BOARD OF DIRECTORSMatthew Shapiro, President David Pottinger, Vice PresidentJane Eyre McDonald, SecretaryWarren Barnes, TreasurerDunny Sorensen, Past President

STAFFDanail Rachev, Music Director & Conductor Scott Freck, Executive DirectorJordan Rae Borg, Executive Operations Assistant

DIRECTORSCarolyn Abbott Carl BjerreZachary BlalackMike BraggDeborah CarverJulie Collins

Marcia DanemanRaymond N. EnglanderGreg Fitz-GeraldSusan GreenwaldMary Ann HansonJohn HidalgoDavid Kammerer

Stephanie Pearl KimmelMatthew McLaughlinArden OlsonLaura ParrishPaul RothNancy SowdonCathie Staton

Michael VergaminiJack ViscardiSean WagonerBarbara WalkerSandra Weingarten

ARTISTICNess Zolan, General Manager Hanya Etter, LibrarianSharon Paul, Chorus DirectorAmy Adams, Chorus ManagerBill Barnett, Recording EngineerRick Carter, Piano Technician

DEVELOPMENTSara Mason, Development Director Ashley Petsch, Donor Relations ManagerJulia Frantz, Events Coordinator

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTMollibeth Cox, Education & Community Engagement Director

FINANCEJana Cox, Finance and Administrative Director Cassandra Frickey, Accounting AssociateKaye Johnston & Heather Nolle, Volunteer Coordinators

MARKETINGLindsey K. McCarthy, Marketing DirectorJosh Francis, Marketing Coordinator and Program Magazine Advertising Sales ManagerEmalee Russell, Marketing InternAlessandra Hollowell, 50th Anniversary Archive Intern

ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH THE POWER OF MUSIC

When we started planning for this pivotal season nearly four years ago, we wanted to look back on the Symphony’s history to remind ourselves and the community how this remarkable organization came to be, while at the same time prepare for the next 50 years. We set ourselves some lofty goals, as we aimed to use this milestone as more than a chance to throw a great party but also to capitalize on a strategic opportunity to strengthen the Symphony and its capacity to do great work in our community.

In the pages that follow, you’ll see some of the highlights of what we’ve accomplished together this year, and here’s a preview of some of my favorite memories:

• We expanded our summer program from one performance to three, in Roseburg, Cottage Grove, and Eugene.

• We commissioned three new works of music by some of America’s leading composers. • We welcomed home three of our former Music Directors – Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Giancarlo Guerrero, and Marin Alsop – all of whom were delighted to return and shared how meaningful their time in Eugene was to them early in their careers.

• We experimented with what a symphonic event could be, encompassing an arts showcase, craft beverage tastings, and more, bracketing the orchestra’s performance. • We collaborated with the University of Oregon Symphony Orchestra, showcased local talent, and built partnerships with new and diverse agencies in Eugene. • We mounted an archival exhibition in three locations, celebrated our history in a series of magazine articles, and launched new community engagement initiatives like Symphony Connect, which breaks down barriers that prevent some in our region from making music an everyday part of their lives.

• And, in December we performed with the incomparable Yo-Yo Ma.

In all, we achieved many of our goals, and indeed have strengthened the Eugene Symphony as we move into our 51st season and beyond. Making this season come alive has been a labor of love for many of us, and I’d like to offer a few words of specific thanks….

First, to our Music Director Danail Rachev, for his remarkable vision in charting the arc of our musical journey, and in building the ensemble into a group capable of delivering it.

Next, to Barbara Walker, chair of the 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee, and the dozens of volunteers who joined her to help make these dreams become reality.

Also, to my dear colleagues on the administrative staff, who all worked tirelessly to achieve our ambitious plans.

And finally, most of all, to our fabulous ensemble of talented musicians. This year we explored some of the greatest music ever written, and we are so fortunate to have an orchestra this accomplished and dedicated, and as committed to this community as the community is to them. Cheers to our musicians!

It is with the greatest pride that I invite you to look into the pages of this report to see what your support as donors and patrons has meant to the Eugene Symphony Association this year, not only as a reminiscence and celebration of what has come before, but as a powerful springboard to our future.

ONWARD!

Scott FreckExecutive Director

DEAR FRIENDSOn behalf of the entire Eugene Symphony Association – musicians, Board members, staff,

and volunteers – I would like to express our profound gratitude for the support that this

extraordinary orchestral institution has received from this community. Together we have

made this glorious 50th anniversary season arguably the Symphony’s best ever – musically,

financially, and in terms of community engagement. It truly was a year for the ages.

