Prelude Volume 14 | Issue 1 | Oct & Nov 2025 by West Michigan Symphony

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

West Michigan Symphony Season Magazine

Volume 14 • Issue 1 • Oct & Nov 2025

THE MUSIC OF ABBA

with Direct from Sweden

FRIDAY • OCT 3 • 7:30 PM

GREATEST HITS

Audience Choice Concert

FRIDAY • NOV 14 • 7:30 PM

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

Helen LaGrand Tune Up Teaching Artist

Julia Neckermann Tune Up Teaching Artist

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

Lisa Tabaczka Finance & Office Manager

Karen Vander Zanden Vice President of Community Learning & Engagement

Board of Directors

Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough, Chairperson

Retired Executive Director, Mediation & Restorative Services

Susan Cloutier Crain, Immediate Past Chairperson

Retired Executive Director, Disability Network

Merica S. Dobry, Secretary

Senior Council, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Bob Garretson, Treasurer

CEO, Embark Financial Partners

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.

Dates, 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

The Music of ABBA with Direct from Sweden

West Michigan Symphony 2025/26 Season

The Block 2025/26 Season

Orchestra’s Greatest Hits

Community Music Encounters

About West Michigan Symphony

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

On WMS concert nights, ride from the Muskegon Farmers Market (near the clock) to the Frauenthal between 6:30–7:30 pm. Wheelchair accessible. Return shuttles run after the concert until 10 pm.

About

Dear Friends,

It's always a delight to welcome you to a new season with your West Michigan Symphony! And this one begins with a disco ball. We open with the irresistible music of ABBA, as the world’s top tribute band, Direct from Sweden, joins us for “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “The Winner Takes It All” and more—complete with costumes, dance moves, and the full symphonic roar that turns pop into pure spectacle.

Next, the spotlight shifts to you. Our “Orchestra’s Greatest Hits” concert is built entirely on your votes, and the playlist you created is a showstopper: Rossini’s galloping William Tell Overture, Rachmaninoff’s dazzling Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Dvořák’s New World Symphony—a work so sweeping it feels like it was written for nights exactly like this.

The rest of the season is brimming with discovery. We journey across the globe, from the holiday traditions of northern Europe to the sizzling rhythms of Spain, Mexico, and South America. We soar with the epic soundworlds of cinematic superheroes, and celebrate the American spirit with Gershwin’s jazzy Concerto in F and William Dawson’s moving Negro Folk Symphony. And in the finale, our historic Barton Theatre Organ shakes the hall with the roof-raising thunder of Saint-Saëns' “Organ Symphony.”

Along the way we welcome an extraordinary roster of guest artists: pianists Charlie Albright and Michelle Cann, guitarist Pablo Sáinz Villegas, soprano Camille Zamora, the Mambo Kings, and more—including our own principal cellist Igor Cetkovic stepping into the spotlight. Each brings a unique voice, radiating brilliance and fire on the Frauenthal stage.

As always, the true star is you. Your passion fuels us, your energy lifts us, and your presence transforms every performance into something unforgettable.

Here’s to a season of grandeur, surprise, and symphonic joy. Enjoy the concert!

Scott Speck Music Director

Please see Scott Speck’s bio on page 32

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.

MARK PORTOLESE Associate Principal – Violin 2

CARMEN ABELSON Assistant Principal – Violin 2

IGOR CETKOVIC Principal – Cello

CAMERON SLAUGH Assistant Principal – Cello

ROBERT JOHNSON Principal – Bass

ARTURO ZIRALDO Principal – Viola

REBECCA BOELZNER Associate Principal – Viola

PAUL CLIFTON Principal – Horn

BILL BAXTRESSER Principal – Trumpet

ELIZABETH KAPITANIUK Principal – Clarinet

CHLOE ROBBINS Principal – Bassoon

ASAKO FURUOYA Principal – Oboe

EDWARD HICKMAN Principal – Trombone

LEO TAYLOR Principal – Timpani

MATTHEW BECK Principal – Percussion

SYLVIA NORRIS Principal – Harp

RILEY LINDSEY Principal – Tuba

JILL MARIE BROWN Principal – Flute

NICHOLAS DE LAURENTIS Associate Principal – Bass

JACIE ROBINSON Assistant Concertmaster

ADAM LIEBERT Assistant Principal – Violin 1

AMANDA DYKHOUSE Principal – Violin 2

GENE HAHN Associate Concertmaster

Music Director

Scott Speck

Mike & Kay Olthoff Endowed Chair

First Violin

Open concertmaster

Gene Hahn assc. concertmaster

Gust and Mary Theodore Danigelis

Endowed Chair

Jacie Robinson asst. concertmaster

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY MUSICIANS

Cello

Igor Cetkovic principal

Clarinet

Elizabeth Kapitaniuk principal

Trombone

Edward Hickman principal

Tuba

Riley Lindsey principal

Timpani

Leo Taylor principal Douglas & Janet Hoch Endowed Chair

Percussion

Matthew Beck principal

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON

Hello and welcome to the 86th season of your West Michigan Symphony.

I am excited to have stepped into the role of Board Chair this July. It is a great pleasure to work with our skilled musicians, excellent staff and committed Board members. I lived in a number of the largest cities before returning home to West Michigan and our Symphony was a wonderful re-discovery. I am proud of the musical quality and the warmth of our audience. As is true in so many things, Muskegon punches above its weight.

