Classical Music for Everyone, Vol. 2

CLASSICAL MUSIC for EVERYONE West Michigan Symphony / 2nd Edition / 2017-2018

FREE

The Listener’s Job Description

Frequently asked questions

The Secret Lives

of Great Composers

This magazine contains a complete 2017-18 concert season listing, along with references to the hilarious Secret Lives of Great Composers, by Elizabeth Lunday.

5

WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BRAIN YOUNG 1: Be social

Studies show that staying connected to others can be good for brain health.

Spending time with family, friends and those with whom you share favorite activities helps build important social bonds.

ONLINE RESOURCES

westmichigansymphony.org theblockwestmichigan.org

SOCIAL COMMUNITY

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2: EXERCISE

Take a brisk walk, dance, swim— it doesn’t matter so much what you do. What matters is that you move vigorously for about 20 minutes on a daily basis.

3: REDUCE STRESS

Chronic stress shrinks the brain’s memory centers, and stress hormones can temporarily impair learning and recall. Purposeful relaxation techniques such as meditation and focused breathing can help lower your stress levels and keep your brain sharp!

4: PLAY BRAIN GAMES

Sudoku, chess, crossword puzzles... as well as phone apps and computer games, can help improve cognitive performance, multitasking ability and short-term working memory.

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YOUR INBOX

FREE WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER Get all the latest and greatest about upcoming concerts and special events.

Visit westmichigansymphony.org/contact

FIND US

5. Listen to classical music

Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure and pain, as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness and memory.

So grab a friend and take a brisk walk to the symphony for a stress-reducing evening of musical entertainment.. it’s like the fountain of youth for your brain!

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

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

Contents Letter from Scott Speck

ON THE COVER

The listener’s job description

“heIf threerwheomis anI hayovene not insulted, I beg his pardon.

Johannes Brahms

ON THE COVER

The secret lives of great composers

Seasons at a glance

A calendar of the 2017/18 WMS and Block seasons

There has never been a great artist s yet, who thousand ’t dn of people di . think he was mad

“

Richard Strauss

02 03 04 08

2017/18 WMS season

10

ON THE COVER

14

Concert listing for the upcoming season

2017/18 Block season

16

Who has the best seats in the house?

20

Concert listing for the upcoming season

Frequently asked questions

Edited by Natalie Carmolli for the West Michigan Symphony.

Design by Keely Payne-Schneider for the West Michigan Symphony.

ON THE COVER: WMS Music Director Scott Speck outside of the WMS offices.

letter SCOTT SPECK WMS MUSIC DIRECTOR

DEAR FRIENDS, Whether you are new to symphonic music or have been a West Michigan Symphony supporter for years, I’m thrilled that you are reading these words. I want to thank you for diving into the second edition of Classical Music for Everyone. There’s great stuff in here for you!

At the West Michigan Symphony, we firmly believe that our music is for all. You don’t need to have a degree in music—or a certain background —in order to enjoy it. But along the way, if we can share something interesting and expand your understanding of the works we play, you may find your enjoyment of the music also grows.

Inside this magazine, you’ll find articles, FAQs, little-known facts about composers, and most importantly, what to look forward to in the 2017-18 season at the West Michigan Symphony and The Block.

From our hearts, we thank you for your interest in the West Michigan Symphony. Enjoy the magazine—and enjoy the season!

Scott Speck Music Director

02

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THE LISTENER’S JOB DESCRIPTION Classical music concerts can seem intimidating. It seems like you have to know a lot. What if you don’t understand the music? What if you don’t know how to listen correctly? What if you don’t “get it”?

The good news is this: there is no right way to listen, there is no correct experience to have, there is no one thing to “get.” Understanding is not required. Your job is not to be an expert on the music. Your job is not to be a perfect listener.

Your job is very simple: Be affected by the music.

