12th SEASON PROGRAM

FestivalC ffee

FestivalSouth 2 21

@festivalsouth #festivalsouth

CO- ARTISTIC DIRECTORS Dr. Jay Dean Dr. Mike Lopinto FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HCA Dr. Jay Dean HCA DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Rachel Ciraldo FESTIVALCOORDINATORS FestivalHeadliners Dr. Jay Dean Dr. Mike Lopinto FestivalMusic Dr. Theresa Sanchez Jorge Gonzalez, FestivalSouth Orchestral Academy FestivalSouth Youth Programs Jennifer Clark, Artie Coordinator Ellen Hunter Ruffin, Artie Reads Sarah Dixon, Artie Event Assistant Dr. Jennifer Bruton, FestivalSouth Youth Ambassadors FestivalDance Cydney McGee FestivalFavorites Angela Davis-Morris, Festival5K Sid Gonsoulin, FestivalGolf Classic Randy Swan, FestivalSpeaks Signature Magazine, Best of the Pine Belt FESTIVAL DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION Tegi Jenkins-Rimmer Michaela Andrews, Intern FESTIVAL OUTREACH Kristina Finch FESTIVAL LOGISTICS Harlan Mapp and David Walker FESTIVAL CONCIERGE Mandie McKenzie FESTIVAL PR/MARKETING Dr. Mike Lopinto, Brett Barnes, Hanif Lawrence, O’Neil Jones, Brittany Hawkins FESTIVAL WEBMASTER Kyle Nicholas FESTIVAL VIDEOGRAPHER Ana Ruth Cortez FESTIVAL STREAMING CONTENT Marc Rivet FESTIVAL TICKETING Ivonne Kawas HCA FINANCIAL Carolyn McLarnan EVENT SUPPORT STAFF Youth Ambassadors

CONTENTS BROADWAY IN THE ‘BURG FESTIVALCOFFEE FIRSTS LAGNIAPPE TRIO ULTIMATE GUITAR BARRY LEACH ON POINTE USA IBC

PAGE 2-3 PAGE 4 PAGE 5-6 w PAGE 7

PRESENTS

PAGE 8-11

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA

PAGE 12-13

MEISTERSINGERS

PAGE 14-15

LOVE AT FIRST SOUND KONTRA DUO PAGE 16-17

ALL FESTIVALMUSIC EVENTS ARE PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

CHAMBER CLASSICS IMPROMPTU TRIO PAGE 18-19

50 YEARS OF ORGAN MUSIC TAKE FIVE MOTOWN DOWNTOWN REVIVAL

PAGE 20-21 PAGE 22 PAGE 24-25

This project is supported in part by funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and in part, from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

OPENING NIGHT!

Brett Barnes Mely Berdion Patrick Berry Jennie Blackwell Jacobi Daughrity Cymon Davis

Blair Dudas Patricia Garner Latisha Hamilton Derrek Howell O’Neil Jones Seth Karas

Lauren Cate Leake Mike Lopinto Tammy Mansfield Harlan Mapp Christian Sandoval Lucy Sanguinetti

Ella Seymour Caitlyn Smith Joe VanZandt David Walker Amy Yanes

BAND

Piano - Alison Post Keyboard - Tammy Mansfield Bass - Lowery Hicks Drums - Drew Wooton Guitar Solo - Joe VanZandt Sax Solo - Harlan Mapp

