SPRINGFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2014-2015 SEASON Kevin Rhodes, Music Director Season Sponsor
Welcome to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra s 2014-2015 Concert season! We invite you to join us at historic Springfield Symphony Hall, as we begin our eighth decade of exceptional musical performances. This season is particularly exciting, for several reasons. Maestro Kevin Rhodes has renewed his relationship as SSO Music Director for the next three seasons. So we can all look forward to his incomparable musical selections filling Symphony Hall for years to come! Our Classical series includes such favorites as Ravel s Bolero, Mussorgsky s Pictures at an Exhibition and Rachmaninoff s Piano Concerto No. 2. We ll also present several newer works, including Fuchs Out of the Dark and Guitar Concerto Aranjuez by Rodrigo. Throughout the season, you ll be treated to some of the finest soloists on the classical music scene today including violinists Caroline Goulding and Axel Strauss, pianists Sara Davis Buechner and Spencer Myer, and guitarist Denis Azabagic. Our Pops series will truly have something for everyone, and includes the perennial holiday favorite Home for the Follidays, plus three musical tributes to today s popular sounds all with Jeans n Classics vocalists and band, backed by our venerable orchestra. We look forward to welcoming you at each of our upcoming performances this season, as we continue to bring the very best in live music performances to the Pioneer Valley. And as always, we thank you for your continued support of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra!
SEASON AT A GLANCE Springfield Symphony Orchestra 2014-2015 Concert Season Saturday 9/27/14 President's Opening Night Pre-Concert Reception.......... 16 Saturday 9/27/14 All-Orchestral Opening Night Gala...................3 Saturday 10/11/14 Sgt. Pepper / Beatles Tribute..................... 4 Saturday 10/25/14 Kings, Angels & Lovers........................ 5 Saturday 12/6/14 Home for the Follidays Holiday Concert................6 Saturday 12/6/14 12th Annual Silent Auction......................16 Saturday 1/24/15 Beethoven, Mendelssohn & Fuchs...................8 Saturday 2/7/15 For Michael The Music of Michael Jackson..............9 Saturday 2/21/15 Latin Guitar!.............................10 Saturday 3/14/15 Beethoven & Bernstein....................... 11 Friday 3/20/15 Take the Stage Gala Fundraiser................... 17 Saturday 3/28/15 Blood, Sweat, Tears, Earth, Wind, Fire & a Little Chicago!...... 12 Saturday 4/11/15 Viennese Choral Spectacular.....................13 Saturday 4/25/15 Season Finale The Rite of Spring..................14 Kevin Rhodes Music Director & Conductor Classical Conversations Enhance your concert experience with this informal half-hour discussion series, before each Classical Concert - 6:30 pm, Symphony Hall. Join guest lecturers, including NEPR s John Nowacki, as they discuss the evening s concert and answer audience questions (free to concertgoers). Jeans 'n Classics Our 2014-2015 Pops Series features Jeans n Classics, star performers on the arts & entertainment scene, who combine the best of today s popular sounds with world-class symphony orchestras and choruses.