That’s it. That’s all there is. Because you are unique, and because your collection of experiences is unique, the music will affect you differently than it will anybody else. It may affect your emotions, your thoughts, your spirit, your body—any part of you. The same music may affect you differently at different times.

Music is meant to trigger reactions, invite reflection, awaken feelings, activate memories, and touch the heart. So just let yourself be affected.

Of course your knowledge of music, and your experience with it, influence how you are affected. If learning something about the music makes its effect more powerful, then by all means learn more. If repeated listening helps you to be more and more affected by a piece, then by all means listen to the music a few times before coming to the concert.

Whatever helps you be affected is good to pursue. If it doesn’t help you, or if it gets in the way of your enjoyment, then don’t do it.

A wonderful and mysterious thing about live concerts is that everybody comes to be affected together. Everybody onstage and everybody in the audience shares in the same experience, each of us in our own unique way. naxos.com

WMS / 2017 / 2ND EDITION /

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s e v i L t e r c e The S of

Great Com posers “You’ve checked your coat, handed in your ticket, and settled into your seat for an evening at the concert hall. You open the program and turn to the notes to get some sense of the cultural enlightenment the evening has in store. Reading that erudite text, it is easy to come away with the idea that all composers lived lives of moral rectitude and personal honor, one worthy of the refined attention about to be given to their masterpieces. Er, not so much. The idea of the “outrageous musician” is much older than rock and roll…”

Classical music hasn’t always been classical music, at one time it was simply new music and the artists who created it did things that were just as crazy as re-naming yourself an unpronounceable symbol or wearing a dress made entirely of meat! You’ll get to know

some of the composers from our 2017-18 season a little better when you read these outrageous anecdotes from Secret Lives of Great Composers written by Elizabeth Lunday, a journalist specializing in music, architecture and art.

Excerpts from Secret Lives of Great Composers were printed with permission from Quirk Books. The entire volume featuring outlandish stories about some of the greatest composers in history is available to purchase at quirkbooks.com.

SYMBOL KEY

04

Ravel & Gershwin SEPT 29

Enigma Variations NOV 10

Classical Music for Everyone: Romantic Nationalism MAR 2

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Germanic Classics JAN 12 Masterpieces MAY 18

JOHANNES BRAHMS

MAY 7, 1833 - APRIL 3, 1897 NATIONALITY: GERMAN

MUSICAL STYLE: ROMANTIC

FAMOUS WORK: “Wiegenlied,” also known as “Brahms’s Lullaby” WHERE YOU’VE HEARD IT: Tinkling from any number of children’s mobiles and music boxes.

As a young man, Brahms reluctantly continued his father’s profession, performing bawdy barroom ballads in squalid dives.

AARON COPLAND

NOVEMBER 14, 1900 - DECEMBER 2, 1990 NATIONALITY: AMERICAN

MUSICAL STYLE: MODERNIST

FAMOUS WORK: “Hoe Down” from Rodeo WHERE YOU’VE HEARD IT: In the National Beef Council’s “Beef: It’s What’s For Dinner” ad campaign.

Testifying before Senator Joesph McCarthy, Copland graciously refused to mention a single name. To all hypothetical questions, he said “I haven’t given the matter much thought.”

CLAUDE DEBUSSY

AUGUST 22, 1862 - MARCH 25, 1918 NATIONALITY: FRENCH

MUSICAL STYLE: IMPRESSIONIST

FAMOUS WORK: Clair de Lune WHERE YOU’VE HEARD IT: At the end of 2001 version of Ocean’s Eleven, when the gang of crooks watches the dancing fountains of the Bellagio.

One of Debussy’s lovers threatened to shoot him when she found a letter from another woman in his pocket.

ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK

SEPTEMBER 8, 1841 - MAY 1, 1904 NATIONALITY: CZECH

MUSICAL STYLE: ROMANTIC

FAMOUS WORK: Largo from Symphony no.9 from The New World WHERE YOU’VE HEARD IT: In the 1994 movie Clear and Present Danger.

