82nd Season Annual Report (FY2021)

2020-2021

ANNUAL
REPORT

PVS' MISSION

As one of the country’s oldest community orchestras, the Pioneer Valley Symphony
connects, engages, inspires, and enhances a strong community of musicians and
music lovers through innovative, accessible opportunities to play, appreciate, and
learn about music.

Founded in Greenfield, MA, the PVS has been bringing exceptional live symphonic
and choral music to Western Massachusetts since 1939. PVS provides professional-
level musical ensemble direction and performance opportunities for 150–200
volunteer instrumentalists and vocalists. Nearly 1,000 children are introduced each
year to live symphonic music through free educational concerts and materials. The
PVS has performed U.S. and world premieres and gained national recognition for its
programming of contemporary music, earning three ASCAP awards for adventurous
programming in 1997, 2011, and 2014.

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 2
82ND SEASON
3
OVERVIEW 6
PROGRAMS 12
FINANCES 14
COMMUNITY SUPPORT 18
LEADERSHIP & STAFF 20
STAY INVOLVED! 21
83RD SEASON PREVIEW

1

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Since 1939, the Pioneer Valley Symphony has inspired and nurtured our love of music
through times of war, economic downturn, and now a pandemic. Since March 2020,
we’ve been learning new ways to make music together and connect with new audiences.
In the process, we’ve discovered new depths of creativity, resilience, and
resourcefulness in our membership, volunteers, and staff.

In summer 2020, the PVS leadership initiated an ambitious plan for a series of virtual
events to keep our community engaged together through music. While meeting in the
virtual space opened new ways to gather and learn, we also lost the powerful feeling of
togetherness that comes only by making music in person: “Connections have really
been severed,” a PVS musician shared.

In the midst of great loss, the PVS community responded with great generosity. There
was an outpouring of support from guest artists and speakers, musicians, audiences,
volunteers, sponsors, and donors. Thanks to you, The PVS not only survived as an
organization but also helped the community thrive.

We hosted a whopping 24 virtual events, reaching audiences from across the country.
We welcomed world-renowned and prize-winning composers including Lewis Spratlan
and Kareem Roustom, we premiered a new commission and multiple virtual music
projects, we catalyzed important conversations about diversity and representation in
classical music, and so much more.

In May, we hosted our first live music event since the pandemic began: a chamber
concert at Black Birch Vineyard in Hatfield, MA. One audience member shared "[This
was] a really special night ... seeing friends play together again … hanging out with one
another again... This feels like a time of rebirth and renewal ... and I feel really joyful
about it." I wholeheartedly agree. It was an emotional reunion for some of us.

This fall, we plan to record full symphonic concerts and chamber performances with
small live audiences, premiered in online broadcasts. The size of the in-person audience
will be increased when safe to do so. This flexibility will ease us into the excitement and
joy of live classical music while supporting our community's health and safety.

Through these challenges, we share a sense of renewal and hope, and we are so excited
to see everyone again!

Kristin Donohue, President

2

2020-2021 OVERVIEW

When the PVS launched its first virtual season in July 2020, we
didn’t know what lay ahead. We knew our local musical community
was looking for online outlets for connection, expression, and even
escape, and we wanted to help meet those needs. First, we rolled
out an online version of our Summer Sing Series. Then, we
organized Zoom get-togethers for our ensembles. Soon, we were
offering virtual presentations on music history and making virtual
musical productions, recorded at home and mixed by engineers.
With each step, we learned new technologies and new ways of
thinking about how to bring music to our audiences. Input and
encouragement from our members helped us to adapt and
improve.

We received enthusiastic support throughout this transition;
engagement with audiences, members, sponsors, and donors
exceeded our expectations. During the pandemic, we continued to
provide income for artists and musical opportunities for our
members, and we ensured our future. Many arts organizations
have been forced to close entirely or have faced a difficult climb
out of a temporary shutdown. We’re grateful to continue coming
together as a PVS community, finding new ways to fulfill our
mission to connect, engage, inspire, and enhance a strong
community of musicians and music lovers.

