♣ ♫ Notes from Symphony East ♫ ♣

Monday, March 16, 2020 at Redstone Highlands, 4951 Cline Hollow Road, Murrysville, PA

Socialize & submit payments from 10:30 a.m.—Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 — Lunch 11:45—12:50 Program will begin immediately at 1:00 p.m.

Program: Aria412 - Kelly Lynch, Desirée Soteres, Samuel Viggiano, and Amy Kapp

Aria412 began producing monthly cabaret opera and musical theatre shows in April 2017 at Wallace’s Whiskey Room + Kitchen at Hotel Indigo in Pittsburgh. Now performing in a growing list of venues, Aria412 uses established Pittsburgh singers along with “featured” young local performers, to stretch their repertoires and showcase their talents. Their concerts attract a mix of new audiences in addition to lovers of opera and the performing arts. The shows are all themed and programmed with music selected to surprise and delight their audience. Kelly Fiona Lynch, Soprano, has performed across the east coast of the United States, Italy, and Central America; has conducted master classes in San Jose, Costa Rica for the University of Costa Rica; has sung with the Erie Chamber Orchestra, Pittsburgh Philharmonic, Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Westmoreland Philharmonic Orchestra, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, and the Edgewood Symphony Orchestra; and for Undercroft Opera, Erie Opera Theater, Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, Microscopic Opera, and Chatham Concert Opera. Ms. Lynch's early performing career was as a dramatic coloratura. Upon studying and performing the role of Bellini’s Norma, she decided to take time from performing to switch fachs [vocal specialization], reconditioning the voice to re-emerge as a spinto soprano. Dr. Lynch received her Bachelor of Music degree from Mercyhurst College in Erie (major in vocal performance; minor in piano); her Master of Music degree from CMU; and her Doctor of Music degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge (major in vocal performance; minor in musicology). Dr. Lynch has also trained as a martial artist in Tae Kwon Do, and worked extensively as a massage therapist. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Chatham Concert Opera at Chatham University, which promotes local opera singers from the larger Pittsburgh area. She is currently on the music faculty at Seton Hill and Chatham Universities.

Desirée Soteres, Soprano, is equally at home in concert, musical theater, and on the operatic stage and has been praised for her superb characterization and powerful vocal ability. Her love for music has taken her across the U.S. and around the world and to Pittsburgh via Memphis, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Portland, New York City, San José, Chattanooga, and ports around the globe through Cunard Cruise Lines (a series of concerts in Europe, South America, and Australia aboard the Vistafjord and Royal Viking Sun).

“Bringing to YOU Musicians at their Best”The Symphony East Web site:

www.symphonyeast.org

Having played many venues, both traditional and unorthodox, Ms Soteres especially enjoys new music with premiers of new works with Pittsburgh Festival Opera, Alia Musica, and the New Dischord Festival. The most exciting premiere was creating and singing the title role in Eve Apart by composer Tim Hinck and husband Kip Soteres and produced both in Chattanooga and Pittsburgh. She had the pleasure of singing her favorite operatic role, Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute, with Undercroft Opera, Opera San Jose, West Bay Opera, Stockton Opera, Pocket Opera, and as a Resident Artist at Portland Opera. On the concert stage, she recently performed at Chatham University in a Mozart Birthday Celebration; Classical Salon; Salon on Emerson in a Kurt Weill Salon; the 40th anniversary for Opera Volunteers International in NYC; University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Orchestra; Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra; Chattanooga Bach Choir; and CreateHere’s Hops and Opera. Ms Soteres was named a world finalist in the Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition; a regional finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions; a semi-finalist in the Jenny Lind Competition; and a regional winner in the MacAllister Competition. A TakeLessons instructor, she enjoys helping students of all ages reach their goals; structures the curriculum to the students’s individual needs; and focuses on healthy vocal technique, musicianship, stage presence, and joy in music. Ms Soteres received her MM in vocal performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, her BA in music from Rhodes College in Memphis, and she studied in Austria. Samuel Viggiano, baritone, from Pittsburgh, enjoys a varied career in opera, choral, and musical theater. Currently, he is the bass soloist and section leader at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper St. Clair; he completed a three-week run as Leaf Coneybear in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at South Park Theater; and looks forward to additional operatic and choral engagements with Resonance Works – Pittsburgh.

