2021-2022 La Crosse Symphony Orchestra Program

Thank
you to our

Season
Sponsors

Featuring... Dr. David & Patricia
Ludington

Ilya Yakushev Elissa Lee Koljonen Katherine Weber
piano violin soprano

Alessio Bax Gabriel Cabezas
piano cello

LaCrosseSymphony.org

We appreciate YOU!

We, along with our staff, would
like to take this opportunity to
express our sincere appreciation
to you for your business and
continued loyalty.

It’s because of people like you
that our travel agency has been
an integral part of both the
travel community and the greater
La Crosse area community since 1949.

The Covid pandemic environment has presented
challenges that we could not foresee, much less plan
for. Hopefully, life and travel will ‘right’ itself and
our ability to travel freely will bring exciting
opportunities in the near future.

Thank you again for supporting our business; we look
forward to assisting with your travel plans soon .

Safe travels!

Rebecca Naugler, President
Kathy Davig, Vice President

Owned and Operated by Goli’s Avenues of Travel

2404 State Road | La Crosse WI 54601 | 608 784 9820

For your information... Contents Concert Dates:
In Case of Emergency
4 Office Hours/Tickets October 16, 2021
Please locate the exit nearest 6 President’s Message
your seat. If an emergency should 7 Board of Directors & Staff The Return to Life
develop, move quickly and carefully 8 Orchestra Members
to that exit when directed by the 10 Educational Programs November 13, 2021
ushers or Stage Manager. 14 Welcome Letter
15 Alexander Platt Biography Heroic Journeys
Wheelchairs 23 October Concert
31 November Concert December 17, 2021
Wheelchair locations are available on 41 December Concerts December 18, 2021
the main floor and lower balcony at 49 Dick Record Rising Stars
the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center. An Old World Holiday
Please call the Symphony Office if you Competition (January)
would like further information or a March 5, 2022
wheelchair location: 783-2121. 51 Valentine Ball
53 March Season Concert The Young Tchaikovsky
Please... 61 April Season Concert and Rising Stars
69 String Scholarships
Turn off cell phones or leave them 74 Play it Forward April 9, 2022
in your car. No smoking, food, or 75 Guest Artist Society
drinks are allowed in the theatre at 77 May Season Concert Springtime Pops:
Viterbo. Taking pictures or using 86 LSO Contributors The Best of the
recording equipment is prohibited. 88 Legacy Society British Movie Scores
89 In-Kind Gifts
www.LaCrosseSymphony.org 90 Corporate Partners May 7, 2022
Photos courtesy of 92 Memorials/Honorariums
93 Endowment Celebrate La Crosse,
Jordana Snyder Photography 94 LSO History Celebrate America

Thank Dr. David & Patricia
you to our Ludington
Season
Sponsors

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Bravo! LSO Office Hours & Ticket Info

The La Crosse Symphony The LSO office is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through
Orchestra extends Thursday and by appointment. Our offices are housed within the
US Bank building in downtown La Crosse. Tickets are sold for all
SPECIAL THANKS to concerts at the Viterbo University WEST Box office on the nights
of the performances starting at 5:30 p.m. For your convenience,
for our office space at you can reach the LSO office through the following:
201 Main St., Suite 230,
Voice: (608) 783-2121
La Crosse, WI 54601 Fax: (608) 783-3121

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.lacrossesymphony.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony
Twitter: www.twitter.com/laxsymphony
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Lacrossesymphonyorchestra
YouTube Subscription: La Crosse Symphony

Website - Check it Out!

Digisage brings a new website design to the symphony making
your process of finding concert information, giving donations,
enjoying YouTube videos and reading about our musicians as easy
as a click! Take a look at www.LacrosseSymphony.org

Bravo! Learn about what inspired the composers at the
Bravo!
The La Crosse CONCERT PREVIEW

Symphony Orchestra WITH MAESTRO
extends special thanks to
ALEXANDER PLATT
for taking care of our
many special needs 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.
throughout the season. from the dance studio

Bravo! Please come early if you wish to enjoy the preconcert lecture

Maestro Alexander Platt will present
a light and informative concert

presentation regarding the composers
and their music — what inspired

them, the historical perspective and
what to listen for at each concert.

Sponsored by Jane and Ron Rada

4 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season

FOLLOW O Part
US ON
FACEBOOK! 23

LS ner

LaCrosseSymphony.org

Wasn’t the LSO YouTube
awesome last
night!? LISTEN
inIsdthroaunvmeaetaenn.t..to LEARN
I gWehtetircekceatsn?
& Escape
LIKE SHARE
with the
La Crosse
Symphony

Online!

La Crosse
Symphony
Playlists:

Meet the
Musicians

30 Days
of Symphonies

Beethoven
Start to Finish

Symphony
for Youth

Facebook.com/LaCrosseSymphony Fridays at
www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony the Symphony

with
Alexander

Platt

2021-22 Season 5

Welcome to this historic 2021-2022 season of the
La Crosse Symphony Orchestra

Let’s be blunt…you have been through the wringer over the past year and
a half. But yet you have persevered, have continued to support this great
orchestra, and are ready to again share in the incredible gift the LSO brings
to the La Crosse area. We of course had hoped this pandemic would be
behind us by now, but as we enter this new concert season, the LSO Board,
its Maestro, and the orchestra members are prepared to safely bring the
beautiful music of the LSO back to grateful audiences. This orchestral art
will again be brought vibrantly alive in the Fine Arts Center with precautions
taken to assure safety for all.

ERIC You are part of this incredible shared gift –
ERICKSON thank you for adding to the magic

Board President of the Has the past year caused you to reflect on the gifts you hold dear? As someone
La Crosse Symphony who is passionate about music, when I think of the LSO, I am struck by the
impactful message its sheer existence sends to us all. Think of it – after years
The mission of the La Crosse of study and preparation, a diverse group of people gather, holding notation
Symphony Orchestra (LSO) that emanated from a mind that in many cases expired over a century ago.
is to provide high-quality These musicians, guided by our Maestro, interpret in their own minds
orchestral music, offer what was envisioned. They set into vibration a collection of artisan-crafted
engagement opportunities to harvested woods, collected hides, metals forged from the earth. You as an
all residents of the greater audience member absorb the energy, send it back to the orchestra, and the
La Crosse area, and enhance result launches sound waves into the heavens. Pure alchemy, pure art, and
the education, diversity, and a pure magical celebration as one. Forgive me if I come across as overly
arts culture in our community. spiritual about this, but to me, this is the power of music. What pure joy we
all feel when we gather and celebrate the best of humankind.
www.LaCWrosesbeSsyitmep: hony.org
www.facebooFka.ccoemb/olaocrko:ssesymphony As we enter this next chapter of the pandemic, the LSO will help bring this
essential force back into our community and allow us all to heal – in some
Instagram: small way – and again feel the joy that this coming together of energy brings.
www.instagram.com What an apt metaphor for the times we are in. When we come together,
Lacrossesymphonyorchestra support one another, and look to the future with aligned vision, we not only
YouLaTCurboessSe uSbymscprhipontiyon: persevere, but thrive, grow, feel joy, and help spread good in the world. This
is the power enabled by your participation and support.

We need your continued support

The faithful support that has been shown by this community over the last
season is greatly appreciated by the Board, the musicians, and the volunteers
that make this orchestra a reality. With your gracious personal and financial
participation, the LSO will continue to thrive and help advance La Crosse as
a vibrant and relevant cultural center for this little jewel of an area along the
Mississippi. Thank you so much for your ongoing generous support.

Eric Erickson

Eric Erickson

President, La Crosse Symphony Orchestra

6 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season

Board of Directors 2021-22 Administrative Staff

President - Eric Erickson Dominique Luecke
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Vice Chair, Administration, Mayo Clinic Health System
Eric holds an MBA from Arizona State University and is a Fellow in Jan Henry
the American College of Healthcare Executives. He has resided in FINANCMEA&NOAPGEERRATIONS
La Crosse for 9 years and prior to his 25 years serving the field of
healthcare, he was a professional musician after graduating from Aaron Petras
Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, California. “As a healthcare leader ADMASINSIISSTTARNATTIVE
and musician, I am honored to serve as president for this incredible
orchestra in this uniquely beautiful driftless region. Every Board
member, every volunteer, every musician, and most importantly
every concert attendee, is a part of the great legacy of the LSO and
part of the growing future it represents for the advancing cultural
influence of La Crosse to the entire Driftless region.”

Vice President - Sean O’Flaherty

Attorney, O’Flaherty Law Office
Sean is an attorney in private practice in La Crosse. He
greatly appreciates the quality and variation of the orchestra.
Though he grew up as a Neanderthal, Sean developed an
affinity for classical orchestral music when forced to listen to
NPR by Mr. George Funke. The affinity only grew as he was
able to enjoy local offerings when he iced in Chicago and
New York. Sean especially enjoys small chamber ensembles
and modern composers.

Treasurer - Shawn Hanson Matthew Coley
PERSONNEL
Retired MANAGER
Shawn is a retired financial services executive who had
the privilege to work with the amazing people at Marine Brad Lebakken
Credit Union for the past two decades. He currently serves LIBRARIAN
as the Treasurer of the LSO Board and is a member of the
executive committee. Hanson believes the LSO is the crown
jewel of the arts community in our region and is passionate
about ensuring we broaden our reach today and ensure our
success for future generations.

Secretary - Lu Cagin Aaron Lewis
PRODUCER/EQUIPMENT
Owner and Interior Designer, I.D.ology
Lu Cagin has owned I.D.ology since 2011. “I am very proud MANAGER
to be the secretary on the La Crosse Symphony board. My
first experience with the symphony was in 2001 when my Artistic Staff
husband was interviewing for a job at Mayo Clinic Health
System. Someone who had season tickets gave us their seats
for the December performance. When we attended, the
music was so wonderful that I realized what a strong cultural
base there was in La Crosse. In my heart, as I listened to the
music, I knew I could live here. Interior design is my passion
and the arts are as important to a vital life as air and water.”

