gcs 2014-15 season brochure

Welcome T O O U R 2 0 T H A N N I V E R S A RY S E A S O N

The Gulf Coast Symphony reaches a great milestone this year – our 20th Anniversary Season! I’ve been privileged to guide this wonderful organization these past two decades in its growth, as we’ve become one the most innovative and dynamic orchestras in the country. This is all possible because of a large group of dedicated members of our community who share a singular vision, to bring our community together through music. Whether it’s our musicians, our board, our staff, our partners, or you – our audiences, we have spoken with one voice, making Southwest Florida a better place to live, to work and to play.

Our programs are designed to delight audiences of all ages and explore musical genres from jazz to classical to Broadway – bringing our audiences the music they want to hear! Along this twenty year journey we have brought numerous regional premieres to Southwest Florida. As we begin our third decade, we launch an ambitious plan to commission multiple new works by some of the very best composers working in both the concert hall and on the Broadway stage. This is how we, as a community, can make a difference in the continued development of our beloved art form, the symphony orchestra.

Our reach goes beyond the concert hall. As exciting and thrilling as our fourteen concerts are this season, we are equally delighted by the dozens of free events we have created throughout Lee County to bring the joys of music and music education into the lives of children, the elderly, and those less fortunate. We believe music has transformative powers, and for us to succeed as an institution we must exist outside the concert hall. We hope you will participate in many of these events, and use them to introduce your neighbors, friends, children or grandchildren to the Symphony, or to learn more about symphonic music. For details, explore our website, or stop by our offices and chat with us in person. Be sure to check out our 20+ Days of Music as we celebrate this season!

Whether it’s Gershwin, Mahler, The Rat Pack, or Beethoven, there is a program for you! Try out our unique multi-media Classical Access concerts that enhance your experience as an audience member! Or celebrate the holidays with us!

With much love… see you in the theater and around town!

Andrew M. Kurtz, Music Director

THE RAT PACKSaturday, January 18 at 7pm

It’s hot! It’s cool! Nat Chandler, Sal Viviano and Eric Jordan Young perform a tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Dean Martin, featuring their biggest hits and original Rat Pack routines. You'll think you’re swingin’ at the Sands!

Tickets from $42 • 239.481.4849 or vist GulfCoastSymphony.org

Pre-Pops dinner in lobby at 5:30pm. Separate ticket required; limited availability. Catered by Buon Appetito Cafe. Purchase online at GulfCoastSymphony.org or call 239.277.1700. $25 per person.

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

DANCING & ROMANCING 2Sunday, February 8 at 7pm

Joan Hess and Kirby Ward return to Southwest Florida to delight audiences with an all-new program that celebrates the best of song and dance through the ages, including routines of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.


Join us at 5pm for a fashion show by Chico’s and Pre-Pops dinner in the lobby catered by Cohen & Cohen. Separate ticket required; limited availability. Purchase online at GulfCoastSymphony.org or call 239.277.1700. $25 per person.

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by: Mayer Family Dental

FOLLOWING THE SHOW

20TH ANNIVERSARY DINNERImmediately following the concert, join us for our 20th Anniversary Celebration Black Tie Dinner with special entertainment and surprise guests. We will honor our dedicated musicians, long term supporters, and community partners who have made the Gulf Coast Symphony one of the most innovative and dynamic orchestras in the country.

Help us celebrate our musical family – comprised of your neighbors, friends, and colleagues – on this very special evening!

Dinner tickets $100. Concert tickets sold separately.

Dinner to be held in the lobby of the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.Limited availability, make your reservation today! Purchase online at GulfCoastSymphony.org or call 239.277.1700.

FREE EVENTS!

20 DAYS OF MUSICTo celebrate our 20 years of bringing the community together through music, from Jan 25 through Mar 1 we will be presenting more than 20 free events throughout Lee County!

For a complete calendar visit GulfCoastSymphony.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram: #20DaysofMusic #GCS20

GulfCoastSymphony.org

GLORY OF GERSHWINSunday, February 22 at 6pm*

Guest star Melissa Errico leads a celebration of the great George Gershwin. Program also includes Rhapsody in Blue and his Piano Concerto in F, performed by pianist Di Wu. Join us for this extra-special evening to celebrate our 20th Anniversary season!

