WMS Sept-Dec 2017 Newsletter

SEPT – NOV 2017 • VOL 1 • NO 1

Contents 2 • Welcome 3 • AT The Block 4 • WMS 6 • EVENT Calendar 7 • Education

DEAR FRIENDS, I’m proud and happy to welcome you to the first ever quarterly newsletter of the West Michigan Symphony. This is one of many ways we hope to stay connected with you and keep you in the know about our upcoming highlights.

In this newsletter, you’ll find information not only about our orchestral concerts, but also about our groundbreaking programs at The Block. I also want to make sure you know about Lunch ‘n’ Learn, which we offer during every Masterworks week. This is my chance to talk extensively with you, in a small and informal setting, about my favorite parts of each program. (Over a bag lunch, of course!)

For our opening night concert, I’m especially excited that we’ve been able to juxtapose piano concertos by George Gershwin and Maurice Ravel. Gershwin idolized great masters like Ravel, and he even traveled, as an American in Paris, to ask the Frenchman for composition lessons—Ravel refused. But it was Maurice Ravel who learned from Gershwin—Ravel’s piano concerto is clearly influenced by American jazz, with distinct echoes of Rhapsody in Blue!

Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations is the main work on our November program. This may be the piece of music most often identified with British pride and identity. The sudden appearance this summer of the gorgeous Nimrod variation, seemingly out of nowhere, at the climactic moment of the movie Dunkirk brought me to tears. But guess what? This music is even better when played live by our masterful West Michigan Symphony musicians.

Indeed, I feel strongly that each of our performances offers an experience that you won’t want to miss. Welcome to our newsletter, and welcome to the 2017-18 season of the West Michigan Symphony!

Scott Speck Music Director

Welcome to the 78th season of your West Michigan Symphony. September marks the celebration of a new year for the education world and for the music world. A new beginning for each! It is greeted with excitement about the great things that we are all going to experience and learn. We look forward to the connection that occurs between the conductor, the musicians, the music, and you, the audience. Nothing can top the feeling of being part of a live concert.

I have the distinct pleasure of serving as the symphony’s Interim Executive Director. It is a privilege to be part of the incredibly skilled staff that operates this wonderful organization.

The WMS Board of Directors has launched a nationwide search for the best person to be the new Executive Director and lead this outstanding organization to continued success. We are extremely fortunate to have a board that is engaged and dedicated to the sustainability and success of this orchestra. Their partnership and support makes this experience incredibly rewarding.

Our orchestra is part of the fabric of great arts organizations in this community. How fortunate we are to have them all.

Kay Olthoff Interim Executive Director

THE BLOCK

Concerts take place at 360 W Western Ave, 2nd floor, Muskegon

ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN & ILMAR GAVILÁN JAZZ DUO

Saturday, September 30, 7:30 pm Doors open at 7pm

$25-35

Born in Cuba to a family of internationally acclaimed classical musicians, Aldo LópezGavilán, piano, and Ilmar Gavilán, violin, have each achieved fame in their own rights in the jazz and the classical worlds. Aldo LópezGavilán performs Friday evening with the West Michigan Symphony, then is joined Saturday evening at The Block by brother Ilmar Gavilán, co-founder of New York-based Harlem Quartet, for a jazz-influenced concert that celebrates their heritage and virtuosic talents.

NEIL JACOBS GYPSY POWER TRIO Saturday, October 21, 7:30 pm Doors open at 7pm

Neil Jacobs, guitars, Steven Fox, acoustic bass, and Arkadiy Gips, violin, capture the gypsy tradition with overtones of jazz and flamenco.

From Spanish, to Hungarian to Klezmer-infused works, American gypsy music promises an ethnic-rooted, rollicking good time.

Saturday, November 11, 7:30 pm Doors open at 7pm

Aldo López-Gavilán was born in Cuba to a family of internationally acclaimed classical musicians, his father a conductor and composer, his mother a concert pianist. At the age of two, he had written his first musical composition.

By four, his mother introduced the budding prodigy to the piano, and by age 12 he made his professional debut with the Matanzas Symphony Orchestra. Particularly known for his phenomenal improvisations in Classical and Jazz styles Aldo López-Gavilán has been praised for his “dazzling technique and rhythmic fire” in the Seattle Times.

