magazine opusfrom the North Carolina Symphony | FALL 2010

Uptown Girl. Downtown World. Meet Assistant Concertmaster Karen Strittmatter Galvin

in this issue: Fit as a Fiddle Lang Time Gone Why Live Music? restaurant guide Rock Me Amadeus inside! A e features n 6 Why Live Music? opus magazi Jimmy J. Gilmore discusses the relevance of symphony orchestras and defends the the importance of live music performances from the verbal grenades thrown by critic Terry Teachout.

Volume 8, Number 2 Fall 2010 A semi-annual publication of the 8 North Carolina Symphony Don K. Davis, Uptown Girl Interim President & CEO North Carolina Symphony Downtown World 3700 Glenwood Ave., Suite 130 Devoted to music and fiercely talented, meet Karen Strittmatter Galvin, Raleigh, NC 27612 our own North Carolina Symphony Assistant Concertmaster.

editor Jeannie Mellinger 14 contributing writers Elizabeth Beilman Rock Me Amadeus Jimmy J. Gilmore Join Opus as we learn more about the true relationship between Suzanne McKeon Mozart and Salieri; take a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration Jeannie Mellinger between the North Carolina Symphony and Playmakers Repertory Richard Rodda Company and meet the talented Ray Dooley, who will play Salieri. Arthur Ryel-Lindsey

design/production opus 1, inc. 22 photography Fit as a Fiddle Mark Schueler Everyone knows that exercise is good for you. But what does Michael Zirkle it do to improve a musician’s performance? Elizabeth Beilman shares with Opus readers how the North Carolina Symphony is printing reaping the musical and physical benefits of regular exercise. MidAtlantic Printers Limited

We appreciate our advertisers who are true supporters of the arts. As a reader, also inside you can also support the arts by 3 Back in Black mentioning to our advertisers that you saw their ad in Step into any orchestra concert hall around the world and chances are you will see a sea of black on stage. It’s a fashion mystery, but the question remains. Why do orchestra Opus magazine. musicians wear black? To advertise in Opus, contact Amy Scott at 26 Lang Time Gone 919.834.9441 or We all live for performances like this – Lang Lang in concert, performing Tchaikovsky’s email [email protected]. well-loved Piano Concerto No. 1. Join Opus for a preview of this remarkable, one- Our current­ advertisers and night-only event. distributors are listed in the back of this magazine. 28 Staying Power What music will still be on the radar of music lovers in 100 or 200 years? Opus asked on the cover: some of our favorite musicians, composers, patrons and music writers to tell us what Karen Stritmatter Galvin contemporary music they think will survive the decades. Here are the results! Assistant Concertmaster Photo by Mark Schueler 31 | visit our restaurant guide For great places to go before or after a performance. Tell your server that you saw them in the guide! editorial

great music matters! Our new challenge

As the weather turns colder and we move closer to end of 2010, your community. Thanks to you, the North Carolina Symphony I decided to take a moment to look back on all the pieces that has begun its path to recovery – finishing the fiscal year with contributed to the success we experienced last season and the a balanced budget and retiring more than $1.25 million of ac- hard decisions made to keep our promise to provide an outstand- cumulated debt. Our story is changing from the impossible to the ing artistic product and create even stronger connections to possible all because of you. You have earned a standing ovation! your orchestra. One thing became very clear to me – the North So, are you ready for your encore? Carolina Symphony is nothing without you. Because of you, The North Carolina Symphony has been given a second chal- the combined efforts of donors and ticket buyers, the orchestra lenge grant from the State of North Carolina – an unprecedented reached the $8 million threshold in private support to secure the opportunity that illustrates the fascination we all have with $1.5 million challenge grant from the State. great music. We must again secure $8 million from our patrons

You have earned a standing ovation! So, are you ready for your encore?

Knowing that you have been regaled with the details of budget before June 30, 2011 and the State will award the Symphony cuts, leadership changes, and musician sacrifices, the goal was $1.5 million to support what the orchestra does best – serve our accomplished in the midst of the continuing economic tsunami state with great performances. The fact that the Symphony was because these challenges bring into sharp focus the things that born during The Great Depression and continues to be supported matter most in our lives. J. Mark Scearce, composer and NCSU by both private and public sectors of North Carolina tells much Music Department Director, noted in a letter of support, “it is about the state’s resilience and commitment to a rich cultural no exaggeration to acknowledge the millions of North Carolina life. This second challenge grant offers a tremendous prospect Left to right: Beau Brummel, Lang Lang, Grant Llewellyn school children – now our very own senators and representatives, for continued success. As readers of Opus, you are a part of this business and civic leaders, scientists, farmers, lawyers, and yes, effort and though you may not be able to hear the applause from artists – who credit their acculturation to exposure to the higher our musicians and staff, you should know that it is enthusiastic arts was first brought to them by the North Carolina Symphony. and heartfelt. And yet we must remind ourselves repeatedly in times of crises Don’t miss your chance to be a part of our new challenge. Buy Step into any orchestra concert hall that when we don’t readily register the direct correlation of a ticket, make a gift. As one Chapel Hill patron stated in a note around the world and you will not only such a common good to its people we must resist labeling it a enclosed with her gift, “A mere drop for such hefty needs. But hear wonderful music, but chances are superfluous, extravagant, elitist, unnecessary. The North Carolina many drops can a wave produce!” you will see a sea of black on stage. The Symphony is as necessary to the future of our state as the air question of why musicians wear black we breathe. It is not so difficult in the face of such disposable In gratitude, Back IN is a fashion mystery and many urban ‘culture’ to credit the enduring, the time-honored, the proven. All legends attempt to explain the universal we have to do is recognize the difference.” decision to cloak all orchestra musicians In 4000 households, you did recognize the difference and made in the color of night while performing. your voice heard. The message is clear: the orchestra matters to But the question remains. Why do orchestra musicians wear black? Blackby Suzanne McKeon

2 3 The simple answer is this – so that the shirt is tucked or tied, or the construction audience can concentrate on the music, not of the shoulder can affect the performance the musicians themselves. level for some musicians. black is the original So why not wear navy blue or dark gray? An orchestra’s management dictates a Historically speaking, black is the dress code is so that they can present a original bourgeois color. Depicted in many uniform appearance to the audience. As paintings by the Dutch Masters, which give women started to become a more regular us insight into history, commerce and daily part of the orchestra world, the choice of domestic and social life, the more educated dress became more complex. bourgeois color segment of the population typically wore What women’s attire goes with men’s black with stiff white collars, while the black tails? Traditionally, women musi- lower class – or peasants – wore natural cians have worn long black evening gowns colors of beige and yellow. or skirts. Les hommes en noir – or “men in black,” Dress codes have been part of the still asked to wear something “comparable Violinist Joshua Bell typically appears in concerts. And for the classical genre, were seen more prominently during the orchestral musician’s life since the beginning to and compatible with men’s tails outfit.” black slacks, a loose shirt and funky black that is certainly to be expected. But as industrial revolution. During the Neo- of time. And while black is still very much This is typically a black full-length dress or shoes or boots. Pianist Lang Lang likes orchestras broaden their repertoire to Classical Period (1800-1825), original the color of choice, there is more that goes skirt, black full cut pants with a long or to wear colorful jackets, shirts and wild attract new audiences, a loosening of the dandy Beau Brummell famously became into making the decision than meets the eye. three-quarter length blouse or jacket. Black patterned pants. Violinist Nicolaj Znaider old dress code rules is bound to be part of the arbiter of male sartorial fashion in England In 1987, the North Carolina Symphony shoes and hose are required. (Navy blue can be seen in a casual black turtleneck or the proposition. and was noted for wearing only black with a experienced a women’s fashion dilemma has also been introduced to the current dark suit with notable red lined jacket with No matter what a group of orchestra white shirt for formal evening wear. and formed a “women’s dress committee,” choice offerings) an open-necked shirt and no tie. musicians are wearing, it’s about the During this same period of time, women whose sole role was to establish an accept- Some exceptions are made for both men Some symphony goers still prefer a more music after all – and that makes everyone were widely considered and categorized as able dress code for the women of the orches- and women – mostly surrounding holiday traditional style of dress when attending look beautiful. more “emotional” creatures whose fashion tra. After several months of lengthy discus- concert events. was diminished to frivolous frocks while sions and polls amongst musicians, several On New Year’s Eve women can wear a men’s attire was viewed as more serious “rules” for compliance were established: formal gown in their color of choice. For with a black and white palette. Holiday Pops shows men can pull out a From the death of her beloved Albert in • No revealing outfits festive cummerbund, vest or bow tie while 1861 through the end of her reign in 1901, • No patterned hose women can wear a solid color representa- Queen Victoria wore black exclusively, • No “shiny or showy” materials tive of the holiday spirit. again establishing the elitism of wearing • No slits in skirts unless in the back The summer allows both men and women black through the association with nobility and must be below the knee to lighten up a little and wear white shorter and elevated social rank. • The shade of black between jackets sleeved shirts although black pants, skirts The orchestra itself was originally posi- and skirts must match and shoes are still required. “No tank tops, tioned as a bourgeois institution replacing • Focus on formal and conservative – casual pants or jeans” are allowed. the lowly court band. Therefore, the seri- “you don’t have to be ruffled and bowed ousness and elite position of the orchestra or silked and satined to be formal.” Casual-ization was facilitated through the attire and choice • No open-toed shoes, no boots While the orchestra world is still a fairly of black apparel. • No untucked blouses formal and conservative environment by Today’s orchestras have not changed • No sweaters most accounts, some organizations are much and black still dominates the stage. • No “flashy” jewelry or belts trying to bring in new audiences by of- Generally speaking, an orchestra or- • Only conservative hair ornaments fering more “casual concerts” where the ganization wants the musicians to look musicians wear blue jeans or perform in professional and not underdressed or And while black was still the color of more casual clothes. This is designed to looking underpaid. The organization’s choice, in 1987 it was not the only color strip away the perceived elitism that may “look” is determined by what sort of image being suggested. Bowed-back bridesmaid discourage attendance. they want to project to audiences, as well dresses in jewel tones were proposed – and as what is most comfortable and workable promptly rejected by women musicians. So Guest Artists from the musicians’ viewpoint. it was back to black with a limited selection While orchestras as a whole still strive to Variables like restriction of arm and leg of “approved” items. appear in uniform and in sync with each movement, environment and temperature Today’s dress code is not far off from other, guest artists are more playful with challenges are taken into consideration. what was initially discussed in the late ’80s. their attire selections and have the freedom Matters such as where a jacket sits, how a For formal evening concerts women are to “up” the flash factor for the audience.