Tickets from $42 239.481.4849 or vist GulfCoastSymphony.org

*Please note earlier concert start-time of 6pm.

Sponsored by:

BEST OF WEBBER & RODGERSSunday, March 29 at 7pm

Broadway stars Stephen Buntrock and Morgan James are joined by local favorite Mark Sanders in a tribute to the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Rodgers & Hammerstein. A perennial sell-out, so get your tickets today!


Pre-Pops dinner in lobby at 5:30pm. Separate ticket required; limited availability. Catered by Blue Moon Pizza. Purchase online at GulfCoastSymphony.org or call 239.277.1700. $25 per person.

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by: Dr. Jacob Goldberger and Margarita Suarez & Family and The Bireley Family Fund

Sponsored by:

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIESaturday, April 18 at 7pm

Cirque de la Symphonie transforms the concert stage into a magical cirque show! Performances by aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, and strongmen. World-class performers join the Gulf Coast Symphony for a “Cirque” performance with live symphony orchestra.


Pre-Pops dinner in lobby at 5:30pm. Separate ticket required; limited availability. Catered by Square One. Purchase online at GulfCoastSymphony.org or call 239.277.1700. $25 per person.

Sponsored by:

VERDI REQUIEMSunday, March 15 at 7pm

The Gulf Coast Symphony is joined by Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers to perform Verdi’s choral masterpiece, Requiem. Guest soloists: Jennifer Holbrook, soprano; Claudia Chapa, mezzo soprano; William Davenport, tenor; Branch Fields, bass.


Join us in the lobby after the performance to meet the chorus and soloists.

MAHLER & WORLD PREMIERESSunday, November 22 at 7pm

Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 is paired with the world premieres of Celebration Overture by Patrick Soluri – in honor of the Gulf Coast Symphony’s 20th Anniversary – and Concerto for Cello by Ilya Levinson, both commissioned as part of our new 2020 Commissioning Project. Ian Maksin, cello.


Join us for cake in the lobby after the performance to celebrate the launch of our 20th Anniversary Season!

Sponsored by:

Drs. Peter & Eleanor Blitzer and the L.A.T. Foundation

Sponsored by:

and the L.A.T. Foundation

JenniferHolbrook

ClaudiaChapa

WilliamDavenport

BranchFields

Join us for these FREE programs!

20 DAYS OF MUSICLee County

Free musical events throughout Lee County from January 25 through March 1. Visit GulfCoastSymphony.org for details.

MUSICAL DISCOVERY SERIESat the Alliance for the Arts (Fort Myers)

Strings ..................... Sat, Jan 10 at 10amWoodwinds ............. Sat, Feb 28 at 10amBrass ....................... Sat, Mar 21 at 10amPercussion .............. Sat, Apr 25 at 10am

GULF COAST SYMPHONY AT THE LIBRARYLee County Libraries (Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres)

Symphony Storytime ..................................... Jan 27, Feb 3, Feb 24, Mar 11, Apr 1Musical Discovery Zone ................................ Jan 31, Feb 14Previews on the Plaza ................................... Nov 20, Feb 19

Education Programs

EARLY GATEWAYS TO THE ARTSA free program for enrolled pre-K students at Kids Connection that teaches basic music terms, and an introduction to a variety of instruments.

GATEWAYS TO THE ARTSWe collaborate with schools in Lee County to offer students comprehensive music education opportunities including free and subsidized concert tickets, performance opportunities, and a week-long Artist Residency Program that brings professional musicians into select partner schools.

MUSICWORKS!We're partnering with the Harlem Heights Foundation to launch an afterschool strings programs at The Heights Center with the goal of helping children achieve their full potential. Children will perform in a side-by-side concert with the Gulf Coast Symphony in June! Supported by The Southwest Florida Community Foundation.

For more information about Gulf Coast Symphony Education and Lifelong Learning activities visit GulfCoastSymphony.org.