Aldo López-Gavilán is not only a formidable virtuoso, but also exceeds in works that require extraordinary color and fascinating sounds. His natural talent never suffers and his original thinking as an artist assures a performance of amazing playing and individuality

The London Times

But he isn’t the only virtuoso in this talented family... older brother Ilmar Gavilán, a violinist, is a Sphinx competition winner and has performed with top stature artist of diverse styles such as Itzhak Perlman and Carter Brey. Ilmar Gavilan is the first violinist and co-founder of the New York-based Harlem Quartet and with them has enjoyed the privilege of performing with Jazz legends Chick Corea and Gary Burton a collaboration which rendered the Quartet a Grammy for the recording of their album, “Hot House”.

$25-35

ANDREW SPENCER PERCUSSIONIST

ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN & ILMAR GAVILÁN

In early 2015 Aldo joined his brother in the Harlem Quartet for concerts in Calgary, Seattle, and Phoenix. With a mission to advance diversity in classical music, the Harlem Quartet has been featured on WNBC, CNN, the Today Show, and the News Hour with Jim Lehrer. In 2009 they performed for President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House and appeared Christmas morning on NBC’s Today Show.

$20-30

Former WMS principal timpanist Andrew Spencer follows his 2014 “Dangerous Music” concert at The Block with another survey of traditional and non-traditional percussion instruments. Spencer will perform works by Steve Reich, Jay Batzner, and Rolf Wallin, and he will be joined by three CMU students for a cantata for percussion called Threads, composed by Paul Lansky.

The Sphinx Organization, a national group dedicated to diversity in the arts, started the Harlem Quartet in 2006, choosing winners of its annual competition.

Of the original group, violinists Melissa White and Ilmar Gavilán are still members, rounded out by violist Jaime Amador and cellist Felix Umansky.

We are extremely fortunate to be able to bring these talented brothers to West Michigan for two evenings of extraordinary performances. Aldo López-Gavilán performs with the West Michigan Symphony for the Sept. 29 concert, and the brothers will perform together at The Block the following evening, Saturday, September 30 in a concert that reveals the fulfillment of their heritage and virtuosity. >> aldomusica.com >> harlemquartet.com

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY Performs at Frauenthal Theater, 425 W Western, Muskegon

WAGNER Overture to The Flying Dutchman RAVEL Piano Concerto in G major GERSHWIN An American in Paris GERSHWIN Rhapsody in Blue $22-$54

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 29 7:30 PM

RAVEL & GERSHWIN PIANO CONCERTOS Scott Speck conductor Aldo López-Gavilán piano

The Overture to The Flying Dutchman launches the WMS’ 78th season in style! Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major and two Gershwin works round out this spectacular evening of music. Brilliant Cuban pianist and composer Aldo López-Gavilán makes his WMS debut in the Ravel Piano concerto and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10 7:30 PM

ENIGMA VARIATIONS DEBUSSY Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun DAUGHERTY Raise the Roof ELGAR Enigma Variations $22-$54

Bohuslav Rattay conductor Andrew Spencer timpani Claude Debussy’s revolutionary Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun opens this program. Former WMS principal timpanist Andrew Spencer returns for Michael Daugherty’s timpani concerto, Raise the Roof. Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations pay musical tribute to the composer’s illustrious and fascinating friends. The work ends triumphantly with allusions to the earlier variations.

THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE If you’re like many patrons, where you are seated plays a big part in your concert enjoyment. Some people want to make sure they are seated close enough to see the guest artist perform, others want to be sure they are experiencing the best overall sound from the orchestra.

(Generally with any concert hall there is one rule of thumb: sound improves the higher you go.)

No matter what you want from your symphony experience, our new Patron Services Manager, Kateri Petrie, can assist you with choosing your perfect seat(s). Kateri started with WMS this past spring as our part-time ticketing and finance assistant. We are pleased she has now accepted a full-time position with the symphony, continuing her good work in these two departments.

The WMS ticket office will be open M to F, 9 - 4:30 pm starting September 1 and throughout the concert season.

Give her a call at (231) 726.3231 for tickets or to get more information about upcoming concerts.

