WMS Prelude - Volume 11, Issue 4

West Michigan Symphony Season Magazine Volume 11 • Issue 4 • May 2023 – June 2023

Brahms Symphony No. 2 FRIDAY • MAY 19 • 7:30 PM

Holst The Planets

FRIDAY • JUNE 9 • 7:30 PM

Serving West Michigan with all your metal needs Holland • Muskegon • Manistee • Spring Lake

WHAT'S INSIDE WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SCOTT SPECK | MUSIC DIRECTOR

Artistic Staff Scott Speck Music Director Angela Corbin WMS Debut & Premier Strings Director Lauren Garza Tune Up Program Manager & Lead Teaching Artist Beth Slimko WMS Children’s Choir Director

Administrative Staff Andrew Buelow President/CEO Amanda Dykhouse Orchestra Librarian Megan James Marketing & Design Manager Karen Mueller O'Neill Vice President of Development & Marketing Maris Myers Patron Services Manager Gabe Slimko Vice President of Operations & Orchestra Personnel Manager Sherrie Tower Finance & Facilities Manager Karen Vander Zanden Director of Education & Engagement

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Message from the Music Director

4

Meet the WMS Principal Musicians

5

West Michigan Symphony Musicians

6

Message from the Chairperson

8

2022/23 Board of Directors

10

West Michigan Symphony Annual Fund

14

West Michigan Symphony Endowment

17

West Michigan Symphony Legacy Giving

20

Brahms Symphony No. 2

24

Holst The Planets

28

About West Michigan Symphony

28

Music Director Scott Speck

29

Concerts at The Block

29

Muskegon Arts & Culture Coalition

30

Education Programs

32

Advertisers

Find Us Online West Michigan Symphony Website: westmichigansymphony.org Facebook: facebook.com/wmsymphony Twitter: twitter.com/westmisymphony Email: info@westmichigansymphony.org The Block Website: theblockwestmichigan.org Facebook: facebook.com/AtTheBlock Twitter: twitter.com/attheblock Email: info@theblockwestmichigan.org

West Michigan Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides programs and services without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability. Programs are funded in part by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs with the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Dates, artists and programs are subject to change.

Cover art by Megan James

SEASON SPONSORS

MISSION West Michigan Symphony connects and enriches our diverse community through the transformative power of music. We fulfill this primarily through three core offerings: • Professional, live symphonic performances in a welcoming environment • The Block, a gathering space that sparks curiosity, inspiration and fellowship through the shared experience of uncommon live music • Music Education that enriches the lives of children and adults through exploration, participation and performance are a catalyst for a musicVISION We infused West Michigan: leading, facilitating, connecting and collaborating with the community to stimulate cultural vibrancy, inclusivity and pride of place.

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WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

MESSAGE FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR Dear Friends, We're glad to see you tonight at the Frauenthal! The final concerts of the West Michigan Symphony's 2022-2023 season combine innovative pieces you may not know with some of the most beloved works in the repertoire.

In May we present the second symphony of Brahms — perhaps his sunniest work. It begins on a note of bucolic peace and serenity, and ends in a golden blaze of glory. For one of the Romantic era's deepest composers, the piece is remarkably angst-free — yet it reflects a composer at the top of his craft, masterfully developing his motivic material and unspooling one luscious melody after another.

On the same program, Florence Price's Ethiopia's Shadow in America presents a more fraught journey, documenting (at least in spirit) the origins of African-American history. Between the two pieces, we are thrilled to present Principal Trombone Edward (Kip) Hickman in Launy Grøndahl's dramatic and tuneful Trombone Concerto.

To finish the season in June, we bring you a journey of a different kind, from the ocean to the stars. We begin exactly at sea level, on Orkney Island, as Peter Maxwell Davies spins a tale of a beautiful wedding, an increasingly raucous wedding celebration, and a breathtaking sunrise. From the ocean we rise into the air with Vaughan Williams's The Lark Ascending, a short violin concerto to honor our departing WMS Concertmaster John Heffernan. The Lark brings us to the top of the atmosphere, where we end with The Planets, Holst's sevenmovement meditation on the personalities of the Roman gods for which the planets are named.

We hope you'll agree that this is a thrilling way to end the season.

Thanks for being the most important part of what we do at the West Michigan Symphony -- and we can't wait to see you again in the fall!

Scott Speck Music Director Please see Scott Speck’s bio on page 28

VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 • MAY 2023 – JUNE 2023

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MEET THE WMS PRINCIPAL MUSICIANS Our musicians are West Michigan’s cultural ambassadors and a key part of its creative capital. In addition to WMS, our players teach privately and at major Michigan universities, perform with other orchestras, and appear as recitalists and chamber musicians across the Midwest and beyond.

John Heffernan Concertmaster

Mark Portolese

Gene Hahn

Associate Concertmaster

Arturo Ziraldo

Jacie Robinson

Assistant Concertmaster

Nicholas Jeffery

Alica Gregorian Sawyers

Robert Johnson

Jill Marie Brown

Gabriel Renteria-Elyea

Igor Cetkovic

Stephen Castiglione Principal – Bass

Associate Principal – Bass

Jonathan Holden

Marat Rakhmatullaev

Paul Clifton-O’Donnell

Principal – Bassoon

Clinton McCanless Principal – Tuba

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Principal – Violin 2

Assistant Principal – Viola

Rebecca Boelzner

Principal – Viola

Principal – Clarinet

Amanda Dykhouse

Associate Principal – Viola

Associate Principal – Violin 2

Associate Principal – Cello

Adam Liebert

Assistant Principal – Violin 1

Leo Taylor

Principal – Horn

Principal – Timpani

Principal – Flute

Bill Baxtresser

Matthew Beck

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Principal – Oboe

Edward Hickman

Principal – Trumpet

Principal – Percussion

Principal – Cello

Principal – Trombone

Sylvia Norris

Principal – Harp

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY MUSICIANS Music Director Scott Speck

Sara Churchill Csaba Erdélyi

Mike & Kay Olthoff Endowed Chair

Sponsored by JoLee Wennersten

Josh Holcomb

First Violin

Sponsored by Wietse & Melanie Schaafsma

John Heffernan concertmaster

Yi-Pei Lin

Sponsored by Pat & Julie Donahue

Gene Hahn assc. concertmaster

Cello

Gust and Mary Theodore Danigelis Endowed Associate Concertmaster Chair

Alicia Gregorian Sawyers principal

Jacie Robinson asst. concertmaster

Igor Cetkovic assc. principal

Sponsored by Bruce & Donna Hood

Sponsored by Steve & Deb Olsen Sponsored by David & Darcy Dye

Adam Liebert asst. principal

Open asst. principal

Sponsored by Dr Alan Steinman

Sponsored by Dr F Remington & Ginny Sprague

Carmen Abelson

Lee Copenhaver

Sponsored by John & Sue Sytsema

Sponsored by Dr Mark D & Kristina M Clark

Hannah Christiansen

Abigail Monroe

Sponsored by Thomas & Heidi Hill

Sponsored by Cynthia Mazurek

Jennifer Kotchenruther

Calin Muresan

Sponsored by Bob & Charlotte Chessman

Sponsored by Norna Verplank & Tom Knight

Maya Shiraishi Sponsored by Kevin & Annette Even

Bass

Oxana Sourine

Bassoon Marat Rakhmatullaev principal Jason Kramer Sponsored by Eric & Merica Dobry

Horn Paul Clifton-O’Donnell principal Greg Bassett Lisa Honeycutt Sponsored by Allen & Sandy Beck

Leah Brockman

Trumpet Bill Baxtresser principal Sponsored by Roger & Rebecca Tuuk

Open Trumpet 2 Open Trumpet 3

Trombone Edward Hickman principal Joe Radtke Evan Clifton bass trombone

Sofie Yang

Stephen Castiglione principal Robert Johnson assc. principal David Chapman-Orr Sponsored by Tom Knight

Stephen Reichelt

Tuba

Second Violin

Sponsored by Darlene Collet in memory of Lee Collet

Amanda Dykhouse principal Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Endowed Chair

Mark Portolese assc. principal

Flute Jill Marie Brown principal Sponsored by Anonymous

Sponsored by Fred & Joanna Norris

Katie Bast

Marissa Olin

Sponsored by David & Darcy Dye

Sponsored by Mary E Malek

Leslie Deppe piccolo

Karen-Jane Henry Sponsored by Norna Verplank

Oboe

Natalie Hockamier Britta Bujak Portenga Sponsored by Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors Jackie Engel, CFP®

Carol Wildgen

Gabriel Renteria-Elyea principal Open Oboe 2 Sponsored by Ellie Williams

Sponsored by Mark & Karla Lange

Clarinet

Tatiana Zueva

Jonathan Holden principal Sponsored by Jon & Jane Blyth

Viola Arturo Ziraldo principal Sponsored by Jan & Laura Deur

Rebecca Boelzner assc. principal Nicholas Jeffery asst. principal David Beytas

Stephanie Hovnanian Sponsored in memory of E. Wesley & Orel A. Borgeson

Sponsored by Laketown Family Dental

Clinton McCanless principal Sponsored by Dr. Chris Jansen-Yee

Timpani Leo Taylor principal Douglas & Janet Hoch Endowed Chair

Percussion Matthew Beck principal Sponsored by Jill Sanders

Jordan Berini Eric Jones Sponsored by Cornelia Holley & Sheryl Wescott

Harp Sylvia Norris principal Sponsored by Paul & Karen Jackson

Lisa Raschiatore bass clarinet

Music Librarian

Sponsored by Don & Kathy Dahlstrom

Amanda Dykhouse

matched by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Sponsored by Ardy Bulthouse Kroes

Musical Chairs: Sponsor a musician for the season. Endow for a lifetime.

