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Houston Symphony Magazine - February

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Page 1: Houston Symphony Magazine - February
Page 2: Houston Symphony Magazine - February
Page 3: Houston Symphony Magazine - February
Page 4: Houston Symphony Magazine - February
Page 5: Houston Symphony Magazine - February
Page 6: Houston Symphony Magazine - February

� www.houstonsymphony.org

Official Program Magazine of the Houston Symphony615 Louisiana, Suite 102, Houston, Texas 77002(713) 224-4240 • www.houstonsymphony.orgContents ••

February • 2011

Lindy & John Rydman of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods hosted the Houston Symphony’s annual Vintage Virtuoso event.

For advertising contact New Leaf Publishing at (713) 523-5323 [email protected] • www.newleafinc.com • 2006 Huldy, Houston, Texas 77019

Programs1� February 3, 5, 6

16 February 11-13�3 February 14

�4 February 18-20�6 February 24, 26, 27

On Stage and Off3 Credits31-39 Donors 7 From the Orchestra4 Hans Graf5 Letter to Patrons10 Orchestra and Staff30 Symphony Society

Features6 2011 Houston Symphony Ball�0-�1 Season Announcement40 Backstage Pass11 In Memoriam

�9 Music Matters!9 Spotlight on Sponsors

11 Support Your Symphony8 Upcoming Performances

6 Vintage Virtuoso

Cover photo by Sandy Lankford.

Check out the Symphony’s March concerts! 68

Preview the all-star line-up of concerts and guest artists in store for you next season!20-21

2011-2012 Season Announcement!

Page 7: Houston Symphony Magazine - February

February 2011 3

Credits...........................

www.newleafinc.com (713) 5�3-53�3

Mark C. Hanson Executive Director/CEOJessica Taylor EditorCarl Cunningham Program AnnotatorElaine Reeder Mayo Editorial Consultant

Janet Meyer [email protected] Gumney Art [email protected] Greenberg Projects [email protected] Dowling Senior Account Executive [email protected] Lang Senior Account [email protected] Powell Account [email protected] Clark CC Catalyst CommunicationsMarlene Walker Walker Media LLCSarah Hill InternThe activities and projects of the Houston Symphony are funded in part by grants from the Texas Commission on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Houston through the Houston Downtown Alliance, Miller Theatre Advisory Board and Houston Arts Alliance.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion at The Woodlands is the Summer Home of the Houston Symphony.

Digital pre-media services by Vertis APS Houston

Contents copyright © 2011 by the Houston Symphony

LATE SEATING In consideration of audience mem-bers, the Houston Symphony makes every effort to begin concerts on time. Ushers will assist with late seating at pre-designated intervals. You may be asked to sit in a location other than your ticketed seat until the end of that portion of the concert. You will be able to move to your ticketed seat at the concert break.

CHILDREN AT CONCERTS In consideration of our patrons, we ask that children be 6 years and older to attend Houston Symphony concerts. Children of all ages, including infants, are admitted to Weatherford Family Concerts. Any child over age 1 must have a ticket for those performances.

CAMERAS, RECORDERS, CELL PHONES & PAGERS Cameras and recorders are not permitted in the hall. Patrons may not use any device to record or pho-tograph performances. Please silence cell phones, pagers and alarm watches and refrain from texting during performances.

Page 8: Houston Symphony Magazine - February

4 www.houstonsymphony.org

Hans Graf............................................................................................................

Biography............................................................................................................Known for his wide range of repertoire and creative programming, distin-guished Austrian conductor Hans Graf – the Houston Symphony’s 15th Music Director – is one of today’s most highly respected musicians. He began his tenure here on Opening Night of the 2001-2002 season.

Prior to his appointment in Houston, he was music director of the Calgary Philharmonic, the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine, the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra and the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra.

A frequent guest with all of the major North American orchestras, Graf has developed a close relationship with the Boston Symphony and appears regularly with the orchestra during the subscription season and at the Tanglewood Music Festival.

He made his Carnegie Hall debut with the Houston Symphony in January 2006 and returned leading the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in March 2007. He and the Houston Symphony were invited to appear at Carnegie Hall in January 2010 to present the New York premiere of The Planets—An HD Odyssey.

Internationally, Graf conducts in the foremost concert halls of Europe, Japan and Australia. In October 2010, he led the Houston Symphony on a tour of the UK to present the international premiere of The Planets—An HD Odyssey – a project that has been picked up by the Cleveland, Seatlle and Sydney Symphony Orchestras. He has participated in the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Bregenz and Aix en Provence and appeared at the Salzburg Festival. In summer 2010, he conducted the opening concert of the Aspen

Music Festival and returned to Tanglewood and Chicago’s Grant Park Festival.

An experienced opera conductor, Graf first conducted the Vienna State Opera in 1981 and has since led productions in the opera houses of Berlin, Munich, Paris and Rome, including several world premieres. Recent engagements include Parsifal at the Zurich Opera and Boris Godunov at the Opera National du Rhin in Strasbourg.

Born in 1949 near Linz, Graf studied violin and piano as a child. He earned diplomas in piano and conducting from the Musikhochschule in Graz and continued his studies with Franco Ferrara, Sergiu Celibidache and

Arvid Jansons. His career was launched in 1979 when he was awarded first prize at the Karl Böhm Competition.

His extensive discog-raphy includes record-ings with the Houston Symphony, available

through houstonsymphony.org: works by Bartók and Stravinsky, Zemlinsky’s Lyric Symphony, Berg’s Three Pieces from the Lyric Suite and a DVD of The Planets—An HD Odyssey.

Graf has been awarded the Chevalier de l’ordre de la Legion d’Honneur by the French government for championing French music around the world and the Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria.

Hans and Margarita Graf have homes in Salzburg and Houston. They have one daughter, Anna, who lives in Vienna.

( )Hans Graf conducting the Dallas Symphony Orchestra on January 13, 2011:

“…Graf deftly balanced fantasy with fastidious control. Without a wasted motion, he crafted a performance by turns mysterious and exciting.” Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News

PHOTO BY SANDY LAN

KFORD

Welcome to Jones Hall and the Houston Symphony’s February performances!Our programs on February 11th, 12th and 13th are dedicated to one

of the most amazingly sensual, but also precise masters of orchestral composition: Maurice Ravel.

More Spanish than any Spanish composer – according to the judg-ment of the greatest of the real Spanish ones, Manuel de Falla – Ravel wrote not only the hypnotic, seducing and masterfully catastrophic

Boléro (which will end and crown our concert), but also the funny and slightly daring little comedy, L’Heure Espagnole (The Spanish Hour). You are certainly invited to smile

and even laugh out loud during this story about a poor watchmaker’s wife who seems to try everything to live up to all the prejudices French men could possibly have about Spanish women, their fire and independence. Think of Carmen!

Our very own Houstonian, the wonderful Susanne Mentzer will sing the leading part in this charming little opera. Admire Ravel’s Spanish temperament, which he captures musically

with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker.

Page 9: Houston Symphony Magazine - February

February 2011 5

Letter to Patrons.................................................................................................

Last month, we announced concert programming for our 2011-2012 season, and we are delighted to share a few of the highlights with you.

Under the direction of Music Director Hans Graf, the 2011-2012 season will open with two performances of the inspirational “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 on September 9 and 10, 2011, and will close with dramatic performances of Carmina Burana by Carl Orff on May 17-20, 2012. These concerts, along with many others during the season, will feature the talented Houston Symphony Chorus under the direction of Charles Hausmann.

The 2011-2012 season will also include the highly-anticipated sequel to our successful, multi-media Planets project. Orbit—An HD Odyssey, to be premiered on February 18, 2012, will feature high-definition images of Earth taken from NASA’s shuttle missions, the International Space Station and satellites orbiting our planet. Stunning images of Earth will be set against two equally stunning works of the symphonic repertoire – John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine and Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra.

Our patrons’ yearning for a deeper connection to music and musicians inspired the creation of a new interactive concert series for 2011-12, called ACCESS. With the aid of Miles Hoffman, frequent classical music contributor to National Public Radio, the ACCESS Series is designed to be a highly accessible and informative approach to a symphony concert. ACCESS concerts, a collection of three Friday evening performances, will begin at 7:00 p.m. and include pre- and post-concert activities for your enjoyment.

To learn even more about the exciting offerings of the 2011-2012 season, we invite you to visit our Website or to pick up a season brochure in the lobby. To our current subscribers, thank you for considering a renewal to your existing subscription! To our important single ticket buyers, please consider becoming a subscriber and taking advantage of wonderful benefits reserved for you.

Of course, we still have plenty of inspirational music to enjoy during the second half of our 2010-2011 season. As always, we appreciate your support of our wonderful Symphony and look forward to seeing you again soon in Jones Hall.

Bobby Tudor President

Mark C. Hanson Executive Director/CEO

PHOTO BY ALExANDER PORTRAITS

PHOTO BY BRUCE BENN

ETT

Page 10: Houston Symphony Magazine - February

6 www.houstonsymphony.org

Patrons Celebrate Vintage VirtuosoOn December 1, 2010, Lindy and John Rydman of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods hosted the annual Vintage Virtuoso event benefitting the Houston Symphony. Held at the InterContinental Hotel, the event began with a tasting of more than 100 wines and fine spirits. Following the tasting and musical entertainment by a string quartet of Symphony musicians, guests were treated to a delectable four-course dinner.

Vintage Virtuoso.....................................................................................

^ Lindy and John Rydman with their daughter, Lisa, and son-in-law, Hermen Key

^ Jim Shaffer, Tara Wuthrich, Helen Shaffer and David Wuthrich^ Ron Fredman, Jill and Dr. Ray Kirk

ALL PHOTOS © PETE BAATZ

Houston Symphony Ball Plans are Under Way!The 2011 Symphony Ball themed Scheherazade and Her Magical Nights is the largest annual fundraising event of the Houston Symphony League. A tribute to the educa-tion and community engagement programs of the Houston Symphony, the Ball is expected to raise more than $1,000,000 and attract more that 700 community leaders.

This black-tie event will take place at the Hilton Americas - Houston on March 25, 2011. Many surprises are planned, so don’t miss this gala event! The silent auc-tion will be a treasure-trove of travel, dinners, jewelry and fashion. Night Owls will enjoy an after party that will last until the wee hours.

Sponsorships are available from $10,000 to $50,000, and tickets run from $750 to $2,500. For more information, please contact Samantha Gonzalez at (713) 238-1487.

Save the Date!.......................................................................................

Sharin GailleBall Chair

Honoring

Past and Present Symphony Society Chairmen

Houston Symphony Ima Hogg Philanthropy Award

Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer FoodsHouston Symphony Maurice Hirsch

Corporate Citizen Award

Jay and Shirley MarksRaphael Fliegel Award for Visionary Leadership

Page 11: Houston Symphony Magazine - February

February 2011 7

From the Orchestra............................................................................................

PHOTO BY SANDY LAN

KFORD

On behalf of the musicians of the Houston Symphony, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Jones Hall and this exciting month of concerts. In addition to Beethoven and Dvorák’s great seventh sympho-nies and the fiery Spanish works of Ravel, this month also brings a visit from world-renowned violinist and orchestra favorite, Gil Shaham. In 2004, Gil founded his own record label, Canary Classics, during a time of major upheaval in the recording industry. The technological advances that make it possible for Gil to run his own label allow him to record the repertoire he chooses – in the way he chooses – and the results have had great critical and commercial success. I had the great pleasure of joining Gil in his first release, The Fauré Album, and Frank Huang joins Gil on his most recent Mendelssohn Octet release. Considering the recent changes in the business led me to reflect on how recordings have changed our concept of what music is.

In the time when Bach and Haydn wrote music for use in a single performance and its unique audience, listening to music was inseparable from live performance. The first recordings miraculously allowed music to be heard without musicians present and provided people new access to music. As early recordings could not be edited, what the listener heard was still similar to a live performance. With the introduction of tape and editing in the 1940s, there began a slow change from the concept of a record-ing as souvenir of a live performance to a perfected testament for the ages (much as Beethoven and the Romantic composers began composing works with an eye to posterity, as well as the present day). For the last 50 years, the modern studio recording has involved multiple takes and splices, all of which help achieve a beautifully perfect product, but can also interrupt the natural spontaneity and flow of the per-

formance – more like filming a movie than acting in a play. At the same time, the increase in availability of recordings has changed music from a special event to an omnipresent part of our lives. Everywhere

we go, music bombards us: in cars, on the telephone, in stores and elevators. Imagine if commercial buildings were wallpapered with reproductions of Mirós and Picassos, how quickly we could become desensitized! I love recordings and the chance they afford for me to hear things I never otherwise could. It’s fantastic that we can hear music anywhere, and that all the music of the world is easily available online. However, the hyper-availability of music has ultimately brought us back to a time when the concert is once again something unique in our lives; a time when we put aside the chaos of our daily lives and gather together in real life, as part of a community, to surrender our souls to art. And for the musicians, a time when we worry not about perfection, but about communicating to our audience in the brief moment that we share. Thank you for joining us.

Brinton Averil SmithPrincipal Cello

Page 12: Houston Symphony Magazine - February

8 www.houstonsymphony.org

Rachmaninoff’s RhapsodyMarch 4, 5, 6, �011Juanjo Mena, conductorGabriela Montero, pianoTurina: Danzas fantásticasRachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of PaganiniMozart: Symphony No. 40Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody was made popular in the 1980 movie Somewhere in Time. Rachmaninoff himself played the first performance in Philadelphia, with former Houston Symphony Music Director Leopold Stokowski on the podium. You’ll be dazzled by piano virtuoso Gabriela Montero, known not only for her impeccable technique and musicality, but also for her incredible ability to improvise on any given theme.

Tickets: from $25

Pops KnockoutsMarch 18, 19, �0, �011Michael Krajewski, conductorHouston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, directorHum along to some of the greatest classical hits of all time, including “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana, the 1812 Overture and Fantasia on “Greensleeves,” featuring Houston Symphony musicians in the solo spotlight. Come out and enjoy the orchestral classics that you know and love!

Tickets: from $25

Richard Strauss’ Don QuixoteMarch �4, �6, �7, �011Hans Graf, conductorErin Wall, sopranoBrinton Averil Smith, celloWayne Brooks, violaR. Strauss: Don JuanR. Strauss: Four Last SongsR. Strauss: Don QuixoteLive the stories of delusional knight Don Quixote of La Mancha, from tilting at windmills to his imaginary lady love, Dulcinea.

Tickets: from $25

Upcoming Performances...................................................................................

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pops at Jones Hall

TOTAL Gold Classics

Fidelity InvestmentsClassical Series

Fidelity InvestmentsClassical Series

© ULI W

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MICHAEL TAM

MARO

2011-2012 Houston Symphony Season Just Announced!Highlights Include:CLASSICAL:

Emanuel Ax Plus Tchaikovsky 3November 19, �0, �011

Beethoven’s FifthFebruary �3, �5, �6, �01�

Mozart’s A Little Night MusicMarch ��, �4, �5, �01�

Petrouchka & BeethovenApril 13, 14, 15, �01�

POPS:

Viva Italia!September �, 3, 4, �011

Very Merry PopsDecember 9, 10, 11, �011

Tribute to John Denver with Jim CurryApril 5, 6, 7, �01�

Cole Porter’s Great American SongbookApril �7, �8, �9, �01�

FAMILY:

Once Upon a Dream: Princes & PrincessesOctober 15, �011

The Night Before ChristmasDecember 3, �011

Music of The Little MermaidMarch 10, �01�

Perfect Pitch: Music of BaseballApril �8, �01�

SPECIALS:Opening Night: Ode to JoySeptember 9, 10, �011, 7:30 pm

Christoph Eschenbach ReturnsDecember 6, �011, 7:30 pm

A Linda Eder ChristmasDecember 13, �011, 7:30 pm

Orbit—An HD OdysseySequel to The Planets—An HD OdysseyFebruary 18, �01�, 7:30 pm

See pages 20 and 21 for more!

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pops at Jones Hall

Thank you to our media partners:

Fidelity InvestmentsClassical Series

Page 13: Houston Symphony Magazine - February

February 2011 9

Spotlight on Sponsors.............................................

Baker Botts L.L.P., one of Texas’ oldest law firms, has been an integral part of Houston’s business and arts community since 1840, when its founder, Peter W. Gray, commenced his law practice in the Bayou City. The firm traces its relationship with the Houston Symphony to the 1920s and 1930s when firm partner Walter H. Walne dedicated con-siderable time and energy to rebuilding the Symphony, serving as its president for six seasons during this pivotal time.

Baker Botts continues its support today by providing one of its partners to serve as the Symphony’s general counsel. The Houston Symphony has always been at the forefront of cultural progress in Houston and continues to enrich our city with innovative and inspiring per-formances.

Baker Botts is a full-service global law firm, recognized for in-depth understanding of the industries we serve. We have the experience, the knowledge and the right people to solve our cli-ents’ most significant legal challenges. Our law-yers are focused on client satisfaction – which has become a defining characteristic of the firm. For more than 170 years, Baker Botts has demon-strated an overall commitment to excellence.

Deeper understanding. Better solutions.

Cameron International Corporation (NYSE: CAM) is a leading provider of flow equipment products, systems and services to worldwide oil, gas and process industries. Leveraging its global manufacturing, engineering, sales and service network, Cameron works with drilling contractors, oil and gas producers, pipeline operators, refiners and other process owners to control, direct, adjust, process, measure and compress pressures and flows. Cameron has approximately 19,000 employees in more than 100 countries.

Cameron’s business legacies predate the beginnings of the world’s modern petroleum industry. In 1833, brothers Charles and Elias Cooper opened a small, one-horse-powered foundry in Mount Vernon, Ohio. From these beginnings, Cameron now incorporates the tra-ditions and strengths of many outstanding com-panies, including true pioneers in the industry, such as Cameron Iron Works, dating from 1920, and others that rose to leading market positions in more recent times.

Because Cameron cares about its employees, customers, shareholders and communities, it is committed to strategic giving and employee involvement that cre-

ates a meaningful impact and aligns with the company’s core values and culture. Volunteerism is part and parcel of Cameron corporate culture. The spirit and generos-ity of employees make it happen. Long a hallmark of Cameron, volunteerism thrives today on a greater scale than ever before. Wherever Cameron is around the globe, you will find its employees donating time and expertise to help people and organizations in need. In addition, employees step up to the plate with individual gifts to charities of their choice, and Cameron encourages charitable giving through its employee Matching Gifts and Matching Volunteer Hours programs.