Middle: Joshua Bell Bottom: Rembrandt’s “The Sampling Officials,” 1662

4 5 music making as playing the notes on the all at the same time. And I could spare the Pasadena Symphony be mistaken for page. Sorry, but a recording on any device myself the time and cost of a trip to the the New York Philharmonic? will never be the same as hearing music live. Nelson-Adkins in Kansas City. I think not. Listening to a great recording is worthwhile, Programming for orchestras is always Museums and theaters present (and indeed but because the performance is frozen in time, a sticky wicket and Teachout rightfully it could be argued it is their duty to present) it is often a solitary, predictable experience, refuses to embrace the idea of “slickly pack- a wide variety of works encompassing the lacking spontaneity. I have many great aged schlock” as a solution to capturing audi- full range of artistic expression. Why is it recordings in my library. Some are of live ences. However, he exaggerates his point. The permissible for museums and theaters to do performances. One of the most notable is bedrock of the orchestra repertory will always so, and not orchestras? that famous rendition of Scheherazade with remain the great masterpieces beginning Perhaps the most troubling notion WHY the Chicago Symphony conducted by Fritz with Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. This is expressed by Teachout is his dismissal of Reiner, which was recorded in a single take! I because the symphony orchestra, like the local pride in community orchestras. The am always thrilled to listen to it, but it is still a piano, is essentially a 19th century instrument. idea that “no city gets points for merely recording, and I always know what’s coming. In an effort to reach a broader public, having an orchestra, whatever its quality” Then there is the sound. It should tell orchestras, like museums and theater compa- indicates that Teachout assumes that the us something when engineers spend their nies, try to appeal to a variety of tastes. The main reason for having an orchestra is to lives trying to make recordings sound like a schlock to which Teachout refers generally win approbation in a cultural race with LIVE performance in a great concert hall. Regardless falls under the broad category of “Pops.” Do other cities. Many of these ensembles have the technology, capturing the full spectrum we need to remind him that it was Arthur a long and rich cultural history and were of sound and the wide dynamic range one Fiedler and the Boston Symphony who created by people who simply yearned to music? encounters in classical music remains a pioneered the idea of Pops? The last time I hear great music. Not everyone can afford By Jimmy J. Gilmore conundrum for the recording industry. checked, the Boston Pops was still a treasured to go to Boston or New York when they get Ironically, our advanced technology has American institution. However, some would an itch to hear Beethoven. led to less fidelity in recordings now than consider much of what the Boston Pops plays, As to quality, anyone who knows the in years past. In a recent New York Times if not schlock, to be music of little substance. music business knows that the level of article Joseph Plambeck wrote, “the ease Still there are millions who love listening to performance is at an all-time high across of loading songs onto a computer or an the Pops and enjoying a less stuffy atmosphere the board. So many excellent players iPod has meant that a generation of fans in the concert hall. are out there that a good performance has happily traded fidelity for portability and convenience.” That Reiner recording referred to earlier was made fifty years It should tell us something when ago, in 1960. In the opinion of many musicians and audiophiles, this was an engineers spend their lives trying The struggle is eternal. Of course, there Museum and theaters like the Palm Beach “thought experiment,” an attempt to change era of unsurpassed sonic excellence in the are periods of calm, but inevitably, at the Dramaworks. Teachout proclaims, “All you the terms of the discussion, and that he’s not recording industry. The technology wasn’t to make recordings sound like a moment you think certain cultural norms have to do is take a look” at the quality of “calling for the disbanding of the Pasadena as stunning in 1960 as it is today, but the and values are established, someone lobs a what these institutions do to see why they Symphony or any other regional orchestra.” results were superior. performance in a great concert hall. grenade into camp. are worth supporting. There is no question Though he may have been just kidding, Teachout seems to abandon his own In a recent Wall Street Journal article, that viewing the original “St. John the grenade throwing (even the verbal type) logic in talking about regional museums well-known critic Terry Teachout asked the Baptist in the Wilderness” by Caravaggio at is a serious matter, demanding decisive and theaters. If the iPod is a worthy Several questions arise concerning museums by a regional orchestra of the standard question, “What, if anything, justifies the the Nelson-Adkins would be a compelling action. Many of Teachout’s statements are replacement for attending a regional and theaters, those institutions championed repertoire is very likely to break out existence of a regional symphony orchestra aesthetic experience. so inflammatory that we are left no choice orchestra performance of Beethoven, then in the article as worthy of local support com- anytime at any location in the provinces. in the 21st century?” During the course of On the other hand, Teachout argues that but to respond in force, lest someone take by the same logic why shouldn’t we sim- pared with regional orchestras. True, not every conductor is up to the task the article the esteemed critic dismisses the it is out of the realm of possibility to hear silence as a nod of agreement. ply download masterpieces of visual art to Aren’t there many artworks in the of leading his/her charges in a definitive idea of civic pride – “Nowadays no city gets a first-class performance of Beethoven’s Of course the most obvious issue is the our computers? museum, local or otherwise, that most folks interpretation, but you can pretty much bet points for merely for having an orchestra, Symphony No. 7 by a regional orchestra. importance of live music. Attending a It is painfully obvious that a work of think outlandish and incomprehensible? that the technical execution will be there. whatever its quality” – and trivializes the The implication seems to be that the quality concert is always a unique and irreplaceable art compressed on a computer screen will Yes! Now we are left no choice but to tell Mr. experience of hearing live music – “down- just isn’t there. Additionally he feels that experience. A live performance of the same never equal viewing the real thing, just Are all the works in the Nelson-Adkins Teachout where to go. To him I say, “Get loading and the iPod have made it possible orchestras have taken a wrong turn in repertoire is never exactly the same from as squeezing Beethoven into a MP3 file Museum the equal of St. John the Baptist? thee to an elevator.” There you can ride up to hear great music whenever and wherever programming to capture new audiences. “If night to night. Audiences on Friday will will never have the spontaneity or sonic No! and down, push buttons and listen to canned you want.” Hooray! Now we can insert the the only way for them to stay alive is by hear a different rendition than the audience ambience of the concert hall. Of course it Is it possible that some works in a given music all day long. You can even pretend ear buds, forsake the concert hall and enjoy switching to slickly packaged schlock,” he on Saturday. Not only will the band play would be more convenient – I could stay museum be considered schlock? that you are at a live performance enjoying a canned recording of great music. writes, “they’d be better off dead.” differently, but the audience receptiveness at home, eat my moon pie and drink my Definitely. the music with your companions as you go In contrast to regional orchestras, Teachout It is not until the last paragraph of his and responsiveness will also vary. Going beer (that’s fine cuisine to us down here As wonderful as the Nelson-Adkins from floor to floor. When you get tired of all extols the virtues of regional art museums jeremiad that our critic seems to hedge and to concerts is a community experience and in “Podunk”), listen to Beethoven on my may be, would it ever be confused with this, come on down and give us a listen. I such as Kansas City’s Nelson-Adkins Art repent by saying that his article was all a audience participation is as much a part of iPod, and look at St. John on the computer the Metropolitan Museum any more than guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

6 7 The Beautiful Brown Violin serious. Our baby sister Lisa started playing One morning in Latrobe, PA – home of the piano when she was five, but she wanted the music Rolling Rock beer, Arnold Palmer and Fred nothing to do with us. She went off on her Rogers – four-year-old Karen Strittmatter own, which was good since she could keep early on may had an epiphany. Right there, on the televi- it up when we went off to college. And it sion screen in front of her, was the beloved also turns out that she can sing, so that and cardiganed Mr. Rogers with a little boy became part of her business, too. We’re not have been and his father playing violins. Karen was sure she’s actually our sister since the other riveted. She had never seen such a thing three of us can’t sing a note!” unpolished, before. And she just knew. Whether they had lovely voices or not, the “Please mom,” she begged. “I want a Strittmatter Trio did not want for business. beautiful brown violin.” It took a year of It’s easy to imagine how completely appealing but the cute serious pleading to convince her parents these little girls must have been in their this was not a passing preschool fancy. matching dresses and Mary Janes. “Let’s face factor made “Mom’s response was ‘that’s sweet, dear,’” it,” Karen smiles, “the quality of the music Karen remembers. But persistence paid off, early on may have been unpolished, but the up for it. and finally, on her fifth birthday, her uncle cute factor made up for it.” brought her a half-size violin that had be- They weren’t merely adorable, they were longed to her great-grandfather. dedicated. They literally never said no to Karen started lessons at the local Suzuki any request. Their repertoire was huge and institute. “They had to get me another, constantly growing. There was Mendelssohn, smaller violin to start with,” she says, “but of course, and many arrangements of I did finally grow into and play my great- Handel’s Water Music. If the bride wanted grandfather’s violin when I was around rock songs, they would arrange the music for eight. I played it for about a year before I violin, cello and flute. “We’d always warn needed to move on to the next size.” them that it wouldn’t sound the same, but they didn’t care. We played a lot of things We Do Weddings from Fiddler on the Roof, including, for Karen’s two older sisters soon starting some reason, ‘If I Were a Rich Man.’ No idea taking music lessons too. “Michelle played was too crazy for us.” flute and my oldest sister Jeanne played They were indefatigable as well, playing cello. She saw cellos at my Suzuki school not only for the wedding but for the and was immediately attracted to them. receptions. “We would read through hours They were classy and understated, which and hours of trio music,” says Karen. “We very much suited her personality.” were little workhorses. We’d play for three Karen loved the violin as much as she hours and never take a break – we didn’t Photos by Mark Schueler and Michael Zirkle knew she would when that first one know we could!” seductively winked at her from Mr. Rogers’ With a schedule like this, there was no Neighborhood. “I was so lucky to have time for typical afterschool and weekend an amazing teacher who became both a activities. The Strittmatter Trio was Uptown Girl. mentor and a friend. She was wonderful. working, thank you. But the obligation was She encouraged me and was very creative in never an issue. “Practicing and performing her approach. I loved the class lessons too. was part of our day, like showering,” says They tapped into my competitive side!” Karen. “Our parents weren’t pushing us at Downtown World. Soon after the girls started their lessons, all, but they were serious about making us by Jeannie Mellinger they formed the Strittmatter Trio, and in no aware of our commitments. We were making time they were playing weddings. Karen, at sacrifices, they were making sacrifices. They Karen Strittmatter Galvin joined the North Carolina Symphony as Assistant age seven, still hadn’t grown into the half- didn’t take that lightly and they made sure Concertmaster in the 2007/08 season. Devoted to music and fiercely talented, size violin when they played their first gig we didn’t either. So we were up at five a.m. she is deeply committed to her orchestra, her community and to fomenting for $15. That was the start of a significant, to get in an hour of practice before school. vibrant, artistic activity in downtown Raleigh. Karen, classically trained money-making business that lasted until We took school seriously too and got good Karen moved away from Pittsburgh when grades because that was part of the deal.” through years with Suzuki, two youth orchestras, conservatory at Carnegie she was 23. However, dear reader, please don’t Mellon and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland, also has “We played at least two weddings a imagine a chamber music sweatshop. The a passionate interest in contemporary music. Along with her husband, weekend,” says Karen. “We bought our weddings were fun, and although the trio percussionist Shawn Galvin, she plans to share that interest with the world. instruments, we paid for lessons and we always maintained professional decorum paid for school. That was our job. We were when performing, Karen admits there was Our take? Watch out – she’s going to set the world on fire.