EXECUTIVE BOARD OF BOARD EMERITUS
MEMBERS DIRECTORS Mary Ann Gschwind
AT LARGE Jan Brock Pat Heim
Greg Brickl Bill Bosch Dick Record
Bill Koutsky Lu Cagin David Reedy
Lesley Charlton
Eric Erickson Alexander Platt
Shawn Hanson MUSIC DIRECTOR
Ilene Kernozek
Navid Khezri Arlys Whitaker
Annette Mikat PROGRAM NOTES
Sean O’Flaherty
Katie Poterucha Wes Luke
Pete Schneider CONCERTMASTER
Chris Walters
Brett Huus
Thank you to our office volunteers RECORDING ENGINEER

Michael Hass, Art & Kathy Ingalls, Jane Rada and Jan Brock Chad Gilbeck
IT SPECIALIST
www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony Larry Frohmader 7
HEAD USHER

2021-22 Season

Orchestra Members

FLUTE TRUMPET VIOLIN 2

Section sponsored by Section sponsored by Section sponsored by
Tom & Charmaine Uphaus Richard & Lisbeth Reynertson Carolyn Smith

Carol Lester ∆* Graham Taylor * Nicole Cody *
Jonathan Borja º* John Cord Benjamin Kronk *
Mark Wamma +
OBOE TROMBONE Molly Breitlow
Linda Lebakken
Section sponsored by Section sponsored by Margit Speckeen
Alex & Jackie Vaver Bob & Janet Roth Carole Schoonover
Eden Ehm
Mary Beth Hensel * Joseph Greer * Nori Hadley
Greg Baker George von Arx David Phipps
Tim Shows
BASS TROMBONE VIOLA
ENGLISH HORN
Jesus Arellano Section sponsored Anonymously
Greg Baker and by Shawn & Kim Hanson
TUBA Beth & Michael Wagner
CLARINET
Mike Forbes * Sean Dostal *
Sarah Manasreh * Mikko Utevsky ∆+
Sarah Gifford ∆ TIMPANI Julius Adams º+
Josh Baker Melissa Madura
Matthew Coley * John Vettel
BASS CLARINET Beth Becker
PERCUSSION Melissa Roby
Kristy Femal *
Richard MacDonald * CELLO
BASSOON James Knutson
Jeff Crowell Section sponsored by
Section sponsored by Larry & Carolyn Furlong
Bob & Janet Roth KEYBOARDS
Zachary Preucil *
Emma Plehal * Pamela Kelly * Magdalena Sas +
Harry Hindson Jonathan Hodges ∆+
Jeff Copp HARP Seung Jin Cha +
Alex Chambers-Ozasky +
CONTRABASSOON Elinor Niemisto * Kathy Boarman
Cindy Johnson
Jeff Copp Randy Mastin

SAXOPHONE PIANO/CELESTE BASS

*Greg Balfany Section sponsored Anonymously Section sponsored by
*Jeff Erickson Eric Erickson
*Allen Cordingley *Pamela Kelly Catherine Kinyon
Nick Zoulek
* Jeff Reitz VIOLIN 1 Eric Solberg ∆*
Blake Bonde *
HORN Section sponsored by Michael Eastwood
Dominique & Dustin Luecke Karyn Quinn
Section sponsored by Doug Nelson
Catherine Kinyon Wes Luke, CM
Michelle Elliott, ACM * principal
Dafydd Bevil * Aaron Schwartz, SCM + associate principal
Kelly Heidel Lauren Cooper ∆ leave of absence
Sarah Gillespie John Madura º acting or interim
John Wunderlin Kristina Gullion (CM) concertmaster
Rolf Wulfsberg (ACM) associate concertmaster
Brad Lebakken (SCM) assistant concertmaster
Anne Judisch
Amy Lindstrom

8 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season

BBeeiinn tune wwiitthh
yyoouurr hheeaalltthh..

Mayo Clinic Health System is a proud supporter of the
MLaayoCrColsinseicSHymeaplthhonSyysOtercmheisstarapbroeucadussuepmpuosritceranodf the
LamCovroemsseenStyamrepimhopnoyrtOanrcthpeasrttrsaobf eecvaeurysdeamy huesaiclthan, hdealing
maonvdewmeelnlnteasrse. Siminpg,odrtaannctep, palratys aonfdevlisetreyndatoy mheaaklethe,ahcehaling
anddaywaelliltntleesbs.eSttienrg. , dance, play and listen to make each
day a little better.

Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse
MmayaoyoCcliniicchHeaelathltshysStyesmte.omrgin La Crosse
mayoclinichealthsystem.org

MAYO CLINIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

“Thank you for sponsoring the MAJOR SPONSOR: CONGRATULATIONS TO
symphony! My favorite part Great River Orthodontics OUR RECIPIENTS:
was the Mozart piece! Without Cooper Callaway
you sponsoring this would not ALSO SPONSORED BY: Juliana Dunn
have happened. Thanks! Cecilia Falter
~ 5th grader Xcel Energy Foundation John Falter
BNSF Foundation Olivia Konrardy-Buchal
“Thank you for presenting Kylene McNeese
those lovely songs and La Crosse Community Foundation’s Gracie Meyers
instruments. I LOVE the flute! Ella F. Ambrosius Fund Nathan Olson
Thanks so much.” Case Wewerka Keaton Purney
~ 5th grader Waylon Purney
MEDIA SPONSOR: Noah Stigeler

WXOW-Channel 19 STRING SCHOLARSHIP
PROGRAM SPONSOR:
SYMPHONY FOR YOUTH ANNUAL STRING
SCHOLARSHIPS: FSPA
The La Crosse Symphony May 2020 zoom auditions were Norene A. Smith Memorial
Orchestra offers a unique musical held for a record number of Mark & Jeanne Connelly
experience through the annual applicants. Board members STRING SCHOLARSHIPS:
Symphony for Youth concert came together and raised money Amy Mills Honorary Fund (3)
program. Each year, over 2,000 for five extra scholarships! In Norene A. Smith Memorial (3)
students from around the area 2020, sixteen scholarships were Diane Foust & Jim Nelson
have the opportunity to attend awarded! These scholarships are
this concert and experience a awarded on the students’ merit, Lesley Charlton
professional performance of potential progress, need and Marilyn & Jerry Arndt
a musical masterpiece. While perceived goals. Joe & Katie Poterucha
listening to the music, the Johnson Block & Company
students are also learning about THE SCHOLARSHIP
symphonies as a whole. As INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
a part of the program, we’ve • 20 lessons with an LSO
created fun educational videos musician with one-half
to accompany the concert. tuition covered
This year’s Symphony for Youth • Tuition towards membership
concert will take place on with the La Crosse Youth
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 Symphony Orchestra
with both in person and live • 2 complimentary season tickets
streamed performances.
2021 String Scholarships
is on page 69.

“(As a teacher) I had a wonderful
experience attending the Symphony
for Youth concert. …this tradition will
continue! “– Laura Macky, General
Music, K-4 and 6, Westby Area
School District

10 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season

MAYO CLINIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Kaplan Professional

d PLAY IT FORWARD MAESTRO SCHOOL RICHARD RECORD RISING

Some La Crosse school-age PROGRAM STARS CONCERTO
children don’t get a chance to play Maestro Alexander Platt joins COMPETITION
a musical instrument because their area band and orchestra teachers The program is on January
parents can’t afford to rent one or in the middle and upper schools 15th, 2022 this year. Six
their school doesn’t have enough to participate in practices and finalists will perform for prize
instruments to go around. share in the musical education monies. At this time, we are
of our youth. He adds a different planning to have in-person
The La Crosse Symphony perspective and background to auditions in accordance with
Orchestra, in collaboration with give a well-rounded experience recommended protocols at the
the La Crosse Area Youth of learning music to the students time of the auditions. This is
Symphony Orchestras, the La of our schools. Any band or subject to change.
Crosse School District, and the orchestra teacher may schedule
Boys and Girls Club of Greater a time for the Maestro to come The competition is open to
La Crosse are trying to change join their class for a project or high school students from WI,
that. The orchestra coordinates rehearsal during the time he MN and IA ages 14 to 18. Tune
a musical instrument donation is in town. Alexander loves to in to experience the future
program to gather gently used, participate in education! nationally known musicians!

playable instruments for La Crosse
students. Leithold makes sure We look forward to doing this
these instruments are in good
working order for the students. again when times allow!

LA CROSSE SYMPHONY Studies show
ORCHESTRA (LSO)/BOYS
AND GIRLS CLUB(BGC) PLAYING AN
INSTRUMENT
FINE ARTS PROGRAM
It costs the LSO $5000 to run • Enhances
this program each year – that’s Academic Skills.
the lesson portion alone – not • Increases I.Q.
including the instruments. In • Improves Memory.
connection with the Play it • Develops creative
Forward program, the Violin thinking and
Fine Arts Program offers free motor skills.
violin lessons to any child who • Builds Social
attends the Boys and Girls Clubs. Skills &
They are able to use violins Character.
we obtain through the Play It • Teaches
Forward program. Students from Discipline.
the Symphony Youth Orchestra • Relieves Stress.
volunteer to help these students • Provides a Sense
practice on days they do not of Achievement.
have lessons. It is the full support
cycle for maximizing the Makes people happy
students’ potential.

www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony 2021-22 Season 11

MMaeestterooroolfogy

Dan Breeden

12 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season

Bringing great

over 80 years!stories to the stage for

Join us as we continue to deliver
entertaining theatre to
the Coulee Region

DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE

For season information visit our website
www.uwlax.edu/theatre-arts

www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony 2021-22 Season 13

The Best is yet to Come!

Dear Friends,

The past two years brought profound, unprecedented challenges
to our world -- whether in our basic, everyday existence, or in the
particular challenges posed all around the globe to the performing
arts. Precisely because of these trials, however, we certainly realized
more than ever before the need for beautiful music in our lives -- and
the La Crosse Symphony’s perseverance and success through the
Coronavirus pandemic has truly been a national model for success
throughout this industry.
That success is due to the spirit, dedication, talent and hard work
of everyone in our glorious LSO family: our wonderful board and
volunteers, our generous sponsors, our amazing staff, our partners
at Viterbo University, and last but certainly not least, our brilliant
and beloved musicians.....At the end of the day, it’s due to all of you
that a 2020-21 season of the La Crosse
Symphony Orchestra became a reality --
and a gorgeous one at that. The logistics
of that season, of course, were starkly
different; but the beauty of the music,
and the wonder of which I’ve spoken
before, the mysterious connection
between musicians and audience in
live performance -- as Beethoven once
exclaimed, “From the heart--to the heart!”
-- burned steady as a flame. Again, I can’t
thank all of you enough in what you do to
allow me and our amazing instrumentalists
at the LSO to bring you the very best
music to our community, year after year.
And now, we’re all finally back
on stage......and I can truly say that
“The Best is Yet to Come!”

