We thank our donors for their commitment to extraordinary professional musicians, education and community engagement programs. We welcome donations of any amount. Contribution acknowledgement starts at as little as $75.

The Stamford Symphony is proud to acknowledge our generous sponsors for their continued support:

Community & Government Funding: A New Era Begins LOUIS J. CASALE, JR. CHARITABLE FOUNDATION INC. 2020-2021 Season GARDEN HOMES GEORGE & JESSICA HARRIS FUND FOUNDATION

JENIAM MLE FOUNDATION FOUNDATION

SUMMER HILL FOUNDATION STERN FAMILY JOAN AND FRED LORNA JORGENSEN WENDT FOUNDATION WEISMAN FUND FOUNDATION Michael Stern

Corporate Funding: Music Director

Photo Credits for Cover: David Sussan Brochure designed by: Bob Callahan Stamford Symphony welcomes Michael Stern as Music Director

Join us for a season of inspiring music-making with our extraordinary musicians. 2020 not only marks the start of a new decade, but the beginning of a new era....

“All of us at the Stamford Symphony are passionate to make great things happen, and together we are focused, with energy and vision, on what’s coming next. I am inspired to have this chance to deepen my musical connections with the musicians, for all of us to have deep engagement with our audiences, and to make music matter in the community that I, too, call home.” Michael Stern, Music Director

Michael Stern was photographed by David Sussan on the Long Island Sound. A New Era Begins 2020-2021 Season AT-A-GLANCE Your Concert Experience

Whether you are new to the Stamford New! Order a drink at the lobby ORCHESTRAOR SERIES POPS Symphony or it is your 35th concession pre-concert or at season, we are happy that you intermission and now you can Zukerman Plays Bruch The Roaring 20s in 2020 are taking part in our high quality bring it into the theatre. October 24 & 25, 2020 September 26, 2020 at 7:00 pm music-making experiences. Bruch, Brahms & Prokofiev Palace Theatre, Stamford $3 parking right across the street Things you’ll want to know at the Landmark Garage. Giving Thanks CHAMBER SERIES about before you get here: November 14 & 15, 2020 Learn before you go! Program Beethoven & Copland Stamford Symphony Concerts are typically under 2 notes for each concert are online Double Bass Quartet hours and include a 20 minute and accessible from the concert As Good as it Gets January 24, 2021 at 3:00 pm intermission. Come to the theatre event page. February 6 & 7, 2021* The Concourse, UCONN Stamford at least 15 minutes before the Dvořák & Sibelius start of the concert so you have Meet the Music Director, Michael Stamford Symphony time to check your coat, buy a Stern and the soloist at our FREE Hommage to W.A. Mozart Wind Quintet drink and find your seat. Behind the Baton talk one hour April 24 & 25, 2021 March 14, 2021 at 3:00 pm pre-concert for each of the five Mozart, Lera Auerbach & The Ferguson Library, Stamford What to wear? Whatever you orchestral concerts. Alfred Schnittke like! Wear jeans or dress up. You Stamford Symphony won’t be the only one in the hall Just for kids – Your ticket Pictures at an Exhibition String Quartet dressed either way. Just be you! includes a FREE interactive May 15 & 16, 2021 June 13, 2021 at 3:00 pm MusiKids program on Sundays Mussorgsky, Korngold & Knobloch Family Farmhouse at Dining Partnerships at local one hour pre-concert for kids Arnold Schoenberg Stamford Museum & Nature restaurants – just show your ages 5-12. Center ticket. • Flinders Kitchen and Bar: 15% Are you under 40? Look for the off your bill (not including Happy Under 40s tab to learn more Saturdays at 7:30 pm & Sundays at 3:00 pm Hour items) about our fun programs and (*Exception: February 7 concert will begin at 2:00 pm) • Cilantro: 15% off your bill (not perks. Stamford’s Palace Theatre at 61 Atlantic Street, Stamford including Happy Hour items) Photo credit: Crane Song Photography To Subscribe: 203.325.1407 x10 Box Office: 203.325.4466 P OPS George Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue, Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, AND, Michael Stern! The Roaring 20s in 2020

G RAMMY-WINNER, September 26 at 7:00 pm New York native and multi- The Palace Theatre, Stamford TART WITH the Roaring instrumentalist, Vince Giordano S 20s concert and stay for the is a travel agency extraordinaire, Michael Stern, conductor full Gala evening to continue providing a one-way ticket to a Vince Giordano and fascinating time and place. His The Nighthawks partying into the night. vintage-style 1920s music Barbara Rosene, vocalist will instantly bring you to a Mackenzie Melemed, The Stamford Symphony raucous, uninhibited party with violins of the Gala Event, including the where enjoyment reigns Stamford Symphony Concert on September 26th, supreme. And enjoy the vocal VINCE GIORDANO talents of Barbara Rosene. Performance does not include starts at 5:45 pm. full Stamford Symphony

This concert culminates in The complete gala evening a performance of George includes cocktails, concert and Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in dinner on the Palace Theatre Blue in the original arrangement stage catered by Marcia Selden. for the Paul Whiteman Band. Music Director Michael Stern will conduct Vince Giordano Concertgoers interested in and the Nighthawks, members attending both the roaring 20s of the Stamford Symphony, concert and the Gala event and pianist Mackenzie should contact Patron Services Melemed, one of Emanuel BARBARA ROSENE MACKENZIE VINCE GIORDANO AND THE NIGHTHAWKS at offi[email protected] Ax’s most talented protégés. MELEMED or 203.325.1407 x 10.

