USC Symphony The Lark Ascending Concert Program

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LARK

ASCENDING Scott Weiss, conductor Austin Davis, conductor Lun Li, violin

February 6, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.

Koger Center for the Arts

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USC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

THE LARK ASCENDING

Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

Koger Center for the Arts, Columbia Scott Weiss, conductor Austin Davis, conductor Lun Li, violin

PROGRAM Joseph Haydn (1732–1809)

Symphony No. 104 in D Major “London” (1795) Adagio – Allegro Andante Menuetto and Trio: Allegro Finale: Spiritoso

Sir William Walton (1902–1983)

Spitfire Prelude and Fugue (1942)

Thea Musgrave (b. 1928)

Loch Ness - A postcard from Scotland (2012) Austin Davis, conductor Mathew Tuk, tuba The Lark Ascending (1914/1920) Lun Li, violin

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SCAN ME

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958)

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Ƥrogram Ɲotes Symphony No. 104 in D Major “London” joseph haydn As his last symphony, this Haydn masterwork completed an era of iconic music that earned him the nickname the “Father of the Symphony.” Despite the name of this piece, there are actually a dozen “London” symphonies (nos. 93-104) which were all used to introduce the Austrian-born Haydn to the London audience. These were composed across two separate trips he made to the city in the 1790s, with No. 104 being premiered at the King's Theatre (pictured) in 1795 with the composer himself conducting at the podium. The concert was among his most successful, cementing his “London” symphonies as the pinnacle of orchestral music at that time.

Spitfire Prelude and Fugue sir william walton The music for this work originally came from Walton's score for the film The First of the Few (titled Spitfire in the US), a British biographical film portraying the inspiring story of R.J. Mitchell, the designer of the Spitfire aircraft, as he overcomes personal challenges to create the revolutionary fighter plane that proved vital during World War II. Walton conducted the premiere of “Spitfire Prelude and Fugue” with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in 1943. It includes patriotic marches, a violin solo depicting Mitchell's health struggles and fugal section accompanying the assembly of the first Spitfire. This work became a British wartime anthem and was even performed to acknowledge the death of Winston Churchill in 1965.

Loch Ness - A postcard from Scotland thea musgrave Program Note from Thea Musgrave: This Scottish loch is famous for its monster - only very occasionally seen.

In this lighthearted work he, the monster (a TUBA), emerges from the depths (E flat) to find the sun (A major) coming out from a thick mist (string clusters, comprised of an octatonic scale built from the triads of E flat and A major and minor). As he plays he is warmed by the sparkling sun (trumpets) and by the strains of an ancient Scottish melody.

As the sun goes down, he dives back into the deep waters with a big splash. Then a cool moon rises, a light breeze ruffles the surface of the waters, and all is at peace.

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The "surgeon's photograph" of the “Loch Ness Monster” from 1934, now known to have been a hoax.

The Lark Ascdending ralph vaughan williams Inspired by the 1881 poem of the same name written by English poet George Meredith, this work captures the essence of the skylark's song as described in the poem. Vaughan Williams was an English composer known for sparking the nationalist movement in English music during the first half of the twentieth century.

He included the following excerpts from the poem at the top of the score: He rises and begins to round, He drops the silver chain of sound, Of many links without a break, In chirrup, whistle, slur and shake.

For singing till his heaven fills, ‘Tis love of earth that he instils, And ever winging up and up, Our valley is his golden cup And he the wine which overflows to lift us with him as he goes.

Till lost on his aerial rings In light, and then the fancy sings.

"The Lark Ascending" is a tender and introspective tone poem that seeks to portray the skylark through the expressive solo violin, weaving a tapestry of flourishes and soaring melodic lines. This composition conjures a bucolic atmosphere, suggesting a serenity rarely experienced during the early days of World War I.

INSTRUMENT HIGHLIGHT Lun Li performs on the Stradivarius “Samazeuilh” 1735 violin, on generous loan from the Nippon Music Foundation.

