ann arbor symphony orchestra 13-14 season brochure

Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra85 Years of Excellence

SEASON2013 -14

WELCOME from ArieAs I have known Ann Arbor for now nearly a decade and a half, I know one thing most of all. Ann Arbor is all about quality. I like to think that is why your A2SO has prospered. Each year we raise the bar in recognition of your appreciation of high quality, of your good taste, and of your diverse interests. When it comes to Ann Arbor music making, there are no better musicians, no better audience, no more genuine welcome than with your A2SO. I treasure the connections among our musicians and among each of you in the audience. It is through those rich and heartfelt connections that the quality and goosebump moments are created.

This season is filled with so many of those quality connections. Come, travel the season with me to hear treasured classics by Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Mozart, as well as pieces by those whom I hope will become new favorites—Adams, Pärt and Sheng. And we think Local to include Ann Arborite Bill Bolcom and our own concertmaster extraordinaire, Aaron Berofsky who will take center stage in a dazzling concerto as well as great main stage concerts. Listen to some of the finest soloists including the 2011 Tchaikovsky Award-winning violinist, the 2008 winner of the Naumberg Award, and the 2003 first Gold Medal Laureate of the Gyeongnam International Music Competition. Plus, laugh with me at the antics and foibles so masterfully created by Mozart in our narrated and semi-staged concert opera Cosi fan tutte.

Eighty-five years of music making is a proud heritage for our community. See what this quality tradition is all about. I welcome you to subscribe to this special season.

See you at the Symphony,

Arie Lipsky

Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra • (734) 994-4801 • www.a2so.com

Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra • 85 Years of Excellence

Saturday, September 21 • 8:00 p.m. • Michigan Theater

Celebrate Opening Night with the centennial of one of the true icons of music, The Rite of Spring, with your A2SO. This music launched symphonic music, and society, in bold new directions by breaking all the rules—from the very concept of melody to audience expectations. Delight in Pulitzer Prize-winning Bill Bolcom’s Commedia for “Almost” 18th-Century Orchestra, ten fast minutes of bubbling energy. Experience a timeless classic, Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony, featuring the outstanding musicians of your A2SO.

OPENING NIGHT:The Rite of Spring

Sponsored by the Ray and Eleanor Cross Foundation

Featuring:• Bolcom Commedia for “Almost” 18th-Century Orchestra

• Schubert Symphony No. 8 in B minor, “Unfinished”

• Stravinsky The Rite of Spring

Saturday, October 19 • 8:00 p.m. • Michigan Theater

The glow of autumn burnishes the rich, warm sounds of Dvořák’s magnificent Symphony No. 7, and echoes his mentor, Brahms. Back by popular demand, Julie Albers plays one of the most challenging cello showpieces in the repertoire—Prokofiev’s Sinfonia concertante. This sweeping work for cello and orchestra, dedicated by Prokofiev to Mstislav Rostropovich, will dazzle you with Alber’s fire and finesse. The lush orchestra sound continues with Bartók’s Two Portraits, where the listener can hear the unmistakable influence of Debussy along with Bartók’s love of his native folk music. The piece features the sublime elegance of our concertmaster Aaron Berofsky.

Julie Albers, 2003 first Gold Medal Laureate of the Gyeongnam International Music Competition, is back for her third A2SO performance, and is recognized for her superlative artistry, her charismatic and radiant performing style, and her intense musicianship.

Featuring:• Bartók Two Portraits, Op. 5

• Dvořák Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Op. 70

• Prokofiev Sinfonia concertante, Op. 125

Autumn Cellobration

Julie Albersphoto courtesy Lisa-Marie Mazzucco

special guest



Sponsored by the UM Centers of Excellence: Cardiovascular, Comprehensive Cancer, Transplant, and Brehm Centers

Saturday, November 23 • 8:00 p.m. • Michigan Theater

Join us in a winter journey with Tchaikovsky’s seldom-heard masterpiece, Symphony No. 1, “Winter Dreams.” Hear for yourself why the composer himself said this symphony “was better than any of my other more mature works.” Glazunov’s brilliant Violin Concerto showcases Concertmaster Aaron Berofsky in this work made famous by Jascha Heifetz. Complete your concert journey with Pärt’s wintry description of icy woods and coastline in his Fratres, which builds to a haunting intensity and passion.Aaron Berofsky graces any stage he plays on with his elegant, silky sound. This is his eighth solo appearance with the A2SO.