“Performing with

Danail and the

Eugene Symphony

was a huge treat for

me. The orchestra is

remarkably sensitive

and agile so the

performance felt

especially inspired.

What a gem!”

— BENJAMIN BEILMAN,

who played

Saint-Saëns’ Violin

Concerto No. 3 on

Opening Night

“SymFest was amazing! I was thrilled by the sheer

diversity of people present, and I loved the à la carte

style approach to the pre- and post-concert events

that allowed me to move about the entire Hult Center.

I stayed for almost an hour and a half after the

concert because of the energy on the dancefloor!

IF THIS IS THE FUTURE OF THE EUGENE SYMPHONY,

COUNT ME IN AS A SEASON SUBSCRIBER!”

— SYMFEST PATRON

SUMMER CONCERTSThree nights. Three cities. Three summer concerts. More than 8,000 Oregonians enjoyed Eugene Symphony in the Park on July 18, 19 and 20 in Eugene, Roseburg, and for the first-time ever in Cottage Grove.

GLOBAL REPERTOIREMusic Director Danail Rachev programmed a season-long exploration of American music and its many global influences, including Russia, France, Austria, Eastern Europe, and Asia. Overall nearly 25% of the orchestra’s repertoire was new to Eugene audiences. NEW WORKS With the help of the Hult Endowment and our Commission Circle donors, we commissioned three new works in honor of our 50th anniversary:

Mason Bates’ Gramophone Depot – premiered on September 24

Roberto Sierra’s Loíza – premiered on December 4

Robert Kyr’s Dawning of the World (Piano Concerto No. 1)– premiered on May 12

THREE HOMECOMINGS We welcomed home three former Music Directors to conduct the orchestra:

Miguel Harth-Bedoya on October 15, for a program of South American music including world premiere choreography of Alberto Ginastera’s ballet Estancia

Giancarlo Guerrero on January 21, featuring the Eugene Symphony Chorus in Duruflé’s Requiem, and showcasing the orchestra in Respighi’s resplendent Pines of Rome

Marin Alsop on April 2, in a forward- looking evening-long event called SymFest, which brought together craft breweries and wineries, local arts groups, a post-concert jazz lounge and DJ’d dance floor.

WORLD-CLASS SOLOISTS We performed with phenomenal soloists, including Eugene debuts by violinists Benjamin Beilman and Adele Anthony, and pianist Vadym Kholodenko, as well as a return by piano superstar André Watts and appearances by local talent including percussionist Pius Cheung and pianist Alexandre Dossin.

UO COLLABORATIONS In a collaboration with the University of Oregon Symphony Orchestra, Eugene Symphony performed Edgard Varèse’s dramatic soundscape Amériques, creating the largest orchestral ensemble ever assembled at Silva Concert Hall.

“I had a wonderful experience preparing the student musicians for this great collaboration between the Eugene Symphony and the University of Oregon Symphony Orchestra. This was a once-in-a-lifetime event for many of us.”

— EVAN HARGER, UOSO Assistant Conductor

SOLD-OUT CONCERTS & RECORD REVENUESThe orchestra welcomed a return visit by the world’s leading classical musician, cellist Yo-Yo Ma with a sold-out concert that set an all-time record for Special Concert revenue.

Eugene Symphony closed its 50th Anniversary Season with another sold-out concert featuring Beethoven’s immortal Symphony No. 9, leaving concert goers breathless after the finale, “Ode to Joy.” It too set an all-time revenue record for a Symphonic Series concert.

2015/16 SEASON

HIGHLIGHTS

“I just wanted to thank you on behalf of all

my students! It was clear that last night’s

concert and interaction with Giancarlo

Guerrero was the highlight of their year.

At the end of the evening, they all had tears

in their eyes simply from the music; they

didn’t know how to react or respond, so

they just sat in stunned silence. The former

band teacher was there as well, and it was

a dream come true to hear Pines of Rome.

He teared up as he said, ‘I’ve played it, I’ve

conducted it, I’ve listened to it, but not like

that. That was pure magic.’”