Magic is created by skilled musicians playing for appreciative listeners. Each performance is a unique, never exactly repeated, experience; a special community that evening only. I am thrilled to be part of our special community of music lovers.

Autumn is an especially busy time for West Michigan Symphony. Our eight-concert Mainstage series opens here at the beautiful Frauenthal; we host our annual Gala at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center; and our 12-concert jazz and chamber music series begins at The Block.

School starts again too and that means that we join our 50 area school partners for the 21st year of Link Up. West Michigan Symphony is a founding partner with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute in delivering this free-to-them beginner musical educational program. After a busy summer that included our first classes at the Boys & Girls Club, the fourth year of our Tune Up after-school beginning strings program launches at four Muskegon Public Schools. Auditions have been held for our Children’s Choir as well as Debut and Premier Strings, and weekly rehearsals are now in session as they prepare for their upcoming concerts.

Music education benefits brain development, enhances memory and attention—potentially contributing to better academic performance. It also brings joy and builds friendships. I am grateful to our professional musicians, our teaching artists and our new musical learners for gathering this community of music lovers. I am especially grateful to you, our patrons and donors, for your support and your enthusiasm. Truly, we all build this together.

We are so glad you’re here!

Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough Chairperson, WMS Board of Directors

October 10–25, 2025 Beardsley Theater

Nov. 21–Dec. 7, 2025 Beardsley Theater

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 July 1, 2024 through September 14, 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)

Jan & Laura Deur

Deborah DeVoursney

Bob & Heather Garretson

James & Susan Geisler

Robert & Clara Harrell

Amy J Klop

Daniel & Sheryl Kuznar

Steve & Deb Olsen

Jason & Jamye Olthoff

Mike & Kay Olthoff

Brad & Kathleen Playford

Jill Sanders

Douglas Hannink & Jocelyn Shaw

$5,000-$9,999

Jane Blyth

Andy & Beth Buelow

George W & Lori Lynn Cannon III

Valerie Church-McHugh & Fred McHugh

Susan Cloutier Crain

Jeff & Gwen Hazekamp

Amy & William Hosford

Nelson & Elizabeth Huldin

Stephen & Debra Jackson

Patricia Johnson

Wendy M Kersman

Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough

Ratan & Vicky Khatri

Rich & Nancy Klassen

Patrick & Sheila Miller

Mike Muskovin

Joanna Norris

Frank & Emma Peterson

Barbara Potuznik

Jack & Becky Slimko

Dr. Michael and Marijean Smith

Liz & Tom Trzaska

$2,500-$4,999

Anonymous

Cindy Ackerman

Melisa Baker

Roy & Esther Baldridge

Amy Bensinger

Joanne Bensinger

Pete & Sherry Brown

Gordon & Mary Buitendorp

Don & Kathy Dahlstrom

Mary Douville

Kevin & Annette Even

William & Mary Lou Eyke

Larry & Lynette Fife

Mark & Jennifer Gross

Carl & Sylvia Hansen

Bruce & Donna Hood

Rob & Julie Johnson

Lois Lydens

Chris McGuigan & Gary Neal

Bonnie Olson Memorial Fund

David & Beth Pickard

Susan Rehrer

Gretchen & Randy Rhoades

Sawyer Family Fund of CFFMC

Mary Price and Tom Schaub

Sam Slaughter & Anne Lehker

Scott Speck

Dr F Remington & Ginny Sprague

Susan & Stephen Struck

Peter M Turner

Roger & Rebecca Tuuk

Brad & Erika Vanbergen

Elinore Verplank

Karen & John Wells

Jim & Linda Zolman

$1,000-$2,499

Charles Alstrom

Allen & Sandy Beck

Susan & Frank Bednarek Fund of the CFFMC

Herb & Anne Bevelhymer

Dave Bishop

Susan Blake

Brian & Jill Boersema

Nick Bolema

Ron & Ann Marie Brown

Dana & Claudia Bryant

Janice Buck

Bob & Charlotte Chessman

Darlene Collet

Anne M Dake in memory of E Allan Dake

Diane DeGrazia

Eric & Merica Dobry

Deb & Chris Drake

Robert & Cathleen Dubault

Joel & Linda Engel

Charles & Patti Fisher

Evelyn Geile

David F Gerdes & Carolyn Smith-Gerdes

Mary Anne Gorman

Bill Haug & Jane Curtis

Roberda Hilleary

Greg & Debi Hillebrand

Larry & Lari Hines

Richard & Holly Hughes

Pat Hunt

Ed Hunt & Nancy McCarthy

Paul & Karen Jackson in memory of Dr Michael Smith

Wilda James

Joel & Kathleen Jarvis

Dick & Lynn Kamps Fund of the CFFMC

Barbara Kelso

Heather Kettler

Denise Kwiecien

Patricia Ladas

Tim & Lynette Lipan

Jim & Mary Malek

John and Jessie Martin

Cindy Mazurek

Don & Jean Medema

Mark & Bonnie Meengs

Stacy & Eric Mellema

Jane Missimer

Roger C Morgenstern

Kathryn Neumann

Mike & Dina Poland

Roy & Britta Portenga

Bob & Carol Pyka

Julia Rupp

John Saling & Diane Fischer

Laura Schultz

Robert N & Merle N Scolnik Advised Fund of the CFFMC

Dr Carlo V Spataro

Dr Alan Steinman

Ryan & Kris Sterkenburg

Kim Suarez

John & Mary Swanson

John & Sue Sytsema

Drs David & Linda Taylor

Kristine & Jim Tyler

Michael & Patricia Wade

JoLee Wennersten

Melody & JR Whitby

Ellie Williams

Marguerite & Kenneth Winter

Jan Witt

Tom & Jane Witt

Jon J & Cathy Workman

Jane J Wright in memory of Ginevra Naill

$500-$999

Anonymous

Arthur & Marilyn Bolt in honor of Dr. Bruce & Esther Drukker in celebration of their 90th birthdays!