Like Cameron, the Houston Symphony is forged of tradition and refined by experience. The Symphony plays a vital role in the Houston com-munity by enriching lives and educating students through a variety of programs and concerts. We are pleased and excited to sponsor the Cameron Explorer Concert Series.

It’s the Cameron Way. Giving Together. Visit www.c-a-m.com.

The Methodist Hospital’s Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM) is a national model for research, education and treatment of perform-ing artists and acts as a primary resource in this emerging health care field. Founded in 2000 and located in Houston’s famed Texas Medical Center, CPAM is the most comprehen-sive program of its kind in the nation designed to meet the special needs of ballerinas, opera singers, dancers, musicians, actors and other performing artists. While several clinics across the country treat artists, none has such a com-prehensive vision.

As Houston is the third largest home to working artists in the nation, CPAM is filling a vital need within our community. This program focuses on more than just treating illness and injury to performing artists, but also involves research and education, all supported by the nationally recognized Methodist Hospital. More than 70 physicians and dentists in 28 specialties lend their services to CPAM, not only expediting appointments for the artists when needed, but also developing specially designed check-ups to meet their specific needs. Research is currently being conducted in several areas to prevent or better treat the injuries sustained by performing artists. The Methodist CPAM program provides health education to help the artists perform at their best, as well as train other health care pro-viders throughout Texas and across the coun-try on how to treat those injuries and illnesses unique to the performing arts community.

The Methodist Hospital. Leading Medicine.

Page 14: Houston Symphony Magazine - February

10 www.houstonsymphony.org

Hans Graf, Music DirectorRoy and Lillie Cullen Chair

Michael Krajewski, Principal Pops Conductor

Sponsor, Cameron Management

Robert Franz, Associate Conductor

Sponsor, Madison Charitable Foundation

Brett Mitchell, Assistant Conductor

FIRST VIOLIN:Frank Huang, Concertmaster Max Levine ChairEric Halen, Associate Concertmaster

Ellen E. Kelley ChairAssia Dulgerska, Assistant Concertmaster

Cornelia and Meredith Long ChairQi Ming, Assistant Concertmaster Fondren Foundation ChairMarina Brubaker, Hewlett-Packard Company ChairAlexandra AdkinsMiHee ChungSophia SilivosRodica GonzalezFerenc Illenyi**Si-Yang LaoKurt JohnsonChristopher NealSergei GalperinQuan Jiang*

SECOND VIOLIN:Jennifer Owen, PrincipalCharles Tabony, Associate PrincipalHitai LeeKiju JohRuth Zeger Margaret BraggMartha ChapmanKevin KellyMihaela OanceaChristine PastorekAmy TeareGeoffrey Applegate*

VIOLA:Wayne Brooks, PrincipalJoan DerHovsepian, Associate

PrincipalGeorge Pascal, Assistant PrincipalWei JiangLinda GoldsteinFay ShapiroDaniel StrbaThomas MolloyPhyllis HerdliskaJoshua Kelly*

CELLO:Brinton Averil Smith, PrincipalChristopher French,

Associate PrincipalHaeri JuJeffrey ButlerKevin Dvorak

xiao WongMyung Soon LeeJames Denton Anthony Kitai

DOuBLE BASS:David Malone, Acting Principal

Janice H. and Thomas D. Barrow Chair

Mark Shapiro, Acting Associate Principal

Eric LarsonRobert PastorekBurke ShawDonald HoweyMichael McMurray

FLuTE:Aralee Dorough, Principal

General Maurice Hirsch ChairJohn Thorne, Associate PrincipalJudy DinesAllison Garza

PICCOLO:Allison Garza

OBOE:Robert Atherholt, Principal

Lucy Binyon Stude Chair Anne Leek, Associate Principal Colin GatwoodAdam Dinitz

ENGLISH HORN:Adam Dinitz

CLARINET:David Peck, PrincipalThomas LeGrand, Associate

PrincipalChristian SchubertOpen position

E-FLAT CLARINET:Thomas LeGrand

BASS CLARINET:Open position

Tassie and Constantine S. Nicandros Chair

BASSOON:Rian Craypo, Principal Stewart Orton ChairEric Arbiter, Associate Principal American General ChairElise WagnerJ. Jeff Robinson

CONTRABASSOON:J. Jeff Robinson

HORN:William VerMeulen, PrincipalWade Butin, Acting Associate

Principal*Brian Thomas

Robert and Janice McNair Foundation Chair

Nancy GoodearlPhilip StantonJulie Thayer

TRuMPET:Mark Hughes, Principal

George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Chair

John DeWitt, Associate Principal Robert Walp, Assistant PrincipalAnthony Prisk

Speros P. Martel Chair

TROMBONE:Allen Barnhill, PrincipalBradley White, Associate PrincipalPhillip Freeman

BASS TROMBONE:Phillip Freeman

TuBA:Dave Kirk, Principal

TIMPANI:Ronald Holdman, PrincipalBrian Del Signore, Associate Principal

PERCuSSION:Brian Del Signore, PrincipalMark GriffithMatthew Strauss

HARP:Paula Page, Principal

KEyBOARD:Scott Holshouser, Principal

Neva Watkins West Chair

ORCHESTRA PERSONNEL MANAGER:

Steve Wenig

ASSISTANT ORCHESTRA PERSONNEL MANAGER:

Michael Gorman

LIBRARIAN:Thomas Takaro

ASSISTANT LIBRARIANS:Erik GronforMichael McMurray

STAGE MANAGER:Donald Ray Jackson

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER:Kelly Morgan

STAGE TECHNICIAN:Toby BluntZoltan FabryCory Grant

*Contracted Substitute** Leave of Absence

Steinway is the official piano of the Houston Symphony. James B. Kozak, Piano Technician. Local assistance is provided by Forshey Piano Co.

The Houston Symphony’s concert piano is a gift of Mrs. Helen B. Rosenbaum.

Orchestra and Staff............................................................................................Mark C. Hanson, Executive Director/CEOMartha García, Assistant to the Executive DirectorMeg Philpot, Director of Human Resources

steven Brosvik, General ManagerRoger Daily, Director, Music Matters!Kristin L. Johnson, Director, OperationsSteve Wenig, Orchestra Personnel ManagerMichael Gorman, Assistant Orchestra Personnel ManagerDonald Ray Jackson, Stage ManagerKelly Morgan, Assistant Stage ManagerJessica Williams, Fidelity Partnership CoordinatorMeredith Williams, Assistant to the General ManagerCarol Wilson, Manager, Music Matters!

MiCHael D. Pawson, Chief Financial OfficerSally Brassow, ControllerPhilip Gulla, Director, TechnologyAmed Hamila, Director, Database SupportHeather Fails, Manager, Ticketing DatabaseJanis Pease LaRocque, Manager, Patron DatabaseKay Middleton, ReceptionistMaria Ross, Payroll ManagerArmin (A.J.) Salge, Network Systems EngineerChris Westerfelt, Manager, Accounts Payable and

Special Projects

aurelie DesMarais, Senior Director, Artistic PlanningMerle N. Bratlie, Director, Artist ServicesThomas Takaro, Librarian Amanda Tozzi, Director, Popular Programming and

Special ProjectsErik Gronfor, Assistant LibrarianMichael McMurray, Assistant LibrarianRebecca Zabinski, Artistic Assistant

Glenn taylor, Senior Director, MarketingAllison Gilbert, Director of Marketing, Subscription &

Group SalesMelissa H. Lopez, Director of Marketing, Special ProjectsCarlos Vicente, Director of Marketing, Single TicketsJenny Zuniga, Director, Patron ServicesNatalie Ferguson, Graphic DesignerJeff Gilmer, Group Representative, Inside SalesHaley Gehring, Patron Services SpecialistJason Landry, Senior Manager, Patron ServicesErin Mushalla, Marketing AssistantMelissa Pate, Assistant Manager, Patron Services

RepresentativesTim Richey, Manager, VIP Patron Services Derrick Rose, Group Representative, Outside SalesAisha Roberts, Patron Services SpecialistMelissa Seuffert, Assistant Marketing Manager, Digital

Media/Young Audience Engagement

Jennifer r. Mire, Senior Director, CommunicationsJessica Taylor, Editor, MagazineHolly Cassard, Manager, Public Relations

Ron FreDMan, Senior Director, Developmenttara Black, Director, Individual GivingVickie Hamley, Director, Volunteer ServicesBrandon VanWaeyenberghe, Director, Corporate

RelationsPeter yenne, Director, Foundation Relations and

Development CommunicationsJessica Ford, Gifts OfficerSamantha Gonzalez, Manager, EventsAbbie Lee, Patron Services AssistantSarah Slemmons, Development Associate, Administrative

ServicesLena Streetman, Manager, Individual GivingConductor

....Clarinets.

......

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...Tim

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.......Flutes.

...

....Cello

s.

....Bassoons.

......Oboes.

.......P

ian

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......

.Har

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.........Violas.

Second.Violins.

Firs

t.Vio

lins.

.....Horns.

.Trumpets.

..................Trombones. ....Tuba.

.........Percussion.

Page 15: Houston Symphony Magazine - February

February 2011 11

Support Your Symphony....

Houston Symphony Library Campaign Marches On

The Houston Symphony’s Focus on the Music campaign enjoyed another successful year in 2010. We extend our deepest appreciation to the generous donors who supported this important initiative.

Focus on the Music provides the perfect way for supporters to make a lasting and mean-ingful contribution to the Symphony. When you purchase music, instruments or equipment through the campaign, you not only enhance the Symphony’s performances onstage, but also support our education and outreach efforts in the Greater Houston community.

To make a gift to the Library Campaign and help expand this Symphony’s repertoire and capabilities, please call the Development Department at (713) 337-8500.

In Memoriam ...............

David WatersThe Houston Symphony family mourns the loss of retired musician David Waters, who passed away September 25, 2010, after a year-long battle with leukemia. He was 70 years old.

David was born and raised in Houston, graduating from Austin High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Houston and a Master of Music degree from the University of Texas. His career as the bass trombonist with the Houston Symphony spanned more than four decades (1966-2007), and he was a founding faculty member of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. His musi-cal legacy continues through the musicians he trained; they perform and teach worldwide.

David is survived by his wife, Dixie, his step-children, Tasia and John Green, and a large extended family.

McIntyre + RobinowitzA R C H I T E C T S

Full service residential and commercial design firmNew construction and renovations

718 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007TEL 713.520.9336

Page 16: Houston Symphony Magazine - February

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Program

1� www.houstonsymphony.org

Fidelity Investments Classical Series

Thursday, February 3, �011 8 pm

Saturday, February 5, �011 8 pm

Sunday, February 6, �011 2:30 pm

Jones Hall

Gil Shaham Plus Beethoven 7Hans Graf, conductorGil Shaham, violin

Britten Sinfonia da Requiem, Opus 20 I Lacrymosa: Andante ben misurato— II Dies Irae: Allegro con fuoco—Alla marcia—Avanti!— III Requiem Aeternum: Andante molto tranquillo

Walton Violin Concerto I Andante tranquillo II Presto capriccioso alla napolitana III Vivace

INTERMISSION

Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A major, Opus 92 I Poco sostenuto—Vivace II Allegretto III Presto—Assai meno presto—Presto IV Allegro con brio

Hans Graf’s biography appears on page 4.

Gil Shaham’s performance on Saturday evening is generously sponsored by Lorraine & Alexander Dell.

The printed music for Walton’s Violin Concerto was donated by Michael B. & Christine E. George.

The printed music for Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major, Opus 92 was donated by Paul H. & Maida M. Asofsky.

Prelude is sponsored by Fluor.

The Classical Season is endowed by The Wortham Foundation, Inc. in memory of Gus S. & Lyndall F. Wortham.

KuHF 88.7 FM is the Classical Season media sponsor.

The Houston Symphony currently records under its own label, Houston Symphony Media Productions, and for Naxos. Houston Symphony recordings also are available on the Telarc, RCA Red Seal, Virgin Classics and Koch International Classics labels.

These concerts are being recorded for future broadcast on KUHF 88.7 FM, the Radio Voice of the Houston Symphony.

SINFONIA DA REQuIEM, OPuS �0 Benjamin Britten

Born: Nov 22, 1913, Lowestoft, England

Died: Dec 4, 1976, Aldeburgh, England

Work composed: 1939-40

Recording: Stuart Bedford, London Symphony (Naxos)

Instrumentation: three flutes (one doubling piccolo and alto flute), two oboes, English horn, three clarinets, (one doubling E-flat clarinet and one doubling bass clarinet), alto saxophone, two bassoons, contrabassoon, six horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion, two harps, piano and strings

The terse, tragic Sinfonia da Requiem was Benjamin Britten’s first major orchestral com-position. Significantly, it was composed just as World War Two was beginning in Europe, but the composer, an avowed pacifist, maintained that the work bore no relationship to that terrible conflict threatening his homeland. He dedicated the work in memory of his parents.

The symphony had been commissioned by the Japanese government in celebration of the 2,600th anniversary of that nation’s imperial dynasty, but when the Japanese learned that symbols of Christianity – titles from the Latin Mass for the Dead – would be attached to all three movements, they noted that the score con-tained no felicitous reference to their anniver-sary festivities and the work was rejected.

Britten and his companion, tenor Peter Pears, were on an extended three-year period of residence and travel in North America at the time, and the first performance was finally given by Sir John Barbirolli and the New York Philharmonic on March 29, 1941.

The Sinfonia da Requiem is set in three uninterrupted movements that bear general relationships to the symphonic form, though the work concludes with an elegiac slow move-ment instead of a more traditional fast finale. The opening movement, a highly compressed sonata form, begins with several thunderclap timpani strokes that gradually die down, setting the tone for a slow, symphonic dirge. A quietly grieving theme, begun by the first bassoon, is repeated over and over as it gradually swells into a wailing chorus, expanded and elaborated upon by the entire orchestra. This theme, and its melodic and rhythmic variants, dominates the entire move-ment, growing into a huge, painful climax before dying quietly away at the end.

The Scherzo, titled “Dies Irae,” is a move-ment full of fury and shrill orchestral effects: a rattling “flutter-tongue” vibration for the wood-wind players, racing triple-tongue passages and a sarcastic use of mutes for the brass. The strings are caught up in crisp, dry staccato and bound-

Notes.....................................................................................................................................................BY CARL CUNNINGHAM

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February 2011 13

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ing-bow strokes, and they are joined by the harps and percussion in slashing, sliding “glissando” effects up and down the scale toward the end of this bitter movement.

Where harsh sounds pervade the texture of the first two movements, the short, concluding “Requiem in aeternam” is mostly suffused with sweet harmonies and a gentle, reflective melody line. Following the pattern of the first two move-ments, it also dies away very quietly.

VIOLIN CONCERTO William Walton

Born: Mar 29, 1902, Oldham in Lancashire, England

Died: Mar 8, 1983, Ischia, Italy

Work composed: 1936-39; revised 1943

Recording: Kurt Nikkanen, violin; William Boughton conducting the New Haven Symphony (Nimbus)

Instrumentation: pairs of flutes (second doubling piccolo), oboes (second doubling English horn), clari-nets and bassoons, four horns, two trumpets, three trombones, timpani, percussion, harp and strings

We owe the existence of Walton’s Violin Concerto to a commission from famed violinist Jascha Heifetz. Recognizing the combination of a brilliant technique, glowing tone and impec-cable musicianship in Heifetz’s playing, Walton produced an expansive concerto that blended technical virtuosity with romantic sweetness, humor and a texture that is often light and airy.

Two lyrical themes are simultaneously presented at the beginning of the opening sonata movement – the main theme, arching upward in the solo violin part, and a lower, less obtrusive theme played by the cellos and bas-soon (later by the clarinet). After they’ve been discussed at some length, a change in tonal-ity brings forth a secondary theme, played by the orchestra alone. When the solo violin returns to conclude the exposition section, it is accompanied by a group of solo woodwind players – a harbinger of things to come at the end of the movement.

The development is marked by a brisk uptake in the speed and spirit of the music, as orchestra and soloist begin a lengthy and rigorous examination of the thematic content, including much display of brilliant passage-work and an elaborate cadenza by the soloist. The initial themes return separately, with the soloist playing the lower theme first. After an intense orchestral climax, orchestral soloists join the solo violinist in a feathery “chamber music” ending to the movement.

The concerto was composed at a late medieval villa overlooking Italy’s Amalfi coast, and the designation of mood and tempo in the score, “Presto, capriccioso alla napolitana,”

reflects the character of the second move-ment. It is a brilliant scherzo, full of dashing figuration and all manner of light violinistic tricks – many of them performed as tightrope feats high up on the violin fingerboard. The Trio is a droll piece, played at a slower pace, but even more dazzling figuration accompanies the return of the scherzo, bringing the move-ment to a deft conclusion.

The extended finale alternates a jocular march (oddly set in ¾ meter) with more lyrical sections featuring the solo violin in elaborate display passages, including a lengthy cadenza lightly accompanied by the orchestra. A final

burst of energy brings the concerto to a rous-ing conclusion.

SyMPHONy NO. 7 IN A MAJOR, OPuS 9�Ludwig van Beethoven

Born: Dec 16, 1770, Bonn, Germany

Died: Mar 27, 1827, Vienna, Austria

Work composed: 1812

Recording: Simon Rattle, Vienna Philharmonic (EMI Classics)

Instrumentation: pairs of flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns and trumpet, timpani and strings

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Biography...................Gil Shaham, violinGil Shaham – one of today’s foremost violinists – combines flawless technique with inimitable

The year 1812 was a dividing line between the best of times and the worst of times in Beethoven’s life. During that year, he com-pleted both the Seventh and Eighth sympho-nies, two of his most joyous, carefree pieces. With them, he looked back upon a large cata-logue of major works that were bringing him considerable financial prosperity. In July, he had a fateful romantic encounter with an unnamed woman (presumably Antonie Brentano) which resulted in the celebrated letter to his “Immortal Beloved.”