9 Uptown Girl. Downtown World.

plenty of giggling when, for example, the her with not just helping me become the Of course, her interest in the program had a Dream a Little Dream (or Two) with a detached, soundproof percussion bride’s dress is so tight that her father and violinist I chose to become, but she had a lot to do with Shawn being in Washington, Three years after their southbound leap studio for Shawn, and perhaps a rooftop new husband-to-be have to lift her up the great influence on my personality and my but there were other great reasons to be there. of faith, Karen and Shawn know they made deck where they can look out over the lights five steps to the altar. And certainly the development as a human being.” The Guarneri String Quartet was in residence the right decision. “We love the city, we of the city on a warm, summer night. traditional western Pennsylvania cookie She also studied with Hong-Guang Jia and then, and there would be lessons and love the people we’ve met, and we love the They have their eye on a little property table was another major attraction for Huei Sheng Kao, both from China. Mr. Jia had coaching with this renowned ensemble. Also fact that there’s a strong arts community that fills the bill. “We’d love to be able to hard-working young musicians. lived through the Cultural Revolution, learning at Maryland was a highly regarded violin here. We musicians are a creative bunch entertain and have concerts, so we want There was plenty of time for fun at home, to play the violin by listening to Heifetz records pedagogue, Elisabeth Adkins. “She’s great,” and an incredibly social bunch and one of a big, open living space and maybe an too. “We lived out in the country and so in secret. Mr. Kao came alone to the Curtis says Karen, “and the perfect teacher for me the cool things about moving to Raleigh is outdoor living space as well,” Karen says. we’d spend a lot of time outside playing Institute as a 16-year-old with no English. to have, helping me bridge that gap between being able to live downtown. We’ve found “We’re depositing as much money as we and just being kids. We didn’t have to log Together, they instilled in her a very specific being a student and beginning a professional that there really is something to Southern possibly can before going to the bank, but a certain number of hours practicing. We work ethic. “You could make a mistake once,” career. She was wonderful to me.” hospitality. People want to talk to you and we’ve been talking to an architect we adore. just understood that practice was about says Karen, “but not twice. Their thinking was, After graduate school, Karen won her first get to know you.” I found him online and emailed, saying, improving and if we improved, we were why would you repeat a mistake?” job with the Delaware Symphony and had Karen and Shawn’s embrace of Raleigh ‘we’re musicians, we have no money, but doing our job. Both of our parents came “I was so lucky to grow up near her pick of interesting freelance opportunities is evidenced in their own ensemble, New would you be interested in working with from huge families (14 and 11) and so they Pittsburgh,” Karen says. “It’s a very cultural with the Washington National Opera, Music Raleigh, a brainchild of their’s since us?’ He wrote this beautiful response telling weren’t micromanagers. They understood city and the music program was great. The chamber music ensembles at the embassies, they were dating. “Our dream was that we us that his dad was a musicologist and he that it’s OK to be independent as a child.” city really loves its orchestra. Pittsburgh just and fun gigs like a Jethro Tull tour and the would collaborate with artists of all types grew up in a house where the piano blocked Clay Aiken Christmas tour. Shawn was happy and styles, in a less formal atmosphere, the TV. He got us immediately. Being a in the Navy Band, which is as steady a job playing the music of contemporary compos- musician and fitting into a regular house is Orchestra opportunities don’t as you could ever hope to find. They bought ers in unconventional spaces. Such a dream. hard to do – especially with all of Shawn’s a house. Everything was falling into place. But now it’s time to do it. We’re so excited percussion equipment. So if we can start come up just every day of the week, Boxes were checked on the tick list. No need about it – me and Shawn and [fellow NCS from the ground up and build something to change a thing. However... violinist] Maria Evola. We’re just small that suits our needs from the beginning that potatoes now, but we plan to become a would be great. It’s so exciting that we can but soon one did, in Raleigh. Siren Song of the South non-profit, develop an education program do this in Raleigh.” Orchestra opportunities don’t come up and be a force for modern music in the city. just every day of the week, but soon one did, “We want our concerts to be about hav- Giving Back in Raleigh. Happy and settled, Karen wasn’t ing the audience close to the music and Along with the commitment to music Up Another Set of Stairs likes winners in general. If you’re good at paying that much attention to auditions. playing music that fits with the time we live is commitment to other aspects of the In addition to her wedding business, Karen sports or you’re good at music, we like you!” But Shawn encouraged her to take a look. in right now. When I think about what we community. Karen has been involved with joined the Westmoreland Youth Orchestra The calendar was free. Shawn was free, do at work, which I love, I think of it in Community Hope, a literacy mentoring when she was seven and by age ten, she was The Love Factor too, which was unusual. Raleigh was just the context of playing these beautiful mas- program sponsored by the YMCA that playing in the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony, Helping her perfect her gift as a violinist a short-ish drive. There was nothing to lose terworks, pieces of art. I’m performing a pairs adults with young children, one on the youngest musician at the time (ed. note: is not the only thing the Pittsburgh Youth and an assistant concertmaster post to win. Leonardo DaVinci or a Renoir. We play in a one. Although she isn’t able to continue as a other PYS alums include NCS Associate Symphony offered Karen. Somewhere in It was a bit scary to think of leaving a formal space and we wear formal clothes to mentor this year, she plans to stay involved Concertmaster Dovid Friedlander, violist the back of the orchestra was a really cute solid life in Washington behind and heading revere this music, to honor it. It’s the best of by fundraising for the program. She would Sandra Schwarcz and Resident Conductor 17-year-old percussionist named Shawn for an unknown part of the country. But what we are as human beings. With NMR also like to work with the organization to William Henry Curry). Galvin. Thirteen-year-old Karen had quite just like the violin on Mr. Rogers, the North we want to lose a little of that reverence. help them find more nutritious sources for New teachers were needed and so, when the crush. A good friend of Karen’s older Carolina Symphony winked, seductively. “I think the institution of the orchestra is the snacks they provide. Karen was just 11-years-old, she and her sister Michelle and Michelle’s boyfriend, as And so Karen said yes. at a crossroads,” she continues. “I see what She and Shawn have enjoyed working for sisters began studying with members of the well as a frequent third wheel on their dates, Karen was one of three string players Shawn and I want to do as an outgrowth, a their favorite political candidates and Karen Pittsburgh Symphony. Shawn always joked that he was waiting for to join the orchestra that fall. David way of way of welcoming in new audiences plans to become involved with the bike and “My poor dad is a heavy equipment Karen to get older. Kilbride, Assistant Principal Violin II, and who might be intimidated by a bunch of pedestrian lobby in Raleigh. “I want to start operator,” Karen says, “and so three times As it turns out, he wasn’t kidding. “Two Christopher Fischer, Assistant Principal people on stage wearing tails and formal researching and lobbying for better bike a week he was behind the wheel again, weeks after I graduated from high school, he Viola, were also new to the Symphony. black, to simply come and experience music paths and safer pedestrian crossings,” she driving one of us to Pittsburgh and back, called me. We went on our first date in June “We had our own little support group,” in a bar. There is this idea is that it’s elitist says. “Anything to make Raleigh a more an hour each way, in addition to ferrying us of that year and we’ve been together ever says Karen. “But joining the orchestra to come to hear a symphony orchestra, but bikeable, walkable, safer city. It is such an all over western Pennsylvania to weddings since.” Shawn went to Duquesne University was so easy. Everyone was so nice and once people get to know us they enjoy the awesome community with all these great on the weekend. He was so exhausted he and Karen to Carnegie Mellon, both accommodating and friendly. It’s interesting experience more because they are watching neighborhoods close to downtown and so would often sleep during our lessons, or conveniently located in Pittsburgh. They to talk to people in other orchestras a friend on stage. I want to know them many wonderful places to go. It just makes so we thought, but he was actually paying dated all through Karen’s college years, and because you see how functional our group too. I’m more excited about the experience sense to hop on your bike instead of getting attention. He definitely became an educated meanwhile, Shawn won a job with the U.S. is compared to others. My theory is that knowing there are people in the audience in your car to go four blocks. And we have consumer of music!” Navy Band in Washington, DC. we get along because we have to spend so that are excited to be there. That makes me so many beautiful days here. But it needs to Karen’s teacher, Debbie Holland, was like When Karen graduated from conservatory, much time together on the bus!” play better.” be safer.” a mother to her. “I still have this beautiful the two married. Karen went to the Alongside this dream is the dream of Karen, along with some of her colleagues, relationship with her,” she says. “I credit University of Maryland for graduate school. building a home in downtown Raleigh, has performed at the Women’s Shelter (“I

Top to bottom: Karen with a student; Karen performing; husband 10 Shawn at New Music Raleigh concert; Karen, Shawn and Sadie 11 Uptown Girl. Downtown World.

also want to be an advocate for the homeless musicians, which can be really hard when shaking her head. “There aren’t words. and doing new ideas and creative things. in Raleigh”) and raised money for UNICEF you’re in a slump. We’re taught to be very It’s a religious experience. The audience Shawn and I would like to find a way to The best seat after the earthquake in Haiti (“We need to do self-critical – that’s part of our training and applauds and that means so much to us to fund commissions and have competitions something now for Pakistan”). “There are so how we improve.” know that we’ve shared this not with just and find ways to inspire composers to be in the house many opportunities to be involved,” she says. One of the brilliant advantages, though, of the people on stage, but the audience was creative about how they write for groups “The community feels very active here.” being a musician in an orchestra, is that you part of that experience as well. It puts you in and offer showcases for young musicians. She also maintains an active teaching have colleagues to support you, particularly touch with your humanity. It is so uplifting. “The other thing I see for myself in is the seat I sit studio and coaches the Young All-Stars, an in the string sections. “We are very much “For me, as a musician, I sometimes look twenty-five years is still being very active exclusive chamber orchestra for advanced a team,” Karen says. “We depend on each out at the audience and I feel so bad that in my community where I live. That’s very high school musicians led by Music Director other and on our stand partners. I’m so lucky they are sitting way out there. The best seat important to me and something I’ve enjoyed in – there’s so Grant Llewellyn. “Just giving them those to sit with Bekah [ed note: Rebekah Binford, in the house is the seat I sit in – there’s so since I moved to Raleigh.” skills, telling them, ‘Yes you can move your Assistant Concertmaster]. She’s such a strong much energy that happens on stage.” Most of all, though, Karen wants to see much energy chairs so you can see a little better, the inside and beautiful player and a beautiful person. music thriving and reaching new audiences, player turns the page, try using this part of I just adore her and sitting with her gives me 2035 and of course, she and Shawn will be a part your bow – little things like that and you see an extra sense of security.” What does the future hold for this dy- of that. “I want to introduce as many people that happens them start to figure out the rhythm of what Other than sometimes having to miss a namic and talented young force of nature? as possible to the experience of hearing the works in an orchestra, what makes a good friend’s wedding or being unable to travel Karen definitely expects to always love play- orchestra live. It’s this massive organism stand partner.’ I loved doing that. I’ve been at Thanksgiving or New Year’s, Karen can’t ing. “And I’ll still be teaching,” she says, made up of all these very different people, on stage working with Triangle Youth Philharmonic think of a real downside to being a musi- “because I love teaching. I’ll be enjoying as all working for the same goal together. And a little bit, as well – doing some coaching cian. “Every once in a while,” she says, “I’ll much free time as I possibly can. I’ll have a not just that – the audience is very integral and listening to their auditions.” have that moment when I’m caught up in big garden with lots of big trees. And I will to the performance as well. You know when Whew. But who would expect less from the the beauty of what’s happening and think travel in all of my off time. And outside of they love it, and when they’re not too sure. girl who had a wedding business at age seven? – wow, this is my job, I can’t believe that! work, I will still be involved in individual It makes you play better when you know “You know, when we sit down to play, we projects – that’s gotten to a big part of what the performance is being received well. You On Being a Musician are focused on expressing art. We have our I do.” never know what’s going to happen – that’s “I’ve never thought of this as just a job,” own special kind of religion. After a con- What else does she see in her crystal ball? part of the excitement. Maybe this sounds says Karen. “When musicians go out, when cert, to have experienced that transforma- “In twenty-five years, New Music Raleigh cheesy, but it restores your faith in humanity we hang out together, the conversations tion…maybe you’ve just played a Mahler will still be going strong and is now an to see that people can come together to are constantly about honing our craft. It Symphony and it was incredibly beautiful institution. My vision is for it to be a vehicle create something that beautiful. I think it’s never leaves our minds. So much of how and you overcame obstacles and difficulties for young composers, young musicians – a miracle when that happens.” we feel about ourselves as human beings is to create this transformative piece of mu- commissioning work and really being at the reflected in how we feel about ourselves as sic…it’s more than adrenaline.” She stops, forefront of what’s happening in new music