Our first virtual season was a true community project. An eclectic
array of guests, virtual music projects, singalongs, discussions, and
fully-produced virtual concerts were created with the contributions
of more than 80 PVS members, 36 guest artists and speakers, and
34 volunteers and staff working remotely. Out of a total of 24
public virtual events this season, audiences dialed in from 22 states
and three countries for nearly 2,500 views.

This year demanded novel and creative approaches to help our
members and supporters feel valued and connected. With each
event, we fine-tuned these ideas, and we look forward to bringing
new tools and learnings to future live or hybrid seasons.

3

I’m proud of what the PVS accomplished this year. Last summer we were facing
existential challenges as an organization. Thanks to the extraordinary work of our
members, board, and staff, we moved through those challenges and came out on the
other end much stronger. By applying the creativity and skills of our community, we are
now planning for a more vibrant future for the PVS. This fills me with gratitude and
optimism.

-TIANHUI NG
MUSIC DIRECTOR

Although I missed the shared musical experience of singing together in real time, I
relished the opportunity to delve into new and challenging repertoire in our virtual
singing meetups. Without the pressures inherent to preparing for a concert, we could
explore each composer’s background and compositional style in depth. As we look
toward the upcoming season and the resurgence of in-person choral singing, I’m
grateful for every singer who joined the Meet and Sings and virtual choir projects.
Together, we forged through unknown musical territory this past year with tenacity and
courage. I have so loved working with the PVS Chorus for the past two years. I've
learned so much from you! Thank you for welcoming me.

-SARAH PAQUET
CHORUS DIRECTOR

The Youth Orchestra String Ensemble met in person this year in a casual atmosphere
focused on fun and personal connection. For some of us, this was the only in-person
activity of the week, so it was important to recognize the life challenges we were all
facing. After a few rehearsals, we settled into the new safety protocols and soon relaxed
into the experience of making music together with friends. In many cases the music was
a secondary element of our time together. I was heartened by the flexibility and
optimism of our young people. We played some wonderful music, and the students
certainly put their best foot forward during every rehearsal. It was a pleasure working
with this group.

-STEVEN BATHORY-PEELER
YOUTH ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR

4

VIRTUAL PROJECTS &
PERFORMANCES

The PVS was excited to offer a full season of curated musical moments and virtual events
throughout the year. These events celebrated significant milestones, illuminated
important topics, and brought unique ideas and perspectives to our community.

The season started with a reimagining of our Summer Sings tradition in a virtual format,
the hallmark event being the premiere of the singalong of Dark River: The Fannie Lou
Hamer Story, an opera by Mary D. Watkins.

As the official season launched, we were able to collaborate with a wide array of partners
to present truly unique events, including:

An original telling of Peer Gynt with author Maria-José Botelho.
An evening marrying romance and comedy with Happier Valley Comedy, Enchanted
Circle Theater, and Straw Dog Writers’ Guild.
A celebration of local Pulitzer Prize winning composer Lewis Spratlan.
The world premiere of a kid-oriented musical mystery by Jordan Kuspa.
A community reflection and musical tribute marking a year of collective grief,
resilience, and hope.

In the late spring, as the weather allowed for more comfortable outdoor gathering and
vaccination rates increased in the Valley, the PVS was able to return to live performance.
We began with a triumphant chamber concert at Black Birch Vineyard in Hatfield in May,
and there are two more opportunities to safely enjoy live music coming up in August.

You can now watch recordings of most of our 2020-2021 season events!
For a full list of programs and links to resources and recordings, visit:

pvsoc.org/2020-2021-season

5

SUMMER SINGALONG

Since 2015, the PVS has been hosting informal opportunities for members of the vibrant
regional choral community to connect and learn from an array of talented conductors
and read through beloved choral works. In the summer of 2020, this tradition was
reimagined as a series of virtual Summer Singalongs, providing an outlet for connection
and musical expression during a time when physical distancing was necessary.

