pageturn.onstagepublications.comlike midori, emanuel ax, garrick ohlsson, angela meade, and branford...

Welcome Letter | 13

Patron Services | 14

About Allentown Symphony Orchestra& Chorus | 19

About the Music Director/Conductor | 22

About the Associate & Pops Conductor | 23

Audio and video recording and photography are prohibited in the theatre.

Please turn off your cell phone, beeper, watch alarm or anything else that might make a distracting noise during the performance. Unwrap any candies, cough drops or mints before the program begins to avoid disturbing your fellow audience members or the musicians on stage. We appreciate your cooperation.

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Tickets & Patron SERVICESwww.MillerSymphonyHall.orgVisit our website. It is a convenient way to find the latest information on all of Miller Symphony Hall’s events, and to purchase tickets online.

BOX OFFICE INFORMATIONPHONE610-432-6715

HOURSMon – Fri: 10am – 5pmConcert days: varied-please call for timesSummer Hours are Mon – Fri: 10am – 2pm

LOCATIONMiller Symphony Hall23 North Sixth StreetAllentown, PA 18101

ACCEPTABLE PAYMENTMasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Cash

GROUP RATESContact the Box Office at 610-432-6715 for group pricing (not available for all events).

STUDENT TICKETSA limited number of free student tickets (ages 21 & under) are available to each of the 2019 – 2020 Allentown Symphony Orchestra Concerts thanks to a grant from the Century Fund. Reduced student pricing is also available to other select performances with a valid student ID. Student tickets are only available through the box office, in person or by calling 610-432-6715.

TICKET EXCHANGE/REFUNDTickets are non-refundable. Ticket exchanges are available to our subscribers. Subscribers who cannot use their tickets may exchange them for another Allentown Symphony

Orchestra concert within the current season. Exchanges are subject to availability. Please visit or call the box office at least two hours prior to the start of an event to request an exchange.

You can also give your tickets to a friend. We make it easy for you to pass your tickets to your friends. Just call 610-432-6715 at least two hours before concert time to have the tickets transferred to your friend’s name and held at will call.

You may donate your tickets, which qualifies as a tax-deductible contribution to the Allentown Symphony Association. To donate tickets, please call 610-432-6715. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes — and you will give other music lovers an opportunity to hear the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and its stellar guest artists in live performances.

There are no refunds of purchased tickets and subscriptions. Please note that seating choice is limited to availability at time of exchange. To avoid lines, we ask that you pick up your tickets at least one hour before concert time.

PATRONS WITH DISABILITIESMiller Symphony Hall is accessible to all physically disabled persons. For patrons in wheelchairs, seating is available on the orchestra level. Please call the box office for assistance.

CONCERT ETIQUETTEOur recommended minimum age to attend ASO Classical or Pops concerts is five years.

Please note that every person attending the concert, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the concert hall.

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Tickets & Patron SERVICESTo foster the best experience for all patrons, a quiet, focused environment respectful of others needs to be maintained. The ASO reserves the right to remove any individuals who are disrupting fellow patrons or the concert setting.

RESTROOMSRestrooms are located on the orchestra level, as well as mezzanine and balcony levels. Additional ladies’ restrooms are located at the side entrance ramp to the theatre.

BUILDING EMERGENCYIn the event of a building emergency, an announcement from the stage will notify and instruct patrons. Should the building need to be evacuated, please exit via the nearest door, or as instructed.

FIRST AIDIn case of an emergency, please contact the nearest usher. Symphony Hall is equipped with an Automatic External Defibrillator in the 1st floor Lobby. On-call physicians attending the Symphony are requested to please leave their names and seat locations with the House Manager.

LATE SEATINGIf you arrive after the concert begins, you will be seated when appropriate breaks in the program allow.

SMOKINGSmoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited inside the building, as well as restrooms. We are a smoke-free environment.

CAMERAS, CELL PHONES, AND RECORDING EQUIPMENTPhotography and video or audio recording inside Symphony Hall is prohibited without prior written consent. Please remember to turn off all cellular devices and electronic pagers. Special arrangements can be made with the House Manager if you might need to be contacted during the concert. For the safety and comfort of our patrons, management reserves the right to open and inspect any bags or packages when entering or leaving this facility.

PARKINGPlease allow plenty of extra time for traffic and parking. There are several lots and parking garages within downtown Allentown. The closest parking available is the Transportation Deck located at 6th & Linden Streets.

For your convenience, please visit the Allentown Parking Authority website for other parking options at http://allentownparking.com/

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICESLocated on the 2nd floor of Miller Symphony Hall. Enter on north side ramp. Telephone: 610-432-7961. Fax: 610-432-6735.

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http://allentowneventparking.com/

DIANE WITTRY Music Director/ConductorDiane Wittry, named nationally as one of the “Top 30 Influencers” in music by Musical America Worldwide for her work leading orchestras, is one of the foremost conductors in the United States today. Frequently engaged as a guest conductor, she has led symphonic performances in more

than 11 countries and throughout the U.S. She has worked with conductors Michael Tilson Thomas, Pierre Boulez, Jorge Mester, and Daniel Lewis, among others, and has been profiled in the New York Times.

Under Diane Wittry’s artistic leadership, the Allentown Symphony Orchestra has risen to increasing standards of excellence, performing exciting music with passion and dedication, winning the prestigious national “American Prize” for artistic quality in both 2014 and 2017, receiving national NEA Grants, commissioning new pieces of music, and featuring exception soloists like Midori, Emanuel Ax, Garrick Ohlsson, Angela Meade, and Branford Marsalis.

During her tenure with the ASO, Diane has built a well-earned reputation for her innovative style of multi-media programming that uses other art forms to enhance the concert experience. She has expanded the concert series and developed outreach programs such as the Allentown Symphony Chorus, the Schadt National String Competition, Young Musician Strings Festival, the Fantasy Symphony for amateur musicians, the Conducting Fellows Program, ASO Annual Youth and Family Concerts, yearly Composer Competitions, Meet the Artist brown bag talks, a Chamber Music Series, and on-going partnerships with arts organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Diane Wittry has also championed the commissioning of new works. A composer herself, Diane’s compositions have been performed and recorded by orchestras in the United States and Europe and are published by the Theodore Presser Company, and Subito Music. Her piece “Mist,” premiered by the Allentown Symphony and recorded by the Slovak State Orchestra, is available for download on Spotify and Amazon.

In addition to her work with the ASO, Diane Wittry is the Music Director and Conductor of the Garden State Philharmonic, NJ, and in the past has served as the Associate Conductor of the renowned Ojai Music Festival (CA); the Artistic Director of the International Music Program with the Sarajevo Philharmonic, Bosnia; and Music Director and Conductor of the Symphony of Southeast Texas, the Norwalk Symphony (CT), and the Ridgewood Symphony (NJ).

Wittry is an award-winning author, composer, and teacher. Her two books, Beyond the Baton, and Baton Basics-Communicating Music through Gestures, have become standards in the field. Conductors from all over the world have studied with her through conducting seminars nationally and internationally, and she has given presentations at the Juilliard School of Music, the Curtis Institute, the Manhattan School of Music, and for the League of American Orchestras and the Conductors Guild National Conferences.

Wittry has received the national Helen M. Thompson Award from the League of American Orchestras, the USC Thornton School of Music Outstanding Alumnus Award, the Gold Crown Award (Pasadena, CA), the Women of Excellence Award (Beaumont, TX), the Arts Ovation Award, and the Woman of Distinction Award (Allentown, PA).

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RONALD DEMKEE Associate/Pops ConductorRonald Demkee has played in the Allentown Symphony Orchestra since 1980 and has served as Associate Conductor since 1983, working with conductors Donald Voorhees, William Smith and Diane Wittry. Over the years he has conducted ASO Youth and Family Concerts, Pops Concerts and

Holiday Concerts as well as full performances of “Nutcracker” with the Berkshire Ballet (MA), the American Ballet Repertory Co. (Princeton, NJ) the Lehigh Valley Ballet (PA), and the Repertory Dance Theatre of Allentown. He has conducted the ASO in Subscription Concerts featuring internationally famous artists including: Rudolf Firkusney, Cecile Licad, Robert McDuffie, Young Uck Kim and Joyce Castle of the New York Metropolitan Opera. He has also conducted ASO Pops concerts featuring Monica Mancini, Beatles’ Tribute show “Classical Mystery Tour,” “Bravo Broadway,” “Three Phantoms,” Beach Boys tribute “Papa Doo Run, Run,” “Piano Men- The Music of Elton & Billy,” Dave Bennett’s “A Tribute to Benny Goodman,” “Disney in Concert-Magical Music from the Movies” and many more.