Winter Dreams

special guest

Aaron Berofskyphoto courtesy Mike Halerz

Featuring:• Glazunov Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 82

• Pärt Fratres for Strings and Percussion

• Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 1 in G minor, “Winter Dreams”

Co-sponsored by the Bank of Ann Arbor

December 13 • 8:00 p.m.

It’s a family tradition to gather and enjoy the songs of the season with your A2SO including excerpts from The Nutcracker, and glorious choral music by Measure for Measure. Enjoy the good music-making and merriment of this festive concert—the perfect way to welcome in your holiday season.

2nd Annual

HolidayPops



Saturday, January 25 • 8:00 p.m. • Michigan Theater

Modern movie writers would call this a “Romantic Comedy.” We call it pure delight. Celebrate the genius composer’s putting it all together —a funny story, great arias sung by great singers, and a message that makes “Thus do all women” an enduring work. Your A2SO becomes one of the actors on center stage in this narrated semi-staged opera featuring an all-star cast including sopranos Sarah Hibbard and Lauren Skuce, mezzo-soprano Jennifer Holloway, tenor Charles Reid, bass-baritone David Small, and bass John Shuffle. Narrated by Stephen West, with chorus prepared by Steven Lorenz.

Cosi fan tutteMozart Birthday Bash

special guests

Sarah Hibbard, Jennifer Holloway, Lauren Skuce, Charles Reid, John Shuffle and David Small, narrated by Stephen West

photo courtesyArielle Doneson

Saturday, March 22 • 8:00 p.m. • Michigan Theater

Beethoven himself was the soloist at the Vienna premiere of his Piano Concerto No. 2, nearly 220 years ago this week. A2SO soloist Adam Golka, back by audience demand for a second performance in Ann Arbor, brings the music’s sense of drama and playfulness to life. Strauss’ famous tone poem Also sprach Zarathustra fills every cubic inch of the Michigan Theater when the mighty Barton organ, installed when the theater was built in 1927, joins the symphony’s impressive ranks. The driving beat and melody of modern composer John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine, one of the most performed orchestral works composed in the last 30 years, will shift you to high gear—in less than four minutes.

Beethoven and Beyond

Featuring:• Adams Short Ride in a Fast Machine

• Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat major, Op. 19

• Strauss Also sprach Zarathustra Adam Golka

special guest


Adam Golka won first prize in the 2nd China Shanghai International Piano Competition in 2003, the 2008 Gilmore Young Artist Award, and the 2009 Max I. Allen Classical Fellowship Award of the American Pianists Association.


Saturday, April 12 • 8:00 p.m. • Michigan Theater

Each distinguished piece of music at the A2SO’s Brahms Festival is packed with emotion, passion, complexity, richness and beauty. From the dashing Academic Overture to MacArthur Genius Award Winner Bright Sheng’s hauntingly beautiful full orchestral arrangement of Brahms’ Intermezzo in A major—a poignant work originally written for solo piano—you’ll hear Brahms’ full-hearted voice. Violinist Itamar Zorman, the 2011 International Tchaikovsky Competition winner, pairs with 2008 Naumburg International Cello Competition winner David Requiro in the massive Brahms Double Concerto. We conclude our 85th season with one of Brahms’ best-loved works, Symphony No. 1.“Brahms is my favorite composer. I hope to communicate this fascination and joy in my performance with Ann Arbor Symphony.” • Itamar Zorman

Itamar Zorman& David Requiro

special guests

SEASON FINALE:Brahms Festival

Co-sponsored by Rebecca Horvath

Featuring:• Brahms Academic Festival Overture in

C minor, Op. 80

• Brahms Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68

• Brahms Violin & Violoncello Concerto inA minor, Op. 102, “Double Concerto”