As the eldest of nine children, Dvořák was expected to become a butcher despite his musical talents.

EDWARD ELGAR

JUNE 2, 1857 - FEBRUARY 23, 1934 NATIONALITY: ENGLISH

MUSICAL STYLE: ROMANTIC

FAMOUS WORK: Pomp and Circumstance March no.1 WHERE YOU’VE HEARD IT: At every single graduation ceremony you’ve ever attended.

Elgar’s success as a composer allowed him to become an amateur scientist who puttered about with explosive chemicals.

GEORGE GERSHWIN

SEPTEMBER 26, 1898 - JULY 11, 1937 NATIONALITY: AMERICAN

MUSICAL STYLE: MODERNIST

FAMOUS WORK: Rhapsody in Blue WHERE YOU’VE HEARD IT: In all those United Airlines commercials.

Many believed that Gershwin’s headaches and dizzy spells were the result of being bonked on the head by a golf ball.

FELIX MENDELSSOHN

FEBRUARY 3, 1809 - NOVEMBER 4, 1847 NATIONALITY: GERMAN

MUSICAL STYLE: ROMANTIC

FAMOUS WORK: “Wedding March” from music for A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1842) WHERE YOU’VE HEARD IT: As the recessional to a bajillion weddings.

Felix Mendelssohn became a world-famous composer while his equally gifted sister remained completely unknown.

FANNY MENDELSSOHN (HENSEL) NOVEMBER 14, 1805 - MAY 14, 1847 NATIONALITY: GERMAN

MUSICAL STYLE: ROMANTIC

FAMOUS WORK: Overture in C major WHERE YOU’VE HEARD IT: You probably haven’t. No women’s compositions have made it into the standard repertoire.

The only way to let her compositions see the light of day was to disguise them as the work of her brother.

MAURICE RAVEL

MARCH 7, 1875 - DECEMBER 28, 1937 NATIONALITY: FRENCH

MUSICAL STYLE: IMPRESSIONIST

FAMOUS WORK: Boléro WHERE YOU’VE HEARD IT: Endlessly played in the Dudley Moore/ Bo Derek hit movie 10.

To amuse his friends, Ravel danced around in tights, a tutu, and falsies.

RICHARD STRAUSS

JUNE 11, 1864 - SEPTEMBER 8, 1949 NATIONALITY: GERMAN

MUSICAL STYLE: ROMANTIC/MODERN

FAMOUS WORK: Also Sprach Zarathustra WHERE YOU’VE HEARD IT: In the dramatic opening sequence of the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Concerned orchestra members interrupted a raucous argument between Strauss and a cranky soprano—only to find that they had just become engaged.

PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY MAY 7, 1840 - NOVEMBER 6, 1893 NATIONALITY: RUSSIAN

MUSICAL STYLE: ROMANTIC

FAMOUS WORK: “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from The Nutcracker WHERE YOU’VE HEARD IT: As the dew-fairies dance in the 1940 Disney animated movie Fantasia.

Forced into marriage by societal conventions, Tchaikovsky had a hard time convincing his wife that he was just not that into her—or any woman.

RICHARD WAGNER

MAY 22, 1813 - FEBRUARY 13, 1883 NATIONALITY: GERMAN

MUSICAL STYLE: ROMANTIC

FAMOUS WORK: “Ride of the Valkyries” from Die Walküre WHERE YOU’VE HEARD IT: As helicopters swoop in to attack a quiet Vietnamese village in Apocalypse Now (1979) Wagner loved tailor-made silk drawers, lace negligees and velvet coats so much that he dedicated a private room of his house to all things frilly.

