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grsymphony.org Day 616/454-9451, Ext. 4 EvE 616/885-1241CALL today!

Music FroM ThE hEarT

Music today speaks to our deepest needs – just as it did upon our founding 85 years ago, during the Great Depression. This will be my final season as your music director, and I feel fortunate to have led you on these magical journeys for sixteen years. Each concert has felt like a birth, and the breadth of what we have explored together feels miraculous and epic. I am, as always, excited about the new works and special guests we have planned this season. But most of all, I can’t wait to see you at the finishing line with Mahler’s “Resurrection Symphony,” to share one of my personal favorites. Please join us this season.

With Love,

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grsymphony.org Day 616/454-9451, Ext. 4 EvE 616/885-1241Day 616/454-9451, Ext. 4 EvE 616/885-1241 grsymphony.org CALL today!CALL today!

at DeVos Performance HallFridays/saturdays, 8 pm

Richard and Helen DeVos

classical n Grand [all 10 concerts] s highlights [5 concerts] l showcase [5 concerts]

Subscription Series Options:

September 19/20, 8 pm n s

an arTFul opEninG niGhTBriTTEn Four Sea Interludes vauGhan WilliaMs The Lark Ascending philip saWyErs Hommage to Kandinsky: A Symphonic Poem for Orchestra [World Premiere]

BEEThovEn Symphony No. 5David lockington, ConductorJames crawford, Violin

from David... Part fusion with ArtPrize and part British, opening night will feature music that is inspired by visual elements. Jamie Crawford’s sweet tone will bring “The Lark” alive again, and I’m excited to perform a new colorful, vibrant work by one of my dearest friends, Philip Sawyers. Then, of course, there’s Beethoven 5!

October 10/11, 8 pm n l

Dylana’s siBEliusaDolphus hailsTork Overture [World Premiere]

siBElius Violin ConcertoprokoFiEv Symphony No. 5 David lockington, ConductorDylana Jenson, Violin

from David... How nice is it when a composer friend writes an overture as a going away present for you? Another wonderful relationship – with my brilliant wife Dylana! I look forward to supporting her extraordinary interpretation of Sibelius in my final season. And the Prokofiev? … it is a profound and beautiful symphony.

October 24/25, 8 pm n s

coplanD anD BrahMsnico Muhly Wish You Were Here coplanD Clarinet Concerto ponchiElli Il Convegno BrahMs Symphony No. 4kynan Johns, Guest ConductorDavid shifrin, Clarinetsuzanna Bratton, Clarinet

Kynan Johns leads this program featuring Avery Fisher Prize winner David Shifrin and our own Suzanna Bratton.

November 21/22, 8 pm n l

lovE anD liFEavnEr DorMan Dialogues of Love [World Premiere, GRS Commission] sTravinsky The Firebird, completeDavid lockington, ConductorGr symphony chorus, Pearl Shangkuan, DirectorGr symphony youth chorus, Sean Ivory, Director

from David... I asked Avner Dorman what work he had inside him crying to be born. He said: “I would love to write an oratorio exploring a dialogue about love from different perspectives.” Our wonderful choruses will be featured and the orchestra will play another Grand Rapids premiere – the complete “Firebird.”

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A balance of masterpieces, works by living composers

and world-renownedconductors and soloists.

David lockington Music Director

David Lockington’s chair is sponsored by the

Steelcase Foundation

John Varineau’s chair is sponsored by the

Wege Foundation

Pearl Shangkuan occupies the

Covenant Chair

Sean Ivory occupies the Verduin Charitable

Foundation Chair

Classical Guest Artists Sponsored by the

Edith I. Blodgett Guest Artist Fund

January 9/10, 8 pm n s

houGh plays DvorákchrisTophEr rousE IscariotDvorák Piano Concerto MEnDElssohn Symphony No. 3 Joshua Weilerstein, Guest Conductorstephen hough, Piano

Your GRS welcomes back Stephen Hough, one of the world’s great pianists. This Naumburg and MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant winner returns to perform on this program led by rising star Joshua Weilerstein, one of the most sought after young conductors in the world.

grsymphony.org Day 616/454-9451, Ext. 4 EvE 616/885-1241Day 616/454-9451, Ext. 4 EvE 616/885-1241 grsymphony.org CALL today!CALL today!

at DeVos Performance HallFridays/saturdays, 8 pm

Richard and Helen DeVos

classical

January 30/31, 8 pm n l

inspirED By WaGnErWaGnEr Prelude to Die Meistersinger DaliT WarshaW Piano Concerto, “Tristan” [World Premiere, GRS Commission]

WaGnEr/arr. devliEGEr Tristan and Isolde, “An Orchestral Passion” David lockington, ConductorDalit Warshaw, Piano

from David... I am passionate about the music of Wagner and always look forward to conducting it. Wagner’s influence today is still profound. He changed everything harmonically with “Tristan”; theatrically, philosophically and psychologically with “The Ring.” “Tristan” is even a part of the literary backdrop for the piano concerto that Dalit Warshaw has written and will be performing with us.