Alexander
Platt

Alexander Platt, Music Director
La Crosse Symphony

LaCrosseSymphony.org 2021-22 Season
Follow us on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
14 www.lacrossesymphony.org

ALEXANDER PLATT’S

BIOGRAPHY

ALEXANDER PLATT has the world-premiere recording the Brooklyn Philharmonic,
of Kurka’s The Good Soldier the Illinois Philharmonic,
built a unique career spanning Schweik — all to high acclaim the Freiburg Philharmonic
the worlds of symphony, chamber in The New York Times, The in Germany, the Aalborg
music, and opera. He is Music Financial Times, The Wall Symphony in Denmark, the
Director of both the La Crosse Street Journal, Opera News, Scottish Chamber Orchestra,
Symphony Orchestra and Opera Canada, and both the the Wisconsin Chamber
the Wisconsin Philharmonic, Chicago papers. The former Orchestra, the City of London
and spends his summers in chief conductor of the Racine Sinfonia, Camerata Chicago,
Woodstock, New York as Music Symphony, the Boca Raton the Banff Festival, the
Director of the Maverick Concerts, Symphonia, the Minnesota Aldeburgh Festival, and the
the oldest summer chamber music Philharmonic and the Marion, Houston, Charlotte, Columbus
festival in America. He also serves Indiana Philharmonic, he and Indianapolis Symphonies.
as the artistic director for music at began his career as the In 2013 he made his debut
the Westport Arts Center. He also Apprentice Conductor of the at the Ravinia Festival, the
spent twelve seasons as Resident Minnesota Orchestra, the summer home of the Chicago
Conductor and Music Advisor St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Symphony Orchestra, to high
at Chicago Opera Theater, and the Minnesota Opera, praise in the Chicago Tribune.
where he led the Chicago where he earned universal He has recorded for Minnesota
premieres of such landmark acclaim for his conducting of Public Radio, National Public
20th-century operas as Britten’s Colin Graham’s production of Radio, the South-West
Death In Venice, John Adams’ Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. German Radio and the BBC,
Nixon in China, Shostakovich’s A graduate of Yale and his Cedille Records disc
Moscow Paradise, Britten’s A College, King’s College with Rachel Barton of Max
Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cambridge (where he was a Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy is still
Peter Brook’s The Tragedy of British Marshall Scholar) and often heard on radio stations
Carmen, the Tony Kushner/ conducting fellowships at throughout the world.
Maurice Sendak Brundibar, both Aspen and Tanglewood,
the first full staging of he has guest-conducted
Schoenberg’s Erwartung, and

www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony 2021-22 Season 15

MARKETING
MAESTROS

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Symphony Orchestra with professional

website design, development, and hosting.

16 www.lacrossesymphony.org

12

www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony 2021-22 Season 17

La Crosse Symphony Orchestra
Hires New Executive Director

Dominique Luecke has been hired Prior to her appointment as As part of the Mayo Clinic

as the new Executive Director Executive Director of the Education Program this year,

of the La Crosse Symphony La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, eleven scholarships were awarded

Orchestra. she spent 5 years with the by the LSO to youth in grades 5

La Crosse Community Theatre, - 11. These scholarships pay for

“As the incoming most recently as General Manager half of the tuition for lessons with
Executive Director, I and Interim Director. Dominique a LSO professional musician,
am passionate about also served on the Symphony as well as half of the tuition for
sharing music with our Board of Directors from 2019 up membership of a La Crosse Youth
to her appointment as Executive Symphony performing group.

entire community. My Director.
“Music provides comfort.
love of music stems from “I am extremely proud of the It provides joy. It provides
my childhood when I way the La Crosse Symphony inspiration. ‘The LSO looks
took up the violin. After Orchestra has been able to adapt forward to sharing music with
years of making my poor to the challenges posed by the you through our live concerts

golden retriever cry with pandemic by offering virtual and Mayo Clinic Education
concerts, creating multiple series Programs.”
my playing, I decided on YouTube, and continuing its
my love of the violin was
best celebrated from the Dominique LueckeMayo Clinic Education Programs”

audience rather than

the stage.”

The mission of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is to provide high-quality orchestral music, offer
engagement opportunities to all residents of the greater La Crosse area, and enhance the education, diversity,

and arts culture in our community.

18 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season



HONOR
VETERANS

Experience a lasting and
moving tribute to veterans.

8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday. uwlax.edu/foundation
UW-La Crosse Veterans Memorial Stadium
2021-22 Season 19
www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony

Information.
Inspiration.

88.9

La Crosse

wpr.org

Wisconsin and the World.

www.Marriott.com/LSECY

A symphony of
amenities.

(Pretty sharp, eh?)

500 Front Street S., La Crosse, WI 54601 | CALL TO BOOK (608) 782-1000

www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony 2021-22 Season 21

Between
family and
show time

From the big moments to the little ones
and everything in the middle, virtual care
options make it easy to prioritize what
matters most.

GUNDERSENHEALTH.ORG/CARE

22 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season

October 16, 2021 | 7:30 pm

“The Return to Life”

Fire Music

Daron Hagen (b. 1961)

Piano Concerto No.3

Sergei Prokofiev (1891 – 1953)

I. Andante. Allegro
II. Andantino. Allegro. Allegro moderato. Andante meditativo.
Allegro guisto
III. Allegro non troppo. Meno moso. Allegro

Ilya Yakushev, piano

INTERMISSION

ThreeLegendsfromtheKalevala,Op.22(TheLemminkäinenSuite)

Jean Sibelius (1865 - 1957)

I. Lemminkäinen and the Island Maidens
II. The Swan of Tuonela
III. Lemminkäinen Homeward Journey

THANK YOU TO OUR
OCTOBER CONCERT SPONSOR

Thank Dr. David & Patricia
you to our Ludington
Season
Sponsors 2021-22 Season 23

www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony

Russian pianist Ilya
Yakushev, with many
awards and honors to
his credit, continues to
astound and mesmerize
audiences at major venues on
three continents.

In the 2018-19 season,IlyaYakushev performed
as piano soloist with Edmonton Symphony,
Cheyenne Symphony, Zacatecas Symphony, and
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra in addition to over
50 recitals in North America and Europe.

Highlights of Yakushev’s 2019–20 season include
return appearances with Millikin-Decatur Symphony,
St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Fairfield County Orchestra,
Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Zacatecas Symphony, and
Hunterdon Symphony. He will also play recitals in the US
and Russia.

In February 2014, British label Nimbus Records published
“Prokofiev Sonatas Vol. 1” CD. American Record Guide wrote
“Yakushev is one of the very best young pianists before the
public today, and it doesn’t seem to matter what repertoire he
plays – it is all of the highest caliber”. Volume 2 was published
in January 2017, as well as an all-Russian repertoire CD in
September 2017.

In past seasons, he has performed in various prestigious venues
worldwide, including Glinka Philharmonic Hall (St. Petersburg),
Victoria Hall (Singapore), Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall
(New York), Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco), and Sejong
Performing Arts Center (Seoul, Korea). His performances with
orchestra include those with the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra,
St. Petersburg Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, BBC
Concert Orchestra, Boston Pops, Rochester Philharmonic, Utah
Symphony, and many others.

Winner of the 2005 World Piano Competition which took
place in Cincinnati, OH, Mr. Yakushev received his first award
at age 12 as a prizewinner of the Young Artists Concerto
Competition in his native St. Petersburg. In 1997, he received

the Mayor of St. Petersburg’s Young Talents award, and in
both 1997 and 1998, he won First Prize at the Donostia
Hiria International Piano Competition in San Sebastian,

Spain. In 1998, he received a national honor, The Award
for Excellence in Performance, presented to him by the
Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation in Moscow.

Most recently, Mr. Yakushev became a recipient of
the prestigious Gawon International Music Society’s
Award in Seoul, Korea.

October Guest Artist Mr. Yakushev attended the Rimsky-Korsakov
College of Music in his native St. Petersburg,
Ilya Yakushev Russia, and subsequently came to New York
City to attend Mannes College of Music
piano where he studied with legendary pianist
Vladimir Feltsman.

Ilya Yakushev is a Yamaha artist.

24 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season

OCTOBER
PROGRAM
NOTES

“The Return to Life”