As a local performer, Mr. Viggiano’s company engagements include Pittsburgh Musical Theater, South Park Theater, Stage 62, Confidential Music Theater – Pittsburgh, Resonance Works – Pittsburgh, CCAC South Summer Theater, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Mon River Arts, and WV Public Theater. He is a founding member and the business manager of the Yinzer Singers: Pittsburgh’s choir-for-hire, whose voices were broadcast through WQED 89.3 and 89.7 FM, and featured at events including the Pittsburgh Symphony Splendor fundraiser, Heinz History Center’s Independence Day flag raising, VFW memorial services, and recorded video game music for Schell Games, LLC. He has proudly been a part of several Pittsburgh premieres, including Stage 62’s Dogfight and Resonance Works’ the Little Match Girl Passion, and was recognized by Broadway World-Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh in the Round for his “well-prepared and steady performances.” He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music (minor in Speech Pathology) from the WVU School of Music and Honors College (2014) and Post-Baccalaureate in Speech Pathology from Northwestern University (2019). At WVU, he studied with tenor Dr. Nicholas Perna, and was also a member of Dr. Christine Kefferstan’s piano studio. As an undergraduate, he was awarded the WVU College of Creative Arts Full Tuition Scholarship, won various places in regional and Tri-State NATS competitions, and was later recognized as a Woodburn Circle Society Outstanding Scholarship Honoree and Honors College Presidential Scholar upon graduation. He currently studies with soprano Sari Gruber. Mr. Viggiano thanks his parents, friends, and extended family for their love and support.

Amy Kapp received a Masters' degree in Piano Accompanying and Vocal Coaching from East Carolina University, an MBA from Chatham University, and a Bachelor's degree from Clarion University. She is currently the accompanist for the Chatham University choir; an accompanist for the University of Pittsburgh Theatre Department; the Minister of Music at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wexford, PA; and the pianist for the Bay Chamber Players in Carnegie, PA. Ms. Kapp has also been an accompanist for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, the Point Park Conservatory of Performing Arts, and the Comtra, Mariposa, and Strand Theatres. She is also the Department Administrator for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh.

Reservations for lunch and program: If not called by the Calling Committee or you were not able to answer the call, please phone Linda Casper, (412) 897-3236, by Wednesday, March 11. At the meeting, please have ready your completed check for $20.00 - made out to Symphony East - and submit it before 11:00 so that everyone can attend the business meeting on time. If you can’t arrive before 11:00, then give any payments and paperwork to Lynn and/or Dee AFTER the musical program. ALL CASH PAYMENTS need to be in an ENVELOPE with Name and Amount on front.] Also, if you reserve and can’t attend, SE must still pay for the food and the performers so please send your check for $20.00 to our Treasurer, Lynn Staab (4310 Sardis Rd., Murrysville, PA 15668).

The programs must begin at 1:00 p.m. — please arrive early.

►Attending only the program? Consider bringing a friend, too, perhaps a member who is no longer able to drive or lives at one of the other independent living residences. You may need to say that playing an instrument is not required to attend a meeting nor to become a member. ◄

