BSO April Program

Top Six SeasonBSOnow.org

2014-15 top six season

Special thanks to our Season Sponsor Don C. and Diane S. Lake Family

Special thanks to our Season Sponsor Don C. and Diane S. Lake Family

Guest Conductor for Saturday, April 11, 2015

REBECCA MILLERTwo BSO Premieres

with the Bakersfield Master Chorale

6:30pm pre-concert talk by Jerome Kleinsasser, Professor of Music, Emeritus, CSU Bakersfield

6:30pm pre-concert talk by Jerome Kleinsasser, Professor of Music, Emeritus, CSU Bakersfield

ABOUT THE BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRACONTACT THE BSO1328 34th Street, Ste. ABakersfield, CA 93301

Phone: 661-323-7928Email: [email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFFM. Bryan Burrow, President & CEOKari Heilman, Business Operations ManagerMary Moore, Orchestra Operations ManagerIneke de Lange, Executive Assistant/SalesNicole Barnett, Executive AssistantJaclyn Hernandez, Marketing Manager Holly Bikakis, Graphic ArtistJerome Kleinsasser, Artist Consultant, Program Notes and Concert PreviewDarlan Moore, Stage GuardJim Mueller, Recording Engineer

ORCHESTRA OFFICERS Elaine LeCain, PresidentMike Raney, Vice PresidentPaulette Shires, Orchestra RepresentativeElvira Arambula, Secretary

BOARD OF DIRECTORSIra Cohen, ChairPatrick Paggi, TreasurerKen Beurmann, SecretaryJim Bell, Past Chair Hon. Jon Stuebbe, AdvisorJerome Kleinsasser, Ph.D., AdvisorJulia Haney, AdvisorBradford Anderson, M.D.Holly ArnoldAlexandra BateyW. Michael ChertokMorgan ClaytonWayne Deats Chris Hamilton, Esq.Eleanor HeiskellJ. Nile Kinney, Esq.Joe MacIlvaine, Ph. DMatthew Malerich, M.D.Steve SandersDee SladeCynthia Smizer, Esq.Rick StevensJay TamsiNeil WalkerKai Wong, M.D.

Honorary Life MembersJames CollierC.L. ClarkDonald R. LindsayMilt Younger, Esq.

Contributions to the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra are tax-deductible for both Federal and State purposes.

BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA l 2014-15 SEASON4

inspire a new generation

Photo by Nick Ellis

6 BSO Next 8 Concert Sponsors 9 Corporate Sponsors 10 Letter from the President & CEO 11 Letter from the Guest Conductor 16 BSO Circle of Supporters 17 Season Sponsor 20 Generous Supporters 21 Memorials and Honorariums 22 Conductor’s Biography 23 Concert Program 24-28 Program Notes 30 Orchestra Roster 34 Bakersfield Master Chorale 35 Guest Soloist’s Biographies 39 BSO Affiliates

CONNECT WITH US

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BSONOW.ORG l 661-323-7928 5

Photo by Nick Ellis

bakersfield symphony orchestraTop Six Season

HOW TO ENJOY A BSO CONCERTDo I need to know the music before I attend a performance?We encourage you to attend the pre-concert lecture hosted by Jerome Kleinsasser, Professor of Music Emeritus, CSU Bakersfield. This lecture is included with your ticket and covers the background of the composers and explains the story of the music for the evening’s performance. The lecture starts at 6:30pm and is located in the Potato Room at the East end of the lobby.

How do I best enjoy the concert?Getting the most from BSO concerts is one of our top priorities. To help you and those around you fully enjoy the performance, here are some helpful tips.• Generally, you clap only after a piece is finished. Composers often use movements to have a dramatic pause during a piece. Usually, there is a 10- to 20-second pause between movements. The program page outlines the movements with Roman numerals. So, clapping is encouraged after the last movement. If you’re unsure, you can wait for the rest of the audience to clap before you join in.• Limit photography, video, and cell phone usage to activities in the lobby• Minimize noise to show respect to those around you and the performers• Take in the experience and let the music inspire you

What if I arrive late?The main doors to the auditorium close promptly at 7:30pm. As a courtesy to the musicians and to our patrons, we ask that late comers enter the auditorium upstairs and find an empty seat in the terrace section until intermission.

Can I take food or beverages into the theater?Food and beverages can be purchased and consumed in the lobby but are not allowed at any time in the theater.

What if I need special assistance?The BSO staff is happy to accommodate all patrons. Please look for a BSO staff member to let us know how we can make your symphony experience a pleasant one.

661-323-7928 BSONOW.ORG LIKE US ON FACEBOOK [email protected]

YOUTH MUSIC PROGRAM

BSO NEXTThis program is a donor based endeavor that exposes our local students to live symphonic music by providing them with a free concert experience. Our hope is that such exposure will inspire future musicians and concert-goers and develop the next generation’s appreciation for symphonic orchestra music. Not only is BSO NEXT benefitting several hundred students from our local schools, but the addition of these students has created a palpable vibe of youth and excitement both in the lobby and in the seats.

The program is in need of additional donors for the remainder of this season and on a continuing basis thereafter. We invite you to participate in this rare giving opportunity which allows you to directly invest in our local youth, observe the results for yourself, and connect the next generation to the BSO experience. For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact Cynthia Smizer at [email protected].

INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION


Advanced Distribution Co. Agstar Services, Inc. Bill Wright Toyota Bryan and Kayla Burrow California Resources CorporationChevron Morgan Clayton/Tel-Tec Securities Bob Clemensson Ira and Carole Cohen/ UBS Financial Services Jason and Patsy Cohen/ UBS Financial Services Peggy Darling Dr. Vip Dev Ray and Joan Dezember Dignity Health Jay Ericsson/UBS Financial Services

Thank You To Our BSO Next SponsorsFamily Motors Claire O’Connor Frisch Kern Community Foundation Twilla KlassenDon C. and Diane S. Lake Family David Lee / UBS Financial Services Milt and Betty Younger/Milton Younger Law Ron Nickell Marjorie Nixon PLCS Plus International, Inc. Pete PankeyPelletier Foundation Christopher and Cynthia SmizerStevens Transportation Varner Brothers Inc. W. A. Thompson Distributing

Photo by Rodney Thornburg


• Present your tickets at a BSO DINE member restaurant on the date of the performance, and you will receive a 15% discount on your bill. • During our inaugural BSO DINE season, the discounts will be available on March 14, April 11 and May 9.

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS:Belvedere Room at the Padre HotelCafé Med Restaurant & DeliCraSh LoungeMama Tosca’s Ristorante Italiano

Muertos Kitchen and Lounge

Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar

Wall Street Cafe

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH TOP LOCAL RESTAURANTS TO

EXPAND OUR CONCERT EVENTS TO INCLUDE DINNER.

Top Six SeasonSEASON SPONSOR:Don C. and Diane S. Lake Family

CONCERT SPONSORS:ChevronPatricia Brown Foundation- In memory of Patricia and Christina Brown

Kern Philharmonic Fund

2014-15 top six season

the bakersfield symphony orchestra gratefully acknowledges the following sponsors who generously contributed to

TWO BSO PREMIERESwith the Bakersfield Master Chorale

APRIL 11, 2015

CORPORATE SPONSORSAERA ENERGY LLCBAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ENDOWMENT FOUNDATIONBANK OF THE SIERRABARBER ACURABRIGHT HOUSE NETWORKSCALIFORNIA RESOURCES CORPORATIONCHEVRONCITY OF BAKERSFIELDCOUNTY OF KERNFAMILY MOTORSKERN COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLSKMAP, INC.PARAMOUNT FARMING CO.PELLETIER FOUNDATIONPG&ESTEVENS TRANSPORTATION, INC.TARGETUBS FINANCIAL SERVICES IRA AND CAROLE COHEN, JASON AND PATSY COHENW.A. THOMPSONWELLS FARGOWZI, INC.

The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the generous support of foundations, corporations and businesses whose gifts have helped ensure the continuation of the BSO’s many outstanding programs.

For information about becoming a Corporate Sponsor, contact the BSO at 661-323-7928.

anniversary

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Photos by Nick Ellis

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEOPresident’s Letter April 11th, 2015

hether you are new to the symphony or you have attended one or more of our concerts this year, we are having a truly exciting season. Having world class conductors come to Bakersfield has elevated the concert experience for our patrons and musicians. Selecting Bakersfield’s next conductor is a unique process that requires input from our community and musicians. Both groups are critical to successfully choosing our new conductor. Feedback forms are available in the lobby to make your voice heard. A highlight this year is the post-concert reception in the lobby, where you can meet the guest conductor, musicians, and soloists. If you have not met many of our musicians, I would encourage you to do so.

With the BSO’s increased level of activity, I encourage you to keep updated through our many avenues of communication. E-mail is our primary form of communication; however, Facebook will showcase concert/event photos and the latest BSO news. Be sure to fill out a contact card at our information table in the lobby and “like” us on Facebook to be connected with our posts. If you have photos or comments about our concerts, please feel free to post these comments on our Facebook page.

This year we have focused on youth education, since this is a critical element for BSO’s future. BSO NEXT has steadily gained popularity. Generous donors have given over 400 student tickets to various school districts and community groups, allowing students to attend our season concerts. BSO’s Young People’s Concerts, which occur in October, December, and February, grew by 12% over last year. Children in Kern County are excited to experience live music and the BSO is uniquely positioned to deliver it to them.

This year we have also experienced attendance numbers like we have not seen in decades. Each one of our concerts has had over 1,000 attendees, which is great for the BSO. Revenue has increased 10% over last year which is attributed to an active year for the BSO…yet we have so much more to do. We plan to expand our reach to Kern County’s youth through current and impending programs as well as add variety in the styles of concerts we perform in order to impact a greater number of people in our community. I hope you will consider being a part of this exciting time as a donor or sponsor. It will take your help in order to accomplish the big goals we have set for 2015-2016 season.

Thank you for being here tonight and supporting the BSO!

