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2020-21 Season >>

Our Generous Sponsors >>

Welcome Message >>

Board of Directors >>

Concert Program >>

Guest Soloist: Dmitry Rachmanov >>

Meet the Executive Director >>

Meet the Music Director >>

Our Musicians >>

2020-21 Donors >> 2020-21 SEASON tribute to beethoven October 3, 2020 music of america November 14, 2020 mozart and haydn February 6, 2021 romantic classics March 6, 2021 romeo and juliet May 1, 2021

slosymphony.org THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Madonna Inn Harvey’s Honey Huts, in honor of Gil Stork Pacific Western Bank Performing Arts Center SLO Foundation for the Performing Arts Center The Community Foundation SLO County The Clifton Swanson Community Access Fund The Henry W. Bull Foundation

Pacific Eye Kathryn V. & Brendan L. McAdams special thank you

Cass Winery Cuesta College Festival Mozaic Gordon’s Floral Design Studio The Plant Lady Signature Parking SLO Provisions

Capt. Mike and Mrs. Ursula Fitzgerald

Ann Shaw and Charles Boccodaro Contact [email protected] for more information. welcome!

It is my honor to serve as President of the SLO Symphony Board of Directors for the 2020-21 season.

We started this year with exciting plans for change and growth with the hiring of our new Executive Director, Anna James Miller. But, like everyone, we were soon faced with the constraints of COVID-19.

Though these are difficult times, we are determined to stay focused on one of the core principles of the SLO Symphony, to “contribute to the cultural vitality of the Central Coast community”!

Things may look different, and we may not be able to be together physically, but current challenges have brought out the best in our staff, musicians and volunteers. Now, more than ever, we are committed to continue the legacy of providing great music and culture for everyone.

The SLO Symphony has been an integral part of this community for 60 years. The work of the Symphony has always been a collective effort, and this year is no exception.

I want to thank our conductor Andrew Sewell, members of the orchestra, staff, committee volunteers and my fellow board members, especially Mark Sherman, our past board President.

I would also like to thank our supporters. We could not carry out our mission if it were not for the ongoing generosity of our donors, sponsors and underwriters. I thank you for your ongoing trust and support as we navigate this season together and experience the music of the San Luis Obispo Symphony in new ways.

Best wishes and continued health and well being,

Jill LeMieux President SLO Symphony Board of Directors board of directors president Jill LeMieux past president Mark Sherman secretary Jim Walker treasurer Jessica Hoffman directors Joe Benson Robert Lin Matthew Green Karen Loewi Jones Bob Gordon Stefan Podell James Hathaway David Slade Michael Johnson Mike Zigelman honorary life member Clifton Swanson tribute to beethoven

I. Allegro

Violin Grace Seng Piano Kiyomi Sato

I. Allegro ma non tanto

Violin Emily Lanzone Grace Seng Viola Karen Loewi Jones Cello Barbara Hunter-Spencer I. Allegro

Piano Dmitry Rachmanov Piano II Jason Stahl

I. Allegro con brio

Violin Emily Lanzone Piano Susan Davies

II. Adagio un poco mosso III. Rondo: Allegro

Piano Dmitry Rachmanov Piano II Jason Stahl

I. Allegro moderato

Violin Grace Seng Cello Nancy Nagano Piano Kiyomi Sato

*Virtual content only dmitry rachmanov

Dr. Dmitry Rachmanov is the Chair of Keyboard Studies at California State University, Northridge. A sought-after performer, master class clinician, adjudicator and lecturer, Dr. Rachmanov has served on the faculties of Manhattan School of Music and Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, and was an invited guest artist/lecturer/clinician at The Juilliard School, New England Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, Royal Northern College of Music (UK), Shanghai and Beijing Central Conservatories.

Rachmanov has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, London's Barbican and South Bank Centres, at venues in Europe and Asia, and has collaborated as a soloist with the Ukraine National Symphony, National Orchestra of Porto and Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, among others. He has recorded for Naxos, Parma, Master Musicians and Vista Vera labels.

An active member of the American Liszt Society, Dmitry Rachmanov served as the Artistic Director of the 2016 ALS Festival “Liszt and Russia” hosted by Cal State Northridge. He is the president of the society’s Southern California chapter. A proponent of Russian repertoire, Rachmanov gave the US premiere of Boris Pasternak's Piano Sonata, broadcast by the NPR, and his recital "The Art of the 19th Century Russian Character Piece" was noted by the New York Times for "considerable color and focus" he brought to each work. He is a founding member of the Scriabin Society of America; his April 2014 Scriabin program at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, part of the world recital tour commemorating Scriabin’s 100th memorial anniversary, was described as “a ‘poem of ecstasy’ in every sense: giant in conception, quantity, quality, execution, thoughtfulness, and sensitivity” by the New York Concert Review.