A $10.00 donation is requested. 🌷

♣ ♣♣ ➵ President’s message: ♣♣ ♣

Wanted to share my excitement over our recent event at Westmoreland County Club. With a profit of close to $3,000.00, I couldn’t be more thrilled. Pat Frick and her organized committee of Nancy, Diane, and Linda; a beautiful venue; Roger stepping in to sell the Treasure Chest tickets; Sue and Bob doing the 50/50 - I am so thankful for all who helped. I would also like to thank Barb Cseh, assisted by Margie Wolff, for all the hard work doing reservations and table placement. Wanted to also thank Tony the manager who was terrific to work with. Tony also provided us with an easy access to the dining area; he paid $1,200.00 to rent the ramp so we could accommodate all who were in need. The Franklin Regional musical was spectacular. Such a treat to see so many confident, talented young people. The weather cooperated and from comments, an enjoyable time was had by all. My wish would be to entertain doing it again next year. I am so appreciative that my board had a break. In anticipation of another fundraiser, we will be collecting things for baskets for our upcoming Holiday Party at the Lamplighter. So remember when you are doing your spring cleaning, think about what you can donate. Just bring items to the meetings and I will be glad to take all donations. The earlier the better! Looking forward to seeing you all on the 16th. Linda Casper, President

➵ PSA President’s note: Dear Friends at Symphony East, Thank you for organizing such a wonderful fundraiser for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. It was such a lovely and enjoyable afternoon. Everything was well organized and executed, congratulations! The performance by the students of Franklin Regional High School was excellent, and I am still smiling! With warmest regards, Jackie D.

It is time for electing officers for the Executive Board. ►Note: Election of Symphony East’s officers occurs at the March meeting, in accordance with Article III of the By-laws. The nominating committee (Bob Kemper) will present a slate of candidates for the offices of president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.

Elected officers are installed at the May meeting. To date, volunteer candidates for the offices are: Pat Frick for President; Linda Casper for Vice President; Romaine Miller for Secretary; Lynn Staab for Treasurer.

However, that list still allows you to consider being nominated as an officer if asked by the committee and nominations from the floor will be accepted if the nominee gives permission. ◄◄

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😊 ►► ♣ ♪ ♣ ♫ ♣ ♪ ♣ ♫ ♣ ♪ ♣

► ►$☺ From our Treasurer: ♣$♣$♣$♣$♣ For the October meeting: Income (35 persons @$20.00 + absentee payment @$20.00 + program-only donations of $150.00 + 50/50 donation of $52.00 + note cards of $15.00 + Musicians Union Fund underwriting of $138.49) = $1,060.49 and Expenses (entertainment $475.00 + lunch (40 @$9.50=$380.00)) = $855.00; Gain: $205.49 For the directed portion to PSA of the dues to date: $433.00. For the Holiday Party: Income (65 persons @$35.00 + Share the Wealth of $200.00 + Auction Baskets of $575.00 + donation of $45.00) = $3,095.00 and Expenses (Entertainment $500.00 + lunch (66 @$14.95) + half of Share the Wealth of $100.00) = $1,764.31; Gain: $1,330.69 Available balance as of December 30, 2019 is $5,336.24. The Program Enhancement Fund has $300.00 balance. For the new Fundraiser Luncheon on February 13, 2020, at the Westmoreland Country Club: Income (98 persons @$40.00 + Half & Half of $155.00 + Auction Baskets of $935.00 + donations of $225.00 + return of sales tax of $92.36) = $5,327.36 and Expenses (Lunch of $1,833.55 + downpayment of $300.00 + cake of $89.00 + gift certificate of $50.00 + bus for students of $138.02) = $2,410.57; Gain: $2,916.79 - yielding an available balance as of February 29, 2020, of $9,052.08.

