OV E R T U R EIn This Issue

Rodgers ReviewPresident’s Message

Broughton Foundation GrantConcert Preview

Upcoming EventsConcert Calendar

December 2003 Volume 4 , No.. 2

Rodgers and Rodgers: A Review

By Walter V. Cicha, Ph.D.

Perhaps it is in bad taste or even politicallyincorrect to admit this, but I went to thefirst performance of the 2003-2004 SSOseason on October 16 mostly out of duty.A night of Richard Rodgers music just doesnot rank as high on my list of passions asthe musical wizardry of Beethoven,Chopin, Schubert, Mozart, or Dvorak, not tomention Ella, Satchmo or The Beatles. Thisis simply a matter of taste – that is apolitically correct statement, by the way.

Once again, I was most pleasantlysurprised. The SSO players performedRichard Rodgers’ tribute to the AmericanNavy in WWII, “Victory at Sea,” with greatdignity, technical dexterity and emotion.The seemingly flawless performance wasnicely complemented by the fine acousticsof Proctor’s Theater and the overall effectwas very inspirational, even for a GreenCard holding ex-Czech Canadian scientist.

I had no idea that one of my all-timesentimental favorites, “Blue Moon” (Elvisshould have been included in my firstparagraph list), was written by Rodgersand Hart! I learned this quite early in thesecond and longer portion of the evening’sprogram, which featured four highlypolished and accomplished professionalstage performers from NYC who broughtthe very appreciative audience“Something Wonderful: A Tribute toRichard Rodgers.” The chemistry bindingtogether the diverse and exceptionallygifted quartet of Ms. Sullivan, Ms. MacRae,Mr. Rubano and Mr. Nadler was terrific.They successfully brought the playfulnessof the seemingly infinite Rodgersmelodies to life by effectively transitioningfrom tune to tune, while their ample

theatrical touches – especially those of Mr.Nadler – definitely were not in vain. Thefoursome appeared to handle the lessjazzy, more traditional tunes significantlybetter than those requiring a looser, moreimprovisational approach. At times, thefour singers‚ microphone balance was lessthan optimal, which slightly took awayfrom the otherwise exceptional vocalperformances. In spite of this, the vocalharmonies were of top caliber.

The SSO musicians did an admirable jobproviding an essential backdrop for thevocalists and Mr. Nadler’s frequent andexcellent piano accompaniments. Creditalso must be given to Music DirectorCharles Schneider. It is almost certain thathe played a critical role in selecting theorder of the many tunes that wereperformed, so that his players couldseamlessly provide support for the rapidlychanging cabaret at the front of the stage.They accomplished this most effectively.

However, for me, perhaps the mostrewarding offerings of the fun eveningwere the charming personal anecdotesabout Richard Rodgers and his colorfulworld, provided at regular intervals by thefour vocalists. Especially Heather MacRae,who met Mr. Rodgers as a little girl, gavethe audience very amusing andinformative glimpses at the person whobecame one of the greatest musicallegends of the 20th century.

As I sat and listened to the energeticmedley of Rodgers tunes, I kept hearingThe Beatles’ quite untypical number,“When I’m Sixty Four,” in the back of myhead. At first I couldn’t quite figure outwhy. Sure, some of the Rodgers piecesperformed were vaudevillian in character,as is this Beatles song, but that was not it.Then it dawned on me. It was theaudience around me: sixty-four, orthereabouts, must have been theiraverage age! At 41, I barely felt of age. If aRichard Rodgers musical program cannotattract a younger audience, how can weexpect a more diverse audience – age andotherwise – to attend classical musicconcerts? This is a troubling topic in whichI and the other SSO Board of Directorsmust invest more time and energy tobetter address. Otherwise, the future ofthe SSO and perhaps live symphonicperformance in America might rapidly gothe way of the dodo bird.

Walter is a scientist at General Electric’s GlobalResearch Center in Niskayuna, NY, with astrong interest in most forms of westernmusic. He currently plays keyboards with theGE Global Research band ”The Blues Doctors.”