Demkee joined the Allentown Band in 1964 as featured tuba soloist and was elected conductor in 1977. Under his direction the band has recorded thirty-two volumes of the highly acclaimed “Our Band Heritage” series, which have reached listeners in all fifty states and twenty-four countries. In 2014 NAXOS began distributing these recordings in the United States and Canada in both physical CD and digital format by way of iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and many more outlets. The Allentown Band, America’s oldest civilian concert band performing since 1828, averages forty-five performances annually. Under Demkee’s leadership, the band has taken four trips to Europe for concerts in Switzerland, Austria and France. The band was the featured Showcase band for the New York International Band and Orchestra Festival at Carnegie Hall in 2007, 2016, and 2019 and performed in the same capacity for the Washington International Music Festival at the Kennedy Center in April 2010. In 2019 the band was awarded Third Place in the prestigious American Prize, National Competition for Community Bands and Wind Ensembles.

In addition to conducting numerous high school honor bands and orchestras in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Demkee has served as guest conductor for the Army Band, the Army Field Band, the Military Academy Band at West Point, the Navy Band, the Coast Guard Band, the Marine Band of Washington, the Air Force Heritage of America band from Langley, Virginia and the Air Force Band, Washington, DC. He has served as Assistant Conductor for Leonard B. Smith’s famous Detroit Concert Band where he conducted the band for Smith’s cornet solos both in live performances at Detroit’s Ford Theater and Michigan State Fairgrounds as well as the highly praised “Gems of the Concert Band” recordings. In 2017, Demkee served as Conductor of the Concert Band for the Northeast Instrumental Music Festival in Lake Placid, New York.

Ronald Demkee is the recipient of many significant awards including: The National Band Association’s “Citation of Excellence,” The John Philip Sousa Foundation’s “Sudler Legion of Honor,” the City of Allentown’s “Arts Ovation Award” for Outstanding Achievements in the Performing Arts and Allentown Arts Council’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Freedom High School honored Demkee as the first faculty member to be named to the school’s “Circle of Excellence,” and Whitehall High School named Demkee the school’s first alumnus to be enshrined on the school’s “Wall of Fame for the Arts.” He is an inductee to the “National High School Band Directors’ Hall of Fame” and has been a member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association since 1986. He received an Honorary Doctor of Music Degree from Muhlenberg College in 1991. Recently, his Alma Mater presented Demkee with the West Chester University 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Demkee taught music at Bethlehem’s Freedom High School from 1967, when the school opened, until 1997, where he founded the school’s Patriot Band and Orchestra and served as Chair of the Fine Arts Department. He has also taught in the music departments at both Muhlenberg and Moravian Colleges. He performed in the Brass Choir for the Annual Bach Festival in Bethlehem from 1968 to 2018 and has conducted pit orchestras for numerous Muhlenberg Summer Theater productions. He retired as Personnel Manager of the ASO after thirty years, but continues as Associate Conductor, Pops Conductor and Principal Tuba.

Artist BIOGRAPHIES

DEBBIE GRAVITTE

One of Broadway’s biggest personalities, Debbie Gravitte received the Tony Award for her critically acclaimed performance in Jerome Robbins Broadway, along with the New York Showstopper Award and a Drama Desk Award nomination. She made her Broadway debut in the original cast of They’re Playing Our Song, and went on to appear in: Blues In The Night, Perfectly Frank (Drama Desk Award Nomination), Zorba, Ain’t Broadway Grand?, Chicago and Les Misérables. Debbie appeared in London in Jerry Herman’s Mack and Mabel at the Drury Lane Theatre.

Debbie has sung with over 100 orchestras worldwide, including National Symphony with Marvin Hamlisch, Cleveland Orchestra, Boston Pops, Cleveland Pops, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, Pittsburgh Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and Houston Symphony. Overseas, she’s appeared with the London Symphony, Aalborg Symphony, Stockholm Philharmonic, Jerusalem Symphony, The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, National Syphonica of Brazil, along with a special performance in Beijing with Lang Lang and the Chinese Philharmonic. Debbie is featured on many recordings including her 3 solo CDs: Defying Gravity, The Alan Menken Ablum, and The MGM Album. www.debbiegravitte.com

SCARLETT STRALLEN

Scarlett Strallen has starred in productions on Broadway, London’s West End, and is a frequent soloist on the concert stage. She most recently starred on Broadway as Gwendolyn in Travesties and has appeared in the title role of Mary Poppins, a role she also played in the West End, and as Sibella Hallward in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Additional theater credits include Mabel in Pirates of Penzance at Barrington Stage Company, Lady Macduff in Macbeth at the Armory in New York, Cunegonde in Candide at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Cassie in A Chorus Line at The London Palladium, Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain at Chichester Festival Theatre and The Palace Theatre London (Olivier Award Nomination for Best Actress in a Musical), Amalia in She Loves Me at the Chocolate Factory, and Clara in Passion at Donmar Warehouse. In 2014, Scarlett received the ‘Whatsonstage’ awards for best actress in a musical for A Chorus Line at the London Palladium and Candide at the Menier.

A frequent soloist with orchestras around the world, Scarlett made her German debut at the Philharmonie in Berlin with the John Wilson Orchestra in “A Celebration of the MGM Film Musicals.” Recent concerts include “Disney on Broadway” at the Royal Albert Hall, “I Love Musicals” arena tour of Sweden with Peter Joback, “Cole Porter in Hollywood” UK tour with the John Wilson Orchestra, a broadcast on Sky television from the Royal Albert Hall in London and “Bernstein Stage and Screen” at the BBC Proms with the John Wilson Orchestra which was broadcast on BBC television. Scarlett has recorded

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Artist BIOGRAPHIESwith Simon Keenleyside “Something’s Gotta Give” for Chandos conducted by David Charles Abel. Film and television credits include: Kevin Spacey’s movie Beyond The Sea, the title role in the BBC production of Mary Poppins celebrating HM Queen Elizabeth’s 80th birthday.

HUGH PANARO

Hugh Panaro recently starred as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. Also on Broadway, Mr. Panaro has been seen as Gaylord Ravenal in the Harold Prince revival of Show Boat, Marius in Les Misérables and created the roles of Buddy Foster in Side Show, Julian Craster in Jule Styne’s final musical The Red Shoes and the title role of the seductive vampire in Elton

John’s musical Lestat. Mr. Panaro made his West End debut as Gaylord Ravenal in Show Boat and went on to perform the title role in Martin Guerre. Some of Mr. Panaro’s Off-Broadway credits include White Lies at the Triad Theater, Noa Noa at Playwright’s Horizons, Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights at the John Housman Theatre, Children of Eden at the Actor’s Playhouse and Robert in Little Fish at Second Stage Theatre.

An active concert artist, Mr. Panaro has performed with numerous symphony orchestras including the Dallas, Detroit, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, Houston, Calgary, Utah and the London Sinfonietta among many others and had the privilege of performing in the world premiere of Penderecki’s Te Deum at Carnegie Hall. Mr. Panaro was a guest soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic, conducted by Marvin Hamlisch. His recordings include Jerome Kern Treasury, the original cast recording of Side Show, Tap Your Troubles Away (Herman), The Centennial (Weil), Life On The Wicked Stage (Kern) among others. His first solo CD, recorded with Sony/BMG, was released in the summer of 2007. Mr. Panaro toured throughout Europe with the legendary Barbra Streisand. A native of Philadelphia, Mr. Panaro graduated from Temple University and was awarded the Boyer College of Music Certificate of Honor for his impressive career in musical theatre.