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Scott Weiss, conductor Scott Weiss is the Music Director and Conductor of the Aiken Symphony and the Director of Orchestras at the University of South Carolina School of Music.

In demand internationally as a guest conductor, Weiss has conducted recent performances with the orchestras of Shenzhen, Tianjin, Hunan, Inner Mongolia, Shandong and Nanchang and at major international venues including the Taipei National Theatre and Concert Hall, the National Centre for the Performing Arts Concert Hall in Beijing and the Hangzhou Grand Theatre Concert Hall. Soloists he has recently shared the stage with include Elena Urioste, Angelo Xiang Yu, Zuill Bailey, Awadagin Pratt, John O’Conor, Marina Lomazov and Paul Jacobs.

Weiss has several critically-acclaimed recordings on the Naxos Records and Summit Records labels. His latest offering is the world premiere recording of Nico Muhly’s Reliable Sources, released on the Cantaloupe Music label in October 2021. The piece is one of dozens of new works that Weiss has commissioned from many of today’s leading composers, including Samuel Adler, Jennifer Higdon, Zhou Long, Cindy McTee and Joseph Schwanter. At the University of South Carolina, Weiss is the Sarah Bolick Smith Distinguished Professor of Music. In addition to conducting the USC Symphony Orchestra, Weiss leads the master’s and doctoral programs in orchestral conducting at USC, and his studio is a destination for talented young conductors from around the world. He is frequently invited to conduct performances and teach masterclasses at leading conservatoires and music schools, including the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing), the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and the University of Western Australia. Each summer, he teaches at the Los Angeles Conducting Workshop and Competition.

Born in Monterey, California in 1967, Weiss holds degrees from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and the University of Illinois, where he studied conducting with Donald Schleicher. Before joining the faculty at the University of South Carolina in 2010, he held conducting posts at the University of Kansas and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

Weiss and his wife Teah are intrepid travelers and enjoy hiking, surfing and fine wines. They are the proud parents of John, a PhD student in chemistry at Northwestern University.

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Austin Davis, conductor Austin Davis is the conductor of the Campus Orchestra at the University of South Carolina and the assistant conductor of the Aiken Symphony and the University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestra.

Prior to coming to South Carolina, Austin served as the Associate Director of the Riverside Concert Band back in their hometown of Riverside, California.

Davis is a doctoral conducting student of Dr. Scott Weiss at the University of South Carolina. They additionally hold undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Redlands, where they studied orchestra conducting with Co Nguyen and wind conducting with Dr. David Scott. At Redlands, Davis was the assistant conductor of both the orchestra and the University of Redlands Symphonic Band, with whom Austin received finalist awards for the American Prize in Conducting and the Ernst Bacon Award for the Performance of American Music. They additionally conducted a brass ensemble for the University of Redlands' annual Feast of Lights celebration in 2016 and 2017, as well as a performance of Catrin Finch's Celtic Concerto with the university's chamber strings. The University of Redlands chapter of the Pi Kappa Lambda Musical Honor Society inducted Austin as a member in 2018.

A long time attendee of the Cascade Conducting Masterclass, Davis has been mentored by Sarah Ioannides, has worked closely with the composition students of David Ludwig for the Cascade Composers Workshop and was the inaugural recipient of the organization's scholarship for a conductor with heritage native to the Americas. Davis has additionally studied with Ioannides as part of the Curtis Mentor Network. Davis has had the opportunity to work with Neil Thompson as well on several occasions during the Los Angeles Conducting Workshop.

Davis developed a passion for performing new works through years of close collaboration with the composition studio at the University of Redlands. They rehearsed, performed and recorded several new works by student composers.

As a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, Davis is enthusiastic about championing the works of Native American composers. Their research at the University of South Carolina is dedicated to the study of Native American nationalism in classical music with an emphasis on the compositions of fellow Chickasaw musician Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate.