AUG

THURSDAY • AUGUST 24 • 7:30 PM

SEP

E C N A L G A T A SEASONS

FRIDAY • SEPTEMBER 29 • 7:30 PM

ALEXANDER ZONJIC & FRIENDS SMOOTH JAZZ

The Block 360 W Western Ave • 2nd floor

RAVEL & GERSHWIN PIANO CONCERTOS MASTERWORKS.1

West Michigan Symphony Frauenthal Theater • 425 W Western Ave SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 30 • 7:30 PM

ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN & ILMAR GAVILÁN JAZZ DUO

OCT

SATURDAY • OCTOBER 21 • 7:30 PM

NOV

The Block 360 W Western Ave • 2nd floor

FRIDAY • NOVEMBER 10 • 7:30 PM

NEIL JACOBS

AMERICAN GYPSY

The Block 360 W Western Ave • 2nd floor

ENIGMA VARIATIONS MASTERWORKS.2

West Michigan Symphony Frauenthal Theater • 425 W Western Ave SATURDAY • NOVEMBER 11 • 7:30 PM

ANDREW SPENCER PERCUSSIONIST

The Block 360 W Western Ave • 2nd floor

08

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A CELTIC CHRISTMAS POPS.1

West Michigan Symphony Frauenthal Theater • 425 W Western Ave

MAR

DEC

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 15 • 7:30 PM

SATURDAY • DECEMBER 16 • 7:30 PM

FRIDAY • MARCH 2 • 7:30 PM

CLASSICAL MUSIC FOR EVERYONE: ROMANTIC NATIONALISM MASTERWORKS.4

West Michigan Symphony Frauenthal Theater • 425 W Western Ave

CATHIE RYAN BAND

SATURDAY • MARCH 3 • 7:30 PM

The Block 360 W Western Ave • 2nd floor

BRASS CHAMBER MUSIC

GAUDETE BRASS

IRISH FOLK MUSIC

The Block 360 W Western Ave • 2nd floor

JAN

FRIDAY • MARCH 23 • 7:30 PM

FRANCES LUKE ACCORD

FRIDAY • JANUARY 12 • 7:30 PM

MODERN FOLK

GERMANIC CLASSICS

The Block 360 W Western Ave • 2nd floor

MASTERWORKS.3

West Michigan Symphony Frauenthal Theater • 425 W Western Ave

ARTURO ZIRALDO CHAMBER MUSIC

The Block 360 W Western Ave • 2nd floor

APR

SATURDAY • JANUARY 13 • 7:30 PM

FRIDAY • JANUARY 26 • 7:30 PM

IAN MAKSIN & GABRIEL DATCU WORLD MUSIC

The Block 360 W Western Ave • 2nd floor

MAY

FEB

West Michigan Symphony Frauenthal Theater • 425 W Western Ave

FRIDAY • FEBRUARY 9 • 7:30 PM

SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 10 • 7:30 PM

The Block 360 W Western Ave • 2nd floor

POPS.3

The Block 360 W Western Ave • 2nd floor

West Michigan Symphony Frauenthal Theater • 425 W Western Ave

JAZZ VOCALIST/PIANIST

TANGO CALIENTE!

NUEVO TANGO

POPS.2

ROBIN CONNELL

FRIDAY • APRIL 27 • 7:30 PM

THE OBLIVION PROJECT

HOLLYWOOD’S GREATEST MELODIES

SATURDAY • APRIL 14 • 7:30 PM

FRIDAY • MAY 18 • 7:30 PM

MASTERPIECES MASTERWORKS.5

West Michigan Symphony Frauenthal Theater • 425 W Western Ave SATURDAY • MAY 19 • 7:30 PM

VADIM GLUZMAN & ANGELA YOFFE CLASSICAL CHAMBER

The Block 360 W Western Ave • 2nd floor

Aldo López-Gavilán

SEPTEMBER 29

RAVEL & GERSHWIN PIANO CONCERTOS Scott Speck conductor Aldo López-Gavilán piano WAGNER Overture to The Flying Dutchman RAVEL Piano Concerto in G major GERSHWIN An American in Paris GERSHWIN Rhapsody in Blue Inspired by Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Ravel incorporated American jazz into his Piano Concerto in G. Gershwin in turn lent a suave French flair to An American in Paris. Brilliant Cuban pianist and composer Aldo López-Gavilán makes his WMS debut in two concertos.