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DeVos Performance Hall

A balance of masterpieces, works by living composers

and world-renownedconductors and soloists.

Sponsored by:

upbeat, 7 pmFrEE prE-concErT convErsaTionsin DeVos Recital HallInformal talks provide insight into the evening’s featured music, composers and guest artists.

February 20/21, 8 pm n s

nEW WorlD syMphonyhayDn Symphony No. 22, “The Philosopher” BErnsTEin SerenadeDvorák Symphony No. 9, “From the New World” Marcelo lehninger, Guest Conductorphilippe Quint, Violin

Russian-American violinist Philippe Quint performs Bernstein’s Serenade in this program led by Marcelo Lehninger. Following his Carnegie Hall debut, Lehninger was praised by The New York Times for his “impressive technique, musical insight and youthful energy.”

March 6/7, 8 pm n l

Brass anD variaTionsBErnarD ranDs Fanfare for Brass Quintet and Orchestra [Midwest Premiere] J. s. Bach Contrapunctus VII kylE WErnEr Concerto for Brass Quintet and Orchestra [World Premiere] WiTolD luToslaWski Paganini VariationsavnEr DorMan Variations Without a ThemeElGar Variations on an Original Theme “Enigma”David lockington, Conductoraxiom Brass, Brass Quintet

from David... I am thrilled to be presenting Axiom Brass. They are individually fabulous musicians, and as an ensemble they have been winning national and international competitions. The whole program explores the theme of variations and includes the piece that put British music on the map – Elgar’s “Enigma.”

March 27/28, 8 pm n s

MozarT anD TchaikovskyBarBEr Second Essay for Orchestra MozarT Piano Concerto No. 21 Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 James Meena, Guest ConductorJoyce yang, Piano

Three eras, three composers, three variations on passion. Acclaimed pianist Joyce Yang performs Mozart’s beloved Piano Concerto No. 21 in this program led by James Meena, who is admired for his artistic vision and dynamic presence on the podium.

May 8/9, 8 pm n l

DaviD’s GranD FinalEMahlEr Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection” David lockington, ConductorGr symphony chorus, Pearl Shangkuan, Director kelley nassief, Sopranosusan platts, Mezzo-soprano

from David... The last performance that I will conduct as music director is Mahler’s “Resurrection Symphony,” one of my favorite symphonies. We have completed a Mahler cycle over my tenure, so this seems like a fitting and spectacular end to my final season!

christina FongAssociate Concertmaster

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SubScribeAs low as $11 per concert!

GrandSERIES 10 $551$404$300$202$110*

highlights showcase

SERIES 5

$367$269$200 $134$73*

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*Limited availability

n Grand [all 10 concerts] s highlights [5 concerts] l showcase [5 concerts]

Subscription Series Options:

grsymphony.org Day 616/454-9451, Ext. 4 EvE 616/885-1241Day 616/454-9451, Ext. 4 EvE 616/885-1241 grsymphony.org CALL today!CALL today!

at DeVos Performance HallFridays/saturdays, 8 pmsundays, 3 pm

Fox Motors

pops Series Sponsor:

Concert Sponsor:

September 26/27, 8 pmSeptember 28, 3 pmDancinG anD roMancinG Broadway meets Hollywood for this memorable evening of song and dance. Two Broadway stars recreate the legendary choreography of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, performed to selections from George Gershwin, Jerome Kern and Irving Berlin. stuart chafetz, Guest ConductorJoan hess and kirby Ward, Vocalists/Dancers

November 14/15, 8 pmNovember 16, 3 pmsinGin’ in ThE rainComplete film with orchestra Witness the award-winning big-screenperformances of Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds, dancing and singing along to a downpour of magnificent songs – Make ‘Em Laugh, Fit as a Fiddle, You Were Meant for Me and more. Your Symphony provides the live soundtrack, bringing this classic film to life for audiences of all ages. David lockington, Conductor