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Lun Li, violin Lun Li is a violinist committed to creating thoughtprovoking, boundary-pushing concert experiences for contemporary audiences around the world. A native of Shanghai who is currently based in New York, Li won First Prize in the 2021 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, the Paul A. Fish Memorial Prize, the Buffalo Chamber Music Society Prize and was named John French Violin Chair at YCA. Additionally, he is also the joint winner of the First Prize at the Lillian and Maurice Barbash J.S. Bach Competition. Recently, he was named a residency artists at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for their 2024-2027 seasons.

Li has appeared on major musical stages around the world, including Helsinki Music Centre, Konzerthaus Berlin, Kulturpalast Dresden, Wiener Konzerthaus and Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center. Next Season, he will make his solo recital debut in Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Music Center in New York and the Kennedy Center in Washington D. C., as well as his concerto debut in the Lincoln Center.

An avid chamber musician, he has participated in the Marlboro Music Festival, the Verbier Music Festival Academy, Music@Menlo’s international program and Music from Angelfire. He has collaborated with leading musicians such as Kim Kashkashian, Ani Kavafian, Ida Kavafian, Marcy Rosen, Steven Tenenbom, Peter Wiley and members from Calidore, Doric and Miro Quartets. His upcoming season will include chamber music tours with Curtis Institute of Music, Marlboro Music Festival and Young Concert Artists, bringing him to Carnegie Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, 92nd Street Y, Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Buffalo Chamber Music Society and others.

Li holds degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music (BM’20) and The Juilliard School (MM’22). His mentors include Ida Kavafian, Catherine Cho and Joseph Lin. He is currently pursuing an artist diploma at The Juilliard School under the tutelage of Catherine Cho. Li plays on the Stradivarius “Samazeuilh” 1735 violin, on generous loan from the Nippon Music Foundation.

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USC Symphony Orchestra Scott Weiss, conductor

Violin I Holly Workman concertmaster Miguel Calleja associate concertmaster Julia Jacobsen Elizabeth Sutherland Henry Baker MacLean Tollefsen Sally Cathcart Ziyi Deng Caitlyn McDonald Ekemini Umanah William Edwards Philip Howe Naomi Wright Giovanni Cusatis Violin II Aidan Billings principal Margie Moore assistant principal Katie Rojas Steven Humphries Sarah-Iyuna Spencer McKenzie Sightler Daphne Franklin Nicole Bedoya Savannah Elgin Emily Beddingfield Kayla Mathis Gabriela McWethy Lyra Xiong Viola Douglas Temples principal Amanda Harrell assistant principal Emily Tardiff-Rodriguez Amelia Bailey Nya Gerald Ian Hall Derek George Anthony Joyce Gabriel Boyd Elijah Skinner Tiaryca Green Esais Jones

Cello Jordan Bartow co-principal Zach Ward co-principal Tristan Groscost Rachel Gibbons Decker Elam Miranda Ramirez Brooke Teacher John Kuntz Brendan Short Bass Joe Gaskins principal Joshua Groscost assistant principal Ian Hamrick Avea Diamond Sadie Wood Luke Hagg Flute Olivia Norton principal Deepti Vadhiyar assistant principal Ashleigh Wallace Alyssa Santiváñez Shelby Miller Oboe Katie Eaton principal Jaden Bowers assistant principal Sydney Fulcher Kate Wages Clarinet Andrew Kevic principal Eric Gardner assistant principal Jackson Farmer Alejandra Vega Reece Weslock Bassoon Aaron Nealy principal Ed Senn assistant principal Christina French Makena Nobles

Horn Wenyu Hsu principal Hunter Poe assistant principal Charlie VanAtter Sadie Becht Charlie Winston Elise Halbig Trumpet Francisco Ballestas principal Connor Bruce MJ Harris George Bernard Trombone Nicholas Dewyer principal Ian Schwalbe Wills Kane Bass Trombone Trey Hogan principal Tuba Mathew Tuk principal Percussion Julia Ross principal Ellakyn Brinkley Jack Estrada Yuesen Yang Harp Xueying Piao Assistant Conductors Jordan Brooks Austin Davis Librarian Jordan Brooks Orchestra Operations Austin Davis Marketing Marlena Crovatt-Bagwell Brad Martin Julia Jacobsen

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With Gratitude to Our Contributors

The USC Symphony Orchestra thanks the following donors for their generous support.