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Orchestra MUSICIANSDiane Wittry, Music Director/Conductor

Ronald Demkee, Pops ConductorThe Best of Broadway: Sondheim & Lloyd Webber October 12, 2019

FIRST VIOLIN Inna Eyzerovich,

Acting ConcertmasterLinda Kistler,

Acting Associate ConcertmasterConnie Trach,

Acting Assistant ConcertmasterRebecca BrownAmy Hamilton Soto Natalia MerezhukMary OgletreeJulian Tello

SECOND VIOLIN Tallie Brunfelt, Acting PrincipalJulie Bougher,

Acting Assistant PrincipalAlyssa BlackstoneKaren CreedenKathy DeRemerKiku EnomotoSimon Maurer

VIOLAAgnès Maurer, PrincipalCameron Raecke, Assistant PrincipalRonald DeGrandisSteven HeitlingerDebra ReillyEllen Yorgey

CELLOJameson Platte, Acting PrincipalHikaru Tamaki,

Acting Assistant PrincipalMercedes JurkiewiczAudrey K. SimonsEzgi Yargici

DOUBLE BASS Peter Paulsen, PrincipalJohn Paul Norpoth,

Acting Assistant PrincipalRaymond Bohn

FLUTE Robin Kani, PrincipalAllison Kiger

PICCOLOCatherine DeBoeser

OBOEKaren Birch Blundell,

Acting PrincipalAmanda Dusold

CLARINETJohn Schwartz, Jr., PrincipalColleen Hartung

BASS CLARINETStephen Reisteter

BASSOONSusan Shaw, PrincipalLee Walck

FRENCH HORNJonathan Clark, PrincipalSamuel BessenConor JensenPeter Morris

TRUMPETGregory Seifert, Acting PrincipalLawrence WrightGerald Serfass

TROMBONE Gilles Bernard, PrincipalNicholas Martin

BASS TROMBONERobert Fournier

TUBAPhil Ioanna, Acting Principal

HARPFrances Duffy, Principal

GUITARMike Kennedy

PIANOMichael Toth, Principal

TIMPANIGlen Wilkofsky, Principal

DRUM SETJoe Choroszewski

PERCUSSIONRandy Edelman, PrincipalBeth McElroy

PERSONNEL MANAGERMatthew Angelo

LIBRARIANStuart Serio

ASST. LIBRARIAN & PERSONNEL MANAGER

Karen Creeden

Note: Except for Principals, seating in the string sections is rotated throughout the season.

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Artist BIOGRAPHIES

DREW PETERSEN, Pianist

Acclaimed young American pianist Drew Petersen is a sought-after soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician. He has been praised for his commanding and poetic performances of repertoire ranging from Bach to Zaimont, and is the recipient of the 2018 Avery Fisher Career Grant, 2017 American Pianists Award, and the Christel DeHaan Fellow of the American Pianists Association, as well as a residency at the University of Indianapolis.

Since then he has made debuts with the Houston, Phoenix, Tucson, Pacific, and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestras, and has appeared in solo recitals at the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, University of Indianapolis, and Dame Myra Hess Concerts in Chicago. Most recent performances include concerts at Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Festival and Brevard Music Center’s Summer Festival, orchestral performances with the Indianapolis Symphony,

and a recital at Chicago’s Ravinia Festival. 2018 also marked the release of his first solo recording of American music on the Steinway label for which BBC Music Magazine acknowledged his presence as a rising star. The 2019-2020 season includes appearances with orchestras in Sarasota, Fort Smith, Buffalo, Waco, and Columbus, as well as recitals in Madison, Duluth, Savannah, and his Kennedy Center debut, presented by Washington Performing Arts.

A frequent radio contributor, Petersen has performed on McGraw-Hill Young Artists Showcase, From the Top, and Performance Today. Profiles include The New York Times, New York Magazine, and the documentary “just normal” by award-winning director Kim A. Snyder. A champion of chamber music, Petersen has appeared on French radio’s France Musique while a member of a Verbier Festival piano trio.

Drew Petersen’s firm belief in the importance of music in contemporary society led to collaborations with Young Audiences NY that presents performances in New York City’s public schools. His appearance in Andrew Solomon’s New York Times bestselling book, Far From the Tree, sparked a nation-wide conversation on raising extraordinary and different children who test the willpower and capabilities of their families and society. Petersen continually advocates for the necessity of classical music and other arts in society, and was named a 2006 Davidson Fellow for his portfolio entitled Keeping Classical Music Alive.

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Artist BIOGRAPHIES

REPERTORY DANCE THEATRE

Founded by Dolly Haltzman in 1987 as a 501c3 nonprofit pre-professional dance company, RDT is now under the artistic direction of Jennifer Haltzman Tracy and Trinette Singleton. RDT provides dancers with high quality dance training and performance opportunities like the Nutcracker with the Allentown Symphony

Orchestra, and numerous community based performances. In addition, RDT provides free dance training for At-Risk students and artist-in-residence programs for inner city schools, as well as conducts educational, outreach programs in collaboration with other arts’ organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley. Many RDT alumni have gone on to professional dance careers with major dance companies and/or have performed in Broadway productions. Others have continued their dance careers in colleges and universities and others have used the skills they obtained at RDT to choreograph and teach dance. Repertory Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra with the Allentown Symphony will be held December 7th & 8th, 2019. www.repertorydance.org

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Program NOTESPETER ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY n 1840-1893

“Trepak” from The Nutcracker

In Act I of The Nutcracker, the young Clara receives a giant Nutcracker as a Christmas gift. When everyone else is in bed, she steals back into the living room, where the Nutcracker springs to life and leads a battalion of gingerbread men in battle against an invading army of mice. The Nutcracker is confronted by the Mouse King himself, and he appears about to meet his fate when Clara hurls her slipper at the rodent-monster and kills him. The mice, leaderless, flee, and the Nutcracker is transformed into a gallant Prince. As reward for saving his life, he invites Clara to visit his kingdom. She accepts.

Act II is set in the great hall of the castle. At a sign from the Sugar-Plum Fairy, a sumptuous banquet appears. Clara is ushered to a throne at the head of the table, and a divertissement in her honor begins, which includes a Trepak, the fiery traditional dance of the Russian cossacks. (2’)

Selections from Swan Lake (1875-1876)

Act I of Swan Lake is a festival celebrating the coming of age of Prince Siegfried the following day, when he must choose a bride. Attracted by a flight of swans over the castle, Siegfried and his friends form a hunting party and leave the festivity. At the beginning of Act II, Siegfried arrives at the lake to see the swans, led by Odette, the Swan Queen, glide across the surface. Just as Siegfried is about to unleash his crossbow, Odette appears to him not in avian form but as a beautiful princess. She tells him that she and the other swan-maidens live under a curse by the evil magician Rothbart which lets them take human shape just from midnight to dawn. The spell can be broken, she says, only by one who promises to love her and no other. Though Rothbart vows to undo them both, Siegfried promises his love to Odette. Act III is again set in the castle. Amid the birthday celebration, Rothbart, in disguise, suddenly enters with his daughter, Odile, who appears to Siegfried in the exact image of Odette. Odette, hovering at the window, tries to warn Siegfried of the deception, but to no avail. Siegfried asks for Odile’s hand in marriage. Rothbart and Odile exult in their vile triumph. Siegfried realizes he has been

trapped. Odette seems doomed. In Act IV, Odette returns to the lake, prepared to kill herself. The other maidens urge her to wait for the Prince. He appears, and again vows his love to her, but she knows that Rothbart’s power can only be broken by death. She throws herself from the parapet of a lakeside fortress. Siegfried, his life meaningless without her, follows. Rothbart’s enchantment is destroyed by the power of love. At the final curtain, Odette and Siegfried are seen sailing off together on a beautiful, celestial ship, united forever. (8’)

Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 (1874-1875)

At the end of 1874, Tchaikovsky began a piano concerto with the hope of having a success great enough to allow him to leave his irksome teaching post at the Moscow Conservatory. By late December, he had largely sketched out the work, and sought the advice of Nikolai Rubinstein, Director of the Moscow Conservatory and an excellent pianist. Tchaikovsky reported the interview in a letter: “On Christmas Eve 1874, Nikolai asked me to play the Concerto. We agreed to it. After I played through the work, there burst forth from Rubinstein’s mouth a mighty torrent of words. It appeared that my Concerto was utterly worthless, absolutely unplayable; the piece as a whole was bad, trivial, vulgar.” Tchaikovsky was furious and he made only one change in the score: he obliterated the name of the original dedicatee—Nikolai Rubinstein—and substituted that of the virtuoso pianist Hans von Bülow, who was performing Tchaikovsky’s piano pieces across Europe. Bülow gladly accepted the dedication and asked to program the premiere on his upcoming American tour. The Concerto created such a sensation when it was first heard, in Boston on October 25, 1875, that Bülow played it on 139 of his 172 concerts that season.

