A NIGHT OF EXTRAORDINARY MUSIC FEBRUARY 23, 2016 AT 7 PM • ATWOOD HALL

:: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: GENERAL INFORMATION::

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Alaska Youth Orchestras is to build musicianship, inspire our youth to love music, offer enriching opportunities for music performance, and create a musical legacy that will sustain arts throughout the lives of our members and our communities.

CONTACT INFORMATION Alaska Youth Orchestras P.O. Box 240541 • Anchorage, Alaska 99524 Email | [email protected] • alaskayouthorchestra.org

STAFF Artistic Director – Linn Weeda Executive Director – Darla Brooks Anchorage Youth Philharmonic Conductor – Tevya Robbins Chamber Music Director – Laura Koenig

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tanguy Libbrecht, Board President Sandi Lowther, Vice President Ulyana Stiassny Kim Morris, Treasurer Jay Van Alstine Tina Barela Katerina Vasily Kim Fraser Daniel Whitfield Caroline Renner Bob Amos, Director Emeritus

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Anchorage School District ASD Music Teachers Bruce Wood, Music Coordinator University of Alaska Anchorage, Music Department East High School

PHOTOS Photography generously provided by Northern Lens Photography, Marcus Biastock

Alaska Youth Orchestras is supported, in part, by a grant from the Alaska State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support from the Municipality of Anchorage, the Rasmuson Foundation, and the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation.

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 1 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: GREETINGS::

Welcome!

We are so pleased that you are here, listening to some of the most talented young people in the state! As always, our concert showcases the amazing talents and hard work of the members of the orchestras. It is truly joyous and a LINN WEEDA privilege to work with all of them. ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Our concert tonight has widest variety of music – from familiar classics, to modern masterpieces, along with some movie music to round out the concert. As we do from time to time, both the Philharmonic and the Symphony join forces for one of most famous of orchestral marches.

Of course, tonight is our silent auction. As you most likely have already observed, there are many delightful and surprising products for you to bid on. Bid often – you don’t want to lose the opportunity to get that special item!

Linn Weeda Music Director, Alaska Youth Orchestras

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 2 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: CONDUCTOR-LINN WEEDA::

A lifelong Alaskan, Linn Weeda received his baccalaureate from UAF, where his trumpet teacher was James Kowalsky and his conducting teacher was Gordon Wright. He received his Master’s from Boston University, where he studied trumpet with Armando Ghitalla and Roger Voisin, won the concerto competition, and was student of the year.

Further studies were with Julio Tancredi LINN WEEDA in trumpet, Larry Scripp in solfege, ANCHORAGE YOUTH SYMPHONY CONDUCTOR Charles Bruck and Gunther Schuller in conducting. He has also studied with the principal trumpeters of the Atlanta, London, Los Angeles, and Rotterdam orchestras.

As a freelancer in Boston, he was a member of a number of orchestras and was heard nationally on National Public Radio performing on baroque trumpet with the Smithsonian Chamber Players. He has given recitals and performed concertos throughout the country and in Asia. He has appeared with most of the orchestras and festivals in Alaska as soloist – most recently appearing with the Anchorage Symphony, performing a world premier of a trumpet concerto written for him by Boston composer Louis Stewart.

“He has appeared with most of the orchestras and festivals in Alaska as soloist – most recently appearing with the Anchorage Symphony, performing a world premier of a trumpet concerto written for him by Boston composer Louis Stewart.”

As a conductor, Weeda led orchestras in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany. He has been Music Director of the Fairbanks Youth Symphony and founded the Tupelo (Mississippi) Community Orchestra. He was Staff Conductor of the Greater Boston Youth Symphony. He regularly conducts the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra in the annual Halloween concert and in Young People’s Concerts. He has led the AYS on tours within Alaska and on international tours to Australia and, in the summer of 2010, to China.

Currently Weeda is Music Director of the Anchorage Youth Symphony, Assistant Music Director and Principal Trumpet of the Anchorage Symphony, Principal Trumpet of the Anchorage Opera. In addition to his many credits as a performer, Weeda has taught at King’s Lake Music Camp, University of Alaska Fairbanks Summer Fine Arts Camp, and the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival. In addition he teaches classes in ear training, solfege, and trumpet at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 3 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: CONDUCTOR-TEVYA ROBBINS::

Mr. Tevya Robbins received two Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Music Education and Political Science from Humboldt State University. He TEVYA ROBBINS has earned a M.M. in Instrumental Conducting ANCHORAGE YOUTH PHILHARMONIC from Portland State University. He has had opportunities to conduct the Beaverton Community Band and the Portland State University Wind Ensemble. Mr. Robbins is currently the Band Director at East Anchorage High School. He has a love of music and a love of being involved in the education of young people.