By September, however, the morally straight-laced composer was involved in a legal dispute to break up an illicit affair between his younger brother and the man’s housekeeper. Early in 1813, a state of depres-sion set in, and friends reported finding Beethoven in a weakened, disheveled condi-tion, having gone without food for three days in a possible attempt to end his life, according to biographer Maynard Solomon.

Several aspects of the Seventh Symphony are unusual. Its opening movement is prefaced by the longest introductory section of any sym-phony until the gigantic symphonies of Mahler at the end of the 19th century. This serene introduction almost constitutes an indepen-dent movement, and when its lovely ascend-ing scale passages have run their extended course, it leads into a joyous sonata movement whose dance-like rhythm sets the emotional tone for the whole symphony.

The second movement is unusual in that its tempo marking, “Allegretto,” does not con-stitute a genuine slow movement. (Similarly, Beethoven omitted a slow movement in his Eighth Symphony.) In its formal design, the movement is a hybrid combining elements of a large three-part song form (A-B-A plus codetta) with a set of variations.

The third movement is novel in two respects. It moves to the slightly distant tonali-ties of F major and D major, and it enlarges the typical Scherzo and Trio from a three-part form to a five-part design (A-B-A-B-A plus codetta). This was an expansion Beethoven previously attempted, but later excised from the Scherzo of his Fifth Symphony – and employed later in the gigantic Scherzo of his Ninth Symphony.

Beethoven’s celebration of dance music is completed in the fourth movement, which combines elements of a large rondo form with the spirit of an Irish reel. Its high horn parts are noteworthy for their exuberant sound and the exhausting technical challenges they pose.

©2011, Carl R. Cunningham

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February 2011 15

warmth and generosity of spirit. He is sought after for international appearances on the great concert stages and at the most presti-gious festivals.

This season, Shaham plays the Walton concerto (New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Zurich’s Tonhalle-Orchester and Milwaukee Symphony); Prokofiev’s Second (National Symphony and Orchestre de Paris); Bartók’s Second (St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Orchestra and Sinfonieorchester Berlin); and the Barber and Hartmann concertos (Toronto and Chicago Symphonies respectively).

Last season, Shaham’s “Violin Concertos of the 1930s” project included 35 perfor-mances, and its first recording will be released this season on his own label, Canary Classics.

The violinist has collaborated with family, friends and colleagues including his wife, violinist Adele Anthony; sister, pianist Orli Shaham; and brother-in-law, conductor David Robertson, as well as Houston Symphony Concertmaster Frank Huang and Principal Cellist Brinton Averil Smith.

Shaham’s numerous bestselling con-certo and solo CDs have appeared on record charts in the U.S. and abroad, and earned multiple Grammys®, a Grand Prix du Disque, Diapason d’Or and a Gramophone Editor’s Choice Award.

Born in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois (1971), Shaham’s family moved to Israel where he began violin studies with Samuel Bernstein (Rubin Academy of Music) at age 7. While studying with Haim Taub in Jerusalem, he debuted with the Jerusalem Symphony and the Israel Philharmonic and began studies with Dorothy DeLay and Jens Ellerman (Aspen). After taking first prize in Israel’s Claremont Competition (1982), he became a scholar-ship student at Juilliard, where he worked with DeLay and Hyo Kang. He also studied at Columbia University.

Shaham was awarded an Avery Fisher Career Grant (1990) and received the cov-eted Avery Fisher Award (2008). He plays the 1699 “Countess Polignac” Stradivarius and lives in New York City with his wife and their two children.

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Shaham

PHOTO BY BOYD HAGEN

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M A G A Z I N E S

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BY CARL CUNNINGHAMProgram

16 www.houstonsymphony.org

Notes.................................

Fidelity Investments Classical Series

Friday, February 11, �011 8 pm

Saturday, February 1�, �011 8 pm

Sunday, February 13, �011 2:30 pm

Jones Hall

Ravel’s Spain with BoléroHans Graf, conductorSusanne Mentzer, mezzo-soprano

*Brenton Ryan, tenor *Samuel Schultz, baritone *Rafael Moras, tenor *Stephen Anthony Ray, baritone

Ravel L’heure espagnole (The Spanish Hour)INTERMISSION Ravel Rapsodie espagnole I Prélude à la nuit: Très modéré— II Malagueña: Assez vif III Habanera: Assez lent IV Feria: Assez animé Ravel Don Quichotte à Dulcinée 1 Chanson romanesque: Moderato 2 Chanson épique: Molto moderato 3 Chanson à boire: Allegro Ravel/Graf Chants populaires 1 Chanson espagnoleRavel Vocalise (Pièce en forme de habanera) Ravel Boléro

*Houston Symphony debutHans Graf’s biography appears on page 4.

Shell Favorite Masters

Friday’s concert is generously sponsored by The Methodist Hospital System.

The SoundPlusVision series is sponsored by the Alkek & Williams Foundation and supported in part by an endowed fund from The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Fund for Creative Initiatives.

The printed music for Ravel’s Rapsodie espagnole was donated by Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Wilkomirski.

The printed music for Ravel’s Don Quichotte à Dulcinée was donated by Michael B. & Christine E. George.

The scores for Ravel’s Boléro were donated by Gary L. Hollingsworth.

Prelude is sponsored by Fluor.

The Classical Season is endowed by The Wortham Foundation, Inc. in memory of Gus S. & Lyndall F. Wortham.

KuHF 88.7 FM is the Classical Season media sponsor.

The Houston Symphony currently records under its own label, Houston Symphony Media Productions, and for Naxos. Houston Symphony recordings also are available on the Telarc, RCA Red Seal, Virgin Classics and Koch International Classics labels.

These concerts are being recorded for future broadcast on KUHF 88.7 FM, the Radio Voice of the Houston Symphony.

Maurice Ravel

Born: Mar 7, 1875, Ciboure, France

Died: Dec 28, 1937, Paris, France

Although Maurice Ravel only lived the first three months of his life in his birthplace before moving with his family to Paris, he always took pride in his maternal Basque heritage. He periodi-cally returned for rest and relaxation to the tiny seaside village of Ciboure, tucked in the very Southwestern corner of France between Biarritz and the Spanish border. And like many of his contemporaries, including Debussy, Chabrier and Rimsky-Korsakov, Ravel composed several works exhibiting his fondness for the music of neighboring Spain.

L’HEuRE ESPAGNOLE (THE SPANISH HOuR)

Work composed: 1907-09

Recording: Jean Fournet, Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra. Singers Teresa Berganza, Alfredo Kraus, Herbert Kraus, Sesto Bruscantini, Giorgio Tadeo (Living Stage)

Instrumentation: piccolo, two flutes, two oboes, English horn, two clarinets, bass clarinet, two bas-soons, contrabassoon, four horns, two trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion, two harps, celesta, offstage chimes and strings

Ravel’s one-act comedy is based on a play by Franc-Nohain that had a successfull run at Odéon Theater (1904). The story, set in 18th-century Toledo, involves a clockmaker’s wife who schedules trysts with her lovers just after 1 p.m. on Thursdays, while her gullible husband is regularly out adjusting and repairing all the municipal clocks in the city’s public spaces.

Unexpectedly, a husky muleteer arrives with a watch needing repair at the moment the clockmaker is leaving for his rounds. The wife keeps him busy hauling grandfather clocks back and forth from her upstairs bed-room, while she waits for appointments with a poet and a rich banker. But the poet wastes her time singing flowery verses, while the banker proves too vain for her taste. Finally, she takes the muleteer upstairs, just as the clockmaker returns to find the other two hiding inside his clocks – which he promptly sells to them.

The vocal line is largely set in short dia-logue phrases, with some longer arias toward the end of the opera. Much of the opera’s beauty is found in Ravel’s exquisite orchestral setting, which includes delicate scoring for percussion instruments to simulate the ticking and chiming of timepieces in the clockmaker’s shop.

RAPSODIE ESPAGNOLE

Work composed: 1907-08

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tone color are set against a repeated four-note motive. Trumpets and castanets interject the sharp rhythms of the succeeding “Malagueña” against successive waves of tightly packed string, wind and brass tone. Its fury suddenly dissolves in an exotic cadenza for the English horn, garnished with echoes of the four-note motive from the first movement.

The “Habanera” is the most exquisite of the four movements. The typical syncopated rhythm of this Cuban dance, made famous by the Habanera of Bizet’s opera, Carmen, is delicately threaded through a succession of entries by the oboe, muted trumpet, solo violin, horn and harp. Snatches of several festive

Notes continued.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Recording: Charles Dutoit conducting the Mon-treal Symphony (Decca)

Instrumentation: two piccolos, two flutes, two oboes, English horn, two clarinets, bass clarinet, three bassoons, contrabassoon, four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, percus-sion, two harps, celesta and strings

Subtlety, brevity and a pointed orchestral tech-nique are hallmarks of Ravel’s style, and they are admirably expressed in his first significant orchestral piece, the Rapsodie espagnole.

The opening movement, “Prelude to the Night,” is an impressionistic sketch in which delicate fragments of melody and orchestral

melodies gather in a brilliant potpourri, turning the concluding “Feria” into a joyous exhibition of Ravel’s orchestral talent.

DON QuICHOTTE à DuLCINÉE CHANTS POPuLARIESVOCALISE (PIÈCE EN FORME DE HABANERA)

Work composed: 1932-33 (Don Quichotte), 1910 (Chanson espagnole), 1907 (Vocalise)

Recording: Teresa Berganza, mezzo-soprano; Dalton Baldwin, piano (EMI Classics)

Instrumentation: two flutes, two oboes (second doubling English horn), two clarinets, two bas-soons, two horns, trumpet, percussion, harp and strings

Ravel’s three Don Quixote songs were his final compositions, written at a time when a neuro-muscular disorder started its inexorable five-year course toward ending his life. The songs were originally intended as part of a film score starring Fyodor Chaliapin in the title role of Cervantes addled knight, but Ravel was unable to complete the remaining music.

In the first song, Quixote vows to move heaven and earth to satisfy every wish and whim of his beloved Dulcinea (who is really a rough barmaid in Cervantes’ comic novel), and in the second song, he invokes the aid of the archangel Michael and St. George in pro-tecting her. In the final drinking song, Quixote apparently drowns his disillusionment in a frothy mug of ale. The three songs are set in Spanish dance rhythms: consecutively, a qua-jira, a Basque dance known as a zortzico and a jota for the drinking song.

The Chants populaires is one of four prize-winning folksong arrangements Ravel entered in a Russian competition designed to promote the awareness and performance of interna-tional folksong. A relentless militant rhythm (similar to a boléro) underlies a bitter comment in the text about the hardening effect of war upon a man’s soul, though the colloquialism in the original Galician text would be considered racially insensitive today. A French translation changes the words, comparing their hardened hearts to thistles.

The Vocalise (Pièce en forme de haba-nera) was one of several such pieces commis-sioned by a Paris Conservatory vocal professor as exercises for his students. It is an example of a century-old tradition of textless exercises sung to vowel sounds with instrumental accom-paniment. Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise, Opus 34, has gained the greatest fame as a concert piece among numerous works in this genre.

BOLÉRO

Work composed: 1928

Recording: Charles Dutoit conducting the Mon-treal Symphony (Decca)

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Continued on page 22

Instrumentation: piccolo, two flutes (second doubling piccolo), two oboes (second doubling oboe d’amore), English horn, two clarinets (second doubling E-flat clarinet), bass clarinet, two bassoons, contrabassoon, four horns, four trumpets, three trom-bones, tuba, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, timpani, percussion, harp, celesta and strings

Ravel’s international fame reached its height in 1928, following numerous awards and commissions from abroad, plus a four-month United States tour that included two Houston concerts under sponsorship of Rice University. Following his return to Paris in the late spring, Ravel began work on a commission from dancer/choreographer Ida Rubinstein for a ballet with a Spanish theme. At first, he orches-trated some pieces from Isaac Albéniz’s piano suite, Ibéria, but abandoned that project after copyright problems emerged. Instead, he com-posed what became his most popular original work. Originally, he called it Fandango, but soon settled on its present title, Boléro. Ravel’s intention was precisely set forth in a written statement issued after the premiere: to compose a 17-minute piece involving “one long, very gradual crescendo” and the insis-tent repetition of a rhythmic pattern over “folk tunes of the usual Spanish-Arabian kind.” The side drum takes up the rhythm, maintaining it until the next-to-last measure, while the flute begins a beguiling melody over a simple string accompaniment. Gradually, more and more instruments join in – often in exotic combina-tions – until the entire orchestra throbs with the relentless, sometimes wailing melody. Rubinstein and her dance company gave the work its premiere in November 1928 and, when performance rights to the musical score were generally available the following year, Boléro suddenly became an enormously popu-lar orchestral piece. However, a 1930 tour per-formance by Arturo Toscanini and the New York Philharmonic at the Paris Opera became notorious when Ravel sat stonily in his box and refused to acknowledge the conductor’s ges-ture of recognition. Backstage after the con-cert, Ravel complained that Toscanini’s tempo was much too fast, and the conductor retorted that a boléro is not a funeral march.

©2011, Carl R. Cunningham

Biographies.................Susanne Mentzer, mezzo-soprano American mezzo-soprano Susanne Mentzer is recognized for her generous vocal and interpre-tive gifts and is widely admired for her versatility in the recital, concert and operatic arenas.

Performances in this and upcoming sea-sons include Eugene Onegin (Pittsburgh Opera), The Golden Ticket (Opera Theater of St. Louis), and Dead Man Walking and Le Nozze di Figaro

(Houston Grand Opera). Orchestral appearances include Mahler 3 (Florida Orchestra), Mahler 2 (Indianapolis Symphony) and a performance of Now and Again (Eighth Blackbird).

Mentzer has appeared with the world’s great opera companies, orchestras and festivals in North America, Europe, Buenos Aires and on tour in Japan (Metropolitan Opera, Mostly Mozart and the Bavarian State Opera). Other recent appearances include: a nationwide broadcast on PBS’ Live from Lincoln Center, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (National Symphony Orchestra), Ravel’s Shéhérazade (St. Louis Symphony) and Britten’s Spring Symphony (San Francisco Symphony).

In addition to her extensive discography, Mentzer has recorded two recitals: The Eternal Feminine, (Koch International Classics) and her personal favorite, Wayfaring Stranger (Erato). She appeared on PBS’ Live from the Met and was a Breakfast with the Arts (A&E Network) series Artist of the Week. DVD credits include Don Giovanni (Teatro alla Scala), Les Contes d’Hoffmann (Opéra de Paris) and The First Emperor (Metropolitan Opera).

She is professor of voice at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, served on the faculty of the Aspen Music Festival and School and the DePaul University School of Music, worked with

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2011-2012 Classical Season Just Announced!......................................................

Music InspiresMusic Director Hans Graf announces the 2011-2012 Houston Symphony Season! From monumental works to a hefty collection of musical superstars, this season has it all. Experience the Houston Symphony’s 2011-2012 Season and be inspired. Here are just a few highlights of what’s in store…

Watts Plays Beethoven’s EmperorSeptember 30, October 1, �, �011David Afkham, conductorAndré Watts, pianoBeethoven: Coriolan OvertureSchubert: Symphony No. 8, UnfinishedBeethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5, Emperor

Striking in manner, Beethoven’s brilliant Emperor concerto opens with a shining piano cadenza. Get ready to experience a work as original and exciting as anything Beethoven ever wrote. At the keyboard, we welcome back legendary American pianist, André Watts.

RachFest!Rachmaninoff has enchanted music lovers for generations with his incredibly romantic themes. Come experience a special three-week festival, “RachFest!,” which will pay tribute to this most beloved Russian composer, featuring pianist Kirill Gerstein performing all four of Rachmaninoff’s piano concertos.

RachFest 1 – Rach 3January 5, 7, 8, �01�Edward Gardner, conductorKirill Gerstein, pianoRachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances

RachFest 2 – Rach 1 & 4January 13, 14, 15, �01�Hans Graf, conductorKirill Gerstein, pianoRachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 1Rachmaninoff: Isle of the DeadRachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 4

RachFest 3 – Rach 2January 19, �1, ��, �01�Hans Graf, conductorKirill Gerstein, pianoRachmaninoff: VocaliseRachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 3

Hilary Hahn Plus EnigmaMarch 30, 31, April 1, �01�Alexander Shelley, conductorHilary Hahn, violinBritten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter GrimesProkofiev: Violin Concerto No. 1Elgar: SospiriElgar: Enigma Variations

“Hahn is one of those rare performers who can dazzle you with the warmth of her personality and knock you dead with the dexterity of her technique...” -Los AngelesTimes

Carmina BuranaMay 17, 19, �0, �01�Hans Graf, conductorFrank Huang, violinMarc Molomot, tenorHugh Russell, baritoneHouston Symphony Chorus Charles Hausmann, directorBach: Es ist genugBerg: Violin ConcertoOrff: Carmina Burana

By popular demand, the Houston Symphony will close its season with Carmina Burana, a giant of the classical repertoire. The theme “O Fortuna” from the cantata has become a staple in popular culture wherever there’s need for drama.

Fidelity InvestmentsClassical Series

Hans Graf, Music Director

Frank Huang, concertmasterAndré Watts, piano

Kirill Gerstein, piano

Hilary Hahn, violin

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February 2011 �1

Idina MenzelOctober 14, 15, 16, �011

The Star of Rent, Wicked and Glee debuts with the Houston Symphony!

This Tony® Award-winning Broadway powerhouse and star of Glee joins your Houston Symphony to dazzle you with hits from her starring roles in Wicked and Rent, plus songs from her album, I Stand, and more!

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pops at Jones Hall

Live & Let DieThe Music of Paul McCartneyNovember 4, 5, 6, �011Michael Krajewski, conductorTony Kishman, guitar and vocals

Tony Kishman performs music from Paul McCartney’s iconic Beatles years, his hits with Wings and songs from his decades-long solo career. Hear everything from “Hey Jude” and “Band on the Run” to “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Live and Let Die.”

The Best of Spielberg and WilliamsJanuary �7, �8, �9, �01�Michael Krajewski, conductor

Hollywood’s Dream TeamSpend an evening enjoying the most epic music from Hollywood’s Dream Team: Stephen Spielberg and John Williams. The orchestra plays Mike’s favorite selections from Schindler’s List, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., Saving Private Ryan and more!

Bowfire!March 9, 10, 11, �01�Robert Franz, conductor

The ultimate string sensation!Bowfire’s all-star lineup of virtuosic fiddlers delivers a mix of Celtic, rock, bluegrass, Texas-swing and classical music.