SPOTLIGHT

DARK RIVER

On Tuesday, July 28, the PVS premiered the singalong format of Mary D. Watkins'
captivating opera, Dark River (2009). Based on the life of civil rights activist Fannie
Lou Hamer, Dark River invites us to reflect on this moment in our history, the legacy
of the civil rights movement, and the work that awaits us. With Fannie Lou Hamer's
historic televised speeches artfully transformed into heart-wrenching arias
performed live by Brianna J. Robinson, and reflections by Janice Hamlet and Mary D.
Watkins, the Dark River Summer Singalong delivered a hard look at a difficult past
and cautious optimism for the future.

6

PVS PRESENTS

A reimagining of our traditional concert cycle, this series provided a full season of curated
musical events featuring composers, practitioners, scholars, and artists. These virtual
events celebrated significant milestones, illuminated important topics, and brought
unique ideas and perspectives to our community.

SPOTLIGHT

MYSTERY OF THE MISSING MUSIC

The world premiere of a kid-oriented musical mystery by Jordan Kuspa, featuring
music performances and appearances from members of the PVS Orchestra.
Originally conceived for the PVS’ annual in-school education concert, this virtualized
concert event was designed to be accessible and engaging for the whole family.

FAURE'S REQUIEM

A powerful virtual event marking a year of collective grief, resilience, and hope.
Attendees were able to listen, sing, or play along with the beloved work. The
movements were interspersed with video stories from local community members
reflecting on the tragedy and triumph they experienced during the pandemic.

7

DISCOVERY SERIES

We hosted two educational Discovery Series, each spanning five sessions, highlighting
voices in western classical music that have been under-represented due to embedded
legacies of patriarchy and white supremacy. These series aimed to focus the PVS and our
broader community of classical music lovers on the potential for positive change when
the artistry of oppressed groups is not just understood, celebrated, and performed, but
given genuine chances to develop in the first place.

HIDDEN FIGURES

Women Composers through the Ages

In fall 2020, five esteemed scholars of music history explored the contributions of
women in classical music over 600 years.

8

MUSICAL MOSAIC

America's Composers of Color

In spring 2021, six extraordinary artists and historians from across the country opened a
window onto the lived experiences and diverse influences of contemporary classical
composers of color.

SPOTLIGHT

ROOTS & BRANCHES
JUZOOR VA GHUSOON

In Kareem Roustom's thoughtful talk, we saw and heard how a composer's
exploration of their own identity can create the most beautiful music.
Contextualizing his musical voice with the international conflict that continues to
play out in Syria, and with his own American story, Kareem shared his music with a
rapt audience.

9

82nd SEASON ARTISTIC CONTRIBUTORS

E. Wayne Abercrombie Elaine Holdsworth Sarah Paquet
Magda Andrews-Hoke Judy Holmes
Karen Atherton Nancy Howard Karrin Pasko
Samuel Ayrapetyan Matt Howell
Zoë Ballou Judy Hudson Marilyn Paterno
Stephen Bathory-Peller Eric Hung
Sally Bellerose Rabbie Devorah Jacobson John Pearson
Maria Jose Botelho Jean Jeffries
Colin Britt George Kaye Solveig Pearson
Karen Brunssen Rowan Kehrer
Patricia Cahn Sue Keller Kara Peterman
Carol Coan Marvin Kelley
Olivia Cox Robert Kidder Larry Picard
Liane Curtis Mary King
Kristin Donohue Sophie Kopp-Hills Evan Pierson
Robin Driscoll Joseph Kushick
Scot Duguay Jordan Kuspa Jan Puchalski
Rachel Edwards Maureen Lahti
Enchanted Circle Theater Melanie Lahti Synthia Pullum
Justin Esiason Maureen Lahti
Michael Favala Goldman Aaron Lakota Nancy Rao
Kristen Fossum Sonya Lawson
Marque Garrett Christine Lee Wally Rapalus
Henry Gibson Kirsten Levitt
Kirsten Glascock Samantha Levreault Maddie Raymond
David Glassberg Alexandra Ludwig
Yoland & Dave Goff Erin Lylis Aaron Reeder
Abigail Goff Beckie Markarian
Tim Gore Anna Marsh Ros Reid
Mari Gottdiener Mark Marshall
Melissa Griffin Mark Mason Charlotte Relyea-Strawn
Ben Grosscup Paula Maust
Jorge Villavicencio Andrea McDermott Brianna J. Robinson
Grossmann Robert McGuigan
Dan Grubbs Jim Mead Robert Rocheteau
Lemuel Gurtowsky Alex Meade
Peter Haas Andrea Moore Julissa Rodriguez
Janice D. Hamlet Joanne Morin
John Hanifin Adeline Mueller Antonio Oliart Ros
Mandi Jo Hanneke Mary Murphy
Happier Valley Comedy Aleksandr Naryzhnyy Kareem Roustom
Cary Hardwick Tianhui Ng
Emily Harmon Yvonne Nicholson Pam Skinner
Alan HaErVrEisN T P L A N N I N G Scott Norvwell
Sarah Harrison Joan O'Brien Nancy Slator
Coleman Hartner Ryan O'Donnell
Linda Hecker Julie Orvis Ben Smar
Phillip Helzer
Steve Herzberg Linda Smith