NOVEMBER 10

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

SECRET LIVES: RAVEL

Andrew Spencer

To amuse his friends, Ravel danced around in tights, a tutu, and falsies.

Paul Clifton

Cathie Ryan

DECEMBER 15

A CELTIC CHRISTMAS

Scott Speck conductor Cathie Ryan Irish music vocalist WMS Children’s Choir Beth Slimko, director Irish vocalist Cathie Ryan and her band return to the West Michigan Symphony with a program she has created for us, reflecting her Celtic roots in a wide array of holiday works. Ring in the holidays with Ryan, the West Michigan Symphony orchestra, and the West Michigan Symphony Children’s Choir as they bring traditional, popular and Irish-themed music of the season to West Michigan.

Elgar’s success as a composer allowed him to become an amateur scientist who puttered about with explosive chemicals.

SECRET LIVES: ELGAR

JANUARY 12

GERMANIC CLASSICS

Scott Speck conductor Paul Clifton horn FANNY MENDELSSOHN Overture in C major STRAUSS Horn Concerto no.1 FELIX MENDELSSOHN Symphony no.1 C minor Sister to the famous Felix Mendelssohn, Fanny Mendelssohn’s Overture in C major begins this homage to German composers of the classical period.

Then, WMS Principal horn Paul Clifton is featured on Richard Strauss’ Horn Concerto no. 1. The concert closes with a work by classical music’s greatest child prodigy, Felix Mendelssohn, who poured his dramatic and harmonically adventurous gifts into his Symphony no. 1.

WMS / 2017 / 2ND EDITION /

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Diane Penning and Paul Langford

FEBRUARY 09

HOLLYWOOD’S GREATEST MELODIES

Andrew Koehler conductor Diane Penning soprano Paul Langford piano Join Diane Penning, Paul Langford, and the West Michigan Symphony for a survey of treasured movie memories. Diane and Paul return to the WMS to sing a variety of titles on the American Film Institute’s list of “100 Best Songs From Movies.” Songs include Climb Every Mountain, Somewhere, The Way We Were, Moon River, and Love is an Open Door from the motion picture Frozen.

MARCH 02

CLASSICAL MUSIC FOR EVERYONE: ROMANTIC NATIONALISM

Scott Speck conductor Alexey Stadler cello SIBELIUS Finlandia (Scandinavian) DE FALLA Miller’s Dance (Spanish) RAVEL Pavane for a Dead Princess (French) GLIÉRE Russian Sailors’ Dance (Russian) COPLAND Hoe Down (American) DVOŘÁK Cello Concerto in B minor (Czech)

Alexey Stadler

Explore Romantic music via the countries from which they originate. You’ll experience classical music’s Romantic era as it developed in Scandinavia, Spain, France, America, Bohemia and Russia. The concert closes with one of the most important cello concertos ever written, Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, featuring Russian cellist Alexey Stadler.

SECRET LIVES: DVOŘÁK

As the eldest of nine children, Dvořák was expected to become a butcher despite his musical talents.

Vadim Gluzman

APRIL 27

TANGO CALIENTE! Matthew Kraemer conductor Camille Zamora soprano Hector Del Curto bandoneon Be transported by the seductive sounds of the dance of romance... the tango! Star soprano Camille Zamora joins the WMS, together with four stellar Argentinian dancers and internationally acclaimed bandoneon artist Hector Del Curto, for a night of fiery tango classics including La Cumparsita, Oblivión, El Choclo, Volver, Por Una Cabeza by Ástor Piazzolla, Carlos Gardel and others.

Fall in love with the seductive heart of tango. ¡Caliente!