Richard & Marilyn Brown

Curtis Chambers & Diana Wojton

George & Deborah Chmelar

Rudy & Pat Chmelar

Jeff & Kelly Clark

Dr Donald & Nancy Crandall

Mary Theodore Danigelis

Karen Driver

William & Donna Eckert

Manley Ford

Charles & Lynn Freeman

Nick Gereaux

Brennen & Rachel Gorman

Virginia Hague

Mike & Jamie Hekker

Susan Hoekenga

Cornelia Holley

Norma Jean Horan

Marcia Hovey-Wright & Ernie Boone

Maureen & Don Huldin

Donna Joyce

Michelle Kantor Hanley in memory of Mort and Maxine Kantor

Thomas Knight

R'na & Kara Komarek in memory of Ronald Komarek DDS

Becky Kuznar

Brian & Gay Landstrom

Mark Luttenton

Susan Meston

Eric & Lori Nisja

Amy Norris & MJ Towle in honor of Joanna Norris

Richard & Katie Norton

Daniel & Dominga Partenio

Clyde & Beth Rinsema

Bob & Bobbi Sabine

Wietse & Melanie Schaafsma

Duane & Susan Schecter

Sally Schwartz

Allen & Mistelle Serio

Jonathan Seyferth & Matthew Ellis

Helen & Jay Smith

Tracy Sprague

Eileen B. Stoffan

Tom & Nanci Stone

Clifford & Lucia Storr

George & Dottie Strabel

Robert S Swan

Ann & Dan Tabor

Don and Jane Tjarksen

Richard & Marge Tourre

William & Susan Vander Zanden

Ed DeJong & Diane VanWesep

Bill & Shirley Walther

Sheryl Wescott

Judy Wilcox

Dr Roy Winegar & Ms Barbara

Klingenmaier

Rachael & Ian Wright

Robert & Joanne Zayko

$100-$499

Anonymous (6)

Anonymous on behalf Joanna Norris

Ross & Sandra Aden

James Alexander

Tom & JIll Archambeau

Bernadette Arnold

Margo Atwell

Larry & Sandy Austin

Earl Baxtresser

Lisa Bayne

David & Sue Bird

William Black in memory of Fred Norris

Sarah Bowman

Dr Mary & Robert Boyer

Jerry & Marcia Brichan

Martha & Eddie Brown

Michael & Joanna Buboltz

Brenda Burgess

Jay Burrows

John Max Busard & Elizabeth Busard Fund in memory of Dr & Mrs RI Busard

Marie Bustin

Roger Buter

Don Clemens

Joanne Cochrane

E Jane Connell & Steven W Rosen

Bill & Carol Cross

Jessica Wolin & Frank Crownover

Andrew & Samantha Cutler

Bill & Joan Davis in memory of Mary Eherenman

Agnes De Boer

Chris Dean

Eugene & Beth Decker

Dean Denman & Gale Ford in memory of Janie Denman

Calvin & Patricia Deur

Phil & Kim Deur

Larry DeVoogd

David & Dortha DeWit

John & Jan Ditmar

Eric Douville

Joyce Downing

Marcia D'Oyly

Jane Drake

Judy Draper

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

Eugene Fethke

Carla Flanders CMF Marketing & Events

Dale & Bridget Fox

Steven Frantz

Bruce Froelich & Margot Haynes

Chip & Leslie Furst

Arlen-Dean Gaddy

Paula DeGregorio & Frank Galante

Charles & Jeanne Gembis

Rick Gentile

Susan & Ellery Gill

Dana & Jeff Glamzi

Marjorie Gorajec

Ann Gorter

Marcia Grasman

David & Shari Groendyk

Patricia Groessl & David Leonard

Rick Charles & Jennifer Grow

LaDon Gustafson

Revs. Jerry & Susan Hagans

Jeff & Gail Hall

Kirk Hallman & Dawn Boston

Raymond Hamil

George & Eve Hamstra in memory of Dr. Michael Smith. Great doctor, great neighbor, best friend.