You provide much-needed funding for scholarships, fellowships, world-renowned guest artists, music rentals and many other items that support our program. This list reflects gifts made between 1/1/2023 – 11/29/2024.

Principal Sponsor ($2,500+)

Schmoyer and Company Lourie Life and Health

Sustaining Sponsor ($2,000-$9,999)

Patricia and James Weiss

Sponsor

($1,000-$1,999) Jerry Dell and Ben Gimarc Sheila and Dwayne Josey Myra and Mike Nelson Jeffry Caswell and Jose Cotto Ortiz

Patron

($500-$999) Christine and Tayloe Harding Lisa and Rob Wilcox

Contributor ($250-$499)

Susan and Ronnie Belleggia Laury Christie and David Vaughn Leslie Frinks Sharon and Ryan Gaskin Pamela and Andy Gowan Carol and John Kososki

Lee and Julian Minghi Regina Moody Linda and John Ropp Audra and Johann Vaz Teah and Scott Weiss

Partner

($100-$249) Barbara Bowers Kris and Ronald Burns Craig Butterfield Ann and Robert Buys Marlena Crovatt-Bagwell and Michael Bagwell Gary Diamond Daniela Friedman and Michael Dojc Don Dupee Charles Fugo Charles Gatch Don Greiner Wendy and Nathan Groscost Verotta Kennedy Libby Law Fredna Lee Patty Lovit Pauline Pagliocca Cornelia Pasky Martha Sutter and David Ross Tracey and Michael Snelling Vans Violins Harriet Williams and Jerry Hagenmaier

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but if your name is missing, please contact the School of Music Development Office at 803-576-5763.

Please support the USC Symphony Orchestra today. Your gift makes an immediate impact by providing critically needed funding and empowering us to meet emerging needs and opportunities, such as scholarships for deserving students, faculty recruitment and innovative new programming that enhances the overall Carolina experience. You can make a gift directly to the USC Symphony Orchestra Fund by using the QR code below.

For more information, contact Brad Martin, Assistant Director of Development at brad.martin@sc.edu.

Thank you for helping us keep the music playing!

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A Special Thanks to Our Corporate Sponsors

Interested in supporting the USC Symphony Orchestra through a corporate sponsorship?

Contact Brad Martin, Assistant Director of Development at brad.martin@sc.edu.

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Musical FEAST

Saturday, February 10 6:30 p.m.

Koger Center for the Arts

Stroll through the Koger Center for the Arts and experience musical performances

by University of South Carolina School of Music students while enjoying delicious food and drinks.

From the main stage to the lobby, enjoy food and drink as varied as the locations and the musical performances. Move among percussion, opera, jazz, strings and vocal musicians performing as you meet new friends and catch-up with old ones.

Proceeds fund Friends of the School of Music student scholarships. $125 per person $200 per couple $75 young professionals (ages 21-40 with ID) Scan code to puchase tickets online, or call 803-777-9732 .

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(803) 256-2067 | LourieLifeandHealth.com 3710 Landmark Drive, Suite 206 Columbia, SC 29204

By dialing the phone number, you will contact a licensed insurance agent.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 5 organizations which offer 52 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users call 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day/7 days a week, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

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Edgar and George

FEB 17

2024

7:30 p.m.

MEYER

Darla Moore, Johnson Hall

GEORGE MEYER

Violinist and Composer

EDGAR MEYER

Tickets: KogerCenterForTheArts.com

Multi-Grammy and MacArthur Genius Award-winning bassist 15

2023-24 SEASON

Portraits in Garnet and Blue

RHAPSODY IN BLUE Thursday, September 28, 2023

MUSIC OF THE AMERICAS Thursday, November 2, 2023

SOUL BASS

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

THE LARK ASCENDING Tuesday, February 6, 2024

RISING STARS Tuesday, March 19, 2024

BRAHMS REQUIEM Thursday, April 18, 2024

All performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia, SC.

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