• Sheng Black Swan for Orchestra after Brahms’ Intermezzo, Op. 118, No. 2

photo courtesyErica Gannett


You Can Help Support A2SO Music MakingWe rely on the generous support of individuals, foundations and corporations to bring our music to life for over 70,000 Michiganders annually. We look forward to working with you to bridge your dreams and philanthropic goals to help make the Music happen—on stage, in our area classrooms, libraries, day care, and senior centers. YOU make the Music happen through: Tribute Fund: Celebrate a birthday. Honor a loved one. Welcome a new baby. Toast a deed well done. Recognize that special mentor in your life. Recognize those people or landmark events in your life and connect them to your A2SO.

Chair Endowment or Chair Sponsorship: Support the artistry of your A2SO and take your seat “on stage” at every concert by endowing or annually sponsoring your favorite orchestral instrument. Music Sponsorship: Sponsor your favorite symphony, overture or concerto being played during the season. Your dedication is included on the concert program. Annual Fund: “The future of orchestral music in America lies with orchestras such as our Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra,” says William Bolcom, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer. Annual Fund provides the critically important support for all aspects of A2SO’s operations. It provides the solid, underlying structure which guarantees the success and quality of the A2SO. Planned Giving: Be it through Bequests, Trusts, Life Insurance, Appreciated Stock, Charitable Gift Annuities or Annuity Trusts, planned gifts ensure that the A2SO will continue to make beautiful music as well as continue to offer the important educational opportunities. Corporate and Foundation Support: Individual, family, corporate, and community foundations provide the much-needed support to our unique music education programs, concerts and special events as well as components within larger projects. Endowment Giving: Your gift to the A2SO Endowment Funds—General, Education and Conductor—lives forever and grows over time. It is a covenant between generations to guarantee the future of the A2SO. You can ensure that this 85-year-old cultural institution continues to deliver the highest-quality musical experience you enjoy today. Contact Mary Steffek Blaske at your A2SO at (734) 994-4801, or [email protected]

Beethoven Lives Upstairs sponsored by

Sunday, November 24 • 4:00 p.m.Michigan TheaterBeethoven’s memorable music, played by the A2SO, is magically woven into the play that won an Emmy Award for Best Children’s Program. Actors in costume bring the story to life, using funny and true stories about Beethoven.Family-friendly fun with our community partners happens in the Michigan Theater lobby from2:30 – 3:30 p.m. at this and the March Family concerts.

The Benard L. Maas Foundation Family Concert Series


The PlanetsSunday, March 23 • 4:00 p.m. Michigan TheaterBring your lightsabers and come in costume! Discover the universe through music such as Holst’s The Planets and Hollywood’s Star Wars. Rocket around the stars with Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra, also known as the theme from 2001 Space Odyssey, and Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony. This concert features special photographs of space and the planets from the University of Michigan’s Astronomy projects.Family-friendly fun with our community partners happens in the Michigan Theater lobby from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. at this concert.

Sing-Along with SantaSaturday, December 7 • 4:00 p.m.Bethlehem United Church of ChristJoin Santa in a Sing-along celebration. A2SO bassist Erin Zurbuchen will treat youngsters to delightful carols and Christmas songs with piano accompaniment. To help remember the fun, a photographer will snap a photo of each youngster with Santa—sent to you in time for Christmas. Cookies and cider will make your afternoon festivities bright.


KinderConcertsAt these free 30-minute concerts, designed especially for toddlers to six-year olds, members of your A2SO join a child movement specialist and a pianist for a delightfully guided introduction to music through story-telling and motion. A room-long conga line, circle dances, scarves, autumn leaves or spring petals all introduce even the youngest listeners to live, classical music. Supported by Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor, David & Stephanie Pyne, and the Ray and Eleanor Cross Foundation. KinderConcerts take place at Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Dexter District Libraries.

Instrument Petting ZoosShar Music Products generously donates violins and cellos which our trained zookeepers bring to your classroom, daycare center, shopping mall and Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Students learn the parts of the instrument, the basic techniques to hold, pluck and bow, and then play instruments sized just for them. Brass and woodwind instrument Petting Zoos also available.