Richard & Diane Harder

Lois Haverman

Anonymous

Marcy Henehan

Mike & Ginny Henry

Patricia Hesling

Molly McCarthy & Timothy Hicks

Gwen Hoffman

Schierholz/Hogan Family Fund of CFFMC

Mary Anne & Thom Hornik

Margaret Hudson

John & Jane Humphrey

Jessica Jenkins

Robert & Susan Johnson

Natalie Johnson & Dana Pink

Marjorie Jones

Brian Kadlec

John Karafa

Brett Karhoff

Randy & Debra Knapp

Alan Kohley

Judy Komar

Sarah & Gregory Korose

Alyssa Kraker

Bruce & Mary Krueger

Pete & Mimi Kunz

Mike Kuznar

Joan La Mourie

Kenneth & Christine Lee

Fred & Pam Levin

Deborah Margules

Christine Marshall

Mahmood & Barbel Masghati

Chris & Kayla May

Shirley McIntire

Mary McKiernan

John & Cindy McKinnon

Stephanie McNamara in honor of In Honor of Kay and Mike OlthoffFor your tireless philanthropic efforts to improve the world around you.

Phil McPherson

Richard Meads

Carol Meech in memory of Dr Michael Smith

JB & Lynn Meeuwenberg

Joan Menke-Schaenzer

Rich & Teresa Micheil

LaShelle Mikesell

Dean Millar

Amanda Moblo

Mr & Mrs Mockus

Deb Mogdis

Vern Molitor

Wendy Morden

John & Lisa Mulder

Michael T. Naess in honor of Greg Bassett

Bruce Neckers

Jil & Phil Nehra

Perry & Deb Newson

Donielle Nichols

Carol Norris in memory of Fred Norris

David Olsen

Thomas & Linda Gay Olson

Henry & Mollie Osborn

Cara Owens

Bill Papo

Richard A Pardini

Nick & Barb Pietrangelo

John & Karen Pitcher

Gary & Beth Post

Garry Post and Robert Hill

Sylvia Precious

Monica Lakatos & Steve Preston

Joan Reeg

Cindy Ribesky

Gail Ringelberg

Dan & Sarah Rinsema Sybenga

Dr Gary & Pennie Robertson

Derek & Claire Root-Benson

Susan Rositch

Karl & Barbara Rowe Family

Penny Sander

Gregory Shaull

Stephen Schmidt

Gwynne & Steve Schoff

Pat & Ed Schroeder

Susan (Sue) Schuiteman

Lennie Schwaiger

Todd Sellon

John & Elaine Severson

Euginnia & Brodie Seyferth

Colleen & Joseph Skendzel

Emylia Smith

Joanie Smith

Tom and Denise Spoelman

Michael & Cindy Stevens

James & Nancy Stier

Julie Stuberg

Marty & Heidi Sytsema

Loretta Temple

Judy Theune

Rebecca Thomas

George & Laura Thurlow

Judith Tierney

Charles & Susan Rogalla Tindall

Peggy Tully

David & Mary Turbessi

Brandon & Monica Turnbull

Catherine & Chris Uganski

Bruce Van Dop in memory of Dr Michael Smith

John Van Walsum

Vanessa & Alex Vander Meulen

David Vander Wall

Phillip & Loraine VanderPol

Kay VanderWall

Nancy L Vanderwest

John & Gwen Varineau

Gerald Walter

Ann Marie Wasserman

Nate & Amanda Westbrook

Neil & Beverly Whitbeck

Brewster & Mary Ellen Willcox

Jonathan & Melissa Wilson

Lynn Winter

Raimonds T Ziemelis

Corporate, Arts Council & Foundation Donors

$10,000 and up

City of Muskegon

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

DTE Energy Foundation Fund

Embark Financial Partners

Grand Haven Area

Community Foundation

Harbor Steel & Supply Corporation

Hines Corporation

Howmet Aerospace

Leonel L. & Mary Loder Fund of the CFFMC

Meijer Foundation

Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

The Gerber Foundation

The Leonard Luxury Apartments

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

$5,000-$9,999

Howmet Community Fund of the CFFMC

JSJ Foundation Fund

Macatawa Bank

Raymond James

Samuel L. Westerman Foundation

Smith Davis Morse Group

Trinity Health

White Lake Community Fund of the CFFMC

Women's Division Chamber of Commerce

$2,500-$4,999

Consumers Energy

Grand Valley State University

Hazekamp's Premier Foods

Hungerford

i'move

Lorin Industries

Muskegon Community College

RENK America

Shoreline Insurance Agency, Inc.

Webb Chemical Service Corporation

$1,000-$2,499

Billie Klont Greinke Memorial Fund of the CFFMC

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Mart Dock Corporation

Mary C Payne Fund of the CFFMC

Newkirk Electric

Tyler Sales

$500-$999

Ann & Bud Eichmann Fund of the CFFMC Choice One Bank

John L. Wheeler Memorial Scholarship Fund of the CFFMC

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.

Tim Arter

Susan Cloutier Crain

Pete Brown

Marcia D’Oyly

David Gerdes

David Hogan

Holly Hughes

Pat Hunt

Paul Jackson

Wendy Kersman

Deb Newson

Kay Olthoff

Mike Olthoff

Sylvia Precious

Chip Sawyer

Ann Tabor

Peter Turner

Jane Toot

Jane Wright

Block Underwriters

Consumers Energy

Grand Valley State University

Lorin Industries

Michael & Kimberly Martin (Endowed)

Muskegon Community College

Steve & Deb Olsen

Mike & Kay Olthoff

Mary Price & Tom Schaub

Shoreline Insurance Agency

Jack & Becky Slimko

Raymond James

Smith, Haughey, Rice and Roegge

Trinity Health

Tyler Sales

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

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 $672,101 on June 30, 2025. Established in 2020, the CFFMC Play Your Part fund reported $3,355,909 on the same date. The GHACF Play Your Part fund, established in 2021, was at $117,290.