— CHRIS BROWN, Instrumental Music Teacher,

Coquille High School

“I love the annual Eugene Symphony in the Park because it’s accessible to all of the

community. At last year’s concert, my five-year-old daughter spotted the violin at the

Instrument Petting Zoo and glowed when she tried it. During the musical exploration,

she returned five times to that violin. It just so happened we stumbled upon a child’s violin

at a yard sale the next day. I think I got the message. But thank you, Eugene Symphony

for delivering it. Without your generous sharing, we might never have heard it.”

— TAJ MORGAN, Eugene patron

YOUTH CONCERTS6,751 students and teachers experienced the Eugene Symphony at our fall and spring Youth Concerts, World Beats and The Orchestra Sings, at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts.

“World Beats was definitely the best Youth Concert I have seen from Eugene Symphony. I loved how the emcee had us all be ethnomusicologists! It really showed symphony music as a part of the world of music, exposing children to the symphony in a more poetic, subtle and engaging way.”

— DAVID ADEE, 4J Elementary Music Specialist

LINK UP1,093 students participated in Carnegie Hall’s Link Up program through the Eugene Symphony by singing along and playing recorder or violin from their seats at The Orchestra Sings.

“Last week’s Youth Concert was fabulous! We had a great time and my students felt prepared and excited by the repertoire. We will be performing several of the pieces at our school concert next month. Please know that these concerts are appreciated and are a real gift to our community.”

— ANDRIA MARTIN, Maple Elementary Music Specialist

INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO 627 youth had a hands-on opportunity to try a variety of orchestral instruments at our summer concerts, the Eugene Public Library, and other community events.

ENCOURAGING YOUNG MUSICIANS TO ACHIEVE423 students at 13 middle and high schools had the opportunity to work with a Symphony musician in master classes, sectionals, chamber ensembles, and career coaching.

YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION 19 young musicians competed in our Young Artist Competition for scholarship money and the chance to perform in our summer concerts. The 2015/16 winners are Nora Willauer on cello (senior division) and Maia Hoffman on viola (junior division).

PLAY IT AGAIN!13 chamber ensembles, comprising 40 community musicians spanning ages from 20 to 70, participated in Play It Again! Adult Chamber Ensembles, coached by Symphony musicians. They presented a public performance in May.

ODE TO THE FUTUREFive high school composers from across Oregon are collaborating with composer Rob Kyr and University of Oregon graduate composition students to co-create a piece based on Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” to be premiered in November 2016.

ROSEBURG/FLORENCE RESIDENCY WORK Through extended residencies with Douglas County Youth Orchestra in Rose-burg and Siuslaw High School in Florence, Eugene Symphony musicians have provided advanced artistic instruction to students in rural communities.

LAURA AVERY VISITING MASTERS 22 outstanding student musicians from middle school, high school, and college performed for and worked with Eugene Symphony’s guest artists in master classes through the Laura Avery Visiting Masters program, which also engaged 350 audience members throughout the season.

GUILD CONCERT PREVIEWSEugene Symphony Guild Concert Previews engaged 2,230 people this season with more than 240 people at each pre-concert talk by the week’s guest artist and Maestro Danail Rachev or one of the returning Music Directors.

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

HIGHLIGHTS

In its pilot season, Symphony Connect has already engaged more than 425 community members through performances by small groups of musicians in venues such as Eugene Public Library, Eugene Marathon, and Lane County Health and Human Services. More to come!

MUSIC DIRECTOR

& CONDUCTOR

Danail Rachev

VIOLIN I

Searmi Park, ConcertmasterLisa McWhorter, Assistant ConcertmasterDan AthearnLisa BieberStephen ChongAnthony DyerRosemary ErbJenny EstrinYvonne HsuehNelly KovalevValerie Nelson*Sharron SmithSophie TherrellNorma Wilson

VIOLIN II

Matthew Fuller, PrincipalSasha Chandler, Assistant PrincipalAlice BlankenshipDavid BurhamDella DaviesJulia FrantzVirginia KaiserClaudia MillerLionel Thomas*Marilyn TylerJannie WeiVacant

VIOLA

Holland Phillips, PrincipalMiriam English Ward, Assistant PrincipalLauren Culver*Lauren ElledgeAnamaria GhiteaAdam HoornstraShauna KeyesJohn LundbladeKimberly Uwate**

CELLO

Anne Ridlington, PrincipalJinn Shin, Assistant PrincipalDale BradleyDavid ChinburgKathryn Brunhaver*Ann GrabeJames PelleyKelly QuesadaNancy Sowdon