a new design — the incendiary ferocity Elliott Carter, Virgil Thomson, Gian
of his rhetoric, the grandiosity of his Carlo Menotti, and Disney. Hagen
language, the self-assurance bordering also taught at Bard College, and
on hubris, of the man. I imagine Mr. served on the faculties of the Curtis
Wright, hands on hips, daring us not to Institute and New York University.
commission him. Those acquainted with Hagen is a on the Artist Faculty at the
Wright’s life already know the terrible Chicago College of the Performing
role fire played in it: his Xanadu in Spring Arts at Roosevelt University.
Green, Taliesin, was twice devastated.”
What to Listen For
Fire Music Elements of Hagen’s career include
being commissioned to commemorate Hagen writes, “At the center of the
Daron Hagen the anniversaries of the founding piece are three ideas: the first is a four
(b. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1961) of the New York Philharmonic note phrase, heard at the beginning
(Philharmonia; 150th) and the that develops into a snake-like worm,
The work calls for three flutes with Curtis Institute of Music (Much ever-growing. The timpani plays the
piccolo, three clarinets with bass Ado; 75th). He also created works second idea — a driving rhythmic
clarinet, two bassoons, four horns, for the Seattle Opera, Philadelphia cell. The harp, piano, vibraphone
four trumpets, three trombones, tuba, Orchestra, the Buffalo Philharmonic, and marimba give the third idea —
timpani, percussion, harp, and strings. and the Opera Festival of Pittsburgh. an instant hymn. The fourth idea is
The performance time is 16 minutes. He composed symphonies for the theme that, in the opera, Frank
the orchestras of Philadelphia, Lloyd Wright uses to pitch his plan
Fire Music was commissioned by Dr. Milwaukee, and Phoenix. Hagen is for what would become the Cheney
Frances Grover and the Long Beach a frequent conductor, librettist, and House in Chicago. The four ideas are
(California) Symphony Orchestra stage director of his own theatrical presented in collage.”
(LBSO). It was premiered by the shows and has worked with Leonard
LBSO on March 22, 1992, at the Bernstein, JoAnn Falletta, Gerard Piano Concerto
Music Hall, Long Beach, California. Schwarz, and Leonard Slatkin. No.3
The work is dedicated to the LBSO
and music director JoAnn Falletta, Hagen received an Academy Award Sergei Prokofiev (b. Sontovka,
who conducted the first performance. (2015), the Charles Ives Fellowship Ekaterinoslav, April 23, 1891; d.
from the American Academy of Arts Moscow, Russia, March 4, 1953)
Daron Hagen writes on his website, and Letters (1983), the Guggenheim
“My imagination was still filled Prize, the Kennedy Center Friedheim I. Andante. Allegro
with ideas from my opera, Shining Prize, the Columbia University II. Andantino. Allegro.
Brow. I determined to use the Joseph H. Bearns Prize, and the Allegro moderato.
music associated with the opera’s Gelin Tanglewood Fellowship, as Andante meditativo.
protagonist, Frank Lloyd Wright, well as development awards from the Allegro guisto
to create a symphonic portrait of the National Endowment for the Arts, III. Allegro non troppo.
famous architect.” the Mellon Foundation, and Opera Meno moso. Allegro
America.
Hagen continues, “Perhaps we have Ilya Yakushev
come to Taliesin to meet the Great Born in Wisconsin, Hagen studied piano
Man, and Fire Music is his pitch to us for composition with Ned Rorem at
the Curtis Institute of Music and The score calls for two flutes (one
with David Diamond at the Juilliard doubling on piccolo), two oboes,
School; he later studied privately with two clarinets, two bassoons, four
Lukas Foss and Leonard Bernstein.
He worked as a copyist and editor for

www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony 2021-22 Season 25

horns, two trumpets, three trombones, melodious, and the melody should be Interestingly, Maestro Stock was
timpani and percussion, and strings. clear and simple without, however, only the second conductor of the
becoming repetitive or trivial.” Chicago Symphony Orchestra
“Prokofiev showed extraordinary (CSO), following in the footsteps
musical talent by the time he was He continues, “I have striven for of his mentor, the founder of the
six, when he already played the clarity and melodiousness. At the CSO, Theodore Thomas. And since
pianoforte well and began to compose same time I have scrupulously avoided Stock “was a musician to the tips of
in a primitive way,” reads Grove’s palming off familiar harmonies and his fingers, a forceful leader, and a
Dictionary of Music and Musicians, tunes. That is where the difficulty fine and sensitive interpreter, his
Fifth Edition. “When he was nine he of composing clear, straightforward performances were always solidly
crudely set down an opera on paper, music lies: the clarity must be new, musical and sincere,” writes David
and this was followed by three more by not old.” Ewen in The Man with the Baton. As
the time he had entered his teens.” By we noted earlier, that was certainly
this time he had had some composition Concluding, Prokofiev writes, “In true about the Prokofiev Third Piano
lessons from the composer Reinhold my view the composer, just as the Concerto as well.
Glière. He then entered the St. poet, the sculptor or the painter, is in
Petersburg Conservatory, where he duty bound to serve Man, the people. “The concerto is a delightful and
studied theory and composition with He must beautify human life and approachable piece,” writes Jonathan
composers Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, defend it. He must be a citizen first D. Kramer in Listen to the Music.
Anatoly Liadov, Joseph Wihtol, and and foremost, so that his art might “This work has justly become one
Alexander Tcherepnin. consciously extol human life and lead of Prokofiev’s most popular scores.
man to a radiant future. Such is the Its rhythms are engaging, its tunes
“His early music—tonal yet strongly immutable code of art as I see it.” are attractive, and its orchestration
dissonant, harsh in texture, and is delightful. Perhaps the most
intentionally showing in its grotesque According to The Cleveland striking characteristic of the piece is
effects—stems from the same spirit Orchestra Story by Donald its variety, with sudden jumps from
of revolt that marks the work of Rosenberg, “The composer one mood to another. Within each
Stravinsky in a similar vein,” reads spoke in excellent English.” And movement are a variety of themes.”
Contemporary Composers on Prokofiev was quoted at that point,
Contemporary Music. “A brilliant “Melody is everything!” “Prokofiev developed an individual
pianist, Prokofiev spent many years percussive style, which was probably
in Europe and the United States as a The Third Piano Concerto was the most significant innovation in
touring virtuoso, acquiring fame as a composed during the summer of piano technique since Chopin,”
performer but suffering comparative 1921. Prokofiev was soloist when writes Maurice Hinson in Guide to the
neglect as a composer.” Frederick Stock conducted the Pianist’s Repertoire, Second, Revised
Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Edition. “His percussive manner of
Prokofiev was a prolific author of the concerto’s premiere in Chicago treating the piano is uniquely blended
articles on musical matters. One on December 16, 1921. The
issue Prokofiev emphasized: “What performance was a success, which Serge
is need above all is great music, i.e., encouraged Prokofiev to perform i Prokofiev
music that would correspond both in it in New York City five
form and in content to the grandeur weeks later.
of the epoch. It should be primarily
Clearly, Stock
knew a “winner”
when he heard
one. It is largely
because of Stock’s
introducing
premiere
performances,
that the Chicago
Symphony Orchestra
continued its artistic
growth and assumed
importance among the major
symphonic bodies in America.

26 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season

with a lyric element frequently a mythological setting, the idea that Sibelius is an artist “from
accompanied by strong dissonance. before the work took the Baltic Region” with “melancholic
Yet his basic arsenal of figuration form as a suite. Its story majesty.” Indeed, much of Sibelius’
stems directly from the nineteenth is based on the heroic music has a haunting, mournful,
century. Influences of Russian character, Lemminkäinen mysterious, and ghostly aura. He
folksong are evident in his melodies from the Kalevala, a collection exhibits “a specifically Nordic
and energetic rhythms.” of Finnish folklore. melancholy.” The music of Sibelius
unveils a unique, recognizable sound
From the soloist’s perspective, In the Finnish epic Kalevala, a swan throughout all his works. The Legends
biting percussive effects, physical lives in the Tuoni River located in were completed in a brooding mode.
endurance, and a fine octave Tuonela, the underworld realm of
technique are requirements for many the dead. According to the story, Sibelius “also spoke of fixed
of Prokofiev’s piano works. whoever killed a swan would perish relationships between keys and
as well. Jean Sibelius composed colors,” writes Mäkelä. “As a small
INTERMISSION the Lemminkäinen Suite based on child, Sibelius associated colors with
Kalevala, with the second piece sounds from the piano. Sibelius was
Three Legends entitled Swan of Tuonela (Tuonelan juggling with colors and tones as
from the Kalevala, joutsen). Today, five flying swans though they were colored glass balls.
Op.22 (The are the symbol of the Nordic He made the colors sound and the
Lemminkäinen Countries and the Whooper Swan tones sparkle so that A-Major was
Suite) (Cygnus cygnus) is the national bird blue and C-Major was red, F-Major
of Finland, reads the New World was green, and D-Major was yellow
Jean Sibelius (b. Hämeenlinna, Finland, Encyclopedia. So we can be pretty (more or less).”
December 8, 1865; d. Järvenpää, sure the Whooper Swan is the Swan
Finland, September 20, 1957) of Tuonela! In his biography of Sibelius, Mäkelä
writes in depth not only about
I. Lemminkäinen and the Sibelius viewed these movements the composer but his experiences
Maidens of the Island as a ‘symphonic cycle, or a cantata in Europe visiting Bayreuth,
II. The Swan of Tuonela symphony.’ Was this suite a Germany, for instance, where he was
III. Lemminkäinen’s Homeward ‘symphony,’ a ‘symphonic poem’ or immediately taken with Wagner’s
Journey a ‘tone poem?’ He also wrote that Parsifal and Lohengrin. Sibelius also
the Legends also form a genuine visited the United States where he was
The suite is scored for two flutes (one symphony; this work is simply ‘an awarded an honorary doctorate from
doubling piccolo - two piccolos and independent symphony.’ But it Yale University in 1914. Sibelius was
no flutes in the last Legend), two should be noted that the difference born Johan Julius Christian Sibelius,
oboes (one doubling cor anglais), between this work and his genuine but changed his name to “Jean;” it
two clarinets (one doubling on bass symphonies, is quite different. was his “music name,” he writes.
clarinet), two bassoons, four horns
(in E and F), three trumpets (in E and The Legends received its world Lemminkäinen and the Maidens of
F), three trombones, tuba, timpani, premiere on April 13, 1896, in the Island, Op. 22, No. 1 is based on
triangle, bass drum, cymbals, Helsinki with Sibelius himself “Conquests” of the Kalevala, where
tambourine, harp, and strings. The conducting. He is widely recognized Lemminkäinen travels to an island
violins are divided into eight parts for as his country’s greatest composer and seduces many of the women
The Swan of Tuonela. Performance and, through his music, is often there, before fleeing the rage of the
time is 48 minutes. credited with having helped men on the island.
Finland to develop a national
The Lemminkäinen Suite is a four- identity during its struggle for
movement symphonic poem for independence from Russia.
orchestra completed in 1895 by the
Finnish composer Jean Sibelius; we Tomi Mäkelä, Finnish musicologist,
are hearing three movements tonight. pianist, and professor authored a
The piece was originally conceived biography of Sibelius entitled Jean
as Veneen luominen, an opera with Sibelius (in English translation by
Steven Lindberg). The book presents

