Tand for a Word Or Idea

What’s coming up at the Young People’s Concerts?

Saturday, April 13, 2:00pm Saturday, May 25, 2:00pm he world of music is endlessly varied, every culture developing MusicMusic T its unique sounds. This season, we explore how composers have WithWith . World’s^ expressed their cultures through FFiestaiesta. the orchestra—and how some have AnAn Fair explored other cultures as well. Along the way we will hear some of the most colorful and exciting music TuSATURDAY,n JANUARYe 26, 2013Up! AccentAccent ever created for the orchestra. Welcome to the Young People’s Concerts®! antastical stories happen in fantastical places. That’s what China Asian and Japan were to people in Europe and America—until composers The Art of Writing Horizons F began to hear real Asian music. Then the Asian’s respect for nature, stillness, and the qualities of sounds themselves began to be heard in composers like Debussy and Ravel. At the same time, Asian composers fell In China, calligraphy — the art of fine handwriting—has been in love with the Western orchestra. Join our journey, in the footsteps of the explorer Marco Polo, in practice for thousands of years. Through calligraphy, Chinese to discover how East and West have come together to revitalize orchestra music.

characters— or symbols representing words— come alive. THE PROGRAM

LI HUANZHI Spring Festival Overture JOSHUA WEILERSTEIN conductor Some Chinese characters are pictograms, PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY “Chinese Dance” from The Nutcracker THEODORE WIPRUD host pictures that stand for a word or idea. TRADITIONAL “Jasmine Flower,” “Mongolian Horse Race” MUSIC FROM CHINA MAURICE RAVEL “Laideronette” from Mother Goose Suite JAYCAMPBELL cello Can you match the words below with the TAN DUN “Silk Road Encounters” from Crouching Tiger Concerto ADAM ALEXANDER actor correct pictograms? TORUTAKEMITSU “The Night” from Toward the Sea TOM DULACK scriptwriter and director River Mountain CLAUDEDEBUSSY “Dialogue between the wind and the sea” from La Mer Fire Rain TheArtofTea ea drinking—dating back at least 12,000 years Tree Sun in China—is an important practice throughout T Asia and across the globe. The Ancient Tea Forest Horse Road (also called the Southern Silk Road) distributed tea across China and South Asia, while trade routes were established for the export of tea to Japan, Europe, and Russia. Silk Road Ancient Tea Horse Road

Many different cultures have their own, distinct rituals and “art” of preparing tea. But they serve and drink tea for many of the same reasons: to commune with friends, show respect to guests, uphold long traditions, and take a break and enjoy a moment MetLife Foundation is the Lead Corporate Underwriter for the New York Philharmonic’s Education Programs. of quiet contemplation. Major support provided by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, with additional support from The Theodore H. Barth Foundation and the Rose M. Badgeley Residuary Charitable Trust. Japanese Tea Ceremony Tune Up! is made possible by an endowment in the name of Lillian Butler Davey. About the Composers About the Artists