Anna Smith

Lewis Spratlan

Hetty Startup

Stone Soup Cafe

Straw Dog Writers' Guild

Maggie Sweeney

Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate

Margot Thomas

Liz Tonne

Dennis Townsend

Nicole Tripp

Noah Tuleja

Jordyn Tully

Janet Van Blerkom

Miguel Angel Vazquez

Janna Walters-Gidseg

Mary D. Watkins

John Wcislo

Ron Weiss

Brian Whetstone

Pamela White

Roy Williams

Kathy Wittman 10

MEMBER ACTIVITIES

MEMBER MEETUPS

Every other Tuesday, chorus members gathered on Zoom to talk with one another,
explore new repertoire, create virtual projects, and keep their singing voices active. We
were joined by members of other Massachusetts choral ensembles on hiatus due to the
pandemic, as well as singers from other parts of the country (42 singers in the fall, 38 in
the spring). Virtual choir projects are available on our YouTube channel.

On Wednesdays, orchestra members
connected on Zoom to connect, get
coaching on virtual and in-person chamber
music projects, collaborate on the virtual
Education Concert Mystery of the Missing
Music, and prepare for summer live music
events.

YOUTH 11

We offered two options for student musicians. An
live ensemble led by PVSYO director Steve
Bathory-Peeler brought a group of strings players
together in person to rehearse the music of
Brahms, Beethoven, and the Beatles. In the
spring, we added a virtual option led by Chris
Moehringer of Springfield Community Music
Center, which introduced participants to
composition, improvisation, and audio recording
technology. Virtual presentations from these two
groups are being woven together and will be
premiered this summer.

FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE

Carefully considering our financial history, and unsure of the future in the time of Covid,
we set a conservative budget for FY2021. With the generosity of many volunteers and in-
kind donations from artists and staff, we ended the fall in a positive financial position.
During the spring, we were honored to receive a significant bequest by the estate of
Claire L. Bateman, a past board member, longtime supporter of the PVS, and a member
of the Da Capo Society. We secured multiple federal relief grants and forgiven loans
through the PPP, EIDL, and SVOG programs of the SBA, and additional funds from the
Commonwealth through the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Rep. Jo Comeford,
and Mass. Cultural Council. We also received foundational support from more than 200
individual and corporate donors, allowing the PVS to end our fiscal year in a very good
position. This is excellent news: we can now cautiously invest in the long-overdue
expansion of our staff to meet current needs and improvements to our infrastructure,
and we are in a good position to support a return to live music, when that becomes
safely possible.

However, this positive position is not a solution to the underlying issue of our financial
sustainability. Before the pandemic, the PVS regularly experienced significant annual
shortfalls. We have an obligation to ourselves and our community to ensure the
longevity of the PVS. If we wish our organization to continue its multi-generational
impact, then we must create and hold ourselves accountable to a long-term strategy for
programmatic and financial health. Large bequests and federal funds are a welcome
boon any time and can solve immediate liquidity issues, but they cannot be counted on
as a bailout strategy. They should instead be infused into new programs and invested in
staffing and infrastructure that strengthen our organization. This will allow the PVS to
remain flexible and adaptable and fulfill its mission for many, many years to come.