SUPPORT THE SSO The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to enhancing life in the region, and to expanding collaborative efforts to reach all constituents throughout Western Massachusetts. Thank you for your support as we strive to do more, be more, and give more in our community! The SSO s artistic, education, and community programs would not be possible without the generous support of individuals like you. Ticket sales (including subscriptions) cover only about one-third of the operating costs of the SSO. Our mission includes not only the concerts heard at Symphony Hall, but also vital educational programs that bring musical discovery to a new generation and outreach that has an impact on lives throughout the region. Please show your appreciation through generosity in a first or expanded donation. Please accept my gracious thanks for your support of a fantastic 2014-2015 Season! Best, Audrey J. Szychulski 2 SSO Executive Director Springfield Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, September 27th, 2014 at 7:30 PM Kevin Rhodes, Music Director & Conductor Ravel Bolero Debussy La Mer Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition Kevin Rhodes Music Director Our Opening Night Gala promises to be a spectacular evening, highlighting the brilliance of the incredible SSO in orchestral showpieces by Ravel, Debussy & Mussorgsky. Make the event even more special by attending the President s Opening Night Pre-Concert Reception, with hosts Pam & John Chandler. Read more about the Reception on page 16, and be sure to join us for an exciting start to our 71st performance season! Concert Sponsor Media Sponsor SpringfieldSymphony.org 3
CELEBRATE THE 50 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEATLES' U.S. INVASION! Jean Meilleur Jeans n Classics Vocalist Saturday, October 11th, 2014 at 7:30 PM Jeans n Classics Jean Meilleur, Jeans n Classics Vocalist Springfield Symphony Chorus, Nikki Stoia, Director Jeans n Classics takes great pleasure in presenting "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" - perhaps the Beatles' most creative album - in its entirety, all backed by members of the extraordinary SSO. This concert also includes additional Beatles hits, and features the Springfield Symphony Chorus, and the renowned Jeans n Classics Band with Jean Meilleur on lead vocals. Concert Sponsor Soloist Sponsor Media Sponsor Media Sponsor 4 Springfield Symphony Orchestra
Caroline Goulding Violin Concert Sponsor Saturday, October 25th, 2014 at 7:30 PM Kevin Rhodes, Music Director & Conductor Caroline Goulding, Violin Bach Es ist mir genug Berg Violin Concerto Tchaikovsky The Tempest, Fantasy Overture, Op. 18 Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet, Overture-Fantasy The incredible Caroline Goulding returns to the SSO for Alban Berg s Violin Concerto "To the Memory of an Angel" (1935), his last and perhaps most well-known piece. The evening also includes two of Tchaikovsky s beautiful Shakespearean works and Johann Sebastian Bach s much-loved church cantata, Es ist mir genug. Soloist Sponsor Media Sponsor SpringfieldSymphony.org 5
Saturday, December 6th, 2014 at 7:30 PM Harvey Felder, Guest Conductor Gavin Hope, Jeans n Classics Vocalist Andrea Koziol, Jeans n Classics Vocalist Springfield Symphony Chorus, Nikki Stoia, Director This festive family concert is a perennial tradition that truly rings in the holiday season! The evening will feature the SSO, Guest Conductor Harvey Felder, and the renowned Jeans n Classics vocalists, Gavin Hope and Andrea Koziol. Adding to the festivities will be over 100 amazing voices of the Springfield Symphony Chorus, a chorus line of Tap- Dancing Santas and many special guests. Join us for an evening of musical celebration with a rockin beat, and a festive audience sing-along. Concert Sponsor Concert Sponsor Conductor Sponsor 6 SpringfieldSymphony.org
Andrea Koziol Jeans n Classics Vocalist Gavin Hope Jeans n Classics Vocalist Harvey Felder Guest Conductor 12th Annual Silent Auction Do your holiday shopping, while supporting SSO educational & outreach programs! See page 16. Soloist Sponsor Springfield Symphony Orchestra Media Sponsor Media Sponsor 7