(1919–2000) oshua Weilerstein became a New York Philharmonic Assistant Li Huanzhi Toru Takemitsu (1930-1996) Conductor in May 2011 after completing his graduate studies in i Huanzhi was a leading Chinese composer who adopted the Western orchestra as his preferred medium. J conducting and violin at the New England Conservatory. He has oru Takemitsu was the first Japanese Born in Hong Kong, he studied and worked in Mainland China. After the founding of the People’s Republic conducted numerous internationally acclaimed orchestras in the United composer to be celebrated in the West. of China, he was appointed to lead some of the nation’s most important music institutions. States and abroad. In the 2012–13 season, Mr. Weilerstein returns to L TLargely self-taught, Takemitsu was deeply the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Toronto Symphony, and Royal Stockholm “Spring Festival” is the term used in China for what Westerners call “Chinese New Year.” In the tradi- influenced by Debussy and combined the French Philharmonic. In 2007 the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela (SBYO) tional Chinese calendar it marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring and is celebrated composer’s insights into orchestral color with engaged Mr. Weilerstein as a violin soloist, and in January 2010 he made his guest conducting with special food, dances, and gifts. From the very first note of Li’s Spring Festival Overture, Japanese traditions, instruments, and philosophy. debut with the SBYO. Currently living in New York, he also serves as concertmaster of Discovery the radiant sound is infused with the spirit of dance—bright-sounding, ornamented melodies Takemitsu believed music needed freedom to Ensemble, a Boston-based chamber orchestra dedicated to bringing music to in the flute and piccolo are punctuated by the brass and underscored by percussion Marco Polo breathe and that silence was as important as children in schools and community concerts. throughout. A contrasting middle section is lyrical and pensive with a beautiful melody Born in Italy in 1254, Marco Polo explored further sound. He also strove to create a universal by the oboe. While the work is based on celebrations from a specific region in northwest China, music with no boundaries. Shortly before heodore Wiprud, Vice President, Education, The Sue B. Mercy Spring Festival Overture has become immensely popular throughout China. into China than any Westerner before him. As a boy in he died he wrote that he wished to be a Chair, has directed the Education Department of the New York 1271, he traveled eastward from Venice with his father and whale and swim in the ocean that has no T Philharmonic since 2004, overseeing programs such as the historic uncle, and reached the capital of the Mongol Empire over three West and no East. Young People’s Concerts, the Very Young People’s Concerts, the School Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–93) EXOTICISM Partnership Program (one of the largest in-school programs among U.S. PRETENDING TO CREATE years later. There he became a diplomat at the court of Commissioned by Greenpeace for the orchestras), Credit Suisse Very Young Composers, adult education programs, and many special ne of the most famous figures in classical music, THE SOUNDS AND “Save the Whales” campaign, Toward the projects. Mr. Wiprud has also created innovative programs as director of education and community Tchaikovsky’s works include symphonies, concertos, Kublai Khan and was sent on a number of special missions SCENES OF FOREIGN Sea is inspired by Herman Melville’s novel engagement at the Brooklyn Philharmonic and the American Composers Orchestra. He has operas, ballets, and chamber music. At the age of 10, throughout Asia. Legend has it that the Polos left the O LANDS IN WESTERN Moby Dick. Takemitsu’s sea is represented worked as a teaching artist and resident composer in a number of New York City schools. Mr. Tchaikovsky was sent to boarding school 800 miles away from MUSIC, USUALLY TO Mongol Empire in 1292 with fourteen ships and 600 by patterns of sound and silence, the deep Wiprud is also an active composer whose Violin Concerto (Katrina) was recently released on his home. The separation from his family, and the death of his TELL A STORY. passengers, exploring Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and the resonance of the alto flute and harp, and a Champs Hill Records. His music is published by Allemar Music. mother four years later, caused him distress that would last a life- “sea” motive—where the composer “spells” time. He sought comfort in music and after studying law, he took classes Persian Gulf. They then returned to Venice, S-E-A in German musical notation (Eb-E-A) usic From China is a chamber