www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony 2021-22 Season 27

The poisoned arrow, and he dies. Sibelius writes in his diary:
Swan of Tuonela, Op. 22, No. 2 Author Mäkelä points out that, “I saw swans. One of the greatest
has a prominent and quite beautiful to Finns, ‘tuonela’ means the experiences in my life. What beauty:
cor anglais (English horn) solo. underworld. Tuonela, the land they circled over me for a long time
“An English Horn has a poignant, of death, the Hell of Finnish and disappeared into the hazy sun
beautifully deep-throated tone mythology, is surrounded by a like a silver ribbon, which glittered
color,” writes Karl Haas in his book large river with black waters and a from time to time. Their cries were
Inside Music. “While the instrument rapid current, on which the Swan of of the same woodwind timbre as
is termed a ‘horn,’ it is actually a Tuonela floats majestically, singing. the cranes but without any tremolo.
mezzo-soprano member of the oboe The Swan emerges on a glassy river The swans are closer to trumpets. A
and woodwind family,” he writes. that guards the land of death. But this low suppressed memory of a small
The music paints a transcendental glow is soon extinguished by unearthly child’s cry. Nature’s mystery and
image of a mystical swan swimming desolation. The Swan glides back into life’s melancholy.”
around Tuonela, the island of the the darkness, and its song fades over a
dead. Lemminkäinen has been quiet drum heartbeat in the gloom. Lemminkäinen’s Homeward
tasked with killing the sacred swan, Journey, Op. 22, No. 4 begins with
but on the way he is shot with a Swans meant a great deal to Sibelius, the bassoons which drive into the
and he noted, “A huge bird came main theme creating a great deal of
flying from the north and alighted on energy followed by other winds and
the lake. It was a white swan, resting strings. The work is simply majestic
for a while on its long journey to with repeated ostinato patterns
southern climes. As the sun went swirling into a driving momentum
down the transparent frame of ice following the beauty of The Swan of
gradually approached the solitary bird Tuonela. Hold your breath! This is
from either side.” Sibelius watched an exciting end to this Sibelius work.
the scene until nightfall. He then went
home to compose.

The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra would like to extend a
special thanks to the Candlewood Suites of La Crosse for
providing gracious accommodations to our Music Director.

28 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season

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Just like these musicians, we value
performance, commitment and
passion. These are the qualities that
help us show up every day for those
we have the privilege to serve.

That’s why we’re proud to sponsor
the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra.

30 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season

November 13, 2021 | 7:30 pm

“Heroic Journeys”

Fanfare for the Common Man (1942)

Aaron Copland (1900 - 1990)

In Memoriam: The Colored Soldiers
Who Died for Democracy (1943)

William Grant Still (1895 - 1978)

Armed Forces Salute

Arr. Bob Lowden (1920 - 1998)

Violin Concerto, Op. 14 (1939)

Samuel Barber (1910 – 1981)

I. Allegro
II. Andante III. Presto in moto perpetuo

Elissa Lee Koljonen, violin

INTERMISSION
Death and Transfiguration (Tod und Verklärung)

Richard Strauss (1864 – 1949)
THANK YOU TO OUR

NOVEMBER CONCERT SPONSOR

Thank Dr. David & Patricia
you to our Ludington
Season
Sponsors 2021-22 Season 31

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Recognized
a s one of the most
celebrated violinists
of her generation, Elissa
Lee Koljonen has thrilled
audiences and critics in over
one hundred cities throughout
the world.

Ms. Koljonen initially received international
acclaim when she became the first recipient of
the prestigious Henryk Szeryng Foundation Award
and silver medalist of the Carl Flesch International
Violin Competition. Her playing has been hailed
by the Helsingin Sanomat (Helsinki) as “sparkling,
sensual and personal.” Dan Tucker of the Chicago
Tribune has written that “she displayed boundless
technique and musicianship.”

Ms. Koljonen’s engagements have included a return to
the Philadelphia Orchestra to perform the Shostakovich
Violin Concerto #1, her debut in Spain with James Judd
and the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, performances
with José-Luis Novo and the orchestras in Annapolis and
Binghamton, the Delaware Symphony, Reading Symphony,
the Kimmel Center’s Summer Solstice and the Philadelphia
premiere of Behzad Ranjbaran’s Violin Concerto with
JoAnn Falletta. She has also made appearances with the
Boston Pops, Minnesota Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic and
the symphonies of Baltimore, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit,
Oregon, Pittsburgh, Helsinki and Seoul. Ms. Koljonen has
collaborated with such noted conductors as Mattias Bamert,
James DePriest, Lawrence Foster, Richard Hickox, Neeme
Järvi, Louis Lane, Andrew Litton, Eiji Oue and the late Bryden
Thompson. She has performed in some of the world’s most
important venues, including the Musikverein in Vienna, the
Mozarteum in Salzburg, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam,
the Barbican Centre in London, the Konzerthaus in Berlin,
the Seoul Arts Center, the Symphony Hall in Boston and the
Academy of Music in Philadelphia. Also an avid chamber
musician, Ms. Koljonen appears regularly at festivals

throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Ms. Koljonen is a protégée of the great Aaron Rosand

at the Curtis Institute of Music. Incorporating his

influence, she carries on the legacy and tradition

of Leopold Auer and his legendary school of violin

playing. She garnered critical acclaim for her

debut at the Queen Elisabeth Hall in London

and her appearances with the London Mozart

Players and the Orchestre Philharmonique

November Guest Artist de Monte-Carlo in a special concert

celebrating the 700th anniversary of the
Grimaldi Dynasty.

Elissa Lee Koljonen

violin

3322 wwwwww..lalaccrroosssseessyymmpphhoonnyy..oorrgg 2021-22 Season

NOVEMBER
PROGRAM
NOTES

“Heroic Journeys”

Fanfare for the 1942–43 concert season. A British This work is scored for three flutes
Common Man conductor, during World War I he (with doubling on piccolo), three
(1942) had asked British composers for oboes (with doubling on English
a fanfare to begin each orchestral horn), three clarinets (with doubling
Aaron Copland (b. Brooklyn, New concert. It had been so successful on bass clarinet), two bassoons,
York, November 14, 1900; d. Sleepy that he thought to repeat the four horns, three trumpets, three
Hollow, New York, December 2, procedure in World War II with trombones, tuba, timpani and
1990) American composers.” three percussion instruments, harp,
and strings. Performance time is
This fanfare is written for four horns, Its majestic, hymn-like qualities and approximately six minutes.
three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, somber mood make it the perfect
timpani, bass drum, and tam-tam. piece for occasions of national pride. William Grant Still started violin
Approximate performance time is “It’s slow, it builds up, but it takes a lessons at the age of 15. He taught
three minutes. long while to build up. It’s solemn, himself to play various instruments
moving and very deep,” says Miguel and showed a great interest in music.
Fanfare for the Common Man was Roig-Francolí, professor at the Upon receiving a small amount of
written in 1942 for the Cincinnati University of Cincinnati’s College- money left to him by his father, he
Symphony Orchestra and performed Conservatory of Music. A total of 18 began studying music at the Oberlin
under conductor Eugene Goossens. It fanfares were written for Goossens; Conservatory of Music in Oberlin,
was inspired in part by a speech made however, Copland’s is the only Ohio. He continued to study
earlier that year by then-American one which remains in the standard composition at the New England
Vice President Henry A. Wallace, repertoire. Conservatory in Boston with George
in which Wallace proclaimed the Whitefield Chadwick, whose works
dawning of the “Century of the Goossens stated, “Its title is as depict down-to-earth people.
Common Man.” original as its music.” And Aaron
Copland later wrote, “The challenge Grove’s Dictionary of Music and
Copland, in his autobiography, wrote was to compose a traditional fanfare, Musicians, Fifth Edition reads,
of the request, “Eugene Goossens, direct and powerful, yet with a “William Grant Still finished his studies
conductor of the Cincinnati contemporary sound.” The fanfare, under composer Edgard Varèse.”
Symphony Orchestra, had written to while a separate work, is also used as LSO audiences will later learn that
me at the end of August about an idea a theme in the fourth movement of Carl Ruggles also studied with Varèse,
he wanted to put into action for the Copland’s Symphony No. 3.

In Memoriam:
The Colored
Soldiers
Who
Died for
Democracy
(1943)

William Grant Still (b.
Woodville, Mississippi, May 11,
1895; d. Los Angeles, California,
December 3, 1978)

www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony 2021-22 Season 33

a French-born American composer is composed “with simplicity and Pepperdine University, the New
and innovator in 20th-century feeling” as Olin Downes of the New England Conservatory of Music, the
techniques of sound production. York Times reviewed it. Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore,
“Under the influence of Varèse, Still and the University of Southern
began by writing extremely advance In Memoriam: The Colored California. He was posthumously
and experimental music, but later he Soldiers Who Died for Democracy awarded the 1982 Mississippi
clarified his idiom. During the Second was premiered by the New York Institute of Arts and Letters Award
World War he produced several Philharmonic in 1944 under Artur for music composition for his opera A
works of a fervently patriotic nature,” Rodzinski to much critical acclaim. Bayou Legend.
continues the Grove’s Dictionary of A review in the New Yorker called it
Music and Musicians. “one of the most successful works When the prolific African-American
on war themes commissioned by composer died at age 83 in 1978, he
At the same time, the composer earned the League of Composers.” John was little known outside specialized
his living by playing in orchestras Briggs of the New York Post wrote, circles, and his music — including
and scoring. He won the Harmon “Mr. Still may well become the symphonies, ballets and operas —
Award in 1928 and a Guggenheim American Tchaikovsky.” little performed. According to The
Fellowship in 1934; moreover, he Cambridge History of American
was the first Afro-American to write In Memoriam: The Colored Soldiers Music, “No composer plummeted
a symphony, and the first to conduct Who Died for Democracy received from authentic prominence to an
an important American orchestra. its Cleveland premiere with The eclipse more total than endured by
In 1936, Still conducted the Los Cleveland Orchestra under conductor William Grant Still.”
Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at George Szell in his first season as
the Hollywood Bowl. music director, 1946-47. Earlier, Yet, a recent article in The New York
Szell also served as guest conductor Times by Seth Colter Walls which
“In 1944 he won the prize for the best of the Boston Symphony where he discusses a summer performance in St.
overture in a competition organized by presented the Boston premiere of Louis of an opera by Still reads, “Thanks
the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra,” In Memoriam: The Colored Soldiers to his rich catalog of symphonic and
continues Grove’s Dictionary of Music Who Died for Democracy in January chamber music, Still was widely known
and Musicians, Fifth Edition. 1945. Later, composer Still received as the pathbreaking dean of Black
a grant for a work from Cleveland’s American composers. Still’s voice –
Still also arranged music for films, Kulas Foundation entitled Poem for simply historically, because of when
which included Pennies from Heaven Orchestra. E. J. Kulas served as Vice he lived, what he did, and what he
(the 1936 film starring Bing Crosby President of the board and trustee accomplished – needs to be heard.”
and Madge Evans) and Lost Horizon of the Musical Arts Association, the
(the 1937 film starring Ronald parent of The Cleveland Orchestra. Armed
Colman, Jane Wyatt and Sam Jaffe). Forces Salute
Earlier, Still was playing in the pit for Szell continued to champion
the Broadway musical Shuffle Along. Still’s music and programmed the Arr. Bob Lowden (b. Camden, New
work for a Cleveland Orchestra Jersey, July 23, 1920; d. Medford,
He was awarded a commission by the European tour in 1965. An New Jersey, October 30, 1998)
League of Composers for a piece on orchestra member, cellist Donald
a patriotic theme during World War White, was quoted in George Szell –
II. According to Still, “His thoughts A Life of Music by Michael Charry,
turned to the colored soldiers around “Szell made an effort to program
the world.” He had served in World music that was really representative
War I in the U. S. Navy and would of American composers.”
have been cognizant of the particular
challenges faced by black soldiers. In 1949, William Grant Still received
a citation for Outstanding Service to
He titled his piece In Memoriam: American Music from the National
The Colored Soldiers Who Died Association for American Composers
for Democracy, emphasizing the and Conductors. In 1976, his home
often-overlooked sacrifices of non- in Los Angeles was designated a
white soldiers in the war. The piece Historic-Cultural Monument. Still
is solemn and is based on a black was awarded honorary doctorates
spiritual theme with a fanfare – a from Oberlin College, Wilberforce
blend of Afro-American music with University, Howard University, Bates
European classical idiom. The piece College, the University of Arkansas,