BEETHOVEN FEST!Saturday, May 16 at 7pm

An all-Beethoven program featuring his beloved Symphony No. 7 in A major, Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, and the Coriolan Overture. Susan Starr, piano.


To celebrate the conclusion of our 20th Anniversary season, please join us for a reception in the lobby following the performance.

Sponsored by:

L.A.T. Foundation

DECK THE HALLSSaturday, December 20 at 7pm

The Symphony celebrates the spirit of the season with this annual tradition filled with holiday favorites. Performances by Mark Sanders, Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, and the Kellyn Irish Dancers, as well as a carol sing-a-long, the lighting of the menorah, and of course, a visit from Santa!*


*Santa will be available for photos in the Barbara B. Mann lobby at this performance!

Sponsored by:

The Bireley Family Fund

Designed for children of all ages, our shorter Family Concerts provide a perfect introduction to the Symphony. Kids (and their parents) take a journey through the sights and unique sounds to a full orchestra performance. During the Musical Discovery Zone™ in the lobby, kids experience interactive demonstrations, explanations, and one-on-one interactions with orchestra members and their instruments.

Sunday, October 26 at 1pm Amazing animations accompany ghoulishly good music in our Halloween Family Concert, featuring Dynamic Video™. Wear your favorite costumes for the costume contest, enjoy safe trick-or-treating, make a craft with the Alliance for the Arts, meet the musicians of the Symphony and even play some instruments in our popular Musical Discovery Zone™!

Sunday, June 7 at 1pm Composers tell stories through music! Listen and use your imagination to experience dreams, love stories, and exciting adventures. This family-friendly symphonic and pops concert also features a performance by the Young Artists Awards’ Instrumental Music Winner. Prior to the concert, visit the Musical Discovery Zone™ in the lobby.

Tickets $10. Both concerts held at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

ANIMAL TALESSunday, January 25 at 3pmMessiah Lutheran Church

A free family performance for the community sponsored by and presented at Messiah Lutheran Church (2691 NE Pine Island Road, Cape Coral). The orchestra will perform Peter & The Wolf and other animal-inspired favorites!

Sponsored in part by:

Kellyn Irish Dancers Santa Claus Mark Sanders

TASTE OF THE CAPESunday, March 1 from Noon until 6pm

Join us at Four Freedoms Park for a wonderful afternoon of great tastes! The premier culinary and cultural event of Cape Coral offers an international array of great food, and a wide variety of craft beers, margaritas, and wine. Enjoy musical performances from local school groups, and finish the day with the sensational Symphony at Sunset. Selections of Broadway favorites and light classics accompany the beautiful Southwest Florida setting! All proceeds go to scholarships and music outreach programs within our community. No outside food or drink permitted.

Free Concert and Entrance

A partnership program of:

Saturday, April 11 at 6pmPHANTOM OF THE OPERA

MASQUERADE BALLKelly Greens Country Club

Beautiful gowns, intricate masks, a true black tie affair – our annual fundraiser will be an evening reminiscent of the elegant masquerade ball in the Phantom of the Opera. The evening features a live and silent auction, a gourmet dinner, and a special cabaret performance by Gulf Coast Symphony favorite Doug LaBrecque, who played the roles of both Raoul and The Phantom on Broadway.

Tickets $150 per person

Please call 239.277.1700 or visit GulfCoastSymphony.org

OUR VENUE & TICKET INSTRUCTIONSGulf Coast Symphony performances take place at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall (unless otherwise noted). The Hall is located on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College (formerly Edison State College), at 13350 Edison Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33919.

The Gulf Coast Symphony is recognized for its powerful music-making, which is created at each and every concert by our extraordinarily talented local musicians, and our founding Music Director, Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz, and also its expansive community engagement activities that make Southwest Florida a great place to live.

DID YOU KNOW…?THE GULF COAST SYMPHONY HAS AN ACTIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM.In addition to presenting our Classical Access, Symphonic Pops, Holiday and Family concerts at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, we bring free music programs for all ages throughout Lee County. This season we’re partnering with the Lee County Library System, Community Cooperative, Heights Foundation, Alliance for the Arts, and Lee Memorial Health Systems – to name a few.