OPENING NIGHT COCKTAIL PARTY

Takes place at The Block 360 W Western Ave, 2nd floor, Muskegon FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 29 6 TO 7 PM

FREE

Join us at The Block to toast the upcoming season before the September 29 concert, Ravel & Gershwin Piano Concertos.

Light snacks, cash bar. Bring a friend! All are invited.

BOHUSLAV RATTAY

Czech-American conductor Bohuslav Rattay is a busy ambassador for classical music, working with orchestras across the globe to produce symphonic works of all kinds to a diverse audience. Music Director of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, Rattay also serves as Music Director for the Midland Symphony Orchestra and the Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra. As he gains a reputation as one of the finest young talents of his generation, Mr. Rattay combines impassioned and virtuosic musicianship with a determination to bring great music into the lives of all people.

Watching him conduct is like watching a painter creating rich imagery to live music on a large canvas.

El Paso Times (2013)

An enthusiastic promoter for classical music, Mr. Rattay strives to bring the traditional and innovative together in a manner exciting and fresh for his audience. He is known for his passion for the classics, with special appreciation often given to his insightful understanding of the music of his native Bohemia. Rattay has been praised for his ability to communicate the depth of a diverse range of music to his audience.

Bohuslav Rattay returns to the WMS as guest conductor for the Nov. 10 Enigma Variations concert, having last conducted our orchestra in 2010.

ANDREW SPENCER On Nov. 10, percussionist Andrew Spencer joins guest conductor Bohuslav Rattay and the orchestra to play the 12-minute timpani concerto, Raise the Roof, composed by Michael Daugherty. As a former timpanist for the WMS Spencer played this same piece on the Frauenthal stage over 10 years ago. Since then Spencer has played the piece six times with orchestras in Midland, El Paso and with the CMU Wind Ensemble in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Raise the Roof incorporates styles such as a Cuban rumba called Guaguancó and a rock and roll section, while showcasing the timpani and highlighting what sounds are possible from it. The work opens lyrically and requires lots of tuning with the timpanist’s feet (using foot pedals) in what Spencer describes as an “athletic piece for a soloist.”

Spencer will be making his homecoming with us two times the weekend of Nov. 10. The following evening, Saturday Nov. 11, he returns to The Block, having performed “Dangerous Music” concert at our first season in the space. The 2014 concert featured instruments made of non-traditional items such as flower pots, cardboard boxes and even his own body. Since it was so well received, he will once again bring this type of music back to The Block on Nov. 11; opening with a minimalist piece by composer Steve Reich called Clapping Music. Spencer says the piece highlights “how sounds can create a melodic shape.” Also included in the Saturday evening concert will be a work called All the Broken Instruments written by Jay Batzner, a fellow composer at CMU. The work incorporates car coils, cymbals, clay flower pots and a sacred Zimbabwean instrument called an imbira. The work also combines interactive computer and the poetry of Robert Fanning, coupling it with the sounds played on the nontraditional instruments.

Another interesting work that will be performed that evening is a performance art piece written by Rolf Wallin called Scratch, which incorporates a big red balloon and all the sounds that can be made with it. Spencer says the work showcases the performer’s “love/ hate relationship with the balloon.”

The second half of the concert will bring three of Spencer’s students from the CMU music department to join him for a cantata for percussion quartet written by composer Paul Lansky called Threads.

Also featuring traditional and non-traditional instruments students Michael Hamilton, Colin Mudie, and Mikayla Bertelsen will join Spencer for the half-hour long piece. Highlighting the wide range of qualities that percussion instruments are capable of, the work ranges from lyrical and tender to forceful and aggressive, weaving the sounds into one continuous “thread”.

Andrew Spencer holds the position of Professor of Percussion at Central Michigan University. An active recitalist and clinician, he has performed as a soloist in the United States, Poland, Japan, Canada, and Costa Rica. In 1999, he released “Slender Beams,” a recording that features works by composer Dave Hollinden.

Tickets for both the Nov. 10 and Nov. 11 concerts can be purchased by calling the WMS ticket office at 231.726.3231 x223, in person at 360 W. Western Avenue or online at westmichigansymphony.org and theblockwestmichigan.org.