President’s Message

The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra, like mostsymphony orchestras today, large and small, needs

the support of its community. This year werecognized our Music Director Charles Schneiderwho celebrated his 20th year with us. Under hisexpert guidance the SSO has truly become anoutstanding community orchestra whilemaintaining our mission of providing quality liveclassical music for our community and providingan opportunity for local musicians to play with aquality orchestra.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal, whileoutlining the financial plight of such

orchestras as the Pittsburgh, Chicago,Philadelphia, Cleveland and New YorkOrchestras, points out that one of theexceptions to this trend is the SanFrancisco Orchestra under the directionof Michael Tilson Thomas.Acknowledging that San Francisco maybe different than these others, and Iwould add, Schenectady, it makesseveral important observations.

· The first is that all elements of thecommunity from merchants topoliticians and local press take pride “indiscovering and celebrating its musicalheritage”.

· Another factor is that, aside from hisexcellence as a conductor, Mr. Thomas

has worked with the community regarding whattype of music to play. In addition to the classicEuropean model, he is willing to seek out what heperceives as interesting to the community.

· An equally important factor is a strong board ofdirectors that recognizes the importance of ahealthy endowment to be used in difficultfinancial times.

Your board recognizes the importance of all three.

We have tried to make adjustments to permitincreasing our endowment. We continue to exploredifferent facets of classical music through a diverseprogram: the recent Richard Rodgers pops concert,a Baroque concert to be held at Union Collegefeaturing our own concertmaster, Michael Emery, andour music director, Charles Schneider, as soloists onviolin and harpsichord, and the two concerts withtalented young soloists. Above all, we recognize theneed for OUR community to support OUR symphonyby ticket purchases, donations, grants, sustainingmembership and, most of all, your input andthoughts about how to get the kind of communitysupport that San Francisco does so effectively. Only20% of our operating budget is paid by ticketrevenues.

I ask you how many of your children or grandchildrenhave ever attended a live symphony performance. Ifnot, why not? These concerts provide an excellentopportunity. If your Symphony did not exist, whereelse would you find such an affordable andconvenient opportunity to do this?

Yours truly,

 Herbert F. Reilly, Jr., MDPresident, Schenectady Symphony Orchestra Association

SSO Receives Grant from Broughton Foundation

The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra has received a grant from the William Gundry Broughton CharitableFoundation for the purpose of expanding its student outreach programs. Under this program, students inmusic programs in the following schools will receive a free ticket to one of the SSO’s concerts featuring youngartists: Schenectady, Mohonasen, Schalmont, Scotia-Glenville, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, Amsterdam,Shenendehowa and Niskayuna.

In addition to the free tickets, students will also have the opportunity to attend a rehearsal of the SchenectadySymphony Orchestra prior to the concert. “We’re pleased to be able to offer this opportunity for musicallearning,” says SSO Association President Herbert F. Reilly, Jr. “It’s been crucial to our mission to continue toprovide children with the chance to learn and explore the beauty of classical music.” For more informationabout student attendance, please call Christine Mason at the SSO office: 372-2500.

On Sunday, January 11th, Mozart and Troy’s superblygifted Yuan brothers will share a uniquely Norwegianafternoon at Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady. Anyonelucky enough to be in the audience at 3 p.m. will witnessa truly unforgettable program, featuring two renownedworks by late 19th century Norwegian composer EdvardGrieg, a tribute to Norway composed in Hollywoodduring WWII by the great Russian composer IgorStravinsky, and highlighted by one of the most beautifulconcertos Austria’s premier world export (no, I’m notreferring to Arnold S.) composed in his short butincredible 18th century life.

Spotlighting the unusually international flavor of theafternoon program will be the two star piano soloists,Wei-Jen and Wei-Hsun Yuan. It might not be anexaggeration to say that the incredibly gifted Yuanbrothers are to Troy, NY what W. A. Mozart was toSalzburg, Austria. Born in Taiwan, the two prodigiesarrived in the USA at a very early age, and it wasn’t longbefore they were winning just about every musicalcompetition they entered. Today, they are both studentsat Harvard University and clearly belong in the topechelon of rising American classical music stars.

The lives of the three composers to be featured onJanuary 11th spanned no less than 215 years – that isonly 12 years less than the present age of the UnitedStates, this difference also being the age at which Wei-Jen Yuan won his first major piano competition. Thecombined age of the Yuan brothers is a mere 36 years,which is one year more than the unfortunately youngage at which W. A. Mozart died. In contrast, IgorStravinsky lived to be 89 years of age, witnessing bothWorld Wars and the assassination of John F. Kennedyexactly 40 years ago today as I write.