PRESENTED WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM

Charles Griffith David Hollis and Beverly Dale

PROGRAM

As If We Never Said Goodbye (Sunset Boulevard) Mike I Got You (James & the Giant Peach) Tammy & Lucy Good to Be a Nun (Sister Act) Women Middle of a Moment (James & the Giant Peach) Brett The History of Wrong Guys (Kinky Boots) Caitlyn Lady in the Long Black Dress (Sister Act) Christian, Jacobi, David Harden My Heart/Shadows (Rock of Ages) Lauren Cate & Patricia Everywhere That You Are (James & the Giant Peach) Jennie, Patrick, Ella & Seth Everybody Say Yeah (Kinky Boots) Joe & Jacobi Me (Beauty & the Beast) O’Neil & Cymon Wanted Dead or Alive (Rock of Ages) Derrek The Life I Never Led (Sister Act) Mely I Can’t Fight This Feelin’ (Rock of Ages) Joe & Harlan Sister Act (Sister Act) Latisha Hold Me In Your Heart (Kinky Boots) Jacobi Live Your Life Out Loud Cymon, Seth, Blair, Ella, Amy, Company Don’t Stop Believin’ (Rock of Ages) Christian, Lauren Cate, Derrek, Patricia, Joe, Seth, Latisha, Patrick, Company

SHOW CREDITS Rock of Ages

Book by Chris D’Arienzo, Music by various artists

James and the Giant Peach

Book by Timothy McDonald, Lyrics by Benj Pasek, Music by Justin Paul

Sister Act

Book by Bill & Cherie Steinkellner, Music by Alan Menken

Kinky Boots

Book by Harvey Fierstein, Lyrics & Music by Cyndi Lauper

Sunset Boulevard

Book by Don Black & Christoper Hampton, Music by Andrew Lloyd Weber

Beauty and the Beast

Book by Linda Woolverton, Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice, Music by Alan Menken

Live Your Life Out Loud

Lyrics & Music by Tammy Mansfield

MONDAY 7 JUNE 2021, 9 a.m. Neu Quartett Java Werks Coffee and Tea

2902 Hardy St, #10, Hattiesburg, MS

Menu Price

WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2021, 9 a.m.

The Magnificent Voice Featuring David Walker, tenor with Victoria Johnson, piano The Brass Hat Patio at Hotel Indigo 103 S 30th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS

Menu Price

MONDAY 14 JUNE 2021, 9 a.m.

Shooting Star Featuring Melissa Berdion, soprano with Tammy Mansfield, piano Depot Kitchen and Marketplace 209 Buschman St., Hattiesburg, MS

Menu Price

WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE 2021, 9 a.m.

Good Morning Guitar Featuring James Reyelt, guitar Fika Swedish Café 127 Buschman St., Hattiesburg, MS

Menu Price

MONDAY 21 JUNE 2021, 9 a.m.

Jambient Featuring John Madere, looping improv T-Bones Records and Cafe 2101 Hardy St., Hattiesburg, MS

FestivalC ffee

Menu Price

WEDNESDAY 23 JUNE 2021, 9 a.m.

Featuring Harlan Mapp, baritone with Kay Guiles, piano South Mouth Deli 6555 US-98 #20, Hattiesburg, MS

Menu Price

FIRSTS

Featuring the Lagniappe Trio Rachel Taratoot Ciraldo, flute Stephanie Gustafson Amfahr, harp Christopher Lowry, viola Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at 3 p.m. Heritage United Methodist Church Hattiesburg, MS

PROGRAM Terzettino Theodore Dubois (1837-1924) “Danza para dormer a un minino” Gerardo Aponte Cupido b. 1978 At Dusk

Arthur Foote (1853-1937)

EtymEntom}ology: Christopher Lowry A Metamorphosis for b. 1988 Flute, Viola, and Harp, Op. 41 (2020-21) I. Prelude: Beetles (Coleoptera) II. Grasshoppers and Crickets (Orthoptera) III. Mantids (Mantodea) IV. Flies (Diptera) V. Ants, Bees, and Wasps (Hymenoptera) VI. Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) VII. Finale: Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera)

EtymEntom}ology was commissioned by the Lagniappe Trio in 2019 and supported by a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission

Formed in 2016, The Lagniappe Trio is comprised of principal players of the Baton Rouge Symphony who have extensive experience with the orchestral and chamber music repertoire and particularly enjoy presenting new works for the flute, viola, and harp ensemble. A resident of Hattiesburg, MS, Rachel Taratoot Ciraldo is also principal flutist of the Meridian Symphony and has performed with classical guitarist and husband Nicholas Ciraldo for more than 20 years in Duo Cintemani. She is the Development Coordinator for the Hattiesburg Concert Association and works to encourage social and economic change through supporting the cultural economy of the region. She has won several international competitions and enjoyed working with the flute studios of Louisiana State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Southeastern Louisiana University as well as private students over the years. Rachel earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University and a Master of Music degree from Boston University. Hailing from Nashville, TN, Christopher Lowry is emerging as one of the leading violists and most performed composers of his generation. Lowry’s music has been recorded by the Brno Philharmonic for Ablaze Records and performed in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and the Ryman Auditorium by ensembles across the country and internationally in countries such as Mexico, South Africa, the U.K., Brazil, China and more. Chris is a recording and mixing engineer, and he has recorded and produced multiple CDs for release on Centaur Records. He is also the principal violist of the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra. Chris holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degree from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. Originally from Chicago, harpist Stephanie Gustafson now resides in Houston, where she is an active performer, educator, and writer. In addition to her position with the Baton Rouge Symphony, she is a regular guest of the Houston Symphony and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in New Orleans, and she has performed with orchestras on stages all over the U.S., Europe and South America. A passionate educator, Stephanie is a co-founder and co-director of the Houston Youth Harp Ensemble, a Saturday morning program that helps harp students in Houston further their musical growth and build an essential harp community. Additionally, Stephanie is on faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, a summer program in Twin Lake, Michigan, and maintains an active private teaching studio for students of all ages in Houston. Stephanie received her Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Outside of performing, Stephanie is News Editor for Harp Column magazine and is an avid reader. 6

EtymEntom}ology From the composer “Much like my affinity for music, my interest in entomology started in early childhood; there are many pictures of me as a child examining or handling insects, which eventually led me to curating an impressive insect collection in high school, and has since grown into an amateur study and photography of them. I had even considered studying entomology in college, but decided that my mild phobia of biting and stinging creatures might be enough reason to stick with music (plus, the hundred-orso specimens that I meticulously pinned to a board in a glass display case as a teenager have long since been devoured by carpet beetle larvae in an act I can only assume to be revenge). Nevertheless, this piece is a long-overdue tribute to and intricate synthesis of these two passions. The piece is in seven movements, each of which represents a specific order of insects and attempts to depict them musically in a variety of different ways, some more abstract than others. The title refers to the similarity between the words entomology (the study of insects) and etymology (the study of words), which are quite often confused with each other; I chose to represent the etymological side of the piece by providing very basic etymologies of each order at the start of each movement. The primary motive of the whole suite is a Lydian hexachord representing Class Insecta (six notes for six-legged hexapods!). While this opens the first movement and is present in other sections, each movement is also based around a different variation of this hexachord, essentially developing and “metamorphosing” the main motive over the course of the seven movements.”

THE ULTIMATE GUITAR An Evening with Barry Leach

Thursday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. The Paper Warehouse Theatre at the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center Hattiesburg, MS Barry Leach is a guitarist’s guitarist known for his amazing technique in rock, pop, jazz, and classical music. Born in Kentucky and raised in Mississippi, he began playing guitar at age 12, and was inspired by both rock and blues. He attended The University of Southern Mississippi where he earned a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies. His spectacular performances are an eclectic blend of many styles and genres. This entertaining show consists of a variety of original solo guitar pieces, well known songs, and vocals. Voted multiple times as “Best Musician” by the Jackson Free Press, he has performed and/or recorded with numerous artists including the Dee Barton Orchestra, HBO, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Carmine Appice, Dorothy Moore, The Vamps, and The Barry Leach Group. If you love guitar, do not miss this show!