12 13 Rock Me Amadeus

In performances at Meymandi Concert Hall, December 3-5, 2010, the North Carolina Symphony certainly Salieri’s mistress though Shaffer colleagues. Neither The Abduction from Is Mozart “Amadeus”? has him protest otherwise, in his carriage the Seraglio nor The Marriage of Figaro, so and PlayMakers Repertory Company collaborate in a Is “Amadeus” Mozart? to the performance of October 13, 1791, crucial to Shaffer’s play, could have been powerful, semi-staged production of Sir Peter Shaffer’s by Dr. Richard E. Rodda and reported in his last surviving letter that staged at Vienna’s court theaters without popular, award-winning play based on the lives of “there was not piece that didn’t elicit a Court Composer Salieri’s approval and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. First From the start, [film director Miloš] ‘Bravo!’ from him”). perhaps even advocacy. In 1785 Mozart presented at the Royal National Theatre in London in Forman and I agreed on one thing: we At least an equal number are apocryphal, and Salieri collaborated on a now-lost 1979, Amadeus premiered on Broadway in 1980 and were not making an objective “Life of including Salieri’s attempted seduction cantata, For the Healthy Recovery of Wolfgang Mozart.” This cannot be stressed of Constanze or his contention in the Ophelia, K.477a, with a text celebrating the won five Tony Awards out of the seven for which it too strongly. Obviously Amadeus on stage monologue at the end of Act One, directed return to health of soprano Nancy Storace, was nominated. Shaffer’s 1984 film adaptation proved was never intended to be a documentary to God, that he is “the sole man alive in prima donna in operas by both composers. equally worthy, winning the Academy Award for Best biography of the composer, and the film is this time who shall clearly recognize Your Salieri took three of Mozart’s masses with Picture that year. even less of one.” Incarnation [i.e., Mozart];” Haydn had him when he went to Frankfurt to oversee — Peter Shaffer once told Mozart’s father Leopold that the music for the coronation of Joseph’s Under the direction of PlayMakers Producing Artistic “before God and as an honest man that successor, Leopold II, in October 1790, Amadeus is one of the most brilliant your son is the greatest composer known to and Salieri’s student Anselm Hüttenbrenner Director Joseph Haj and NCS Music Director Grant – and most hotly discussed – modern me either in person or by name.” Mozart, recorded that his teacher always spoke of Llewellyn, this new production is an exciting and dramas. While musicologists established who had been visiting some of Europe’s Mozart “with exceptional respect.” unprecedented partnership that means to offer more a virtual cottage industry to “set the of Mozart’s incredible music while maintaining the record straight” about its historical inac- integrity of the original script. To guide us in our curacies, audiences flocked to see it in the understanding of these performances, Richard Rodda, theater and movie house, and the film’s Despite its title, Amadeus is not really soundtrack, performed by the Academy of the Symphony’s always clever and erudite program note St. Martin in the Fields conducted by Sir writer, offers his insights about the true relationship Neville Marriner, became one of the all- about Mozart but about Salieri between Mozart and Salieri. Next, we’ll listen in as Haj time bestselling classical albums. and Llewellyn discuss the challenges and joys of creating Shaffer read extensively in the literature most illustrious courts since he was seven, Despite its title, Amadeus is not really this production, and we’ll meet PlayMakers’ infinitely about Mozart while working on the would never have behaved so boorishly about Mozart but about Salieri, or more talented Ray Dooley, who will portray Salieri. script, and its structure is erected upon before royalty, and though Salieri probably specifically about Salieri’s struggle with the a sound historical foundation: all of its visited Mozart in the days before Mozart’s quintessential question of human existence: named characters occupied the positions death, he did not write down any of the what is the meaning of life – what is the assigned to them, the chronology of events Requiem. Nor was Mozart given a pauper’s meaning of my life? As a young man in is essentially accurate, the music cited is funeral, but rather was buried, like an the play, Salieri thinks that he has found correctly identified. Many of its vignettes estimated 85% of Vienna’s fatalities in the answer in his dedication to music, or, are authentic, including unlikely incidents 1791, according to austerity measures as Shaffer would have it, his dedication such as Constanze allowing her calves to handed down by Joseph in 1782 that are to realizing the existence of the God he be measured at a party, Joseph II showing still followed in Austria. had vowed to serve in childhood through up unexpectedly at a rehearsal for The Shaffer made Salieri’s supposed jealousy his compositions. His success seemed to Marriage of Figaro and Salieri attending and ill will toward Mozart, just six years confirm his belief in both his God and The Magic Flute (Mozart actually drove his junior, the dramatic engine of Amadeus, himself; he was, after all, Kapellmeister him and Katherina Cavalieri, almost but the two were respectful if competitive to the Habsburg court, then the most

14 15

It’s a fascinating challenge to try and capture the essence of the genius – and the sheer versatility of the musical genius

the musicians an opportunity to touch on how to give it, how to make it make a kind Two directors, one vision so many of the greatest works of Mozart in of physical sense in the storytelling of it in a North Carolina Symphony V.P. for Artistic miniature. It’s a fascinating challenge to try space that isn’t, narrowly speaking, designed Operations and General Manager Scott and capture the essence of the genius – and for theatre I think is a logistical question. Freck talks with Joseph Haj and Grant the sheer versatility of the musical genius – Llewellyn about their collaboration. but, if you want, in a précis form. We’re GL: Yes, I too have thoroughly enjoyed treading, some might say, on fairly thin ice, the process thus far, Joe. I think people but I always felt looking at the play and need to remember that this is still work SF: Joe, you came to us and brought us this seeing the movie as well that the musical in progress, and we’re sort of making this Amadeus is idea to somehow combine forces and stage genius doesn’t perhaps get enough time up as we go along. And that’s part of the a new, hybridized version of Amadeus with and enough scrutiny or enough exposure fear and part of the thrill of this kind of great drama, live music. What made you think of that? to reveal what it is that Salieri is struggling collaboration. My concern all along – and with. Perhaps by spending a little bit more still is the case – is whether we can do suf- JH: We had a wonderful run of the show time with the music it might further reflect ficient justice to the integrity of the Shaffer but it is not in 2008 in our mainstage subscription on Salieri’s dilemma. play as well as pay homage to Mozart, and season, and one of the things that I heard not just deliver what I sometimes refer to coming out of the show a lot from our SF: What challenges have you each as “bleeding chunks” of much larger-scale biography. patrons was, ‘The music is so fantastic. I discovered in working through all those works, which were conceived as entities in wish there could have been more of the details of actually bringing this thing to their own right. We’re literally chopping music in it.’ Of course it’s a long play, life? Joe? off limbs here and there. I hope and pray prestigious musical post in Europe. But a granted a release from the rigors of years before was heard for the first time at there’s a lot of text in it, and if you put we’ll do justice to the music as well as to previously unimaginable beauty, a supreme directing the imperial opera, though he a memorial service for him one month later. as much music as one might want we JH: To start with a particular joy rather the theatre. art created by an aging child prodigy from continued with administrative duties for Finally, concerning the play’s title, Mozart probably have a five-hour play. So the idea than a challenge, I think if we never ended provincial Salzburg who could not find a another 34 years. He also remained active was baptized at St. Rupert’s Cathedral in was so attractive to me of finding a way to up making the piece I so enjoyed the process JH: That’s very well said. I feel exactly regular job, undermined his world. The as a teacher (of Beethoven, Schubert, Liszt Salzburg on January 28, 1756, one day have another go at this production and find of sitting with Grant and talking through the the same way. Mozart in Amadeus is not the historical and others) and advisor. Except for some after his birth, as Joannes Chrysostomus ways to really give the music real justice. possibilities of this as a hybrid theatre/sym- person, but rather the symbol of Salieri’s sacred works and vocal pieces, he largely Wolfgangus Theophilus. The first two Not just in terms of the length of the pieces phony event and to have someone explain – I GL: In all honesty, I don’t think that we shattered faith as seen through his own retired from active composition in 1804 names honor the feast day (January 27) of that are played but the idea of having them know theatre of course very very well and will know how successful we’ve been about eyes. The foppish, infantile, maladroit, with his Requiem, the year of Beethoven’s St. John Chrysostom, “golden mouthed” played by extraordinary musicians. music very very much less so. To have that that until we do it. foul-mouthed whiz kid that Shaffer put revolutionary “Eroica” Symphony. in Greek, to recognize that fourth-century music contextualized and explained and on the stage is Mozart filtered through the “From this period on,” he later recalled, “I saint’s eloquence as a preacher. Wolfgangus SF: Grant, what about you? What made helped to make sense in the body of the play JH: Yes, I think that’s right. I have the prism of his fiercest competitor’s ruined ego, observed that taste in music was gradually was the name of his maternal grandfather you interested in pursuing this idea for our was such an enriching, such an amazing same feeling. We’ll have those actors in not the dedicated, hard-working craftsman changing to a sort completely contrary to and Theophilus, “Beloved of God,” was classical subscription audience? experience for me personally as an artist and rehearsals over here for a couple of weeks with an inexplicable genius who created that of my own times. Extravagance and from his godfather, the merchant Joannes as a theater maker. Don Giovanni, the G-minor Symphony and confusion of styles replaced rationality and Theophilus Pergmayr. Mozart occasion- GL: Well, the easy answer to that is the I think one of the challenges that presents the Requiem. Amadeus is great drama, but majestic simplicity.” ally used the Latin form of Theophilus, music of Mozart in all its breadth and itself is of course we can’t make the piece in a it is not biography. Though rumors occasionally circulated Amadeus, or its German equivalent, variety, because I think the play does give theater, we’re making it at the symphony. So Though Salieri suffered from poor through gossipy Vienna during his remain- Gottlieb, but he much preferred the French health and dementia at the end of his ing years, his friends, servants and nurses version: Amadè or Amadé. life, he remained an influential figure in never heard him utter a word about killing Viennese musical life after the events Mozart. He died in Vienna on May 7, 1825. * * * depicted in Amadeus. In 1790, he was The Requiem that he had composed 21

16 17 Frailty, jealousy, pride, resentment, etc. We’ll all take away our own combination of those.