Why am I dwelling on the above facts and figures? Tomake the simple but important point that music isageless, in spite of time being one of its criticalcomponents. With this thought in mind, it would bewonderful if people of more diverse age, including ouryoung and restless, made their way to Proctor’s Theaterduring the second week of 2004 to be part of amagnificent musical experience and to learn where thegreatest rock and jazz artists get some of their mostprofound inspiration.

Walter is a scientist at General Electric’s Global ResearchCenter in Niskayuna, NY, with a strong interest in mostforms of western music. He currently plays keyboards withthe GE Global Research band ”The Blues Doctors.”

Sponsored in part by The League of the SchenectadySymphony in fond memory of League membersMarilyn Bunnecke and Billie Pemberton.

United Musical Nations – A Preview By Walter V. Cicha, Ph.D.

Upcoming EventsPasta & Puccini PlusMarch 19, 2004 at the Glen Sanders Mansion.Mark your calendars now for this evening of finefood and fine music! More information to follow.

League of the Schenectady SymphonyAnnual Luncheon and Fashion ShowMarch 29, 2004 at the Glen Sanders Mansion.Featuring Cohoes Fashions. Call Edna Scheper,Chairperson at 393-9370 for details.

Children’s ConcertApril 25, 2004, 10:00 a.m. at Proctor’s Theatre.Featuring Carleton Clay’s Construction Zone. CallAudie Reilly, Chairperson at 399-1725 for details.

Receive Your Newsletter

by Email If you’d like to receive your copy of Overtureby email, please reply to sso@proctors.org –please put “newsletter” in the subject line. Yournext copy will be sent in Adobe PDF format.

Special Subscriber Benefit:Attend the dress rehearsal on Friday,January 9, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. at Proctor’sTheatre. Hear the orchestra and theMaestro as they work.Call the Schenectady Symphony Orchestraoffice for information at 372-2500.

Tickets are available now for the concert – callProctor’s Box Office for phone orders at 346-6204.

Tickets: $22.00 /adults$12.00/students (high school/college)

The League of the Schenectady Symphonysponsors concert previews, featuring a discussionwith Maestro Schneider about the music to beperformed at the upcoming concert. Join Leaguemembers on Thursday, January 8 at 10:00 a.m.(coffee at 9:30 a.m.) at the Glen Eddy residence,Consaul Road, Niskayuna NY 12309 forrefreshments and edification!

More Young Artists – Levy & Chu

Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 3:00 p.m. – Proctor's Theatre

Symphony No. 1, C major Georges Bizet

The Lark Ascending Ralph Vaughn WilliamsAaron Levy, Soloist

Pavane, op. 50 Gabriel Fauré

Carmen Fantasy, op.25,on themes by Bizet Pablo de SarasateJonathan Chu, Soloist

Overture is the newsletter of theSchenectady Symphony Orchestra.

We are a community-basedsymphony orchestra, founded in 1934,

whose objectives are culturalenrichment, music education andappreciation, and provision of an

outlet for the talents of accomplishedmusicians in the community.

O V E R T U R ENon-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 103

Schenectady, NY

for information about any event, call the Symphony office – 372-2500

The Schenectady Symphony OrchestraProctor’s Arcade • 432 State Street

Schenectady, NY 12305www.schenectadysymphony.org

2003-04 Concert SeasonGet Thee To The Symphony!

Two Pianos – The Yuan Brothers

Sunday, January 11, 2004 – 3:00 p.m. – Proctor's Theatre

Peer Gynt: Suite No. 1 Edvard Grieg

Piano Concerto No. 21,C Major, K.467 Wolfgang Amadeus MozartWei-Hsun Yuan, Soloist

Four Norwegian Moods Igor Stravinsky

Piano Concerto, a minor, op. 16 Edvard GriegWei-Jen Yuan, Soloist

A Rare Spotlight on Baroque

Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 3:00 p.m. – Union College

The Four Seasons Antonio Vivaldi Spring, Summer, Fall, WinterMichael Emery, Soloist

Brandenburg Concerti, No. 3 & 5 J.S. BachCharles Schneider, Soloist