Meet Your ConductorArie Lipsky visits schools to conduct, coach in preparation for Solo and Ensemble or Festivals, introduce students to playing the flute or cello, talk about composers, and teach leadership skills.

Ensembles in the ClassroomA2SO professional musicians support school music programs with lively programs about music, science, and social studies suitable for K-8th grade classroom and full-school assemblies.

THERE’S MORE TOFrom a visionary group of musical enthusiasts who first gathered 85 years ago, to the highly polished ensemble it is today, your A2SO continues to share its passion for orchestral music with our community, bringing the joy of music and an appreciation for excellence to new audiences of all ages, reaching more than 30,000 children and 40,000 adults each year.

A2SO photos courtesy Czarnecki/Dempsey unless otherwise noted

Open Dress RehearsalsYoung orchestra musicians and student conductors can watch a professional rehearsal in action, then meet with the musicians and Arie Lipsky.

SectionalsA2SO professionals coach your high school orchestra by section in preparation for concerts, festivals and juried performances.

Program Notes These are available at the concert, on line, large print, just for kids, and even a “graduate level” edition. You choose!

Preconcert LecturesLively discussions led by Arie Lipsky, guest artist and often the composer, give you the scoop on the story—the who, what, where, when, how and why—of the music you are about to enjoy.


Daytime Youth ConcertsOver 5,000 elementary and middle school students learn through a concert experience designed specifically for them including a written curriculum, CD and teacher workshop. This year’s program is about The Planets and takes place at Hill Auditorium on March 19, 2014.

Side-by-Side ConcertsThese are life-changing opportunities for student musicians to sit side-by-side with A2SO professionals and perform a concert on stage together.

YOUR A2SO STORY

sponsored by

Additional A2SO Concert AppearancesUnder the direction of UMS Choral Conductor Jerry Blackstone:

Handel Messiah Saturday, December 7 • 8:00 p.m. & Sunday, December 8 • 2:00 p.m. Brahms Requiem Friday, April 4 • 8 p.m.

Please contact UMS at (734) 764-2538 or visit www.ums.org for tickets.

Chamber Recital Series October 4 • November 1 • January 17 • March 14 • April 18The finest chamber recital music is played by A2SO musicians and guests. These non-denominational, hour-long concerts are open to listeners of all ages. Wind, string and brass soloists and ensembles combine programs to include freshly minted pieces along with time-honored classics. All concerts are preceded by dessert and coffee. Hosted by the Jewish Community Center of Ann Arbor.

Mail the completed form on the right to: 220 E. Huron, Ste. 470 Ann Arbor, MI 48104or order by phone or online: (734) 994-4801 // www.a2so.com

TICKET CHOICES (subscriber renewal deadline: June 15)

DISCOUNTSSTAGEMain Floor

Balcony

Classical Series (6)

Mini Series (4)

Classical Single*

Holiday Pops

Family Series (3)

Family Single

Chamber Series (5)

* Single tickets on sale July 15

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233

60

45

$30 adult

$12 adult

$45 series

$18 child

$8 child

$10 single

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164

113

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Senior: Full or Mini$6 off sections A-D

Senior: Single$2 off sections A-D

Students50% off sections A-D

First-Time SubscriberBuy 1 series, Get 1 free

Schedule, repertoire and performers are subject to change.

ORDER FORM

Total Step 1 CostTotal Step 2 Cost

Discount(s)Tax-Deductible Donation

Processing Fee ($10/series or $2/ticket)*Parking Vouchers

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The A2SO relies on your generous support to bring our music to life. Please make your tax-deductible donation today.

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*To improve your concert parking experience, you may purchase parking vouchers from the A2SO for Tall Hall/Liberty Square for $3 per concert.

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ann arbor symphony orchestra 13-14 season brochure

Documents

ann arbor music

quality connections

years of music making

symphonic music

schuberts unfinished

quality tradition

lush orchestra sound

true icons of music