy in the community and the breadth of talent in our world-class orchestra. Since 1974, The Venice Symphony has brought the joy of symphonic performance and quality music education to thousands in our community. From our early days at Venice High School to the Church of the Nazarene and our current state-of-the-art venue, the Venice Performing Arts Center, The Venice Symphony has inspired and entertained audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Looking at how far The Venice Symphony has grown, I must acknowledge and thank the generations of musicians, administrators, board members and volunteers who have dedicated their time and talent to this organization. We honor their work and vision every day. We would not be celebrating this milestone anniversary if it were not for the unwavering support and loyalty of our patrons and sponsors. You have all helped make The Venice Symphony a regional, and I believe national, force in orchestral performance.

There are many opportunities to celebrate this landmark season with us beyond attending our concerts. In this brochure you will learn more about the Chair Society, Friends of The Symphony, Musician Host, Legacy and giving programs. All will enhance your Symphony experience and connect you with others in our community who share your excitement and dedication to our organization. Watch for our musicians performing throughout the area and save the date to celebrate our 50th anniversary on January 5, 2024, at the Venice Community Center.

This season we will celebrate our past and focus on our limitless future and on our vision of Uniting Through Music. I am honored to lead this organization and share our extraordinary orchestra with our community and beyond.

As always, I look forward to seeing you at the Symphony.

Troy Quinn, Music Director/Conductor

The Venice Symphony

Christine Kasten, President & CEO The Venice Symphony

A SYMPHONY FANTASTIC!

Bienvenu to the premiere of our 50th anniversary season, A Symphony Fantastic!, showcasing the epic and dramatic Symphony by Hector Berlioz. Our guest Andrew Bain Principal Horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2011 who will solo on Composer Eric Ewazen’s modern gem, Concerto for Horn and String Orchestra.

A HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

A Venice tradition, this season’s Holiday Spectacular includes yuletide favorites “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Carol of the Bells” and of course, “Sleigh Ride,” music from Home Alone

A Christmas Carol and contemporary holiday favorites. Expect a few festive surprises, and what would the holidays be without Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?

TALL TALES & TREASURE

From Neverland to Middle-earth, you are in for the trip of a lifetime. This concert features swashbuckling music from Captain Blood and Pirates of the Caribbean, Mulan and How to Train Your Dragon. Guest Vocalist Lauren Jelencovich will wow you with songs from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and Disney classics Aladdin and The Little Mermaid in a concert that will be treasured by music lovers of all ages.

DISNEY’S MAESTRO: A TRIBUTE TO ALAN MENKEN

Be Our Guest to a concert of modern classics from Alan Menken, the award-winning composer of the music from Disney’s Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and of course, Beauty and the Beast Bring your family to relive these classic scores that have shaped generations of music and movie lovers alike. Guest Artist: Key Chorale

“With over 50 years in the business and Disney blockbusters like ‘The Little Mermaid,’ ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Pocahontas,’ the composer turned the Disney musical into a global institution and wrote “the musical DNA of a generation.”

– The Hollywood Reporter

FEBRUARY 23, 2024 7:30 PM

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

THE CROWN JEWEL FINALE ARABIAN NIGHTS

Accompany The Venice Symphony orchestra on an unforgettable adventure. This program includes Maurice Jarre’s sweeping Overture from Lawrence of Arabia, Ernest Gold’s majestic and moving theme from Exodus, Modest Mussorgsky’s Dance of the Persian Maidens and the orchestral showpiece, Rimsky-Korsakov’s dazzling Scheherazade.

Our 50th anniversary season concludes with our biggest concert ever as we welcome the Key Chorale and acclaimed vocalists

Deanna Breiwick and Dashon Burton. You will feel like royalty as the orchestra serenades you with

Hans Zimmer’s Main Title from The Crown, William Walton’s Crown Imperial, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ English Folk Song Suite and the choral masterwork

Dona nobis pacem also by Vaughan Williams.

2023-2024 GUEST ARTISTS HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN

ANDREW BAIN was born and raised in Australia and has served as Principal Horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2011. He previously served as Principal Horn of the Melbourne Symphony, Queensland Symphony, Münchner Symphoniker, Australian Opera & Ballet Orchestra and the Colorado Music Festival. Mr. Bain has performed on the soundtracks of the Star Wars franchise, The Lion King, The Post and more. He is a professor at the Colburn School of Music in Los Angeles.

The Venice Symphony is thrilled to welcome superstar performer, and 5-time Grammy Nominee, Michael Feinstein, for a concert of the greatest film music of our time. You will be enraptured as this legendary artist sings “New York, New York,”

“The Way You Look Tonight,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and much more in his signature style backed by the full Venice Symphony orchestra.