34 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season

To honor our veterans of the armed Violin Concerto, by violinist Baumel with the Curtis
forces for Veterans Day, we feature a Op. 14 (1939) Institute Symphony Orchestra
piece that’s a favorite: Armed Forces under conductor Fritz Reiner. That
Salute, arranged by Bob Lowden. This Samuel Barber (b. West Chester, performance brought the piece to
is a wonderful medley of service songs Pennsylvania, March 9, 1910; d. the further attention of Eugene
including The Caisson Song (Army), New York City, New York, January Ormandy, who soon scheduled
Semper Paratus (Coast Guard), The 23, 1981) its official premiere in a pair of
Marines’ Hymn, The Air Force Song, performances with violinist Albert
and Anchors Aweigh (Navy). I. Allegro Spalding and the Philadelphia
II. Andante Orchestra in the Academy of Music
While there are many pieces similar III. Presto in moto perpetuo in February 1941. LSO audiences
to tonight’s work, this one is often may remember that it was Fritz
felt to be the best because of the Elissa Lee Reiner who also gave the premiere
smooth transitions between pieces, Koljonen, violin of Copland’s Clarinet Concerto.
flowing organically into one another. Samuel Barber was one of Reiner’s
In fact, it has been written about the The work is scored for violin solo, two best known conducting students
work, “Lowden spreads the melody flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two at Curtis, right along with Leonard
around among instrumental sections bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, Bernstein and the film composer,
throughout with major melodies and timpani, percussion, pianoforte, and Nino Rota. According to Reiner’s
countermelodies in the piece.” The strings. Approximate performance biography, Fritz Reiner, Maestro
short melodic tunes are easy to spot at time is 25 minutes. and Martinet, “Reiner followed
the beginning of the piece, including Barber’s career and conducted his
phrases from Columbia - the Gem of In 1939, Philadelphia industrialist music, even programming several of
the Ocean and America the Beautiful. Samuel Simeon Fels commissioned Barber’s works later with the Chicago
We also hear When Johnny Comes Samuel Barber to write a violin Symphony Orchestra when Reiner
Marching Home. concerto for Iso Briselli, Barber’s served as its music director.”
classmate from the Curtis Institute
Robert William “Bob” Lowden, an of Music. Those initial performances by the
internationally known arranger and Philadelphia Orchestra were followed
composer, was one of the best known The first performance was a small, on February 11, 1941, by a repeat
modern day arrangers for orchestra, but successful, event. Barber (who performance in Carnegie Hall, and
bands, and jazz bands. His works was teaching at the Curtis Institute at from that point, the piece rapidly
not only encompass professional that point) invited a Curtis student, entered the standard violin and
orchestras, film, and recordings, but violinist Herbert Baumel, to join him orchestral repertoire, and has become
he was a major contributor of musical as he accompanied the soloist on the one of the most frequently performed
arrangements for American’s college piano. In the small audience was Gian of all 20th-century concertos.
and high school performers. He was Carlo Menotti, Mary Louise Curtis
also in demand as a clinician and Bok (founder of the Curtis Institute), Barber provided these
adjudicator of instrumental festivals. and Edith Braun, a friend of Mrs. program notes for the
Appropriately, during World War Bok. In his letters Barber writes, “My premiere performance:
II, he served as a trombonist in the friends liked it, and so did I.”
Military Music Chapel of the 322th The first movement—allegro
United States Army in Fort Dix. Additionally, in early 1940 there molto moderato—begins with a
was another private performance lyrical first subject announced at
once by the solo violin, without
any orchestral introduction.
This movement as a whole has
perhaps more the character of a
sonata than concerto form. The
second movement—andante
sostenuto—is introduced by an
extended oboe solo. The violin
enters with a contrasting and
rhapsodic theme, after which it
repeats the oboe melody of the
beginning. The last movement,
a perpetuum mobile, exploits
the more brilliant and virtuosic
character of the violin.

www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony 2021-22 Season 35

“Perhaps the best known of those He was president of the International set entitled Richard Strauss: A Critical
American composers working Music Council of UNESCO. He Commentary on his Life and Works.
within the ‘mainstream,’ Barber worked to bring attention to and
has consistently produced works amend adverse conditions facing “The ‘transfiguration theme’ – found
in a traditional idiom, highly lyric, musicians and musical organizations in Death and Transfiguration—
definitely tonal, and only occasionally worldwide. Barber was also symbolizes the transfiguration and
unsettling in their dissonances,” influential in the successful campaign fulfilment of the soul after death,”
reads Contemporary Composers on by composers against ASCAP (the continues Del Mar.
Contemporary Music. “His music is American Society of Composers,
allied to the traditions of European Authors, and Publishers), the goal of Early in his career, Richard Strauss
Romanticism; his background and which was to increase royalties paid met a violinist who convinced the
training are identified with Italian to composers. young composer that a literary idea
Opera and vocal music in general.” could inspire an instrumental work.
INTERMISSION Strauss responded with a series of
In fact, Barber had at one time brilliant tone poems for orchestra:
prepared for a career as a singer, and Death and Macbeth, Don Juan, and Death and
composed a great deal of vocal music. Transfiguration Transfiguration
His aunt, Metropolitan contralto (Tod und
Louise Homer, regularly sang lead Verklärung), The literary inspiration for Death
roles alongside the great tenor Enrico Op. 24 and Transfiguration was authored
Caruso. Barber had been attending by Strauss himself describing the last
serious opera performances since Richard Strauss (b. Munich, hours of a man—presumably an artist—
he was six. So it was not surprising Germany, June 11, 1864; d. who had striven for the highest ideals.
that at age seventeen, he was deep Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany ,
in the study of composition, piano September 8, 1949) The sick man lies in his
and singing at the Curtis Institute of bed breathing heavily and
Music in Philadelphia. Yet, his first The work calls for two flutes with irregularly in his sleep.
love was composing even as he writes, piccolo, two oboes with English Friendly dreams bring a smile
“How grateful I am to my former horn, two clarinets with bass clarinet, to his face; his sleep grows
teacher, Emilio de Gogorza, who two bassoons with contrabassoon, lighter; he awakens.
taught me so much about singing.” four horns, three trumpets, three
trombones, timpani, tam-tam, two Fearful pains once more begin
Principally influenced by nine years harps, and strings. The performance to torture him, fever shakes
of composition studies with Rosario lasts about 25 minutes. his body.
Scalero at the Curtis Institute of
Music, Barber also had more than The premiere of this tone poem When the attack is over and
twenty-five years of study with his in 1890 instantly appealed. “This the pain recedes, he recalls
uncle, the composer Sidney Homer, work became internationally known his past life. His childhood
who composed many songs. and established Richard Strauss as a passes before his eyes; his
leading modernist composer,” writes youth with its strivings and
Barber received numerous awards Norman Del Mar in his three volume passions; and then, when the
and prizes, including the Rome Prize, pain returns, there appears
two Pulitzer Prizes, the Henry Hadley to him the goal of his life’s
Medal (1958), and the Gold Medal for journey – the idea, the
Music at the American Academy and ideal which he attempted to
Institute of Arts and Letters (1976). embody in his art, but which
He was elected to the American he was unable to perfect
Academy of Arts and Letters and, as because such perfection could
a Fellow, to the American Academy be achieved by no man.
of Arts and Sciences in 1961.
Barber was also awarded the Edward The fatal hour arrives. The
MacDowell Medal in 1980 by the soul leaves his body, to
MacDowell Colony for outstanding discover the eternal cosmos:
contribution to the arts. the magnificent realization of
the ideal which could not be
In addition to composing, Barber was fulfilled here below.
active in organizations that sought to
help musicians and promote music.