TICKET REVENUE PROVIDES LESS THAN HALF OF THE FUNDS NEEDED TO PRESENT OUR PROGRAMMING IN A SEASON. Although we charge admission to our concerts at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, these funds do not cover the full costs of presenting performances. In order to provide musical opportunities to our community, we rely on donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.

THE GULF COAST SYMPHONY IS A FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED 501(C)3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO HELP!

Join the Musical Legacy Society Musical Legacy Society members are passionately committed to continuing the symphonic art form, and ensuring that we can reach audiences all around our community. A minimum pledge of $1,000 offers membership, which provides many benefits: • Ability to purchase LOGE BOX seats • Access to VIP parking • Access to Musical Legacy Society Lounge before and after the concert, and at intermission with private bartender • Post-concert reception with guest artists and conductor, catered by Z Crepes Café • Voucher for 2 tickets for best available seats to any Gulf Coast Symphony concert • Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages • Private restroom facilities

Give to the Annual Fund Campaign Donations of any size help! For example, a $25 donation can help us to provide necessary supplies for our Community Engagement programs. Larger donations offset the costs of general operations, as well as presenting our programming.

Become a part of our 2020 Commissioning Project Over the next seven seasons, we will commission and premiere at least ten new pieces from some of today’s best composers! Donating to the Project is a perfect way to commemorate an anniversary, birthday, or other special event!

Show your love of the arts in perpetuity If music is a part of your life, consider establishing a legacy to our new Endowment Fund.

NEW! PRE-POPS DINNERS The Gulf Coast Symphony is hosting a new Pre-Pops dinner series, available before select Pops concerts. For $25* you can partake in a delicious meal, catered by an area restaurant. Seating is limited to 100 people, and a separate ticket is required. To make a reservation, call the Symphony office at 239.277.1700 or visit GulfCoastSymphony.org. *$2 handling fee will be added for credit card purchases.

SINGLE TICKETSClassical Access from $22Symphonic Pops from $42To purchase single tickets, please call the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Box Office at 239.481.4849 or visit GulfCoastSymphony.org/tickets.

SUBSCRIPTIONSSeason Series Subscribers get the best seat selection and can save up to 20% compared to single ticket prices! Please use this worksheet to help plan your purchase. Then, call 239.277.1700 ext 4 to process your subscription, mail to our office at 6314 Corporate Court, Suite 100, Fort Myers, FL 33919, or stop by between 10am and 5pm Monday through Friday.

SYMPHONIC POPS SUBSCRIPTIONS

SEAT LOCATION 5 CONCERTS # OF SEATS SUBTOTAL

LOGE BOX* $375

GOLDEN CIRCLE $265

PREMIUM $220

PREFERRED $200

CLASSICAL ACCESS SUBSCRIPTIONS

SEAT LOCATION 5 CONCERTS # OF SEATS SUBTOTAL

LOGE BOX* $150

MEZZANINE $102

GOLDEN CIRCLE $90

PREMIUM $78

PRIME $66

Suggested tax-deductible contribution $50

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Balcony not available as a Classical subscription. There will be limited single ticket availability.

*Loge Box seats are only available for purchase by Musical Legacy Society Members *Loge Box seats are only available for purchase by Musical Legacy Society Members

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WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR OUR MANY GENEROUS SPONSORS.

CONCERTS.

KIDS.

COMMUNITY.

L.A.T. Foundation The Bireley Family Fund

Claiborne and Ned Foulds Foundation

Drs. Peter & Eleanor Blitzer

Airport Inn

Dr. Jacob Goldberger and Margarita Suarez & Family

Serving Lee County since 1965CFC 057368 CAC 057492

MEDIA SPONSORS

IN KIND SPONSORS

GulfCoastSymphony.org • 239.277.1700

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gcs 2014-15 season brochure

Documents

joys of music

music education

days of music

symphonic music

music of frank sinatra

southwest florida

concert hall

ry s e