For more information, contact Andy Buelow at 231.726.3231 or abuelow@westmichigansymphony.org.

VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 • MAY 2023 – JUNE 2023

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON Dear West Michigan Symphony Friends and Family: As we gather for the final two concerts of the 2022-2023 Season, we would like to thank the WMS community for its strong support. While last season saw us reopen to live attendance, during this season we have been working to rebuild momentum. Our loyal subscriber and donor base has led the way, and the community is responding. Many new ticket buyers have joined us this season; and of these, a number have attended multiple times. With the 2023/24 season subscription drive now underway, many are now signing up as first-time subscribers. We thank them, and all of you. We will continue to do our utmost to earn your loyalty.

The Penguin Project® of Muskegon Civic Theatre

Recently, we held the annual Link Up beginner music education concerts at the Frauenthal Center, where thousands of area elementary school students gathered to play their recorders along with the West Michigan Symphony. This performance included our WMS Children’s Choir and young players from the Premier Strings orchestra, who had the life-changing opportunity to perform side by side with members of WMS.

Sept. 9–10, 2023

Stories Tell THE

SEASON 39

WE

Frauenthal Theater

Oct. 6–21, 2023

Students from the Tune Up after-school orchestra program, which piloted this season in Marquette and Oakview elementary schools, are currently preparing for their final performances of the year. We are working with the staff of the 21st CCLC Impact after-school program on plans for expansion next year and in subsequent years to include all MPS elementary schools and Muskegon Middle School.

Your support is making all of this possible. We are in the final weeks of our Annual Campaign, which is a vital component of WMS’s budget. If you are still considering a pledge or a gift—designated toward education, or underwriting an orchestra chair, or becoming a Block season sponsor, we invite you to contact us at 231.726.3231.

2023–2024

Beardsley Theater

Nov. 17–Dec. 3, 2023 Beardsley Theater

Jan. 12–20, 2024 Frauenthal Theater

Thank you for your support and patronage!

Susan Cloutier Crain Chairperson, WMS Board of Directors

Feb 9–24, 2024

Beardsley Theater

April 12–20, 2024

Hilt Building Ballroom

231.722.3852

May 2–5, 2024

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Frauenthal Theater

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

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2022/23 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Susan Cloutier Crain, Chairperson Retired Executive Director, Disability Network Past ED of Disability Network/West Michigan, past president of Muskegon Rotary and former trustee of Harbor Hospice, Susan brings a community engagement sensibility to her work with WMS. She and her late husband Orville spearheaded the campaign to bring outdoor musical instruments to Muskegon parks. As WMS chair, she has fostered an organization-wide focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Paul R Jackson, Secretary and Immediate Past President Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Paul is among the longest-serving members of the board, having joined in 2005. He served as Chairman from FY2007 through FY2009 and again from FY2019 through FY2021. His other community affiliations have included the boards of Muskegon’s Civic Theatre, Muskegon Country Club and the United Way. As an attorney at Warner Norcross & Judd, Paul practices in the areas of tax and business law.

Kevin Even, Treasurer Shareholder, Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge A board member since 2016, Kevin serves on the Resources Committee and, since 2021, as Treasurer. He enjoys almost all kinds of music and is an advocate for concerts that bring in the next generation. A shareholder and partner at Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge, Kevin lives with his wife Annette in Fruitland Township. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, biking, golfing and hunting.

Melisa Baker Human Resources Manager, Webb Chemical Service Corporation Melisa joined the board in August 2022 and brings a business mindset and a background in human relations.

She has volunteered for several non-profits including the United Way of the Lakeshore and the American Red Cross of Muskegon, Oceana and Newaygo Counties. She has been with Webb Chemical since 2004 as their Human Resources Manager.

Jan L Deur Retired CPA, Verizon A native of Fremont, Jan is now retired but spent most of his career as a financial executive with GTE and Verizon. A member of the board since FY2014, Jan served as Treasurer from FY2018 through the end of 2021 and co-chaired the Play Your Part Campaign with Kay Olthoff. He has chaired numerous other area campaigns and served on multiple boards.

Merica S Dobry Senior Council, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP A board member since April 2022, Merica attended Michigan State College of Law, launched an area solo practice, and is now an attorney at Warner Norcross + Judd, LLP, practicing in the trusts and estates field. No stranger to the performing arts, Merica sang in the Smith College Glee Club, various community choirs, and is a veteran of Muskegon Civic Theatre. She met her husband, Eric, on the golf course, a sport they continue to enjoy together.

Larry Fife Retired Infotainment Director, Siemens and Continental Automotive Now retired, Larry served as Infotainment Director for Siemens and Continental Automotive. Larry was a volunteer on the campaign to install outdoor musical instruments throughout Muskegon and Muskegon Heights. He was inspired to join the board in 2021 due to his passion for music and his interest in furthering WMS youth education programs.

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WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Bob Garretson CEO, Embark Financial Partners Bob and his wife Heather moved back to Muskegon in 2019 after several years in New York City; one of the primary draws was the vibrant arts scene, including WMS. CEO of Embark Financial Partners, Bob loves to generate ideas that bring people together. Since joining the board in April 2022, his special focus is to make the Symphony more visible, accessible and inclusive. His other great loves are his family, cooking, golfing and scuba diving.

Kimberly L Hammond, CFP, CIMA, C(k)P Senior Resident Director, Merrill Lynch A board member since 2014, Kim’s focus is in the areas of finance and fund development. A quiet person who prefers action to words, Kim loves to work behind the scenes to introduce potential donors and sponsors to WMS. A native of Spring Lake, she has been with Merrill Lynch since 1989 and is a Senior Partner in The Hammond, Martin & Associates Team.

Amy Hosford Founder/Owner, Hosford House, LLC A board member since 2021, one of Amy's greatest joys is to share the live concert experience with friends, family, and first-time symphony attendees. Amy retired from Amazon in 2022 after a 23-year career in publishing, and recently launched Hosford House, LLC, a healing and literary arts studio based in downtown Muskegon. What motivates Amy to serve? "Muskegon is thriving! Each of us has the ability to shape the community we want to live in, and I want to live in a community that values and supports the Arts in its many forms and functions."

Donna Joyce Advancement Director, DOOR International Donna, a Muskegon native, moved to the Lakeshore in 2018 from the Grand Rapids area, where she had a 21-year career in Advancement at Calvin University and served on numerous community boards. Following Calvin, Donna spent two years as a development officer for Muskegon Rescue Mission and currently works for DOOR International, an international ministry serving the Deaf. This experience, along with her interests in community engagement, philanthropy, and the arts, drew her to support the initiatives of WMS.

Michael Olthoff Retired CEO, Nichols Mike has been a patron of WMS for years and has served several board tenures, currently since the 20132014 Season. He appreciates the engagement of the board, the professionalism of the staff, and the artistic excellence of the orchestra under Scott Speck’s leadership. He sees the expansion of WMS’s artistic and educational footprint as key to its future. Together with his wife Kay, Mike’s community and philanthropic work includes numerous organizations, projects and endeavors.

Emma Peterson Director of Philanthropy, Trinity Health Emma attended WMS as a youngster, spent three years on the staff, and served as chair of The Block from 2019 through 2021. All four of her daughters have participated in Debut and Premier Strings, and one in Children's Choir. With this connection, it felt natural to join the WMS board when WMS and The Block merged in 2021.

Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough Retired Executive Director, Mediation & Restorative Services A resident of Whitehall, Kate is an active community volunteer in West Michigan. In addition to her engagement with WMS, she is current chair of True North Community Services and active in Muskegon Rotary as a member of its DEI Committee. She has lent her expertise and experience in the not-forprofit sector to help guide WMS’s Audience Committee efforts to build patron loyalty. She is inspired by downtown Muskegon’s revitalization and believes WMS and the other arts and culture organizations play a vital role. Previously, Kate served as Executive Director of Mediation & Restorative Services.