WHAT’S NEXT SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER CALENDAR

SYMPHONY

FRIDAY SEPT 29 7:30 PM RAVEL & GERSHWIN PIANO CONCERTOS The Frauenthal Theater | Muskegon Tickets: $22-54 | student tickets $10

FRIDAY NOV 10 7:30 PM The Frauenthal Theater | Muskegon Tickets: $22-54 | student tickets $10

FRIDAY DEC 15 7:30 PM

ANDREW SPENCER

THE BLOCK

SATURDAY SEPT 30 7:30 PM ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN & ILMAR GAVILÁN jazz duo

The Block | Muskegon Tickets: $25-35 | student tickets $10

SATURDAY OCT 21 7:30 PM NEIL JACOBS

American Gypsy

The Block | Muskegon Tickets: $25-35 | student tickets $10

Join us at for our free lunchtime program to learn about the upcoming WMS concert.

The Block | Muskegon

SUNDAY NOV 12 2:30 PM 3:30 PM DEBUT STRINGS FALL CONCERT

percussionist

The Block | Muskegon Tickets: $20-30 | student tickets $10

SATURDAY DEC 16 7:30 PM CATHIE RYAN BAND The Block | Muskegon Tickets: $25-35 | student tickets $10

Tickets: $5, children free, call 231.726.323 The Block | Muskegon

THURSDAY NOV 16 6:30 PM CHILDREN’S CHOIR CONCERT White Lake Library | Whitehall Free

SATURDAY DEC 9 10:30 AM

EDUCATION

MONDAY SEPT 11

A CELTIC CHRISTMAS

The Frauenthal Theater | Muskegon Tickets: $25-57 | student tickets $10

LUNCH N’ LEARN: ENIGMA VARIATIONS

SATURDAY NOV 11 7:30 PM

Irish folk music

ENIGMA VARIATIONS

WEDNESDAY NOV 8 NOON

DEBUT STRINGS AUDITIONS

Auditions start at 5 pm. To schedule an audition, contact Karen Vander Zanden at 231.928.5738.

The Block | Muskegon

TUESDAY SEPT 12 CHILDREN’S CHOIR AUDITIONS

Auditions start at 6 pm. To schedule an audition, contact Karen Vander Zanden at 231.928.5738.

The Block | Muskegon

WEDNESDAY SEPT 27 NOON LUNCH N’ LEARN: RAVEL & GERSHWIN

Join us at for our free lunchtime program to learn about the upcoming WMS concert.

The Block | Muskegon

CLICKITY CLACK HO HO HO

The Block | Muskegon Tickets: $5, presale, $15 family 4-pack Call 231.726.3231 or visit the ticket office at 360 W Western Ave, Muskegon

SPECIAL EVENTS

FRIDAY SEPT 29 6 PM OPENING NIGHT COCKTAIL PARTY

Join us as we toast the upcoming season.

Light snacks, cash bar.

The Block | Muskegon

FRIDAY DEC 15 10 PM CELTIC CHRISTMAS POST PARTY

Join the WMS and Cathie Ryan after the show for a special event at The Block.

The Block | Muskegon Ticketed event.

WMS EDUCATION PROGRAMS: DID YOU KNOW? LINK UP

• Each year WMS hosts 3 free children’s concerts to celebrate a yearlong partnership with elementary schools where students play their recorders with the orchestra.

• Over 50 schools from Allegan, Muskegon, Newaygo, Kent, Ottawa, and Oceana counties partner with the WMS to teach beginner music to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students using the Carnegie Hall Link Up curriculum.

To date over 46,000 students have participated the last 13 years.

• WMS provides teachers a music curriculum that meets national and state standards for music education at no cost to them.

• The Music Mentor Program places Symphony musicians in the schools every year to provide young music students the opportunity to meet a professional musician and reinforce what they are learning in the classroom.

WMS CHILDREN’S CHOIR

• Formed in 2014 with 33 choir members from eight local cities: Muskegon, Newaygo, Kent City, Grand Haven, North Muskegon, Twin Lake, Norton Shores and Casnovia to participate.

• In the 2016-17 season, WMSCC grew in size and experience! The members of the children’s choir perform two solo concerts a year and occasionally appear with the full WMS orchestra at the Frauenthal Theater and additionally sing throughout the Lakeshore community.

CLICK CLACK MOOSIC

• Based on the books by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, this young children’s program combines storytelling with live music, composed exclusively for the WMS Click Clack Moosic programs.