The Concerto opens with a sweeping introductory melody. Following a decrescendo and a pause, the piano presents the snapping main theme. (Tchaikovsky said that this curious melody was inspired by a tune he heard sung by a blind beggar at a street fair.) The clarinet announces the lyrical second subject. The outer sections of the second movement’s three-part structure (A–B–A) are based on a languid melody introduced by the flute; the

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Program NOTEScentral episode uses a swift, balletic melody. A crisp rhythmic motive presented at the beginning of the finale dominates much of the movement. To balance the vigor of this music, a romantic melody is given by the violins. The two themes contend until the Concerto comes to its rousing close. (32’)

Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, “Pathétique” (1893)

Tchaikovsky died in 1893, at the age of only 53. His death was long attributed to the accidental drinking of a glass of unboiled water during a cholera outbreak, but that theory has been questioned in recent years with the alternate explanation that he was forced to take his own life because of a homosexual liaison with the underage son of a noble family. Though the manner of Tchaikovsky’s death is incidental to the place of his Sixth Symphony in music history, the fact of it is not.

Tchaikovsky conducted his B minor Symphony for the first time only a week before his death. It was given a cool reception by musicians and public, and his frustration was multiplied when discussion of the work was avoided by the guests at a dinner party following the concert on October 28, 1893. Three days later, however, his mood seemed brighter and he told a friend that he was not yet ready to be snatched off by death, “that snubbed-nose horror. I feel that I shall live a long time.” He was wrong. He died on November 6. Memorial concerts were planned. One of the first was in St. Petersburg on November 18th, twelve days after his death, when Eduard Napravnik conducted the Sixth Symphony. It was a resounding success and was

wafted by the winds of sorrow across the musical world, becoming—and remaining—one of the most popular of all symphonies, the quintessential expression of tragedy in music.

The “Pathétique” Symphony opens with a slow introduction dominated by the sepulchral intonation of the bassoon, whose melody, in a faster tempo, becomes the first theme of the exposition; the tension subsides for the yearning second theme. The tempestuous development begins with a mighty blast from the full orchestra. The recapitulation is more condensed, vibrantly scored and emotionally intense than the exposition. Tchaikovsky referred to the second movement as a scherzo, though its 5/4 meter gives it more the feeling of a waltz with a limp. The third movement is a boisterous march. A profound emptiness pervades the closing movement, which maintains its slow tempo and mood of despair throughout. (45’)

1812 Overture, Op. 49 (1880)

In 1880, the Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer was erected in Moscow to commemorate the events of 1812, when Napoleon was driven from Russia. For the Cathedral’s consecration, Nikolai Rubinstein, head of the Moscow Conservatory and director of the Russian Musical Society, planned a celebratory festival of music, and he asked Tchaikovsky to write a work for the occasion. That 1812 Overture represents the conflict, militarily and musically, of Russia and France, and the eventual Russian “victory” over the invaders. (4’)

©2019 Dr. Richard E. Rodda

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Orchestra MUSICIANSDiane Wittry, Music Director/Conductor

Drew Petersen, pianoAll Tchaikovsky November 9 &10, 2019

FIRST VIOLIN Eliezer Gutman, ConcertmasterInna Eyzerovich,

Associate ConcertmasterStefan Xhori,

Assistant ConcertmasterRebecca BrownJames FineganAnn FontanellaLinda KistlerNatalia MerezhukConnie TrachEdgar Tumajyan

SECOND VIOLIN Inna Nedorezov, PrincipalTallie Brunfelt, Assistant PrincipalJulie BougherKaren CreedenDaniel DemetriouKathy DeRemerRobin LubertTess Varley

VIOLAAgnès Maurer, PrincipalCameron Raecke, Assistant PrincipalRonald DeGrandisSteven HeitlingerEdward LottoDebra ReillyCarol YaleEllen Yorgey

CELLODavid Moulton, PrincipalJameson Platte, Assistant PrincipalMercedes JurkiewiczPhilo LeeAudrey K. SimonsJeanette StensonHikaru Tamaki

DOUBLE BASS Peter Paulsen, PrincipalDevin Howell, Assistant PrincipalNathaniel ChaseChristopher JohnsonJohn Paul Norpoth

FLUTE Robin Kani, PrincipalAllison Kiger

PICCOLOCatherine DeBoeser

OBOERick Basehore, PrincipalCamilla Yoder

ENGLISH HORNAmanda Dusold

CLARINETJohn Schwartz, Jr., PrincipalChristopher Nichols

BASSOONSusan Shaw, PrincipalLee Walck

FRENCH HORNJonathan Clark, PrincipalSteve Sherts, Assistant PrincipalJohn DeVivoConor JensenPeter Morris

TRUMPETOmri Barak, PrincipalLawrence WrightGerald Serfass

TROMBONE Gilles Bernard, PrincipalNicholas Martin

BASS TROMBONERobert Fournier

TUBARonald Demkee, Principal

HARPFrances Duffy, Principal

TIMPANIGlen Wilkofsky, Principal

PERCUSSIONRandy Edelman, PrincipalRichard GrollerBeth McElroy

PERSONNEL MANAGERMatthew Angelo

LIBRARIANStuart Serio

ASST. LIBRARIAN & PERSONNEL MANAGER

Karen Creeden

Note: Except for Principals, seating in the string sections is rotated throughout the season.

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Organizational SUPPORTERSThe Allentown Symphony Association gratefully acknowledges the generosity of government agencies, foundations, service organizations and other groups who have contributed gifts of $500 or more during the past 12 months, as of August 12, 2019, toward the Annual Fund, education programs, and capital projects.

$25,000 +AnonymousAmaranth FoundationThe Century FundSenator Pat Browne and the

Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaHecht Family Charitable FoundationJulius & Katheryn Hommer

FoundationSchadt Violin Trust Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler

FoundationThe Harry C. Trexler Trust

$10,000-$24,999AnonymousCounty of LehighBessie S. Graham Music FundPennsylvania Council on the Arts,

a state agencyThe Presser FoundationEstelle Reninger Trust

$5,000-$9,999AnonymousDexter F. and Dorothy H. Baker

FoundationThe BB&T Economic Growth Fund

of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation

The Florence Y. Flach Music FundGreater Lehigh Valley

Auto Dealers AssociationCharles H. Hoch Foundation

$1,500-$4,999D’Addario FoundationExchange Club Foundation of

Western LehighThe IMPACT ProjectScherline Family Charitable FundRuth P. Seruga TrustAnne Spychala Family Charitable

FoundationBill Sugra Memorial Fund

$500-$1,499George & Judith Arangio Foundation Robert F. Hunsicker Foundation The Barry M. Kressler Caring FundMMZ FoundationPhantoms Charities

Corporate SUPPORTERSThe Allentown Symphony Association salutes these corporations and organizations for their support of the Annual Fund, education programs, concert sponsorship, benefit events and more. The following recognizes gifts or pledges of $500 or more, during the past 12 months.