Saturday, January 24th, 2015 at 7:30 PM Kevin Rhodes, Music Director & Conductor Axel Strauss, Violin Fuchs Out of the Dark (Suite for Chamber Orchestra) Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 Italian Beethoven Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61 The first German artist to ever win the international Naumburg Violin Award in New York, violinist Axel Strauss returns to the SSO for one of the most important works of the violin concerto repertoire - Beethoven s Violin Concerto. The evening opens with Fuchs Out of the Dark a truly American work that Fuchs describes as "reflect(ing) the palette of musical sounds that developed in the United States in the last hundred years", and Mendelssohn s expressive Italian Symphony. Concert Sponsor Axel Strauss Violin 8 Springfield Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, February 7th, 2015 at 7:30 PM Jeans n Classics Gavin Hope, Jeans n Classics Vocalist Gavin Hope Jeans n Classics Vocalist Concert Sponsor SpringfieldSymphony.org Media Sponsor Michael Jackson s passing in the spring of 2009 was a huge loss to the music world, but luckily for us he left an awesome musical legacy! In this tribute to the music of Michael Jackson, we will take you back to the earliest days of The Jackson 5, through The Jacksons, and also focus on some of the best material of Michael s solo work from "Off The Wall", "Thriller", and "Bad" with the renowned Jeans n Classics Band & Gavin Hope on lead vocals, all backed by members of the incredible Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Media Sponsor 9
Saturday, February 21st, 2015 at 7:30 PM Kevin Rhodes, Music Director & Conductor Denis Azabagic, Guitar Respighi Botticelli Triptych Vivaldi Guitar Concerto in D major, RV 93 Rodrigo Guitar Concerto Aranjuez De Falla Suite No. 1 The Three Cornered Hat Denis Azabagic Guitar Denis Azabagic, one of the most compelling classical guitarists on the international concert circuit today, returns to the SSO for a spectacular evening of Latin guitar performing Concertos by Vivaldi and Rodrigo. This evening, you will also hear Respighi s Botticelli Triptych which brings to life three paintings by the Italian Renaissance master Sandro Botticelli, and DeFalla s Suite No. 1 The Three Cornered Hat, extracted from his two-act ballet for large orchestra. Concert Sponsor Soloist Sponsor Media Sponsor 10 Springfield Symphony Orchestra
Sara Davis Buechner Piano Saturday, March 14th, 2015 at 7:30 PM Kevin Rhodes, Music Director & Conductor Sara Davis Buechner, Piano Beethoven Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 Pastoral Bernstein Symphony No. 2 The Age of Anxiety American pianist Sara Davis Buechner, one of the leading keyboard artists of our time, has been praised on four continents for her intelligence, integrity and all-encompassing technical prowess. On this evening, she returns to the SSO for Bernstein s haunting Symphony No. 2 The Age of Anxiety, titled after W. H. Auden's poem of the same name. Also on the program is Beethoven s Symphony No. 6 Pastoral. Concert Sponsor Soloist Sponsor Media Sponsor SpringfieldSymphony.org 11
Saturday, March 28th, 2015 at 7:30 PM Jeans n Classics David Blamires, Jeans 'n Classics Vocalist Jean Meilleur, Jeans 'n Classics Vocalist This ever-popular Jeans n Classics night includes the best of three awesome rock bands - Earth, Wind & Fire, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Chicago. The program features the renowned Jeans n Classics Band with David Blamires & Jean Meilleur on lead vocals all backed by members of the magnificent SSO, for a riveting, brassy experience that will envelope Springfield Symphony Hall! David Blamires Jeans 'n Classics Vocalist Concert Sponsor Soloist Sponsor Media Sponsor Media Sponsor Jean Meilleur Jeans 'n Classics Vocalist 12 Springfield Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, April 11th, 2015 at 7:30 PM Kevin Rhodes, Music Director & Conductor Mary Wilson, Soprano David McFerrin Baritone Mary Wilson Soprano William Hite Tenor William Hite, Tenor Mozart Regina Coeli, K. 108 (74d) David McFerrin, Baritone Beethoven Choral Fantasy, Op. 80 Nadine