O RCHESTRA S ERIES

Photo credit: David Sussan Zukerman Plays Bruch

W ITH A CELEBRATED October 24 at 7:30 pm career encompassing five October 25 at 3:00 pm decades, Pinchas Zukerman The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford reigns as one of today’s most sought after and versatile Michael Stern, conductor musicians, renowned as a Pinchas Zukerman, violin virtuoso, admired for the expressive lyricism of his playing and singular beauty Prokofiev Symphony No. 1 Classical of tone. Marvel at his Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 musicianship as he plays Brahms Symphony No. 2 one of the most-loved violin concertos.

Brahms’ second symphony, full of warmth, brimming with optimism and overflowing with lush, joyful melodies is Michael Stern’s perfect choice to begin his tenure as Music Director.

Zukerman photo credit: Cheryl Mazak C HAMBER ERIES S S ERIES RCHESTRA RCHESTRA O

Encompassing the Shaker song, Simple Gifts, Appalachian Spring is one With sounds and colors galore, this is an experience unlike any string of Aaron Copland’s most enduring and popular works and is rightfully quartet you have heard before. Stamford Symphony’s double bass players used during the gathering of the harvest. Beethoven titled the opening of will guarantee you an entertaining afternoon of neglected works for bass his sixth symphony, “Awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the to some horrifically fun, zany programming! Performed in the unique countryside” – a fitting conclusion to our Beethoven250 celebration year. setting of the UCONN Stamford Concourse, this “experience” is not to be missed! Seats are limited.

Stamford Symphony Giving Thanks Double Bass Quartet November 14 at 7:30 pm January 24 at 3:00 pm November 15 at 3:00 pm The Concourse, UCONN Stamford The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford at One University Place, Stamford Program to include: Michael Stern, conductor Gunther Schuller Quartet for Double Basses 1947 Joseph Lauber Quartet for Double Basses Beethoven Heiliger Dankgesang (Holy Song of Thanksgiving) Francois Rabbath Kobolds Copland Appalachian Spring Suite Khachaturian Saber Dance Beethoven Symphony No. 6 Pastoral Peter Weitzner Richard Ostrovsky Troy Rinker Andrew Trombley The Weisman Family Chair in memory of Fred Weisman O

COLLABORATIVE RCHESTRA s 40 S ERIES NDER SymphonySy Experiences Exclusively

U forfor the Under 40s Audience

SymphonySymp On Tap coming to a local brewery, bar or outdoor venue near Delve into two distinguished works of the orchestral repertoire: Dvořák’s you….Amazingly talented Stamford Symphony musicians are up close and epic Cello Concerto often called “supreme” and “the king” which will be personal at these special open tap/wine events. Musicians play a couple performed by Nick Canellakis, praised in The New York Times as “impassioned ... of short sets of music in a casual environment where guests can enjoy the audience seduced by Mr. Canellakis’s rich, alluring tone.” And Sibelius’ beer and/or wine for a set price. No stage, no tuxes, no rules. Watch online ever popular Symphony No. 2 forged in the turmoil of Finnish national and in your inbox for our dates at Half Full Brewery, Flinders Lane Kitchen fervor. & Bar and Mill River Park!

Under 40s get 50% off tickets. Please call the Box Office Photo credit: Sophie Zhai #SymFUNySundays at our Sunday Orchestral As Good as it Gets concerts, guests under 40 February 6 at 7:30 pm are invited to drop into the February 7 at 2:00 pm* #SymFUNySundays bar The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford in the Upper Lobby at Intermission to mix and Michael Stern, conductor mingle over a glass of Nicholas Canellakis, cello wine or a beer. Dvořák Cello Concerto Sibelius Symphony No. 2

*Special concert start time on Sunday at 2pm to accommodate Super Bowl fans Photo credit: Crane Song Photography O RCHESTRA ERIES S S ERIES HAMBER C

A wind quintet comprises flute, , , and . Unlike the string quartet, with its homogeneous blend of sound color, the instruments in a wind quintet differ from each other considerably in technique, expression, and musical character. This This concert exhibits, and pays tribute to, one of the giants of orchestral fun, spirited program demonstrates the versatility of the ensemble music. The program contrasts the works of two living composers that and the creativity it inspired from many composers. Seats are limited. speak to Mozart’s continuing influence on the music of today, with two of his most popular works that define the essence of his genius.