$25,000 +Air Products FoundationAlvin H. ButzNB Center for American

Automotive Heritage

$10,000-$24,999Allen Organ City Center AllentownDuggan & MarconPPLWells Fargo Foundation

$5,000-$9,999Arbor Insurance GroupBB&TCapital Blue CrossDentist Down the LaneEmbassy BankFor the Love of AlexFriends of Healing Through the Arts

Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association

Highmark Blue ShieldLutronNew Tripoli BankService ElectricTrifecta TechnologiesUnivest National Bank and Trust

$1,500-$4,999AmericaVenBank of America

Matching Gift ProgramEast Penn ManufacturingEquinoxESSA Bank & TrustExxonMobil Foundation

Matching Gift ProgramIronton TelephoneJ.S. Burkholder Funeral HomeLafayette Ambassador Bank

The Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation

Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus, Attorneys at Law

QNB-Community BankRoberson Butz ArchitectsRothrock Motor SalesSt. Luke’s Health NetworkDavid Stortz & AssociatesUGIJohn Yurconic Agency

$500-$1,499B. Braun MedicalDiefenderferIBM Matching Grants ProgramJohnson & Johnson

Matching Gift ProgramKlunk & MillanMagellan FinancialParagon TransitPPL Matching Gift ProgramSerfass Construction

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The Voorhees SOCIETY

Individual donors form the foundation of our success in advancing the ASA’s mission to provide a “first-class symphony orchestra and hall, quality performing arts and cultural education in partnership with the community.”

The following recognizes cumulative gifts made from individuals during the past 12 months, as of August 12, 2019.

* Musician Sponsor

BATON CLUB($25,000+)Mrs. Lois Brong Miller *William & Margaret Hecht *Peter & Carol Kern *Donna & Roger Milgrim *Joan Miller Moran &

William J. Fenza *

VIRTUOSO CIRCLE($10,000-$24,999)Dolly & Lee Butz *Charles & Joan ColeThe Fowler FamilyMr. & Mrs. Joseph KaminskiCharles & Ruth MarconJ.B. & Kathleen ReillyWilliam H. & Denise Spence *

BRAVO CLUB($5,000-$9,999)AnonymousWilliam & Irene BrownJack & Carol Anne BuryDr. & Mrs. Michael ConradAlfred & Jill Douglass III *John & Norma Fetherman *Linda Kay Gardner *Lynnie Godfrey & Carl E. Lee Mr. William C. HackerJudith A. Harris, Esq. &

Dr. Jack Mydlo

Mr. Robert Pearce *Mr. & Mrs. Doug PelletierMichael TorbertDaniel M. Zirin *

SOCIETY MEMBER($1,500-$4,999) AnonymousJoseph & Linda AbrahamDavid A. Ackerman *Charles & Sandra Adams *Ibolya Balog & Harry CrapserDavid & Ellen BeidelmanRob & Kristen BennettJohn Berseth & Carol DoreyKlaus & Roswitha BowersDr. & Mrs. William R. Burfeind, Sr.Robert BuryEric Butz & Debora RobersonMr. H. Lloyd CarbaughMr. & Mrs. Howard CohenRobert & Eleanor ContiDr. & Mrs. Walter DexBob & Kathy DonatelliKaren M. El-Chaar *Dr. Lona M. Farr &

Rev. David V. Voellinger *Jim & Debbie FerryDr. Harold & Sandra GoldfarbTom & Haydemar GrovesWilliam & Phyllis GrubeEva Haddon *

Jane HeftHon. & Mrs. William L. Heydt Estate of Alma E. HochDavid & Patricia HoffmanBarry HolbenConnie Houser-WenzelMary Lou HullPhilip Jackson &

Deborah Fries-Jackson *Dr. K. Joy KarnasCharles & Jo-Ann KellyJerry & Jane King Marilyn KistlerDr. Rena LambertRuss & Donna LeibenspergerJohn Longenderfer & Sally ReeserFrank & Sue MalvezziSilvia MandlerDr. Curtis & Phyllis McDowellPhilip A. & Margery H. Metzger *Atty & Mrs. Anthony MuirPhil & Joanne Nonemaker *David & Carol OsbornRobert & Mary PritchettHeather Rodale & Carl BarndtRene Rodriguez *Edith M. RoederVictor & Nadya SalicettiSarah SchafferWilliam & Rose Marie ScharleMrs. Lorrie ScherlineDr. Diane ScottTodd & Sonya R. Siegfried

Individual CONTRIBUTORS

The Voorhees Society honors those individuals who have designated Allentown Symphony Association in their estate plans or made an outright gift to support endowment.

VOORHEES SOCIETY MEMBERSKristine & William Burfeind, Sr.H. Lloyd CarbaughCynthia CurranLona Farr, Ph.D. & David Voellinger Judith A. Harris

William & Mary Ann HeydtMarilyn & Richard KistlerRoger MilgrimDonald P. & Sara K. MillerRoberta I. Miner

Joan Miller MoranDavid & Carol OsbornJohn ServisVirginia E. WartmanLarry & Deborah Zohn

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Dr. Charles F. Smith, Sr.Joseph J. Sofhauser &

Cynthia Curran *Carl & Elaine Stolpe *Cecilia Sweeney *Dr. & Mrs. Thomas TachovskyMr. & Mrs. James Vastine *Carol Weaver & Ray BartholomewGenevieve Wesselmann *Dr. & Mrs. Thomas V. Whalen *James H. & Catherine WickMr. & Mrs. David WillardDiane Wittry & Richard PeckhamIlene WoodDr. Robert WoodruffMr. & Mrs. James M. YorgeyAtty. & Mrs. Jeffrey M. Zimskind

CONCERTO CLUB($500-$1,499)Anonymous (2)Erika AustinChad BaumerDrs. Michael & Karen Badellino *Dr. & Mrs. Joseph A. CandioRalph & Ann DaubertSara DeBenedettoMr. August DeClementeStella M. DeSantisJohn & Mary DoddsHon. Dr. Percy H. &

Anne Zinn DoughertyMr. & Mrs. Alfred E. Douglass IVJacquelynn EllenbergerRobert & Anne EpiscopoMichael Finley & Audrey EttingerMr. & Mrs. Richard FoltzPhilip & Doris FormicaNatalie FosterLynne Fowler-BlattAtty. & Mrs. John FreundBob & Susan GadomskiEric & Laura GerdeDrs. James & Mary Lou GreenRev. Richard & Judith GuhlRay & Cheryl HarriesKim HartmanRuth Ann HaussmannMr. & Mrs. Todd HellerMatthew & Breanna HenryHoward & Patricia HudsonDr. & Mrs. Robert Hunsicker *Alfred & Necole JacobsenBarry Kessler

Dr. & Mrs. J. Patrick KleavelandCarol KoenigWayne & Jennifer LancasterCarol M. LandesJames I. LawlerBob & Chris LieBermanJane & Samuel B Long IIIAnne Lutkenhouse & Shawn WelchRichard Marchiando FamilyDavid MarshallUlla H. M. MartzRill Ann & Steven MillerMr. & Mrs. Dennis C. Morton, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. James A. NewcombAnthony & KathyLee PenizottoEdward & Joanne RichardsDr. & Mrs. Robert RienzoFabio Rizzi & Maria Scimone-RizziBarbara and Michael RossiJane SchultzStuart SerioAtty. John P. ServisMr. & Mrs. W. Cordes Snyder IIIHon. Robert L. & Linda SteinbergMichelle StringerEzra Wenner, Jr.James & Linda Wimmer

OVERTURE CLUB($350-$499)AnonymousDr. Liang Cheng & Ms. Hesong LengKathy A. LongDr. Michael Stroock & Dolores YundtFrank & Susan StrouseWilliam West

ENCORE CLUB ($200-$349)Anonymous (4)Howard & Nancy AmolsPhil & Annette ArmstrongHank & Joanne BarnetteMaryann BaronePhilip A. BlytheThe Bonnett FamilyW. Douglas & Marguerite H. BrownFrancine Cavanagh & Charles EngleJay & Bonnie CohenDr. & Mrs. Stuart S. CohnKevin & Amy CotterTom & Marge CoughlinMr. & Mrs. Walter CramerMaxwell E. Davison