ON POIN E Friday, June 11, 2021 Mannoni Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m. WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM ARTS INSTITUTE OF MISSISSIPPI The University of Southern Mississippi

FEATURING SPECIAL MUSIC BY THE LAGNIAPPE TRIO Rachel Taratoot Ciraldo, flute, Stephanie Gustafson Amfahr, harp, and Christopher Lowry, viola

One of the world’s most prestigious dance events, the USA IBC, is a two‑week “Olympic-style” international competition held in Jackson, MS. Designated as the official USA Competition by a Joint Resolution of Congress, the USA IBC is held every four years, in the tradition of sister competitions in Varna, Bulgaria, Moscow, Russia, and Helsinki, Finland. The Jackson competition has been named an American Masterpiece by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Mississippi Arts Commission in the NEA program that honors the nation’s cultural treasures. Ticket holders for the 2018 USA IBC were from 35 states and 25 nations and generated and economic impact of $12.5 million. Jackson will host USA IBC XII, June 10-24, 2023. 8

Solo: Laurencia featuring Julia Rust Choreographer: Vakhtang Chabukiani Composer: Alexander Krain Pas de Deux: Coppélia featuring Chisako Oga & Derek Dunn Choreographer: Arthur Saint-Leon Composer: Léo Delibes PART ONE “Danza para dormer a un minino” (2020) Gerardo Aponte Cupido b. 1978 From Studies in Nature, After Ernst Haeckel (2014) 2. Radiolaria (Air) From Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp (1915) 2. Interlude

Karim Al-Zand b. 1970 Claude Debussy (1862-1918)

The Lagniappe Trio Solo: Kettentanz featuring Princess Reid Composer: Schnoffler Tanz Choreographer: Gerald Arpino Solo: Awakening featuring Julia Rust Choreographer: Yuchan Kim Composer: Max Ritcher

PART TWO From EtymEntom}ology: A Metamorphosis Christopher Lowry for Flute, Viola, and Harp, Op. 41 (2020-21) b. 1988 I. Prelude: Beetles (Coleoptera) VII. Finale: Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) EtymEntom}ology was commissioned by the Lagniappe Trio in 2019 and supported by a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission

The Lagniappe Trio

Solo: Mercurial Impulses featuring Chisako Oga Choreographer: James Cunningham Composer: Dmitri Shostakovich Music: String Quartet No. 7 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 108: III. Allegro Pas de Deux: Le Corsaire featuring Misa Kuranaga & Brooklyn Mack Choreographer: Marius Petipa Composer: Adolphe Adam

ABOUT THE DANCERS Princess Reid grew up in Jacksonville, FL. She started studying ballet at age seven at The Florida Ballet under the direction of Laurie Picinich-Byrd where she danced until she was 18. Soon after, she joined Orlando Ballet’s second company in 2015, where she stayed until May 2018. While in Orlando, Reid performed in Don Quixote, Serenade, and Val Caniparoli’s A Cinderella Story, to name a few. Reid was also given the opportunity to perform Robert Hill’s Requiem at the American Dance Competition gala in 2016 and in June 2018, she competed in the prestigious USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. Chisako Oga was born in Dallas, Texas. She trained at San Francisco Ballet School on a full scholarship, prior to being promoted to trainee then apprentice. In 2016, Oga joined the Cincinnati ballet, where she quickly rose to the position of principal. As a Principal at Cincinnati ballet, Oga danced roles such as Principal Couple in George Balanchine’s Rubies, Russian Girl in Balanchine’s Serenade, Aurora in Devon Carney’s The Sleeping Beauty, Juliet in Victoria Morgan’s Romeo and Juliet, and Swanilda in Kirk Peterson’s Coppélia. She has received several awards throughout her career. In 2016, she received a silver medal in the Shanghai International Ballet Competition. In 2018, she won the bronze medal at the USA International Ballet Competition. Oga has been praised by Dance Magazine for being a “technical whirlwind” with “riveting acting abilities.” Recently, she was named one of the “25 to Watch” in 2019. She joined the Boston Ballet as second soloist in 2019 and was promoted to soloist in 2020. Derek Dunn began dancing at the Edna Lee Dance Studio in Maryland. He continued his training at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia from 2009 to 2012. Dunn joined Houston Ballet in 2012. With Houston Ballet, Dunn performed in ballets including Julia Adam’s Ketubah, David Bintley’s Aladdin (the Djinn), Christopher Bruce’s Intimate Pages, William Forsythe’s In The Middle, Somewhat Elevated, Melissa Hough’s …the third kind [is] useless, Ronald Hyne’s Merry Widow, Edward Liang’s Murmuration, Hans van Manen’s Solo, Jiri Kylián’s Sechs Tanze, Trey McIntyre’s Peter Pan, Ben Stevenson’s The Nutcracker (Gopak), Stanton Welch’s Clear, La Bayadère (Dream Gold), Madame Butterfly,