Financial activity 12
data is available
in the Additional
Information
section of this
report.

FINANCIAL ACTIVITY

Statements are 13
tentative. For
additional details,
email
[email protected].

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

The 2020-2021 season was uncertain in so many ways, and there was genuine concern
at the launch of the season about how to stay connected to—and how best to serve the
interests of—our community. Over the course of the year, we experienced an
outpouring of support through multiple channels. We are humbled and grateful to have
such a generous community of donors, volunteers, musicians, audience members,
advertisers and sponsors. The individual encouragement we received (positive and
constructive, alike!) inspired and bolstered the spirits of our staff and creative partners.
Thanks to 181 individual donors and 37 charitable sponsorships and grant-makers, we
were able to host an incredibly diverse scope of member and audience events, expand
our audience reach, and engage with other local organizations in meaningful ways.
Season sponsors New England Public Media, Greenfield Northampton Cooperative
Bank, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, along with 29 other sponsors, all played a
crucial role in helping us to present our 82nd season. Their commitment to bringing
music to our community must be applauded!  
We also wish to share a collective note of gratitude for the incredible impact of our
many volunteer musicians, ushers, board members, and artistic contributors. We
cannot thank you enough for your investment in our work and our shared community.

14

COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS

SPONSORS Thomson Financial Management Inc.
West Branch Capital
New England Public Media Western Mass Horn Society
Greenfield Cooperative Bank Wisdom Way Storage

Alber Hearing Service GRANT-MAKERS
Andy's of Greenfield
Attorney Stanley R. Light Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation
Blackmer Insurance Agency Massachusetts Cultural Council
Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas LLP Commonwealth of Massachusetts via
Curtiss, Carey, Gates & Goodridge Representative Jo Comerford & Franklin
Devine Overhead Doors County Chamber of Commerce
Esser Kent Family Law U.S. Small Business Administration
Finck and Perras Insurance
Florence First Federal Credit Union Amherst Cultural Council
Florence Savings Bank Ashfield Cultural Council
Greenfield Savings Bank Belchertown Cultural Council
GSB Investments and Insurance Bernardston Cultural Council
Lathrop Retirement Communities Buckland Cultural Council
LifePath Charlemont Hawley Cultural Council
Long Island Youth Orchestra Alumni Colrain Cultural Council
Melodious Accord Deerfield Cultural Council
Oberlin Alumni Greenfield Cultural Council
Renfrew Real Estate New Salem Cultural Council
River Valley Market Northfield Cultural Council
Ryan & Casey Liquor Store Shelburne Cultural Council
Snow & Sons Landscaping Shutesbury Cultural Council
Surner Heating Whately Cultural Council

EVENT PLANNING

15

DONORS

CONDUCTOR'S CIRCLE

PLATINUM BATON$10,000 +

Claire L. Bateman Charitable Remainder Trust

BRONZE BATON $1,000 - $2,499

Anonymous (2)
Catherine Dodds*
Mandi Jo and David Hanneke*
Elaine and Robert Holdsworth
Marvin and Carol Kelley
Robin Luberoff and Neal Pruchansky

in memory of Margola (Peggy) Freedman
Mark Mason and John Shea
Janet Van Blerkom and Dennis Townsend
Ronald and Janet Weiss