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 $3,919,879 with outstanding pledges of $106,000 for a total of $4,025,879. 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

West Michigan Symphony Legacy Giving Circle

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

It Takes just one note to Start a Symphony

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 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.”

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!

Legacy Giving Circle Members:

Allen & Sandy Beck

Andy & Beth Buelow

Susan Cloutier Crain

Jan & Laura Deur

Eric & Merica Dobry

Pat & Julie Donahue

Robert & Jackie Engel

Jeffrey Lake Johnson

Clara Lang

Mike & Kay Olthoff

Bob & Bobbi Sabine

Kate Kesteloot

Scarbrough

ANNOUNCING THE CLARA LANG ENDOWED FUND FOR MUSIC EDUCATION

Clara L. Lang was a longstanding and dedicated patron of the arts in Muskegon and throughout West Michigan. A WMS subscriber and donor for decades, Clara served on the Board of Directors and as a chairperson of the Friends of the Symphony.

Born in 1939 in Battle Creek to Clyde Logan and Anna Blackmore Logan, Clara was adamant in her love to inspire and instruct young people which provided the incentive for achieving a high level of education. After graduating from Marshall High School, Clara went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University and a Masters of Arts and an Education Specialist degree from Michigan State University. Clara began her career as an educator with the Harper Creek and Warren Consolidated Schools, where she taught until 1963. With a heart for adventure and a curiosity for diverse cultures, she then spent eight years teaching overseas for the Department of Defense in Germany, Belgium and Japan. During these years, she took every opportunity to travel further abroad, giving her a true world perspective.

Returning home in 1972, she met and later married her husband of nearly 30 years, M. William Lang. In ensuing years, Clara used her knowledge, worldwide experience, and love of culture to provide leadership and perspective on the board of directors for such groups as the Muskegon Community College Foundation, West Michigan Symphony, Friends of the Symphony, Muskegon Museum of Art’s Friends of Art, the Frauenthal Center, and the Service League, to name a few. Her service to the community earned her multiple awards and accolades.

But her greatest gift to the world was always her sincere love and compassion for those around her. Wendy Kersman, a dear friend, had this to say about Clara: “Every so often a person comes along that has a vision for bettering lives. Clara Lang was such a person. Her focus was education as a means to uplift individuals and subsequently the community. An educator herself, Clara’s final job was to monitor student teachers. She and her husband Bill were generous supporters of our community, giving their time as well as monetary gifts. Clara was active with the West Michigan Symphony, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Friends of Art, Planned Parenthood, and many smaller organizations. For those of us who knew Clara, her sense of adventure and enjoyment of a good laugh were paramount. It was always a good time with this tall lady who found amusement in the most ordinary actions. The legacy she has left us will help assure that those to come will have a chance to work to better themselves and enjoy this life as much as she did.”

During the summer of 2023, Clara contacted CEO Andy Buelow for information about including a bequest to WMS in her estate plan. Several months later, Clara passed away on October 31 following a brief stay in hospice. Her legacy gift will continue to provide support for WMS’s Community Music Encounters, especially its programs for youth, for years to come.

FREEDOM. MADE IN MUSKEGON.

The Music of ABBA with Direct from

Sweden

FRIDAY OCT 3

7:30 PM

SCOTT SPECK CONDUCTOR

DIRECT FROM SWEDEN

Mamma Mia

Super Trouper

Knowing Me, Knowing You

When All Is Said and Done

SOS

Fernando Name Of The Game

Money Money Money

Waterloo

Intermission

Voulez Vous

Lay All Your Love On Me

I Have a Dream

Direct from Sweden

With hits like “Mamma Mia,” “Waterloo,” “Fernando” and “Dancing Queen,” ABBA, Sweden’s biggest group ever, made their way into the hearts of people all around the world.

Founded in 1972 and disbanded in 1982, the music ABBA created in just 10 short years cemented them among the greatest pop musicians of all time, rivaling even Elvis and The Beatles. Even today, more than 50 years since they first began recording, their music continues to be passed on from generation to generation and remains loved by fans around the world. With more than 400 million records sold worldwide, ABBA is Sweden’s biggest musical phenomenon ever.

Direct from Sweden: The Music of ABBA captures the incomparable sound and look of Sweden’s greatest musical export with meticulous attention to costumes, make-up, arrangements, movements and singing. Nothing is overlooked or left to chance. Many signature qualities and practices of ABBA—including standout solos, musical numbers and a complete live band with backup singers—ensures an extra dimension that sets this performance apart.

We will give you the closest ABBA experience you’ll ever get with some of the most experienced and talented musicians and singers from Sweden in a tribute that will bring you down memory lane through stunning, mirroring images of their stage costumes, hairstyles, and voices.

You will be dancing in the aisles, singing along to your favorite ABBA songs—and we assure you, this will be a night you’ll never forget.

With this show we want to say ”Thank You For The Music” to ABBA!