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 4 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: A N C H O R A G E Y O U T H S Y M P H O N Y ::

ANCHORAGE YOUTH SYMPHONY

VIOLIN 1 CELLO Mariya Gilliland, principal Sarah Souders, principal BASSOON Emily Jensen Foster Birnbaun Natalie Talcott, principal Hahni Johnson Kiya Gates Jenna Morris Katherine Brown Camille Heubner William Son Anna Kendall HORN Vasily Soloview Joshua Kim Alexander Hamm, principal Jose Abdelnoor Emma Morgan Evan Hagen Torsten Renner Alexander Daskalos Emma Thomas Jacob Morris Ciara Whittaker Maggie Spotanski Jinah Yoon Maria Kling Yohei Fujimoto BASS TRUMPET Emily Arsenault, principal Bryce Davis, principal Myah Precie Jaden Frazier VIOLIN 2 Willow Groskreutz Iman Allen Charlie Latimer, principal Cailey Winn Tuan Graziano Julia Koehler Spencer DeBerard Alison Royce Gannon Lawley Serena Inoue Katelynn Marshall TROMBONE Naomi Ratcliffe Arie Weidemaier, principal Claire Bredar Patrick O’Brien Abigail Luiken FLUTE Thomas Tyler Kelli Thomas Isabelle Libbrecht, principal Lou Mei Gutsch Catherine Goolsby Sydney Trueb Elizabeth Van Alstine TUBA Peter Stiassny Joyce Kim Drew Cochran, principal Sabine Kretschek

OBOE PERCUSSION VIOLA Ansley Morris, principal Naomi Endres, principal Claire Mahoney, principal James Homsley Noah Greene Madison Smith Antonia Barella Owen Crumley Patricia Graterol Clay Johnson Aieleen Kim Aaron Jenkins CLARINET Christian Miranda Nicole Rieser, principal HARP Judy Park (on medical leave) Kailey Gates Krista Stapleford Joe Cagley Arthur Welsh

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 5 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS::ANCHORAGE YOUTH PHILHARMONIC::

ANCHORAGE YOUTH PHILHARMONIC

VIOLIN 1 CELLO CLARINET Amber Pike, principal Anna Berry, principal Callahan Fedullo, principal Collyn Kim Vincent Sanderson Takuma Inoue Shinhwi Umemoto Rosebud Scott Abigail Spears C. Anthony Fedullo Luke Bredar Kezia Laganson Michelle Turchetto Elijah Kim BASSOON Ellie Mitchell, principal BASS VIOLIN 2 Sarah Earnhart, principal Jennifer Tollefsen, principal HORN Kyla Potter Kieran Kauffman, principal Kathleen Amore FLUTE James Correa Roberta Cecere Yu-Jin Choi, principal Ian Soellers Sharon Song Chelsea Hutchings Leo McNicholas Rebecca Gerke TRUMPET Emi Soldwedel, principal VIOLA OBOE William Binnian Sarah Wolski, principal Jared Lowther, principal Hudson Taylor Isabelle Pope Hriana Bowie Chandra Boyle Charles Panigeo Dylan Bruce Edward Hazelton Andrew Wiggin Special thanks to ays harp and percussionists for performing with AYP

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 6 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: SENIOR PROFILES::

SENIOR PROFILE

PHILIP ARIE WEIDEMAIER (TROMBONE) Mr. Weidemaier has played two years with Alaska Youth Symphony.

Arie has participated in All-State for the two years, and was awarded first chair for the trombone section last year. He has also participated in Solo and Ensemble for the past three years both as a soloist and in small group performances.

Arie has been an Honor Roll student all four years of high school while taking AP level course work, and is ranked in the top ten percent in his class.

For the past four years, Arie has participated in cross-country running and soccer at Service High School. He and also enjoys skiing, fishing, biking, and camping.

Upon graduation, Arie plans to attend college out of state in either Idaho or Montana to study Biology.

Arie would like to thank Dr. Christopher Sweeney, for his guidance for the past four years. He would also like to thank William Waag, former band director at Service High School, and “Frau” Julie Lucht, the band instructor at Hanshew Middle School, for their continued support over the years.

Participation in AYS has pushed Arie’s musical boundaries in areas of music study and improved his level of playing overall.

CAMILLE HEUBNER (CELLO) Ms. Heubner has played with AYO two years- Junior year in AYP, senior year in AYS.

Camille’s musical awards, accomplishments and honors include Superior ratings at State Solo and Ensemble in both solo and duet work, All State, worked with Zuill Bailey at Sitka Fine Arts Camp and attended various chamber workshops, Principal AYP Cellist and West High Orchestra.

Other awards, accomplishments and honors include National Merit Semi-finalist, Presidential Scholar candidate, State Spanish language competitions, National Honor society and Honor Roll, president of Interact Club (community service).

