Human Resources Manager, Webb Chemical Service Corporation
Larry Fife
Retired Infotainment Director, Siemens and Continental Automotive
Amy Hosford
General Manager, KN Literary Arts
Donna Joyce
Advancement Director, DOOR International
Stacy Mellema, CPA
Shareholder, Hungerford
Jason Olthoff
Vice President of Sales, Nichols
Emma Peterson
Director of Philanthropy, Trinity Health
Jennifer Ross
City Clerk, Muskegon Heights
Ryan Sterkenburg CTFA®, CISP®
VP / Senior Trust Administrator, Macatawa Bank
Thomas Trzaska
Chief Engineer, RENK America
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.
artists and programs are subject to change.
Message from the Music Director
Meet the WMS Principal Musicians
West Michigan Symphony Musicians
Message from the Chairperson
West Michigan Symphony Annual Fund
West Michigan Symphony Endowment
West Michigan Symphony Legacy Giving
Dvořák Cello Concerto
American Landscapes
Community Music Encounters
About West Michigan Symphony
West Michigan Symphony 2025/26 Season
The Block 2025/26 Season
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
• Inspired small ensemble performances in an immersive live listening room
• Learning activities that enrich the lives of children and adults through exploration, participation and performance
VISION
We are a catalyst for a musicinfused West Michigan: leading, facilitating, connecting and collaborating with the community to stimulate cultural vibrancy, inclusivity and pride of place.
Find Us Online
Website: westmichigansymphony.org
Facebook: facebook.com/wmsymphony
Facebook: facebook.com/AtTheBlock
Email: info@westmichigansymphony.org
Instagram: westmichigansymphony
Spotify: West Michigan Symphony
LinkedIn: West Michigan Symphony
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.
Sponsored by Darlene Collet in memory of Lee Collet
Second Violin
Amanda Dykhouse principal
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Endowed Chair
Mark Portolese assc. principal
Sponsored by Joanna Norris
Carmen Abelson asst. principal
Katie Bast
Sponsored by David & Darcy Dye
Patrick Foley
Karen-Jane Henry
Sponsored by Elinore Verplank
Natalie Hockamier
Sponsored by Mark & Karla Lange
Britta Bujak Portenga
Sponsored by Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors Jackie Engel, CFP®
Viola
Arturo Ziraldo principal
Sponsored by Jan & Laura Deur
Rebecca Boelzner assc. principal
Sponsored by Anonymous
Jason Butler asst. principal
Csaba Erdélyi
Sponsored by JoLee Wennersten
Josh Holcomb
Carlos Lozano
Rebecca Miller
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY MUSICIANS
Cello
Alicia Gregorian Sawyers principal
Sponsored by Steve & Deb Olsen
Igor Cetkovic assc. principal
Sponsored by David & Darcy Dye
Cameron Slaugh asst. principal
Sponsored by Dr F Remington & Ginny Sprague
Lee Copenhaver
Sponsored by Dr Mark D & Kristina M Clark
Karen Krummel
Sponsored by Susan Rehrer
Abigail Monroe
Sponsored by Cynthia Mazurek
Grace Mockus
Calin Muresan
Sponsored by Elinore Verplank & Thomas Knight
Bass
Robert Johnson principal
Frank E. & Flora M. Johnson Endowed Chair
Nicholas De Laurentis assc. principal
Brett Armstrong
Stephen Reichelt
Cole Sheffer
Flute
Jill Marie Brown principal
Sponsored by Anonymous
Marissa Olin
Sponsored by Mary E Malek
Leslie Deppe piccolo
Sponsored by David & Beth Pickard
Oboe
Asako Furuoya principal
Sponsored by Joanne & Amy Bensinger
Natalie Feldpausch
Sponsored by Ellie Williams
Clarinet
Jonathan Holden principal
Sponsored by Susan Cloutier Crain
Stephanie Hovnanian
Sponsored Anonymously in honor of Jane Blyth
Lisa Raschiatore bass clarinet
Sponsored by Don & Kathy Dahlstrom matched by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Bassoon
Chloe Robbins principal
Sponsored by Sheila & Patrick Miller
Jason Kramer
Sponsored by Eric & Merica Dobry
Horn
Paul Clifton-O’Donnell principal
Jeffrey Lake Johnson Endowed Chair
Greg Bassett
Sponsored by Allen & Sandy Beck
Lisa Honeycutt
Sponsored by Allen & Sandy Beck
Leah Brockman
Sponsored by Karen & John Wells
Trumpet
Bill Baxtresser principal
Sponsored by Roger & Rebecca Tuuk
Ethan Adams
Sponsored by Thomas Knight
Kai-Chun Chang
Trombone
Edward Hickman principal
Sponsored by Stephen & Debra Jackson
Joe Radtke
Carter Woosley bass trombone
Sponsored by Joel & Linda Engel
Tuba
Riley Lindsey 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 Valerie & Fred Church-McHugh
Music Librarian
Amanda Dykhouse
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.