Complete bios of each board member may be found at westmichigansymphony.org/learn-more/board-of-directors/ VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 • MAY 2023 – JUNE 2023

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West Michigan Symphony Annual Fund Your contributions to West Michigan Symphony help to sustain a vital community resource.

Just over 60% of contributions to WMS come from individual patrons, with the remainder generated from corporate and foundation support. We extend our deepest appreciation to you for helping make WMS a cultural touchstone in our community.

The listings below represent total pledges and gifts by each patron household from Feb 15, 2022 through Apr 28, 2023. This includes our Annual Fund and other special initiatives. In particular, we wish to express our gratitude to Mike and Kay Olthoff for their support of both our November-December and May-June Matching Challenge campaigns.

We have given careful attention to ensure a complete and accurate list. Please notify us of any inaccuracies by calling 231.726.3231.

$10,000 and up Anonymous Jan & Laura Deur Pat & Julie Donahue Douglas & Janet Hoch Jeffrey Johnson Buzz & Wendy Kersman Scott & Donna Lachniet Steve & Deb Olsen Mike & Kay Olthoff in memory of Fred Norris & Michael Soimar Brad & Kathleen Playford Jack & Becky Slimko Peter M Turner

$5,000-$9,999 Anonymous Anonymous in honor of Marlene Greiner Jon & Jane Blyth George W & Lori Lynn Cannon III Susan Cloutier Crain Deborah DeVoursney William & Mary Lou Eyke Greg & Debi Hillebrand Paul & Karen Jackson Ryan & Emily Leestma Monica Morse Jill Sanders

Dr Mark D & Kristina M Clark Mary Douville David F Gerdes & Carolyn Smith-Gerdes Tilio Giacobassi Family Bill Haug & Jane Curtis Stephen & Debra Jackson Barbara Kelso John & Jessie Martin Joanna & Fred Norris Frank & Emma Peterson Denis & Barbara Potuznik Sawyer Family Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC) Tom Schaub & Mary Price Sam Slaughter & Anne Lehker Michael & Marijean Smith Michael & Corina Soimar Scott Speck Dr F Remington & Ginny Sprague Dr Alan Steinman Susan & Stephen Struck Liz & Tom Trzaska Elinore Verplank (Norna) JoLee Wennersten

Bob & Charlotte Chessman George & Deborah Chmelar Darlene Collet Dr Donald & Nancy Crandall Don & Kathy Dahlstrom in memory of Fred Norris Eric & Merica Dobry Rob & Cathleen Dubault Robert & Jackie Engel Jean Enright Kevin & Annette Even Larry & Lynette Fife Ron Fritz Evelyn Geile James & Susan Geisler Linda Gregorian in honor of Alicia Gregorian Sawyers Mark & Jennifer Gross Robert & Clara Harrell Dr Tom & Heidi Hill Bruce & Donna Hood Kathy L Hoogstra Hugh & Barbara Hornstein Todd Jacobs Wilda James Dr Chris Jansen-Yee Joel & Kathleen Jarvis Bari Johnson Charles & Vivian Johnson Tom & Pat Johnson Clara Lang Mark & Karla Lange Estate of Joan Leder Jim & Mary Malek Charles Matthews & Kay Cater Matthews Cindy Mazurek Mark & Bonnie Meengs Roger C Morgenstern Scott & Janee' Musselman Perry & Deb Newson in memory of Fred Norris Steve & Kathleen Parker Dr Richard & Nancy Peters Ed & Judy Pietila Terry & Joy Puffer Susan Rehrer David Roodvoets John Saling & Diane Fischer Wietse & Melanie Schaafsma Laura Schultz Gregg & Sue Slager Tom & Nanci Stone John & Sue Sytsema

$2,500-$4,999 Anonymous (2) Melisa Baker Pete & Sherry Brown Andy & Beth Buelow

$1,000-$2,499 Anonymous (3) Charles & Gloria Alstrom Bruce & Paula Baker in memory of Robert Landman Allen & Sandy Beck Susan & Frank Bednarek Fund of the CFFMC Andrew Busard Michael Cerminaro & Connie Verhagen

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WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Marty & Heidi Sytsema Drs David & Linda Taylor Roger & Rebecca Tuuk LJ Verplank Michael & Patricia Wade Karen & John Wells Melody & JR Whitby Jerry Wiersma Judy Wilcox Ellie Williams Marguerite & Kenneth Winter Jane J Wright

$500-$999 Anonymous (3) Sherri Balaskovitz Cathy & Bernie Berntson Fund of CFFMC Herb & Anne Bevelhymer Fred & Ann Bleakley Claudia Bryant Gordon & Mary Buitendorp Ardy Bulthouse Kroes in memory of Rodger Kroes Greta Bushnell Curtis Chambers & Diana Wojton Rudy & Pat Chmelar Valerie Church-McHugh & Fred McHugh Fritz Coutchie Anne Dake Mary Theodore Danigelis Marcia D'Oyly Deb & Chris Drake Dale & Susan Ertzinger Eugene Fethke Don Goodman Kurt & Antoinette Hildwein Cornelia Holley Mary Ann Howe Pat Hunt Robert E. Johnson Heather Kettler Tim & Catherine Kozal Joan La Mourie Paul & Patricia Ladas Kyle & Stacey Lohmann Stephanie McNamara & John Meulenberg in honor of Mike & Kay Olthoff Paul & Winnie McNergney Rich & Teresa Micheil LeighAnn Mikesell & Ward LaDuke Eric & Jennifer Norris in memory of Fred Norris Jason & Jamye Olthoff Nick & Barb Pietrangelo

Roy & Britta Bujak Portenga Gary & Beth Post Donna Little & Faye Redmond Gretchen & Randy Rhoades in memory of Fred Norris Clyde & Beth Rinsema Dan & Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga Dr Gary & Pennie Robertson Sue Schuiteman in memory of Nancy Witham Kieft Allen & Mistelle Serio Dan Sheldon Carlo Spataro Jane & Tim Stoepker Clifford & Lucia Storr George & Dottie Strabel John & Mary Swanson Dr Jane L Toot Richard & Marge Tourre Stacey Uganski Ed DeJong & Diane VanWesep Matt & Cheryl Wansten Sheryl Wescott Harry & Julie Wierenga Jonathan & Melissa Wilson Dr Roy Winegar & Ms Barbara Klingenmaier Jim & Linda Zolman

$100-$499 Anonymous (8) Krista Abbott Dave & Bonnie Adamczak Brown Ross & Sandra Aden Joanna Alfredson Lee Anderson Michael Anderson & Brooke Kieft-Anderson Tim & Cheryl Arter Margo Atwell Larry & Sandy Austin Bill Baldridge Travis Barkel Thomas & Muriel Beattie in memory of Fred Norris Gary Beatty Amy Bensinger Carl & Bonnie Bergman Andrew Bissonnette William Black in honor of Fred Norris Jeanne Kuharivicz Bleich Brian & Jill Boersema Arthur & Marilyn Bolt

VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 • MAY 2023 – JUNE 2023

David & Karen Booth Greg Borgman Monica & Matthew Bowen Mary & Bob Boyer Jerry & Marcia Brichan Bill & Sue Brookstra Ron & Ann Marie Brown Michael & Joanna Buboltz Brett Burza Richard & Gay Cole Robert & Diane Collier in memory of Fred Norris E Jane Connell & Steven W Rosen Keith & Sue Corbin Jared & Bethany Cramer William & Carol Cross III Jessica Wolin & Frank Crownover David Culver Ian K Davis Garry & Carolyn DeBoer Kurt & Cheryl Deford Larry DeVoogd Greg & Judith DeWeerd John & Jan Ditmar Joyce Downing Karen & Herb Driver Bruce & Esther Drukker Dennis & Barbara Dryer Amanda & Gregory Dykhouse Kath & Greg Edwards Joel & Linda Engel Harold & Mary Englund Tim & Anne Erickson Bob & Ann Erler Wallace & Jane Ewing Cork Farkas & Kathy Mauck Bobby Fisher Charles & Patti Fisher Roberta Fleischmann William Fohlbrook & Vicky Thalen Dale & Bridget Fox Brenda Freye Bruce Froelich & Margot Haynes Children of James & Susan Geisler in honor of their parents on their 53rd Anniversary Chuck & Jeanne Gembis Jeff Gietzen & Heather Storck Tonya & Gary Gonzalez Marjorie Gorajec Mary Anne Gorman Ann Gorter Thom & Judy Gouwens LaDon Gustafson Rev Jerry & Rev Susan Hagans 11