Shank, Piano Schubert Symphony No. 8, in B minor, D. 759 Unfinished Springfield Symphony Chorus, Nikki Stoia, Director Schubert Mass No. 2 in G major, D. 167 Join us for this rousing celebration of classical works composed for orchestra and chorus. Phenomenal soprano Mary Wilson returns to Springfield, MA for Mozart s Regina Coeli and Schubert s Mass in G Major (also with Tenor William Hite and Baritone David McFerrin). Nadine Shank, SSO Principal Pianist lends her talent to Beethoven s Choral Fantasy. All three of these works also feature the Springfield Symphony Chorus. The evening also includes Schubert s vivid and expressive Symphony No. 8 Unfinished. Soloist Sponsor Media Sponsor SpringfieldSymphony.org 13
Saturday, April 25th, 2015 at 7:30 PM Kevin Rhodes, Music Director & Conductor Spencer Myer, Piano Wagner Overture to Tannhäuser (Dresden) Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 Stravinsky The Rite of Spring On this evening, Maestro Rhodes & the SSO celebrate the splendor of our 71st season with an evening of favorites from Wagner, Rachmaninoff and Stravinsky. The program opens with Overture to Tannhäuser by Wagner. Piano soloist Spencer Myer, one of the most outstanding pianists of his generation, returns to Springfield, MA for one of Rachmaninoff s most enduringly popular pieces the Piano Concerto No. 2. The finale program of the SSO season concludes with Stravinsky s beautiful and avant-garde Rite of Spring - widely considered to be one of the most influential musical works of the 20th century. Spencer Myer Piano Concert Sponsor Soloist Sponsor Media Sponsor 14 Springfield Symphony Orchestra
SPRINGFIELD SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras (SSYO) are two merit-based orchestral ensembles sponsored by the SSO, for talented young musicians from over 40 area communities. They include the Springfield Youth Sinfonia Youth (an introductory orchestra that develops ensemble skills), and the Springfield Youth Orchestra (an advanced orchestra that cultivates standard orchestral repertoire). For more information, visit SpringfieldSymphony.org or contact Youth Orchestras Manager Patrick McMahon at SSYO@SpringfieldSymphony.org or 413.733-0636 x19. Youth Orchestra Concerts Season Premiere: Sunday, November 23rd, 2014 3:00pm - Belchertown High School Winter Concert: Sunday, February 8th, 2015 3:00pm - Westfield State University Season Finale: Sunday, May 17th, 2015 3:00pm Springfield Symphony Hall Tickets available at the door, the day of the performance. Adults $10 Seniors (age 65+) & Children $5 SpringfieldSymphony.org 15
President s Opening Night Pre-Concert Reception Saturday, September 27th, 2014 Springfield Sheraton Hotel, 5:00pm 7:00pm $25 per person ($75 with Opening Night concert ticket) Join hosts Pam & John Chandler, as we celebrate the start of another exceptional concert season! The evening will include hearty appetizers, one complimentary drink (cash bar thereafter), a special Silent Auction featuring symphony treasures and more! Tickets on sale August 1st at the SSO Box Office and online at SpringfieldSymphony.org. SSO SPECIAL EVENTS 12th Annual Silent Auction Saturday, December 6th, 2014 On Home for the Follidays concert night, plan to visit the Mahogany Room before the concert and during intermission, to browse our Annual Silent Auction. You'll find dozens of great gift ideas and it all supports SSO Educational and Outreach programs! Bids will be accepted through intermission, information on bidwinners will be available after the performance. 16 Springfield Symphony Orchestra
Take the Stage Gala Fundraiser Friday, March 20th, 2015 Experience Springfield Symphony Hall as you never have before! Join us for dinner and surprises on the stage, preceded by cocktails, hors d oeuvres & musical entertainment. Proceeds benefit the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Tickets $250 per person, on sale August 1st, 2014 at the SSO Box Office and online at SpringfieldSymphony.org. SSO SPECIAL EVENTS Maestro s Vienna Raffle Purchase your Raffle Ticket for a chance to win a fabulous trip for two, to Vienna, Austria! Trip includes airfare, hotel accommodations and tickets to see Maestro Rhodes conduct. Tickets available at every SSO concert beginning Opening Night and at the SSO Box Office a great birthday, anniversary, or holiday gift! Winner will be drawn on April 25th, at our Season Finale concert. SpringfieldSymphony.org 17