Ron and Janet DeGrandisDotlyn & Brian DibbsRose DrainaIngrid M. DresslerMr. & Mrs. John FernbacherCraig FleischmannAngelika ForndranJim & Adrienne HaddadKevin HancharikDr. & Mrs. Louis HansroteDennis & Connie HendershotMr. & Mrs. Frank HestonDavid & Ann HoheRev. & Mrs. William HornMr. & Mrs. John KirnerDodd & Myrna LambertonDr. & Mrs. Marc LevinDr. Ralph & Roberta LongsworthDr. & Mrs. Alphonse MaffeoWilliam & Lori MalkamesJennifer L. MannMr. & Mrs. Steven MarkowitzBob McConnell & Julie PeshkinJohn McGuinnessJohn & Betty MoranRuth C. MoyerMr. & Mrs. Noel PetersJames & Elizabeth PowersIlene & Michael ProkupMr. & Mrs. Robert RichelderferRobert & Phyllis SantoTom & Amy ScaliciShirley A. ScarantinoHenry & Christina SchmidtJohn SchwartzJoan T. SmithMr. Lynn F. SmithCarrington D & Susan A SmithDiane A. StanczakCosimo & Mary StoutRalph & Doris ToddBob Turko & Dorrie StaufferCharles VersaggiDr. Walter & Rev. Deborah WagnerCarolyn R. WeathersJean B. WeinerEileen S. WerkheiserConstance B. WhiteSam & MaryLee WilberGladys YassPaul & Rosemary ZamboAtty. Donald Zamborsky &

Dr. Kathy OwensJohn & Sandy Zengel

Individual CONTRIBUTORS

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Individual CONTRIBUTORSINTERMEZZO CLUB ($100-$199)Anonymous (6)Erlinda AguiarKaren & Richard AlbertAntonoff FamilyMark & Christel ApplebySarah BachmanJean C. BarteltHarold Batdorf & Joan Rigler-BatdorfSandy & Pat BeldonWilliam H. & Ellen D. BenderNancy S. BerlinMrs. Joseph BigatelEllen B. BishopHal & Allison BlackNancy Lake BleamGeorge & Judy BloeserJ. David & Mary Beth BohriMr. & Mrs. Merrill BrennerMr. & Mrs. Clifford BridgesJoyce BrownRandy H. & Ramona A. BruchTheodorus & Margaret BusChris & Carolyn CarterKaren CarverChristine M. CastellonKenneth & Nancy ChristensenF. Bruce CobiFrancis J. & Terri L. ConlinDavid CraigDennis & Celeste CreeganDr. Samuel & Lucinda CriswellVivian C. CuddySandra A. DavisDavid and Kathy DeRemerDr. Ethel Drayton-CraigRonald DuretteMr. George DzupinkaRobert & Barbara Edwards, Jr.Richard & Carolyn EganGeorge & Jodi FerrioA. W. FieldClaudette FleischmannE. P. Ted FosterLouise FrankenbachSandra GoldsteinLorraine GyauchThe Haldeman FamilyMr. & Mrs. James HarperGeorge & Sandra HartzellDavid L. Heine

Mr. & Mrs. Richard G. HeintzelmanJim & Linda HenryTom & Marsha HershAllen & Cinda HeydtBill & Cindy HornPatrick Houghton &

Elizabeth SchaubLawrence & Patricia HuffmanClaire IppolitiRobert JakoubekDoris Jaquess & Shirley SweatAndrea & Lloyd H. JonesDave & Sue JonesLarry & Susan KarperMarion KayhartNancy Keeler & John LevinCharles H. KnappInkhorns Book ClubJohn H. & Diane W. KochKen & Arlene KramerDr. & Mrs. Robert KrausDr. & Mrs. Harold KreithenDr. & Mrs. Robert KricunBrad & Beth KrouseBernadette & Gerard KueblerMr. & Mrs. Amos KunkleMr. & Mrs. Howard KuritzkyMarianne LehFrederick LehrDr. & Mrs. Henry E. LehrichElaine LernerMr. & Mrs. Gary LevensonJennifer A. LevinsPhilip M. Licht, EsquireDr. Rebecca Britten LovingoodJohn & Lois MannKevin MassaGrayson & Jan McNairKerry McNeillEileen MeraBetty A. MerkleJoan G. MillerEdith MooreCatherine & Ron MordoskyConstance M. MorgensonDr. & Mrs. Alan MorrisonPatrick & Ellen MulcahyHank NarrowRoberta K. NeedleTaffi NeyCarol NolanKaren Oruska & Louis QualtieriGrace Osborn

Greg & Ellen OviattSanta PetersMr. & Mrs. Stephen PhillipsJan & Sue PhillipsDr. Margaret PlymptonMarc & April PongitoryCarolyn PotserDeborah PrinceGuillermo I. &

Audrey Gardner RacinesDr. & Mrs. Walter P. RisleyLinda RosenfeldGregory & Jean RossLynn & Michael RothmanPaul & Dolly RussellAndrew L. SamuelsonRichard & Anne-Marie SchleefDrs. Paul & June SchlueterThomas C. SchorrDonald SeagreavesJohn & Kathy SeasholtzAnita ShannahanGlenn & Mary SimmonsDr. Deborah A. SmithMr. & Mrs. Frank SmithThe Snavely FamilyColin & Kathleen SnyderMr. & Mrs. Richard SomachBruno and Johanna SpethDon & Marlene SteffyJohn StemlerRev. Robert StevensMr. & Mrs. Edward SydlikQuintes & Cynthia TaglioliJeffrey ThomasSara ThomasAlan & Enid TopeMr. & Mrs. Alexander TorokScott & Jenifer TrautmannKathy & Lee WalckDr. Karen Walton &

Mr. Joseph WaltonPat Earley WardAdrian & Beverly WaskoMaria-Louise WeibelThe Douglas Weida FamilyMary Anne WeissEileen WescoeTim & Gwen WhiteRoger & Marilyn WhiteleyJoseph WilkensJames R. Wishchuk, Esq.Eric & Donna Zwick

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In MEMORYBALINT BALOGH Diane Wittry

CPT. JACK L. BROWN, BCCF Joyce Brown

SARA J. COHN Dr. & Mrs. Stuart S. Cohn

ELEANOR CUMMINS Antonoff Family Ibolya Balog & Harry Crapser Dr. & Mrs. William R. Burfeind, Sr. Glenn & Jackie Cocchiola Charles & Joan Cole Kevin & Amy Cotter Fox Chase Cancer Center Bob & Susan Gadomski Linda Kay Gardner Casey & Tracey Gatchel Kim Hartman Martin & Janet Herrring Inkhorns Book Club Larry & Susan Karper Mr. & Mrs. Peter L. Kern George & Annette Kline Brad & Beth Krouse Philip M. Licht, Esquire David Marshall Meals on Wheels of the Greater LV Joan Miller Moran & William J. Fenza Mr. & Mrs. Dennis C. Morton, Jr. Norris McLaughlin Attorneys at Law Karen Oruska & Louis Qualtieri David & Carol Osborn Tom & Nina Reilly Robert & Phyllis Santo Trudy Siak Dr. Charles F. Smith, Sr. Jeffrey Thomas David & Rita Troxel James H. & Catherine Wick David & Monica Willard Alan & Tracy Winig Diane Wittry

MARY EARLEY Pat Earley Ward

STANLEY R. ELLIOTT Jane Johnston

DEBORAH COLES FAILE Cecilia Sweeney

CHARLES S. FLEISCHMANN Jean C. Bartelt Bonita Hewitt Christine M. Castellon Vivian C. Cuddy The Bonnett Family Christopher Filips Claudette Fleischmann Craig Fleischmann Eric & Laura Gerde Albert & Delores Gremmel Jane & Samuel B. Long III Constance M. Morgenson Ann Pergosky Dana Schaeffer & Scott Schaeffer Susan M. Schlindwein Thomas C. Schorr Elizabeth Shelak The Snavely Family

EVA S. FORNDRAN Angelika Forndran

JANET M. FORSE Dori Wallace

JANICE GALASSI Philip A. & Margery H. Metzger Mr. & Mrs. Charles V. Ruppert Diane Wittry

HON. JAMES KNOLL GARDNER Linda Kay Gardner

FRANK ROBERT GIBBONS Jane Johnston

PANSY M. HARRINGTON Diane Wittry

WILLIAM S. HUDDERS & ROBERTA R. HUDDERS Alfred & Jill Douglass III

BETTY JEAN KILGORE Mr. & Mrs. Charles V. Ruppert

MARILYN KISTLER Margaret Bonenberger Philip A. & Margery H. Metzger Mr. & Mrs. Charles V. Ruppert Kathleen P. Steele Diane Wittry

GLENN KRESSLY Audrey Eisler Cherney Ronald & Joan Demkee Mr. & Mrs. Peter L. Kern Diane Wittry

REV. DR. GEORGE M. LANDES, SR. Carol M. Landes

JOHN LEH II Marianne Leh

JOHN R. MARCHIANDO Arlene S. Bentz Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Bridges The Haldeman Family The Marchiando Family Frederick & Deborah Moore Laura Tilds Santa Zanchettin

RODNEY M. MINNER Mr. & Mrs. Charles V. Ruppert

JILL NARROW Dr. & Mrs. William R. Burfeind, Sr. Diane Wittry

ANGELINE (JO) PEARCE Bob Pearce

JOSEPH E. PETERS Santa Peters

PAM SCHWARTZ John Schwartz Diane Wittry

TOM SHANNAHAN Anita Shannahan

ROBERTA SHERWIN Dr. & Mrs. William R. Burfeind, Sr.