Stamford Symphony Sit on the stage with the Wind Quintet musicians for a multisensory March 14 at 3:00 pm experience! Call the office at The Ferguson Library at One Public Library Plaza, Stamford Hommage to 203.325.1407 x10 Ibert Trois pièces brèves W.A.Mozart to learn more! Villa-Lobos Bachianas Brasileiras No. 6 for flute and bassoon April 24 at 7:30 pm Hindemith Kleine Kammermusic A portion of the proceeds April 25 at 3:00 pm Barber Summer Music from this concert will be donated to the Friends of The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford Arnold Three Shanties The Ferguson Library Pacquito d’Rivera Aires Tropicales Michael Stern, conductor Elizabeth Mann, flute Mark Bebbington, piano The Lawson Family Chair in loving memory of Martin Lawson Melanie Feld, oboe Lera Auerbach Eterniday The Judith and Robert Hall Chair (Hommage to W. A. Mozart) Pavel Vinnitsky, clarinet The Maryann and Jay Chai Chair Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23 Cynde Iverson, bassoon Alfred Schnittke Moz-Art à la Haydn Lawrence DiBello, horn Mozart Symphony No. 39 Photo credit: Rama Knight C HAMBER ERIES S S ERIES RCHESTRA RCHESTRA O

Back by popular demand, a String Quartet from Stamford Symphony returns with a perfect program for a summer afternoon at the Knobloch Family Farmhouse. Enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle with the To conclude the season, a mighty, first-ever performance by the musicians at intermission over a glass of wine. Seats are limited. Stamford Symphony, of Mussorgsky’s gargantuan Pictures at an Exhibition. Images of the artworks represented in the music will PhotoPhoto crecredit:dit: RRichardichard BaBarnesrnes enhance the concert. It is a magnificent showcase for the musicians of the Stamford Symphony and Michael Stern to celebrate the first Stamford Symphony year of our new era. String Quartet Seeing is believing! June 13 at 3:00 pm Featuring images Knobloch Family Farmhouse at Stamford Museum on-screen & Nature Center, Stamford Pictures at an Mozart String Quartet Spring Puccini Crisantemi (Chrysanthemums) Exhibition Florence Price Folksongs in Counterpoint Shortnin’ Bread May 15 at 7:30 pm Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes May 16 at 3:00 pm Swing Low Sweet Chariot The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford Gershwin Lullaby Danish String Michael Stern, conductor Photo credit: Alessandra Tinozzi Elena Urioste, violin Quartet Sønderho Bridal Trilogy

Robert Zubrycki, violin Adam Schoenberg Finding Rothko Lisa Tipton, violin The Knobloch Family Farmhouse is Korngold Violin Concerto Adria Benjamin, viola ¼ mile north of the main entrance of the Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel) Pictures at an Exhibition Stamford Museum and Nature Center at Eliot Bailen, cello 151 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford “I can’t begin to tell you what it did for me. It was the most outstanding

Link Up | Photo by Hildi Todrin Violinist Debbie Buck with performance of an that Roxbury Elementary School I ever heard.” Education and Engagement — Subscriber Judith Udell on Michael Stern’s first concert Stamford Symphony provides educational initiatives reaching over as Music Director Designate, Opening Weekend 2019 5,000 children in the community each year. We offer programs for students of all age and ability levels, whether they are new to music or seriously studying it as a possible career. Subscribers enjoy many unique privileges. If you are not a subscriber, • We partner with community Hall’s Weill Music Institute, please consider subscribing today to be part of the new era that is organizations such as Project presenting LinkUp, a year-long beginning this season. Music, INTEMPO, the Young curriculum for public school Seats guaranteed for you season after season for 5 concert subscribers Artists Philharmonic students to compose, sing, and • and Concordia by bringing master- play along with our orchestra in • Receive a FREE ticket voucher to bring a friend at a concert of your choice classes and mentoring opportunities special interactive school to their music students. concerts. • 20% off on all guest tickets • Free ticket exchange privileges • Our partnership with Hartt School • In addition to bringing the of Music provides fellowships for students to the orchestra, our • Lost ticket insurance (we will replace them at no charge) musicians to play alongside our musicians visit the schools to Personalized service every day via Patron Services at orchestra members, and opportunities interact with classes in their • 203.325.1407 x 10 to play in master classes with own environments. world-renowned artists. Additional Savings for Subscribers only! PTOs may fundraise for their • Subscribers to the orchestra series also enjoy a 20% discount on our We partner with the Stamford school arts programs in our • chamber series when you purchase all three concerts together. For orders Public Schools and Carnegie Advance the Arts initiative. of less than three chamber concerts, subscribers will enjoy waived handling fee of $6. Be sure to add the chamber series today as chamber concert seats are limited and will sell out.

To discuss your subscription, email or call us at offi[email protected] or 203.324.1407 x 10.

Photo credit: Crane Song Photography

Thomas Flippin teaches guitar master Stamford Symphony at the Children’s “Please join me and my colleagues class with INTEMPO students Learning Center sponsored by Pitney Bowes for a fantastic season in 2020-2021. Kids under 18 are always free with accompanying adults on our Symphony Sundays. Please inquire about our Kids FREE subscriptions with an accompanying Reserve a great seat today.” adult! Also included one hour pre-concert on Sundays is MusiKids - interactive activities led by our charismatic teaching artist, designed to explore the concert – Michael Stern, Music Director repertoire, and get kids ages 5-12 (and adults) primed for the concert they are about to hear.