before we get in over there, but it’s going SF: One of the things I was surprised play, and plays are meant for production, SF: So, having suspended their disbe- the play posits is that it is a capricious and GL: To try and prejudge what any indi- to be an exercise in courage as much as by in reading through the text of the and it needs to be true to the artists that lief, what do we hope at the end of the arbitrary universe in terms of who genius vidual might take away is very difficult. anything else to kind of get out there on play is how specific Shaffer is about the are involved. production that audiences take away is appointed to. Salieri for as devout as he I certainly don’t feel that people should the ice and figure out how these pieces get works that are to appear in a traditional from this piece, either about Mozart, is, as much as he promises himself and his be walking out of the concert hall saying, knit together when we’re all in the room theatrical production. Grant, as we went SF: Joe, you don’t have your standard about Salieri, about themselves, about talent to God, cannot begin to approach ‘Gosh, what a good composer Mozart was.’ at the same time. through it, many times we took his sug- theater like you do at PlayMakers. What the nature of creation? Mozart’s genius. The play explores that in a This isn’t so much about that. We know gestions, but many times we did not. How specific things are you having to adapt in way that I think is really very beautiful, but him to be a genius. I hope that, through SF: It’s almost like there’s two rooms did you make the decisions together of order to make this live? JH: I think what the play explores is a where we understand Mozart’s genius is not the genius in the music – and I hope that going on, literally. Joe, you’ve got your which bits of Shaffer’s direction to keep question of where genius resides, and who in Shaffer’s play. It’s not in his description the music will be spellbinding. But I think cast of wonderful actors and production and which bits to forge off on our own? JH: Well, there can’t be much in the God – however we understand God – gives of him, though it’s pretty darn good. We that this is going to show so many more team working on your theatrical side of way of scenery that comes over. I think genius to. And the play explores an idea understand Mozart’s genius by being able levels of human interest. Frailty, jealousy, it. At the same time Grant and our team GL: I don’t know Shaffer well enough we want to be smart about our use of of, you know, we like to think that our to hear that music the way it’s supposed to pride, resentment, etc., etc., etc. We’ll all have been working on the musical side of to speak authoritatively on this, but costumes, what does it mean to costume great artists, the most spectacular ones, be heard. And the opportunity to be able to take away our own combination of those. it. And only in the last few days do the I certainly get the sense that he has a people in period when there are 50 were also spectacular human beings. What do that in the play I think can lead to a big groups really ever come together. How comprehensive knowledge and love of members of a symphony sitting behind in experience for audience members. much are you trying to get into Grant’s Mozart’s music. And he has most certainly contemporary concert attire. This doesn’t head and see things from his perspective, chosen some of the most apposite music bother me; I think the collision of those and Grant vice versa, to see things from for specific areas of the play, a number of worlds are actually fascinating and really the theatrical perspective, in order to which are actually referred to in the text great fun for us. There are things that make this happen in just a very few days of the play. In a sense that’s an easy call. you can do in the theatre, of course, with at the end? But I think where we’ve decided to depart, scenery, with furniture, with props, with somewhat, and go off on a limb, again lights, with costumes that help do a lot of JH: The great thing about our preparation I hope has been inspired by the essence the storytelling for you. Our storytelling meetings and the great many hours session of the play: certain sentiments, certain has to happen within the acting itself that we had some months ago was, from anxieties that Salieri alludes to even if he very, very clearly, without the significant my point of view, is being sensitized to doesn’t stipulate a particular piece. So for support of elements that we have when what the music requires, what Mozart instance, the Masonic Funeral Music is we’re making a play in the theatre proper. was looking for, what a particular piece of something which I think most certainly music meant or means. Understanding that captures the sentiments of the final GL: I always feel that whenever I step better will help me understand how to help scenes. The fact that we will have live into a theatre I have to suspend my the actors be successful. soloists with us again is an opportunity disbelief when I look at a stage. And I crying out to hear more extended arias or think this is probably even more the case GL: Of course, Joe, one of the sections from concertos. That from my in this instance, that we’re requiring our differences between our fields is that point of view is the easy answer to the audience – our symphony audience and we can provide you with reproductions choices we’ve made. our combination theatre audience – to of the music that we plan to use, and completely suspend their disbelief when we can all listen to that and enjoy that JH: And I think I would add to that, they sit down and watch and listen to this and try to imagine how that will fit in. there are things that Shaffer, in writing piece. As you say, reality checks can be But ultimately, I think until you get into what is nearly a three-hour play, is making left at home. rehearsal with your actors, it’s going to musical choices knowing that he wants 18 be very difficult for me to picture that seconds of something or 40 seconds of JH: While I have absolutely no idea element, and I forewarn you that the something or 80 seconds of something. what it’s going to look like on the day theatre has always been very dear to me And that something may not make the and have all sorts of fears attached to even though I make absolutely no claims same sense if that’s something you want getting there, I have absolutely no doubt to understand the first thing about it. One to play five minutes of and another choice that it’s going to be very beautiful. I have of the thrills for me is the opportunity is in order. I think what Shaffer recognizes huge belief in the artists involved. at least to hang out in the shadows and in giving us permission to do this is it’s a watch you guys at work.

18 19

number of challenging and artistically sure he doesn’t get certain kinds of jobs. fully prepped and ready to go and I think Accordingly, that relationship between the audience and now what about the A Conversation with rewarding roles. Now, as a member of Then, when he fully recognizes that Mozart we’ll be rehearsing music cues with the the actor playing Salieri and the audi- orchestra? And the conductor? Are they Ray Dooley PlayMakers Repertory Company, arguably is simply not just a very clever composer, orchestra and overlaps. There are some ence becomes the principal relationship now a third character? And if so, how by Jeannie Mellinger one of the most acclaimed repertory theatre but that it is in fact God speaking through sections where Salieri is talking when the in the play. The scenes become lived-out does Salieri deal with that? And as I say companies in the country, Dooley still has Mozart, he’s enough of a musician and orchestra plays and I have to arrive at the demonstrations of what Salieri has been that, I have no idea. All questions to be Tall and slender with an elegant, almost the fulfillment of a life on the stage, but gets an artist and a soul to recognize this. He end at the same time the musicians do, so trying express to the audience. Setting that solved. It will become real – the imagined dancerly bearing and strong features that to stay mostly in one place. realizes that somebody else has been chosen we’ll probably spend a lot of time working rapport with the audience, making it a two- life and the real life come together. That’s seem purposely created to read well from the He performed the role of Salieri in as the conduit, not him. He is consumed on those things. way street, talking with the audience, not live theater. stage, Ray Dooley just looks like someone PlayMakers’ 2008 production of Sir Peter with jealousy and embittered by it. In our Joe [Haj] is fond of saying that every year at them, developing that relationship – this born to the theatre. His fascination with Shaffer’s multiple Tony Award-winning script, he realizes this and says that he we need to pick something that we really is among the cleverest and richest relation- the dramatic arts began with childhood play Amadeus at the Paul Green Theatre, has poisoned himself by working against have no idea how we’re going to do and ships between the actor and the audience COMPOSER PORTRAITS: MOZART excursions from his home on Long Island and looks forward to reprising the role in Mozart – poisoned his soul. So the story this may be it. But we’ll solve it and it will that I know of in all of theatre. The audi- PETER SHAFFER’S AMADEUS to New York City to experience musicals, what will be a much different production becomes a movement from innocence and be even more compelling if we’re solving it ence has a role to play. As the ghosts of the plays, film and concerts. His humanities- with the North Carolina Symphony. Dooley optimism through disillusionment and then right there in the moment. future, they are being appealed to and they FRI, DEC 3 – SAT, DEC 4, 8PM oriented high school bussed Dooley and sat down with Opus to share his thoughts always the question for all of us in our lives do affect what the actor playing Salieri SUN, DEC 5, 3PM his fellow students to see performances all on Salieri and the upcoming Symphony/ when the inevitable disillusionment comes, What do you find audiences seem to does and how he goes about getting what over the New York City area. The pump, as PlayMakers performances of Amadeus. is how do we handle it, what do we make of enjoy most about this play? he needs from the event that is happening Visit www.ncsymphony.org Dooley says, was primed. it and how do we remake our lives. One of the aspects of this text is that in the room. or call 919.733.2750 Scholars are still debating whether Salieri there is a great deal of direct address to the or toll free 877.627.67824 killed Mozart – probably not, according audience. Salieri is speaking to the ghosts And you will be sharing the stage with to most, but in our play he at least assists of the future asking for understanding and the orchestra and the conductor… he has poisoned himself Mozart in dying. So we see the playing out also at the end hoping to perhaps restore his As I’m thinking about this right now, of that tragedy of poisoned choices in the sense of purpose in the world, to ensure that that is one question we are going to have face of disillusionment. Amadeus becomes his life has not been in vain. to ask theatrically – there’s the actor and by working against Mozart – a cautionary tale. We see a man who was a highly placed composer of great success poisoned his soul and then we see – as he interprets it – that God exacts His revenge by having Salieri live long enough to hear himself become What followed was a continuation of his In Shaffer’s play, the focal character is re- obsolete. His music is no longer played. passion for theatre at Hamilton College in ally Salieri, not Mozart. Tell us about this Clinton, NY, and a double major degree in character – who is he? Do you need to find the humanity in a Drama and English. “I always loved great We all set out in our lives thinking we character in order to play him? literature,” says Dooley, “and for me, the know what the rules are and how to live our The shorthand we use in acting is “we theatre was a way to actually live inside the lives within those rules. And then inevitably don’t judge the character, we justify the great plays of the repertory.” we are confronted with the rules changing character.” We find in ourselves the seed of Next came a choice between the acting and this can seem like injustice. And if you the person that could become that person conservatory of the American Conservatory believe, as Salieri does, that we can merit we’re playing – like Iago in Othello. Any Theatre in San Francisco or a graduate our way toward a good life, then suddenly good, honest actor, looks to infuse the program in literature at the University we lose that faith that if we are good, good character with his or her own humanity and of Virginia.“So there are the two roads things happen to us in a sense you give yourself away. You offer diverging in a yellow wood that Robert And so we see here a man living in the up yourself and the sum of your being and Frost talked about. And I guess I took flush of that innocence who has made experience to the service of the character the road less travelled and went to acting what he thinks is a deal with God. Things and to the event of the play. That’s what school. And that,” Dooley smiles, “has go along absolutely as they were supposed makes it different than doing a dramatic made all the difference.” to and we feel a part of the great machine reading behind music stands, which we That less travelled road led Dooley to a working. Then suddenly something comes might also have done, but we’re going to do life on stage, living inside the literature he athwart. It cracks the psyche (like when the play full out. is devoted to, travel around the country Hamlet sees the ghost). The horizon shifts working in various regional theatres, an and Salieri realizes, and says of himself, that How will the production with the OBIE award for his portrayal of Peer Gynt he is a musical mediocrity. He admits to it, Symphony differ from what you’ve done in an off-Broadway Christopher Martin he knows – like Prufrock says in the T.S. here at PlayMakers? production, a turn as Father Flynn in the Eliot poem: “I am no Prince Hamlet nor It will be scaled down a little bit physically. European premiere of Doubt directed by was meant to be.” I don’t know what the other differences will Martin Platt in Vienna, and a satisfying And so he exacts a very human kind of be. We don’t have a lot of time to rehearse number of hours on stage in a satisfying revenge against Mozart – first petty, making with the orchestra – I mean, we’ll come in

20 21 The evening of the recital arrived and Symphony members walk regularly or while performing, the cellist experienced work out at a gym to stay fit. some anxiety. He mentioned later that Associate Principal Trumpet Tim the cello actually seemed to rock with the Stewart provides an object lesson in the pounding of his heart! Amazingly though, life-improving benefits of exercise. About his bow arm was completely smooth and five years ago, Tim’s doctor told him that easy to control. The music seemed to flow he would need to lose some weight and from him in natural waves, and his body exercise more in order to improve his was once again his ally in recreating the health. The words of his old teacher Adolf music. In some seemingly mysterious Herseth, famed principal trumpeter with way, his workout routine had paid off, the Chicago Symphony, seemed to float alleviating the physical problem that had back to him through time: Herseth had plagued him. claimed that his 53-year career was directly This true story helps to illustrate what attributable to rigorous adherence to the many musicians have discovered: being Canadian Air Force routine of exercises he physically fit is a key element in maintain- had learned as a young man. Inspired by ing a long, healthy career in performance. that memory and motivated by his doctor’s It appears that many of the benefits warnings, Tim began a rigorous program of exercise, frequently touted for every of bicycling, using his son’s mountain bike individual, are even more important for for frequent, round-trip rides to Shelley musicians, who are sometimes referred Lake. He loved the 13-mile trip so much to as “small-muscle athletes.” From an that he eventually graduated to a road early age, playing an instrument subjects bike, building up to an average of 60 miles us to unusual levels of stress, including per week during the summers.