West Michigan Symphony Annual Fund
Your annual 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 February 1, 2024 through April 17, 2025. This includes our Annual Fund, other special initiatives and events. In particular, we wish to express our gratitude to Mike and Kay Olthoff for their support of our November-December Matching Challenge campaign.
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 (2)
Dr Mark D & Kristina M Clark
Jan & Laura Deur
Bob & Heather Garretson
Wendy M Kersman
Amy J Klop
Daniel & Sheryl Kuznar
Steve & Deb Olsen
Mike & Kay Olthoff
Brad & Kathleen Playford
Douglas Hannink & Jocelyn Shaw
Jack & Becky Slimko
$5,000-$9,999
Jane Blyth
George W & Lori Lynn Cannon III
Susan Cloutier Crain
Deborah DeVoursney
James & Susan Geisler
Carl & Sylvia Hansen
Robert & Clara Harrell
Nelson & Elizabeth Huldin
Stephen & Debra Jackson
Patricia Johnson
Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough
Mike Muskovin
Joanna Norris
Jason & Jamye Olthoff
Susan Rehrer
Jill Sanders
Liz & Tom Trzaska
Peter M Turner
Elinore Verplank
$2,500-$4,999
Anonymous
Cindy Ackerman
Melisa Baker
Roy & Esther Baldridge
Allen & Sandy Beck
Amy Bensinger
Joanne Bensinger
Dana & Claudia Bryant
Andy & Beth Buelow
Bob & Charlotte Chessman
Valerie Church-McHugh & Fred McHugh
Darlene Collet
Don & Kathy Dahlstrom
Mary Douville
Kevin & Annette Even
William & Mary Lou Eyke
Larry & Lynette Fife
Mark & Jennifer Gross
Gwen & Jeff Hazekamp
Bruce & Donna Hood
Amy & William Hosford
Ed Hunt & Nancy McCarthy in memory of Donna Little
Wilda James
Rob & Julie Johnson
Ratan & Vicky Khatri
Rich & Nancy Klassen
Lois Lydens
John & Jessie Martin
Chris McGuigan & Gary Neal
Mark & Bonnie Meengs
Bonnie Olson Memorial Fund
Frank & Emma Peterson
Barbara Potuznik
Sawyer Family Fund of CFFMC
Tom Schaub & Mary Price
Sam Slaughter & Anne Lehker
Scott Speck
Dr F Remington & Ginny Sprague
Dr Alan Steinman
Susan & Stephen Struck
Marty & Heidi Sytsema
Brad & Erika Vanbergen
Karen & John Wells
Jane J Wright in memory of Ginevra Naill
Jim & Linda Zolman
$1,000-$2,499
Charles Alstrom
Susan & Frank Bednarek Fund of the CFFMC
Herb & Anne Bevelhymer
Dave Bishop
Susan Blake
Brian & Jill Boersema
Nick Bolema
Pete & Sherry Brown
Ron & Ann Marie Brown
Janice Buck
Gordon & Mary Buitendorp
Dr Donald & Nancy Crandall
Anne M Dake in memory E Allan Dake
Mary Theodore Danigelis
Eric & Merica Dobry
Deb & Chris Drake
Robert & Cathleen Dubault
Joel & Linda Engel
Charles & Patti Fisher
Evelyn Geile
David F Gerdes & Carolyn Smith-Gerdes
Tilio Giacobassi Family