BASS

Richard Meyn, PrincipalForrest Moyer, Assistant PrincipalTyler AbbottRick CarterMilo FultzGreg NathanNathan Waddell

FLUTE

Kristen Halay, PrincipalWendy BamonteHeather Johnson (Piccolo)**

OBOE

Kelly Gronli, PrincipalCheryl DeniceAnnalisa Morton (English Horn)

CLARINET

Michael Anderson, PrincipalLouis DeMartino (E-flat Clarinet)Carol Robe (Bass Clarinet)

BASSOON

Vacant, PrincipalMike CurtisSteve Vacchi (Contrabassoon)David Hattenhauer

HORN

David Kruse, PrincipalJennifer HarrisonLydia Van DreelScott KingJonathan Kuhns (Assistant Horn)

TRUMPET

Sarah Viens, PrincipalJoshua SilvaDavid Bender

TROMBONE

Henry Henniger, PrincipalRon Bertucci James Meyer

TUBA

Michael Grose, Principal

TIMPANI

Ian Kerr, Principal

PERCUSSION

Tim Cogswell, PrincipalBrian ScottRandal LarsonSean Wagoner

KEYBOARD

Christine Mirabella, Principal

HARP

Jane Allen, Principal

CHORUS DIRECTOR

Sharon J. Paul

ORCHESTRA

* denotes University of Oregon Graduate Teaching Fellow ** denotes one-year appointment

* denotes University of Oregon Graduate Teaching Fellow ** denotes one-year appointment

THANK YOU!

Caroline Boekelheide with Yo-Yo Ma at the post-concert reception on December 11. Generations of Eugene Symphony leaders gather at the Board

of Directors Holiday Party and Reunion on December 16. Miguel Harth-Bedoya with Rebekah Lambert and Mike Fox. 4. Mary Ann and Niles Hanson,

recipients of the 2016 Advocate for the Arts Award. 5. Yo-Yo Ma with representatives of Slocum Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, the evening’s

concert sponsor. 6. 50th Anniversary Celebration chair Barbara Walker with Music Director Danail Rachev. 7. Executive Director Scott Freck,

Elaine Twigg Cornett, and Zane Cornett looking at the score of a commissioned work at the opening of 50 Years: A City and Its Symphony on September 23.

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7

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$639,851

INDIVIDUALGIVING

$1,645,971$1,149,607

$502,594

INSTITUTIONALGIVING

$227,192

ENDOWMENT

$52,500

IN-KIND

$276,334

EVENTS$580,096

SUBSCRIPTIONS

$102,082

SYMPHONICSINGLE TICKETS

$169,408

OTHEREARNED

$298,021

SPECIALSINGLETICKETS

CONTRIBUTED

FY16INCOME

TOTAL $2,848,078

EARNED

CONTRIBUTEDEARNED

ARTISTIC $1,202,631

PRODUCTION $356,262

MARKETING $208,722

FUNDRAISING $219,266

ADMINISTRATIVE $722,003

IN-KIND $52,500

TOTAL EXPENSES $2,761,384

USE OF FUNDS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS* &

IMPACT

MORE THAN 45,000 LIVES ENRICHED THROUGH THE POWER OF MUSIC!

*Figures accurate as of third-quarter projection approved by the Executive Committee on April 27, 2016

BECAUSE OF YOU, WE MADE A GREAT IMPACT IN OUR COMMUNITY.

YOUR SUPPORT MADE THESE THINGS POSSIBLE:

100+

MUSICIANS

EMPLOYED

MORE THAN 45,000 LIVES ENRICHED THROUGH THE POWER OF MUSIC!

$980,199

IN TICKET SALES

14.3% INCREASE

FROM LAST YEAR

$639,851 IN INDIVIDUAL GIFTS

22.1% INCREASE

FROM LAST YEAR

$159,500 IN CORPORATE SUPPORT

25.2% INCREASE

FROM LAST YEAR

11 SYMPHONIC AND

SPECIAL CONCERTS IN

THE HULT CENTER FOR

23,000 PEOPLE

25 FREE community

programs for nearly

15,000 people

4 YOUTH CONCERTS IN THE

HULT CENTER FOR

NEARLY 7,000 STUDENTS

AND TEACHERS

3 WORLD PREMIERES

OF NEW

COMPOSITIONS