ensemble that organized by the Russian Musical Society and began to develop his own PENTATONIC bringing the vast, unknown history throughout the work. The meditative qualities performs both traditional and contemporary Chinese musical style. He quickly gained recognition at home and abroad as the SCALE of the East to the West. of Takemitsu’s seascape emphasize the spiritual Mmusic. Performing on traditional instruments including leading Russian composer of his generation. lutes, fiddles, zithers, and hammered dulcimer, the musicians A MUSICAL SCALE MADE UP OF dimension of Moby Dick where “meditation and evoke the sonorities of age-old musical traditions and interpret the The “Chinese Dance” is a musical number from one of Tchaikovsky’s most FIVE NOTES. IT IS COMMON IN water are wedded forever.” ERHU music of today. Music From China has performed at colleges, The famous ballets, The Nutcracker. In the second act—in the Kingdom of Sweets— FOLK MUSIC AROUND THE Metropolitan Museum of Art, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing a celebration is held in honor of the ballet’s young heroine, Clara, for saving the WORLD, ESPECIALLY ASIA, AND A TWO-STRINGED Arts, San Diego Museum of Art, and the Library of Congress, among other venues. Reaching out Prince from the Mouse King. Treats from around the world are presented to Clara, HAS A DIFFERENT SOUND BOWED INSTRUMENT Claude Debussy (1862–1918) to young audiences, Music From China conducts arts in education programs for grades K–12; and China brings tea. QUALITY THAN THE SEVEN-NOTE SOMETIMES CALLED teaches the Westminster Choir College Chinese orchestra; and founded the Music SCALE USUALLY FOUND IN THE “CHINESE ebussy was one of the most impor- From China Youth Orchestra. Maurice Ravel (1875–1937) WESTERN CLASSICAL VIOLIN.” tant figures in music at the turn of the MUSIC. D 20th century. To this day, he is celebrated ellist Jay Campbell was recently named first-prize winner of the orn in Basque country—close to the Spanish border in France—Ravel ZHENG for his ability to portray atmosphere in music and make 2012 Concert Artists Guild auditions, as well as the recipient of a studied music in Paris and developed an elegant personal style of connections to the natural world. In order to express BMI Commissioning Prize. Mr. Campbell has been heard on A PLUCKED ZITHER, nature’s mystery, power, and beauty, he experimented C composition that included clear, bright, and colorful sounds. He was a television, radio broadcasts, and in concert halls around the world, including B ORIGINATING IN CHINA with unusual scales, flowing rhythms, and a range of master orchestrator: he carefully studied the ability of each instrument in order to concerto appearances under conductors such as Pierre Boulez, Jeffrey OVER 2,500 YEARS AGO, sound effects that instruments could make. At the Paris determine the possible effects and he created an array of unique and exotic sounds. POPULAR IN BOTH IMPERIAL Milarsky, Michael Morgan, and Ryan McAdams. Deeply committed to the music of our time, Influenced by the artistic experimentation in Paris during his lifetime, Ravel remained an Exposition in 1889, he first encountered music from Mr. Campbell has collaborated with an array of composers and artists, and has premiered nearly COURTS AND AMONG THE Asia and this made a lasting impression on the com- enthusiastic spectator of the sights and sounds of Asia, Spain, and America’s Jazz Age, and he skillfully COMMON PEOPLE. 100 works. Mr. Campbell is currently the artist-in-residence at the Nasher Sculpture Center and evoked them in his music. poser. While he proudly called himself “Claude will be collaborating with numerous colleges and arts organizations. Currently a student at The Debussy, musicien francais” (French musician), his Juilliard School, Mr. Campbell studies with cellist Fred Sherry. The third movement of a work originally titled Five Children’s Pieces for Piano Four Hands, “Laideronette,” is independent nature led him to develop a musical style ` about a little girl who is cursed with ugliness by a wicked witch. She is befriended by a green serpent, once a PIPA that was wholly his own. dam Alexander holds a Bachelor degree in vocal performance from handsome prince who was also put under a spell by the same witch. They travel on the sea together and A PEAR-SHAPED Debussy’s father was a sailor Boston University, and earned his Masters from the Manhattan become shipwrecked on an enchanted island with pagodas and tiny creatures made of precious stones that PLUCKED STRINGED School of Music. Recent credits include Inconnu at the Public play lutes made of walnut shells and viols made of almond shells. Later, the spell is broken and the beautiful and the young Claude spent A INSTRUMENT WITH several summers in