Tiempo Libre: Hot in Havana!May �5, �6, �7, �01�Michael Krajewski, conductor

Tiempo Libre, the sizzling, dance-inducing Latin music group will throw one big Cuban party with Mike and your Houston Symphony!

2011-2012 Pops Season Just Announced!..............................................................

Tony Kishman

Michael Krajewski, Principal Pops Conductor

For 2011-2012 concert and package information, visit houstonsymphony.org.

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Biographies.................

the George London Foundation and is a board member of the William M. Sullivan Foundation.

Mentzer began her studies in music therapy (University of the Pacific), received her bachelor and master degrees (The Juilliard School), honed her craft in the Houston Grand Opera Studio and studied voice with Norma Newton.

Brenton Ryan, tenor A Missouri native, tenor Brenton Ryan is in his second year of graduate studies at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, studying with Dr. Stephen King.

This season at Rice Opera Theater, Ryan performs in Rorem’s Our Town and Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea. Other highlights include solo roles in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, under the baton of Larry Rachleff, and performances in Sondheim’s A Little Night Music and the prologue of Richard Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos.

Ryan received his Bachelor of Music degree from DePaul University (Chicago), where he per-formed in Mikado, Britten’s The Beggar’s Opera and Conrad Susa’s Transformations. He was awarded the three-year New Horizon Fellowship for the Aspen Music Festival and School (2008) where he sang in Corigliano’s The Ghosts of Versailles during the 2010 season.

Samuel Schultz, baritone Baritone Samuel Schultz has been seen in L’elisir d amore, Così fan tutte, The Rape of Lucretia, Street Scene, A Little Night Music, Viva la mamma!, and covered roles in Don Giovanni and The Mikado. In addition to tonight’s debut, his Houston Grand Opera debut in Ariadne auf Naxos comes in April, and the Pack Language

Ryan

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Program

February 2011 �3

Symphony Special

Monday, February 14, �011 7:30 pm

Jones Hall

Clay Aiken

This evening’s program will be announced from the stage.

The Houston Symphony does not appear on this program.

The Houston Symphony currently records under its own label, Houston Symphony Media Productions, and for Naxos. Houston Symphony recordings also are available on the Telarc, RCA Red Seal, Virgin Classics and Koch International Classics labels.

Biography...................

Clay AikenThe lushly arranged classics on Clay Aiken’s fifth studio album showcase his powerful tenor voice and considerable interpretive gifts. Tried and True (Decca Records) includes respect-fully updated ‘50s and ‘60s tunes that Aiken lis-tened to as a child in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The album opens with a swinging version of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” followed by tunes including “Suspicious Minds,” Unchained Melody,” “Moon River” (featuring Vince Gill) and “Crying” (with Broadway star Linda Eder).

Seven years after launching his career on the second season of American Idol, Aiken has sold more than six million Billboard chart-top-ping, gold-certified, platinum and double-plati-num albums worldwide. In addition to launch-ing nine live tours, becoming a New York Times best-seller by co-authoring Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music In Your Life, executive pro-ducing and starring in his first TV special, A Clay Aiken Christmas, and winning several American Music and Billboard Music Awards, Aiken donates much of his time to his own foundation, National Inclusion Project, and to UNICEF as a Goodwill Ambassador.

Aiken debuted on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot (2008). He has appeared on televi-sion programs such as Live with Regis and Kelly (2006); the sit-coms Ed (2004), Scrubs (2006) and 30 Rock (2009); and soap operas All My Children (2005) and Days of Our Lives (2006). He has appeared on Saturday Night Live, Late Night with David Letterman, Larry King Live, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel Live! multiple times.

In June, Aiken launches his first tour since his son, Parker’s, August 2008 birth, co-head-lining with good friend Ruben Studdard. The “Timeless” tour presents renditions of classic hits from the past five decades in 17 U.S. venues beginning July 23rd in Asheville, NC.

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Program

�4 www.houstonsymphony.org

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pops at Jones Hall

Friday, February 18, �011 8 pm

Saturday, February 19, �011 8 pm

Sunday, February �0, �011 7:30 pm

Jones Hall

Kenny LogginsMichael Krajewski, conductor Scott Bernard, guitar and vocalsTom Brechtlein, drums and vocalsLoren Gold, keyboard and vocalsShem von Schroeck, bass and vocals

Arr. R. Wendel Baroque Festival Overture

Anderson/Wendel The Classical Jukebox

K. Jenkins Palladio, Concerto Grosso for String Orchestra I Allegreto

M. Piecaitis CATcerto for Chamber Orchestra and Video

Arr. G. Prechel Percussion Audition

INTERMISSION

The remainder of the program will be announced from the stage.

Presenting Sponsor

Appearances by Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski are generously sponsored by Cameron Management.

Saturday’s concert is generously sponsored by CenterPoint Energy.

This weekend’s concerts are generously sponsored by Cameron.

The Houston Symphony currently records under its own label, Houston Symphony Media Productions, and for Naxos. Houston Symphony recordings also are available on the Telarc, RCA Red Seal, Virgin Classics and Koch International Classics labels.

Biographies...................................................................

Michael Krajewski, conductorMuch in demand across the United States and Canada, Michael Krajewski delights concertgo-ers with his imaginative, entertaining programs and wry sense of humor. Audiences leave his concerts smiling, remembering the evening’s music and surprises.

Maestro Krajewski joined the Houston Symphony as Principal Pops Conductor at the beginning of the 2000-01 season. His fans especially enjoy the Star-Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and the Houston holiday tradi-tion, Very Merry Pops.

He also serves as principal pops conduc-tor of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and the New Hampshire Music Festival Orchestra. He was recently promoted to Principal Pops Conductor for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – the first in Atlanta! He previously held prin-cipal pops conductor positions with the Long Beach and New Mexico Symphonies.

As a guest conductor, he has performed with the Boston Pops and the Hollywood Bowl orchestras, and has appeared with symphonies across the U.S., including those of Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit, Minnesota, Phoenix, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Francisco and more. In Canada, he has led Ottawa’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, as well as the Edmonton and Winnipeg symphonies.

Krajewski has performed with an eclectic group of artists including Sir James Galway, Marilyn Horne, Alicia de Larrocha, Roberta Flack, Judy Collins, Art Garfunkel, Al Hirt, Cab Calloway, The Kingston Trio, Ben E. King, Mary Wilson, Patti Austin, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Canadian Brass and Pink Martini.

With degrees from Wayne State University and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Krajewski furthered his training at the Pierre Monteux Domaine School for Conductors. He was a Dorati Fellowship Conductor with the Detroit Symphony and later served as that orchestra’s assistant conductor.

Michael Krajewski lives in Orlando, Florida, with his wife, Darcy. When not conducting, he enjoys travel, photography, jogging, bicycling and solving The New York Times Sunday cross-word puzzle.

Krajewski

PHOTO BY MICHAEL TAM

MARO

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February 2011 �5

Biographies...................................................................

Kenny LogginsBrilliant singer-songwriter and guitarist Kenny Loggins has a lifelong passion for exploring the endless power of the song. An enduring record-ing artist and live performer with an extraordi-nary impact in a world of one-hit wonders and 15-minute sensations, 12 of his albums have gone platinum and beyond.

Born in Everett, Wash., Loggins moved to the Los Angeles area as a young boy. After a short stint as a guitarist and songwriter, he began work on his first album. Originally intended as his solo debut, producer Jim Messina’s involvement increased and the sub-sequent Kenny Loggins with Jim Messina Sittin’ In (1972) quickly established the accidental duo as one of the most significant recording and touring acts of the ‘70s.

After his split from Messina in 1976, Loggins achieved solo stardom with million-sell-ing solo albums such as Celebrate Me Home, Nightwatch, Keep The Fire and High Adventure. He co-wrote the 1979 Grammy® award-win-ning Song of The Year, “What a Fool Believes,” with long-time friend, Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers and won the Best Male Pop Vocal Grammy® for “This Is It” in 1980.

In the ‘80s, Loggins became famous as the king of the movie theme songs, thanks to mas-sive smashes like “I’m Alright” (Caddyshack), “Footloose” (Footloose), “Danger Zone” (Top Gun) and “Nobody’s Fool” (Caddyshack II). Other albums include the 1985 Vox Humana, 1988 Back to Avalon, 1991 Leap of Faith, 1997 The Unimaginable Life, 2003 It’s About Time, 1998 December and two acclaimed CDs for chil-dren: 1994 radiant Return To Pooh Corner and its follow-up, More Songs From Pooh Corner.

In 2005, Loggins reunited with Jim Messina, to great surprise and considerable acclaim. As much personally as musically, the “Sittin’ in Again” tour was so successful and inspiring that they took their show on the road once again in 2009.

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BY CARL CUNNINGHAMProgram

�6 www.houstonsymphony.org

Notes.....................................................................................................................................................

Fidelity Investments Classical Series

Thursday, February �4, �011 8 pm

Saturday, February �6, �011 8 pm

Sunday, February �7, �011 2:30 pm

Jones Hall

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3James Gaffigan, conductor Jonathan Biss, piano

Ives Symphony No. 3 (The Camp Meeting) I Old Folks Gatherin’: Andante maestoso II Children’s Day: Allegro moderato III Communion: Largo

Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Opus 37 I Allegro con brio II Largo III Rondo: Allegro

INTERMISSION

Dvorák Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Opus 70 I Allegro maestoso II Poco adagio III Scherzo: Vivace IV Finale: Allegro

Total Gold Classic

This weekend’s concerts are generously sponsored by Baker Botts L.L.P.

The Kathleen Cullen Burton Guest Conductor Series is supported by a generous gift from The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts.

James Gaffigan’s Saturday appearance is sponsored by Barbara & Pat McCelvey.

Jonathan Biss’ Saturday performance is sponsored by Angel & Craig Fox.

The printed music for Ives’ Symphony No. 3 (The Camp Meeting ) was donated by Michael B. & Christine E. George.

The printed music for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Opus 37 was donated by Mr. & Mrs. Steven Jay Williams.

The printed music for Dvorák’s Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Opus 70 was donated by the Musicians of the Houston Symphony.

Prelude is sponsored by Fluor.

The Classical Season is endowed by The Wortham Foundation, Inc. in memory of Gus S. & Lyndall F. Wortham.

KuHF 88.7 FM is the Classical Season media sponsor.

The Houston Symphony currently records under its own label, Houston Symphony Media Productions, and for Naxos. Houston Symphony recordings also are available on the Telarc, RCA Red Seal, Virgin Classics and Koch International Classics labels.

These concerts are being recorded for future broadcast on KUHF 88.7 FM, the Radio Voice of the Houston Symphony.

SyMPHONy NO. 3, (THE CAMP MEETING)Charles Ives

Born: Oct 20, 1874, Danbury, Connecticut

Died: May 19, 1954, New York, New York

Work composed: 1902-04; revised 1909

Recording: Michael Tilson Thomas conducting the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (Nimbus)

Instrumentation: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, two horns, trombone, bells and strings

The genesis of Charles Ives’ Third Symphony was as long and complex as anything he wrote. As Kenneth Singleton notes in his pref-ace to its most authoritative score, the sym-phony originated as a set of organ preludes Ives composed and performed about 1901, toward the end of his term as organist at New York’s Central Presbyterian Church. Over the next three years, he expanded and orches-trated the pieces into a symphony. In 1909, Ives revised the score and made an ink copy which was later lost. In 1911, a New York copying service made a more readable ink copy, and Gustav Mahler (then conductor of the New York Philharmonic), took it home to Vienna, where it too was lost after his death.

Like many of Ives’ works, the symphony languished unperformed for 35 years, until com-poser Lou Harrison had the nearly illegible 1904 score copied and conducted it on April 5, 1946, in a concert by the New York Little Symphony. That prompted a spate of performances by other organizations, and the Ives revival was suddenly on. The following year, the symphony won the Pulitzer Prize for music.

In a detailed analysis of the symphony, scholar John Kirkpatrick identified six 19th-century hymns whose phrases Ives excerpted and re-combined to make up the thematic material of the symphony. While religious experience and philosophical inquiry are implied in the content of many Ives works, the Third Symphony is considered by several scholars to hark back to the simple religion of Ives’ youth in Danbury, Connecticut. To some extent, the Danbury experience of Ives’ child-hood is revealed in the titles he gave the three movements: “Old Folks Gatherin’,” “Children’s Day” and “Communion.”

The Third Symphony was composed at a time when Ives’ musical style was changing and it represented, as Ives said, “a ‘crossway’ between the old and the new.” Though flavored with strong dissonance, its music is more rooted in tonal harmony than later Ives works.

Ives’ individuality surfaces in his approach to musical forms. The symphony has only three movements, not the customary four, and while the second movement approximates a scherzo

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February 2011 �7

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with a march-rhythm trio section, the sym-phony ends with an ethereal slow movement. PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3 IN C MINOR, OPuS 37Ludwig van Beethoven

Born: Dec 16, 1770, Bonn, Germany

Died: Mar 27, 1827, Vienna, Austria

Work Composed: 1800-03

Recording: Pianist Radu Lupu, with Lawrence Foster conducting the London Symphony (Eloquence)

Instrumentation: pairs of flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, trumpets, timpani and strings

Being a pianist and composer, Beethoven found the concerto an important medium of self-expression and self-promotion. Thus, Beethoven completed three piano concertos between 1795 and 1800, his first five years as a young musician trying to make his way in Viennese musical circles. (An earlier concerto from his juvenile years in Bonn exists only in a piano score.)

Initial sketches for the Third Concerto in C minor date back to about 1796, but biographer Alexander Thayer calculated that Beethoven composed the body of the concerto during the

summer of 1800. The premiere was not until April 5, 1803, at Vienna’s Theater an der Wien.

The C minor Concerto is considered the work in which Beethoven fully mastered the art of writing a “symphonic concerto” – that is to say, blending the concept of alternate solo and orchestral statements common to the baroque concerto with the tonal and thematic principles of sonata and rondo forms developed by 18th-century symphonic composers. It also con-firmed Beethoven’s intent to expand the con-certo to heroic dimensions, a trend begun with his C major Concerto two years earlier.

The concerto opens with a long orchestral exposition, presenting an urgent triadic opening theme in C minor, followed by several subsid-iary themes of similar character. A shift to the relative major key, E-flat, brings a second main theme that is more song-like. The music returns to the minor key in preparation for the piano, which takes up all of the themes in a florid solo exposition.

Interaction between soloist and orchestra, thematic and dramatic involvement are strong attributes of the development section. The recapitulation brings an elaborate figurative display from the pianist, capped by a tightly-knit cadenza which Beethoven composed for this concerto six years after the premiere.

The slow movement takes the concerto to the threshold of musical Romanticism. This highly poetic song form is set in the remote and colorful key of E major, and the music is enhanced by breathtaking themes and gor-geous pianistic filigree. In the robust finale, Beethoven combines rondo and sonata prin-ciples in a lengthy seven-part movement (ABA development ABA) that includes a fugal episode at the center and a fast, teasing coda, ending the concerto in a bright C major tonality. SyMPHONy NO. 7 IN D MINOR, OPuS 70Antonín Dvorák

Born: Sep 8, 1841, Nelahozeves near Kralupy, Bohemia

Died: May 1, 1904, Prague, Bohemia

Work Composed: 1884-85

Recording: Marin Alsop conducting the Baltimore Symphony (Naxos)

Instrumentation: two flutes, (one doubling pic-colo), two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, two trumpets, three trombones, timpani and strings

If ever the image of Brahms was implanted on the music of Dvorák, it was in his Seventh

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Gaffigan has guest conducted the Philadelphia and Cleveland orchestras, the Chicago, Houston, National, New World and Baltimore symphonies, and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, among others. This season, he returns to the Cincinnati and Indianapolis symphonies and debuts with the Vancouver and Milwaukee orchestras. Internationally, he returns to the Munich and Rotterdam Philharmonics, Deutsches Symphony Orchestra Berlin, Bournemouth Symphony, the Leipzig and Stuttgart Radio Orchestras and debuts with the Dresden Staatskappelle, Sydney Symphony and the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.

Gaffigan made his professional opera debut conducting La Bohème (Zurich Opera) and con-ducted performances of Don Giovanni (Aspen Music Festival) and Falstaff (Glyndebourne) in 2009. Last year, he co-conducted Così fan tutti with Sir Charles Mackerras (Glyndebourne) and led performances of Marriage of Figaro (Aspen). He leads the Houston Grand Opera and makes his Vienna State Opera debut in 2011.

Born in New York City (1979), Gaffigan studied at the LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and the Juilliard School Preparatory Division. A New England Conservatory of Music graduate, he earned his Masters of Music in conducting at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. He was chosen as an acad-emy conductor in the American Academy of Conducting’s inaugural year in Aspen (2000). He received the Academy’s first Robert Harth Conducting Award (2002), was selected as a Tanglewood Music Center conducting fellow and won first prize at the 2004 Sir Georg Solti International Conducting Competition.

Gaffigan previously led the San Francisco Symphony (associate conductor) and the Cleveland Orchestra (assistant conductor). He currently lives in Lucerne with his wife, writer Lee Taylor Gaffigan.

Jonathan Biss, piano American pianist Jonathan Biss, widely regarded for his artistry and interpretations, has won international recognition for his orchestral, recital and chamber music performances and for his award-winning recordings. Noted for his prodigious technique, intriguing programs and

musical intelligence, he performs diverse reper-toire, including commissions from Leon Kirchner, Lewis Spratlan and Bernard Rands this season.

Since his New York recital and New York Philharmonic debuts at age 20, Biss has appeared with the foremost orchestras of North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. He is a frequent performer at leading international music festivals and gives recitals in major music capitals at home and abroad. Collaborations this season include scheduled performances with Midori and Miriam Fried (violin), Antoine Lederlin (cello) and Nobuko Imai (viola).

His newest recording was named one of the best albums of the year by NPR Music. Albums for EMI Classics include a live record-ing of Mozart Piano Concertos 21 and 22 (Orpheus Chamber Orchestra) and Schumann and Beethoven recital discs, which were recog-nized with a Diapason d’Or Award and an Edison Award, respectively.