MUSIC LOVERS FIRST CHAIR $125 - $299 16
MUSIC DIRECTOR $500 - $999
Lisa Alber
Channing Bete Suzanne Auerbach and Matt Kaplowitz
Maureen Carney*, in memory of John J Carney Ben and Mary Jane Barnard
Kristin Donohue Amy and Craig Barry
George Drake and Roberta Lombardi Paul Benjamin
Wayne Gass, Franklin Associates Cecilia and Joseph Berger, in memory of Jeri Bannister
Peter Haas Masako Bogin*
Kay Holt Elizabeth Brown and Stanley Morris
Tinka and George Lunt Joe Case
William MacKnight Karen Cole*
Alex Meade Patricia Crosby, Uppingil Farm
Alexandra Ottaway Kristen Fossum*
Davin and Jennifer Peelle Claire Griffin, in memory of John and Madelyn Carney
Nancy Pond Cary Hardwick
Jan Puchalski IBM
Myra and David Ross Robert Kidder
Aaron Lakota
CONCERTMASTER $300 - $499 Evelyn Locke
Mark Marshall and Helen Leung
Anonymous Carl Nelke and Janet Gerry
Carlin Barton John Pearson*
Barbara Davis and George Howard* Kara Peterman
Debbie Felton and Jim Miller Dale and Lorna Peterson
David Glassberg* Nancy and Jeff Ramsey
Judy and Al Hudson Wallis and Cornelia Reid
Carol and Peter Letson Elizabeth Schmitt
Attorney Stanley R. Light Valorie Scott
BecEkVieE NMTaPrkLaArNiaNnI*N G Nancy Shumate
Diana and Paul Peelle Bob and DiAnn Speth
Homer Stavely*
* indicates Dana Muller and Gary Steigerwalt
members of the Susan Young
Continuo Society.

FRIEND up to $124 Faye Hollender Lynne Page and Roland Ratte
Judy Holmes Richard Page
Rev. Stanley Aksamit Kristina Houghton Sarah Paquet
Jennifer Allen Denise Houle Shirley Pelletier
Anonymous (5) Katherine Hudson David and Elaine Pesuit
Oscar Arce Dorothy Janke Gretchen Plotkin
Heidi and Glenn Arnold Mary Jones Leah Porter
Joan Baffaro Mary K. King and Shirley A. Keech Richard Rice
Kayte Bak Elizabeth Keitel Marilyn Richards
Steven Bathory-Peeler James Kelly Michael Robbins
Alisa S. Beaver Leslie Kelly Paul Ross
Susan Bowman Alice Klingener Mary-Lou Rup
Dan Brandon Peter Kravetz Emily Samuels
James Brown Joseph and Marilyn Kushick Annita and William Sawyer
Robert Brown Maureen and Paul Lahti William and Ilana Schmidt
Friends of Leverett Library Melanie Lahti David Schneider
Eileen Carney Thomas Lake Kathryn and Russell Scott
Mark Carol Andrea Latour Karen Sheingold
Meghan Carroll Wendy LaValley Nancy Shinn
Kimberly Castine Sharon Long David and Esther Short
Roger and Joanne Clapp Lynn Lovell and John Darrow Mary Sirum
Carol Coan and David Nixon Gary MacCallum Ben Smar
Ellen Cogen Audrey Markarian Melinda Smith
Christopher Collins Jane Markarian Elizabeth Souza
Jonas Cox Steven Morgan Anthony Speranza
Marc Dancer Andrea McDermott Ilene Stahl
Arthur and Barbara Elkins Mary McDermott Robert Stebbins
Lisa Evans Robert McGuigan and Julia Bady Kathleen Swaim
Leah Felton Cherryl McLaughlin Kevin and Maggie Sweeney
Catherine Gasteyer and Gene Westlink Maria Merrill Elizabeth Teta
Arthur Meyer Jean Pittman Turner
in memory of Madlyn Carney Lisa Middents Peter Van Pelt
Henry Gibson Ann Mileski Elizabeth Vizentin
Dan and Cheryl Gillman Anna Morrison and Norman Albert Roy Williams
Karen Grosscup Grant Moss Erin Wilson
Marjorie Hamilton Findlay O'Donnell Mark Wisniewski
Denzel Hankinson Bernard Oconnor John and Ann Wood
Eugene A. & Mary K. Hanneke Debra Orgera and George Kohout Martin Daye and Linda Woodall
Christine Hannon
Roma and Randall Hansis
Jim Holdsworth