MAY 18

MASTERPIECES Scott Speck conductor Vadim Gluzman violin AUSTIN WINTORY Composer-in-residence new work BRAHMS Violin Concerto in D major TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony no.4 in F minor Our final concert of the season features three great masterpieces. Brahms’ iconic Violin Concerto in D major features Russian-Israeli violinist Vadim Gluzman.

Tchaikovsky’s soulful and melodic Symphony no. 4 boasts one of the top ten endings in orchestra music. And WMS composer-in-residence Austin Wintory, creates his fourth world premiere for us. A thrilling season finale.

Camille Zamora

FAQ

If you have never been to a symphony concert (or even if you have but still have some nagging questions) hopefully we have the answers to all your questions on these pages. But if we don’t, you can always call the ticket office (231.726.3231) and we will happily answer your questions.

I’ve never been to a symphony concert, what can I expect?

How long will the concert last?

Expect to have a wonderful time! Set aside any preconceived notions you may have about classical music concerts. Like all new things, the experience may take a little getting used to, but when you are relaxed into your seat and letting the music wash over you, it will quickly feel just right.

Most classical concerts last about 90 minutes to two hours with a 20 minute intermission. Take a look at the prélude concert magazine (your program) before the concert to get an idea of what to expect. You can even take the prélude home with you and study up before you get to the concert hall!

How early should I arrive?

You should plan on arriving at least 15-20 minutes early to find your seat, turn off your cell phone, chat with friends and people sitting near you and glance through the program book.

May I take photos or videos?

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Cameras, cell phones, tablets or video recorders are not permitted at concerts. If you happen to have one with you, please turn it off and put it away before you enter the concert hall. These devices are not only disallowed because of licensing restrictions, but the light they give off disturbs the patrons sitting around you.

What if I’m late?

WMS makes every attempt to begin concerts on time.

House lights are dimmed to indicate that the concert is about to begin. The ushers have been given instructions as to the best time to allow you inside so your arrival won’t disturb other concert-goers.

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What is will call?

What should I wear?

Most often when you order tickets they will be mailed to you. However, if the concert date is near they will be placed in “will call” for pick up prior to the concert. The will call window is located at the box office at the south end of the Frauenthal lobby.

There is no specific dress code for WMS concerts. Generally most people would say they dress business casual, but dress in what makes you happy and comfortable.

Are children allowed at concerts?

Children are welcome to attend all classical, pops, jazz, special events and holiday concerts at the Frauenthal Theater, provided that they are supervised by an adult. Every child must have a ticket. If you’re wondering if a particular concert is right for your child, feel free to call the ticket office and ask about it. Also ask about discounted ticket pricing for students and children. Please, no infants.

When should I applaud during a classical concert?

This question is addressed fully on pages 118-119 of Classical Music for Dummies by Scott Speck and David Pogue. But here are some general clues, taken directly from the book, that the music is completely over and it’s okay to clap: • The conductor puts down his hands and keeps them down.

• All the players on the stage put down their instruments.

• Everyone around you starts clapping.

• The concert hall lights come up.

• The players exit the stage, carrying their instruments.

• The entire audience leaves the auditorium.

• The cleaning crew comes in and begins to mop the stage.

Of course, you have more practical cues to tell you when the entire piece is totally over. For example, look in the program, it always tells you how many movements are in each piece, generally the applause comes at the very end of all of those movements. While some feel it’s best not to disrupt the continuity of the music by applauding between movements, there are times the audience is simply too thrilled not to applaud, and that’s okay too.

How can I learn more about the music?

There are program notes relating to each concert in your prélude concert magazine.

Additionally we have lots of other ways for you to learn, including free midweek Lunch n’ Learn discussions held at The Block during concert week. Blue Lake Public Radio (88.9 and 90.3 FM) will often conduct interviews with Scott Speck and one of our guest artists, and program notes and listening clips are available via links on the concert pages on our website: westmichigansymphony.org.