W



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TONIGHT’S GUEST CONDUCTORREBECCA MILLER

A


s a California native, I’m always looking for excuses to come back home, and I am thrilled to have been invited to be a finalist in the Bakersfield Symphony’s Music Director search. My dream in life is to have the opportunity to lead an orchestra of my own through a long-term adventure in pursuit of continuously re-inventing the wheel and reminding everyone in its community about the relevance, power, and essential qualities for human existence and development that live music holds. I am committed to passionate, quality, adventurous, and hopefully contagiously energetic music making, and hope that these qualities resonate with the people of Bakersfield as well. With the curtailment of music programs in our public schools, I would plan to devote serious attention to educating local youth about the joys of classical music-making and would actively reach out to the community in innovative ways. I would hope that the community and I would be able to embrace each other and work together to ensure a future for classical concerts through the development of audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Tonight’s program will pack quite a punch - Bernstein was one of the greatest musicians that America has ever produced. If I had to choose one historical figure I could have met for lunch, he would have topped the list. I admire him not only as a human being and a great conductor, but also as a discerning and powerful mind and an inventive and visionary composer. I enjoy exploring more than one side of a composer in a single program, and are doing so this evening. On the one hand in the Chichester Psalms we see his serious yet exuberantly optimistic and life-affirming setting of religious texts, showing his commitment to religion and his powerful questioning of it, and on the other, in his Divertimento, we see his detailed knowledge of the orchestral repertoire manifested in a hilarious and bombastic pastiche dedicated to his relationship with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

How one might follow such a noisy first half is difficult, but if anyone can hold his own it’s Brahms. The life-affirming trend of the first half continues, but in an entirely contrasting and no less powerful manner. Brahms’s First Symphony is definitely on my list of ‘Desert Island Discs’ - I can relate to his constant longing, searching for meaning in the world, trying to push the envelope yet remaining faithful to structure and accepting that freedom comes from within limitations, and holding a continuous and underlying respect for the musical efforts of his predecessors. Of course at the heart of it all, Brahms’s music is full of love, in his case tragically unable to be realized, but no less true and certainly no less powerful.

I welcome the opportunity to get to know as many of you in the community as possible during my week in Bakersfield and hope you enjoy the program as much as I know I will!

With best wishes,

Rebecca Miller

Paramount Farming Companyproud sponsor of the

Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra’s

Putting on theRitz Gala

BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS THE 2015 GALA

www.BSOnow.org

Tickets For The Gala On Sale Now$125 each / Call (661) 323-7928

CSUB AmphitheaterFriday, May 15, 20156:00 Social 7:00 Dinner

2 LIVE AUCTION ITEMS 1) Chance to conduct the orchestra

2) Dinner for 8: Dine with BSO’s new conductor with incredible food from Chef Robert Alimirzaie.

OPPORTUNITY TICKETS$100 each

Prize: $5,000 cash

Inspire A New Generation

Tonight’s Pre Concert music performed by the

Bakersfield Youth Symphony Brass Quintet.

Gemaline Acupan, TrumpetBrandon Pitcher, TrumpetAmy Winter, French HornNichole Bonna, Trombone

Jeremy Rogers, Tuba

Rita Gomez, President Regina Pryor, Vice PresidentFor more information, visit bysorocks.com

please join us in the lobby...

(No host bar and concessions available)

after the concert for a reception to meet the guest conductor, our soloists,

and BSO musicians.

Photos by Felix AdamoPhoto by Nick Ellis

BSO CIRCLE OF SUPPORTERSSTRADIVARIUS CIRCLE $25,000 and aboveCounty of KernCity of BakersfieldDon C. and Diane S. Lake FamilyKern County Superintendent of SchoolsKMAP, Inc.Pelletier Foundation

MAESTRO’S CIRCLE $10,000 and aboveAera Energy LLC ChevronClaire O’Connor Frisch Paramount Farming Co.Margaret UrnerW. A. Thompson, Inc.Wells Fargo Bank

ENCORE CIRCLE $5,000 and aboveBakersfield Pipe & SupplyDavid BiglerDon CampRay and Joan DezemberHouston JewelersRabobankMr. and Mrs. Milton YoungerJoe and Suzan MacIlvaineUBS Financial Services

We gratefully acknowledge the

following individuals,businesses and

foundations for their generous support.



Photo by Nick Ellis

SEASON SPONSOR

The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra

graciously thanks the Lake Family

for uniting individuals and cultures

in our community and supporting the

education of our youth through the

power of music.

Don C. and Diane S. Lake Family

together, we can inspire a new generation.

Pelletier Foundation

FRITCH FAMILYFOUNDATION

We Proudly Support The Bakersfield

Symphony Orchestra...In Their 83rd Season of Excellence.

anniversary

Celebrating theSound of MuSiC with

the bakerSfield SyMphony orCheStra.

2014-2015 SEASON

GENEROUS SUPPORTERS OF THE SYMPHONY

CONCERTMASTER $2,500 and aboveAdvanced Distribution CompanyDavid and Ardath AlbizoBakersfield North RotaryBill Wright ToyotaGregory Bynum & Associates, Inc.California Resources Corp.Ira and Carole CohenJason and Patsy CohenCream of the Crop Ag ServiceDaniells Phillips Vaughan & BockLisa DelanJay EricssonFritch Family FoundationEleanor Heiskell Twilla KlassenKlein DeNatale Goldner LeBeau Thelen LLPDavid LeeNorth Bakersfield ToyotaPLCS Plus International, Inc.Rotary Club of BakersfieldDiane SandidgeVarner Brothers, Inc.Robert & Patty YoungZacks Investment Management

VIRTUOSO $1000 and aboveBradford AndersonMr. and Mrs. Bernard Barmann, Sr.Lois ChaneyW. Michael and Dona ChertokPeggy DarlingDr. and Mrs. Doug DavisMr. and Mrs. Stan Eschner

We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals, businesses and foundations for their generous support. This listing includes contributions received before March 27, 2015.