Mary Anne Gorman
Mary Gust in honor Liz and Tom Trzaska
Bill Haug & Jane Curtis
Roberda Hilleary
Greg & Debi Hillebrand
Hon Kathy L Hoogstra & Dr Robert Hoogstra
Norma Jean Horan
Richard & Holly Hughes
Pat Hunt
Paul & Karen Jackson in memory of Dr Michael Smith
Christian Jansen-Yee
Joel & Kathleen Jarvis
Dick & Lynn Kamps
Barbara Kelso
Pete & Mimi Kunz
Denise Kwiecien
Patricia Ladas
Tim & Lynette Lipan
Jim & Mary Malek
Don & Jean Medema
Stacy & Eric Mellema
Susan Meston
Kathryn Neumann
Richard & Katie Norton
David & Beth Pickard
Roy & Britta Portenga
Bob & Carol Pyka
Gretchen & Randy Rhoades
David Roodvoets
John Saling & Diane Fischer
Laura Schultz
Robert N & Merle N Scolnik Advised Fund of the CFFMC
Dr Michael & Marijean Smith
Dr Carlo V Spataro
Ryan & Kris Sterkenburg
Clifford & Lucia Storr
John & Sue Sytsema
Drs David & Linda Taylor
Roger & Rebecca Tuuk
Michael & Patricia Wade
JoLee Wennersten
Melody & JR Whitby
Judy Wilcox
Ellie Williams
Dr Roy Winegar & Ms Barbara Klingenmaier
Marguerite & Kenneth Winter
Jan Witt
Tom & Jane Witt
Jon J & Cathy Workman
$500-$999
Anonymous
Arthur & Marilyn Bolt
Dr Mary & Robert Boyer
Richard & Marilyn Brown
Michael Cerminaro & Connie Verhagen
Curtis Chambers & Diana Wojton
Rudy & Pat Chmelar
George & Deborah Chmelar
Jeff & Kelly Clark
William & Donna Eckert
Eugene Fethke
Manley Ford
Charles & Jeanne Gembis
Nick Gereaux
Marjorie Gorajec
Brennen & Rachel Gorman
Virginia Hague
Mike & Jamie Hekker
Susan Hoekenga
Schierholz/Hogan Family Fund of CFFMC
Cornelia Holley
Maureen & Don Huldin
Donna Joyce
Michelle Kantor Hanley in memory of Mort and Maxine Kantor
Karen Kayes
Heather Kettler
Thomas Knight
R'na & Kara Komarek in memory Ronald Komarek DDS
Becky Kuznar
Joan La Mourie
Patricia Ladas
Brian & Gay Landstrom
Mark Luttenton
Charles & Kay Cater Matthews
Cindy Mazurek
Patrick & Sheila Miller
Amy Norris & MJ Towle in honor of Joanna Norris
Daniel & Dominga Partenio
Clyde & Beth Rinsema
Julia Rupp
Bob & Bobbi Sabine
Duane & Susan Schecter
Susan (Sue) Schuiteman
Allen & Mistelle Serio
Helen & Jay Smith
Tracy Sprague
Eileen Stoffan
Tom & Nanci Stone
George & Dottie Strabel
Kim Suarez
Ann & Dan Tabor
Don & Jane Tjarksen
Richard & Marge Tourre
Bruce Van Dop in memory of Dr Michael Smith
William & Susan Vander Zanden
Phillip & Loraine VanderPol
Ed DeJong & Diane VanWesep
Bill & Shirley Walther
Sheryl Wescott
Rachael & Ian Wright
$100-$499
Anonymous (6)
Anonymous on behalf Joanna Norris
Anonymous in honor of Dr Bruce & Esther Drukker in celebration of your 90th birthdays!