December 5/6, 8 pmDecember 7, 3 pmholiDay popsThis holiday tradition features beloved favorites, the Symphony Chorus, holiday sing-along, a visit from Santa and Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus finale.John varineau, Conductorrod Gilfry, BaritoneGr symphony chorus, Pearl Shangkuan, DirectorGr symphony youth chorus, Sean Ivory, Director

January 23/24, 8 pmJanuary 25, 3 pma niGhT aT ThE oscarsLights, camera, action! Your GRS brings the music of the silver screen to DeVos Performance Hall, performing songs from Oscar-nominated and winning dramas, romances and Hollywood classics.John varineau, Conductorrich ridenour, Piano; Diane penning, SopranoBrandon ridenour, Trumpet

March 13/14, 8 pmMarch 15, 3 pmThE BEsT oF BroaDWay Hear the best of Broadway performed by two stars of the stage! This tribute to some of the most celebrated musicals includes selections from My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera, Cabaret and Wicked.Bob Bernhardt, Guest Conductorlisa vroman and Doug laBrecque, Vocalists

May 15/16, 8 pmMay 17, 3 pmsyMphonic silhouETTEs with le oMBréJaws will drop as world-class performers use their silhouettes to create stunning shadow art. Le Ombré combines breathtaking acrobatics, contemporary dance, live vocals, amusing theatrics and a full orchestra to create storytelling that is imaginative and visually spectacular.John varineau, Conductor le ombré, Silhouette dance and shadow performers

Ellen sherman Principal Oboe

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Bring back memories and create new ones with a mix of popular

entertainers and musical favorites. Big names, big hits, big fun!

4 MEZZ

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popsSERIES

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grsymphony.org Day 616/454-9451, Ext. 4 EvE 616/885-1241Day 616/454-9451, Ext. 4 EvE 616/885-1241 grsymphony.org CALL today!CALL today!

Nestlé Gerber

SYMPHONICBooMat DeVos Performance HallDates/Times vary

leanne king MacDonald Viola

Series Sponsor:

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3

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October 18, 8 pmBEn FolDs – livE! A modern day piano man, Ben Folds is known for his witty lyrics, infectious alt-pop melodies and charming storytelling. This creative showman joins your GRS to perform his newly written piano concerto as well as fan favorites from Ben Folds Five and his popular solo albums.John varineau, ConductorBen Folds, Vocals and Piano

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BooMSERIES 3 $270$201$156$126 $96

These outside-the-box experiences feature pop culture hits and today’s entertainers.

February 7, 8 pmreplay: syMphony oF hEroEsImmerse yourself in your favorite video games. Experience music from Portal, The Legend of Zelda, The Elder Scrolls, Halo and more, performed by live orchestra and accompanied by dramatic gameplay footage. From the creators of Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, rePLAY is a thrilling adventure for gamers and non-gamers alike.

December 16, 7:30 pmcirQuE DE noël with Cirque de la SymphonieBe thrilled by the stunning displays of Cirque artistry, choreographed to classical and seasonal favorites. West Michigan’s hit holiday production is the ultimate multisensory experience, featuring the awe-inspiring feats of aerialists, jugglers, contortionists and acrobats.David lockington, Conductor

SubScribeAs low as $32 per concert!

Day 616/454-9451, Ext. 4 EvE 616/885-1241 grsymphony.org CALL today!

in Royce Auditorium at St. Cecilia Music CenterFridays, 8 pm

Crowe Horwath

GrEaT Eras

St. Cecilia Music Center

November 7, 8 pmThE classical CONCERTMozarT Overture to Il re pastore hayDn Symphony No. 85 cpE Bach Flute Concerto in D minor John varineau, Conductorcamilla hoitenga, Flute

Award-winning flutist Camilla Hoitenga, Grand Rapids native and Calvin College alum, returns home to perform a concerto written for an emperor!

January 16, 8 pmThE roManTic CONCERTDvorák Serenade in E major BrahMs Concerto for Violin and Cello David lockington, Conductor/CelloJohn varineau, ConductorDylana Jenson, Violin

from David... This concert will feature an even rarer collaboration between Dylana and me – the Brahms double concerto. (I will be playing the cello!) It only took us 31 years to get around to it and we’re glad we finally did!

Royce Auditorium, St. Cecilia Music CenterFridays, 10 amFree coffee hour, 9 am

Porter Hills

coFFEE classics

coffeeclassicsSERIES

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November 7, 10 amThE classical COFFEE CONCERT

January 16, 10 amThE roManTic COFFEE CONCERT

April 17, 10 amThE BaroQuE COFFEE CONCERT

Series Sponsor:

Concerts feature selections from the corresponding Great Eras concert above.