Dr. Rachmanov is a graduate of The Juilliard School (BM& MM) and Manhattan School of Music (DMA). His teachers include Nadia Reisenberg, Arkady Aronov, Alexander Eydelman and Ada Traub. He is a recipient of numerous awards, among them being named Jerome Richfield Memorial Scholar at CSUN and receiving an “Outstanding CAPMT Member State Recognition Award” by California Association of Professional Music Teachers. In 2018 Dr. Rachmanov was selected as the 2018-19 Academic Affairs Research Fellow in the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication at CSUN. In January 2019 he was a Co-Director of the ChamberFest @ CSUN Festival. In the summer of 2019 he was a resident at the Brahmshouse in Baden-Baden, Germany. executive director Anna James Miller is a former professional ballet dancer and dance teacher with over a decade of performing arts leadership experience.

The daughter of four-time Grammy Award -winning cellist and composer Eugene Friesen, music has played a major role in her life since childhood.

Originally from the East Coast, Anna moved to the Seattle area in 2000 and worked for organizations including Seattle Opera, Northwest Chamber Orchestra, Spectrum Dance Theatre, Icicle Arts, Icicle Creek Theatre Festival, Federal Way Symphony, Auburn Symphony, and Bremerton Symphony. Most recently, Anna worked in a communications role with Kitsap Community Foundation, organizing a regional day of giving which raised $2.2M for 337 local nonprofits, and assisting with the launch of a COVID-19 community relief fund and resource directory.

With a deep passion for education as well as the arts, Anna taught funding and grant writing for nonprofits at Olympic College’s Business and Technology Division and served as a teaching assistant for graduate and PhD courses in Gonzaga University’s School of Leadership Studies. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in arts administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a Master of Arts in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University, and professional certificates in advanced fundraising and grant and proposal writing. Anna and her visual artist spouse Bryan, along with their young daughter Cassidy, are excited to be in San Luis Obispo. She is thrilled to partner with Maestro Andrew Sewell and take the SLO Symphony to new heights, and bring her arts advocacy to aid SLO County’s cultural recovery during this economically uncertain time.

If you are enjoying this concert, please consider making a charitable donation to support the San Luis Obispo Symphony! music director Maestro Andrew Sewell enters his fourth season as music director of the San Luis Obispo Symphony and twenty-first season with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, having had long tenures with the Wichita, Toledo and Mansfield, Ohio Symphonies.

Known for his innovative programming and knack for discovering new talent, Sewell is a highly skilled orchestra builder with a wide knowledge and range of repertoire.

In demand as a guest conductor, he has led the Toronto, Detroit, Milwaukee, Columbus, Syracuse, Illinois, Monterey, Gulf Coast and Eugene Symphony Orchestras, as well as the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia, Christchurch Symphony, National Symphony of Mexico, Kyushu Symphony (Japan), City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, OK Mozart Festival, WI Peninsula Music Festival and Masterworks Festivals in the US and London.

In 2019, Maestro Sewell returned to guest conduct the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong for the seventh time, in honor of their twentieth anniversary season.

A native of New Zealand, Maestro Sewell received his music training on the violin, piano and cornet, and began conducting at age 16. Six years later, he made his professional opera debut with the Mercury Opera and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Winning the Australian Guarantee Corporation’s Young Achiever’s Award allowed him to further his studies abroad. Sewell holds a Master of Music degree with Honors in Conducting from the University of Michigan. While not conducting, he enjoys cycling and other outdoor pursuits and visiting family in New Zealand. He and his wife, Mary have three grown children and reside in Madison, Wisconsin.

Over the years he has been credited with numerous awards for services to music including the 2017, Service to Music Award from the Association of Wisconsin Symphony Orchestras, the 2013 Rabin Arts Youth Award for Individual Achievement by the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra, the 2005 Best Individual Artist Award by Wichita Arts Council, and 2005 Musician of the Year by the Wisconsin State Journal, for services to music and the greater arts community. You will often see him at a local coffee shop, grocery store or cycling on the backroads of Wisconsin or San Luis Obispo. musicians & sponsors 2020-21 season

Brynn Albanese, Concertmaster Susan Minker Emily Lanzone, Assoc. Concertmaster Clifton and Jane Swanson Sharon Holland Jim Black and Liz Vogler Nancy Webber and Roger Vogler Carol Kersten Dean Miller Michele Meyers Ginette Reitz Grace Seng Mary and Thomas Tanner Philip Shanks Eva Werner John and Patricia Ashbaugh Timothy Shanks, Principal Roger and Jan Verity Tanya Streder Barbara Blanke Melinda and Jim Avila Lisa Davidson Clay Froelich Valarie Koos Marica Koos-Mortensen Ingrid Kovacs Sonya Lanzen-Castellanos Leanna Marchell Kristine Pacheco