Ross & Sandra Aden
James Alexander
Lee Anderson
Michael Anderson & Brooke Kieft-Anderson
Bernadette Arnold
Margo Atwell
Larry & Sandy Austin
Barbara Bakker
Earl Baxtresser
David Beckmann
David & Sue Bird
William Black in memory Fred Norris
David & Karen Booth
Sarah Bowman
Martha & Eddie Brown
Michael & Joanna Buboltz
John Max Busard & Elizabeth Busard Fund in memory Dr & Mrs RI Busard
Marie Bustin
Roger Buter
Joanne Cochrane
E Jane Connell & Steven W Rosen
Diana Cornell
Bill & Carol Cross
Jessica Wolin & Frank Crownover
Carol Lynn Cubitt
David Culver
Andrew & Samantha Cutler
Bill & Joan Davis in memory of Mary Eherenman
Agnes De Boer
Eugene & Beth Decker
Dean Denman & Gale Ford in memory Janie Denman
Calvin & Patricia Deur
Phil & Kim Deur
Larry DeVoogd
David & Dortha DeWit
Eric Douville
Joyce Downing
Marcia D'Oyly
Jane Drake
Judy Draper
Karen Driver
Dennis & Barbara Dryer
Amanda & Gregory Dykhouse
Eileen McCormick & Lynne Nash
Robert & Jackie Engel
Harold & Mary Englund
Jean Enright
Wallace & Jane Ewing
Jill Farkas
Cork Farkas & Kathy Mauck
Katy & Walt Felver
Jenny Feringa
Carla Flanders CMF Marketing & Events
Dale & Bridget Fox
Carol & Pete Friar
Tommy Fuerst
Chip & Leslie Furst
Paula DeGregorio & Frank Galante
Charles & Jeanne Gembis
Rick Gentile
Dana & Jeff Glamzi
Diane Goodman
Ann Gorter
Marcia Grasman
David & Shari Groendyk
Patricia Groessl & David Leonard in memory of Ginevra Naill
Rick Charles & Jennifer Grow
LaDon Gustafson
Revs. Jerry & Susan Hagans
Jeff & Gail Hall
Kirk Hallman & Dawn Boston
Raymond Hamil
George & Eve Hamstra in memory Dr. Michael Smith Great doctor, great neighbor, best friend.
Lois Haverman
Judith Hayner & Charlene Romanosky
Rhonda Hennessy
Mike & Ginny Henry
Patricia Hesling
Molly McCarthy & Timothy Hicks
Brad & Janice Hilleary
Vicky Hilliard
Carolyn Hillyer
Gwen Hoffman
Mary Anne & Thom Hornik
Marcia Hovey-Wright & Ernie Boone
Mary Ann Howe
Margaret Hudson
John & Jane Humphrey
Dirk Jasperse
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY ENDOWMENT
Now in its 85th Season, WMS is dedicated to building a music-infused West Michigan, providing professional concerts in a welcoming environment and music encounters and learning that enrich 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) and in a third at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF).
Established in 1992, the CFFMC Secure the Spirit fund reported a fair market value of $619,909 on June 30, 2024. Established in 2020, the CFFMC Play Your Part fund reported $2,902,875 on the same date. The GHACF Play Your Part fund, established in 2021, was at $107,805.
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
The primary objective for WMS’s 2020-2022 Play Your Part Campaign was to grow the organization’s Endowment, providing a stable revenue model for the future. The second objective was to provide funding for a new string orchestra program for underserved students in Muskegon Public Schools. This initiative, called “Tune Up,” launched in fall 2022 and is now entering its third season. For more information, please see page 29.
As of June 30, 2024, gifts to the Play Your Part Campaign totaled $3,722,180 with outstanding pledges of $274,815 for a total of $3,996,996. 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.
Maestro: $250,000 and up
Michael & Kay Olthoff
Larry & Lari Hines
Jeffrey Lake Johnson
Premier: $100,000-$249,999
Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC)
Douglas & Janet Hoch
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
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
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
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
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
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
Rachel Calderon in memory of Dick Baker
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
Richard & Marge Tourre
Mary Towner
Nancy & Gerritt Vanderwest
Rebecca Veltman
Duane & Laurie Wright
Raimonds T Ziemelis
Jim & Linda Zolman
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 Theodore 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
Dvořák Cello Concerto
FRIDAY
MAY 9
7:30 PM
SCOTT SPECK CONDUCTOR
INBAL SEGEV CELLO
Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884)
Overture to The Bartered Bride
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Symphony No. 38 in D Major, K. 504, “Prague”
SPONSORS
I. Adagio - Allegro
II. Andante
III. Presto
Intermission
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104
I. Allegro
II. Adagio ma non troppo
III. Finale: Allegro moderato
Inbal Segev, cello
The people of Prague loved Mozart. And he loved them in return, purportedly declaring:
Antonín Dvořák was employed as a professor at the Prague Conservatory when he received an intriguing job offer.
Jeanette Thurber, a wealthy American philanthropist who founded the National Conservatory of Music in New York City, wrote to Dvořák inviting him to become its Artistic Director. Thurber dreamed of the creation of a nationalist American style of music and thought that Dvořák — who had become famous for using Czech, Moravian, Bohemian and other Slavic traditional music in his compositions — was just the man to push her agenda. In exchange for teaching and conducting three hours a day, six days a week (with four months of summer vacation), she offered him an annual salary of $15,000, which was 25 times his salary in Prague and equivalent to over $400,000 today. With six children between the ages of 6 and 13, Dvořák could hardly refuse.