A MESSAGE FROM CONCERT SPONSOR

The Leonard Luxury Apartments

The Leonard—Muskegon's Newest High-rise—is proud to sponsor the opening concert of West Michigan Symphony’s 2025-2026 Season. It’s a great partnership: West Michigan Symphony has been the crown jewel of Muskegon’s performing arts sector for more than 85 years, and The Leonard’s prime location and architectural design make it the crown jewel of Muskegon’s revitalized downtown today! Would you like a tour? Call us next week at (888) 553-1065. Tonight, enjoy the music and get ready to dance!

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

25/26 SEASON

The Music of ABBA with Direct from Sweden

October 3

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

Rossini William Tell Overture

Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Dvořák Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”

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.

Guitar Romance

April 17

Scott Speck conductor

Pablo Sáinz Villegas guitar

Falla Suite No.1 from The Three-Cornered Hat

Piazzolla Tangazo

Rodrigo Soleriana, Suite for Orchestra

Falla Ritual Fire Dance from El Amor Brujo

Rodrigo Concierto de Aranjuez

Superheroes at the Symphony

January 30

Scott Speck conductor

Williams Superman March

Elfman Batman Suite

Gregson-Williams Wonder Woman Suite

Elfman Spider-Man Main Title

Prokoviev Romeo & Juliet Suite

Stravinsky The Firebird Suite

All-Star Finale

May 8

Scott Speck conductor

Igor Cetkovic cello

Peter Kurdziel organ

Glinka Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla

Gulda Cello Concerto

Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 “Organ Symphony”

B Y W E S T M I CHIG A N S YMPHON Y

ALVIN WADDLES TRIO

DETROIT JAZZ TRADITION

September 26

Pianist and vocalist Alvin Waddles is an integral part of the Detroit jazz landscape. His trio will captivate with their masterful blend of jazz, gospel, and classical, shaping with technical brilliance and soulful expression.

PAUL KELLER QUINTET

A JAZZY CHRISTMAS

December 13

The Michigan-based Paul Keller Quintet is dedicated to delighting audiences with their unique brand of high-energy, top-shelf jazz and swing. They’re back at The Block for a night of holiday jazz featuring piano, vocals and vibraphone.

HOUSE OF HAMILL

CELTIC FUSION

March 13

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, House of Hamill returns to electrify with their dynamic fusion of Celtic traditions and contemporary folk energy. Experience jigs, reels and songs infused with their original take on traditional Irish ﬁddling.

Immersive Listening Room for the Musically Curious

CONCERTS BEGIN AT 7:30 PM

BLKBOK CONTEMPORARY PIANO

October 17

Born and raised in inner-city Detroit, the artist grew up in a music-ﬁlled home. BLKBOK’s high-energy style seeks to entertain with a live piano— based performance that is culturally reﬂective and encourages dialogue.

JORDAN VANHEMERT QUARTET

JAZZ SAXOPHONE

February 7

Saxophonist Jordan VanHemert, born in Korea and raised in Michigan, crafts jazz music that illuminates race and social justice. His music melds Korean cultural roots with bluesinfused hard bop, creating a powerful narrative that honors tradition while expressing his unique musical voice

CAMILLE ZAMORA

LOVE IN SONG

March 21

Camille Zamora’s voice has been described as “luminous, transcendently lyrical.” On this evening following her appearance with WMS, she’ll take you on a journey from the heart: loves songs across ﬁve centuries and ﬁve continents.

DMITRI MATHENY QUINTET

JAZZ FROM THE SILVER SCREEN

October 24

Flugelhorn virtuoso Dmitri Matheny and his all-star band deliver timeless classics from the shared history of jazz and cinema. Experience innovative jazz renditions of favorites from An Affair To Remember, Casablanca, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Godfather and more.

ROBERT JOHNSON & FRIENDS

BAROQUE CHAMBER

February 13

Our WMS Principal Bass joins with friends – violinist Letitia Jap, Soprano Jennie Judd Reyes, organist Alexis VanZalen – to bring you an inspiring night of music from Bach, Couperin, Telemann and more.

VARO STRING QUARTET

CLASSICAL CHAMBER

April 18

Experience the variety of sound that a string quartet can make! The Varo String Quartet – featuring WMS violinists Carmen Abelson and Hannah Christianson – will perform a mix of music, from the innovative works of living composers to classical masterpieces.

CHARLIE ALBRIGHT CLASSICAL PIANO

November 15

On the heels of his performance with Scott Speck and your WMS, pianist Charlie Albright will put The Block’s Steinway through its paces. This solo program features his trademark on-demand improvisation, where he’ll invite audience input then spontaneously compose a new work.

MICHELLE CANN CLASSICAL PIANO

February 28

The night after her appearance with WMS at the Frauenthal, pianist Michelle Cann brings a solo performance to The Block. Cann has been described as “technically fearless” and is one of the most sought-after artists of her generation.

STÉPHANE WREMBEL

QUARTET

GYPSY JAZZ

May 1

While Stéphane Wrembel is considered a world master of the Django Reinhart guitar style, he revels in transcending and expanding— incorporating jazz, blues, classical, swing, ﬂamenco and rock.

Orchestra’s Greatest Hits

Audience Choice

Concert

FRIDAY NOV 14

7:30 PM

SCOTT SPECK CONDUCTOR

CHARLIE ALBRIGHT PIANO

A MESSAGE FROM CONCERT SPONSOR

Past Chairs Committee

The WMS Past Chairs Committee is proud to sponsor this opening concert of the 2025-2026 Masterworks Series. As past leaders of the Board of Directors, we remain dedicated to supporting this vibrant, essential organization. It is our pleasure to remain engaged with the current leadership, providing our guidance, feedback and institutional memory wherever and whenever it is sought or needed. We wish you all enjoyment of tonight’s concert featuring the amazing Charlie Albright—and of every WMS and Block performance through the season.