What provisions are made for patrons with disabilities?

A limited number of wheelchair seats are available. Call 231.726.3231. All WMS concert venues are handicapped-accessible.

For the hearing impaired, hearing assistance devices are available at the Frauenthal Theater.

Please see an usher prior to the performance.

WMS / 2017 / 2ND EDITION /

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Coming to The Block...

Alexander Zonjic & Friends smooth jazz Thursday, August 24, 7:30 pm A gifted jazz flutist, Alexander Zonjic is known across the country for his cool jazz grooves and exciting shows. Zonjic and his friends will kick off Muskegon’s 2017 Shoreline Jazz Festival in this Thursday evening concert @The Block.

Andrew Spencer percussionist Saturday, November 11, 7:30 pm

Alexander Zonjic @ The Block August 2016

Former WMS principal timpanist Andrew Spencer performs compelling percussion sounds for his performance at The Block.

An active recitalist and clinician, Spencer has performed as a soloist in the USA, Poland, Japan, Canada, and Costa Rica.

Aldo López-Gavilán & Ilmar Gavilán jazz duo

Neil Jacobs American gypsy

Saturday, September 30, 7:30 pm

Saturday, October 21, 7:30 pm

Cuban pianist Aldo López-Gavilán is joined by brother Ilmar Gavilán on violin for an electrifying jazz concert featuring original works as well as pieces by jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Churchill and Billy Strayhorn.

The “Gypsy Power Trio” of Neil Jacobs, 12-string guitars, Steven Fox, acoustic bass and Arkadiy Gips, violin, perform breathtaking compositions with Gypsy, Celtic, Balkan and Classical influences.

Cathie Ryan Band Irish folk music

Arturo Ziraldo chamber music

Saturday, December 16, 7:30 pm

Saturday, January 13, 7:30 pm

Cathie Ryan and her band follow a Friday evening holiday concert with the WMS with an evening of Irish folk music. Join Cathie as she warms up West Michigan with heartfelt lyrics, beloved ballads and traditional tunes of the Emerald Isle.

WMS Principal Violist Arturo Ziraldo is joined by fellow WMS musicians to present a mixed chamber music concert that includes works by Brahms, Beethoven, Mozart, Dvorˇ ák and Schumann.

The Oblivion Project nuevo tango

Ian Maksin & Gabriel Datcu world music

Friday, January 26, 7:30 pm

Saturday, February 10, 7:30 pm

The Oblivion Project is dedicated to the exploration and performance of the over 3000 Nuevo Tango works of Argentine tango master Astor Piazzolla. The group is blazing trails as they visit The Block on their Midwest tour.

Cellist Ian Maksin returns to The Block bringing guitarist Gabriel Datcu for a concert of jazz and world music. Maksin has gained international recognition for his beautiful tone and his own unique innovative style.

Frances Luke Accord modern folk

Robin Connell jazz vocalist/pianist

Friday, March 23, 7:30 pm

Saturday, April 14, 7:30 pm

An independent Chicago-based duo, multiinstrumentalists and songwriters, Nicholas Gunty and Brian Powers head this modern folk band, that draws copious inspiration from Americana, jazz, soul and rock.

Originally from Detroit, Robin Connell is equally at home as a jazz pianist or jazz pianist/vocalist, performing regularly in clubs, concerts, and private parties as solo pianist and leader of her own trio/ jazz quartet.

Ian Maksin @ The Block March 2016

Gaudete Brass brass chamber music Saturday, March 3, 7:30 pm Gaudete Brass encourages appreciation of the art of brass chamber music through live performance, recordings and new works.

The quintet presents an evening of works featuring all-brass instrumentation.

Vadim Gluzman & Angela Yoffe classical chamber Saturday, May 19, 7:30 pm Following his Friday evening performance with the WMS, Gluzman is joined by his spouse, Tel Aviv-based pianist Angela Yoffe, for an intimate evening of classical chamber music.