Roger HessBarbara JohnsonNile and Liz KinneyMr. and Mrs. Wayne KirschenmanJerome Kleinsasser and Jeanne HarrieIrma Laughlin-KolstadDr. and Mrs. Thomas LarwoodSteve and Anita LaytonDr. and Mrs. Mark MillerGeorge and Charlotte PinheiroJane RandolphGeorge RibbleJames and Thelma Royer-CartwrightSandra SerranoChristopher and Cynthia SmizerMr. and Mrs. John StovallHon. and Mrs. Jon StuebbeMarilyn VanceJames and Evelyn WeddleDr. and Mrs. Kai WongDr. and Mrs. Tai Yoo

FRIENDS OF THE SYMPHONY$100 and aboveBob AbramsBeverly BanksKen and Gianna BeurmannJeanne BurdickKatina ChanDavid CothrunWilliam and Mary CrommettBill and Marla DeckerJess DiamondDr. and Mrs. Phillip DodsonDr. and Mrs. Ronald EavesWerner EppLinda FiddlerDavid George John Giumarra Jr.Ben GoossenMelissa GrahekSam HardyBret HillmanSteven JacobsVelma KaglerMr. and Mrs. Wendall KinneyMaxine Pihlaja LoveThomas Meyer



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MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS

In memory of Colonel Wesley MooreMary Moore

In memory of Gordon JohnsonBarbara Johnson

In memory of Maxine SimpsonMayor Harvey Hall

In memory of Richard Southwick Mayor Harvey HallSusan HearnIvan and Shirley FosterLouise McCarthyMike and Karen PolyniakThe Southwick FamilyFred StarrhStephen ThirouxBarbara Waters

In memory of Martha JonesMary Trichell

In memory of Buryl VanceDale and Rebecca BrooksDr. and Mrs. Phillip DodsonJoseph KennedyMarilyn Vance

Memorials and honorariums are gifts given to honor family and friends in a lasting and meaningful way.

BSONOW.ORG l 661-323-7928 21

In memory of Patty FlemingMarilyn Vance

In memory of Marilyn VanceBank of the Sierra, staff at the Bakersfield area branchesBill and Sarah BartlingCarver-Bowen Ranch FamiliesKeith and Betsy BriceDale and Rebecca Brooks The Bridge Buddies Mike and Dona ChertokDr. and Mrs. Phillip DodsonGeorge and Sharon GiboneyBarbara JohnsonJoseph KennedyJerome Kleinsasser and Jeanne HarrieBill and Holly LazzeriniRon and Nancy MarvinMichael and Christine OlagueTerry and Donna ThompsonJerry Vance

In honor of Rebecca BrooksMarilyn Vance

In honor of Wendall and Betsy KinneyRon and Nancy Marvin

In honor of Eleanor HeiskellBill and Marla DeckerKent and Nicole HillmanBret and Tamara HillmanMike and Dona Chertok

IN-KIND DONATIONSAmerican General Media

Brown Armstrong CPA’s

eMedia

Garden District Flowers

IKEA

KMAP, Inc.

Mike Willis Designs

New City Cleaners

Stinson’s


Mary MooreRon NickellPete and Mona PankeyValerie PfeifferLeonard SanoianAlberto Velasquez SantacruzGerhard and Mary SchmidtChris and Cynthia SmizerMike StepanovichGail SchulzPaulette ShiresJo TriplettPhilip Zander

REBECCA MILLER BIO

onductor Rebecca Miller has earned an international reputation for her compelling, insightful, and energetic presence on the podium, and has garnered acclaim for her sophisticated music making and evocative command of varied composers and styles and for her ability to communicate with audiences of all ages. In 2014, she made acclaimed debuts with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, BBC Concert Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Ryedale Festival, VoiceLab, Crouch End Festival Chorus, and at the BBC Proms. She is an annual guest conductor for the Southbank Sinfonia, and has recently begun work with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

In addition to her 2015 critically-acclaimed disc of CPE Bach Symphonies with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Rebecca has four forthcoming CDs - with the Royal Northern Sinfonia (Haydn Sym-phonies/Signum and Bristow/New World Records), the BBC Concert Orchestra(Hadley/Dutton) and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (Beach, Hopekirk, Chaminade/ Hyperion). Her 2011 disc for Signum Records features the world premiere recording of Aaron Jay Kernis’ dramatic work, Goblin Market, and was critically acclaimed by International RecordReview, Musicweb International, Gramo-phone Magazine, and Fanfare Magazine, received an ‘IRR Outstanding Recording’ by International Record Review, and was chosen as one of Musicweb International’s ‘Recordings of the year’ of 2011. Her 2004 debut CD with The New Professionals Orchestra, “Lou Harrison: For Strings” for Mode Records features the world premiere recording of Harrison’s Pipa Concerto with world-renowned Pipa player Wu Man, and was chosen to feature on the soundtrack of Martin Scorcese’s film ‘Shutter Island’.