Albright regularly performs in programs featuring artists from all genres, including celebrated cellist YoYo Ma, vocalist/conductor Bobby McFerrin, violinist Joshua Bell, pianist Emanuel Ax, and vocalists Harry Connick Jr., Marc Martel, and Branford Marsalis. His compositions and improvisations have been likened to “the great Romantic-era composer-pianists” by Classical Source and have been praised as “thrilling” by the DC Metro Theatre Arts. The Philadelphia Inquirer raved that he “brought the art of classical-music improvisation to a new level.”

In addition to performing, Albright is sought after as a speaker, masterclass instructor, teacher, and competition judge. His debut commercial recording, Vivace, has sold thousands of copies worldwide and the first two parts of a three-part series of live Schubert recordings was released in 2017 and 2020.

A firm believer in education, Albright founded the Charlie Albright Scholarship and Charlie Albright Piano in collaboration with the Centralia College Foundation in his hometown. The Scholarship provides financial aid to music students, and money was raised to purchase and maintain a new 9-foot Steinway Piano for the college’s Corbet Hall.

Born in Centralia, Washington, Albright began piano lessons at the age of 3. He studied with Nancy Adsit and earned an Associate of Science degree at Centralia College while still in high school. He was the first classical pianist in the Harvard College/New England Conservatory 5-Year AB/MM Joint Program, completing

Charlie

a bachelor’s degree as an Economics major and PreMed student at Harvard, and a Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance at NEC, having studied with Wha-Kyung Byun. He graduated with the prestigious Artist Diploma (A.D.) from The Juilliard School, having studied with Yoheved Kaplinsky. Albright is an official Steinway Artist.

For the latest information, please visit CharlieAlbright.com Youtube.com/CharlieAlbrightPianist Facebook.com/CharlieAlbrightPianist Instagram.com/CharlieAlbrightPianist

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43

Rachmaninoff has a secure place in music history as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. He contributed significantly to the piano literature, composing numerous piano concerti, etudes, preludes, sonatas and suites. While less prolific than

some of his classical predecessors, he composed works on a grand scale—and with unapologetic romanticism during the highly experimental early 20th century era that saw the emergence of impressionism, neoclassicism and atonality.

Best known to most audiences as containing the poignant love theme from the 1980 movie Somewhere in Time, the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini contains a wide range of equally memorable moments. Composed in a flurry of activity during July and August of 1934, the Rhapsody is structured as a theme and 24 variations. The theme is drawn from the final caprice of Paganini’s Twenty-Four Caprices for Unaccompanied Violin, Op. 1, composed in 1805. Rachmaninoff was not the only composer to seek inspiration of this particular caprice; Brahms, Schumann, Liszt and Busoni also utilized Paganini’s lyrical themes.

The variations are not always clearly demarcated, instead flowing into one another naturally. Emotions run from dramatic to lyrical, reaching their peak during the 18th variation, which is based on a simple inversion of the opening of Paganini’s theme. Of particular interest is Rachmaninoff’s insertion in the seventh and tenth variations of the dies irae, the chant that portrays the final judgment day in a traditional Latin requiem mass. His decision to include it was outlined in a letter written to the choreographer Fokine, who was planning to set the Rhapsody to ballet:

“ Why not resurrect the legend about Paganini who, for perfection in his art and for a woman, sold his soul to an evil spirit? All the variations that have the ‘dies irae’ represent the evil spirit … Paganini himself appears in the theme.”

Premiered in November 1934, the work was an instant success with audiences. Rachmaninoff performed it frequently throughout his career, and it has remained a staple of the repertoire ever since.

Antonin Dvořák (1841-1904)

Symphony No. 9 in E minor, op. 95 "From the New World”

The “New World” Symphony, Dvořák’s best known work, was written during the Czech composer’s sojourn in the United States, beginning in 1892, during which he served as director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City.

By this time Dvořák had achieved great fame as an ardent champion of the music of his beloved homeland. His main goal for his US sojourn was to identify a distinctly American style of music. As he had found the essential Czech personality encapsulated in that country’s peasant music, Dvořák proffered the folk music of the Native and African American peoples as the foundation for a distinctly American sound.

His Symphony No. 9 “From the New World,” commissioned by the New York Philharmonic in 1893, emerged as an exposition of this approach. Rather than directly quoting American folk melodies in the symphony, the composer said, “I merely tried to write in the spirit of those national melodies.” However, if you listen closely, you may hear melodies that remind you of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” “Three Blind Mice,” or even a bit of “Yankee Doodle.”

The two middle movements were inspired by Longfellow's poem, “The Song of Hiawatha”: the Largo by the funeral of Minnehaha, “deep in a snow-bound forest,” and the Scherzo by the dance of Pau-Puk-Keewis at the wedding feast. The finale is all power and fury. Dvořák gave no specifics, but it has been speculated that this is the battle between Hiawatha and PauPuk-Keewis. Here, Dvořák introduces numerous new ideas and recounts all the major ideas of the earlier movements. The work ends with powerful surges of music, developing the main theme in a romantic and glorious wash of sound.