Virginia Hague Jeff & Gail Hall Kirk Hallman & Dawn Boston Craig & Carolyn Hart in memory of Fred Norris Kathleen Harwood Hayner Consulting and Management Services, LLC Patricia Hesling Roberta Hilleary Sandra Hinterman Gwen Hoffman Jonathon & Wendy Hoogstra Mary Anne & Thom Hornik John & Jane Humphrey Ed Hunt & Nancy McCarthy Robert & Susan Johnson Donna Joyce Connie Karry Loretta Kasprzyk Karen Kayes David & Allison Keessen James Kendra Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough Francine Kieft Louie & Earlaine Kiel Gloria Klinger Randy & Debra Knapp Thomas Knight Vicki Kraus Mary & Greg LaGuire JoAnn Landman in memory of Robert Landman Phyllis Laurin Corena Leutscher Lloyd & Mildred Lindland in memory of Fred Norris Patricia Locke in honor of Arturo Ziraldo Lori & Dave Loring Sandy Majeski Deborah Margules Rondalyn Marron Michael Martin Chris McGuigan & Gary Neal Shirley McIntire Jack McKeough John & Cindy McKinnon Mr. and Mrs. Graydon Megan Alice Meldrum Alice Michaud Patrick & Sheila Miller Sarah Miller Roger & Jane Missimer Vern Molitor

Matt & Laurel Nease Kathryn L Neumann Susan & Tyler Newton in memory of Herb and Ellie Hoeker John & Mary Nonhof Carol Norris in honor of Fred and Joanna Norris Jim & Ruthann Olthoff Henry & Mollie Osborn in memory of Fred Norris Richard A. Pardini Bill & Erika Paulson Gay C Petersen David & Beth Pickard Barb Pitcher Albert & Elizabeth Posthuma Sylvia Precious Margaret Price C. Bruce & Shirley Privacky Rev. William Randall Mike & Char Ratchford Gail Ringelberg Kathy & Mike Rohlman Susan Rositch Karl & Barbara Rowe Andy & Shelly Rush James M. Rynberg Stephen & Susan Salisbury Duane & Susan Schecter Stephen Schmidt Gwynne & Steve Schoff Lee & Sandra Schuitema John Selmon John & Elaine Severson Jocelyn Shaw & Doug Hannink Colleen & Joseph Skendzel Hayden Smith Joanie Smith Nancy Spargo in memory of Fred Norris Anbritt & Darlene Stengele Bill Papo & Julie Stewart James & Nancy Stier Eileen Stoffan Ted Stojak Howard & Marilyn Swanson Ann & Dan Tabor Mona Thelen Sera Thompson in memory of Fred Norris George & Laura Thurlow Charles & Susan Rogalla Tindall David & Mary Turbessi Brandon Turnbull

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WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Sandra Tyrrell in memory of Fred Norris Stephen & Valerie Vallier John Van Walsum Phillip VanderPol Nancy & Gerrit Vanderwest Tim Volkema Bill & Shirley Walther Daniel & Barbara Weikel Dan & Nancy Weller Brewster & Mary Ellen Willcox Dick & Marilyn Witham in memory of Nancy Kieft Jan Witt Jon J & Cathy Workman Robert & Joanne Zayko Douglas & Jennifer Zwemer

Corporate, Arts Council & Foundation Donors

$10,000 and up Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC) DTE Energy Foundation Fund Fifth Third Bank Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF) Harbor Steel & Supply Corporation Hines Corporation Leonel L. & Mary Loder Fund Meijer Foundation Michigan Arts & Culture Council Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

$5,000-$9,999 Embark Financial Services Fremont Area Community Foundation Howmet Aerospace Howmet Community Fund of the CFFMC JSJ Foundation Fund Lake Michigan Credit Union Muskegon Community College Raymond James RENK America Samuel L. Westerman Foundation The Gerber Foundation Trinity Health Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce

$2,500-$4,999 Consumers Energy DTE Energy Grand Valley State University Lorin Industries Mart Dock Corporation Merrill Lynch Scherdel Sales & Technology Shoreline Insurance Agency West Shore Bank

$500-$999 Ann & Bud Eichmann Fund of the CFFMC Comerica Bank John L Wheeler Memorial Scholarship Fund of the CFFMC Tyler Sales

Past Chairs Committee The Past Chairs Committee provides ongoing guidance, advocacy and support to the WMS long after its members’ terms are completed. WMS thanks and honors these individuals for their generosity, collective wisdom and continuing leadership.

$1,000-$2,499 Billie Klont Greinke Memorial Fund of the CFFMC Laketown Family Dental F Martin & Dorothy A Johnson Family Fund of GHACF Mary C Payne Fund of the CFFMC Port City Ventures Sparta Community Foundation

Tim Arter Pete Brown Marcia D’Oyly David Gerdes Holly Hughes David Hogan Pat Hunt G Thomas Johnson Wendy Kersman Clara Lang Deb Newson

Fred Norris Kay Olthoff Mike Olthoff Sylvia Precious Chip Sawyer Ann Tabor Peter Turner Jane Wright

Block Underwriters Consumers Energy Grand Valley State University Lake Michigan Credit Union Lorin Industries Muskegon Community College Steve & Deb Olsen Mike & Kay Olthoff Mary Price & Tom Schaub Scherdel Shoreline Insurance Agency Smith, Haughey, Rice and Roegge Michael & Corina Soimar Trinity Health Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

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VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 • MAY 2023 – JUNE 2023

MAP4800316 | AD-09-22-0143 | 472845PM-0622 | 09/2022

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WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY ENDOWMENT Now in its 83rd Season, WMS is dedicated to building a music-infused West Michigan, providing professional concerts in a welcoming environment and music education that enriches the lives of both children and adults. The Endowment, along with robust annual giving, provides a stable funding base that supports this cause. WMS’s Endowment is held in two funds at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC), as well as in a third newly established fund at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF).

Established in 1992, the CFFMC Secure the Spirit Fund reported a fair market value of $547,135 on June 30, 2022. Established in 2020, the CFFMC Play Your Part fund reported $960,136 on the same date. The GHACF Play Your Part fund, established in 2021, was at $69,242.

The corpus of each fund is owned, managed and directed by these foundations, whose staff and trustees determine the timing and amount of distributions—normally an annual amount equal to 4% of the average balance over the previous 16 quarters. Foundation staff handles all administrative details and investment responsibilities, freeing WMS leadership and staff to focus on mission delivery.

Play Your Part Campaign West Michigan Symphony’s $5 million Play Your Part Campaign has two primary objectives. The first is to bring the Endowment to a level that will generate 15% of the annual budget, thereby providing a stable revenue model for the future. The second is to establish a five-year, $600,000 startup fund for Tune Up, a new string orchestra program for underserved students who currently lack access to such instruction. This program launches this fall in Muskegon Public Schools. For more information, please see page 30.

At the end of April 2023, campaign leadership reported more than $3,965,752 in gifts and pledges. We thank all those who have given generously to the campaign to date, and invite you to consider “playing a part” in WMS’s future. Whether through an outright gift or a designation in your will and trusts, your support will ensure continuity and future growth of WMS’s artistic and education footprint.

To learn more, please contact Andy Buelow at 231.726.3231 or abuelow@westmichigansymphony.org.

Honorary Chairs

Operation Chairs

Larry & Lari Hines Robert & Wendy Kersman Fred & Joanna Norris Mike & Kay Olthoff Peter Turner & Jean Enright

Jan Deur Kay Olthoff

Cabinet Members Sherry Becker Jon & Jane Blyth Pete & Sherry Brown Ryan Bryker Susan Cloutier Crain Anne Dake

Kevin Even Bill Eyke Jim & Susan Geisler Dave Gerdes Kimberly L. Hammond Paul & Karen Jackson

Roger Morgenstern Steve & Deb Olsen Susan Rehrer Tom Schaub & Mary Price Dr Alan Steinman

Marilyn Andersen Troy Bell Bernie & Cathy Berntson Pat Donahue Steve Gawron Judy Hayner Amy Heisser

Brad Hilleary Todd Jacobs Clara Lang Cindy Larsen Gary Nelund Dale Nesbary Frank & Emma Peterson

Asaline Scott John Severson Dan & Ann Tabor Rebecca Veltman Walter Watt

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WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Endorsement Council

Maestro: $250,000 and up Michael & Kay Olthoff Larry & Lari Hines

G&L Hot Dogs The Gerber Foundation David Gerdes & Carolyn Smith-Gerdes Stephen & Debra Jackson F. Martin & Dorothy A. Johnson Fund of the GHACF Paul C Johnson Fund of the CFFMC Fred & Joanna Norris Greg & Shelley Olson Susan Rehrer Robbins Road Animal Clinic Dr Alan Steinman John & Mary Swanson Liz & Tom Trzaska matched by RENK America Peter M Turner Webb Chemical Judy Wilcox