Rebecca’s TV credits include being a guest on BBC Two’s ‘Proms Extra’ and Channel 4’s ‘Don’t Stop the Music’. Radio credits include a live broadcast from the Royal Festival Hall with the BBC Concert Orchestra on BBC Radio 3, interviews on BBC Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’ and ‘Music Matters’, on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’, and on the BBC World Service. Forthcoming engagements include further concerts with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment as well as concerts with the Salomon Orchestra and London Mozart Players.

As first prize winner in the Eduardo Mata International Conducting Competition, Re-becca has conducted throughout Mexico, including with the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional, Orquesta Filarmonica del UNAM, Orquesta Sinfonica Yucatan, Orquesta Sinfonica Aguascalientes, the Orquesta Sinfonica Sinaloa de las Artes, and also guest conducted Venezuala’s National Youth Orchestra - theTeresa Carreño YouthOrchestra at the world famous Centro Nacional de Acción Social por la Música in Caracas. In addition, in the States she has guest conducted the Reno Philharmonic, Santa Cruz County Symphony, HuntsvilleSymphony, Williamsport Symphony, Musiqa Houston, Chicago College for the Performing Arts, Bard Music Festival, in Korea with the New Asiana Ensemble, and in Israel with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.

C



6:30pm Concert Preview presented by Jerome Kleinsasser,Professor of Music, Emeritus, California State University, Bakersfield

No photography or recording of any kind is permitted during any part of the concert.

BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

REBECCA MILLER, GUEST CONDUCTORSATURDAY, APRIL 11, 20157:30PM – RABOBANK THEATER

TWO BSO PREMIERES

LEONARD BERNSTEIN Divertimento for Orchestra(1918 – 1990) I. Sennets and Tuckets II. Waltz III. Mazurka IV. Samba V. Turkey Trot VI. Sphinxes VII. Blues VIII. In Memoriam: March, “The BSO Forever”

LEONARD BERNSTEIN Chichester Psalms

Introduction Psalm 108 I. Psalm 100 II. Psalm 23 III. Psalm 131 Finale Psalm 133

Soloist: Darryl Taylor, Countertenor Chorus: Bakersfield Master Chorale

- INTERMISSION –

JOHANNES BRAHMS Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68(1833-1897) I. Un poco sostenuto - Allegro II. Andante sostenuto III. Un poco Allegretto e grazioso IV. Adagio - Più Andante - Allegro non troppo, ma con brio

anniversary

BSONOW.ORG l 661-323-7928 23


ABOUT THE MUSIC

JEROME S. KLEINSASSER

APRIL 11, 2015

Divertimento for Orchestra (1980)Leonard Bernstein (1918 – 1990)

The term “divertimento” traditionally connotes a brief, light-hearted musical work in several movements designed for the entertainment of the players themselves and their friends. At its height it was found in casual social settings in 18th century Europe where Mozart and Haydn were among its principal propo-nents. Twentieth-century examples evoked names on the order of Bartok and Stravinsky.

In observance of its centenary in 1980, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (the “other” BSO) commissioned Leonard Bernstein’s eight-part Divertimento for Orchestra. The notes B and C (“Boston Centennial”) serve to unite the various movements. As to harmony, the individual dances blend traditional tonality with atonality. The dance-like character of the suite is nicely maintained throughout.

The expression “Sennets and Tuckets” is drawn from Shakespearean stage references for trumpet flourishes. This example deftly combines 12-tone aspects with the two anchoring pitches.

Moving to G-major, the saucy “Waltz” is set for string orchestra in a meter of seven, and seems an invitation to dance.

A dreary “Mazurka” is next, emphasizing its offbeat character with sour harmonies on beat two. Its closing bars hold particular interest.

The following “Samba” is very reminiscent of the high school dance sequence in this composer’s popular West Side Story.

Set in C-major, the whimsical “Turkey Trot” utilizes a humorous peg-leg meter set mostly in seven.

Devoid of harmony, the lugubrious arching lines of “Sphinxes” bear the weight of the centuries.

The slow “Blues” that follows is self-explanatory.



continued...

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The concluding “In Memoriam: March, The BSO Forever” honors the memory of BSO members who went before. Evocative woodwinds suggest transitory recollections of the past before the brass become involved, and a march owing much to Charles Ives suddenly bursts forth to the finish line.

Chichester Psalms (1965)Leonard Bernstein

Leonard Bernstein cut an unparalleled swath in American Music that will quite likely never be equaled. As a performer he was a familiar figure at the keyboard and on podiums of leading orchestras and opera houses around the world, in addition to creating a uniquely dynamic profile in media such as recordings, television, film and publishing. He was lifelong a tireless advocate of music education for the masses.

For nearly 30 years he was the face of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, becoming the first American-born Music Director in its 100-year existence. There, among other things, he ignited renewed interest in figures such as Charles Ives and Gustav Mahler.

Several prominent Bernstein compositions honor, or draw meaning from, his Jewish faith. These include the Symphony No. 1 (Jeremiah, 1942), or Symphony No. 3 (Kaddish, 1963), or the ballet Dybbuk (1975) and its resultant orchestral suites.