WHO has the best seats in the house?

There is no greater musical experience than the West Michigan Symphony with Music Director Scott Speck. And as a subscriber, you’re part of the creation. When you join the WMS family, you ensure that you always enjoy our concerts from the comfort of your “own” seats.

Season ticket holders receive these great benefits:

• Easy and unlimited free* exchanges and lost ticket replacement.

• First choice of seats for concerts • Unable to attend a concert? Donate your tickets and we’ll provide a receipt for tax purposes.

• Purchase single tickets before they go on sale to the general public. * Exchanges/replacements are free at the WMS ticket office, 360 W Western Ave, 1st floor

Season Ticket Options

Tier 1

Tier 2

Tier 3

Tier 4

Student

Full (8)

$394

$302

$182

$144

$80

Masterworks (5)

$243

$183

$108

$85

$50

Pops (3)

$156

$123

$77

$62

$30

FLEX8** $309 FLEX6** $238 **Compose your own experience with the WMS FLEX tickets. Redeemable beginning June 1, 2017, for the subscription concert(s) you want, best available seats. Prices include Frauenthal Facility fee.

All sales are final. Dates, artists and programs are subject to change.

Single tickets:

• Pricing varies from $22 to $57 (depending on concert and tier) • Student tickets $10 all concerts and tiers.

West Michigan Symphony & The Block Ticket Office 360 W Western Ave, 1st floor Muskegon, MI 49440 231.726.3231 westmichigansymphony.org/theblockwestmichigan.org info@westmichigansymphony.org

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you do.

Series and Flex Tickets save up to 20% on single ticket prices.

As with any WMS subscription package, series tickets represent a significant savings over single ticket prices, plus if you cannot attend a concert you can exchange your tickets for another concert in the same season or donate them for a tax deduction. Series tickets also make great gifts.

Alexander Zonjic & Friends Aug 24

Aldo López-Gavilán & Ilmar Gavilán Sept 30

Neil Jacobs Oct 21

Andrew Spencer Nov 11

Cathie Ryan Band Dec 16

Arturo Ziraldo Jan 13

The Oblivion Project Jan 26

Ian Maksin & Gabriel Datcu Feb 10

Gaudete Brass Mar 3

Frances Luke Accord Mar 23

Robin Connell Apr 14

Vadim Gluzman & Angela Yoffe May 19

Jazz/World Series (6 tickets: 1 for each show) Regular: $125 • Table: $170

Season (12 tickets: 1 for each show) Regular: $220 • Table: $310

Chamber Series (4 tickets: 1 for each show) Regular: $70 • Table: $105

Flex Tix any show in any combination* Block 6: $125 • Choice 8: $180

Vocal Series (4 tickets: 1 for each show) Regular: $80 • Table: $115 Guest Artist Series (4 tickets: 1 for each show) Regular: $80 • Table: $115 *Table or WMS tier 1-2 seating unavailable for these ticket types. CHOICE 8 may be used for concerts at The Block or WMS concerts at the Frauenthal Theater. All sales final. Dates, artists and programs are subject to change.

Single tickets:

• Pricing varies from $20 to $35 (depending on concert) • Student tickets $10 all concerts.

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

Join us next season as we continue the popular Lunch n’ Learn series The Block 360 W Western Ave | 2nd floor Coffee and water provided, bring your own lunch | Doors open at 11:45 am Wednesday, September 27, Noon Lunch n’ Learn: Ravel & Gershwin Wednesday, November 8, Noon Lunch n’ Learn: Enigma Variations Wednesday, January 10, Noon Lunch n’ Learn: Germanic Classics Wednesday, February 28, Noon Lunch n’ Learn: Classical Music for Everyone: Romantic Nationalism Wednesday, May 16, Noon Lunch n’ Learn: Masterpieces Sign up for our e-newsletter to get updates