Premiere: $100,000-$249,999 Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC) Douglas & Janet Hoch Jeffrey Johnson Robert & Wendy Kersman Scott & Donna Lachniet Crescendo: $50,000-$99,999 Bernie & Cathy Berntson Jon & Jane Blyth Mary Theodore Danigelis Jan & Laura Deur Pat & Julie Donahue Mark & Christine Fazakerley Mrs. Carol Folkert Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF) Howmet Aerospace Dan & Sheryl Kuznar Meijer Foundation Patrick O’Leary Foundation Steve & Deb Olsen Jack & Becky Slimko Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Symphony: $25,000-$49,999 Pete & Sherry Brown Orville & Susan Cloutier-Crain Don & Kathy Dahlstrom matched by Charles Stewart Mott Fund Rob & Cathleen Dubault Eagle Alloy William & Mary Lou Eyke Fifth Third Bank Paul & Karen Jackson John & Jessie Martin Monica Morse Dr Richard & Nancy Peters Tom Schaub & Mary Price Concerto: $15,000-$24,999 Marilyn Andersen Allen & Sandy Beck Jackie Engel, CFP James & Susan Geisler Kimberly & Michael Martin matched by Bank of America Stephen & Susan Struck Roger & Rebecca Tuuk Prelude: $10,000-$14,999 Anonymous Andy & Beth Buelow

Overture: $5,000-$9,999 Anonymous BDO Bill Baldridge Sherry Albertie Becker Frank & Susan Bednarek George & Lori Lynn Cannon Cofessco Fire Protection Consumers Energy Dr Donald & Nancy Crandall Anne & Allan Dake Kevin & Annette Even Mary Anne Gorman Judith Hayner & Charlene Romanosky Greg & Debi Hillebrand Pat Hunt Bari Johnson Tom & Pat Johnson Dick & Lynn Kamps Ray & Betsy Komray Clara Lang Mark & Bonnie Meengs Frank & Emma Peterson Bruce & Marilyn Reichardt Suzanne Richards & Lee Burlison Kurt Rosen Dr F Remington & Ginny Sprague John & Sue Sytsema Dan & Ann Tabor Don & Jane Tjarksen LJ Verplank Webb Chemical Kathy West in memory of David Alan West Sonata: $1,000-$4,999 Anonymous (3) Cynthia Ackerman Christine Adams Charles & Gloria Alstrom Margo Atwell

VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 • MAY 2023 – JUNE 2023

Bank of America Charitable Foundation Jack & Marilyn Brown Ryan & Katie Bryker Ardy Bulthouse Kroes in honor of Amanda Dykhouse Robert & Charlotte Chessman Dr & Mrs Paul Christie Dr Mark D & Kristina M Clark Darlene Collet Core Realty Partners Kurt & Cheryl Deford Jean Enright Charles & Lynn Freeman Evelyn Geile Michael Gluhanich Mr & Mrs Bill Hendrick Cornelia Holley Keith & Mary Kay Hopkins Hugh & Barbara Hornstein Richard & Holly Hughes Ed Hunt & Nancy McCarthy Joel & Kathleen Jarvis Heather Kettler Bruce & Mary Krueger Peter Kurdziel Michael Martin Cindy Mazurek Chris McGuigan & Gary Neal Susan Meston Roger & Jane Missimer Roger & Michelle Morgenstern in memory of Richard & Nancy Morgenstern Scott & Janee’ Musselman Gary Nelund & Angie Wasserman-Nelund matched by State Farm Insurance Dr Dale & Connie Nesbary Steve & Kathy Parker Gary & Beth Post Denis & Barbara Potuznik RENK America David & Georganna Rice David Roodvoets John & Marilyn Ruck John Saling & Diane Fischer Jill Sanders Chip & Susan Sawyer Duane & Susan Schecter Laura Schultz John & Elaine Severson Jocelyn Shaw & Doug Hannink Shoreline Insurance Agency Michael & Corina Soimar Scott Speck in honor of the WMS Musicians Ted & Judy Stojak Suarez/Polakis Family Marty & Heidi Sytsema Bryce & Marti Tallant 15

Carol Parker Thompson Peter & Judy Theune Judy Tierney Evan & Rachel Ufer David & Laura Valk Karen & John Wells JR Whitby Eleanor Williams Dr Roy Winegar & Ms Barbara Klingenmaier Jan Witt Jane Wright Robert & Joanne Zayko Environmental Fund of the CFFMC Douglas & Jennifer Zwemer

Richard & Marge Tourre Mary Towner Nancy & Gerritt Vanderwest Rebecca Veltman Duane & Laurie Wright Raimonds T Ziemelis Jim & Linda Zolman

Introit: Up to $999 Anonymous (4) Larry & Sandra Austin Susan A Bissell Memorial Fund Charles Black in honor of Fred & Joanna Norris Gary & Rhonda Bogner Dana & Claudia Bryant Jerry & Marcia Brichan Benjamin Christian on behalf of Tina Horigan E Jane Connell & Steven W Rosen Calvin Deur Harold & Mary Englund Eugene Fethke Martha Ferriby Tilio Giacobassi Family

Erica Gillard Harvey & Maraleigh Heyer Ellen Hanichen Gwen Hoffman Doug & Judy Hostetler Mary Ann Howe Kristi Klomp Randy & Debra Knapp Pete & Mimi Kunz Cindy Larsen Joeseph & Barbara Legatz Charles Matthews & Kay Cater Matthews Patrick & Sheila Miller Barb & John Mullally Kathryn Neumann Perry & Deb Newson Amy Norris & MJ Towle in honor of Fred & Joanna Norris James & Ruth Olthoff Thomas Pascoe Janet Payne William & Gay Peterson Linda Quaine Rev William Randall Mike & Char Ratchford Stephen & Susan Salisbury Schieholz/Hogan Fund of the CFFMC Sally Schwartz Asaline Scott Joanie Smith Howard & Marilyn Swanson Warren Tibbitts

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WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Tune Up Donors: $5,000 and up Cathy & Bernie Berntson Fund of CFFMC Jon & Jane Blyth Orville Crain & Susan Cloutier Crain Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC) Mary Danigelis Jan & Laura Deur Mark & Christine Fazakerley Fifth Third Bank Gerber Foundation Harbor Steel & Supply Corporation Hines Corporation Dr Douglas E & Janet P Hoch Howmet Aerospace Foundation Dick & Lynn Kamps Robert & Wendy Kersman Dan & Sheryl Kuznar Scott & Donna Lachniet Meijer Foundation Patrick J O’Leary & Karen Yamasaki Steve & Deb Olsen Mike & Kay Olthoff Jack & Becky Slimko Stephen & Susan Struck

West Michigan Symphony Legacy Giving All It Takes to Start a Symphony is One Note With a planned gift to West Michigan Symphony, you can continue to support the Orchestra even after your passing. Planned giving is simply creating a plan to make a gift. You don’t need to be wealthy to make an impact—you just need to make a plan.

The easiest way to make a planned gift is through a charitable bequest, where you designate in your will or trust the assets that you wish to gift to WMS upon your death. A bequest is not all or nothing; you can leave either a percentage of your total estate value, a specific asset (such as a car or part of an investment portfolio), a specified amount of money, or the remaining assets in your estate after all your other requests have been satisfied. You can also make a planned gift by designating the WMS as a beneficiary of your retirement or IRA account, or your life insurance.

You can also specify how you would like your gift used by designating it toward music education, the Endowment, or “wherever it is needed.”

Even a single note, when combined with others, can become a symphony. Any gift you wish to make, now or in the future, can grow into something more impactful over time with the right planning. Imagine the impact if every member of this audience designated even 1% of their estate to WMS! Creating a planned gift is a wonderful way to leave a legacy, provide future funding, and ensure that WMS continues to delight, teach and entertain audiences in the future. Talk with your estate plan attorney about your options.

We welcome your questions. Please reach out to Andy Buelow at 231.726.3231, or visit our website at westmichigansymphony.org.

We would be happy to provide sample language to include in your estate plan documents, explore your ideas about your plan, or simply connect. And if you do make a planned gift, or have already done so, please consider letting us know so that we can thank you!

VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 • MAY 2023 – JUNE 2023

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MASTERWORKS.4

BRAHMS SYMPHONY NO. 2 FRIDAY MAY 19 7:30 PM SCOTT SPECK CONDUCTOR EDWARD S. HICKMAN TROMBONE

Florence Price (1887-1953) Ethiopia’s Shadow in America I. Adagio–Allegretto: The Arrival II. Andante: His Resignation and Faith III. Allegro: His Adaptation SPONSORS CONCERT

Launy Grøndahl (1886-1960) Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra I. Moderato assai ma molto maestoso II. Quasi una Leggenda: Andante grave III. Finale: Maestoso - Rondo Edward S. Hickman, trombone

ARTIST

Friends of Edward Hickman MEDIA

Intermission Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73 I. Allegro non troppo II. Adagio non troppo III. Allegretto grazioso (Quasi andantino) IV. Allegro con spirito

SEASON

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WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

A MESSAGE FROM CONCERT SPONSOR WEST SHORE BANK For over a century, West Shore Bank has remained committed to helping the people and businesses of the West Shore community improve their financial well-being.