Maninyas, Marie, Of Blessed Memory, Paquita, The Rite of Spring, Swan Lake, Sons de l’âme (Sounds of the Soul), and The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. His Boston Ballet repertoire includes George Balanchine’s Chaconne and Prodigal Son (The Son), August Bournonville’s pas de deux from Flower Festival in Genzano and La Sylphide (Gurn), John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet (Mercutio), Jorma Elo’s Fifth Symphony of Jean Sibelius, William Forsythe’s Pas/Parts 2018, Wayne McGregor’s Obsidian Tear, Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker (Harlequin, Pastorale, and Russian), and Justin Peck’s In Creases. Dunn earned the Youth America Grand Prix Award in 2008, the Junior Gold medal in 2010, and the Senior Gold medal in 2012 at the Youth America Grand Prix. He was also awarded the Junior Bronze Medal at the USA International Ballet Competition in 2010. Dunn has been featured on the October/November 2016 cover of Pointe magazine and in Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” in 2014. Dunn joined Boston Ballet as a soloist in 2017 and was promoted to principal dancer in 2018.

Misa Kuranaga initially trained at the Jinushi Kaoru Ballet School in her native Japan and then received additional training at the School of American Ballet in New York City. Before joining Boston Ballet in 2003 she was a member of the San Francisco Ballet. In Boston she was promoted to soloist in 2005 and to principal dancer in 2009. Kuranaga was the first Asian person to be promoted to principal dancer at Boston Ballet. She returned to San Francisco Ballet as a principal dancer in 2019. Kuranaga started her competition career at the Chubu National Ballet Competition where she was the youngest participant to win the gold medal in the pre-junior division. When she was only ten years old she was invited by Bolshoi Ballet director Yuri Grigorovich to participate in the Moscow International Ballet Competition Gala. She received a scholarship award at the Prix de Lausanne competition in 2001 and also won a gold medal as a Junior in the Moscow IBC that same year. In 2006 she won the senior gold medal at the USA International Ballet Competition and was named one of “25 to Watch” by Dance Magazine. She has been a guest performer with the New York City Ballet (2009) and the Vail International Dance Festival (2009, 2010). 10

Brooklyn Mack began his ballet training at age 12 at the Pavlovich Dance School in Elgin, South Carolina. At age 15, he received a full scholarship to study at The Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C. Mack joined the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago as an apprentice in 2004 and began training with ABT Studio Company in August 2005. He joined Orlando Ballet in 2006 and The Washington Ballet in 2009. In 2015, he became a guest artist with English National Ballet. Mack’s repertoire has included Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Crassus in Fernando Bujones’s Spartacus, Basilio and Espada in Don Quixote, Conrad and Ali in Le Corsaire, Albrecht in Giselle, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet and George Wilson in The Great Gatsby, as well as roles in Twyla Tharp’s Surfer At The River Styx, Nicolo Fonte’s Bolero Trey McIntyre’s A Day in the Life and Edwaard Liang’s La Ofrenda. His awards include a silver medal at the 2006 USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi, the 2007 Princess Grace Awards fellowship, the silver prize at the 2009 Helsinki International Ballet Competition, the Grand Prix at the 2012 Istanbul International Ballet Competition and the Gold Medal at the 2012 Varna International Ballet Competition. Julia Rust was offered a full company contract just after turning 17 years old while at the prestigious USA International Ballet Competition in 2018. Ms. Rust, now in her third season with the esteemed Joffrey Ballet, was also awarded the Silver Medal. Born and raised in Noblesville, Indiana, she trained with Alyona Yakovleva-Randall and the faculty of Indiana Ballet Conservatory. She furthered her training during summers at many esteemed international schools and then at The Washington School of Ballet - all on scholarship. She continues to be coached by Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky. Rust was awarded the Grand Prix Award at the Youth America Grand Prix Semifinal and went on to place in the Top 12 at the World Finals in NYC. She is also the recipient of the Fernando Bujones Memorial Award at ADC|IBC. She has danced in “The Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow” Gala in Salt Lake City, The International Ballet Festival of Miami, and the Awards Gala and Encore Gala at USA IBC. Ms. Rust appears courtesy of the Joffrey Ballet, Ashley Wheater, Artistic Director.