the seaside Theater with Michael Greif, L'Etoile at New York City Opera, and Fanny at princess and handsome prince marry and live happily ever after. OVER 2,000 YEARS town of Cannes. Inspired by his New York's City Center. He performs regularly as a chorister and soloist with OF HISTORY. vivid childhood memories and various choirs in New York, including the New York Choral artists in conjunction Tan Dun (b. 1957) his admiration for nature, with the New York Philharmonic. Mr. Alexander has become Advanced Actor Combatant with the Debussy began composing a Society of American Fight Directors, and has helped develop choreography and taught at many an Dun composes music that blends the tradition and rituals of his birthplace with the modern Western work in 1903 called La Mer theaters and universities such as New York City Opera, American Repertory Theater, and the orchestra. Born in a rural village in Hunan, China, he was sent to an agricultural commune to plant rice as (The Sea). In La Mer, Debussy created an array of sound American Musical and Dramatic Academy, among others. a teenager. The resourceful Tan nurtured his love of music by creating his own musical group and learning T effects to offer the listener as many perspectives of the sea is an award-winning playwright and director best known om Dulack traditional Chinese instruments. He was selected to study composition at the Central Conservatory of Music in as possible. He makes full use of the orchestra and the Beijing where he came into contact with composers from outside of China, including Toru Takemitsu who was a for his comedy Breaking Legs, and the tragic study of American poet registers of instruments—how high and low they can sound. Ezra Pound in captivity, Incommunicado. This is his eighth season big influence on his music style. When Tan Dun moved to New York in 1986, he discovered the music of many Sometimes the melody is lurking at the bottom and other T experimental musicians and solidified his compositional approach, transcending cultural boundaries and styles. writing and staging the Young People’s Concerts for the New York times it’s shimmering on top. Melodic lines are interrupted, Philharmonic. His plays are presented on- and Off-Broadway in leading Crouching A work for cello and orchestra based on Tan Dun’s score for the Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the sounds come from near and far, and ostinatos—quick runs regional theaters around the country, and have been translated into foreign Tiger Concerto evokes the exotic landscapes along the Silk Road in western China. Tan emulates a range of traditional instruments that repeat again and again—give a swirling energy. With languages around the world. He is currently writing a new play, and recently provided the libretto and songs native to Silk Road cultures. The cello—with its wide range of pitch and hues—is played with a variety of techniques and these techniques, Debussy breaks free from Western of a one-act opera based on Robert Browning’s poem “My Last Duchess.” A member of the articulations. It captures the sounds of traditional bowed and plucked instruments from 12th Century Mongolia—a nation made up of classical form, making a direct response to nature like Dramatists Guild and The Writers Guild of America, he also is professor of English at the University many nomadic tribes which were brought together by Genghis Khan to form one of the largest empires in world history. the Asian music that inspired him. of Connecticut, where he teaches Shakespeare and playwriting on the Waterbury Campus. What’s coming up at the Young People’s Concerts?

characters— or symbols representing words— come alive. THE PROGRAM

LI HUANZHI Spring Festival Overture JOSHUA WEILERSTEIN conductor Some Chinese characters are pictograms, PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY “Chinese Dance” from The Nutcracker THEODORE WIPRUD host pictures that stand for a word or idea. TRADITIONAL “Jasmine Flower,” “Mongolian Horse Race” MUSIC FROM CHINA MAURICE RAVEL “Laideronette” from Mother Goose Suite JAY CAMPBELL cello Can you match the words below with the TAN DUN “Silk Road Encounters” from Crouching Tiger Concerto ADAM ALEXANDER actor correct pictograms? TORU TAKEMITSU “The Night” from Toward the Sea TOM DULACK scriptwriter and director River Mountain CLAUDE DEBUSSY “Dialogue between the wind and the sea” from La Mer Fire Rain TheArtofTea ea drinking—dating back at least 12,000 years Tree Sun in China—is an important practice throughout T Asia and across the globe. The Ancient Tea Forest Horse Road (also called the Southern Silk Road) distributed tea across China and South Asia, while trade routes were established for the export of tea to Japan, Europe, and Russia. Silk Road Ancient Tea Horse Road