Dvořák arrived in New York City in the fall of 1892 and spent three years in his position there. He studied Black American and Indigenous American music and advocated that those should be the inspiration for a new American style. He composed a number of pieces with American influences, including his famous “New World Symphony,” with its echoes of Black spirituals. The Cello Concerto, composed during his last year in New York, contains none of the American sounds of the other works composed in the States. Yet it owes its inspiration to his time in New York.
Dvořák’s friend and cellist Hanuš Wihan had asked the composer for years to write a concerto for his instrument. But Dvořák had put him off, believing the cello unsuitable for a solo concerto. The models we now have of beautiful, virtuosic works for cello and orchestra did not yet exist.
Elgar’s concerto wouldn’t be composed until after World War I; Shostakovich’s came in the 1960s; and even Haydn’s 18th-century concerto was lost until 1961. When Dvořák attended the premiere of a concerto by a colleague in New York named Victor Herbert, played by the principal cellist of the Metropolitan Opera, his mind was changed and he set to work on his concerto.
While he was working on the second movement, he received word from home that his sister-in-law Josefina Kaunitzova was seriously ill. Thirty years prior, a young Dvořák had been madly in love with Josefina, though he ended up marrying her sister. Upon hearing of her illness, he weaved into the second movement one of her favorite songs of his: “Last mich allein” (“Leave Me Alone,” op. 82, no. 1). After the orchestral outburst that brings to an end the serene start of the second movement, the song’s melody is played earnestly by the solo cello accompanied by string arpeggios. Woodwinds then take over the melody, with the cello adding a heartfelt countermelody. When the woodwinds repeat the melody, the cello provides the arpeggio accompaniment. Upon Josefina’s death, Dvořák added a return of the theme at the end of the final movement. Now in a major key, it is a wistful remembrance before the hopeful conclusion of the work.
Dvořák’s friend and mentor Johannes Brahms corrected proofs of the score. He remarked, “If I had known that it was possible to compose such a concerto for the cello, I would have tried myself!”
Notes by Sarah A Ruddy, Ph. D.
AMERICAN LANDSCAPES
FRIDAY
MAY 30
7:30 PM
SCOTT SPECK CONDUCTOR
TESSA LARK VIOLIN
Aaron Copland (1900-1990) Fanfare for the Common Man
Michael Torke (b. 1961)
Sky
SPONSORS ARTIST Friends Of
I. Lively
II. Wistful
III. Spirited
Tessa Lark, violin
Intermission
Aaron Copland (1900-1990) Symphony No. 3
I. Molto moderato; with simple expression
II. Allegro molto
III. Andantino quasi allegretto
IV. Molto deliberato - Allegro risoluto
The composer describes the three-movement work: “ Banjo-picking technique given to the solo violin was the departure point in the first movement. For the second movement my source material was Irish reels, the forerunner of American Bluegrass. The template for the third movement was fiddle licks with a triplet feel. In each case I wrote themes of my own in these styles, and developed the ideas into a standard, ‘composed’ violin concerto. Everything is written out, nothing improvised. Just as when one looks up and sees the open expanse of the sky, I felt an openness when writing this piece, a renewed freshness to putting notes together.”
Copland Symphony No. 3
In his Third Symphony, Aaron Copland fused the American musical style of his ballets with the formal structure and grand scale of the symphony. Across four movements played by a huge orchestra — including 26 woodwind and brass players, five percussionists, and two harps — Copland’s signature American style of wide disjunct harmonies, sparse textures, and slowly changing harmonies is expanded. The result is a symphony that sounds at times contemplative, giddily boisterous, and stirringly patriotic.
Copland composed the first two movements in the summers of 1944 and 1945, as World War II was ongoing. The first movement, which Copland described as “broad and expansive in character” ends peacefully with sparse textures and simple melodies played by the winds and high strings. The calm is disrupted by the timpani strike that begins the more playful second movement Scherzo.