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Hattiesburg Historic Train Depot

“Voi lo sapete” from Cavalleria Rusticana Maryann Kyle, soprano “Vesti la giubba” from I Pagliacci

Pietro Mascagni (1863-1945)

Ruggiero Leoncavallo (1863-1945)

Peter Lake, tenor “Una voce poco fa” from Il Barbieri di Siviglia

Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)

Bridget Cappel, mezzo-soprano “La vendetta” from Le nozze di Figaro

W. A. Mozart (1756-1791)

Hosea Griffith, bass “Je veux vivre” from Romeo et Juliette

Charles Gounod (1818-1893)

Stacey Trenteseaux, soprano “Votre Toast” from Carmen

Georges Bizet (1838-1875)

Patrick McNally, baritone “Der Hölle Rache” from Die Zauberflöte Tjaden Cox, soprano “Bella figlia dell’amore” from Rigoletto

W. A. Mozart

Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)

Maryann Kyle, Bridget Cappel, Peter Lake, Patrick McNally 12

INTERMISSION

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM

“Largo al factotum” from Il Barbiere di Siviglia Patrick McNally

Gioachino Rossini

“Come scoglio” from Così fan tutte Stacey Trenteseaux

W. A. Mozart

“Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja” from Die Zauberflöte

W. A. Mozart

Hosea Griffith “Habanera” from Carmen

Georges Bizet

Bridget Cappel “O mimi tu piu non torni” from La Boheme Peter Lake /Patrick McNally

Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924)

“Vissi d’arte” from Tosca

Giacomo Puccini

Maryann Kyle “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot

Giacomo Puccini

Peter Lake “Les oiseaux dans la charmille” from Les Contes d’Hoffmann

Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880)

Tjaden Cox “Brindisi” from La Traviata Cast

Giuseppe Verdi 13

MEISTERSINGERS

Joseph Wilkinson, artistic director Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 3 p.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church P R O G R A M

light beyond shadow

the breath of life et Deus inspiravit first breath last breath the silent kiss epilogue: time is

SOPRANO ALTO Jean Claire Bounds Jeanie Boone Liberty Dearmon Allison Chestnut Kim Howell Judi Collins Lynn Royse Linda Ginn Heather Odom Martha Ginn Sarah Odom Althea Jerome Connie Roberts Leigh Ann Lockey Patti Malone Kristin McNair Cala Raborn

TENOR BASS Cherie Boone Stacy Douglas Brandon Dearmon Michael Ginn Kris Henington Nathan Lockey Mark Malone Bob Phelps David Pylate Faren Raborn Robin Roberts Brian Rifkin Zachary Rifkin Don Vail

O R C H E S T R A composer-in-residence piano Dan Forrest violin 1 Rodrigo Quintana Alejandro Junco Jessica Achon Stephanie Jackson violin 2 Federico Franco Marlene Gentile Jonathan Frelix

viola Courtney Grant Ana Sofia Suarez Ronnie Ortiz cello Ana Ospina Oscar Leal

percussion Andy Gilstrap Andrew Hunckler organ|midi keyboard Kathy Vail

solo cello Alexander Russakovsky WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM ARTS INSTITUTE OF MISSISSIPPI

double bass Roberto Pineda

The University of Southern Mississippi

Dan Forrest is an acclaimed composer of choral, orchestral, instrumental, and wind band works. His music, in print with numerous publishers, has sold millions of copies, and has become well established in the repertoire of choirs around the world.