17

BF YO2A1RBDO&ASRTDA&F FS T A F F

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS DIRECTORS

KRISTIN DONOHE MAUREEN CARNEY DEBBIE FELTON

PRESIDENT CARY HARDWICK AARON LAKOTA
RON WEISS
MARVIN KELLEY TERRY RUGGLES

VICE PRESIDENT DIRECTOR EMERITUS

PETER KRAVETZ

TREASURER

KARA PETERMAN

CLERK

ARTISTIC STAFF STAFF

TIANHUI NG JANNA WALTERS-GIDSEG

MUSIC DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATOR

SARAH PAQUET CASEY GILMAN

CHORUS DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

STEVE BATHORY-PEELER JESSICAL RIEL

YOUTH ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR MARKETING SPECIALIST

CHRIS MOEHRINGER BEN GROSSCUP

DIRECTOR, VIRTUAL YO PROGRAM VIRTUAL PRODUCTION SPECIALIST

LEAD VOLUNTEERS INTERNS

KAREN COLE ANNEMARIE GERLACH EMESE NEMETH

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR ARTS ADMINISTRATION INTERN ARTS ADMINISTRATION INTERN

MANDI JO HANNEKE JOHANNA GEREMIA RONGBING SHEN

EDUCATION COORDINATOR ARCHIVES INTERN ARTS ADMINISTRATION INTERN

ROBIN LUBEROFF ABBY MCNALLY AMIKO SHIME

LIBRARIAN ORCHESTRA INTERN ARTS ADMINISTRATION INTERN

BECKIE MARKARIAN MIRA ZELKOWITZ

UNICORN ARTS ADMINISTRATION INTERN

JOHN PEARSON 18

VIRTUAL CHOIR ORGANIZER

MEMBER LEADERS

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Most committees are open to any
interested PVS member. Join us!
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Kristin Donohue, President NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Marvin Kelley, Vice President [Vacant], Chair
Peter Kravetz, Treasurer Marvin Kelley
Kara Peterman, Clerk Peter Kravetz
Aaron Lakota
FINANCE Beckie Markarian
Kristin Donohue
Marvin Kelley LONG RANGE PLANNING
Peter Kravetz, Chair Kristin Donohue
Kara Peterman Mandi Jo Hanneke
Janna Walters-Gidseg Marvin Kelley
Aaron Lakota
PERSONNEL Robin Luberoff
Kristin Donohue, Chair Beckie Markarian
Cary Hardwick Mark Mason
Jean Jeffries Kara Peterman
Robin Luberoff Ron Weiss, Chair
Beckie Markarian
Janna Walters-Gidseg ETHICS, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Kristin Donohue, Chair
PROGRAMMING Beckie Markarian
Karen Atherton
Noah Lawes ENSEMBLE LEADERSHIP
Diana Peelle, Co-chair
Kara Peterman, Co-chair ORCHESTRA STEERING COMMITTEE
Tianhui Ng, Music Director Karen Atherton
Sarah Paquet, Chorus Director Mandi Jo Hanneke
Steven Bathory-Peeler, YO Director Robin Luberoff
Kara Peterman
MARKETING/FUNDRAISING Janet Van Blerkom
Kristin Donohue, Chair Kate Walker
Debbie Felton
KristeEnV EFNoTssPuLmA N N I N G CHORUS COMMITTEE
David Glassberg Inactive 2020-2021
Marvin Kelley
Beckie Markarian YOUTH ORCHESTRA PARENTS' COUNCIL
Inactive 2020-2021
19

STAY INVOLVED

SPONSOR

The PVS is proud to be a member of the Pioneer Valley creative community, and our
sponsorships are foundational to our public programming. If you have, or know of, a
business that is passionate about supporting the arts, please let us know! We have
many levels of sponsorship opportunities, and we work directly with sponsors on
bespoke recognition packages to meet their visibility targets, with options including
complimentary admissions, ad spots, and even a pop-up chamber concert at your
business! For more information, visit pvsoc.org/sponsorship or contact
[email protected] or 413.773.3664.

GIVE

Like all non-profits, the PVS depends on and directly benefits from generous donations
from our community. The past year was an extremely uncertain time for nonprofits, and
the PVS is incredibly appreciative of the wide outpouring of support from our donors.
While the light at the end of the tunnel is brightening, we are still in uncertain times, and
every donation means so much to us!