By 1965 his importance was widely acknowledged by both the connoisseur and the masses. By that time his work in West Side Story alone had made him a wealthy man (as it does his estate yet today). It was his sabbatical year from the Philharmonic when he completed the Chichester Psalms on commission for the annual summer choral festival of the English cathedral of Chichester in Sussex.

Concerning his sabbatical year and the Chichester Psalms, the composer later observed:

Led by the composer, Chichester Psalms was first heard in Philharmonic Hall in New York City on July 31, 1965; the next performance followed some two weeks later in the Chichester festival, featuring additional voices from the choirs of Winchester and Salisbury cathedrals.

“I spent almost the whole year writing 12-tone music and even more experimental stuff. I was happy that all these new sounds were coming out: but after about six months of work I threw it all away. It just wasn’t my music; it wasn’t honest. The end result was the Chichester Psalms which is the most accessible, B-flat majorish tonal piece I’ve ever written.”


continued...


Sung entirely in Hebrew, his Psalm setting was originally designed exclusively for male voices, but the composer later indicated mixed voices were also appropriate. Relevant to both Christian and Jewish numerology, the number seven here renders special meaning in the rhythmic meter and also the harmonic/melodic intervals of voices and instruments.

The orchestration is noteworthy for what is missing: there are no French horns or woodwinds or lowest brass, only strings and harps along with brass and percussion – mostly instruments that are descendants of those in biblical times.

Symphony No. 1 in C-minor, op. 68Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

A shy man by nature, Johannes Brahms had the strength of character and conviction to be the principal composer of absolute (non-descriptive) music in an age when it had passed from public favor.

Perhaps intimidated by the specter of Beethoven, Brahms braved the symphonic form only after he had exhibited his mastery of genres such as song, choral and chamber music, and produced two orchestral serenades (which were symphonies in all but name), a piano concerto, and the Haydn Variations. He completed his C-minor symphony in 1876, when he was 43 years old, an advanced age for one to produce such a first effort. (By contrast, Mozart wrote his first symphony at age 8, Mendelssohn at 15, Beethoven at 29, Schubert at 14, Schumann at 30, and Berlioz at 27).

The gestation had been protracted and arduous for Brahms, possibly extending back nearly twenty years, and he was unsure of the result. “My symphony is long and not exactly amiable,” he apologetically wrote to his friend Carl Reinecke. Critics attending the premiere in Karlsruhe on November 4, 1876 reluctantly agreed. Eduard Hanslick, the most highly respected Viennese critic of the day, and a supporter of the composer, wrote that Brahms was “too willing to sacrifice sensuous beauty to the cultivation of greatness and seriousness, severity and complexity.” This was in line with the view of the concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic who observed, “When Brahms is in extra good spirits, he sings ‘The grave is my joy’.” The discerning Edvard Grieg saw connections with classical images: “A landscape, torn by mists and clouds, in which I can see ruins of old churches, as well as of Greek temples - that is Brahms.”

What accounts for this dour character listeners find in the symphonies of Brahms? Possibly the reason emanated from his unwillingness to forfeit artistic


BSONOW.ORG l 661-323-7928 27

substance for the easy platitudes one finds in much orchestral literature of the time. Though Brahms’ musical texture at times is thick and even ponderous, his unflagging devotion to the development of motivic ideas allows no arbitrary padding; every note counts and has a role in the overall structure.

Observers of the lengthy introduction to the first movement have likened the insistent timpani strokes to the ghostly footsteps of Beethoven stalking Brahms through the mists of history. Brahms allows us a breath before the string ascent to the heavens in the first violins that mark the arrival of the principal theme.

Following a transition, the second theme group iterates the first idea in the key of F. The exposition closes with a three-note motto beginning in the viola that ignites the entire orchestra in a powerful finish.

The development section is an organic continuation of the exposition, as is the restatement that leads to a quiet close.

The depth of thematic complexity Brahms displayed in the first movement surrenders to emotional outpouring in the second. The hymn-like simplicity is welcome contrast, but the cellos and basses remind us the motives of the previous movement are not forgotten. Soon the oboe, a soulful instrument in any Brahms orchestra, sounds its enchantingly melancholy tune.


Principal theme - “ascent to the heavens”

Viola motive quickly invades the entire orchestra

The oboe’s melancholy tune.


Brahms’ depth of feeling is channeled into orchestral voices, singular and in chorus. Clarinet, violin and horn solos humanize a richly expanded texture.

The sedate third movement is heralded by a flowing clarinet melody.

The mid-section, heard twice, is announced by descending three-note string octaves and intertwined lines in the winds. Fanfares in the winds and pizzicato strings signal the return of the opening section.

The mystical opening of the finale suggests the grand tune to follow, but first mysterious pizzicato string octaves heighten the suspense. The moment is extended by an Alpine horn melody answered by solo flute. All is in preparation of a melody thought to be modeled on that of the grand finale in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony:

There is little for the listener to do here but marvel at the brilliance of a supreme master composer at work.

Copyright 2015J. S. Kleinsasser

Final melody modeled after Beethoven


Clarinets open the third movement.