• How many orchestras do you know that own their very own barn? We do!

The Click Clack Moosic barn appears at every Click Clack Moosic performance at The Block. After the show, kids love having their pictures taken in front of the barn with the Symphony musicians.

INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO

• The Instrument Petting Zoo is a traveling hands-on instrument program made up of over 20 instruments.

• Makes visits to school classrooms, libraries, community events and festivals every year to allow and encourage young people to try an instrument.

DEBUT STRINGS

• Debut Strings isn’t just about performing! It’s about joining a group of students who have the same interest of being super achievers outside of school!

• Annually serves over 30 budding musicians from the West Michigan region.

• Formed in 2012, the Debut Strings Program serves as a supplement to school music programs, home school music instruction, or as a performance opportunity for children taking private lessons that don’t have a school strings program. Under the director of Angela Corbin, for many, Debut Strings is their first orchestral experience.

For more information about our education programs, contact Karen Vander Zanden, Director of Education at kvanderzanden@westmichigansymphony.org or 231.726.3231 x231.

LUNCH N’ LEARN

Takes place at The Block 360 W Western Ave, 2nd floor, Muskegon

Doors open at 11:45 am to give you time to mingle and take your seats.

Coffee and water provided. Bring your lunch or food is available for purchase at area restaurants such as Subway (next door) and Rebel Pies (downstairs in the back of Unruly Brewing).

Lunch n’ Learn: Ravel & Gerswhin WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 27 NOON

FREE

West Michigan Symphony Presents a brown bag lunch and conversation about Masterworks.1: Ravel and Gershwin.

Bring your own lunch and enjoy an hour of lively discussion with Music Director Scott Speck and Aldo López-Gavilán.

Samples of the concert repertoire will be played and discussed, including: • Wagner: Overture to The Flying Dutchman • Ravel: Piano Concerto to G major • Gershwin: An American in Paris • Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue

Lunch n’ Learn: Enigma Variations WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 8 NOON

FREE

West Michigan Symphony Presents a brown bag lunch and conversation about Masterworks.2: Enigma Variations.

Bring your own lunch and enjoy an hour of lively discussion with guest conductor Bohuslav Rattay and Andrew Spencer.

Samples of the concert repertoire will be played and discussed, including: • Debussy: Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun • Daugherty: Raise the Roof • Elgar: Enigma Variations

ONLINE RESOURCES

westmichigansymphony.org theblockwestmichigan.org

360 W. Western Ave. Suite 200 Muskegon, MI 49440

SOCIAL COMMUNITY

/wmsymphony /AtTheBlock

@westmisymphony

YOUR INBOX

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FIND US

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY CONDUCTS SEARCH FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

West Michigan Symphony 360 W Western Ave, Suite 200 Muskegon, MI 49440 231.726.3231

Following the departure of President and CEO, Carla Hill, our Board of Directors has begun the search process for an Executive Director to fill the vacancy. Hill, who was with symphony for nearly 12 years, announced that she was leaving her position in June and is moving out of state to be closer to family and explore other career opportunities.

The Block 360 W Western Ave, 2nd Floor Muskegon, MI 49440 231.726.3231

Kay Olthoff has been acting as interim executive director and will continue in that role while the WMS search committee works to find Hill’s successor. With an extensive background in fundraising for nonprofits, Kay will help the symphony maintain and grow its relationships with sponsors and donors and provide leadership to the staff as we head into our 78th season.

The new Executive Director will be someone who can lead the growth and development of the West Michigan Symphony and The Block and its associated donor development and fundraising activities. The ideal candidate will also have a passion for orchestral music which will enable them to support the artistic direction provided by our Music Director, Scott Speck.

WMS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pete Brown, Chair Paul R. Jackson, Secretary Jan L. Deur, Treasurer Pat Donahue Kevin Even David F. Gerdes Kimberly L. Hammond Ken Hoopes Gary Nelund Michael Olthoff Thomas Schaub Gil Segovia

BLOCK BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jonathan Seyferth, Chair Emma Torresen, Secretary Jason Olthoff, Treasurer Jessica Chandler Josh Silvis Kerri VanderHoff

The posting will stay open until the job is filled. Interested candidates with a proven history of successful leadership in the nonprofit industry can get more information about the position at westmichigansymphony.org/employment.