♣☺♣ $ ♣ $ ♣ $ ♣ $

Proposed By-law Amendment As announced at the May membership meeting, a proposal was passed at the May 2019 Executive Board meeting that Symphony East By-laws Article V - Meetings be changed to: “If practical, meetings shall be held the third Monday of the months of September, October, March, April, and May.” Article VII provides how the By-laws may be amended. The board’s discussion concerning changing the meeting months included the information that attendance has been low at recent February meetings (subsequent analysis showed that February attendances were not low compared to other ones); that there no longer is a major fundraiser in April; that a fundraiser similar to the “No Show Tea Party” could be done in February and some other event could be again held in November; and that January meetings were moved to February years ago because of concerns about weather conditions affecting attendance in January. After the proposed By-law amendment as stated above was read to the members and there was discussion at the May membership meeting, a motion was made by Roger Schneider and seconded by Dee Gallagher to try a new meeting schedule of September, October, March, April, and May. The motion passed with the understanding that the By-laws will have to be changed if this new schedule is to become permanent. At the August Executive Board meeting, a decision was made to delay the vote on the By-laws change until later in the season to learn how the new schedule has succeeded. At the Executive Board meeting on March 2, 2020, a decision was made to ask for the vote on the By-laws change. There can be more discussion at this month’s membership meeting prior to a vote on the amendment being taken. Some items for possible discussion: The core purpose for having the SE organization was questioned: Do we exist as a community service? Would members attend the meeting/luncheon if there were no programs? How can we afford excellent programs and still support the PSO? According to the By-laws, a duty of the vice president is to have oversight of the fund-raising activities. Pat Frick, as vice president, formed a committee to establish a fundraising plan. This is an important issue as the programs are quite expensive. In addition to the December Holiday Party/Fundraiser, a successful fundraiser was held on February 13, 2020, at Westmoreland Country Club. Of course, thoughts and ideas related to this proposal can be provided to the Board at any time.

✍ Notes from the October meeting: • Jackie Demetris, president of the PSA, reviewed the following upcoming events: PSA New Member

Welcome with a backstage tour of Heinz Hall; Music 101; the PSA Oktoberfest Celebration generated a profit of $5,000; the first Sunday brunch will be held on October 20th and followed by the PSO afternoon concert; the first PSA dinner night will be held in the Mozart Room on November 15; the Symphony Splendor Holiday Home Tour fundraiser on Sunday, November 24, 2019, will feature mansions and homes in the Upper St. Clair neighborhood.

• Violet Matteo explained that neither of her first choices for performers at our holiday fundraiser was available. She was then able to get the Merrymakers who entertained us last December. The performers for the March 2020 program will be Aria412, a group of vocalists from the Pittsburgh area. Their name is a takeoff from the 412 area code. This group of quite experienced semiprofessionals was recommended by Rhian Kenny. The Pittsburgh Musicians Union will once again underwrite any program performed by members of the Union.

• Pat Frick, as part of her duties as vice president, has oversight of the fundraising activities. She proclaimed that according to Chicago’s The National Farm and Home Hour, there would be good weather on February 13, 2020, the date of our fundraiser at the Westmoreland Country Club!

• Diane Kaufmann has made ‘Save the Date’ magnets to aid members to remember the date and to promote the performance by members of the Franklin Regional 2020 spring musical. Diane is liaison with the school district and Mark Wolfgang. Plans are being made to partner with the boosters in an attempt to increase attendance.

• Linda Blum has been in touch with management at the country club. They have been very cooperative; some fees have been waived. There are plans for a ramp and a chair lift to be installed prior to the event to better facilitate access by handicapped guests.

• Nancy Dalverny will be in charge of anything needing artistic attention, including the Treasure Chest, incorporating visuals created by the theme name, Musical Colors of Love.

• The Treasure Chest will be the fundraising focal point with gifts spread out from the chest. Contributions of new and gently used items, items of a greater monetary value, and gift cards are welcomed.

• Linda Casper suggested that members request donations from favorite stores for the fundraisers. She also explained that there would be no vendors at the fundraisers.

• Sue Kemper explained that the fundraising for the holiday party on December 9, 2019, would incorporate gift baskets as has been done in the past. Those contributing baskets are asked to bring completed baskets the day of the event. Please provide a card listing the items included in your basket that can be displayed with your basket. If you prefer, you can give Sue the items for a basket by December 2nd, and she will put a basket together for you.

• Margaret Davies announced that she has a new selection of note cards for sale. • Camille Toth suggested that the board make a recommendation that the cost of our meeting be changed

from $20.00 to $25.00.