Photo by Nick Ellis

VIOLIN 1Julia L. Haney - ConcertmasterDonna Fraser - Asst. ConcertmasterLee SmithElizabeth KinneyTim SwansonJeff FritzLisa FritzSharon CooperDebbie EllisChris ReutingerMathias Rykert Johanna KrejciElizabeth Watts

VIOLIN 2Amy McGuire - PrincipalDeborah PerkinsElvira ArambulaMarci Maynard Elaine LeCain Andrea von Schriltz Nicole Barnett Peter Marcos Jason GomezKay Sanderson

VIOLAPaulette Shires - PrincipalStan HolcombeAlex NavarroHelen CrosbyTom MeyerSandra CaudelHugh NeelyRobin Ross

CELLOPam De Almeida - PrincipalAlex WilsonAaron ConnerCaroline CowardAnna McCoy

Regina GolovinaJennifer LiNatosha Ramirez

HARPKathleen Moon - PrincipalElaine Lister

BASSBarry Newton - PrincipalPete Scaffidi - Co-PrincipalJohn HesterIgor StebaevWhitney HerbstJay Rubottom

PERCUSSIONErnie Cervantes - PrinicipalRay AyalaCyndi HicksMatt BornongRobert CervantesRebecca SpicklerBob GrigasBeverly Dorsey

KEYBOARDLiz Cervantes

FLUTENancy Wallace - PrincipalAudrey Boyle

PICCOLOJeanne Johnson/HurryMary Cervantes

OBOEBrett Clausen - PrincipalAaron Miller

ENGLISH HORNPaula Dublinski

CLARINETMary Moore - PrincipalMarc Tipton

Eb CLARINETKristin Nakagawa

BASS CLARINETSandra Garcia

BASSOONMelissa Frey - PrincipalSteve Thiroux

CONTRA BASSOONRebecca Rivera

HORNBrian Smith - PrincipalPeggy CoppLucy AdamsMartin Goni

TRUMPETMichael C. Raney - PrincipalSteve O’ConnorSal Panelli

TROMBONEJay Jarrett - PrincipalMarisa AokiNorm Campbell

TUBAGlenn Bowles - Principal

BAKERSFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MUSICIANS



Photo by Nick Ellis

Making beautiful music takes dedication, passionand years of hard work.Rosewood Retirement Community applauds the Bakersfield Symphony for bringing extraordinary music to Bakersfield for more than 80 years.

1301 New Stine Road • Bakersfield, CA 93309 1.888.719.2150 • RosewoodRetirement.org

Rosewood in Bakersfield, California, is owned and managed by ABHOW, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. ABHOW is a nonsectarian corporation, serving seniors through quality retirement housing since 1949. State of California License #150400536, DHS License #120000165, Certificate of Authority #114.

BAKERSFIELD MASTER CHORALEThe Bakersfield Master Chorale is a non-profit organization, and is Bakersfield’s only mixed adult choral group governed locally by a board of directors operating under a constitution and by-laws. The Chorale performs Handel’s Messiah each Christmas. It has also recorded several albums, audio tapes and CD’s. The Chorale has completed five European tours. The most recent tour was this past June, when the Chorale toured Italy. The Chorale will present A Nod to the Music of the 60’s Dinner Concert and Auction on Saturday, May 30th at 5pm. For more information and tickets, visit bakersfieldmasterchorale.org.



SOPRANOSStephanie BaziukPriscilla BeckRachel BrockTori CarrilloRené CleekPaula EinsteinKathy GarnerSusan GuerardRachel HansenRobin HarkleroadJanna HartMonica HernandezCassie Choi JueSarah ReeseBecky RickettsBrenda RussellBetty SmithSuzanne TaylorSherry Wade

ALTOSJess ArdrayCathy BloxhamM. Annette BridgmanKathy BulkeleyAnn CokerDebra DavisLynda FendersonSilvia GuerraJudy HoustonBarbara MattickYvonne MillerMelissa NixonDeborah NobleKandis PeakeAnnalise PeroneLinda ProvencioMathilde SouthworthKathleen WagnerElizabeth ProvencioAdrienne Weighall

TENORSJeff ArdrayRuben Carrillo, Jr.David CollinsScott DeatonEric DyerBob EarlsBill FergusonSarah FieldsBrad HanninkTim HansenMichael HarkleroadRichard HaugNancy LovellLawrence LyonsBernadine ManuelKozmik MoorePearl RoschKyle TillettBruce WadeJohn WagnerMark Weighall

BASSESDaniel ArdronHerb BenhamJerry BuzzellGreg CauseyGary CokerRobert FairmanLarry FishJohn FriaufRoger HessJack HoustonJaron MaloneAlbert MalsbaryRandy MillerVincent MorenoNick NicitaRichard OwenPhillip ProvencioFred RamirezAaron ReeseRoland ReyesSteven SelbyDave WatermanBrent West

BSONOW.ORG l 661-323-7928 35

Bakersfield Master Chorale Music Director, Dr. Robert Provencio has frequently been recognized for professional excellence. His choirs have performed throughout North America, Europe, and Australia including featured appearances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, the Swiss Concert and Cultural Center, and the Sydney Opera House. In 2014 Provencio conducted the Chorale in the cathedrals of Venice and Florence and also at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. His position with the BMC is in addition to his ministry at the First Presbyterian Church and he is also a senior member of the music faculty at CSU Bakersfield. He has lectured and conducted clinics, workshops, and performances for schools, churches and professional choirs and their conductors appearing professionally at meetings of the American Choral Directors Association, the College Music Society, the National Association of Church Musicians, and at university conferences across the country.