Charlie Albright Classical

Piano

NOV 15

Charlie Albright’s solo program at The Block features his trademark on-demand improvisation, where he’ll invite audience input then spontaneously compose a new work.

Superheroes at the Symphony

JAN 30

Music transports us on epic adventures and emotional journeys. Experience the legendary themes of cinematic superheroes, along with two symphonic masterpieces that inspired the iconic ﬁlm scores.

Williams Superman March

Elfman Batman Suite

Gregson-Williams Wonder Woman Suite

Elfman Spider-Man Main Title

Prokoviev Romeo & Juliet Suite

Stravinsky The Firebird Suite

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

CLICK CLACK MOOSIC

Based on books by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, this series introduces children ages 3-8 to instrumental music in a storybook format. A host/ narrator introduces the small ensemble of WMS musicians, teaches the children about musical concepts, and then reads the story aloud— accompanied by music written for the series. Let us know if you are Interested in bringing CCM to your area!

Premier Strings brings together youth that are more advanced in their skill and performance levels providing them unique performance opportunities on stage with the West Michigan Symphony during Link Up concerts and forming string quartets that focus on community engagement performances. Debut Strings offers young musicians with at least 1–2 years of experience the opportunity to come together and develop their playing and performance skills.

Douglas Hannink & Jocelyn Shaw, 2025-2026 Season Sponsors

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

CHILDREN’S

CHOIR

Audition-based for children ages 8-13, WMS Children’s Choir performs in its own concerts, collaboratively with Debut and Premier Strings, and on stage with the Symphony during Home for the Holidays and the spring Link Up concerts.

Douglas Hannink & Jocelyn Shaw, 2025-2026 Season Sponsors

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

LINK UP

Beginning its 22nd season, this free beginner music education program— a collaboration with Carnegie Hall—pairs WMS with 55 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.

TUNE UP

Beginning its fourth year with additional Tune Up teaching staff, this after-school 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.

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.

SIDE-BY-SIDE

Our newest program brings people of West Michigan who have a passion to play their instruments together for a full summer day of music-making with Scott Speck and musicians of WMS. The day includes sectionals and full orchestra rehearsals, food and camaraderie. It closes with a concert performed by all participants—with community and WMS musicians sitting side-by-side.

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

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 17,000 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.

scottspeck.org facebook.com/ConductorScottSpeck

CONCERTS AT THE BLOCK MUSKEGON

WMS’s Listening Room for the Musically Curious, The Block, is an innovative performance venue featuring a mixture of jazz, classical crossover and "curious." 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, Harbor Hospice, Muskegon Rotary, the Poppen Foundation, Third Coast Trombone Retreat, Tux ‘n Chucks, and Young Black Professionals, to name a few.

For rental information, call 231.726.3231

ARTS & CULTURE COALITION

WMS is a founding member of the Muskegon Arts & Culture 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 $70 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.

Do you know a student with a love of live musical entertainment?

Encourage them to become a WMS Student Music Pass member. This FREE membership program gives area students access to $5 tickets (best available seats) for all WMS Masterworks performances at the Frauenthal Center and select performances at The Block.

Create Your Own Series

It’s Your Music. Your Way.

WHY SUBSCRIBE?

• Ultimate flexibility and choic

• Save up to 20%

• Easy and flexible exchanges

• Receive best available seating

• 10% discount for additional WMS Frauenthal tickets

• VIP Service and Satisfaction Guarantee

STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR CONCERTS

Browse through the list of concert online here: bit.ly/3I9c0hU find your favorite concerts.

STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR SEATING

Select your desired package size and price level.

STEP 3: PLACE YOUR ORDER Call Maris Myers at 231.726.3231 or Online at bit.ly/3UXdxKu

Holiday Gift Guide

Explore these one-of-a-kind experiences for the Music Lovers in Your Life (or you!)

#1 Concert Tickets

Choose from 3 holiday concert experiences.

Clickity Clack Ho Ho Ho

Dec 6 | 10:00 & 11:30am | The Block

Based on the book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, ‘Click Clack Ho Ho Ho’, this musical story takes us to Farmer Brown’s barn to find out what the animals are up to for Christmas.

Paul Keller Quintet

A Jazzy Christmas

Dec 13 | 7:30pm | The Block

#2 Give the Gift of Music

3-concert package, best available seats, just $99!

#4

Gift Certificates

Available in various amounts!

Home for the Holidays Around the World

Dec 19 | 7:30pm | Frauenthal

Join Scott Speck and your WMS for a fresh twist on this beloved annual holiday tradition: a musical journey around the globe.

#3 Make a donation in someone's name

#5 'Buy It Now' Online Auction

Keep an eye out for more details following our Disco Ball Gala on October 4! We’re extending the reach of our annual silent auction by taking a selection of unique items and experiences online. It’s the perfect chance to find one-of-akind holiday gifts while supporting WMS’s learning, artistic, and community initiatives.

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 86 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 2025/26 Season. Enjoy the performance!

Mike & Kay Olthoff

2025/26 Season Sponsors

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

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 six West Michigan counties through its music education programs

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

Tune Up provides free string instruments and free after school instruction at all Muskegon Public Elementary schools and Muskegon Middle School.

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