Give to the PVS Fund
Shop in our store
Join the Continuo Society
Pledge to the Da Capo Society

VOLUNTEER

To all our volunteers in FY21, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation.
Your commitment and support has been instrumental in all the amazing work we were
able to accomplish this year. You are the most incredible asset our organization has,
and we could not do it without you.

As a community nonprofit, the PVS depends on volunteers and in-kind donations of
services. All contributions are welcome, and many hands make light work. Learn more
at pvsoc.org/volunteer or call 413.773.3664.

20

---

-TIANHUI NG
MUSIC DIRECTOR

PVS musicians work really, really hard, and one of the things that keeps us all going—
that recharges and rejuvenates us—is the energy and love that comes back from the
audience and flows from the musicians, to and from each other. I am hopeful that we
can bring back some of this experience, and I am excited by the diversity of
programming we can offer in a flexible and hybrid way this year. I can't wait to work
with you again, in person.

-TIANHUI NG
MUSIC DIRECTOR

With Sarah Paquet departing the region, E. Wayne Abercrombie, DMus, has agreed to
step out of retirement to lead in-person chorus activities during this upcoming
transitional year as we rebuild our chorus and search for a permanent chorus director.
Wayne is Professor Emeritus of Music and past Director of Choral Activities at UMass
Amherst. He has worked with the PVS before on several occassions, and has conducted
choirs and orchestras nationally and internationally. We are thrilled to have the
opportunity to work with him this year.

Going forward, I think the 2021-2022 season will be one focused on rebuilding trust,
positive energy, and momentum in the YO and its membership. We hope to start the
fall season with full orchestral instrumentation, but this is not certain. We have a lot of
work to do to reconnect with our former members and to recruit new musicians. The
coming year will be one of rebuilding a robust youth orchestra, one that the young
musicians of the Pioneer valley deserve.

-STEVEN BATHORY-PEELER
YOUTH ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR

21

Prelude to a New World
In-Studio Performance: October 2, 2021
33 Hawley St, Northampton
Streaming Premiere: October 9, 2021
Franz Liszt’s tumultuous Les Preludes precedes Antonin Dvořák’s
American masterpiece the New World Symphony
(Symphony No. 9).

Movements in Time
In-Studio Performance: November 17, 2021
33 Hawley St, Northampton
Streaming Premiere: November 27, 2021
The overture to Giacchino Rossini’s Barber of Seville opens a
program connected to the concept of time. Contemporary
composer Mary D. Watkins’s achingly beautiful Soul of
Remembrance encapsulates through music a journey through the
dark times of our history and ends with a resolute optimism for the
future. Close with Franz Schubert’s revolutionary Great Symphony
(Symphony in C D.944).

Holiday Pops
In-Studio Performance: December 11, 2021
Greenfield High School Auditorium
Streaming Premiere: December 18, 2021
Premiere of new works from composers Ivan Enrique Rodriguez
and Clifton “Jerry” Noble, Jr., honoring American holiday
celebrations of all kinds, a holiday pop songs review, and classic
seasonal favorites.

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Dates and venues Fire and Rebirth
are subject to Live Concert: March 5, 2022
change. John M Greene Hall, Northampton
Igor Stravinsky’s setting of the fairy tale of a freed magical creature
which wields a magical feather that helps to overturn a fantastical
tyrant in The Firebird Suite (1919), and the world premiere of
Argentinian composer Andrés Martín’s Vox Concerto, written in
musical response to the isolation of the pandemic.

Education Concert
Live Concert: April 7, 2022
Greenfield High School Auditorium
Written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Dan Brown to
accompany his children’s book of the same name, Wild Symphony
transports us on a journey through musical forests and oceans to
meet creatures with a secret to share.

Pasts and Presences
Live Concert: May 7, 2022
Greenfield High School Auditorium
Dedicated to the memory of the community’s losses over the past
year, we begin with the World Premiere of Unquiet Earth by Elena
Ruehr, followed by Johannes Brahms’s impassioned A German
Requiem.

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