Being physically fit is a key element in maintaining a long, healthy career in performance.

performance anxiety, the slowly grinding Like many athletes, Tim eventually found pressures of competition and awkward, that he craved a greater challenge, and physically challenging postures (violins he found kindred spirits in violinist Paul were not designed to be ergonomically Goldsberry and horn players Chris Caudill correct!) With time, any and all of these and Rachel Niketopoulos. Also avid cy- fit as a can lead to debilitating injuries. However, clists, they knew about an interesting event research increasingly demonstrates that called RAGBRAI, an unwieldy acronym (no mystery here!) aerobic exercise, weight for the Registers Annual Great Bicycle Ride circuit training, stretching, meditation, Across Iowa. The foursome decided to at- deep breathing and relaxation can all tempt the tour, which progressed across the profoundly improve our ease of playing state from the Missouri river to the mighty and longevity in the musical profession. Mississippi. An additional incentive for the While there are many ways to combat group was the fact that the northern route the stresses of our job, each musician finds of the tour went directly through Spillville, Fiddle by Elizabeth Beilman his own best method to do so. Most of where the Czech composer Antonin Dvorˇák my colleagues in the Symphony maintain lived and worked in 1893. an exercise program of some sort. Several The trip took place during the hot sum- A highly respected and well-known cellist was intensely preparing for his players enjoy running, including Jeremy mer months and the cyclists averaged Carnegie Hall recital, when he realized that his usual rock-steady technique Preston, Suzanne Kelly, John McClellan 60-70 miles per day for a week, miles had developed some disturbing inconsistencies. Most worrisome was that his and Kimberly Van Pelt. All of them compete measured out one grain elevator at a time. bow arm was not reliably smooth, creating a noticeable tremor during slow in races as time permits. Some others Each night, they stopped in a different musical passages. He consulted many experts in the medical profession to have found that swimming is the perfect town for dinner and a good night’s rest. little effect. Finally in desperation, he decided to embark upon a program to total body workout, because water exerts Tim joked, “It was not really too great an improve his general fitness. He began to run, play tennis and do calisthenics. pressure on all parts of the body equally. ordeal, since I left my trumpet in Raleigh!” We have a few who enjoy challenging He reminisced that it can’t have been as themselves with tennis (Paul Randall) and easy for the members of the US Army Brass racquetball (Victor Benedict). And many Quintet, whom our players coincidentally

22 23 Everyone knows that exercise is good for you. But what does it do to improve a musician’s performance?

met along the way. Members of the Quintet wake-up call five years ago, he has enjoyed often plays horn with the Symphony) are who spend years perfecting their craft. argues that yoga is the best, most complete All musicians are dedicated to the art told Tim that the Army required them to increased breath control, energy, mental the proud parents of a new baby girl. Performing at such a high level can also exercise for musicians. “It balances and of performance. How else to explain our pedal all day, and play a concert each night! concentration and physical stamina. Many Despite the scheduling challenges, Dovid increase the level of overall stress, which can evens out the body, helps to build muscle continual willingness to subject our bodies The highlight of the trip was the musi- experts would add that aerobic exercise considers exercise to be an essential part worsen those physical effects. Finally, there is mass through weight-bearing exercises, to the stresses and strains of the music cians’ rest stop in Spillville. As the cyclists is also one of the best ways to alleviate of life, providing particular benefits for an intense culture of “playing through pain” increases flexibility and helps to center the profession? We are driven to achieve, work rode up, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church stress. David S. Holmes is a professor of string playing. He runs for general fitness that rivals the example of Lance Armstrong. mind,” she says. Since performing in an doggedly to attain our positions and would stood in stark contrast to the surrounding psychology at the University of Kansas and heart health and swims to stretch and This means that musicians often wait until orchestra requires complete concentration not easily give up our lives in music. If it golden cornfields and wide arc of blue sky. in Lawrence who has extensively studied strengthen the upper body. “Violinists need injuries develop into unbearable or chronic and fine motor control, mental training is is inevitable that time will take its toll on After parking their bikes and removing stress and stress management. He is quoted very strong backs and shoulders,” he notes, conditions before seeking medical assistance. very important. Yoga is an excellent way to our bodies, our discipline and passion can their helmets, the musicians entered the in an online article by Tracy Temple as and adds that players who do not work When exercise, willpower and a good achieve this skill. be harnessed to address the issues of our calm sanctuary with surprise and pleasure. saying, “I have never run across any stress- out might require serious interventions dose of rest do not alleviate the problems, Erika’s personal history is another cau- long-term physical health. Fortunately, Paul recalled that an organist was playing relief method as strong as aerobic fitness.” like surgery at some point in their careers. musicians often turn to alternate remedies tionary tale. A member of the New World many of us have discovered that exercise quietly. As he listened, he slowly realized Many other musicians in the North Dovid emphasized that many other string such as biofeedback, acupuncture, martial Symphony, she was forced to stop playing is actually FUN. that the instrument must be the 1876 Carolina Symphony enjoy walking, running players, from Jascha Heifetz to Donald arts and yoga. Also helpful are forms of for a year due to a worsening neck injury. Whether delighting in the thrills of a cycling Pfeffer pipe organ which Dvorˇák played and swimming for fitness, but Associate Weilerstein, were regular swimmers into body awareness like Alexander technique, Over three long years, with the help of an adventure, unwinding with a relaxing yoga nearly every day while composing his Concertmaster Dovid Friedlander is one their later years. Feldenkrais training, and Qigong. excellent physical therapist, she made her pose or competing in an arduous triathlon, “American” String Quartet, Op. 96. With who has recently taken his exercise to a Dovid shares with several of his colleagues A frequent extra player with the way back to playing health. The intercon- we find that fitness is a connecting bridge excitement, he noticed that the musical new level – training as a triathlete. “As a passion for competitive cycling. “I love Symphony is violinist Erika Atchley. With nectedness of body and mind became a in our journey to become better musicians. selection was actually that very quartet’s a musician, I enjoy playing the music of the rush of flying fast down the road and professional certification and over eleven serious interest for Erika, which led to her Who knows? Perhaps along the way, exercise slow movement! Our players experienced many different composers. Mozart, Ravel like to push my body to the max. I do it for years experience as a personal trainer, yoga continuing desire to study yoga. Erika has might lead us to a place like Spillville, Iowa, the heady realization that the familiar and Shostakovich are all great, but I love fun.” This past July, Dovid, Paul and Tim and aerobics instructor, plus a background two pieces of advice for musicians: first, and the ghosts of composers past. strains were probably played in this very the variety of playing them all. In the same all competed in a 66-mile race. Paul says as a performer, Erica is well qualified to before starting something new, engage only space by the revered composer. way, I crave variety in my fitness routine.” that while he and Tim posted respectable work with musicians. She counts among a certified, experienced instructor. Second, Elizabeth Beilman, the North Carolina Everyone knows that exercise is good It is a real art to fit all that exercise times, Dovid “left everyone in the dust!” her yoga students orchestra violinists “move it or lose it!” – this in response to the Symphony’s Associate Principal Cellist, for you. But what does it do to improve a into his calendar. In addition to his NCS Top-notch musical performance takes Maria Evola and Jeremy Preston. Citing new guidelines by the American Council of enjoys hiking, swimming, qigong and musician’s performance? For his part, Tim responsibilities, Dovid teaches privately, its toll on all systems of the body and can violinist Yehudi Menuhin, who lived by Sports Medicine for increased aerobic train- aerobics for exercise. claims that, since responding to his doctor’s and – oh yes – he and his wife Tracy (who inflict repetitive motion injuries on those a strict and precise yogic discipline, Erika ing in one’s overall exercise mix.

24 25 A Conversation with When Lang Lang performance that night…it was the longest first performed with ovation of the year.” Lang Lang the North Carolina Sherry and David Heuser relate a similar Symphony in September memory: “Hearing Lang Lang perform Where were you born? Shenyang, China. 2002, the orchestra with our orchestra stands as one of the had just begun its search for a new highlights of our symphony experience. When you were very young, what did music director. The spotlight was on We went shopping for a CD of his work you want to be when you grew up? Peter Oundjian, the first of eleven candidates the next morning.” I always wanted to be a pianist. that the Symphony would audition over the Since that performance, Lang Lang’s The best thing about next two seasons. But when Oundjian’s re- march to legendary status continues your work now: markable young guest artist began the first apace. At 27, he has played sold-out I get to play the piano. phrases of Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 2, recitals and concerts in every major city in Worst thing about your work: eyes shifted from the maestro to the pianist, the world and tens of thousands have en- There is no time to have a vacation. widened noticeably and fixed there. More joyed his performances around the globe. than a few jaws fell open. In 2008, over five billion people viewed Who was/is the most influential The challenging “Rach 2,” as music his performance in Beijing’s opening cer- person in your life? I would say two people: [pianist] Gary Graffman insiders enjoy calling it, requires Olympian emony of the XXIX Olympics, and one and [conductor] Christoph Eschenbach. virtuosity and deftness at the keyboard. Of pundit coined the term “the Lang Lang the piano concerto repertoire, it is one of the effect” to describe the powerful force that What is your favorite stress reliever? LANG showiest and most crowd-pleasing works, inspired more than forty million Chinese A great massage. with its tricky dynamics, tempi changes children to learn to play classical piano. What do you think is the greatest and blistering runs. And with Lang Lang’s Then there are the television shows, misconception about classical music? charisma, passion and Vesuvial explosiveness, magazine profiles, performances for inter- That it’s old-fashioned. the audience practically vibrated in the highly national dignitaries, requests for residen- Time Gone What’s always in your fridge? by Jeannie Mellinger charged atmosphere within Meymandi cies and master classes all over the world, Fruit. Concert Hall. an autobiography printed and read in “...We [were] overwhelmed not only by We all live for performances like this – 11 languages, and a Grammy nomina- Fantasy career – if you were not a pianist, what would you be? Lang Lang’s technical expertise, but also those uncommon nights when you find tion. Steinway recognized Lang Lang’s I would have my own comedy talk show. his marvelous interpretation of one of the yourself balanced on the last three inches of popularity with children by creating five most complex and emotional pieces in your seat, coiled in anticipation, fighting the versions of the Lang Lang™ Steinway, What music do you like to listen to urge to propel yourself to your feet in order designed for early music education. just for your personal pleasure? the piano repertoire. We felt that we had Classical and hip-hop. to clap and shout your unabashed approval Really, the list of his honors and accom- witnessed an extraordinary performance even before the last notes are played. plishments would be more appropriate What is your idea of the perfect day? by an artist who was destined to become The News & Observer, writing about the for someone whose career had spanned First I’d watch a football game, then spend some time incredibly well-known. It was a privilege concert, described Lang Lang as “a young numerous decades. practicing piano and finish up with a nice dinner.