Biss studied at Indiana University with Evelyne Brancart and at The Curtis Institute of Music with Leon Fleisher. He represents the third generation in a family of professional musicians, including his grandmother, Raya Garbousova, for whom Samuel Barber wrote his Cello Concerto, and his parents, Miriam Fried (violin) and Paul Biss (viola/violin). He has received the Leonard Bernstein Award, the Andrew Wolf Memorial Chamber Music Award, an Avery Fisher Career Grant and the 2003 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award. He was the first American participant in BBC’s New Generation Artist program. Biss blogs about his life as a musician at jonathanbiss.com.

Symphony in D minor. In no other Dvorák sym-phony is there such a sense of a lonely hero struggling against the dark forces of fate.

Dvorák’s reverence for Brahms extended back 11 years before this work, when Brahms (along with conductor Johann Herbeck and critic Eduard Hanslick) nominated the obscure young Bohemian composer for the Austrian State Stipend in 1874. The cash award, the honor and the support by Brahms eventu-ally won Dvorák a Viennese publisher and a window on the world that led to international performances during the last 30 years of his life. A decade later, he won several important conducting engagements in England and also received a commission for a new symphony from the London Philharmonic Society.

The very serious, tightly knit sonata forms Dvorák composed in the two outer move-ments most strongly reflect the muscularity of Brahms’ musical style. The opening movement begins quietly with a somber theme in the lower strings, building upon its basic idea in several large musical sentences. Eventually, the wood-winds – mainly clarinets – introduce a lilting second theme and, finally, the full orchestra returns to conclude the exposition with the prin-cipal theme, this time in the major key.

The two themes are pitted against each other in a fairly brief though substantial devel-opment. Dvorák then reverses the dynamic sequence in the recapitulation, returning the main theme full force, followed by the lyrical second theme and a quiet coda based on the first theme.

The middle movements more readily identify Dvorák’s Bohemian heritage. The slow movement is a string of song-like melodies, interrupted by turbulent episodes that follow each other in no specified order. The move-ment is rounded off by a return of the first two melodies at the end. The third movement is a typical Dvorákian scherzo, whose stamping cross-rhythms suggest the Bohemian dance called a Furiant.

Like the first movement, the finale is again a sonata form cast in a heroic mould. But where the first movement ends in a tone of resignation, this movement turns from the minor to the major key, culminating in a victori-ous climax.

©2011, Carl R. Cunningham

Biographies.................James Gaffigan, conductor American conductor James Gaffigan is hailed for his insightful musicianship and the natu-ral ease of his conducting. In summer 2011, he begins appointments with the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra (chief conductor) and the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (principal guest conductor).

Gaffigan

Biss

Acknowledgements

The Official Airline of the Houston Symphony

The Official Health Care Provider of the Houston Symphony

Page 33: Houston Symphony Magazine - February

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Math According to Music Matters!

Music Matters!......................................................................................

All of these Houston Symphony educational activities and the nearly 60,000 young lives they influence annually are coordinated by two staff members. How do they do it, you ask? The answer: volunteers who come from corporations, social organizations and our own Symphony family.

The Houston Symphony League and Houston Symphony League-Bay Area, our longest dedicated groups, provide the majority of volun-teers for many events that introduce students to and enhance their appre-ciation of symphonic music. The David Dewhurst Student Concert series – Symphony Detectives for younger elementary students and Cameron Symphony Explorers for upper elementary-middle school students – are held during the school day. Approximately 15 volunteers meet, greet and seat the 2,600 in attendance at each of the 14 performances.

The Weatherford Family Concerts series, presented on four Saturday mornings throughout the year, includes an hour of concert-related activ-ities in the Jones Hall lobby, each of which requires an abundance of volunteers who patiently show youngsters how to hold a violin, make a sound on a brass mouthpiece or create a concert-related craft.

The mission of the Houston Symphony League-Bay Area is to expose students in the Clear Creek Independent School District to mul-tiple symphonic experiences. CCISD’s 26 elementary schools are treated to several performances every year. Each grade sees a musical puppet

show or ensemble performance; and – once they’ve reached fifth grade – enjoy an Explorer Concert at Jones Hall. More than 2,900 CCISD fifth graders were Symphony Explorers this year!

The Houston Symphony League Concerto Competition is the longest-running project of the Houston Symphony League. Eighteen young musicians from southeast Texas performed on January 8, 2011, at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. Dozens of League volunteers were on hand to greet, escort and feed the contestants and judges. The Ima Hogg Competition, held annually in June at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, involves a vari-ety of volunteers working the Semifinals Round – meeting, escort-ing, announcing, cooking, serving and more, while others transport contestants to and from the airport and other locations throughout the week.

Other events, such as our Sounds Like Fun! summer concerts and Magical Musical Morning – a children’s Christmas activity – involve League members as puppeteers or instrument petting zoo-ers. In addition to this plethora of volunteer activities, League members also lend a hand in the Symphony offices, as needed.

In order to continue broadening the musical horizons of Houston-area students, the two Symphony education staff members rely on the hundreds of priceless volunteers who help the Houston Symphony Education Department enhance the lives of children through music. We are grateful to those who tirelessly devote untold hours to help young people appreciate music – our projects could not succeed without you!

Change a life; create a spark; bring a community together. Volunteer! Music Matters!

14 Student Concerts = 36,000 young Symphony lovers

8 Family Concerts = 6,600 introductions to symphonic music

26 Schools X 4 Performances/yr. = 15,000 music education experiences

2 Student Competitions = Dozens of inspired young artists

Institute for Singers (Rice University) is funding his May trip to Florence, Italy to study Italian.

Solo concert repertoire includes Handel’s Messiah, Fauré’s Requiem, Bach’s Magnificat and Poulenc’s Rapsodie nègre. As a United States Senate Page Program alumnus, he had the prestigious honor of singing for Congress. Schultz will complete the graduate program at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music this spring, and has represented the program at Regional Opera Gala Concerts in Aspen, Chicago, Dallas, New York City and San Francisco (2008).

Rafael Moras, tenor Tenor Rafael Moras is a National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts (NFAA) Young ARTS Winner (2006), United States Presidential Scholar in the Arts (2006) and Winner of the 51st

Schultz

© JAM

IE SCHULTZ PHOTOGRAPHYBiographies continued from page 22.......................................................................

Annual New York Metropolitan Opera National Council Southwest Region Auditions.

Moras debuted in The Magic Flute and subsequently performed in Così Fan Tutte and The Pirates of Penzance (University of Texas at San Antonio Lyric Theater and Orchestra). He participated in the NFAA-sponsored HBO doc-umentary series, Masterclass under Maestro Plácido Domingo, and recently participated in the Wolf Trap Opera’s Studio Program. This spring, he sings in The Secret Garden (UTSA) followed by his Senior Recital. Moras studies under Dr. Diana Allan in pursuit of a Bachelor of Music Degree in Voice Performance (UTSA). He will attend Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music as a graduate student of Dr. Stephen King this fall.

Stephen Anthony Ray, baritone Baritone Stephen Anthony Ray is pursuing the Master of Music in vocal performance degree at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music as a student of Dr. Stephen King.

He has participated in Holst’s Savitri, Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Le Nozze di Figaro, Strauss’ Arabella and Saint-Saëns’ Samson et Dalila. Ray twice performed as the baritone soloist in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, was the guest baritone soloist in Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and performed in Così fan tutte, Die Zauberflöte and Elijah.

A Sherwood, Arkansas native, Ray com-pleted his bachelor’s degree in music at Ouachita Baptist University and advanced to the Grand Finals of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions (2008).

Moras

© ROLDAN

DE MORAS

Ray

© BRAEDEN

ROGERS

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PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE HOuSTON SyMPHONy SOCIETy

Mrs. Edwin B. ParkerMiss Ima HoggMrs. H. M. GarwoodJoseph A. Mullen, M.D.Joseph S. SmithWalter H. WalneH. R. CullenGen. Maurice HirschCharles F. JonesFayez SarofimJohn T. CaterRichard G. MerrillEllen Elizardi KelleyJohn D. PlattE. C. Vandagrift Jr.

J. Hugh Roff Jr.Robert M. HermanceGene McDavidJanice H. BarrowBarry C. BurkholderRodney H. MargolisJeffrey B. EarlyMichael E. ShannonEd WulfeJesse B. Tutor

PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE HOuSTON SyMPHONy LEAGuE

Miss Ima HoggMrs. John F. GrantMrs. J. R. PartenMrs. Andrew E. Rutter

Mrs. Aubrey Leon CarterMrs. Stuart SherarMrs. Julian BurrowsMs. Hazel LedbetterMrs. Albert P. JonesMrs. Ben A. CalhounMrs. James Griffith LawhonMrs. Olaf La Cour OlsenMrs. Ralph Ellis GunnMrs. Leon JaworskiMrs. Garrett R. Tucker Jr.Mrs. M. T. Launius Jr.Mrs. Thompson McClearyMrs. Theodore W. CooperMrs. Allen H. Carruth

Mrs. David Hannah Jr.Mary Louis KisterEllen Elizardi KelleyMrs. John W. HerndonMrs. Charles FranzenMrs. Harold R. DeMoss Jr.Mrs. Edward H. SoderstromMrs. Lilly Kucera AndressMs. Marilou BonnerMrs. W. Harold SellersMrs. Harry H. GendelMrs. Robert M. EuryMrs. E. C. Vandagrift Jr.Mrs. J. Stephen MarksTerry Ann BrownNancy Strohmer

Mary Ann McKeithanAnn CavanaughMrs. James A. ShafferLucy H. LewisCatherine McNamaraShirley McGregor PearsonPaula JarrettCora Sue MachKathi RovereNorma Jean BrownBarbara McCelveyLori SorcicNancy WillersonJane Clark

Symphony Society Board...................................................................................

Governing Directors.....................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

PresidentBobby Tudor

Chairman of the Board Ed Wulfe

Executive Director/CEOMark C. Hanson

Immediate Past PresidentJesse B. Tutor

Chairman Emeritus Mike Stude

Terry Ann Brown Prentiss Burt Brett Busby * John T. Cater Janet Clark Michael H. Clark Scott Cutler Lorraine Dell Viviana Denechaud Gene Dewhurst Kelli Cohen Fein Julia Frankel Allen Gelwick Stephen Glenn

Gary L. Hollingsworth Ryan Krogmeier Ulyesse LeGrange Rochelle Levit Nancy Littlejohn April Lykos Cora Sue Mach Steven P. Mach Beth Madison Rodney Margolis Jay Marks Mary Lynn Marks Barbara McCelvey Gene McDavid

* Alexander K. McLanahan Kevin Meyers Paul Morico Arthur Newman Robert A. Peiser Fran Fawcett Peterson Geoffroy Petit David Pruner Stephen Pryor Gloria Pryzant John Rydman Manolo Sanchez Helen Shaffer Jerome Simon

David Steakley Mike Stude Bobby Tudor * Jesse B. Tutor Margaret Waisman Fredric A. Weber Vicki West Margaret Alkek Williams Ed Wulfe David Wuthrich Robert A. Yekovich

Trustees................................................................................................................... Philip Bahr * Janice Barrow Darlene Bisso Meherwan Boyce Walter Bratic Nancy Bumgarner Lynn Caruso Jane Clark Brandon Cochran Louis Delone Susanna Dokupil Tom Fitzpatrick Chris Flood Craig A. Fox

David Frankfort Susan Hansen Kathleen Hayes Brian James Joan Kaplan I. Ray Kirk Carolyn Mann Paul M. Mann Judy Margolis Brad Marks Jackie Wolens Mazow Elisabeth McCabe Marilyn Miles Tassie Nicandros

Scott Nyquist Edward Osterberg Jr. J. Hugh Roff Jr. Kathi Rovere Michael E. Shannon Jule Smith Michael Tenzer L. Proctor (Terry) Thomas Stephen G. Tipps * Betty Tutor Mrs. S. Conrad Weil David Ashley White James T. Willerson Steven J. Williams

Ex-Officio Martha García Mark C. Hanson Mark Hughes Deanna Lamoreux Burke Shaw Brinton Averil Smith

* Life Trustee

Vice President, Artistic and Orchestra AffairsBrett Busby

Vice President, Popular ProgrammingAllen Gelwick

Vice President, Audience Development and Marketing

Robert A. Peiser

President, Endowmentulyesse J. LeGrange

Vice President, Finance and Board GovernanceSteven P. Mach

Vice President, EducationCora Sue Mach

General CounselPaul R. Morico

At-Large MembersGene Dewhurst

Jay MarksHelen Shaffer

Vice President, VolunteersBarbara McCelvey

Vice President, DevelopmentDavid Wuthrich

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSNancy Littlejohn, President, Houston Symphony League

Martha García, SecretaryMark Hughes, Orchestra Representative

Rodney MargolisBurke Shaw, Orchestra Representative

Brinton Averil Smith, Orchestra Representative

Executive Committee...............................................................................................

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February 2011 31

Annual Campaign Donors.................................................................................

The Houston Symphony expresses appreciation to the donors listed on this and the following pages for their generous con-tributions in support of Symphony programs. More information is available from the Individual Giving Department at (713) 337-8500, the Corporate Support Department at (713) 337-8520 or at houstonsymphony.org.

As of January 10, 2011

$100,000-$499,999 BBVA Compass Continental Airlines Fidelity Investments Shell Oil Company

$50,000-$99,999 American Express * Cameron Chevron ConocoPhillips Frost * GDF SUEZ Energy North America The Methodist Hospital System Shell Oil Company TOTAL UBS * Weatherford International Ltd.

$�5,000-$49,999 Andrews Kurth, LLP Chubbs Group of Insurance Companies * ExxonMobil

Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. * JPMorgan Chase KPMG LLP * Marathon Oil Corporation Vinson & Elkins LLP

$10,000-$�4,999 Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Baker Botts L.L.P. * Bank of America * Boeing Bracewell & Giuliani LLP * CenterPoint Energy Cooper Industries, Inc. * Devon Energy Corporation Ernst & Young * Fluor Corporation H. E. Butt Grocery Company Margolis, Phipps & Wright, P.C. * Macy’s Foundation Memorial Hermann Northern Trust The Rand Group, LLC SPIR STAR, Inc.

Star Furniture USI Vitol Inc. * Wells Fargo Wood Group Management Services

$500-$9,999 Beck, Redden & Secrest, LLP * Beirne, Maynard & Parsons, LLP Bloomberg L.L.P. Crown Castle Ironshore Insurance Services, LLP Lockton Companies Oceaneering International, Inc. Porter & Hedges, LLP PricewaterhouseCoopers, Inc. * Randalls Food Markets, Inc. Seyforth Show * Smith, Graham & Company * South Texas College of Law * Swift Energy Company Texas Children’s Hospital Wortham Insurance & Risk Management

Corporations.........................................................................................................

As of January 10, 2011

$1,000,000 & above * Houston Endowment, Inc. * Houston Symphony League The Wortham Foundation Inc.

$500,000-$999,999 * M. D. Anderson Foundation

$100,000-$499,999 The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation * The Brown Foundation The Cullen Foundation The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts The Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation Madison Charitable Foundation * Spec’s Charitable Foundation

$50,000-$99,999 Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation The Alkek & Williams Foundation * Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Educational Fund

* John P. McGovern Foundation

$�5,000-$49,999 Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation The Humphreys Foundation * Sterling-Turner Foundation

$10,000-$�4,999 * Bauer Foundation Carleen & Alde Fridge Foundation * The Melbern G. & Susanne M. Glasscock Foundation * George & Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation * Houston Symphony League Bay Area * The Powell Foundation * Vivian L. Smith Foundation The Schissler Foundation Strake Foundation * Vaughn Foundation Warren Family Foundation

$�,500-$9,999 Stanford & Joan Alexander Foundation The Becker Family Foundation

* Ray C. Fish Foundation William E. & Natoma Pyle Harvey Charitable Trust Huffington Foundation Leon Jaworski Foundation William S. & Lora Jean Kilroy Foundation * Robert W. & Pearl Wallis Knox Foundation Lubrizol Foundation * Kinder Morgan Foundation * Lynne Murray, Sr. Educational Foundation Nightingale Code Foundation The Helmle Shaw Foundation Susman Family Foundation

Government Donors * City of Houston through the Houston Downtown Alliance, Houston Arts Alliance & Miller Theatre Advisory Board National Endowment for the Arts State Employee Charitable Campaign * Texas Commission on the Arts

* Sponsors of Houston Symphony Education & Outreach Programs

Foundations...........................................................................................................

Corporate Matching Gifts........................................................................................ AetnaAkzo NobelAT&TBank of AmericaBoeingCaterpillarChevron

Coca-ColaEl Paso CorporationEli Lilly and CompanyExxonMobilFannie MaeGeneral ElectricGeneral Mills

Goldman, Sachs & Co.HalliburtonHewlett-PackardIBMING Financial Services CorporationJPMorgan Chase

KBRKirby CorporationOccidental PetroleumSMART Modular Technologies, Inc.Spectra Energy

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Leadership Gifts................................................................................................

The Houston Symphony gratefully acknowledges those individuals who support our artistic, educational and community engagement programs with Leadership Gifts at the highest levels. Donors at these levels set the standard for supporting the Symphony and we are proud to list them here.

Ima Hogg Society – $150,000 or MoreLieutenant Governor David H. Dewhurst

Ms. Beth Madison Madison Benefits Group, Inc.

Mr. George P. MitchellMr. M. S. Stude

Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Tudor III

President’s Society – $75,000 - $99,999Mrs. Margaret Alkek Williams

Maestro’s Society – $50,000 - $74,999Maestro Hans Graf & Mrs. Graf

Rochelle & Max LevitMr. & Mrs. Alexander K. McLanahan

Nancy & Robert PeiserLaura & Michael ShannonMr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor

Concertmaster Society – $�5,000 - $49,999Janice & Tom Barrow

Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Blackburne Jr.Mr. Michael H. Clark & Ms. Sallie Morian

Gene & Linda DewhurstDr. Kelli Cohen Fein & Martin J. Fein

Mr. & Mrs. Russell M. FrankelMs. Sharin Shafer Gaille

Stephen & Mariglyn GlennDr. Gary L. Hollingsworth

Dr. Ken HydeDrs. M.S. & Marie-Luise Kalsi

Mr. & Mrs. Ulyesse J. LeGrangeCora Sue & Harry MachBarbara & Pat McCelvey

Mrs. Sybil F. RoosMs. Louisa Stude Sarofim

Mr. & Mrs. James A. ShafferMr. & Mrs. Robert R. Springob, Laredo Construction, Inc.