RIGHT LEFTCENTER

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$93$81$69

Journey through the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras with these concerts that are

intimate and informative.

One-hour Friday morning concerts with complimentary

coffee and pastries starting at 9 am.

April 17, 8 pmThE BaroQuE CONCERTrEBEl “Chaos” from Les élémensTElEMann Overture in D hanDEl Concerto Grosso Op. 3, No. 2 in B flat major raMEau Suite from Les Indes GalantesGarry clarke, Guest Conductorkatheryn Mueller, Soprano

Guest conductor Garry Clarke has a group in Chicago called the Baroque Band. He lives and breathes Baroque music and has curated this eclectic program.

valuESubscribers experience premium

seats at the very best price, saving up to 39%.

prioriTy sEaTinGYou’ll enjoy priority seating and access to

special events, ahead of the general public.

insiDEr accEssMeet musicians, conductors and

guest artists at post-concert parties. Attend invite-only dress rehearsals,

complete with a backstage tour.

EnhancED ExpEriEncEReceive conductor commentary,

program notes, audio clips, videos and more in your inbox.

FlExiBiliTy & pErsonal sErvicE

Exclusive, free ticket exchange. Lost tickets are replaced. Payment plans available.

Call Ticket Services for details.

Join Your Symphony Family

Enhance your symphony experience. subscribe

and receive these exclusive benefits,

all season long!

SubScribe As low as $23 per concert!

charley leaTrumpet

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Day 616/454-9451, Ext. 4 EvE 616/885-1241Day 616/454-9451, Ext. 4 EvE 616/885-1241 grsymphony.org CALL today!

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at DeVos Performance HallaDD-ons

September 19/20, 8 pman arTFul opEninG niGhTBriTTEn Four Sea Interludes vauGhan WilliaMs The Lark Ascending saWyErs Hommage to Kandinsky: A Symphonic Poem for Orchestra BEEThovEn Symphony No. 5see Classcial page for details and map

December 4, 7:30 pmDecember 6, 3 pmholiDay popsThis festive program is a holiday tradition.see Pops page for details and map

December 17/18, 7:30 pmcirQuE DE noëlExperience the magic of Christmas and the wonder of Cirque.see SymphonicBOOM page for details and map

Special Event prices subject to increase after Sept. 1, 2014

Series Sponsor:

October 4, 8 pminspirED By arTaDaM schoEnBErG Picture Studies John varineau, Conductor adam schoenberg, Composer/CuratorMicah silver, Visual Artist

Through social media, composer and concert curator AdamSchoenberg solicited for submissions of new music inspired by paintings, sculptures, and film. He quickly received 42 submissions, a select few will be featured on this program.

January 17, 8 pmnaTivE sounDsGEorGE cruMB “Remembrance of Time” from Echoes of Time and the RiverBrEnT MichaEl DaviDs Black Hills Olowan BrEnT MichaEl DaviDs “Native Americans” from Honoring Kwa’apogeBrEnT MichaEl DaviDs Film Score Music David lockington, ConductorBrent Michael Davids, Composer/CuratorMaza kute, Drum Ensemble

from David... This program is being curated by a friend of mine, Brent Michael Davids. He combines Native American elements and drumming with symphonic music that resonates so deeply. As a musical storyteller he has also done a lot of film work, some which will be featured.

at Peter Martin Wege Theatresaturdays, 8 pm

Crowe Horwath

MUSICnoW

Peter Martin Wege Theatre

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$70$59$49

Lliving composers,contemporary works,

premieres and commissions, some visually enhanced.

Subscribers Only! Add on extra tickets now, before the general public,

for priority seating.April 18, 8 pmBrillianTEGEorGE WalkEr Lyric for Strings GEorGE WalkEr AntifonysTan Dun Concerto for String Orchestra and PipaTüür Action. Passion. Illusion. sTEWarT GooDyEar Allegro Brilliante John varineau, Conductorstewart Goodyear, Composer/CuratorWu Man, Pipa

Pianist and composer Stewart Goodyear is curating this exciting program led by associate conductor John Varineau.

SubScribeAs low as $16.33 per concert!

paul austin Horn

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SAVe THe DATe! February 28 syMphony WiTh soul March 15-21 GranD rapiDs Bach FEsTival

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An ArtfulOpening

Night

$90*

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$18*

Adult

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Cirque de Noël

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