H. STEPHEN TILLMAN Patricia Helfrich Mr. & Mrs. Charles V. Ruppert Mr. Donald F. Williams

NICK WATTERS Dr. & Mrs. William R. Burfeind, Sr.

BERTHOLD WAVREK & ELEANOR WAVREK KUBLIC Philip & Jean Wavrek

BISHOP C. DALE WHITE Jane Johnston

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In HONORBECKY BROWN Dr. & Mrs. Kent Fitzgerald

WILLIAM BURFEIND, JR. St. Luke’s Health Network

RAFI ETTINGER-FINLEY Murray & Pepy Ettinger

MILTON FOCHT Georgia Baldrige

WILLIAM & PHYLLIS GRUBE Doris Jaquess & Shirley Sweat

GEOFFREY HARRINGTON Eric Butz & Debora Roberson Victoria Hanko & William Dagan

JUDITH A. HARRIS, ESQ. & DR. JACK MYDLO Dr. & Mrs. William Burfeind, Sr. Charles & Jo-Ann Kelly Frederick Lehr Patrick & Ellen Mulcahy Todd & Sonya Siegfried Ron & Carol Smoll Diane Wittry Atty. Donald Zamborsky & Dr. Kathy Owens

JARED LOEB Benjamin Nassau

DAVID OSBORN Grace Osborn

STOLPE FAMILY Carl & Elaine Stolpe

DIANE WITTRY David A. Ackerman Ibolya Balog & Harry Crapser Dodd & Myrna Lamberton Roger & Donna Milgrim Stafford B. Wavrek Cy G. & Mary W. Yee

Promotional SPONSORS

In-Kind GIFTSWe would like to extend special thanks to these businesses and individuals for their donation of goods or services. Symphony Ball donations are acknowledged in the Ball program book.

Allen OrganAllentown School DistrictAmericaVenBiaggio Pizzeria & Family RestaurantBirdwhistle HillJack & Carol Anne Bury

Ironton TelephoneJosh Early CandiesCarol KoenigDonna LeibenspergerMr. Bill’s Poultry MarketNorthampton Jewelry

Paragon TransitService ElectricBob & Doris TurnerJames H. & Catherine WickYocco’s

Lehigh Valley WomanLehigh Valley PressService Electric

The Morning CallThe HAWK 99.9WDIY 88.1

WFMZWMUH 91.7 FM

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Conducting FELLOWS PROGRAMProgram Sponsors: MARGARET & WILLIAM HECHT

The Conducting Fellows Program supports the opportunity for promising conductors to hone their craft and enrich their musical experience through mentorship and participation in the Allentown Symphony Association’s orchestral and community programs.

The Conducting Fellows travel to the Lehigh Valley to work side by side with Allentown Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor Diane Wittry, in advance of and during the production of a Classical Series concert. Along the way, they learn intricacies involved in assembling and leading a regional symphony.

Fellows also meet with Association staff to learn the range of activities necessary to operate a symphony orchestra. Their visit includes a stop at the exemplary community-based program, El Sistema Lehigh Valley.

We are proud to announce the Allentown Symphony Conducting Fellows for the 2019-2020 Season:

TIFFANY LU | Washington, DCClassical Concert #1 | Olga Kern Plays RachmaninoffSeptember 21 & 22, 2019

This season, conductor Tiffany Lu celebrates her fourth year as Music Director of

the Wilmington Community Orchestra. She also holds the position of Assistant Conductor with the Capital City Symphony and the Prince George’s Philharmonic. This past summer, she returned for her third year as Conducting Associate on the staff of the Pierre Monteux School and Music Festival in Hancock, Maine. Tiffany will make her debut as guest conductor on the subscription concert series with Symphony New Hampshire later this season. She is honored to have been selected as a ‘19-20 Season Conducting Fellow for the Allentown Symphony.

In 2019, Tiffany directed Kurt Weill’s ballet pantomime Zaubernacht in a series of fully-staged performances co-sponsored by the Kurt Weill Foundation and the University of Maryland. From 2015-2019, Tiffany was Music Director of the University of Maryland Repertoire Orchestra, and assistant conductor of the University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra as well as the Maryland Opera Studio. Tiffany has acted as cover conductor with Symphony New Hampshire and the Princeton Symphony as well as the orchestras of Georgetown University and Cornell University. She has also served as producer on recordings by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Smithsonian Chamber Players. Previous positions include cover conductor and principal librarian at the 2016 and 2017 National Orchestral Institute, and conductor of the Young Artists’ Orchestra at the DC Youth Orchestra Program.

Tiffany holds degrees from Princeton University, Ithaca College, and the University of Maryland.

ALEXANDRA KOVATCH | Springfield, MOClassical Concert #2 | All Tchaikovsky: “1812” and moreNovember 9 & 10, 2019

Alexandra Kovatch is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree from Missouri State University, where she studies orchestral conducting with Dr. Christopher Kelts. During her undergraduate degree, Alexandra studied conducting with Dr. Michael Mapp at Washburn University where she conducted the Washburn Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.

Currently, she serves as graduate music director and conductor of the Missouri State University Repertory Ensemble, as well as graduate conductor of the University Symphony. She has attended the Texas Conducting Workshop with Cliff Evans, the Chicago Conducting Workshop with Donald Schleicher and the Pacific Northwest Conducting Institute with Diane Wittry. She has also guest conducted with the Sedalia Symphony Orchestra. After graduation, Alexandra plans to pursue a DMA in Orchestral Conducting.

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Conducting FELLOWS PROGRAMJUSTIN P. COWAN | Danbury, CTClassical Concert #3 | Movie Classics: The Sound of CinemaFebruary 8 & 9, 2020

Justin P. Cowan is an accomplished musical theatre conductor having worked at many professional regional theatres across the country. Credits include: NY Regional: West Side Story, The Producers, Hairspray, Cabaret, Annie Get Your Gun. Other Regional: Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George (North Carolina Summer Rep). Damn Yankees, Avenue Q, Gypsy, Guys and Dolls, Legally Blonde, How To Succeed... (Ocean State Theatre Company). South Pacific, Man of La Mancha, Pump Boys and Dinettes, Dirty Blonde, A Christmas Carol (Triad Stage). [title of show], The Fantasticks (Florida Repertory Theatre). The Drowsy Chaperone (Maples Repertory Theatre). Always…Patsy Cline, Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow (Florida Studio Theatre). Little Shop Of Horrors, Something’s Afoot, A Grand Night For Singing (The Schoolhouse Theatre). Caroline, or Change, Heathers, Hairspray, Into the Woods, Monty Python’s: Spamalot, Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play, A Year With Frog And Toad, Dani Girl, Cabaret (UNCG School of Theatre). Church Basement Ladies, Are We There Yet?. The Winter Wonderettes (Prather Entertainment Group). Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Das Barbecü, Songs For A New World, The 25th Annual...Spelling Bee (BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theatre).

Justin holds conducting degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro having studied both choral and instrumental conducting with Dr. Carole J. Ott and Dr. Kevin Geraldi. Currently, Justin is an Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at Western Connecticut State University where he also serves as the departmental Musical Director and Conductor.