To update your Yearbook: Elaine Stevens has a couple of corrections to her directory info.

Her phone: 412-849-1382 Email: braveheart95ems@yahoo.com Judy Evans has requested that written correspondence to their house be sent to the North Carolina address because they are spending more and more time there.

Sheena Calderwood’s cell phone number is 412-654-3945. Gerda Provins has an email address: gerdashome@gmail.com Mary Cay Burke-Hamill has a new address: 120 Mosside Blvd., North Versailles, PA 15137

Muriel Weeks’ daughter has requested that written correspondence to Muriel be sent to: Muriel Weeks, c/o Cynthia Rosengren, 902 Grant Place, Boulder, CO 80302

► Some of our ailing members are slowly regaining strength and health. As you may have learned by now, Pat Frick fell, on Christmas Day, and needed foot/leg surgery and rehabilitation. If you were not able to attend the February fundraiser, you may want to check whether she is wearing a Technicolor cast! (She has graduated to a cane.) Dee is recuperating from hip surgery. Sue is recuperating from carpal tunnel surgery. Symphony East founder Gilli Loginow fell recently and is currently at Vincentian Home, 111 Perrymont Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, and would surely appreciate cards, etc. Best wishes for rapid recovery to everyone.

Symphony East expresses condolences to Romaine Miller whose brother died on February 19. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

►► Symphony East notes more activities in 2020: ❦ ♪ ♫

► April 20, 2020 - "Brass from the Bluff” - brass quintet of faculty members of the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University.

► May 18, 2020 - String quartet from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra — Marylène Gingras-Roy, viola; Justine Lamb-Budge, violin; Jennifer Orchard, violin; Charles Powers, cello

Guests are encouraged to attend and are welcome!

PSO & PSA News: http://www.PittsburghSymphonyAssociation.org Newsletter: Staccato Notes

►The 2020 Sweepstakes: April, 2020 - June 2020. Sweepstakes is the PSA's signature fundraiser. The logo has become recognizable to thousands of cultural arts supporters in the Pittsburgh area. The 2019 Sweepstakes gave over $36,000 to the PSO.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Association is the PSO'S primary volunteer fundraising Organization.

♣ Rehearsal Luncheon (formerly known as Affiliates’ Day), Thursday, April 23, 9:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Members and guests of Symphony East and Pittsburgh Symphony Association are invited and encouraged to attend and to invite guests to share in this enriching and unique opportunity to observe a “private” PSO rehearsal of Schumann’s romantic Piano Concerto with the captivating pianist, Hélène Grimaud. Also, Manfred Honeck conducts the Symphony No. 3 and Academic Festival Overture by Johannes Brahms. Form and menu are below. and in the PSA newsletter at http://www.PittsburghSymphonyAssociation.org RSVP by April 9. Be sure to indicate your Entrée Choice.

♣ PSA Spring Luncheon: Tuesday, May 12 - at the Fox Chapel Golf Club;

♣ PSA Music 101 —- Wednesdays:

♣ PSO Fiddlesticks Family Concert - Saturday

Apr 4, 2020, 10:00 am at Heinz Hall - Spring Has Sprung — Vivaldi’s "Spring" from The Four Seasons, Ravel's Mother Goose Suite, and Strauss's Voices of Spring waltz.