Copland wrote the second half of the Symphony after the conclusion of World War II. The third movement begins and ends serenely with sparse textures and ambiguous
harmonies. It leads without a break into the final movement, with the first notes of the fourth movement sounding on top of the final chord of the third. Those first notes, played by woodwinds, whisper the theme of Fanfare for the Common Man. Moments later, the key changes, the timpani is struck, and the Fanfare confidently returns, played nearly verbatim by the brass and percussion but modulating back and forth between the key of C and B-flat. As the original rousing Fanfare concludes, woodwind instruments return with a new syncopated countermelody. Copland plays with and builds on this new theme while the Fanfare theme occasionally peeks through. The music builds to a cacophonous climax before the syncopated woodwind countermelody, the original theme from the first movement, and the brass’ Fanfare theme reunite to bring the Symphony to a triumphant end.
The United States had just entered World War II when Copland composed the rousing Fanfare for the Common Man to inspire and energize Americans. Now he returns to the same theme at the other end of a devastating war. Copland wrote:
“ I used this opportunity to carry my Fanfare material further and to satisfy my desire to give the Third Symphony an affirmative tone. After all, it was a wartime piece — or more accurately, an end-of-war piece — intended to reflect the euphoric spirit of the country at the time.”
Notes by Sarah A Ruddy, Ph. D.
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
LINK UP
Beginning its 21st season, this free beginner music education program— a collaboration with Carnegie Hall—pairs WMS with 50 area schools in six West Michigan counties. Students in grades 3-5 learn to play music on the recorder and gain an understanding of orchestral repertoire. They benefit from regular contact with classroom visits from Music Mentors from the Orchestra. The program culminates with an interactive concert at the Frauenthal Center during which students perform on recorders along with the Symphony.
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
TUNE UP
Beginning its third year with additional Tune Up teaching staff, this afterschool string program partners with Muskegon Public School’s 21st CCLC Impact program. Students involved in Tune Up are learning to play an instrument at an earlier age and finding the thrill of making music. Tune Up offers students a free violin or viola instrument and performing opportunities, right in their own school. Currently offered at Muskegon Public Elementary Schools and the Charles Hackley Middle School.
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
LUNCH
‘N LEARN
These free noon hour events, hosted by Music Director Scott Speck, are held in The Block on Wednesdays prior to each Masterworks concert. Guests enjoy a delicious lunch and learn about the music on the upcoming concert. Everyone is invited, including those who already have tickets to the concert, those who are curious and want to learn more, downtown community businesses, and area residents.
MUSIC DIRECTOR SCOTT SPECK ABOUT WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
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.
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
• Inspired small ensemble performances in an immersive live listening room
• Learning activities that enrich 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The world’s top ABBA tribute band joins your WMS to perform full orchestrations of iconic hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Waterloo,” “S.O.S.,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and many more. Relive the ABBA experience with dazzling costumes, electrifying disco dance moves, and all the catchy tunes that made the Swedish supergroup a global sensation.
Gershwin’s Piano Concerto
February 27
Kellen Gray conductor
Michelle Cann piano
Michael Ellis Ingram Overture to Jubilee
Gershwin Concerto in F
Dawson Negro Folk Symphony
Season Tickets On Sale Now
3-CONCERT PACKAGE AS LOW AS $93! CONCERTS BEGIN AT 7:30 PM
Audience Choice
Concert
Your Vote. Your Music.
November 14
Scott Speck conductor
Charlie Albright piano
The decision-making is in your hands! Cast your vote now for your favorite piece in each category: overture, piano concerto, and symphony.
Voting continues through May 15, 2025. Final program announced May 30, 2025
Listen, learn more, and vote here: bit.ly/40wwSGj
Fiesta Sinfónica
March 20
Scott Speck conductor
Camille Zamora vocalist
The Mambo Kings
This celebration takes you on musical journey through Spain and the Americas. Experience the rich diversity of Latin music worldwide with the soaring melodies of Spain, the thrilling Afro-Cuban rhythms of the Caribbean, the sunlit boleros of Mexico, the elegant tangos of Argentina and Uruguay, and the burning Latin Jazz of Spanish Harlem.
Home for the Holidays
Around the World
December 19
Scott Speck conductor
North Muskegon H.S. Choir
West Michigan Children’s Choir
Join Scott Speck and your WMS for a fresh twist on this beloved annual holiday tradition: a musical journey around the globe. Celebrate holiday music and traditions from both near and far, featuring a stunning baritone, two talented youth choirs, a festive sing-along, and a visit from Santa himself.