David Hennessee, Principal Karen Loewi Jones Peter Liepman Rosemary and Kathleen Thorne Jack Marzano Jim and Kathleen Walker Dorothy Rose Margaret Whitson Michael and Ursula Fitzgerald Kim Wilkins

Nancy Nagano, Principal Barbara Hunter-Spencer Miki Gillman and Larry Batcheldor Nan Hamilton Cricket Handler and Jerry Boots Tracy Sparks Gina Kirk Bradley Taylor Cindy Marie Absey Rosslyn Thorp-Clauson Drew Van Duren Roxanne Carr Min Lee

Ken Hustad, Co-Principal Lara Lehmer, Co-Principal David and Diana Salmon David George Victoria Grostick Ed Harris Peter Saxby Carol Fine Clifton Swanson Fred and Rochelle Friedman

Marley Eder, Principal Cynthia Johnson-George Rosemary and Kathleen Thorne Bonnie Richan Nancy Smee Sandi Sigurdson and Steve McGrath

Jessica Hoffman, Principal Heidi Butterfield Laurie and Richard Ellison

Richard Dobeck, Principal Darlene Hagenow Ian Murton Judy and George Shepard Shannon McNeely John Dilworth and Carole Maurer

Lisa Nauful, Principal India D'Avignon and Ignatios Vakalis

Jennifer Galvan, Principal Larisa Vredevoe Sean Holmes Ray Gallo Greg Magie

Devin Henderson, Principal Carol Fine Rich Ward Al Streder John and Rebecca Baer

David Landers, Principal Michael Johnson Mark Miller Craig Russell

Rod Mathews, Principal Sharon Turner

Marcia Dickstein, Principal

Susan Davies, Principal

John Astaire, Principal

Marshall Granger, Principal Brendan V. and Kathryn L. McAdams Mark Sherman and Denise Barilla Dennis Cementina Larry and Victoria Schmidt John Beck Jim and Kathleen Walker sponsor a musician

The performing arts industry has been devastated by COVID-19. Closed venues and gathering restrictions have forced many orchestras to close their doors forever.

Music matters. It enriches our lives, strengthens our culture, and unites us even in difficult circumstances. We need your help now, more than ever, to keep bringing classical music to the Central Coast for generations to come.

By sponsoring a musician for this season, you help keep the San Luis Obispo Symphony going during this crisis, and help us prepare for a strong return when live performances resume.

Visit slosymphony.org to sponsor one of our beloved local musicians today! 2020-21 donors

Our donors are the heart of what we do! Thank you for your continued support throughout the 2020-21 season. You make the music possible!

Richard Andrews Kathrine Coull Ingrid Inglish and Carol Siegel Brendan V. and Kathryn L. McAdams Martha Michaelojko Kettlekamp Pacific Eye Mary and Thomas Tanner Roger and Jan Verity