*This concert is available as an add-on experience to our six-concert season at the Venice Performing Arts Center and is listed on a separate order form with event-specific pricing.

DEANNA BREIWICK, soprano, hailed by The New York Times for her “sweet sound and floating high notes” has performed with the San Francisco Opera, Metropolitan Opera, Dallas Opera, Seattle Symphony, San Antonio Symphony and more. She is an ensemble member of Opernhaus Zürich and has presented solo recitals around the Country. Ms. Breiwick is a Metropolitan Opera National Council Grand Finalist and a Grand Prize Winner of the Sullivan Foundation Vocal Competition.

DASHON BURTON is a bass-baritone who has established a vibrant career appearing regularly throughout the US and Europe. He has won two Grammy awards and his album of spirituals was called “profoundly moving” by the New York Times. Mr. Burton is an artist-in-residence with San Francisco Performances, a board member of Chorus America and an assistant professor of voice at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music.

KEY CHORALE, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, is based in Sarasota, FL and dedicated to transforming lives through innovative programming, artistic excellence, educational outreach, and service to the community. Led by Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale produces high quality collaborative musical events that engage and enrich our community, creating unforgettable programs that continue to push the boundaries of choral music.

LAUREN JELENCOVICH is currently on tour with Yanni as his featured vocalist, performing to sold-out venues all over the world. She can be seen and heard on his DVDs, CDs, and PBS specials. Ms. Jelencovich was the grand prize winner of Ed McMahon’s Star Search and received Andrea Bocelli’s World Scholarship. She has toured 65+ countries and is currently working on a new album.

NAME

SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS AND PACKAGES AVAILABLE

> Save 10% on subscriptions for all 6 concerts (priority seating)

> Save 5% on packages of 4 to 5 concerts (priority seating)

> No online fees

> Free ticket exchanges for season subscribers

TICKET DISCOUNTS

> Group Discount – 10% for groups of 10 or more

> Student Discount – 50% off all tickets

> FL Educator Discount – 25% off all tickets

QUESTIONS?

Call 941.207.8822 or email music@thevenicesymphony.org

For more information, visit thevenicesymphony.org

2023-24 SEASON SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM

2023-24 Season Subscription Order Form

Only FULL-SEASON SUBSCRIBERS can renew their same seats and must purchase all six programs. All other subscribers are not guaranteed their seats. We will do our best to honor your request. Return your order form by May 31, 2023 Seating begins June 1

Fri, Nov 17 @ 7:30pm

A Symphony Fantastic!

Sat, Nov 18 @ 3:30pm

Sat, Nov 18 @ 7:30pm

Fri, Dec 15 @ 7:30pm

A Holiday Spectacular

Sat, Dec 16 @ 3:30pm

Sat, Dec 16 @ 7:30pm

Fri, Jan 12 @ 7:30pm

Tall Tales and Treasure

Sat, Jan 13 @ 3:30pm

Sat, Jan 13 @ 7:30pm

Fri, Feb 23 @ 7:30pm

Disney’s Maestro: A Tribute to Alan Menken

Arabian Nights

Sat, Feb 24 @ 3:30pm

Sat, Feb 24 @ 7:30pm

Fri, Mar 15 @ 7:30pm

Sat, Mar 16 @ 3:30pm

Sat, Mar 16 @ 7:30pm

Fri, Apr 26 @ 7:30pm

The Crown Jewel Finale

Sat, Apr 27 @ 3:30pm

Sat, Apr 27 @ 7:30pm Ticket Amount $

Additional Tickets (not part of a package, NO discounts apply)

SUBTOTAL $ Chair Society Membership (see page 16 for info and sponsorship) $250 Individual + $500 Household +

Friends of the Symphony Membership $50 Individual + $75 Household +

Scan

Thank you for your 2023-24 Contribution to the Annual Fund (see page 15 for benefits) +

Mailing Fee - $5.00 (OPTIONAL) Otherwise your tickets will be available for pick up + TOTAL $ TOTAL – for Michael Feinstein tickets (back page) +

GRAND TOTAL $

SELECT YOUR METHOD OF PAYMENT: MAIL TO: P.O. Box 1561, Venice, FL 34284

A check made payable to The Venice Symphony is enclosed, check # _____

Credit card # ___________ _ Expiration Date _

Cardholder’s Signature _________________________ Security Code

If you pay by check please note that if there is a discrepancy between your ticket selection and what was assigned, differences of $20 or less will be considered a donation to the symphony. If payment is made by credit card, the exact amount will be charged to your card. Credit card payments will be processed when seats are assigned. OVER

The Venice Symphony

REGULAR SEASON

SEATING INFORMATION FOR REGULAR SEASON

SEATING INFORMATION FOR REGULAR SEASON

Please circle and label your first and second choices for seating:

EXPERIENCE

concerts.