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February 2011 33

Anonymous (1)Joan & Stanford AlexanderMr. Alan AronsteinMr. Ronald C. BorschowJoe BrazzattiMrs. Catherine Campbell Brock & Dr. Gary Brock

Mr. & Mrs. Philip J. BurguieresMr. & Mrs. David DenechaudMr. & Mrs. Paul F. Egner Jr.Aubrey & Sylvia FarbDiane Lokey FarbMs. Bernice Feld

Mr. & Mrs. Marvy A. FingerMr. Edwin C. Friedrichs & Ms. Darlene ClarkThomas & Patricia GeddyDr. & Mrs. William D. GeorgeMrs. James J. Glenn Jr.Mr. & Mrs. David Gow

Patron Donor Society........................................................................................

Principal Musician Society $15,000 - $�4,999

Members of the Patron Donor Society support the Houston Symphony with gifts to the Annual Fund and Events. Members of the Society are offered a wide array of benefits and recognition including invitations to special events and more. For more information on how to become a member of the Houston Symphony Patron Donor Society, please call the Development Department at (713) 337-8523.

Conductor’s Circle $5,000 - $7,499

Mr. & Mrs. Philip A. BahrGary & Marian BeauchampMr. & Mrs. J. Brett BusbyThe Robert & Jane Cizik FoundationMr. Richard DanforthAllen & Almira Gelwick - Lockton CompaniesMrs. Aileen Gordon

Mr. & Mrs. Marvin KaplanJoella & Steven P. MachMr. & Mrs. Rodney H. MargolisDr. & Mrs. Robert M. MihaloMr. & Mrs. David R. PrunerAnn & Hugh RoffMrs. Maryjane ScherrDavid & Paula Steakley

Paul Strand ThomasAlice & Terry ThomasMr. & Mrs. Benjamin WarrenMr. & Mrs. Conrad Weil Jr.Vicki & Paul WestDr. Jim T. WillersonMr. & Mrs. Steven Jay Williams

Artist/Conductor Sponsor $10,000 - $14,999Anonymous (1)Captain & Mrs. W. A. “Cappy” Bisso IIIMr. & Mrs. Walter V. BoyleRuth White BrodskyMarilyn & Coleman CaplovitzMs. Jan CohenDr. Scott CutlerLeslie Barry Davidson & W. Robins BriceMr. & Mrs. Michael DokupilMr. George B. Geary

Mr. & Mrs. Richard D. HansenMr. Harold E. Holliday Jr. & Hon. Anna Holliday, R.Mr. & Mrs. David V. Hudson Jr.Debbie & Frank JonesDr. & Mrs. I. Ray KirkMrs. Beverly T. McDonaldMr. Cameron MitchellMr. & Mrs. Lucian L. Morrison Jr.Mrs. Lila Rauch

Julia & Albert Smith FoundationStephen & Pamalah TippsGene Carlton & Ann TrammellMargaret Waisman, M.D. & Steven S. Callahan, Ph.D.Ms. Jennifer R. WittmanCyvia & Melvyn WolffWinthrop A. Wyman & Beverly JohnsonErla & Harry Zuber

Musician Sponsor Society $7,500 - $9,999Eric S. Anderson & R. Dennis AndersonMr. & Mrs. Karl H. BeckerMr. & Mrs. Charles G. Black IIIDr. & Mrs. Meherwan P. BoyceMs. Terry Ann BrownMrs. Lily CarriganMr. & Mrs. Gerald F. ClarkWilliam J. Clayton & Margaret A. HughesRoger & Debby CutlerDr. & Mrs. Alexander DellJudge & Mrs. Harold DeMoss Jr.Mary Ann & Larry FaulknerMr. & Mrs. Chris FloodAngel & Craig FoxMr. S. David FrankfortChristina & Mark HansonMr. & Mrs. John A. Irvine

Mr. Brian JamesMrs. Margaret H. LeyMr. & Mrs. Erik P. LittlejohnMr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Lykos Jr.Dr. & Mrs. Paul M. MannDr. & Mrs. Michael MannJay & Shirley MarksMr. & Mrs. J. Stephen MarksDr. & Mrs. Malcolm L. MazowMr. & Mrs. Brian P. McCabeBetty & Gene McDavidMiss Catherine Jane MerchantMike & Kathleen MooreSue A. MorrisonMr. & Mrs. Richard P. MoynihanBobbie & Arthur NewmanMrs. Tassie Nicandros

Ms. Peggy Overly & Mr. John BarlowMr. & Mrs. Jonathan E. ParkerMr. & Mrs. Philip M. PetersonGloria & Joe PryzantKathryn & Richard RabinowMr. Glen A. RosenbaumMrs. Helen B. RosenbaumMr. & Mrs. William J. Rovere Jr.Mr. & Mrs. William T. Slick Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Tad SmithDr. Alana R. Spiwak & Sam StolbunMr. & Mrs. Keith StevensonAnn & Joel WahlbergMr. & Mrs. Fredric A. WeberNancy WillersonMr. & Mrs. Wallace S. WilsonMr. & Mrs. Ed Wulfe

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Jo A. & Billie Jo GravesWilliam A. Grieves & Dorothy McDonnell

GrievesMr. & Mrs. Frank HerzogDrs. Blair & Rita JusticeDr. & Mrs. Bernard KatzMr. & Mrs. Stephen A. LasherMr. Cylde Lea & Ms. Pamela FazzoneMr. E. W. Long Jr.Mr. & Mrs. George McCulloughSidney & Ione MoranPaul & Rita MoricoMary & Terry MurphreeMr. & Mrs. Robert E. NelsonMr. & Mrs. Edward C. Osterberg Jr.Mr. Howard PieperMr. Robert J. PileggeMs. Karen S. PulaskiMr. & Mrs. William K. Robbins Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Ken N. RobertsonDrs. Alejandro & Lynn RosasMr. Carlos RossiMr. & Mrs. Richard P. Schissler Jr.Donna & Tim ShenMr. & Mrs. Mark R. SmithMr. & Mrs. John SpeerMr. & Mrs. Antonio M. SzaboMr. Stephen C. TarryMr. Brian TeichmanShirley & David R. ToomimC. Harold & Lorine WallaceRobert G. WeinerMr. & Mrs. Donald E. Woodard Jr.Woodell Family FoundationNina & Michael Zilkha

Grand Patron $�,500 - $4,999Anonymous (1)Wade & Mert AdamsMr. & Mrs. John S. ArnoldyDr. & Mrs. Jeffrey B. AronMr. Jeff AutorMr. & Mrs. John C. AverettMr. Richard C. BaileyMr. A. Greer Barriault & Ms. Clarruth A. SeatonMr. & Mrs. Ken BarrowMr. & Mrs. John BauerMr. & Mrs. Brad BeitlerMs. Dianne BowmanJim & Ellen BoxMr. & Mrs. Walter BraticThe Honorable & Mrs. Peter BrownMrs. George L. Brundrett Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Sean BumgarnerAlan & Toba BuxbaumMr. & Mrs. W. T. Carter IVMr. & Mrs. Thierry CarusoMargot & John CaterMr. William Choice & Mrs. Linda Able ChoiceMr. & Mrs. Allen ClamenJanet F. ClarkMr. & Mrs. Brandon CochranMr. & Mrs. Robert Creager

Mr. & Mrs. James W. CrownoverMr. & Mrs. Louis F. DeLoneJ.R. & Aline DemingMr. & Mrs. Jack N. DohertyMr. & Mrs. Daniel DrorMr. Roger EichhornMr. William Elbel & Ms. Mary J. SchroederMrs. Robin A. ElversonMr. Parrish N. Erwin Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Bruce FerenceMr. & Mrs. Tom FitzpatrickMr. & Mrs. Ron FredmanMrs. Lila-Gene GeorgeMr. & Mrs. Buddy HaasMr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Hafner Jr.Marion & Jim HargroveMr. & Mrs. Tim W. HarringtonMr. & Mrs. Michael J. HayesMr. & Mrs. W. R. HayesMark & Ragna HenrichsMr. & Mrs. Doug R. HinzieMr. & Mrs. James E. HooksDr. & Mrs. Joseph JankovicMr. & Mrs. John F. JoityMr. & Mrs. Richard D. KinderWilliam & Cynthia KochMr. & Mrs. Ryan KrogmeierMrs. Barry LewisKevin & Lesley LillyRobert & Gayle LongmireMr. Bradley H. MarksMr. & Mrs. Andrew McFarlandJames & Mary McMartinMr. & Mrs. William B. McNamaraMr. & Mrs. Kevin O. MeyersStephen & Marilyn MilesMr. & Mrs. Arnold M. MillerMr. & Mrs. Robert MitchellJulia & Chris MortonMr. Austin M. O’Toole & Ms. Valerie SherlockMr. & Mrs. Geoffroy PetitMr. & Mrs. Anthony G. PetrelloMr. Michael H. PriceMr. & Mrs. Stephen PryorMr. Peter A. Ragauss & Ms. Jennifer SmithMichael & Vicky RichkerMr. & Mrs. Dave RobertsDr. & Mrs. Franklin RoseLinda & Jerry RubensteinMr. & Mrs. Clive RunnellsMr. & Mrs. Manolo SanchezBeth & Lee SchlangerDr. Philip D. Scott & Dr. Susan E. GardnerMr. & Mrs. Jerry SimonMr. Louis H. Skidmore Jr.Joel V. & Mary M. StaffMr. & Mrs. Michael TenzerMr. & Mrs. Gene Van DykeMr. & Mrs. Wil VanLohStephen & Kristine WallaceMrs. Naomi WarrenMr. David Ashley WhiteMr. & Mrs. C. Clifford WrightMr. & Mrs. David J. Wuthrich

Judge Clarease R. Yates & Mr. Cary YatesDr. & Mrs. Robert YekovichEdith & Robert Zinn

Patron $1,000 - $�,499Anonymous (8)David M. & Lisa B. AaronsonDr. & Mrs. George J. AbdoRolaine & Morrie AbramsonMr. & Mrs. Elliot AbramsonMrs. Nancy C. Allen, President Greentree FundJohn & Pat AndersonMr. & Mrs. Thurmon AndressMr. Maurice J. ArestyMr. & Mrs. John M. ArnspargerMr. & Mrs. Paul H. AsofskyMr. & Mrs. Arnie AziosEdward & Joyce BackhausStanley & Martha BairMr. & Mrs. Ralph BalascoMs. Marion Barthelme & Mr. Jeff FortMr. & Mrs. Joshua L. BatchelorMs. Sallymoon S. BenzDr. & Mrs. Devinder BhatiaMs. Joan H. BitarJohn BlomquistMr. & Mrs. Daniel BoggioDr. & Mrs. Milton BoniukMr. & Mrs. John F. BookoutMr. & Mrs. James D. BozemanMr. & Mrs. Richard H. BrackettMr. & Mrs. Robert BrayMr. & Mrs. Kevin BrophySusan & Richard BrownMr. & Mrs. Laurence BurnsMrs. Anne H. BushmanDr. & Mrs. William T. ButlerMr. & Mrs. Barent W. CaterDr. Robert N. ChanonMrs. Cielle ClemenceauMr. & Mrs. James G. CoatsworthMr. & Mrs. Charles ComiskeyMr. Mark C. ConradDr. & Mrs. James D. CoxMr. David A. CoyleSylvia & Andre CrispinMr. & Mrs. T. N. CrookMr. & Mrs. Harry H. Cullen Jr.Mr. Carl CunninghamMr. & Mrs. Jeremy DavisMr. & Mrs. Jerry H. DeutserMr. & Mrs. Robert DeutserMike & Debra DishbergerDr. Burdett S. & Mrs. Kathleen C.E. DunbarMr. & Mrs. Edward N. EarleCarolyn & David EdgarDr. Kenneth L EulerMr. & Mrs. Donald Faust Sr.Mrs. Carolyn Grant FayJerry E. & Nanette B. FingerDr. & Mrs. Ronald FischerJohn C. FitchMr. Dale FitzMr. & Mrs. Vince D. FosterMr. & Mrs. Edwin FreedmanMs. Beth FreemanPaula & Alfred FriedlanderJ. Kent & Ann FriedmanSally & Bernard FuchsMr. & Mrs. Todd FullerMr. & Mrs. Magnus Fyhr

Individual Donors.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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February 2011 35

Individual Donors.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mr. & Mrs. Gerard GaynorMr. & Mrs. John GeeMr. Jerry GeorgeMrs. Joan M. GieseMs. Nancy D. GilesMr. Walter GilmoreMr. & Mrs. Thomas W. GlanvilleMr. & Mrs. Morris GlesbyMr. & Mrs. Bert H. GoldingHelen B. Wils & Leonard GoldsteinRobert & Michele GoodmarkDr. & Mrs. Brad GoodwinMr. & Mrs. Tony GracelyMs. Joyce Z. GreenbergMr. Charles H. GregoryMary & Paul GregoryMs. Christine R. GriffithMr. & Mrs. Robert M. GriswoldMs. Carmen C. HaldenMrs. Thalia HalenMr. & Mrs. Robert C. HannaRita & John HannahMs. Margaret W. HansenDr. & Mrs. Eric J. HaufrectMr. & Mrs. Philip J. HawkMr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Heath Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Eric HeggesethMarilyn & Robert M. HermanceMr. & Mrs. Richard HoffertMr. Tim HoganMr. & Mrs. Norman C. HoyerDr. & Mrs. Robert IvanyMr. Jacek JaminskiMr. Eric S. Johnson & Dr. Ronada DavisMr. & Mrs. Walter KaseSam & Cele KeeperLinda & Frank S. KelleyMr. & Mrs. Bill KingMary Louis KisterMr. & Mrs. Melvin Krezer Jr.Dr. & Mrs. Russell W. KridelMr. Willy KuehnMr. & Mrs. Kevin LaneMr. & Mrs. Jack LeeDr. & Mrs. Kenneth Eugene LehrerMr. William W. LindleyMr. & Mrs. Michael LinnMs. Barbara ListerMr. & Mrs. H. Arthur LittellMs. Nancey LobbDr. & Mrs. Fred R. Lummis Jr.Mr. & Mrs. J.A. Mawhinney Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Bill McCartneyMr. & Mrs. James W. McCartneyMr. & Mrs. David R. McKeithan Jr.Ms. Jennifer R. MireMr. & Mrs. Richard MithoffDr. Florence M. MonroeDr. Eleanor D. MontagueMs. Marsha L. MontemayorJohn & Ann MontgomeryMr. & Mrs. Gerarld MoynierMr. & Mrs. Marvin MuellerMs. Jennifer NaaeMr. & Mrs. Stephen NewmanMr. & Mrs. Charles G. NicksonJohn & Leslie NiemandNils & Stephanie NormannMr. & Mrs. Patrick OlfersJane & Kenneth OwenMr. & Mrs. Robert PageMr. & Mrs. Raul Pavon

Michael & Shirley PearsonMr. & Mrs. James D. PennyMr. & Mrs. Gary PetersenMr. & Mrs. W. Hugh Phillips IIIMr. & Mrs. Harry J. Phillips Jr.Mr. James D. PitcockMr. & Mrs. James PostlMr. John PottsClinton & Leigh RappoleRecord FamilyDr. Madaiah Revana, MDHilda & Hershel RichMr. & Mrs. Allyn RisleyMs. Janice Robertson & Mr. Douglas WilliamsMinnette & Jerome RobinsonMs. Regina J. RogersMrs. Annetta RoseMary Louise & David SandersonMs. Paula SantoskiMrs. Myrna SchafferMr. & Mrs. Lawrence SchanzmeyerMr. & Mrs. Marc J. ShapiroMr. & Mrs. Russell SherrillMr. & Mrs. W. Allen ShindlerMrs. Camille SimpsonMr. & Mrs. Wesley SmithDean & Kay L. SniderMs. Kelly SomozaCarol & Michael StamatedesMr. & Mrs. George StarkMr. & Mrs. James R. StevensCassie B. Stinson & James H. GibbonsMr. & Mrs. Toby SummersMrs. Mary SwaffordMs. Jeanine SwiftMr. & Mrs. Albert S. Tabor Jr.Mr. Stephen TangneyMr. Mark TaylorJean & Doug ThomasMr. & Mrs. Timothy J. UngerMr. & Mrs. Thomas ValleeMr. & Mrs. William VisinskyMr. David WaddellMr. & Mrs. Fred WahrlichMr. Danny Ward & Ms. Nancy AmesMs. Joann E. WeltonMr. & Mrs. Eden N. WenigMr. & Mrs. Patrick J. WhelanMr. Thomas H. WilsonDr. & Mrs. Jerry S. WolinskyMr. & Mrs. Jeff WrayMs. Ellen A. YarrellMr. Sam M. Yates, IIIMr. & Mrs. Mark YzaguirreMr. & Mrs. Charles ZabriskieMrs. Betsy I. ZimmerMr. Terry Zmyslo

Composer’s Circle$500 - $999Anonymous (6)Mr. & Mrs. N. T. AdamsMs. Henrietta K. AlexanderMs. Joan AmbrogiCorbin & Char AslaksonMr. & Mrs. Jerry AxelrodMr. & Mrs. David M. BalderstonMs. Virginia C. BallardDr. David BarryMr. & Mrs. Mark Berkstresser