More information about Justin P. Cowan can be found at ConductorCowan.com

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KYLE RITENAUER | New York, NYClassical Concert #4 | Beethoven’s PastoralMarch 7 & 8, 2020

Kyle Ritenauer is a New York City-based conductor currently

pursuing a degree at The Juilliard School as a student of David Robertson. Appearing regularly as a guest conductor in the area, Kyle most recently led two performances with Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect as a part of the Rite of Summer Festival. Kyle has also led multiple performances with the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra, Camerata Notturna, RIOULT Dance NY, and the Manhattan School of Music. This Summer Kyle made his debut in China leading several performances at the Super Cello Festival in Beijing where he worked with some of the top cellists in the field.

Most recently as an assistant conductor, Kyle had to step in with five minutes notice to lead the full production ballet of Stravinsky’s Le Sacre du Printemps with the Juilliard Orchestra and Dancers at Lincoln Center. As a Cover Conductor Kyle has had the opportunity to work with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and Symphony New Hampshire.

A passionate advocate for new music, Kyle has worked with living composers over the past several years to premiere over 60 new compositions. Most notably, he worked hand-in-hand with composer Richard Danielpour and choreographer Pascal Rioult to give the world premiere performances of Cassandra’s Curse with RIOULT Dance NY and the Uptown Philharmonic, an ensemble founded by Kyle.

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Conducting FELLOWS PROGRAMSILAS HUFF | Lawrence, KSClassical Concert #5 | Diane Wittry’s 25th Season Celebration plus The Pines of RomeApril 18 & 19, 2020

Silas Nathaniel Huff is the Director of Orchestras at Washburn University (KS), Music Director of the Colorado Pops Orchestra, Commander & Conductor of the 44th Army Band (New Mexico’s National Guard Band), and Co-Director of the International Conducting Institute. He has conducted orchestras, bands, and new music ensembles across America, Europe, and Asia. Maestro Huff’s past positions include Music Director of the Astoria Symphony Orchestra (NYC), University of Colorado Boulder Campus Orchestra, Boulder Concert Band, U.S. Army Orchestra (DC), and Round Rock Symphony Orchestra (TX); Assistant Conductor of the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra (VA), Conductor of Moscow Ballet’s U.S.A. east coast tours, and Associate Producer of Opera at the Manhattan School of Music. As a U.S. Army Music Officer, he conducted concerts at the White House, U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, Pentagon, and other important monuments and landmarks in Washington, D.C., on tour for audiences numbering in the thousands, and in recordings and broadcasts that were seen by millions of viewers.

Maestro Huff holds degrees from Texas State University and UCLA, and also studied at the Trossingen Hochschule für Musik (Germany), L’Institut Musical Provence-Aubagne (France), California State University-Long Beach, and University of Colorado Boulder.

For more information, visit www.silashuff.com.

LAUREN WASYNCZUK | Los Angeles, CAYouth & Family Concert | Go Green: The 50th Anniversary of Earth DayFebruary 18-22, 2020

A native of Los Angeles, Lauren Wasynczuk leads an active conducting career dedicated to engaging audiences and performers of all ages. A staunch advocate for arts education and community engagement, Lauren has shared her artistic leadership through masterclasses, workshops and conducting engagements. Her recent conducting includes the Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra, Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic, London Classical Soloists, Miami Symphony Orchestra, TEMPO New Music Ensemble, Irvine Classical Players, Marina del Rey Summer Symphony and the Santa Monica Symphony. Previously she served as Artistic & Ensembles Director of Young Musicians Foundation, Assistant/Cover Conductor of Opera San Luis Obispo, Assistant Director of the Yevshan Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble and Guest Conductor of the Westlake Village Symphony. Her multifaceted work has provided her opportunity to appear in concerts and music festivals throughout North America and Europe. Lauren holds a Master of Music degree from The Hartt School, graduating as a member of the Pi Kappa Lamba National Music Honor Society, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

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Allentown SymphonyEDUCATION PROGRAMS

Allentown Symphony Association offers inspiring music education programs from pre-school to 12th

grade. More than 8,500 students in the greater Lehigh Valley participated last year.

EL SISTEMA LEHIGH VALLEY (ESLV) is an innovative education and social initiative that provides opportunities for personal development to children through the study of music. It is part of a global El Sistema movement that is based on a tested model of how a music program can dramatically change the life trajectory of at-risk children. To assure accessibility to all students, enrollment in the program and use of an instrument are free. ESLV provides daily instrumental instruction, choir instruction, and homework tutoring to over 100 Lehigh Valley students in Kindergarten through 12th Grade. A team of five-part time Teaching Artists and one full-time Program Manager implement this after-school program at Roosevelt Elementary School, South Mountain Middle School, and Raub Middle School where they serve students from 22 Lehigh Valley schools.

YOUTH AND FAMILY CONCERTS is the educational and didactic series of concerts of the ASO, specially designed for school age students and their families. Over 3000 students attend these performances each year, with concerts held during school days and an additional show on a Saturday afternoon. Each season the concert’s theme varies, but it’s always accompanied by pre- and post-performance lessons and activities both in the classroom and at Miller Symphony Hall. The ASA provides special pricing tickets to schools to ensure that every child has an opportunity to experience the splendor of Miller Symphony Hall and the excellence of the ASO.

YOUNG MUSICIAN STRING FESTIVAL (YMSF) brings together young musicians from all the Lehigh Valley, ages 10-15, to rehearse and perform on stage at Miller Symphony Hall under the baton of Maestro Diane Wittry. The festival includes two 3-hour long section rehearsals with professional musicians from the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, and two 3-hour full orchestra rehearsals conducted by Diane Wittry. Each season the festival’s repertoire is based in the master pieces performed by the ASO during its classical season. The culminating concert for the YMSF 2020 will be on Sunday, March 29 2020.

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MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO is a traveling collection of musical instruments! Play a violin, a flute, a clarinet or even a tuba, while learning how to properly hold them, find out which instrument family they belong to and even learn how to have a solid and better sound! After all, the ability to make music and sound is found in all of us .

CITY ARTS CAMP introduces students to a variety of visual and performing arts disciplines at a week-long summer session. More than one-third of students receive scholarships. Partners include the Allentown Art Museum, Allentown Symphony Association, Baum School of Art, Civic Theatre of Allentown, Community Music School, and Repertory Dance Theatre.

If you are interested in learning more about how your student(s) might be able to participate in ASA education programs, please contact Norma Nuñez-Ruch, Education Director, [email protected]. For more information on supporting the EITC-eligible youth education programs, please call the Development office at 610-432-7961x207.

MASTERCLASSES feature an opportunity for local students to meet and learn from world-class touring artists who perform along with the ASO at Miller Symphony Hall. These masterclasses are offered to students and general audience in schools and community centers in the Lehigh Valley. Guests artists interact with these students and share their suggestions to improve their performance skills, and they often performance or showcase their abilities to the audience.

MEET THE ARTIST PRE-CONCERT TALKS are an opportunity to meet the acclaimed guest soloists who perform with the Orchestra. Guest artists often show off their technique and participate in lively discussions with Music Director Diane Wittry that cover the concert repertoire. This program is free and open to the public. Audience members are invited to bring a brown bag lunch. The talk begins at 12 noon and ends promptly at 1 PM. No reservations are necessary.

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COMPETITIONS

THE SCHADT NATIONAL STRING COMPETITION is a biennial, national solo string competition for 18-30 year-old musicians who are poised for solo careers. The competition alternates between Violin and Cello every other year. The First Prize includes a cash award of $8,000 and a solo concert engagement with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra during the season following each competition, as well as scheduled recitals, master classes and community outreach throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Established by Allentown businessmen and brothers for whom it was named, The Edwin H. and Leigh W. Schadt Trust provides funding for the Allentown Symphony Association to host the Schadt String Competition and the Schadt Summer String Scholarships.

SCHADT SUMMER STRING SCHOLARSHIPS provide summer music camp scholarships from $50-$500 to young string players of merit under age 18 from Lehigh, Northampton, Bucks, Berks, Carbon, or Monroe counties in Pennsylvania, or from Warren County in New Jersey. The competition is held annually in April.

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