Capt. Michael and Mrs. Ursula Fitzgerald

Ann Shaw and Charles Boccadaro symphony $5,000 + Ellery and Jeanne Conley The Henry W. Bull Foundation concerto $1,500 - 4,999 Mrs. Kathrine Coull Mr. and Mrs. Bert E. Forbes John and Mary Freeman Lorenzo Murguia, M.D. crescendo $1,000 - 1,499 Richard Alberts John and Rebecca Baer Laurie and Richard Ellison John and Marian Gilbert Miki Gillman and Larry Batcheldor Mr. and Mrs. Richard Luckett Bonnie McIvor Paul Severtson and Sue Schafer sonata $500 - 999 Mary Baiamonte Zorus and Judy Colglazier Robert and Nita Fishburn John and Mary Frey David and Tanna Hamilton Jill LeMieux and Richard Leroy Gene and Patricia Shields James Walker Tom and Carol Weiss prelude $100 - 499 Anonymous James Brown Seth Cohen Robert and Alexis Danielsen India D'Avignon and Ignatios Vakalis Ann Dover Carol Dover Michael and Dianne Draze Jeff Eidelman ♥ Sky Bergman Dalene Eimon Fred and Marion Enfield Eugene Friesen David and Jessica George Robert and Ruth Gordon Linda Halisky Jack Harris James G. & Marge Harris Jim Healy and Leslie Mosson Frank and Cynthia Hughes Duane Inglish David and Cynthia Javitz Harry Beachler Jr. Gail Kammermeyer Patricia Kempel Gina Kirk Elizabeth Kiser Cathy Larsen Stephen LaSalle and Barbara Schoenike Kathryn Lawhun and Mark Shinbrot P. and T. Lichtman Anne Loftus Dan and Patty Manion Juliane and Peter McAdam Leslie McKinley Betsy Murton-Mendoza Ruth Nagano, in honor of Rita Anderson (Mrs. Bud), from Ruth Nagano and children Elias and Ruth Nimeh Carol McPhee Norton Frank and Virginia Pekar Susan Piel George and Esther Pudlo Barney Reitner and Linda Reitner Linda Robertson Mary Rose Lee and Marie Rosenwasser Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo Joan Gellert-Sargen Marvin and Margery Seid Lisa and Michael Shelton Anita Shower John and Deborah Spatafore Keith and Jill Stearns Vic Sterling and Jeanne Sterling Robert and Carol Swain Elizabeth Swope Sandra Taylor and Marilyn Moore Theresa Theiler Anne Tiber Florence Touryan Andrew and Jane Tupper Barry and Jennifer VanderKelen Steve Weiss Karen Wiles Allen and Bev Williams Rosh Wright Sally Young Michael Zigelman and Maurina Kusell friends up to $99 Simon Baker Cynthia Gaulin Dolores Herzog Marcia Lamkin Household Joe Loehnis Lisa and George Nauful Ann and William Palmer William Paris Douglas Pillsbury Janis Scott Madelon Strauss Mike Suddarth and Linda Brady Linda Williams School closures and social distancing requirements have made it impossible to provide many of our essential music education programs this year. Donors to Music Education help us adapt our Youth Symphony to an online format and provide a strong foundation for the return of our in-school programs. music education sponsors and donors Chantal and Ryan Allan Lauren Bandari Deanna Elmerick Brenda and Kenneth Enney Bert and Candace Forbes Claudia Hackethal and Michael Gerard Emily Hamilton and Eric Brussel Xiaomin Jin Margaret Korisheli Brad and Nicole Kyker Catherine Petty Susan Polk Insurance Cindy Marie Absey Anonymous John and Rebecca Baer Ms. B. Lea Baker* Bob Becker Jim Black and Elizabeth Vogler Barbara and Dan Blanke Jerry Boots and Cricket Handler Chet and Anne Boyd Jeff and Melodee Brady John and Nancy Bruno Clifford Chapman* and Gene A. Shidler* Clifford H. and Marylee* Clark Donald and Frieda* Cook Tom* and Kathy Coull Fund Burke* and Rena Dambly Dawna Davies Steven deLuque and Jeff McKeegan Sandy and John Dunn Harold D. Fine* Adrienne Fissel* Michael E. and Ursula D. Fitzgerald Phyllis Foulstone* Phyllis and Robert Frank Fred and Rochelle Friedman Frank and Jacqui Garacci Martha and Leon* Goldin Shella E. Griffie Darlene Hagenow The John and Barbara Hartman Family Trust Quin R.* and Linda C. Hauss Patricia A. and Gerald Hempenius Ms. Jeanne P. Holden* Fred and Ellie* Malzahn Jacobsen Kristin S. Johnson Dr. Maurina Kusell and Dr. Michael Zigelman Nicole and Bradley Kyker Peggy Lance Little Brendan V. and Kathryn L. McAdams Stephen McGrath and Sandi Sigurdson Jan Meshkoff, PhD Allen* and Susan Minker The MOCA Foundation Jan Mracek* Dr. Lorenzo Murguia, M.D. Mrs. Alice Parks Nelson* Russee Parvin Gerry and Peggy Peterson* Mrs. Roberta D. "Bobbee" Petrie* Barb Renshaw Ms. Louise M. Roberts* The Craig H. Russell Fund Victoria and Larry Schmidt Madeline and David* Shaw Skip Shaw Beverly and Jim Smith Liz and John Summer Robert and Linda Takken James R. and Mary L. Talbot Joseph M. Thomas Sheila and Yosef* Tiber Bryce D. and Diane R. Tingle* Patrick W. Trout Roger and Janice Verity Nancy L. Victor* John* and Eldora Warkentin Florence "Buddy" Welles* Morgan Young*

For information about making a legacy gift to the San Luis Obispo Symphony, please contact Anna James Miller at [email protected].

*Deceased symphony staff

Executive Director Anna James Miller

Music Director Andrew Sewell

Office Manager Jenny Beddy

Communications Manager Kristen Hintz

Production Manager Thor Larsen

Personnel / Librarian Richard Dobeck

Volunteer Services, Americorps Member Audre Smikle

San Luis Obispo Symphony 75 Higuera Street, Suite 160 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-543-3533 | slosymphony.org

SLO Symphony is a public benefit nonprofit 501(c)(3) Fed. tax ID #95-2493144