Mr. & Mrs. George BoergerMr. & Mrs. Thomas BolamMr. Arno S. BommerMr. & Mrs. Giorgio BorlenghiMr. & Mrs. Danny J. Bowers Jr.Ms. Sally BrassowKatherine M. BriggsMs. Barbara A. BrooksMr. J. W. BrougherDr. Bob Brown & Ms. Dena RafteFred & Judy BrunkMrs. Shirley BurgherMr. & Mrs. Joseph L. CampbellMrs. Marjorie CapshawMr. Petros CarvounisMr. & Mrs. Kevin J. CaseyMr. & Mrs. E. Thomas ChaneyK.D. Charalampous, M.D.Virginia A. ClarkJim R. & Lynn CoeMr. & Mrs. Mark W. CoffinMrs. Barbora ColeMr. & Mrs. Todd ColterMr. Robert A. ColtonMs. Barbara A. ConteMr. & Mrs. Byron CooleyMr. H. Talbot CooleyMichael T. CoppingerMr. & Mrs. William C. CrassasMr. & Mrs. Timothy J. CrullMs. Ann CurrensMs. Anna M. DeanDr. & Mrs. Clotaire D. DeleryMs. Aurelie DesmaraisBruce B. DiceMr. & Mrs. Mark DiehlMrs. & Mrs. Carr P. DishroonMr. & Mrs. Mark W. DobbinsMr. & Mrs. James P. DornElizabeth H. DuerrMr. Dan DunhamDrs. Gary & Roz DworkinMildred & Richard EllisMr. & Mrs. William EvansDr. & Mrs. Louis A. FaillaceMr. & Mrs. Jonathan B. FairbanksMs. Ursula H. FelmetMr. & Mrs. Harvey FleisherMr. James B. Flodine & Ms. Lynne LiberatoMr. & Mrs. Charles FlourneyMs. Martha GarciaMartha & Gibson Gayle Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Harry GendelDr. & Mrs. Jack GillWilliam E. GipsonGen. & Mrs. Melbern G. GlasscockLee & Sandy GodfreyMr. & Mrs. Herbert I. GoodmanDr. & Mrs. Harvey L. GordonMr. Dane GrenobleMs. Jo Ann C. GuilloryZahava HaenoshGaye Davis & Dennis B. HalpinDr. & Mrs. Carlos R. HamiltonMs. Vickie HamleyMr. & Mrs. Robert L. HansenMr. & Mrs. Stephen HarbachickBruce Harkness & Alice BrownMr. & Mrs. Robert S. HarrellMr. & Mrs. Brian HaufrectMr. & Mrs. David L. Haug

Mr. & Mrs. Frank L. Heard Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Walter A. HechtMr & Mrs. Dean HenningsMr. & Mrs. Robert P. HerrmannMs. Hilda R. HerzfeldAnn & Joe HightowerMr. & Mrs. Ross K. HillMr. & Mrs. Richard P. HoganMr. Ronald Holley & Dr. Natasha HolleyMr. & Mrs. Robert E. HollowayMs. Vicki HuffDiane & Geoffrey IbbottMrs. Paula JarrettMr. Mark JohanssonMr. & Mrs. Wesley A. JohnsonMr. & Mrs. Okey B. JohnsonMr. Scot W. JohnsonDr. & Mrs. Robert E. JordonLucy & Victor KormeierMr. Rodney KubicekSuzanne A. & Dan D. KubinMs. Joni LatimerMr. & Mrs. Richard D. Lee IIMr. Richard LeibmanMs. Golda K. LeonardH. Fred & Velva G. LevineMichael & Sharon LewisMr. James C. LindseyMr. Kelly Bruce LobleyMrs. Sylvia LohkampMr. & Mrs. Stevens MafrigeMr. Christopher ManciniMs. Liz MarkellMs. B. Lynn Mathre & Mr. Stewart O’DellMr. & Mrs. Richard MattixMr. & Mrs. James McBrideMs. Suzanne McCarthyLawrence McCullough & Linda Jean QuintanillaMr. & Mrs. Kevin McEvoyMr. George McKeeMs. Mary J. McKerall & Ms. Marilyn FlickMrs. Dorri MelvinDr. & Mrs. John MendelsohnMr. Ronald A. MikitaMr. & Mrs. Herbert G. MillsMr. & Mrs. John C. MolloyMr. & Mrs. John H. Monroe Jr.Mr. Richard MurphyDaniel & Karol MusherAlan & Elaine MutMr. & Mrs. Geoffrey B. NewtonMr. & Mrs. Morris OrocofskyMs. Margie OrtegaMr. & Mrs. Enrique OspinaMrs. Caroline OsteenMr. & Mrs. Sheldon I. OsterMr. & Mrs. Marc C. PaigeMr. Robert PastorekRachel & Michael PawsonMr. & Mrs. James L. PayneMrs. Preston A. PeakDr. & Mrs. Joseph V. PennMr. & Mrs. William O. Perkins IIIMr. John M. PetroskyMs. Meg PhilpotMary H. & Lynn K. PickettKim & Ted A. PowellMr. Robert W. PowellDoris F. PryzantMrs. Dana PuddyElias & Carole Qumsieh

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36 www.houstonsymphony.org

Dr. & Mrs. Henry H. Rachford Jr.Dr. Mike RatliffMr. & Mrs. William B. RawlMr. & Mrs. John Q. ReansMrs. Edith G. ReedMs. Louisa B. ReidDr. Alexander P. Remenchik & Ms. Frances BurfordMary & Jesse RobertsMr. & Mrs. Fabrice RocheMs. Franelle RogersMilton & Jill RoseMr. Edward RossMr. John E. RyallDr. Raymond E. SawayaMr. & Mrs. Lawrence SherlockMr. Barry E. Silverman & Ms. Shara FryerBarbara & Louis SklarMs. Marcia SmartMr. & Mrs. Stephen N. SmithDr. & Mrs. C. Richard StasneyMs. Joyce SteensrudMr. Myron F. StevesDr. & Mrs. David SufianMrs. Louise SuttonMr. & Mrs. Glenn TaylorMr. Kerry TaylorMs. Betsy Mims & Mr. Howard D. ThamesJacob & Elizabeth ThomasMr. & Mrs. Tom ThweattDr. & Mrs. Karl TornyosMr. Daniel S. TrachtenbergMs. Cathleen J. TrechterMr. & Mrs. Robert A. TremantMr. & Mrs. D.E. UtechtMr. & Mrs. Juan B. VallhonratDr. & Mrs. Gage VanHornMs. Jana Vander LeeMr. & Mrs. Bill VaughnJan & Don WagnerDean B. WalkerMr. & Mrs. William B. WareingMr. Kenneth W. WarrenMr. & Mrs. James A. WattJ. M. WeltzienMr. & Mrs. Ben WhiteMr. & Mrs. Andrew WilkomirskiNancy WillersonMr. & Mrs. Le Roy YeagerMr. William A. YoungMr. Ray Young

Sustaining Member $�50 - $499Anonymous (20)Mr. & Mrs. W. Kendall AdamMr. John Adkins Jr.Ms. Lina AmadorDr. & Mrs. Roy AruffoMr. Rudy AvelarMr. & Mrs. David BaggettMr. & Mrs. Gabriel BaizanMr. & Mrs. John BakerMr. & Mrs. James A. Baker IIIMr. & Mrs. Saul BalaguraMr. & Mrs. Seth BarrettMr. & Mrs. John A. BarrettDr. & Mrs. Robert C. Bast Jr.Mr. Steve A. BavousettMs. Roberta BensonMrs. Robert L. Berge

Mr. & Mrs. Paul C. BernerMr. & Mrs. Matthew BeshearsMr. & Mrs. Randall BesteMr. & Mrs. Ed BillingsJames S. & Linda BirtwistleMs. Suzie BoydBob F. BoydstonMs. Tiffany BreedingMr. & Mrs. Richard L. BrooksMr. & Mrs. Steven BrosvikSally & Laurence BrownMs. Courtney BrynesMr. & Mrs. Bruce BuhlerMr. & Mrs. Rick A. BurrisMrs. Miriam ByrdMr. Eugene ByrdMr. & Mrs. Raul CaffesseMr. & Mrs. Dean L. CallenderVirginia & William CamfieldMr. & Mrs. J. Scott CampbellMs. Sandra CamposMr. & Mrs. Kent ChenevertMr. Kenneth ChinMr. & Mrs. Thomas C. ClevelandMr. & Mrs. Ralph CohenMr. Tulio ColmenaresMr. & Mrs. Clayton A. ComptonMs. Erin ConnallyMr. Cecil C. ConnerMr. William S. & Dr. Mary Alice CowanMs. Jeanne A. CoxMs. Christina DanielsMs. Mary Joe DanquardLeon DavisMs. Elizabeth Del PicoMr. & Mrs. Richard P. DelaneyMr. & Mrs. Jack DinersteinMr. & Mrs. Ira DinitzPatrick & Risha DozarkMr. & Mrs. Clifford C. DukesMr. & Mrs. James H. DupreeMr. & Mrs. David DybellDr. & Mrs. David W. EdelsteinMr. Ramsay M. ElderMr. & Mrs. Peter EricksonMr. Mike EzzellMs. Ann S. FarrellMr. Chris C. FellowsMrs. John T. FilesMr. & Mrs. James FlanniganMr. & Mrs. Theodore C. FlickMr. Richard L. Flowers Jr.Mr. & Mrs. John M. ForneyMr. Joe FowlerMr. & Mrs. Michael S. FranciscoMs. Johnella V. FranklinMr. Ralph F. FrankowskiMs. Diane L. FreemanRobert A. Furse, M.D.Ms. Martha GardillShifra & Terry GardnerDr. & Mrs. Gary M. GartsmanMr. & Mrs. Duane V. GeisMr. & Mrs. James E. GerhardtMr. Fred GesiorskiMr. Glen GettemyDebbie & Kyle GibsonDr. & Mrs. Richard J. GigliottiDr. & Mrs. Johnny GoldenMs. Heidi GoodMr. Jon Kevin GossettMr. Ned Graber

Mr. & Mrs. Tim GrahamMrs. Howard GrekelMr. Teruhiko HagiwaraMr. & Mrs. Roy T. HalleMr. & Mrs. Tod P. HardingMs. Karen HardingMr. Paul HarmonDr. & Mrs. William S. HarwellMr. & Mrs. William HaskinsMrs. Clora B. HeathMs. Joy HerinMr. & Mrs. John R. HeumannMr. & Mrs. John HeyburnJess Hines Jr.Susan HodgeMr. David HoffmanJacque HollandHoward & Dorothy HomeyerMr. & Mrs. John HomierS.y. & Y.j. Kim HongMr. & Mrs. Robert M. HopsonJohn & Nancy HowardGeorge E. HoweMr. John HowenstineMr. & Mrs. Aaron HowesMr. & Mrs. George M. HricikMr. Tyler HubbardMr. James M. HughesMr. & Mrs. James R. HuttonMr. & Mrs. Mark JohnsonMs. Sheila K. JohnstoneMr. & Mrs. Kenneth KadesMr. Guido KanschatDr. & Mrs. Andrew P. KantMr. & Mrs. Kenneth KantorMr. & Mrs. David KarohlMr. & Mrs. Curtis R. KayemDr. Helen K. KeeMs. Arlette KeeneMr. & Mrs. Hugh R. KellyDr. & Mrs. Sherwin KershmanDr. James KillianDr. Alemka KisicDr. Nora J. KleinDr. & Mrs. Douglas D. KochMr. & Mrs. Sam KosterDr. & Mrs. James H. KrauseMr. Vijay KusnoorMr. & Mrs. Phillip LadinMr. & Mrs. Thomas S. LathamMr. & Mrs. William LeightonMr. & Mrs. Robert LeonardMr. & Mrs. Earl L. Lester Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Ralph A. Lillich Jr.Louise & Oscar LuiDr. Ellen LumpkinTom & Kathleen MachMr. & Mrs. Harry E. Mach IIIMr. Kemp MaerMrs. D.B. MarchantMrs. Renee MargolinMr. & Mrs. J. H. MartenMr. Mark MatovichMr. R. Scott McCayMrs. Alison McDermott & Mr. Adrian GlasserMs. Judi McGeeMr. Daniel McHenryMr. & Mrs. Lawrence McManusOdette & James McMurreyMr. & Mrs. James L. McNettMr. & Mrs. Joseph R. Melanson Jr.

Dr. Robert A. MendelsonMr. & Mrs. Charles A. MichalskiMs. Georgette M. MichkoEllen Ochoa & Coe F. MilesMr. Russell J. Miller & Mrs. Charlotte M. MeyerMr. & Mrs. Thomas J. MirelesDr. David MoellerMs. Kathleen Moore & Mr. Steven T. HomerMr. & Mrs. Michael J. MorganMs. Lauren MorganJoyce & Owen MorrisMr. & Mrs. Ryan MossMr. Joel Ray NeedhamMr. & Mrs. David S. NeubergerMr. Philip R. NeuhausMary Murrill NorthMr. & Mrs. Charles OfnerMarjory & Barry OkinMr. & Mrs. Duncan H. OrrJulie & Chip Oudin IIIMr. William PannillGrace & Carroll PhillipsMs. Alice PhillipsMr. Verne PignoletMs. Deborah PossoMr. & Mrs. Arthur H. PrattMr. Arthur PreisingerMr. & Mrs. Harold PrestonMr. Chip PurchaseMs. Nita D. PyleMr. & Mrs. Manuel E. QuintanaMr. & Mrs. Paul RamirezMs. Joanna RaynesLoreta & Ronald ReaVicki & J.B. ReberMr. & Mrs. Joseph ReddenMr. & Mrs. Norman T. ReynoldsMr. & Mrs. Walter RhodesMr. & Mrs. William K. RiceMr. & Mrs. Claud D. RiddlesMr. & Mrs. Charles E. RinehartMrs. George RismanMr. James L. RobertsonMr. Brian Rodgers & Mrs. Sally EvansDrs. Herbert & Manuela RoellerMr. & Mrs. Keith A. RogersMr. & Mrs. Mervin RosenbaumMr. & Mrs. Norman RosenthalDr. & Mrs. Barry SachsMs. Rachael SandersMr. Ed Schneider & Ms. Toni A. OpltMrs. Joan Schnitzer LevyGarry & Margaret SchoonoverDee & Sharon SchrinnerMr. & Mrs. Douglas SchwaabMs. Elizabeth SchwarzeCharles & Andrea SeayMr. & Mrs. Charles O. ShearouseMr. Lawrence E. SheltonArt & Ellen SheltonPamela & Richard SherryMr. Barrett SidesMr. Stephen C. Smith & Mr. Ronald JensonMr. & Mrs. William SmithMr. Marc SofiaHans C. SonnebornMs. Blanche StastnyMr. & Mrs. Donald K. SteinmanMr. Philip A. StemmlerMr. & Ms. Gary Stenerson

Individual Donors.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Annual Fund Donations Support Performance Excellence, Education and Community Engagement.With your Support…• More than 600,000 Houstonians will enjoy the Symphony this year.• Our Classical, Pops, Family and Holiday concert series will continue to feature the world’s best musicians

and guest artists, inspiring as they entertain.• Our free concerts, master classes, competitions and small-ensemble recitals, broadcasts and more will bring the joy of music to

every corner of Houston.• Our student concerts and music-education programs will introduce symphonic music to more than 35,000 children from 19 school districts,

in turn helping them succeed in class while building self-esteem.

Music gives voice and wings to the human spirit, but it cannot survive without your generosity.Your gift does make a difference. Please make it today.Call (713) 337-8500 to make your gift by phone, or give online at houstonsymphony.org.

Individual Donors.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

William F. SternMs. Jean StinsonDr. & Mrs. Richard StraxDr. John R. Stroehlein & Ms. Miwa SakashitaMr. & Mrs. Hans StrohmerMs. Lori SummaMs. Barbara SwartzMr. & Mrs. Robert B. SymonMr. & Mrs. George TallichetDr. Shahin TavackoliMs. Jessica TaylorMr. Robert M. TaylorMr. & Ms. Gary TeletzkeHoward Tellepsen Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Gerald ThurmondDavid & Ann TomatzMr. & Mrs. Edmunds Travis Jr.Mr. Paul R. TregurthaMr. & Mrs. Ronald TrowbridgeDr. Robert Ulrich & Ms. June R. RussellMr. John T. Unger & Ms. Kathy WelchDr. & Mrs. Brad UrquhartMr. Steven ValeriusMr. Viet VanDr. Holly & Mr. Michael VarnerMr. Eugene WagenechtMs. Sandria WardMr. & Mrs. John WardellMs. Victoria WendlingDrs. A. & J. WerchMr. & Mrs. G. Thomas WhitcombMr. Richard WhiteMr. Donald WhiteMr. & Mrs. Cornel WilliamsMr. & Mrs. Russell R. WilliamsMr. & Mrs. Stephen R. WoodMiss Susan WoodMr. & Mrs. Clifford E. Woodward

Mrs. Dalia WossMr. & Mrs. Byron WrightMrs. Peggy J. WylieMrs. Barbara S. YoungMr. & Mrs. Paul J. Zohlen

Principal Pops Conductor’s Circle $5,000 or MoreMr. & Mrs. Edward F. Blackburne Jr.Allen & Almira Gelwick - Lockton CompaniesDr. & Mrs. Bernard KatzPaul & Rita MoricoMr. Robert J. PileggeMr. & Mrs. William K. Robbins Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Ken N. RobertsonMrs. Sybil F. RoosMrs. Maryjane ScherrMr. & Mrs. Donald E. Woodard Jr.

Grand Patron Pops $�,500-$4,999Mr. Christopher Buehler & Ms. Jill HutchisonMr. & Mrs. Byron F. DyerCarol & Larry FradkinMrs. Barry LewisMr. & Mrs. Allan QuiatLinda & Jerry RubensteinMr. & Mrs. Leland Tate

Pops Patron $1,500-$�,499Ms. Tara BlackJim & Ellen BoxMs. Sara J. DevineMr. & Mrs. James E. DorsettJulius & Suzan GlickmanMr. Robert GrantMr. & Mrs. Mark S. Rauch

Mr. & Mrs. Ben A. ReidShirley & Marvin RichMr. & Mrs. Louis J. SnyderMs. Jody VerwersMr. & Mrs. Lawrence D. WallaceMr. & Mrs. William B. Welte IIISally & Denney Wright

Headliner $1,000-$1,499Rev. & Mrs. H. Eldon AkermanMrs. Alan GaylorMr. & Mrs. Fred L. GormanMr. & Mrs. Jerry L. HamakerMr. & Mrs. George A. HellandMichael & Darcy KrajewskiMr. Anthony G. OgdenMr. & Mrs. Steve SimsMs. Virginia TorresMs. Amanda Tozzi

Producer $500-$999Mr. Stephen J. BanksMr. Allen J. BeckerMr. John S. BeuryW. M. CalvertMr. & Mrs. Warren J. CarrollJohn & Joyce EagleMr. Harold JennisonMs. Mary KeathleyMr. Don E. KingsleyCharles C. & Patricia KubinMr. & Mrs. Barry H. MargolisMr. & Mrs. Joe T. McMillanMr. Gerard & Mrs. Helga MeneillyDr. & Mrs. Raghu NarayanW. R. PurifoyMr. & Mrs. Philip ReddingMr. & Mrs. George A. Rizzo Jr.