Visit thevenicesymphony.org for more information.

JOIN THE FRIENDS OF THE SYMPHONY

Friends volunteer at the concerts and in the office, attend special events and raise funds for Symphony education programs and initiatives. They are true community ambassadors for the Symphony. Join them and be a part of the joy only music can bring.

I/WE are: A renewing full season subscriber (all 6 concerts) and wish to keep my seats Seat(s) ____

A new subscriber; assign to me the best available seats in my preferred section(s)

I/WE are: A renewing full season subscriber (all 6 concerts) and wish to keep my seats Seat(s) ____

A renewing subscriber and would like to request a change (explain below)

HOST A MUSICIAN

A new subscriber; assign to me the best available seats in my preferred section(s)

Requesting wheelchair accessible seating for ______ seat(s)

A renewing subscriber and would like to request a change (explain below)

Requesting aisle seating for _______ seat(s)

Requesting wheelchair accessible seating for ______ seat(s)

Further explain your request:

Requesting aisle seating for _______ seat(s)

Further explain your request:

SEATING INFORMATION FOR MICHAEL FEINSTEIN

SEATING INFORMATION FOR MICHAEL FEINSTEIN

Hooray for Hollywood with Michael Feinstein

Fri, Feb 9 @ 7:30pm

Sat, Feb 10 @ 3:30pm Sat, Feb 10 @ 7:30pm

Open your home to a musician who travels to Venice for concert week and you will experience the Symphony in a more meaningful way and form lasting friendships. This unique program helps the Symphony recruit and retain members of the orchestra and helps strengthen the bond between the musicians and our community.

BE A PATRON ON PERCUSSION

Play the bass drum on the National Anthem with the orchestra at the Venice Performing Arts Center. No experience is required. For your donation, you will receive a lesson from our Principal Percussionist, two tickets to that concert, a special gift and a memory of a lifetime.

Hooray for Hollywood with Michael Feinstein Fri, Feb 9 @ 7:30pm

Feb 10 @ 3:30pm Sat, Feb 10 @ 7:30pm

TOTAL (transfer to front page) $

MEET TROY QUINN AND GUESTS

TOTAL (transfer to front page) $

This is a stand-alone concert separate from the 23-24 season with no discounted seating. Tickets will be assigned based upon preference circled or noted below. Please circle and label your first and second choices for seating:

This is a stand-alone concert separate from the 23-24 season with no discounted seating. Tickets will be assigned based upon preference circled or noted below. Please circle and label your first and second choices for seating:

Attend our casual and insightful free 30-minute Pre-Concert Talks with Music Director Troy Quinn, guest artists and musicians, held before each concert in the VPAC hall.

BRING THE SYMPHONY TO YOU

Members of our orchestra are available to perform at your special event, celebration, or community program. From a soloist to serenade your guests to a jazz group for dancing late into the night, we will find the perfect ensemble for your event and budget. Contact musicpersonnel@thevenicesymphony.org

STAY CONNECTED

Further explain your request: _________________________________________________________________________________

Further explain your request: _________________________________________________________________________________

REFUND / EXCHANGE POLICY: There are NO REFUNDS unless the concert is cancelled or postponed. Free ticket exchanges are offered for Season Subscribers – full season or package of 4 or 5 concerts There are NO exchanges during concert weekend.

REFUND / EXCHANGE POLICY: There are NO REFUNDS unless the concert is cancelled or postponed. Free ticket exchanges are offered for Season Subscribers – full season or package of 4 or 5 concerts There are NO exchanges during concert weekend.

Be the first to know about concerts, events, Symphony news, promotions, youth programs and more at thevenicesymphony.org. Follow @TheVeniceSymphony on Facebook and Instagram and share your experience at the Symphony on Trip Advisor and Google.

Your experience with The Venice Symphony can go far beyond attending the

SUPPORT THE SYMPHONY

The personal investment of our patrons, donors and community partners is the reason The Venice Symphony is celebrating our 50th anniversary. Your gifts and contributions are essential to achieving and sustaining musical excellence. Together we are uniting through music and transforming lives.

Please consider renewing your support or making your first contribution, pledge or bequest to ensure symphonic music and education continues for generations to come.

ANNUAL FUND – Your contributions to the Annual Fund in campaigns throughout the year are 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 charitable gift from your IRA or DAF, pledges your support while potentially providing significant tax benefits. *

EMPLOYEE MATCH – Many corporations will match their employees’ donations. This can potentially double and sometimes triple the amount you could normally give. While recognition is also given to the employer, the funds are attributed to your (the employee’s) donor level.