As a local business, West Shore Bank and its people are deeply engrained in the communities they serve. The bank financially supports more than 200 local organizations and events throughout Mason, Oceana, Manistee, Benzie, Muskegon, Kent and Grand Traverse County, donating over $200,000 each year. Making a real difference in your life, from generation to generation since 1898.

West Shore Bank is a proud supporter of the West Michigan Symphony and its mission to lead, facilitate, connect and collaborate with the community to stimulate cultural vibrancy, inclusivity and pride of place. Thank you for joining us and enjoy the performance.

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the cello and the winds. In the closing movement, Price portrays “His Adaptation, a fusion of his native and acquired impulses.”

This movement evokes the Juba dance: a style Price frequently employed that is based on a dance involving a body percussion.

The style has its roots among the enslaved people in the American South, where drums were forbidden out of fear of encoded messaging. The piece closes with a return to the somber theme of the introduction.

After her death in 1953, much of Price’s music was forgotten or lost. The last decade has seen a renewed interest propelled by the discovery of over 200 lost compositions — including Ethiopia’s Shadow in America — in an abandoned house south of Chicago.

All these works could easily have been lost if the couple who had decided to fix up the dilapidated house had thrown away the thirty boxes of papers instead of seeking out a library to which to donate them. Alex Ross, music critic for The New Yorker, wrote about this discovery in 2018: “Not only did Florence Price fail to enter the canon; a large quantity of her music came perilously close to obliteration. That run-down house in St. Anne is a potent symbol of how a country can forget its cultural history.” Ethiopia’s Shadow in America, composed before 1933, received its first performance in 2015.

Florence Price (1887-1953) Ethiopia’s Shadow in America In 1932, Florence Price submitted a number of pieces to the Wanamaker Foundation’s competition for Black composers. Her Symphony in E minor took first place, a piano sonata won third place in its category, and her tone poem Ethiopia’s Shadow in America received an honorable mention. As a result of Price’s success in this competition, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performed her symphony the following year, the first time a work by an African-American woman was performed by a major American orchestra.

Though residing in Chicago, Price can be understood within the context of the Harlem Renaissance. Through her friend and fellow composer Margaret Bonds, Price connected with at least two important figures of the movement: Langston Hughes and Marian Anderson. (Anderson later became a champion of Price’s works.) And, with the descriptive narrative Price included (a rarity in her output), Ethiopia’s Shadow in America places the composer squarely within the ethos of the cultural movement. Harlem Renaissance writers, artists, musicians, and performers took pride in their Black experience and took control of how this experience was represented in American culture.

Price’s tone poem in three connected movements portrays the American experience of enslaved African people. According to Price, the first movement is “The Arrival of the Negro in America when first brought here as a slave.” Its slow introduction sounds both noble and oppressive. It is followed by a short, lively allegretto with syncopated melodies, repeated rhythmic patterns, and prominent percussion typical of jazz-influenced styles. The second movement, “His Resignation and Faith,” begins with a solo violin melody. This spiritual-like melody is then passed to

Launy Grøndahl (1886-1960) Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra Launy Grøndahl was a Danish conductor, violinist, and composer.

His best-known work is his Concerto for Trombone of 1924, written for the principal trombonist of the Orchestra of the Casino Theater in Copenhagen, of which Grøndahl had been a member of the violin section since he was thirteen years old.

While trombonists are not often featured as soloists on orchestral concerts, there are a handful of concertos for the instrument.

Leopold Mozart and Michael Haydn both wrote works for trombone and orchestra in the 18th century. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov composed a trombone concerto in 1878. And contemporary composers Christopher Rouse and Jennifer Higdon have both contributed to the repertoire of this often overlooked instrument.

In this short, three-movement concerto, Grøndahl writes in a largely Romantic style with some hints of the modern in its rhythmic elements and harmonies. The work shows off the range of the trombone as it reaches to its highest possible notes at the end of the third movement. But it also shows the instrument’s expressive range. We hear the trombone’s powerful declamation at the start of the first movement and in the middle of the second.

Its vocal lyricism is highlighted at the outset of the middle movement. And its virtuosic agility comes to play in the third.

VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 • MAY 2023 – JUNE 2023

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Edward S. Hickman

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73 Impressed by Johannes Brahms’s early piano compositions, Robert Schumann introduced the world to the young composer in an article in the Neue Zeitschrift fur Musik that declared him the chosen one, the world’s next great composer. Brahms was simultaneously launched into fame and buried under the weight of his own high expectations. Brahms venerated Beethoven and sought to master the musical genres that Beethoven had brought to maturity: the symphony and the string quartet. But the burden of being Beethoven’s heir apparent was nearly paralyzing. Brahms wrote to a friend that

“ You have no idea what it is like to always hear the footsteps of a giant like Beethoven behind you.”

Brahms’s self-doubt led to extreme perfectionism. He wrote at least two dozen string quartets, but only published three, burning the rest. And he spent at least fourteen years (by some accounts, more than twenty) composing his first symphony. Fortunately, when that work premiered in 1876, it was an instant success, recognized by many as the greatest symphony since Beethoven’s Ninth.

Edward S. Hickman has been the Principal Trombone of the West Michigan Symphony since 2013 and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Trombone since 2001.

Mr. Hickman grew up in San Diego, CA, received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from UCLA in Music Performance and Education and his Master of Music from the University of Michigan in Trombone Performance. He also is a member of the KSO Brass Quintet and the Kalamazoo Brass. Prior to winning the job with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Hickman was the Second Trombone in the Lansing Symphony Orchestra for four years. He has also performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Grand Rapids Symphony, and the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra, as well as the Detroit Chamber Winds and the Western Brass Quintet.

He currently maintains a private teaching studio in Kalamazoo, Portage, and Mattawan, including the Crescendo Academy of Music, and is the Low Brass instructor for the KSO’s Kids in Tune after school program. He resides in Kalamazoo with his wife, Jeanna, and daughters, Annamarie, Evelyn, and Jocelyn.

Maybe due to the relief of having a successful first symphony behind him, or maybe because of a change of scenery, Brahms was able to complete his second symphony in just four months during a summer spent at an Austrian lakeside resort. This was the first of a handful of productive summers in the south of Austria, where, according to Brahms, “The melodies fly so thick that you have to be careful not to step on one.”

The symphony Brahms composed while on vacation stands in stark contrast to the one he spent over a decade toiling over. It is sunny rather than dark, cheerful rather than solemn, or, in the words of musicologist Reinhold Brinkman, an idyll rather than an epic. Brahms’s friend Theodor Billroth wrote that “it is all blue sky, babbling of streams, sunshine and cool green shade.” And another friend noted that “such music can only be composed in the country, in the midst of nature.”

But occasional doom and gloom surfaces in this sunny symphony, often led by the trombones and timpani. When asked about these dark interruptions, Brahms replied that, “I am, by the by, a severely melancholic person … black wings are constantly flapping above us.” Even the second theme of the first movement — which bears a strong resemblance to Brahms’s famous lullaby — wanders into darkness with a solemn minor key and a dissonant note that halts the flow of the cellos’ rocking melody.

Notes by Sarah A Ruddy, Ph. D.

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WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

INSPIRING WHAT’S

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VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 • MAY 2023 – JUNE 2023

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MASTERWORKS.5

HOLST THE PLANETS FRIDAY JUNE 9 7:30 PM SCOTT SPECK CONDUCTOR JOHN HEFFERNAN VIOLIN REETHS PUFFER HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN’S CHORUS

Peter Maxwell Davies (1934-2016) An Orkney Wedding with Sunrise Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) The Lark Ascending John Heffernan, violin

SPONSORS

Intermission

CONCERT

Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets

MEDIA

I. Mars, the Bringer of War II. Venus, the Bringer of Peace III. Mercury, the Winged Messenger IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity V. Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age VI. Uranus, the Magician VII. Neptune, the Mystic

SEASON

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WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Peter Maxwell Davies (1934-2016) An Orkney Wedding with Sunrise It is relatively rare for WMS to present an entire program of British composers. Tonight’s season finale comprises three works, all from the 20th century, by three British composers: Peter Maxwell Davies, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gustav Holst. The first work features guest bagpiper Timothy Michlinga; the second, a farewell solo appearance by John Heffernan, our concertmaster since 2020. During Holst’s The Planets we are joined by the ReethsPuffer High School Women’s Chorus.

Early in his career, Davies often shocked audiences and critics with his experimental compositions. His best-known early work is his Eight Songs for a Mad King (1969), a monodrama for baritone and chamber ensemble. Requiring extended vocal techniques and an extremely wide range from the singer, this work parodies the music of Handel’s Messiah to depict King George III’s mental illness using the monarch’s own words.