PARKING INCLUDED WITH YOUR TICKET! SINGLE TICKETS Information & Prices Whether it s date-night, an evening out with friends, or an event for the whole family there s nothing like a Springfield Symphony Orchestra concert! Single tickets go on sale August 1st, 2014 for all performances buy early for best seating selection. Concerts are Saturday, 7:30 PM at Springfield Symphony Hall (34 Court Street, Springfield MA 01103), a classic 2,600 capacity theatre that s renowned for its perfect acoustics and Greek Revival architecture. Tickets available at SpringfieldSymphony.org and the SSO Box Office (413.733.2291). Side Loges 9 7 5 WA GTB OB GTA OA STAGE OA OB GTA GTC OA OB GTA WA GTB 8 6 4 Side Loges OA/GTA OB/GTB GTC SL SB WA CODE: Orchestra A & Grand Tier A Orchestra B & Grand Tier B Grand Tier C Side Loge Second Balcony Wheelchair Accessible Single Tickets / Adults OA / GTA OB / GTB Grand Tier C Side Loge 2nd Balcony Classical $65 $50 $35 $25 $22 Pops $60 $50 $35 $25 $22 NEW! Youth Tickets (ages 4-17) and College Student Tickets (valid ID required) are $10 each, for all Concerts. Become a Subscriber! If you re buying tickets to 4 or more concerts, subscribe to become a member of the SSO family you ll enjoy savings, flexibility, discounts on additional tickets, free parking at SPA (Springfield Parking Authority) garages, discounts at local restaurants, exclusive backstage tour & more! Second Balcony Facilities for Disabled Persons: Wheelchair seating is on the main floor at $25 per concert. One escort ticket per wheelchair may also be purchased for $25 per concert. Any additional party members must pay full price. Handicapped entrance faces East Columbus Avenue with drop off and limited parking available on the avenue. Exchange privileges for subscribers only Children under 4 not allowed in Hall All programs subject to change No refunds All subscriber ticket exchanges must be returned to the Box Office by the Friday before Concert date Call 413.733-2291 for more info Tickets, concert information and subscription renewals also available online at SpringfieldSymphony.org 18 SpringfieldSymphony.org
GROUP OUTINGS Information & Prices From small social clubs and fraternal groups, to large networking and professional organizations plan a group outing to a Springfield Symphony Orchestra concert! Whether your event is formal or casual, a celebration or just a friendly get-together, we can help make it a special affair. Group Tickets / Adults OA / GTA OB / GTB Grand Tier C Side Loge 2nd Balcony Classical $51.75 $40.50 $29.25 $21.75 $19.50 Pops $48 $40.50 $29.25 $21.75 $19.50 Prices include parking and service fee. Youth Tickets (ages 4-17) and College Student Tickets (valid ID required) are $10 each, no additional discount applies. Availability Group tickets (10 or more to the same concert) for any performance can be reserved starting August 1st, 2014. Groups receive a 25% discount off Adult single-ticket prices. Reserve Today! Contact Karen LaRocque at 413.733-2291 x14 or KarenLarocque@SpringfieldSymphony.org for more info, or visit SpringfieldSymphony.org. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How Do I Order? Contact Karen LaRocque, Group Sales Coordinator to reserve your group tickets. We can also help you with seating options, and suggestions regarding planning a pre-concert or post-concert reception. When Should I Order? Advance ordering is the key to the best seating! We suggest you contact us as soon as you ve selected your concert. A final count, and full payment (cash, check or credit card) is due at least two weeks before your concert. There are no refunds or exchanges after you pay. Can I Change My Order? You can adjust your order to include more or fewer people when you call to reserve your tickets. Once payment is received, we cannot refund money or change your concert date. Can We Sit Together? Of course! We ll do our best to seat your group in your desired location, depending on ticket availability. We recommend you reserve early for best seating options. How Do I Get Our Tickets? After final payment is made, you may visit the SSO Box Office to pickup your tickets. If time permits, we can also mail your tickets to you. SpringfieldSymphony.org 19
SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES Side Loges 9 7 5 WA STAGE OA OA OA OB OB OB WA GTB GTA GTA GTA GTB GTC 8 6 4 Side Loges OA/GTA OB/GTB GTC SL SB WA Call 413.733.2291 for assistance CODE: Orchestra A & Grand Tier A Orchestra B & Grand Tier B Grand Tier C Side Loge Second Balcony Wheelchair Accessible BECOME AN SSO SERIES SUBSCRIBER, FOR SPECIAL BENEFITS! Save up to 20% compared to single ticket purchases No Service Fees for additional tickets Free & easy ticket exchange (in person or by mail) Lost Ticket Replacement Insurance NEW SUBSCRIBERS: BUY 1, GET 1 FREE! Call for details. Save 15% on additional single tickets, before they go on sale to the general public Enjoy discounts at local restaurants, CityStage, and Springfield Museums FREE Parking at SPA (Springfield Parking Authority) Garages NEW! Second Balcony Full Season (11 Concerts) Classical Series (7 Concerts) Pops Series (4 Concerts) Choose 6 (any 6 Concerts) Choose 5 (any 5 Concerts) Choose 4 (any 4 Concerts) Orchestra A & Grand Tier A $586 $425 $215 $372 $310 $250 Orchestra B & Grand Tier B $464 $325 $185 $264 $220 $180 LOWER PRICES! Grand Tier C $315 $225 $120 $192 $160 $135 Side Loge $250 $175 $100 $150 $125 $100 Second Balcony $174 $125 $65 $108 $90 $72 Seniors (Orch B, Grand Tier B Only) Youths (ages 4-17) & College Students $315 $225 $120 $192 $160 $135 $110 $70 $40 $60 $50 $40 College subscriptions available to enrolled full-time students only, with a valid ID. To purchase a College subscription, visit the Box Office & select your seats! Wheelchair seating is on the main floor at $25 per concert. One escort ticket per wheelchair may also be purchased for $25 per concert, additional parties must pay full price. 20 Springfield Symphony Orchestra
SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM Use this handy Subscription Order Form, order online at SpringfieldSymphony.org or call the SSO Box Office at 413.733.2291. New Subscribers simply provide your concert & seating choices, and return this form with payment Renewing Classical & Pops Subscribers be sure to indicate if you d like to renew or change your current seats. Choose your Series Full Season Classical Pops Choose 6 Choose 5 Choose 4 Choose your Seats Please renew my current seats I m a new subscriber, please seat me in I d like to change my seats for 14-15 please call me at ( ). CONCERT SERIES SEATING CHOICE # OF SUBSCRIPTIONS PRICE OF SUBSCRIPTION Season Subscription (11 Concerts) Classical Series (7 Classical Concerts) Pops Series (4 Pops Concerts) Choose 6, 5, or 4 Series (Circle Dates Below) 9/27, 10/11, 10/25, 12/6, 1/24, 2/7, 2/21, 3/14, 3/28, 4/11, 4/25 NOTE TO CURRENT CHOOSE SUBSCRIBERS: Please renew as early as possible, as you have no seats on hold for the 14-15 concert season. Seats will be assigned in the order in which payments are received. SUB-TOTAL $ *Ticket Sales Cover only 33% of concert costs. Please support the SSO with an additional taxdeductible gift. Contributions of $150 or more will DONATION* $ My employer has a matching gift program (please enclose form) HANDLING $10.00 be recognized in Encore, our Season Program Book. GRAND TOTAL $ TOTAL Payment Info Check enclosed Visa MasterCard Discover American Express Card No. Ex. Date CID (last 3 digits on back of card, by signature area) Signature Please mail tickets to address below Please hold tickets at Box Office Name Address City State Zip Code Email THANK YOU for your continued support of the SSO! 413.733.2291 SpringfieldSymphony.org SSO Box Office: 1350 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 Mon-Fri 9:30am 4:30pm (Facing Court Square, next to Palazzo Café)
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Springfield, MA Permit No. 678 Return Service Requested SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW SUBSCRIBERS! Get to know your SSO! youtube.com/springfieldorchestra