P R O G R A M

N O T E S

Dan Forrest’s fourth major work continues in the vein of his previous major works, exploring profound themes of human experience. the breath of life ponders the beauty, yet brevity, of human life as portrayed in a single breath. From the outset, we hear breathing presented as a musical gesture for its own aesthetic value. The first movement, et Deus inspiravit, is a modern day chaconne - a Baroque form that introduces a short harmonic progression then gradually adds layers of counterpoint, texture, color, and intensity. The first half of the movement portrays this the gathering of divine breath, about to be “in-spired” into humanity. Upon reaching its full force, it disappears, revealing a quiet instrumental solo representing the first human breath, and the wonder and joy of human life begins. We hear his heart beating for the first time, and can almost see him finding his feet, filling his lungs, walking, dancing, running, shouting for joy as he explores this world. The second movement, first breath last breath, sets a poignant text written in 2006 by American poet Antler when he lost his mother. The picture of a mother receiving her baby’s first breath at his birth, then releasing it back to him at her death, provides an achingly beautiful juxtaposition, and the music reflects this, at times soaring with the joy of new life, and at times grieving the loss of a loved one. The choral breaths notably cease in this movement at the mother’s final exhaled breath. Without pause, the third movement begins. the silent kiss is a modern-day passacaglia, with a continually-descending “lament bass” line - another Baroque-era device. The music adds impact and weight to Yeats’ poetry, lamenting the loss of life and vulnerably questioning whether the breath of life was worth drawing or celebrating. After these three movements trace this arc from the joy of new life to the pain of losing it, an epilogue provides Henry Van Dyke’s perspective on this passage of time in time is.The tolling of distant bells and recurring patterns in both choir and orchestra provide aural imagery of clocks and the swinging pendulum of Time, leading to the climactic phrase: “but for those who Love...Time is not.” The clockwork ends as the strings enter, and we soar above earth, looking down to ponder how Love can make life, and even its loss, worthwhile. A bit of the clockwork returns briefly, reminding us of where we still are in time and space; then the final word gives way to a reprise of the “breath of God” themes from the first movement, presented this time in slow motion, almost like a dream. The work’s enigmatic ending provides space for pondering its meaning for our own lives on multiple levels. The work also seeks to bridge the gap between live performance and studio production by adding digital timbres not normally found in works for chorus and orchestra. The composer customized a specific digital sound to add texture and ambience, then scored for that “instrument” as part of the orchestral ensemble. Some performances also utilize pedal effects for the solo cello part, adding another unique digital layer to the soundscape.

the breath of life was commissioned and premiered in late 2019 by the Bel Canto Company (Greensboro, NC, Dr. Welborn Young, conductor); as we process the pandemic and George Floyd murder of 2020, the texts and music combine to speak with a voice both prophetic and retrospective. 15

LOVE AT FIRST SOUND

KONTRA DUO KRISTINA FINCH, HARP AND DANNEL ESPINOZA, SAXOPHONES Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. Parkway Heights United Methodist Church Hattiesburg, MS

Green Barbara Thompson b. 1944 Histoire du Tango Astor Piazzolla II. Cafe 1930 (1921-1992) Après un rêve

Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)

That’s when their troubles began...

Eric Moe b. 1945

Romance

William Grant Still (1895-1978)

Romance With Love Cheerfully Freely

Yusef Lateef (1920-2013)

Perseus and Andromeda

Stephen Dankner b. 1944

A native of South Florida, Dr. Dannel Espinoza is currently the Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. Described as having an “effective sense of phrasing and dynamic sensitivity” (Florida Classical Review), Dannel has performed for audiences throughout the world as a soloist and chamber musician with various ensembles including the award-winning saxophone quartet Project Fusion, an ensemble that has been praised for “elevating the saxophone to its rightful throne.”(LA Splash Magazine). Dannel completed his DMA in saxophone with a minor in conducting at the Eastman School of Music. His Bachelors and Masters degrees were earned at Northern Arizona University and Florida State University, respectively. Harpist Kristina Finch is a model of an independent modern musician based in Hattiesburg, MS. Versatile and flexible in all settings, Kristina is constantly striving to connect with new and diverse audiences using classical training and a passion for popular music to defy expectations and expand perceptions of the harp. Kristina holds a Doctorate in Music Performance and Literature and Bachelor of Music Degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY and a Master of Music Degree from Florida State University. Kristina is a RYT/200 Yoga Teacher, a contributor to Harp Column Magazine, and the host/ creator of “Harp Column Podcast.”