In 1971, Davies moved to the Island of Hoy in the Orkney Islands off the coast of Northern Scotland. With this move came a shift in Davies’s compositional style. He seems to have lost his urge to shock with musical experimentation, while at the same time he began to incorporate Scottish themes into his music. Davies wrote that on the Islands, there is “no escape from yourself… you just have to realize what you are through your music with much more intensity than in urban surroundings.”

An Orkney Wedding with Sunrise is a short, light-hearted piece that portrays a wedding celebration. It begins with violent weather heard in the strings, but quickly settles into a pleasant oboe solo that depicts the procession of the wedding party. Persistent shortlong rhythmic figures and even, singable phrases give the theme the character of British Isles folk music. At the center of the piece is a series of dances, which are briefly interrupted by the “band” tuning their instruments. The dances occasionally fall out of sync, as the inebriated wedding guests sometimes turn raucous, other times just sloppy, as the celebrations reach late into the night.

With the return of the solo oboe from the start, Davies writes that “the guests leave the hall with echoes of the processional music in their ears, while the sun, personified by the full splendour of highland bagpipes, rises over Caithness.”

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A MESSAGE FROM CONCERT SPONSOR RAYMOND JAMES Raymond James is proud to support the West Michigan Symphony and grateful for the opportunity for them to inspire us and enrich where we work and live.

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) The Lark Ascending British composer Vaughan Williams was inspired by George Meredith’s 1881 poem of the same name to compose The Lark Ascending. Meredith’s poem describes a lark freely soaring above the English countryside. In 122 lines of verse, the nostalgic poet bemoans the increasingly mechanized nature of the farmland.

Vaughan Williams included twelve lines of the poem at the top of his 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.

In Vaughan Williams’s Romance for violin and orchestra, the solo violin is the lark, soaring freely and ever higher over the earth. The orchestra provides a grounding accompaniment with occasional folk-like melodies that suggest the human inhabitants below. The work is marked by three separate cadenzas. In these free episodes (written with no measure lines), the composer perfectly captures the bird caught up in the wind, its still body floating high above the earth.

Vaughan Williams completed the original version of this work in 1914, but its premiere was delayed by World War I. He revised the work after the war for its first orchestral performance in June of 1921: a concert that also included Holst’s The Planets. In The Lark Ascending, Vaughan Williams sets a calm mood and stays there, allowing the listener time for meditation. As the lark “lifts us with him,” you might look down and hear Vaughan Williams’s love for the countryside of his homeland. Or perhaps you will feel a yearning for peace from a composer who had traversed the horrors of war.

VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 • MAY 2023 – JUNE 2023

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Gustav Holst (1874-1934) The Planets Gustav Holst was inspired by astrology — not astronomy — to compose The Planets. Astrology — the study of the movement and position of moons, planets, and stars and their spiritual effect on people — captured Holst’s imagination some time after 1900.

He wrote to a friend that, “As a rule I only study things that suggest music to me. Recently the character of each planet suggested lots to me.”

Holst rightly gained popularity with the premiere of The Planets.

But, as musicologist Colin Matthews wrote, Holst seemed “constitutionally incapable of repeating himself… [and] it is easy to imagine his puzzlement at the thought that he might be expected to do so.” The Planets stands as a unique piece in his output and in the orchestral repertoire more broadly.

Notes by Sarah A Ruddy, Ph. D.

Holst’s daughter recalled that Alan Leo’s What is a Horoscope was one of her father’s favorite books, and Holst admitted that casting horoscopes for friends at parties was his “pet vice.”

The result of Holst’s astrological dabbling is a piece with little precedent: a seven-movement orchestral suite in which each movement stands on its own in terms of form, musical language and mood. Originally titled “Seven Pieces for Large Orchestra,” Holst employed every possible instrumental resource for this large-scale work. The huge ensemble includes alto flute, bass oboe, tenor tuba, six timpani, two harps, and an organ.

Holst described the piece as “a series of mood pictures.” Each movement’s subtitle gives a brief description of a planet’s astrological power, and its music depicts that emotion or character. Holst provided an evasive program note for the work’s premiere in 1920: “If any guide to the music is required the subtitle to each piece will be found sufficient, especially if it be used in the broad sense.

For instance, 'Jupiter' brings jollity in the ordinary sense, and also the more ceremonial type of rejoicing associated with religions or national festivities. 'Saturn' brings not only physical decay, but also a vision of fulfillment. 'Mercury' is the symbol of mind.”

The first movement, “Mars,” was the first that Holst composed.

Holst completed “The Bringer of War” just months before World War I broke out in 1914. Harsh dissonances, military instrumental effects, and repetitive rhythms in an uneven meter suggest disorder and also, according to the conductor of the premiere, “the stupidity of war.” “Venus” follows, bringing peace in a relaxed and lyrical movement. “Mercury’s” short motives are passed up and down the orchestra as the movement flies by. The joyous “Jupiter” comes next. A stately hymn tune stands at the center of this extroverted, optimistic movement. (Holst later extracted this theme to compose the hymn, “I vow to thee my country.”)

“Saturn” is a sad, slowly building processional that contrasts with the intensely playful dance that follows in “Uranus.” The work closes with “Neptune,” the furthest known point of the solar system when Holst composed the work. “Neptune, the Mystic” evokes the distance and remoteness of this recently discovered planet. The piece ends with a wordless offstage chorus of women that drives home the mystical nature of Holst’s composition. With these ethereal voices, Holst accomplished classical music’s first fade-out ending. He instructed that the last measures should be “repeated until the sound is lost in the distance.”

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John Heffernan John Heffernan is an innovative and passionate violinist and educator. At the age of 15, he made his orchestral debut with the Beach Cities Symphony after being named winner of the Young Artist of the Future Competition. Born and raised in Manhattan Beach, California, John Heffernan received his Bachelor of Music Degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with William Preucil. While at the Cleveland Institute, John was accepted to study abroad for a semester at the Conservatoire de Paris. While in Paris John studied violin with Sylvia Gazeau and chamber music with Itamar Golan.

After graduating from CIM, John moved to Chicago to study with the renowned pedagogue, Almita Vamos, at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. While pursuing his master’s degree in violin performance, John was a founding member and second violinist of the Yas Quartet. The diverse and inclusive string quartet had the opportunity to travel to China twice and won third prize at the Schoenfeld International String Competition as well as competed in the senior division of Fischoff in 2016.

After graduating with his Master of Music Degree in May of 2018, John became a Fellow with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. In addition to his community engagement responsibilities in the Civic Fellowship program, Mr. Heffernan was also a leader on stage as the concertmaster of the Civic Orchestra each season he was a member. Through Civic, John performed as a soloist with Yo-Yo Ma twice. Once playing the solo violin part for Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 on the Chicago River Walk, and again as concertmaster for Civic’s Centennial Celebration concert broadcasted live on WFMT. While in Civic, John Heffernan won the position of Interim Concertmaster with the West Michigan Symphony in May of 2019.

After two years of incredible concerts with the West Michigan Symphony, John was offered and thrilled to accept the full time position of concertmaster with the West Michigan Symphony in the spring of 2021. John Heffernan currently plays with the West Michigan Symphony and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

23/24 SEASON

POPS

3 FRIDAYS • 7:30 PM • FRAUENTHAL CENTER

ARETHA: A TRIBUTE

September 29 at 7:30 pm This glittering tribute to the Queen of Soul lights up the Frauenthal with all your favorite Aretha Franklin hits.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: TIMELESS MOVIE MEMORIES

December 15 at 7:30 pm Join us for this fresh twist on our annual holiday tradition. A night of joyful, heartwarming, pure family fun.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION WITH CHERISH THE LADIES

March 15 at 7:30 pm The Grammy-nominated, Irish-American super group returns to bring you a night of traditional Irish music and dance.

MASTERWORKS

5 FRIDAYS • 7:30 PM • FRAUENTHAL CENTER

SCHEHERAZADE AND MORE

November 3 at 7:30 pm An evening of colorful, storytelling music that evokes an assortment of sounds, fragrances and sensations, from new to familiar.

MOZART AND BEETHOVEN

January 26 at 7:30 pm Enjoy this mid-winter musical comfort meal of Mozart and Beethoven.

Pianist Terrence Wilson is widely-known for his interpretations of Mozart.

THE SEASONS: REIMAGINED

February 23 at 7:30 pm Four Seasons. Two Hemispheres. Dynamic violinist Chee-Yun returns to guide you on a journey through them all. Vivaldi’s beloved Seasons will be played side by side Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.

WMS AROUND THE WORLD

April 19 at 7:30 pm Experience new sounds and rediscover familiar favorites on this musical journey around the globe traversing Italy, Spain, Norway, Germany and more.