LIVING TRUSTS AND BEQUESTS – Please let us know if you are interested in investing in the Symphony through a will bequest, a life income gift, or by naming the Venice Symphony as a beneficiary of a retirement or life insurance plan. By doing so, you will become a founding member in our new Legacy Circle.

PLAY IT FORWARD – Donate an instrument through our Play it Forward program. Your gift could make the difference to a young musician in our community.

SMALL BUSINESS AND CORPORATE SUPPORT – Partner with the Symphony as an event sponsor or by advertising in our program book and your company’s name will be promoted to thousands and show your commitment to the arts in our community.

STOCK AND SECURITIES – Gifts of appreciated stocks are welcomed and may be advantageous to the donor from a tax point of view. *

LEGACY CIRCLE Become a Founding Member

Fifty years in the making, The Venice Symphony is excited to announce our newest and most elite giving society: our LEGACY CIRCLE.

Throughout our 50th anniversary season, you can become a founding member of The Venice Symphony Legacy Circle by pledging a legacy gift or bequest. Please consider investing in the Symphony through a will bequest, a life income gift or trust, or in naming The Venice Symphony as a beneficiary of a retirement or life insurance plan. Your pledge to join the Legacy Circle today will significantly impact the future of the Symphony and the arts in our community.

For more information on any of these opportunities, call Director of Philanthropy Holly Anderson at (941) 207-8822 or email handerson@thevenicesymphony.org

2023-24 SEASON GIVING LEVELS

Contribution levels and benefits are based on The Venice Symphony

Fiscal year from June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024

SUPPORTER $100+

SUSTAINER $500+

ORCHESTRA $1,000+

PRINCIPAL $2,500+

VIRTUOSO $5,000+

CONCERTMASTER $10,000+

MAESTRO $20,000+

For more information on any of these opportunities, call Director of Philanthropy Holly Anderson at (941) 207-8822 or email handerson@thevenicesymphony.org

*Because each situation is different, please consult your financial advisor about tax benefits.

Tax-exempt Organization, Registration #CH5442. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling Toll-Free (800-435-7352) within the State. Registration

VISIONARY $50,000+

> Early notification of Symphony events and fundraisers

> Name in digital concert program book

> Name in printed concert program book

> Invitation to one Thursday Evening Reception and Dress Rehearsal

> Invitation to one chamber ensemble or special event

> Invitation to exclusive VIP End of Season Celebration

> Invitation to have a private performance by a solo musician in your home

> Invitation to have a private performance by a duo or ensemble in your home

> Invitation to dinner with Music Director Troy Quinn and CEO Christine Kasten

by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) in Florida, or (850 410-3800) outside of Florida. Website: www.800helpfla.com

obtained from the division of consumer

JOIN THE CHAIR SOCIETY

When you join this Giving Society of more than 100 of our most generous supporters, you will be making a commitment to securing exceptional talent for our orchestra and supporting our musicians today and in the future. Chair Society members also attend exclusive events with Troy Quinn and Symphony musicians.

THE VENICE SYMPHONY: 1974 TO TODAY

1974

The Suncoast Symphony of Venice is incorporated, offering free concerts at the Venice High School auditorium.

1987

The Suncoast Symphony is renamed The Venice Symphony.

Jean Peters becomes The Venice Symphony’s first executive director and Gayle Heskett is named Director of Education, founding the Symphony in the Schools and Summer Music Camp Programs. The Symphony begins performing at the new Church of the Nazarene on Venice Avenue.

2014

1990

The Venice Symphony performs its first concert at the new Venice Performing Arts Center at Venice High School.

2017

The Venice Symphony Chair Society is founded and the Venice Symphony Youth Orchestra is established.

After the Finding Maestro conductor search, Troy Quinn is named The Venice Symphony’s Music Director/Conductor.

2018

The Venice Symphony presents its first Patriotic Pops concert at CoolToday Park and the Musician Host Program is launched. TODAY

2019

The Venice Symphony orchestra, led by President/CEO Christine Kasten and Music Director Troy Quinn, now numbering more than 75 professional musicians, continues to sell out concerts at the VPAC.

PO Box 1561

Venice, FL 34284

BOX OFFICE

700 U.S. Highway 41 Bypass North, Suite 4 | Venice, FL 34285

Monday – Friday | 10 am to 4 pm

PERFORMANCE VENUE

The Venice Performing Arts Center One Indian Avenue | Venice, FL 34285

Free Parking and Valet

941.207.8822

Visit us at TheVeniceSymphony.org or scan the QR code below.

SEASON SPONSORS PROUD MEMBERS OF