Mr. Morris RubinMr. & Mrs. Tim ShauntyNorbert F. StangMr. & Mrs. Carl N. TongbergMr. Roger TrandellGene & Donna Tromblee

Director $�50-$499Anonymous (1)Mrs. Elsie AmeenAnn B. BeaudetteDr. & Mrs. R.L. BrennerMr. Jay T. BrownMs. Carol BrownsteinRichard & Marcia ChurnsMarilyn & Tucker CoughlenMr. T. J. DoggettMr. & Mrs. Jim GuntherMr. & Mrs. Dale HardyMr. Larry JanuaryDr. George S. KnappMr. Richard S. LedermannMr. & Mrs. Roger LindgrenMr. & Mrs. Roger MedorsMr. & Mrs. Carrol R. McGinnisPatrick & Peggy McKinneyMary Murrill NorthMs. Phyllis SchafferDr. & Mrs. A. Carl SchmulenMr. & Mrs. Harold L. SiegeleMr. & Mrs. David K. SmithMs. Beth StegleMr. & Mrs. William G. StraightSandy Vander KamDr. & Mrs. William C. WatkinsMr. & Mrs. Don Wilton

As of December 29, 2010

In Kind Donors.........................................................................................................

February 2011 37

As of January 10, 2011

Alexander’s Fine Portrait DesignBaker Botts Be FriendsBergner & JohnsonBKD, LLPBright StarCasi Cielo ProductionsCogneticMr. Carl R. Cunningham

Darryl & Co.Deville Fine JewelryDocuData SolutionsThe Events Company Hilton Americas - HoustonHouston ChronicleJackson and CompanyJOHANNUS Organs of TexasJim Benton of Houston LLCJR’s Bar & Grill

KUHF 88.7 FMThe Lancaster Hotel Limb DesignMorton’s The SteakhouseMusic & ArtsNeiman MarcusNew Leaf Publishing, Inc.PaperCityPride HoustonPro/Sound

Saint Arnold’s BrewerySaks Fifth AvenueShecky’s Media, Inc.Silver Eagle DistributorsSky BarSpec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer FoodsStrip HouseValobra Jewelry & AntiquesJohn Wright/Texprint

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38 www.houstonsymphony.org

W. P. BeardMrs. H. Raymond BrannonAnthony BrigandiLawrence E. Carlton, M.D.Lee Allen ClarkJack EllisFrank R. EylerHelen Bess Fariss FosterChristine E. GeorgeMrs. Marcella Levine Harris

General & Mrs. Maurice HirschMiss Ima HoggBurke & Octavia HolmanMrs. L. F. McCollumJoan B. McKerleyMonroe L. Mendelsohn Jr.Mrs. Janet MoynihanConstantine S. NicandrosHanni OrtonStewart Orton, Legacy Society co-founder

Dr. Michael PapadopoulosMiss Louise Pearl PerkinsWalter W. Sapp, Legacy Society co-founderJ. Fred & Alma Laws Lunsford SchultzJohn K. & Fanny W. StoneDorothy Barton ThomasMrs. Harry C. WiessMrs. Edward Wilkerson

Legacy Society...................................................................................................

The Legacy Society honors those who have included the Houston Symphony in their long-term estate plans through bequests, life-income gifts or other deferred-giving arrangements. Members of the Legacy Society enjoy a variety of benefits, including an annual musical event with a renowned guest artist. The Houston Symphony extends its deepest thanks to the members of the Society, and with their permission, is pleased to acknowledge them.

Anonymous (10)Mr. & Mrs. Thomas D. BarrowGeorge & Betty BashenDorothy B. BlackErmy Borlenghi BonfieldRonald C. BorschowAnneliese BosselerJoe BrazzattiZu BroadwaterTerry Ann BrownDr. Joan K. Bruchas & H. Philip CowdinEugene R. BrunsSylvia J. CarrollWilliam J. Clayton & Margaret A. HughesLeslie Barry DavidsonHarrison R. T. DavisMr. & Mrs. Jeremy DavisJudge & Mrs. Harold DeMoss Jr.Jean & sJack EllisMrs. Robin A. ElversonThe Aubrey and Sylvia Farb FamilyGinny GarrettMichael B. GeorgeStephen & Mariglyn GlennMr. & Mrs. Keith E. GottRandolph Lee GroningerMarilyn & Robert M. HermanceDr. Gary L. HollingsworthDr. Edward J. & Mrs. Patti HurwitzKenneth HydeMr. Brian James

Drs. Rita & Blair JusticeDr. & Mrs. Ira Kaufman, M.D.John S. W. KellettAnn Kennedy & Geoffrey WalkerDr. & Mrs. I. Ray KirkMr. & Mrs. Ulyesse LeGrangeMrs. Frances E. LelandDr. Mary R. LewisE. W. Long Jr.Sandra MagersRodney H. MargolisMr. & Mrs. Jay MarksJames MatthewsDr. and Mrs. Malcolm MazowMr. & Mrs. Gene McDavidCharles E. McKerleyMr. & Mrs. Alexander K. McLanahanMiss Catherine Jane MerchantDr. & Mrs. Robert M. MihaloRon MikitaKatherine Taylor MizeIone MoranSidney MoranSue A. Morrison and ChildrenMr. & Mrs. Richard P. MoynihanGretchen Anne MyersBobbie & Arthur NewmanEdward C. Osterberg Jr.Joan D. OsterweilImogen “Immy” PapadopoulosSara M. Peterson

Mr. Howard PieperGeraldine S. PriestDaniel F. ProsserGloria & Joe PryzantMrs. Dana PuddyWalter M. RossMr. & Mrs. Michael B. SandeenCharles K. SandersCharles King SandersMr. & Mrs. Charles T. Seay IIMr. & Mrs. James A. ShafferDr. & Mrs. Kazuo ShimadaJule & Albert SmithMr. & Mrs. Louis J. SnyderMike & sAnita StudeEmily H. & Daniel K. TerryStephen G. TippsMr. & Mrs. Jesse B. TutorDr. Carlos Vallbona & ChildrenMargaret Waisman, M.D. &

Steven S. Callahan, Ph.D.David M. Wax & Elaine Arden CaliRobert G. WeinerGeoffrey WestergaardJennifer R. WittmanMr. & Mrs. Bruce E. WoodsMr. & Mrs. David Wuthrich

As of January 5, 2011

sDeceased

We honor the memory of those who in life included the Houston Symphony in their estate plans. Their thoughtfulness and generosity will continue to inspire and enrich lives for generations to come!

In Memoriam.....................................................................................................

For more information on creating a legacy for the benefit of the Symphony, please contact the Planned Giving Office at (713) 337-8524 or e-mail [email protected].

Paul & Vickie DavisExxonMobilDavid & Joyce Fox

Robert Lee GomezPhilip & Audrey LewisDave Nussmann

Remora EnergySusan Scarrow

Houston Symphony Chorus Endowment Donors............................................

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February 2011 39

Artistic excellence, strong leadership, robust ticket sales and growing philanthropic support are vital, but they alone cannot guarantee the Houston Symphony’s future. To do so, its endowment must be increased. My Houston, My Symphony: Campaign for a Sound Future has two major goals: add $60 million to the Symphony’s endowment and raise $15 million in working capital. We are proud to recognize those who have already made commitments to this campaign and invite others to join them as we build an artistically and financially sound Houston Symphony.

Foundations......................$10,000,000 The Brown Foundation, Inc. *

$1,000,000 - $4,999,999AnonymousThe Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts *Houston Endowment Inc.Spec’s Charitable FoundationThe Wortham Foundation, Inc.

$500,000 - $999,999The Fondren Foundation

$100,000 - $499,999M. D. Anderson FoundationThe Cullen FoundationThe Margaret & James A. Elkins, Jr. FoundationThe William Randolph Hearst FoundationAlbert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable FoundationMach Family FundThe Marks Charitable Foundation

$�5,000 - $99,999Dror Charitable FoundationThe Kayser FoundationThe Nightingale Code Foundation

Corporations.....................$100,000 - $�50,000Baker Botts L.L.P.ChevronConocoPhillipsFulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.Marathon Oil Company Foundation

$50,000 - $99,000Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP

$�5,000 - $49,999Amegy Bank of TexasGoldman Sachs

$10,000 - $�4,999Sterling Bank

Individuals.......................FounderAnonymous

Grand GuarantorMr. & Mrs. Philip A. Bahr *Mr. & Mrs. Thomas D. Barrow *Lieutenant Governor David H. DewhurstBarbara & Patrick McCelveyPhoebe and Bobby Tudor

GuarantorEstate of Lawrence E. Carlton, M.D.Mr. & Mrs. Marvin KaplanMr. & Mrs. Rodney H. Margolis

Mr. & Mrs. Jay Marks *Mrs. Sue A. Morrison & ChildrenEstate of Mr. Walter W. Sapp *Mr. & Mrs. Michael E. ShannonMr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor *

Major BenefactorDr. & Mrs. Alexander DellLevit Family/Grocers SupplyDr. & Mrs. Michael Mann

BenefactorAnonymous *Linda & Gene DewhurstMrs. Robin A. ElversonMr. & Mrs. Marvy A. FingerHouston Symphony ChorusDrs. Blair & Rita JusticeDrs. M.S. & Marie-Luise Kalsi *Mr. & Mrs. James A. ShafferMr. & Mrs. Stephen G. Tipps *

Major SponsorAnonymousMr. & Mrs. David J. BeckMrs. Ruth White BrodskyMr. & Mrs. John T. CaterMr. Michael H. Clark & Ms. Sallie Morian *Mr. Martin J. Fein & Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein

in memory of Jean VineyMr. & Mrs. Russell M. FrankelStephen & Mariglyn GlennDr. Gary L. HollingsworthMs. Martha KleymeyerMr. & Mrs. Gene McDavidMr. & Mrs. Michael D. Moore *Mr. & Mrs. Scott S. NyquistKathy & Harry Phillips FundGloria & Joe PryzantMr. & Mrs. J. Hugh Roff Jr.Ms. Charlotte A. RothwellMr. & Mrs. Paul N. Schwartz Ms. Ann TrammellMr. & Mrs. Steven J. WilliamsMr. & Mrs. Ed Wulfe

SponsorAnonymous (2) Mr. Clayton BairdMr. & Mrs. Gary Beauchamp *Mrs. Ermy Borlenghi BonfieldMs. Catherine Campbell-Brock & Dr. Gary BrockMs. Janet F. ClarkMr. & Mrs. Jeffrey B. EarlyMr. & Mrs. Craig A. Fox *Mr. Frank T. Garcia & Dr. Elizabeth M. SpankusMr. & Mrs. Robert M. HermanceMr. Jack Holmes *Dr. & Mrs. I. Ray KirkMr. & Mrs. Ulyesse J. LeGrangeDr. & Mrs. Daniel E. LehaneMr & Mrs. Harry MachMs. Judi McGeeMr. & Mrs. Alexander K. McLanahan *

Mr. & Mrs. Lucian L. Morrison Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Arthur NewmanMr. & Dr. Edward C. Osterberg Jr.Nancy & Bob PeiserMr. & Mrs. Joseph P. QuoyeserMr. & Mrs. Albert J. Smith Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Fredric A. Weber *

Major PatronMr. Thomas Becker & Mr. Jim Rosenfeld *Mr. Gordon B. BonfieldMr. Anthony BrigandiMs. Terry Ann BrownMr. & Mrs. John R. Dennis IIIMr. & Mrs. Osborne J. Dykes IIIMr. & Mrs. Frank J. HevrdejsMr. & Mrs. Frank G. JonesMr. E. W. Long Jr.The MacDonald-Peterson Foundation Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Tommy O. MannMr. & Mrs. C. W. MerchantMr. & Mrs. James M. Mercurio *Mr. & Mrs. Kirk B. MichaelMrs. Hanni Orton *Mr. & Mrs. J. Dale RamseyMr. & Mrs. William J. Rovere Jr.Dr. Margaret Waisman & Dr. Steven S. CallahanVicki & Paul S. WestMr. & Mrs. Melvyn WolffMr. David Zerhusen & Mrs. Kathy Schoff

Patron Mr. & Mrs. Willie J. AlexanderMrs. Marty AmbroseMs. Martha Z. CarnesDr. Scott CutlerMrs. Benjamin DanzigerMs. Leslie B. Davidson & Mr. W. Robins BricePaul & Vickie DavisMr. & Mrs. Patrick M. DreckmanThe Estate of Emma Sue B. FrankDr. Susan E. Gardner & Dr. Philip D. ScottRobert Lee GomezMr. Robert GrantMr. & Mrs. Anthony W. Hall Jr.Susan & Dick HansenMr. & Mrs. Robert S. HarrellMr. & Mrs. Fraser A. McAlpineMr. & Mrs. John S. OrtonMr. & Mrs. P. C. PeropoulosMrs. Helen Rosenbaum *Joseph & Holly RubboSusan ScarrowEstate of Dorothy Barton ThomasMr. David Ashley WhiteMr. & Mrs. David J. Wuthrich

* Donor to endowment and working capitalListing as of August 9, 2010

Campaign Cabinet MembersJan BarrowDaniel DrorRochelle LevitRodney H. MargolisJay MarksJ. Stephen Marks

Harry J. Phillips Jr.Robert B. Tudor IIIWallace S. Wilson

Houston Symphony EndowmentPresident Ulyesse J. LeGrange

Trustees Prentiss Burt Janet Clark J. Cole Dawson III Gene Dewhurst Jesse B. Tutor

George Mitchell, Honorary ChairM. S. Stude, ChairGene Dewhurst, Vice ChairJesse B. Tutor, Vice Chair Mike McLanahan, Vice ChairUlyesse J. LeGrange, Vice Chair

............................................................................................................................ .

My Houston, My Symphony: Campaign for a Sound Future.........................

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Backstage Pass...................................................................................................

Cynthia and Robert Nelson, musician sponsors

Birthplace: Cynthia – Houston, Tx; Bob – New Jersey

Education: Cynthia – Peabody College (now part of Vanderbilt) and Baylor University, BS; Bob – University of Houston, BS in mathematics

Joined the Houston Symphony: Cynthia – Bob took me to a Very Merry Pops concert led by Michael Krajewski in 1999. I have loved Bob, Mike and the Houston Symphony since! Bob – I am a long-time pops subscriber.

Earliest musical memory: Cynthia – I grew up hear-ing good music done well, thanks to Gabriel Fransee’, our church musician. Bob – Growing up, my parents frequently listened to “Big Band” music.

All in the family: Cynthia and her sister sing in choirs; our son plays the double-trigger bass trombone and sings; and our granddaughter sings.

�010-�011 Season Highlights: Cynthia – I enjoyed having Chris Botti back. He brings marvelous talent with him, and our orchestra seems to enjoy playing with him. Mostly, anytime Mike is conducting is special. Bob – I am looking forward to the Rodgers and Hammerstein concerts.

Favorite Symphony experiences: Cynthia – I love it all! The music is astounding; the musicians and staff are interesting, personable and friendly; and the events are entertaining and educational. Bob – Live music just cannot be beat. Our orchestra does so well playing both classical and pops music. I also really enjoy Michael Krajewski.

Pastime and good company: Cynthia – I love to travel, read and spend time with family. Bob – I like to fish, and my wife and I both like taking road trips, staying off the major highways and enjoying local attrac-tions as we go.

Became Musician Sponsors: 2004. Participated in the matching gifts programs where we worked and also contribute stock.

Special thoughts: Our involvement with Mihaela allows us to interact with and know her and her family. At a dinner, we talked and laughed with Mihaela and her husband until we were almost the last ones to leave!

All for a reason: The Symphony, of course, means wonderful music. It also means new musical experiences, people and artists, and having a world-class orchestra to listen to live. The orchestra’s impact on the community is impressive. Musicians provide live music for people who might not have an opportunity to hear such musicianship, including our son’s residential facility for the mentally handicapped. We need to sup-port our local cultural organizations so they will be there for us and future generations.

Pass it on: We are fortunate to be able to give at the Musician Sponsor level and would recommend it. We probably would not know a Symphony musician or fully appreciate their talents, dedication and personalities had we not become musician sponsors.

Mihaela Oancea Frusina, second violin

Birthplace: Bucharest, Romania

Education: Bachelor and Masters degrees in violin performance (Shepherd School of music, Rice University)

Joined the Houston Symphony: September 1995

Discovering my vocation: I started playing the violin when I was 5 years old at the George Enescu Music School in my hometown. I remember hearing my sister, Rodica, practicing the violin and wanted to play it too, but my parents thought that I should start a different instrument, so I started piano lessons. I kept saying that really, the violin was for me and didn’t give up until my parents gave in and started me on the violin.

Earliest musical memory: I remember hearing my school orchestra per-forming Wagner’s Meistersinger Overture and Strauss’ Die Fledermaus and loved the amazing sound they were making. I wanted to be part of such a vibrant and exciting experience, too.

Best thing about being a musician: Trying to be the best that you can be every week and with every piece of repertoire gives you a sense of accomplishment. It also makes for an interesting and challenging career that takes a lot out of you, physically and emo-tionally. It’s also great to come to work and be sur-rounded by wonderful, tal-ented musicians who play so well together.

Alternative Reality: I’ve never really given it much taught, but I think I’d be a racecar driver. I like speed and the adrena-line rush that comes with it.

Favorite performance repertoire: Any Beethoven symphony! The energy and the amazing range of emotions that can come out of a well-performed Beethoven symphony is magical!

Musical inspiration: One special and life-changing moment was when I came to this country (1987) and specifically to Houston, at the invita-tion of a great musician, teacher and wonderful human being, Sergiu Luca. He gave me a chance at a great life and mentored me into what I am today. After studying with him for seven years at Rice University, I realized how fortunate I was to experience the amazing journey into making music under his guidance.

Pastime and good company: I like spending time outdoors with my hus-band, Ovi and three kids, Simone (16), Robert (13) and Alex (5). We just returned from a skiing trip to Taos that was well-deserved time spent together as a family after a busy fall of school-related and athletic events that my kids are involved in. We had a great time enjoying the crisp cold weather and snow in New Mexico.

© JEFF GILM

ER