36 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season

On his own deathbed, Strauss disagree and reflect that he is, indeed, literary program closely, dividing the
whispered, “Dying is just as a first-rate composer! tone poem into four sections,” writes
I composed it in Death and Del Mar.
Transfiguration.” But Del Mar, in Richard Strauss: A
Critical Commentary on His Life and The first details the sickroom and the
Strauss died in his Garmisch home Works, writes: “His father was Franz irregular heartbeat along with the
from heart failure on September Strauss, a well-known and highly distressed sighs of the man and artist.
8, 1949. His Garmisch villa was respected horn player in the Munich
declared a historic site by the State Court Orchestra and professor at the The second segment, in a faster
of Bavaria on September 30, 1949, Royal School of Music.” The young tempo, is a portrayal of his
exactly one week after the founding Strauss eagerly began his musical intense suffering.
of the Federal Republic of Germany. studies with piano lessons at the
Harold C. Schonberg writing in his age of four and later began to study A slower section, tenderly
book The Great Conductors states the violin. Del Mar continues, “In representing the artist’s memory of
that Georg Solti – former conductor 1876, the twelve-year-old schoolboy his life, is broken off suddenly with
of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra completed his earliest orchestral the return of the violent music from
– directed an orchestra playing for score, Festival March, which is still the second part. The painful struggle
Strauss’s funeral and burial. the first work of the composer known ends in death, signified by the sound
generally to the world at large.” of a gong.
Richard Strauss himself declared in
1947 with characteristic modesty, What to Listen For The final hymn-like section depicts
“I may not be a first-rate composer, the artist’s vision of ultimate
but I am a first-class second-rate “Strauss considered the plot vital beauty as he is transfigured into
composer.” Some of us would to the understanding of the piece. part of the “eternal cosmos.”
He followed his scenario, the

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40 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season

December 17 and 18, 2021 | 7:30 pm

“An Old World Holiday”

Katherine Weber, soprano

Aaron Schwartz, violin
La Crosse Symphony Orchestra
La Crosse Area Youth Symphony Orchestra
Randy Mastin, Director

LEROY ANDERSON: A Christmas Festival
(1908 – 1975)

LUCAS RICHMAN: THANK YOU TO OUR
Hanukkah Festival Overture DECEMBER CONCERT
(b. 1964)
SPONSORS
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART:
“Alleluja” from Exsultate, jubilate, K.165
(1756 – 1791)

ADOLPHE ADAM: O Holy Night
(1803 – 1856)

MAX REGER: Mary’s Cradle Song
(1873 – 1916)

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH /CHARLES GOUNOD: Ave Maria
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750); Charles Gounod (1818 - 1893)

MATTHEW RILEY: We Three Kings

RICHARD RODGERS:
“My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music
(1902 – 1979)

FRANZ LEHÁR: “Vilja Song” from The Merry Widow
(1870 – 1948)

INTERMISSION

ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK: Selections from Hansel and Gretel

(1854 – 1921)

Prelude JOHN FINNEGAN: Audience Christmas Sing-
Witch’s Ride Along including “Rock of Ages”
Sandman’s Song (1926 - 2007)
Evening Prayer

Dream Pantomime

Thank Dr. David & Patricia
you to our Ludington
Season
Sponsors

www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony 2021-22 Season 41

Soprano
Katherine Weber
made her company
debut in the title role of
lolanta with Chicago Opera
Theater in the fall of 2018,
where she was described
by Opera News as “gleaming,
responsive soprano distinguished
by an incisive thrust in the upper
register and a very individual
splash of citrus in the timbre that was
particularly appealing.”

She also returned to Du Page Opera performing the
role of Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus and finished the
season with a concert performance of Nedda in Pagliacci
with MIOpera. Katherine’s 2019-2020 began with a series
of summer pops concerts with the New Philharmonic
and Northwest Indiana Orchestras, before she joins them
as the soprano soloist for Beethoven’s 9th Symphony in
September and October. In 2020 she will be performing the
role of Valencienne in The Merry Widow with Du Page Opera,
and as the soprano soloist in Carmina Burana. She will also
be traveling to the Netherlands where she will be performing
the famous Tatyana’s Letter Scene from Eugene Onegin by
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky with the Noord Nederland Orkest.
This summer Katherine will be traveling to England where she
will be performing selections by Beethoven in a Beethoven
celebration. The rest of 2020 she will be performing a Musical
Theater gala with Wisconsin Philharmonic and Poulenc’s Gloria
with La Crosse Symphony Orchestra.

A decorated award winner, Katherine has been a regional
finalist at the Metropolitan Opera National Council
Auditions twice (2017, 2015), in addition to winning multiple
encouragement awards. She has also been the recipient
of the Award of Excellence and the Lew Cady Memorial

Award, both from Central City Opera, the Bain Fellowship
from Indiana University, and was a two time winner from
the Schubert Club Competition.

Katherine graduated from the prestigious Jacobs School
of Music at Indiana University, where she studied with
Costanza Cuccaro. For her performance of Hanna

Glawari in The Merry Widow, the Herald Times said she
“soared” and “danced nimbly.” Other performances at
Indiana include Catherine in A View from the Bridge

and Suor Genovieffa in Suor Angelica.

December Guest Artist Originally from Holmen, Wisconsin, Katherine
is a proud graduate of Viterbo University in
Katherine Weber
La Crosse, Wisconsin. While completing her
soprano Bachelor’s of Music in Voice, she continued to
be active as a dancer, in which she has more
than twelve years experience in jazz, ballet,
pointe, and tap.

To read a complete bio and
learn more please visit www.
katherinewebersoprano.com/

4422 wwwwww.l.alaccrroossseessyymmpphhoonnyy.o.orrgg 2021-22 Season

DECEMBER
PROGRAM
NOTES

“An Old World Holiday”

A Christmas Hanukkah This religious solo motet was written
Festival Festival Overture for the castrato Venanzio Rauzzini,
whose voice Mozart very much
Leroy Anderson (b. Cambridge, Lucas Richman (b. January 31, 1964) admired. Its first performance by
Massachusetts, June 29, 1908; d. Rauzzini took place during morning
Woodbury, Connecticut, May 18, 1975) Hanukkah Festival Overture church services at the Theatine
composed by Lucas Richman is a Church on January 17, 1773, while
Leroy Anderson was an American piece based on the traditional tunes the castrato tenor was still singing
composer of short, light concert that mark the celebration of the in Mozart’s opera during evening
pieces, many of which were Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, also performances at the opera house. In
introduced by the Boston Pops known as the Festival of Lights. The modern times, the motet is sung by a
Orchestra under the direction of festival is observed by lighting one female soprano. Mozart made some
Arthur Fiedler. The American film candle each day on a nine-branch revisions around 1780, and a revised
composer John Williams described candelabrum, called a menorah. One version was intended for Christmas-
Anderson as “one of the great branch is typically placed above or time performances.
American masters of light orchestral below the others and its candle is
music.” Anderson studied piano used to light the other eight candles. O Holy Night
at the New England Conservatory, Hanukkah is celebrated with a series
and in 1925 he entered Harvard of rituals that are performed every Adolphe Adam (b. Paris, France, July 24,
University, where he studied musical day throughout the eight-day holiday. 1803; d. Paris, France, May 3, 1856)
harmony with Professor Walter This year, 2021, Hanukkah begins
Piston, an American composer who the evening of Sunday, November O Holy Night is a timeless Christmas
taught many well-known composers 28, and ends sundown on Monday, carol composed by Adolphe Adam in
and conductors including Leonard December 6. 1847 to the French poem “Minuit,
Bernstein and Samuel Adler. At chrétiens” (Midnight, Christians) by
Harvard University Graduate School, The overture incorporates six specific poet Placide Cappeau (1808–1877).
Anderson continued studying with tunes that speak either of the miracle The carol reflects on the birth of
Piston and with Romanian violinist of the oil that burned seven days Jesus as humanity’s redemption. The
and composer Georges Enescu, longer than expected or that illustrate music was then released under the
earning a Master of Arts in Music the manner in which the holiday is name Cantique de Noel. Adolphe
degree in 1930. celebrated today. The Pacific Adam was a French composer who
Symphony Orchestra commissioned wrote primarily operas and ballets,
this work in 1994. On his website, including the opera Giselle. A noted
Mr. Richman describes the work: “A teacher, he taught many influential
rousing piece based on the traditional composers including Léo Delibes.
tunes that mark the celebration of the
Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. This O holy night, the stars
work has been performed by over 300 are brightly shining,
orchestras since 1994.” It is the night of the
dear Savior’s birth.
“Alleluja”
from Exsultate,
jubilate, K.165

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (b.
Salzburg, Austria, January 27, 1756 ;
d. Vienna, Austria, December 5, 1791)