for us to have been at his concert.” man so full of the joy of his calling, and Now Lang Lang returns to Meymandi What historical figure you would so unaffected, that he really can’t contain Concert Hall for a special one-night-only like to meet? – Steve and Patti Sheriff, recalling Lang Lang’s first appearance himself. After a particularly exciting passage, concert on January 31, 2011. Music Two – Mozart and Shakespeare. with the North Carolina Symphony. he’ll throw a dazzling, delighted smile as if to Director Grant Llewellyn will be at the What was the first piece of say, ‘How do you like THAT?’ As he throws podium, leading the orchestra and Lang music you fell in love with? fistfuls of notes into the air, he’s clearly having Lang in what will be an unforgettable Chopin’s Waltz in D-flat Major. the time of his life.” performance of Tchaikovsky’s well-loved That was my first Chopin piece. A baby-faced 20-year-old at his first Raleigh Piano Concerto No. 1. How do you manage to juggle concert, Lang Lang still traveled with his “It’s a very special moment that I try first everything you have to do? father and his enthusiasm about everything, to connect to the music and be as the bridge I have a perfect team to coordinate my day-to-day including the Raleigh P.F. Chang’s, was so between the music which already exists and schedule worldwide. charming that musicians and staff alike fell the piano, and to bring this music again Do you have any performance a little in love with him during the week’s from underground to reality,” Lang Lang superstitions or routines? rehearsals. And in those September concerts, told Reuters in a recent interview. “Every I always eat chocolate to bring energy. it wasn’t long before the audience felt the time you play a piece it’s like you bring a life, Is there a book you really enjoy same way. He had us at the fifth bar. a new life, and when the last note finishes it that you like to recommend “It was one of the most electrifying has disappeared.” to friends? performances in our very new Meymandi Does that sound like magic? It is, but The Analects of Confucius Concert Hall,” says Symphony patron there is no trickery. An evening with Lang You travel a great deal – what do Samuel Sugg. “There was significant Lang and the North Carolina Symphony you enjoy about travel? What do anticipation of Peter [Oundjian] being will actually stay in your memory long after you dislike? there, but the real show was Lang Lang’s those last notes have vanished. To see every corner of the world is the good part, but the jet-lag is awful.

26 27 phillip glass Copland The Beatles J. Mark Scearce, composer assuming that there will be a premiere but Willie Nelson; “Hot Buttered Rum,” Well, since Good Music is Scearce – I mean not knowing how that work will fare in Tommy Thompson of the Red Clay scarce – I have to believe my own will move a the world beyond (usually, works don’t get Ramblers; “Rambling Boy,” Tom Paxton; QUEEN soul or two a hundred years after I am gone, done again beyond the premiere). But this “The Times They Are a-Changing,” Bob Ella Fitzgerald or what is it all for? In fact, I have to believe little piece continues to build momentum, Dylan; “Fields of Gold,” Sting; “Bridge that every time I approach The Blank White having now been done by more than 250 Over Troubled Waters,” Paul Simon; “Take Page or else it doesn’t get filled! orchestras since its 2000 debut. And the Five,” by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Adams But other than my own music, 100 years bookings continue to be strong! Sweeney Todd from now, we will still listen to: Stravinsky Tift Merritt, singer/songwriter and Shostakovich, Barber and Britten, Berg Dr. Robert Lacin, North Carolina Bob Dylan: “Highway 61 Revisited,” Bob Dylan and Bernstein, Copland and Messiaen, but Symphony Board of Trustees “Times They Are a-Changing,” “Hard also John Corigliano, John Adams, George Definitely The Beatles! Rain’s Gonna Fall.” Crumb, Bright Sheng, James MacMillan, Neil Young: “Ohio.” Steve Reich, Morten Lauridsen and Eric Brian Reagin, North Carolina Symphony “We Shall Overcome,” as adapted post- Whitacre. Our own Karel Husa’s Music for concertmaster WWII during the Civil Rights movement. Prague 1968 will be played as emblematic Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, because Popular music is tied inextricably to of the turbulent 20th century as long as it’s exciting and because I’m going to keep the time and atmosphere in which it was there are bands and orchestras to play it. playing it until I get it perfect, which will created and is particularly powerful as But I started out as a jazz trumpeter, probably take another hundred years! protest and political commentary. My so I am sure we will also listen to: Miles, hope is that these songs will continue Monk, Dizzy, Bird, Clifford, Trane, Horace, Roy C. Dicks, music writer to survive and strengthen over time as a Staying Ornette, Mingus, Chick, Herbie, Zappa, Bill John Adams continues to be a successful picture of history, and that their lessons Evans, Gil Evans, Stan Getz and all those and respected composer, but his masterpiece will not need relearning. immortal singers – Ella, Frank, Sammy, is his 1987 Nixon in China, notable for its Dino, Etta, Eartha, Johnny, Nina, Nneena, driving rhythms and rich textures, as well Stephen Jaffe, composer Ethel, Tony, Sarah, Joe, Dinah, Nat King as for the poetic treatment of its historical What we know is that music, one of life’s Cole. It is impossible for me to consider subject matter. great gifts, will be with us in one hundred Power a future where Joe Zawinul’s “A Remark Stephen Sondheim is known principally as years, and that it will continue to evolve. You Made” from Weather Report’s classic a musical theatre composer, but his works We don’t know the form. If we’re guided by Does your collection of favorite recordings include Mass in D by Ethel Smyth? Heavy Weather album of 1978 does not are being performed more and more in the the importance of music, and if we invest What about Johann Christian Ludwig Abeille’s Grand Concerto for piano duet? best express one hundred years of solitude opera house. Sweeney Todd has wonderfully in its present, what we now value about two hundred years from now. complex vocal lines with wide-ranging musical expression will have a future. For Maybe Robert Fayrfax’s Missa O quam glorifica? Anything by Antonio Capuzzi, emotions, which benefit from performances it not to ossify, our musical culture requires William Billings, Jakob Friedrich Kleinknecht or Ignaz Vitzthumb? Probably not. Erik Dyke, North Carolina Symphony by classically trained musicians. musicians and audiences who advance Works by these composers and a long list of forgotten others have mostly double bass Leonard Bernstein is revered as a major music’s substance and import, with a spirit disappeared in the rearview mirror. Why do we still perform and listen to Phillip Glass is fascinating. His opera talent, but his 1971 MASS was quite of adventure and significance, in a word, Christopher Columbus in the New World controversial at its premiere. Now it only with love. Said otherwise: you have to works by Felix Mendelssohn, but not so much those of his equally talented sister and his violin concerto are mesmerizing. grows in stature. Its theatrical combination invent the future if you want it to be there. Fanny? Why do we love Hector Berlioz, but know little of Gaspare Spontini, whom of sacred and profane is deeply moving and We’re up to it. Berlioz greatly admired? Said Napoleon, Glory is fleeting, obscurity is forever.” Jennifer Higdon, composer vividly entertaining. It’s our job as musicians – indeed it’s the Anything that the Beatles wrote and job of a great institution like the North This got us to thinking, what are we listening to now that will stand the test performed. It’s amazing to me that even Joe Newberry, songwriter/musician Carolina Symphony – to make sure that the though those songs were written more than This is just a small sample of the top of musical present includes the components of of time? What music will still be on the radar of music lovers in 100 or 200 forty years ago, they still sound relevant and my head (and who knows, maybe one of creativity (especially including the fostering years? We decided to ask some of our favorite musicians, composers, patrons engaging. I see teenagers today responding my own songs will stand the test of time): of new composition), education (of players, and music writers to tell us what contemporary music they think will survive to their music, even when they don’t know “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” Bill Monroe; and audiences, and patrons) and community, the decades (we are defining contemporary” as anything written after who The Beatles are! “This Land is Your Land,” Woody Guthrie so that the next generation can shape future I’m beginning to suspect that Blue (composed in 1940, but I mean, what is audiences through whatever technological World War II). Here’s what they told us: Cathedral might be my one work that five years among friends); “Yesterday,” and artistic tools they have at their disposal. lasts in the symphonic repertoire for many, Paul McCartney; “Imagine,” John Lennon; Aspiring to make imaginative music – to many years. A composer writes a piece, “Orphan Girl,” Gillian Welch; “Crazy,” make it interesting, special, attractive to