RHAPSODY IN BLUE

May 10 at 7:30 pm 3-concert packages start at $87 Our season finale delivers high-energy, fast moving and not-to-be missed 231.726.3231 works, topped off by Pianist Aldo López-Gavilán’s brilliant rendition of Gershwin’s beloved Rhapsody in Blue. westmichigansymphony.org VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 • MAY 2023 – JUNE 2023

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ABOUT WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

MUSIC DIRECTOR SCOTT SPECK

An anchor cultural organization headquartered in Muskegon, WMS is a resident performing group at the Frauenthal Center, where its eight-concert season is the most visible part of a larger artistic enterprise of far-reaching community benefit. Founded in 1939, today’s WMS is comprised of professional musicians of the highest caliber playing challenging repertoire and presenting some of the world’s most acclaimed guest artists.

WMS concerts and education events bring 16,500 people— more than 30% of whom are children and students—downtown annually, making it the largest performing arts organization on the West Shore. Audiences come from throughout Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent, Oceana and surrounding counties.

Scott Speck became Music Director of the West Michigan Symphony in 2002. Since then he is proud to have helped the WMS enter the ranks of the nation's finest regional orchestras.

Mission

In past seasons Scott Speck has conducted at London’s Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, the Paris Opera, New York's Lincoln Center, Chicago’s Symphony Center, Washington’s Kennedy Center, San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House, and the Los Angeles Music Center. He has led numerous performances with the symphony orchestras of Chicago, Houston, Baltimore, Paris, Moscow, Shanghai, Beijing, Vancouver, Romania, Slovakia, Buffalo, Columbus, Louisville, New Orleans, Oregon, Rochester, Florida, and Virginia, among many others.

WMS connects and enriches our diverse community through the transformative power of music. We fulfill this primarily through three core offerings: • Professional, live symphonic performances in a welcoming environment • The Block, a gathering space that sparks curiosity, inspiration and fellowship through the shared experience of uncommon live music • Music Education that enriches the lives of children and adults through exploration, participation and performance

Statement Of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion West Michigan Symphony is committed to building an organization that fosters diversity, equity and inclusion.

We acknowledge and celebrate the 19th century European cultural heritage from which the symphony orchestra arises.

At the same time, we believe the art form is renewed and enlivened by embracing multifarious cultures and influences.

We will continually explore ways to reflect plurality, inclusivity and curiosity in our artistic programming. We commit to inviting under-represented ethnic groups into an ongoing, active dialogue so that we can learn, grow, and change, making the Symphony a place where everyone feels invited and accepted. In our Board, staff and volunteer base, we will work for greater inclusivity, thereby reflecting the rich diversity of the West Michigan community. We will strive to reflect these values throughout our organization.

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Scott also holds positions as music director of the Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Philharmonic and Mobile Symphony. He previously held positions as conductor of the San Francisco Ballet; music advisor and conductor of the Honolulu Symphony; and associate conductor of the Los Angeles Opera. During a tour of Asia he was named principal guest conductor of the China Film Philharmonic in Beijing. He was also invited to the White House as music director of the Washington Ballet.

Speck is co-author of the world’s best-selling books on classical music for a popular audience: Classical Music for Dummies, Opera for Dummies, and Ballet for Dummies. He has been a regular commentator on National Public Radio, the BBC, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Voice of Russia, broadcast throughout the world.

Born in Boston, Scott Speck is a Fulbright Scholar, a summa cum laude graduate of Yale University, and an Aspen Conducting Fellow. He is fluent in English, German and French, has a diploma in Italian, speaks Spanish and has a reading knowledge of Russian.

Web: scottspeck.org; Twitter: ScottSpeck1 Facebook: facebook.com/ConductorScottSpeck

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

CONCERTS AT THE BLOCK

MUSKEGON ARTS & CULTURE COALITION

WMS’s Listening Room for the Musically Curious, The Block, is an innovative performance venue featuring a mixture of jazz, crossover-folk, and classical chamber concerts. Since its opening in 2013, The Block has become a vibrant downtown gathering space that sparks curiosity, inspiration and fellowship through the shared experience of uncommon live music and educational programs. Audiences have found the venue a refreshing alternative—to the formality of a concert hall on one hand, the clamor of a brewpub on the other. The Block is also a gathering place for various nonprofit, musical and community groups. Recent users have included Black Business Expo, GVSU Piano Chamber Series, Greater Muskegon Economic Development, Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon Rotary, the Poppen Foundation, Third Coast Trombone Retreat, Tux ‘n Chucks, and Young Black Professionals, to name a few.

WMS is a founding member of the Muskegon Arts & Cultural Coalition (MACC), whose purpose is to advocate for and educate the community on the significant economic and quality of life impact of the arts and cultural sector.

Muskegon County is home to a wide range of institutions offering exceptional arts and culture experiences that reflect and celebrate our diverse community. The arts have been key to the revitalization of our region for decades, and they remain pivotal in the post-COVID recovery economy. A recent study by Visit Muskegon found that cultural institutions and festivals contributed more than $56.48 million annually to Muskegon County’s economy. According to the Creative State Michigan Report, the Arts accounted for $2.5 billion in state tourism revenues—more than professional sporting events, golf, boating and sailing, hunting and fishing, hiking and biking combined.

For rental information, call 231.726.3231 For more information see display ad on page 16 VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 • MAY 2023 – JUNE 2023

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WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY EDUCATION PROGRAMS Enriching the lives of children through music exploration, participation, and performance are the goals of the WMS Education programs. Inschool programs, after-school programs, pre-concert activities and a range of events, make up the educational offerings from the West Michigan Symphony.

Link Up Did you know over 60,000 students from six West Michigan counties have participated in Link Up since 2004? A curriculum written by Carnegie Hall, Link Up is taught by music teachers in our local schools to grades 3-5 and completely supported by the WMS; which means we keep this program free. The program culminates with an interactive concert where students perform their recorder along with the Symphony in the Frauenthal Theater. More than 50 elementary schools partner with WMS to bring this program to their schools each year.

Tune Up Launching in fall of 2022, elementary students in Muskegon’s Marquette and Oakview Elementary schools will be given an early start in instrumental music. A new program called “Tune Up” will provide aspiring young musicians with their own string instrument and free group lessons with a qualified teacher and unique performance opportunities. This will mark the debut of a new partnership between West Michigan Symphony, Muskegon Public Schools, and the 21st CCLC Impact after-school program. Tune Up program gives children in grades 3, 4 and 5 a jump into learning an instrument and finding the thrill of making music together.

Children's Choir Many children love to sing, yet don’t have the opportunity to do so at school. The WMS Children’s Choir provides children ages 8-13 a place to sing and perform under the direction of a talented vocal director. Beginning its tenth season, the Children’s Choir performs numerous times each season, including on stage with the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra’s Home for the Holidays and Link Up concerts. An audition based program, Children’s Choir meets every Tuesday from September through May.

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WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY SEASON MAGAZINE

Debut & Premier Strings Two string orchestras, made up of young string musicians from throughout West Michigan, meet every Monday at The Block, September to April, to grow their musicianship. Developing their playing abilities and making new friendships is all a part of encouraging these musicians to stretch their belief in themselves and grow as musicians. The Debut Strings program is for those with one to two years of experience. Premier Strings is for those more advanced and experienced, and offers a variety of performance opportunities, including a side by side with the WMS Orchestra at Link Up. Both groups are taught by a qualified and experienced string instructor.

Click Clack Moosic Unique to the WMS, Click Clack Moosic is a live musical story time program for young children ages 3-8. Based on the books by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, the WMS Click Clack Moosic was created for young children to experience live symphonic music, up close!

Through engaging education activities, the telling of a great story, and music composed just for these programs; children will love to be part of these shows. We’ll perform a holiday show at The Block on December 3, but we also visit schools, libraries, events, and organizations. Let us know how we can be a part of your next event.

Music Mentors Providing students with real life experiences is part of the WMS Music Mentor program. Students participating in the Link Up program receive visits to their schools from WMS musicians. Deepening the music learning experience through engaging visits with Music Mentors helps support school music programs and gives students the opportunity to work with an outside professional.

VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 • MAY 2023 – JUNE 2023

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VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 4 • MAY 2023 – JUNE 2023

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Dear Friends, There’s more to the West Michigan Symphony than meets the eye... and even the ear. What you see before you is truly a miracle: a community resource nurtured and grown over the past 80 years and sustained through the dedication and love of the entire community. WMS brings together the finest musicians and guest artists from across the country and touches the hearts and souls of listeners of all ages. We are proud to sponsor the 2022-2023 season. Enjoy the performance!

Mike & Kay Olthoff

2022-2023 Season Sponsors

WMS is the largest presenter of live music in Muskegon County, offering more than 30 events annually at the Frauenthal, The Block and elsewhere for audiences of all ages

WMS impacts more than 6,000 area youth from five West Michigan counties through its music education programs

Music Director Scott Speck also conducts the Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Philharmonic and Mobile Symphony

Our musicians travel from Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and throughout Michigan to perform with WMS

The Orchestra prepares Masterworks performances in just 3-4 evening rehearsals, Pops in 1-2 rehearsals