www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony 2021-22 Season 43

Mary’s Cradle Ave Maria My Favorite
Song, Op. 76, Things/Do Re
No. 52 Johann Sebastian Bach (b. Eisenach, Mi from The
Germany, March 21, 1685; d. Leipzig, Sound of Music
Max Reger (b. Brand, Bavaria, March Germany, July 28, 1750)
19, 1873; d. Leipzig, Saxony, May Charles Gounod (b. Paris, France, June Richard Rodgers (b. New York City,
11, 1916) 17, 1818; d. Paris, France, October New York, June 28, 1902; d. New
17, 1893) York City, New York, Dec. 30, 1979)
Max Reger (Johann Baptist Joseph
Maximilian Reger) was a German Ave Maria by Bach/Gounod is a Richard Rodgers was an American
composer, pianist, organist, popular and much-recorded setting composer of more than 900 songs
conductor, and teacher. Originally of the Latin text Ave Maria, originally and 43 Broadway musicals and
published in 1912, Reger composed published in 1853 as Méditation also composed music for films
his Mary’s Cradle Christmas song sur le Premier Prélude de Piano de and television. He is best known
for solo voice; words were written J. S. Bach. The piece consists of a for his songwriting partnerships
by Martin Boelit. Reger composed melody by the French Romantic with the lyricists Lorenz Hart and
an enormous output in just over composer Charles Gounod that he Oscar Hammerstein II. Rodgers’
25 years, nearly always in abstract superimposed over an only slightly compositions have had a significant
forms, and his work was well known changed version of the Prelude No. impact on popular music up to the
in Germany during his lifetime. 1 in C Major, BWV 846, from Book present day, and have an enduring
Additionally, Reger was a prolific I of J. S. Bach’s The Well-Tempered broad appeal. He was the first person
writer of designated vocal works, Clavier, written 137 years earlier. to win what are considered the top
Lieder, works for mixed chorus, show business awards in television,
men’s chorus and female chorus, We Three Kings recording, movies and Broadway—an
and extended choral works with for Violin and Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a
orchestra. He also wrote music to Orchestra Tony—now known collectively as an
texts by poets, such as the song we EGOT. He has also won a Pulitzer
will hear tonight. Matthew Riley Prize. Rodgers collaborated with
Oscar Hammerstein II to create the
Reger worked as a concert pianist, This exciting, beautiful, and songs for The Sound of Music.
a musical director at the Leipzig cinematic arrangement of a Christmas
University Church, and as a theory classic showcases a violin soloist “Vilja Song”
professor at the Royal Conservatory with piano and string orchestra. It from The
in Leipzig. He had also been active is a thrilling work for any holiday Merry Widow
internationally as a conductor and program! Matthew (Matt) Riley is
pianist. Among Reger’s music an award-winning composer and Franz Lehár (b. Komárno, Slovakia ,
theory and composition students arranger based in Minneapolis where April 30, 1870; d. Salzburg, Austria,
was George Szell (former conductor he lives with his wife and three October 24, 1948)
of The Cleveland Orchestra children. Riley’s wide body of work
and who, as LSO audiences will includes original compositions for The Merry Widow (German: Die lustige
remember, championed the works radio and TV commercials, scores and Witwe) is an operetta by the Austro-
of William Grant Still). “I admired orchestrations for TV shows, scores Hungarian composer Franz Lehár. The
Reger’s wonderful workmanship,” for multiple documentary films, librettists, Viktor Léon and Leo Stein,
remembered Szell about his teacher and hundreds of arrangements and based the story – concerning a rich
in George Szell, A Life of Music by orchestrations of songs for churches widow, and her countrymen’s attempt
Michael Charry. “Reger’s class in and recording artists. to keep her money in the principality
analysis proved ‘unforgettable’; in by finding her the right husband –
particular an analysis of Bruckner’s Riley writes about his philosophy of on an 1861 comedy play, L’attaché
Eighth Symphony was profound,” music, “I want to move and inspire d’ambassade (The Embassy Attaché)
Szell continued. “And when Reger audiences and musicians alike with by Henri Meilhac. Lehár completed
played the piano, one heard a most my music. My mission in life is to the score in only a few months. Earlier
velvety touch and greatest delicacy share things that I find beautiful, sad, in his career, he studied at the Prague
in the treatment of the instrument awe-inspiring, euphoric, and sublime Conservatory, where his mentors
I have ever experienced.” The New with the world.” included Antonín Dvořák.
York Times in an article stated that
Arnold Schoenberg was an admirer of
Reger’s and considered him a genius.

44 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season

Die lustige Witwe was first performed in which Hansel and Gretel happily had he not possessed a most intimate
at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna fell asleep. Now this old woman was sympathy with and knowledge of
on December 30, 1905. It was a major really a witch. After discovering this, his native German folk-lore. He has
success, receiving good reviews, the children ran away and found their made frequent and appropriate use
and ran for 483 performances. The way back home to their father, whose of German folk-songs in writing the
Merry Widow ushered in a new era of wife, their stepmother, had recently opera score. Everything is handled
operettas in which the waltz was used passed away. The children’s troubles with a captivating lightness and
for romantic plot purposes and was were ended, and the little family lived delicacy perfectly suited to the story.”
danced as much as sung. This aria is a together happily ever after.
well-known selection from the score. Hansel and Gretel has many memorable
“Vilja Song” takes place in Act II. It Humperdinck’s opera Hansel and and “whistle-able” tunes, while
is an old folk song about a mythical Gretel “has a fairy-tale charm to it,” Humperdinck showed a good sense
forest fairy that enchants hunters. writes Boris Goldovsky in My Road of theater, too. That is why “his fame
With its folk-inspired melody and to Opera. “In fact, we have to imagine rose quickly, mainly on the strength
floated high ‘Bs,’ it is a favorite of the that the role of Gretel – while sung of this single opera,” reads Grove’s
soprano repertoire. by an opera soprano – is a little girl. Dictionary of Music and Musicians,
The opera singer’s task is sufficiently Third Edition. Earlier in his career, “…
INTERMISSION difficult, and we must do all we at the invitation of Richard Wagner,
can to make it as easy as possible,” Humperdinck went to Bayreuth and
Selections Goldovsky continues in his second served as his assistant during 1880-81
from Hansel book, Bringing Opera to Life. in the preparation for the production
and Gretel of Parsifal.” No wonder Hansel and
So let’s close our eyes and imagine Gretel captivated all music-lovers, soon,
Engelbert Humperdinck (b. Siegburg, the children, Hansel and Gretel, who all around the world – Humperdinck
Germany, September 1, 1854; Neustrelitz, are lost in the woods. Let’s listen to had great on-the-job training from the
Germany, September 27, 1921 ) the orchestra perform (‘Prelude’) the opera master!
first sample of musical themes for the
Prelude performance. Then hear the ‘Witch’s On November 25, 1905 the opera
Witch’s Ride Ride’ in which the wicked witch – the was premiered at the Metropolitan
Sandman’s Song old woman – is portrayed. Opera in New York City, with
Evening Prayer the composer in attendance. The
Dream Pantomime Now imagine the point when Hansel popularity of Hansel and Gretel
and Gretel realize they are lost; they quickly established its status
Hansel and Gretel, Excerpts from kneel down and fold their hands in as a Christmastime children’s
The Tall Book of Fairy Tales by prayer (‘Evening Prayer’). Next is a entertainment. It had already made
Eleanor Graham Vance melody that almost puts you to sleep Humperdinck a celebrity in the world
(‘Sandman’s Song’) followed by of opera, even before the composer
Near a great forest in a little cottage ‘Dream Pantomine’. came to New York to supervise the
there lived, long ago, a poor wood- Met premiere.
cutter and his wife, who was the Hansel and Gretel was
stepmother of his two children. The Humperdinck’s first opera – and it was a The first Metropolitan Opera radio
boy was named Hansel, and the girl great success. The opera was premiered broadcast of Hansel and Gretel took
Gretel. The family was very poor at the Hoftheater, in Weimar, Germany, place on Christmas Day in 1931,
having scarcely enough bread and on December 23, 1893, with none other and introduced opera to a vast new
porridge; yet, the family went off on than Richard Strauss conducting. The audience continues The Golden
a walk into the woods. Deep in the libretto was written by Humperdinck’s Horseshoe – The Life and Times of
forest, the wood-cutter built a fire for sister, Adelheid Wette, and the source the Metropolitan Opera House.
the children to stay and rest. Their material came from the Grimms’ fairy
eyes grew tired and they fell asleep. tales, writes Sir Denis Forman in A Night A Christmas
When they awoke, they walked at the Opera. “Richard Strauss called Sing-Along
around until they came to a little it a ‘masterpiece,’ and the work was including “Rock
house in the woods. produced all over Germany, especially at of Ages”
Christmas,” Forman continues.
The door opened and a little old John Finnegan (b. 1926, Salem,
woman came out. She kindly invited According to The Victor Book Massachusetts; d. January 2, 2007,
them indoors giving them a nice of the Opera, Tenth Edition, Milford, Massachusetts)
dinner. After they had eaten, she “Humperdinck could not have
showed them two little white beds, captured so well the spirit of the story,

www.facebook.com/lacrossesymphony 2021-22 Season 45

John Finnegan received his several band publications. A highlight with everyone. “Rock of Ages” is a
bachelor’s and master’s degrees of Mr. Finnegan’s career was new addition this year. Join in the
in Music from Harvard University guest conducting the Boston Pops merriment because a copy of the
and went on to Boston University Orchestra at the twenty-fifth reunion words of this sing-along is provided!!
for additional studies. He attended of his Harvard class.
the Berkshire Music Center at • Jingle Bells
Tanglewood and was a pupil of This work is a traditional Christmas • Joy to the World
Boston Symphony Orchestra bass Sing-along for Orchestra and • It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
player, George Moleaux. He also Audience. Yes, singing this is a • Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
played in the Springfield Symphony delightful way to start the Holiday • Silent Night
Orchestra. Finnegan’s orchestral season. With all the Holiday carols • Away in a Manger
and band arrangements include many of us remember learning in our • Rock of Ages
more than twenty-five scores for the childhood, the sing-a-long is sure • Deck the Halls
Harvard University Band and for to be enjoyable when harmonizing • O Come, All Ye Faithful

10 reasons why we need music. . .
1 To celebrate. 8 To educate us.
2 To play. 5 To increase creativity. 9 To experience a
3 To entertain us. 6 To bring happiness. valued art form.
7 To experience community. 1 0 For music’s sake.

4 To perform better.

CORPORATE EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN 2021-22 Season

Nancy Flottmeyer • WBNEventGroup.com • 608.780.8022

46 www.lacrossesymphony.org

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We check
all the
boxes!

O PartLSner Let us help you:
Make more money
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ick Record MAYO CLINIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

DRDick Record Kaplan
Professional
Dick Record

Announcing... KRSaVViyJPeciMtanehMOSrnubeaceoemrNAhUSdrSnpoJoSiavoRreOeOlnirieasdnsitRlcoRyeerorSr&d:

The 23rd Annual We are
celebrating our
RICHARD RECORD 23rd competition.

RISING Six students will be selected to
STARS perform in the semi-finals along
with the top four moving on to
CONCERTO compete in the final competition
during the LSO’s March concert. In
COMPETITION addition to the prize monies being
SEMI-FINALS awarded at the March concert,
there will also be two $500 prizes
January 15th, 2022 awarded to the two semi-finalists
3:30 p.m. who do not advance to the finals.

FREE AND OPEN
TO THE PUBLIC!

$6500 IN CASH PRIZES
including:

$2000 Grand Prize

$1500 Second Prize

$1000 Honorable Mentions Prizes
(2 awarded)

The competition is open to
high school students from WI,
MN and IA ages 14 to 18.

Application, repertoire list,
competition rules and entry

deadline are available at:
www.lacrossesymphony.org/
outreach/rising-star-concerto-

competition/

MAJOR SPONSOR: Richard Record For more information,
1ST PLACE: Dick Schroeder Memorial Janet Roth at
2ND PLACE: Jane Saline Memorial [email protected]

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Jay & Dawn Jaehnke and Jan & Thomas Brock
$500 SEMI-FINALS AWARD: John Bolstad and Bill Koutsky

Don’t miss this FREE Symphony event!!
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50 www.lacrossesymphony.org 2021-22 Season