28 29 play and hear, alive for listeners – that’s a Not a genre or a work, but an artist: one will be played and enjoyed a century pretty big agenda for a composer or for a Frank Sinatra. Music is at its heart all about from now.” We’re too close. I’d love to think symphony orchestra. I’m betting my life on it. communication, and few artists, popular or that some of my own compositions will advertisement Among my own works which best otherwise, captured a mood or unspooled outlive me, but who can say? Throughout embody these qualities, and which I hope a narrative as well as the Chairman of the history, some of the greatest artists have might survive, are Concerto for Violin and Board. And from a musical standpoint, he been confident of their worth, while others Orchestra (Bridge CD 9141), Homage had an uncanny sense of “time” – how to have spent their entire lives in self doubt. If to the Breath: Instrumental and Vocal turn a phrase, delay a cadence or insert a they themselves didn’t know… restaurant Meditations for mezzo-soprano and ten syncopating pause. That’s truly “timeless!” players, with a text by Thich Nhat Hanh Phyllis Pancella, mezzo-soprano (Bridge CD 9255), and Offering, for flute, Jess Levin, violin, I’ve plucked a few things from the seminal guide viola, and harp (recorded but not yet is- North Carolina Symphony rock and pop closet to put forward, both sued). But for a musician, uncertainty The first difficulty in predicting what great tunes/lyrics that will last through comes with the job description. musical works will still be heard a century directness, simplicity and universality and 18 Seaboard 18 Seaboard Ave, Ste 100, Raleigh, 861-4318 Irregardless Cafe 901 W. Morgan St, Raleigh, 833-8898 For every day in which I can live in the in our future is that society and technology more complex, groundbreaking stuff that www.18seaboard.com. Lunch: M-F 11:30am-2pm, Dinner: Sun-Th 5-10pm, www.irregardless.com. world of music, I’m grateful. are changing so rapidly. I will guess that the will last because it will remain interesting F-Sat 5-11pm. Downtown Raleigh’s haven for fresh, straightforward American Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: cuisine with a contemporary edge – awaiting your arrival. Great for your pre- Tu – Sun, 7 am – 10 pm. Check or post-theatre dinner. website for daily hours. An authentic Raleigh experience It’s amazing to me that even though those songs 518 West Italian Cafe 518 W. Jones St, Raleigh, 829-2518 since 1975. Award winning, hand-crafted, seasonal meals which www.518west.com. Lunch: M-Sat respect the environment, including beef, seafood, poultry, pasta, 11:30am-2pm, Dinner: M 5-9:30pm, vegetarian, vegan and celiac meals. Live music nightly with dancing were written more than forty years ago, Tu-Th 5-10, F & Sat 5-10:30pm, Sun on Saturday evening. Casual fine dining with unique wines & beers. Brunch: 10:30am-2pm. Experience Catering weddings, social and corporate events. the essence of Italy and the Mediterranean in the Heart of Glenwood South. Featuring North Ridge Pub 6196-116 Falls of the Neuse Rd, Raleigh, 981-6005 they still sound relevant & engaging. handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, www.northridgepub.com. 11:30am-11pm every day. Upscale pub with urban seafood specialties, and much more. Come see why 518 has been named décor featuring salads, sandwiches, crab cakes and fish. When you’re in the “Best Italian Restaurant in the Triangle” four straight years by the readers mood for good times and great cuisine, be sure to come in. John Lambert, music writer way people react to music will be colored by and challenging. Important: I will be of the Independent! Britten: Peter Grimes (1945); R. Strauss: a tight integration of artificial intelligence entirely skipping The Beatles and The Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern 330 Hillsborough Metamorphosen (1945-6); Copland: into the human mind. The intellectually Beach Boys. Too many to mention. Café Tiramisu 6196-120 Falls of the Neuse Rd, Raleigh, 981-0305 St, Raleigh, 829-3663 www.second- Symphony No. 3 (1946);Messiaen:Turangalîla- stimulating characteristics of music will be From the catchy category: “Stairway to www.cafetiramisu.net. Tu-Sat 5:30-10pm, Sun 5:30-9pm. A family owned empire.com. Open for Dinner Tues-Sat and operated restaurant, Café Tiramisu is a small restaurant located in North Symphonie (1946-8); Vaughan Williams: at least as intriguing to our followers as they Heaven,” “Time in a Bottle,” “Blowin’ 5-10pm. Located in downtown Raleigh’s Raleigh and will give you fine Northern Italian dining at its best. Symphony No. 7 (1947-52); Prokofiev: are to us. By that I mean that the structure in the Wind,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” historic Victorian Dodd-Hinsdale House Sinfonia Concertante (1952); Britten: Canticle and playful development of materials that “Respect,” “Walk on By,” “Mack the (circa 1879), Second Empire combines No. 2 (a chamber work for alto, tenor and great composers of Western classical music Knife,” “Girl from Ipanema,” “Dock of the Cameron Bar & Grill 2018 Clark Ave, Raleigh, 755-2231 history, atmosphere, exceptional service www.cameronbargrill.com. M-W 11am-11pm, Th-Sat 11am-12am, piano, 1952); Bernstein: Candide (1956-89); (and certainly some of the best of the jazz Bay,” “Up On the Roof,” “Crying,” “Proud and gourmet cuisine for an unforgettable dining experience. Second Empire Sun 11am-10pm. It is the merging of past and present, set against an Shostakovich: Symphony No. 11 and Piano and pop composers) have valued, alongside Mary,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Restaurant and Tavern features our award winning Contemporary American understated backdrop of mahogany woodwork and ivory walls, that Cuisine in two dining atmospheres. Recipient of the DiRoNA Award, the AAA Concerto No. 2 (both 1957); Poulenc: Gloria the directly emotionally appealing use of The more complex stuff I’ll turn into a gives Cameron Bar & Grill the inviting feel of a neighborhood pub that Four Diamond Award and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 1998. (1961); Bernstein: Chichester Psalms (1965); melody, harmony and timbre. list of albums that have staying power: Pink has been around for decades. Glass: ORION (2004). So, what post-WWII works might have a Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall; Taverna Agora 6101 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, 881-8333 www. Herons The Umstead Hotel and Spa, 100 Woodland Pond, Cary life in 2110 and beyond? My first emotional CSNY, Deja Vu; Joni Mitchell, Court and tavernaagora.com. Sun-Th 5-10pm, 447-4200 www.heronsrestaurant.com. Sarah Hicks, North Carolina Symphony response is Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony, Spark; Queen, A Night at the Opera, Prince, F-Sat 5-11pm. Taverna Agora is the 6am-10pm. Herons, The Umstead’s well Associate Conductor which was completed right around the end Purple Rain; Fleetwood Mac, Rumours; premier restaurant in the Triangle to appointed 98-seat restaurant and accompanying enjoy authentic Greek cuisine. The West Side Story: Leonard Bernstein’s mag- of the war. I grew up loving that piece from Billy Joel, The Stranger; The Who, Tommy; outdoor terrace, offers a modern setting like no rustic, Old World ambiance and the num opus and a true classic. The music is as about the age of seven and probably can’t Blondie, Parallel Lines; Simon & Garfunkel, other in the South for breakfast, lunch and dinner. scratch made Greek fare will whisk fresh and alive today as it was in its 1957 judge it dispassionately. Still, to me it has all Bookends and Bridge Over Troubled Water; Recipient of the prestigious Mobil Travel guide Four-Star Restaurant you away to the Mediterranean. Family Award and AAA Four-Diamond Award, Executive Chef Scott Crawford’s Broadway premiere. It’s one for the ages. the characteristics that have enabled great Carole King, Tapestry; Talking Heads, Stop style service available. Extensive Greek wine selections. Conveniently extraordinarily refined American cuisine is a study in both comfort Minimalism: One of the truly significant works of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms to Making Sense; Peter Gabriel, So. located on Glenwood across from Pleasant Valley Promenade. musical developments of the 20th century, retain their audiences for centuries. and elegance. minimalist techniques have crossed over I’m sure that several of Shostakovich’s Interested in more opinions? from the classical medium to popular music, symphonic pieces will last another century, Please check our website at influencing everything from ’60s psychedelic as will works by Benjamin Britten, Samuel www.ncsymphony.org/stayingpower rock and later prog rock to trance and Barber and Leonard Bernstein. There are to see what more respondents had to say. ambient. The music of Terry Riley, Philip bound to be works written much more We’d like to hear from you, too! Glass and John Adams will continue to recently that will also last, but I don’t feel be a part of our restaurant guide! influence musical minds of all genres. that any of us can step back and say “that call Amy Scott at 919.834.9441 or email [email protected]

30 31 Advertisers Index Carolina Meadows • www.carolinameadows.org ...... 21 Restaurant Guide...... 31 18 Seaboard • www.18seaboard.com John Montgomery Violins • www.montgomeryviolins.com ...... 9 The Toy Chest 518 West • www.518west.com Since percussion is occasionally called the Opus 1, inc • www.opus1inc.com ...... ibc Café Tiramisu • www.cafetiramisu.net kitchen by orchestra insiders, the many small, Raleigh Ringers • www.rr.org...... 5 Cameron Bar & Grill • www.cameronbargrill.com auxiliary instruments in the section are, in effect, Herons • www.heronsrestaurant.com the melon ballers and electric juicers of the music Sarah P. Duke Gardens • www.sarahpdukegardens.org...... ifc trade. Rarely used but functional tools, if not Irregardless Cafe • www.irregardless.com instruments so narrowly focused they must be Triangle Strings • www.trianglestrings.com ...... 13 North Ridge Pub • www.northridgepub.com bought or borrowed for the one score that calls Umstead Hotel & Spa, The • www.theumstead.com...... bc Second Empire • www.second-empire.com for them. Yet any Leroy Anderson fan knows Taverna Agora • www.tavernaagora.com that the items in the so-called toy chest can make Wake Radiology • www.wakerad.com...... 19 all the difference. Imagine “Sleigh Ride” without sleigh bells and a good whip crack. Despite a certain smallness in stature and We appreciate our advertisers who are true supporters of the arts. As a reader, you can also pizzazz, a percussionist’s subtler arts allow support the arts by mentioning to our advertisers that you saw their ad in Opus magazine! room within the orchestra for some of the oldest specialized instruments, which, given their To advertise in Opus magazine contact Amy Scott at 919.834.9441 or email [email protected]. common-sense simplicity, have hardly changed through the millennia. Crotales, fittingly nick- named antique cymbals, are four-inch chromatic cymbals played with mallets; the National Distributors List Museum of Ireland has a perfectly functional Apartments of Oberlin Court, The www.oberlincourt.com North Carolina Symphony Box Office www.ncsymphony.org set dating back to the Bronze Age. Handheld Artspace www.artspacenc.org Nowell’s Furniture www.nowellsfurniture.com clicking devices, forerunners to the castanet, Atomic Salon www.atomicsalon.com Penang – Malaysian, Thai & Sushi www.penangnc.com were used in ancient Greece and Egypt, while Café Zen Sushi & Asian Bistro www.cafezensushi.com Quail Ridge Books and Music www.quailridgebooks.com more than a few longstanding cultures lay claim Cedars of Chapel Hill, The www.cedarsofchapelhill.com Raleigh Visitor’s Center www.visitraleigh.com Edible Art www.edibleartbakery.com Rebus Works www.rebusworks.us to the genesis of the whistle. Ancient China was Elizabeth Galecke Photography www.elizabethgalecke.com Rue Cler www.ruecler-durham.com likely the first to create one as a hollowed-out Fayetteville Street – News Rack Seaboard Ace Hardware www.seaboardace.com casing. They used an acorn. Fine Feathers www.finefeathersstyle.com Seaboard Fitness & Wellness www.seaboardfitness.com Footlights www.footlightsraleigh.com Second Empire www.second-empire.com Squint at the back row during your next live Free Range Studio, The www.freerangenofences.com Studio 123 www.seaboardstationshops.com orchestra concert and you will likely see a Galatea Boutique www.galateaboutique.com Sullivan’s Steakhouse www.sullivanssteakhouse.com king’s ransom of shakers, scrapers and other Gallery C www.galleryc.net Symposium Café www.symposiumcafenc.com noisemakers. They range from childhood Gallery Shibui www.galleryshibui.com The Point at Glenwood www.thepointatglenwood.com Health Park Pharmacy www.healthparkpharmacy.com Third Place Coffee www.thirdplacecoffee.com favorites (the tambourine) to the exotic, such as Helios www.helioscoffee.com Triangle Strings www.trianglestrings.com the basketworked caxixi or netted shekere, both Hopper Piano www.hopperpiano.com Whole Foods Chapel Hill www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/chapelhill ancient African shakers. Latin-flavored music can Irregardless Café www.irregardlesscafe.com Whole Foods Durham www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/durham call for maracas, claves and the güiro, famous for John Montgomery Violin www.montgomeryviolins.com Whole Foods Raleigh www.wholefoods.com/stores/raleigh Lilly’s Pizza www.lillyspizza.com Wynne Residential www.wynneres.com its satisfying washboard ratchet sound. Straining NC Ear, Nose & Throat www.ncent.org the definition to include objects that need a stand for support, the toys can also include temple blocks, anvils, wind machines and a thunder sheet. In short, have no fear, mothers of growing young children. The orchestra will always need someone who can make some real noise. – Arthur Ryel-Lindsey

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