https://pittsburghsymphony.org/pso_home/web/fiddlesticks-2019-2020

► From Jackie’s message in the PSA’s March 2020 newsletter (see the PSA Web site): “PSO’s 2020-2021 Mellon Grand Classics season debuted in early February. The season promises to be very special as the PSO celebrates its 125th anniversary. Now is the time to become a PSO subscriber. Subscriptions are available from a series of as few as 6 concerts to a full series of 20 concerts. Subscribers receive a PSA discount, along with many additional perks.” PSA members receive a 25% discount on Mellon Grand Classics and Pops Subscriptions. Plus, members also receive an additional 15% discount on additional ticket purchases to MGC concerts, PNC Pops, Highmark Holiday Pops or Fiddlesticks family concerts. MGC subscription packages start at 6 Concerts, up to 20 concerts.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Rehearsal Day Thursday, April 23, 2020 Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, PittsburghJoin your fellow PSA members and SE members with their guests for a very special rehearsal as Manfred Honeck leads the PSO in its final rehearsal for the weekend’s concerts, playing Schumann’s romantic Piano Concerto with the captivating pianist Hélène Grimaud. Manfred Honeck also conducts the Symphony No. 3 and Academic Festival Overture by Johannes Brahms.

Please arrive at Heinz Hall by 9:30 a.m. and be seated in the auditorium by 9:45 a.m. Lunch will be served at approximately 12:00 p.m. in the Dorothy Porter Simmons Regency Rooms.

Cost: $39.00 per person

Menu: Salad: Strawberry Field Salad Entrée: 1. Grilled Artichoke and Chicken Romano, Risotto Croquette and Zucchini Noodles 2. Seared Heart of Palm Cake, Roasted Yellow Pepper Sauce, Sautéed Zucchini Noodles, Roasted Grape Tomatoes, Fried Capers

Dessert: Chocolate Cheesecake Bombe

Beverages: Freshly Brewed Coffee and Hot/Iced Tea

Dietary restrictions should be called in to Cheryl Mohrbacher at 724.846.4658.

Parking reservations: https://downtownpittsburgh.com/parking or for realtime parking go to: www.parkpgh.org.

R.S.V.P. by April 9, 2020.

Send this form and your check payable to PSA to: Darlene Harrison, 1909 Waterfront Place, Apt. 301, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Name _______________________________________________________________________ Choose entrée: 1 ____ 2 ____ Name of Guest(s) ______________________________________________________________ Choose entrée: 1 ____ 2 ____ Street _______________________________________ City _______________________ St_____ Zip ________ Email ____________________________________________________ Phone ______________________ I will be attending the Rehearsal and Luncheon; number in my party is ___ at $39.00 per person $ ____________ I am unable to attend but would like to donate $ ______________ Total Enclosed $ ______________

To pay by credit card, go to https://PittsburghSymphonyAssociation.org, click “PSA Rehearsal Luncheon” and follow directions.

♣ East Winds Symphonic Band at the Three Rivers Community Band Festival http://ewsb.org

Saturday, March 28, 2:00-5:00 pm Since 2004 - An annual celebration of the best of community bands. at Upper St. Clair Theater, 1825 McLaughlin Run Rd, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 (Seating begins at 1:15 pm)

Free admission (and refreshments and prizes)!

♣ Edgewood Symphony Orchestra 2020 — Saturday concerts: www.edgewoodsymphony.org

The Traveler — Mar 14, 7:30pm Katz Performing Arts Center, 5738 Darlington Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Journey around magical Pittsburgh, beginning in Frick Park, commuting into the city and enjoying an Autumn Mood; then take a slight detour through Stravinsky’s elegant and whimsical Pulcinella Suite; close with Beethoven’s evocative “Pastoral” Symphony ♣ Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra https://pyso.org

Sunday, March 22, 2020, 4:00 pm – Free Tiffany Concert at the historic Calvary United Methodist Church on the North Side — featuring small ensembles and chamber music groups, including students from the Youth Chamber Connection and select winners of Pittsburgh Concert Society’s Young Artists Competition. This concert is sponsored by the Allegheny Historic Preservation Society and is made possible by a grant from the Buhl Foundation. The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

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► The fourth Thursday evening of the month is Calliope Folk Song Night at the Monroeville Public Library Gallery Space, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. All ages are welcome at this informal gathering of persons who want to sing together and share songs (just listening is ok, too). All Library programs are free; no registration required. For more information: 412-372-0500 ext. 4.

Dalverny 430 Beatty Road

Monroeville, PA 15146