Provencio was elected CSU Bakersfield’s Outstanding Professor. He chaired the CSUB Music Department and served multiple terms in the CSUB Academic Senate and Foundation Board plus the WASC Planning, Steering, and Oversight committees, the NCAA Accreditation and Academic Standards Committees. Provencio served twelve years on the editorial board of the Choral Journal. He serves on the Board of Governors of the National Association of Church Musicians. Provencio has been elected Music Educator of the Year at local, sectional, and state levels by the California Music Educators Association. He was named the outstanding Hispanic alumnus from Texas State University and his biography is listed in Who’s Who in America.

ROBERT PROVENCIO BIO


Darryl Taylor’s performances have been noted for their compelling artistry and authority. His is an international career highlighted by performances of art song, opera and oratorio. His repertoire extends from Bach to Britten, and beyond.

Mr. Taylor has appeared with orchestras in the USA and in Europe. These include the Johann Strauss Sinfonietta of Vienna, the W.A. Mozart Philharmonic of Cluj, Romania, Camerata Mediterania of Barcelona, and the Aspen Music Festival (Young Artists Series), under the batons of conductors Conxita Garcia, Cristian Florea, Gert Meditz, Gustav Meier, Richard Rosenberg, James Vail, Rebecca Burkhardt, and Bruce Nehring. Among his operatic credits is the premier of the jazzopera by Nathan Davis, Just Above My Head, on the novel by James Baldwin (role of Jimmy), lead roles in operas by Mozart, Verdi, Handel, Britten, and Gershwin. Taylor’s international itinerary includes some 19 tours of Spain, singing to enthusiastic, capacity audiences.

Recent performance highlights include singing the heroic role of Orfeo in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Eurydice for De Utrechtse Spelen at Paleis Soestdijk (Holland) before 70,000 spectators; the title role in Phillip Glass; Akhnaten for Long Beach Opera (a role he learned with a week’s notice prior to performance); Second Witch in Dido and Aeneus for L.A. Opera; Pergolesi and Vivaldi Stabat Mater’s and with Lyra Baroque Orchestra of St. Paul, Minnesota.

DARRYL TAYLOR BIO

801 Truxtun Ave.Bakers�eld, California 93301www.bakers�eldmarrio�.com

661.323.1900

In the heart of downtown Bakers�eldNext door to the Convention Center

and Rabobank Arena

proudly supports the

Bakersfield SymphonyOrchestra

We Are Pleased to Provide Fresh Boutonnieres For The Orchestra.

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2014-2015 Showcase of Entertainment

Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Avenue

Sundays at 3:00 p.m., all others at 7:30 p.m.

Info: 661-205-8522 or 661-589-2478 For details: visit www.bakersfieldcca.org.

Sunday, April 12, 2015Los 3 Ortiz

Monday, May 4, 2015Presidio Brass

Tickets: $30 for Two Concerts

BSO AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

BAKERSFIELD YOUTH SYMPHONYThe Bakersfield Youth Symphony seeks to serve the accomplished young musicians of the community, as well as providing another source of musical enjoyment for those who are interested in fine music. The Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra remains an affiliated group of the Bakersfield Symphony, operating under its board of directors with able assistance from Parents, Symphony Coaches, and Private Teachers. The very talented Maxim Eshkenazy conducts this enthusiastic group of young people in a three-concert season. Funding is provided by corporate and private contributions, player tuition, and ticket sales. For information about the BYSO please contact Rita Gomez, President at (661) 301-3390/[email protected] or Regina Pryor, Vice President at [email protected]. Visit www.bysorocks.org.Rita Gomez – President / Regina Pryor – Vice President / Lynn Eid – Secretary Rochelle Howard – Treasurer / Alex Navarro – Manager Marci Maynard – Librarian / Maxim Eshkenazy – Conductor

BAKERSFIELD MASTER CHORALEThe Bakersfield Master Chorale is a choral society of adult voices directed by Dr. Robert Provencio. During its concert season, the Chorale seeks to enrich community musical awareness by presenting performances of major choral literature, secular and sacred, from all musical eras. For more information, please call Charlene Sargent at (661) 477-3202 or email [email protected]. Visit www.bakersfieldmasterchorale.orgSusan Guerard, President / Charlene Sargent, First Vice President Bruce Wade, Second Vice President / Jana Hart, SecretaryJerry Buzzell, Treasurer/ Robert Provencio, Director/Liz Cervantes, Accompanist

BEALE PARK BANDThe Beale Park Band is a 40 piece military styled band, directed by Douglas Kelley that plays summer concerts in Bakersfield’s Beale Park on Sunday evenings during the month of June each year. The repertoire revolves around Marches, Overtures, Musicals, Show Tunes, Waltz’s and Polkas, concluding with a Sousa March. Concerts are from 8:00pm to 9:00pm beginning on the second Sunday in June culminating with a Patriotic program on the Sunday before the Fourth of July.Douglas Kelley, Director/ Cyndi Hicks, Manager

BSONOW.ORG l 661-323-7928 39


UBSFINANCIAL SERVICES Inc.

David BiglerIra Cohen

Jason Cohen

David Lee

We proudly support theBakersfield Symphony Orchestra!

Documents

BSO April Program