CHAMBER CLASSICS FEATURING THE IMPROMPTU PIANO TRIO Stephen Redfield, violin, Alexander Russakovsky, cello and Theresa Sanchez, piano Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church Hattiesburg, MS

Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 99, D. 898 Allegro moderato Andante un poco mosso Scherzo: Allegro Presto vivace

Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

Trio No. 2 in B Minor, Op. 76 (1933) Lento—Allegro molto moderato Molto vivace Lento—Andante mosso--Allegretto

Joaquín Turina (1882-1949)

Violinist Stephen Redfield has taught violin and chamber music at the University of Southern Mississippi School of Music since 1996. He spent 2011-12 on leave as Chair of the Music Department at the New Mexico School for the Arts, where he is also concertmaster of the Santa Fe Pro Musica. Each summer since 1992, Stephen has performed with the Victoria Bach Festival. He is a long-standing participant in the Oregon Bach Festival, often featured as concertmaster, and in numerous recordings, including the Grammy Award-winning disc “Credo.” Stephen plays with his faculty colleagues in the Impromptu Piano Quartet and Trio, and performs regularly as a Baroque violinist with the Albuquerque Baroque Players and with the Atlanta Baroque Orchestra. He has also performed concerts with the Smithsonian Chamber Players and the Newberry Consort. His Sebastian Ensemble with harpsichordist Kathleen McIntosh has performed throughout the US, and in Spain, Cuba and Peru. A graduate of the Yale University and the University of Santa Barbara, Alexander Russakovsky has appeared in numerous solo and chamber music performances in Russia, Israel, Europe and the United States. A founding member of the Jerusalem Academy String Quartet, he also performed in the Chamber Music Series of the Spoleto Festival in Italy, the Barge Music in New York City, and the Western Slope Music Festival in Colorado. In the fall of 2001 Dr. Russakovsky joined the music faculty of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. He also has served on the faculties of the Adriatic Chamber Music Festival in Bonefro, the IV Violoncello Biennal in Peru, and the CICA Chamber Music Festival. Most recently, Dr. Russakovsky has given master classes and recitals in Taiwan, Israel, and Latin America. His disc, featuring Russian works for cello and piano, was released by Brilliant Classics in April 2014. Pianist Theresa Sanchez pursues a varied performing career as a soloist and collaborative musician. She has performed as soloist with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (including the Southern Nights CD) and The Wind Ensemble. With the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, she premiered and recorded Carey Smith’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Dr. Sanchez was the founding Artistic Administrator for the Vicksburg Chamber Music Festival and performed in each series with various outstanding artists. She has been a faculty member at Jones College since 1995, and is a past president of the Mississippi Music Teachers Association. She currently serves as Classical and Chamber Music Coordinator for the Hattiesburg Concert Association and FestivalSouth, and is listed on the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Touring Artist Roster.

PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM

A CELEBRATION: Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at 3 p.m. Marsh Auditorium at The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS Psalm XX

Benedetto Marcello (1686-1739)

Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 731 Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Toccata in E Minor Paul Andersen

Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706)

Sonatine for pedals Andante Adagio Allegro molto

Vincent Persichetti (1915-1987)

Cahaba Impromptu for right hand and pedal

Howard Keever b. 1954

Jeff McLelland A Little More Faith in Jesus John Wesley Work III (1901-1967) Prelude, Fugue, and Chaconne in C Major, BuxWV 137

Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707)

Prelude, Fugue, and Variation, Op. 18 César Franck (1822-1890) Toccata from Organ Symphony 5 Opus 42, No. 1 Kay Guiles