Camille’s hobbies and other interest include varsity swimming, downhill and cross country skiing, kayaking, fishing, reading, knitting, wheel-thrown ceramics.

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 7 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: SENIOR PROFILES::

“I plan to pursue a degree in civil or mechanical engineering, most likely at Princeton University. I would like to continue playing cello there, either in a symphony or a chamber group.”

Camille would like to thank the following people that guided her musically. Parents, Amy Holonics and Bill Heubner. Teachers, Jeanne Bruhn, former teacher (deceased) Beth Leffingwell, and Gabrielle Whitfield (West orchestra conductor).

“Through being principal cellist for AYP I learned a lot of leadership skills and patience, which have aided me in other aspects of music and life in general. I really enjoyed working with other extremely dedicated musicians from all across the district because AYS is a place where one can really focus in on the music.” Camille Huebner, 2016

CATHERINE GOOLSBY (FLUTE & PICCOLO) Ms. Goolsby is a four year member of Alaska Youth Orchestras.

Catherine is a three year member of the Alaska All-State Band. She was chosen as principal flautist during her freshman year. She has also received two superior ratings of “1” at both regional and state Solo and Ensemble Festivals.

Ms. Goolsby has been involved with Student Government all throughout high school, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She will also be graduating in the top 10% of her class with a 4.0 overall GPA.

Catherine is a three year member of the Eagle River HS cross-country running team and a two year member of the cross-country skiing team. In her free time, she enjoys hiking all around Alaska and exploring new trails. She also loves playing her flute in the choir at Saint Andrew Parish and sharing her passion for music with the community. Spending the day at Alyeska snowboarding is also one of her favorite activities.

Catherine plans on leaving Alaska for college and attending either Colorado State University, or Texas A&M to pursue a degree in sports management or business. From there, she plans to obtain a law degree and work as a sports agent to negotiate contracts, or work on the financial side of the sports industry.

Ms. Goolsby would like to thank her incredible parents who have supported her love of music ever since she picked up the flute in 6th grade. They sacrificed an immense amount of time driving her to and from her lessons (which ended up being about a three hour endeavor), and always being present at her various concerts and events. She would also like to thank her wonderful flute instructor Laura Koenig who always pushed her to be better and putting up with her when she didn’t practice enough. She would like to extend a big thanks to Travis Harington who first introduced her to the flute in 6th grade, and has motivated her from the start to continue with her passion of music. She has played with his choir at Saint Andrew Parish for

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 8 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: SENIOR PROFILES::

the past four years and has been presented various opportunities through that, such as playing at the funeral of former Archbishop Hurley.

Being a four year member of AYS has allowed her to play world famous pieces of music under one of the best conductors in the state. This incredible organization provides many opportunities for young performers to pursue their love of music in a “real life” orchestra setting and built camaraderie amongst other musicians. When she looks back on her high school career, this is by far one of her favorite experiences.

NAOMI ENDRES (PERCUSSION) Ms. Endres is a four-year member and current Principal Percussionist for Alaska Youth Orchestras.

Naomi’s musical awards, accomplishments and honors include Anchorage Youth Symphony Concerto Competition Winner (2015) Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra by Ney Rosauro (Performance Anchorage Performing Arts Center, May 2, 2015) Stanford Youth Orchestra Summer Institute (2015), Concerto Competition Finalist Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra by Ney Rosauro Anchorage Civic Orchestra Concerto Competition Winner (2014) Concerto for Six Timpani and Orchestra by Georg Druschetzky (Performance Anchorage Performing Arts Center, Feb 7, 2014 [performance: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=YG583WHSkSw] University of Alaska, Anchorage Percussion Ensemble Invited Soloist (Spring 2014) Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra by Ney Rosauro Principal Percussionist in AYS (2012-2016) Alaska All-State Music Festival: Band and Orchestra percussionist 2012, 2013 (First Chair Award), 2014 (First Chair Award), 2015 Interlochen Summer Arts Camp (2012, 2013, 2014) Jonathan L. Silets Memorial Scholar (2012) David Scott Rhind Endowed Scholar (2013) ASAA Solo & Ensemble Music Festival 2012, 2013, 2014 (1st runner-up Percussion Command Award)

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 9 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: SENIOR PROFILES::

Ms. Endres’ other awards, accomplishments and honors include Candidate: United States Presidential Scholar (2016) National Merit Semi-Finalist (2015) AP Scholar Award with Honors (2015) West High School Honor Roll (2012 - present) Fencing: Active sabre fencer since 2010, Fencing Center of Alaska Alaska State Open Sabre Championship, 2015, 2nd place Oregon Fencing Alliance 2014 Competition, 3rd Place Qualified for Junior Olympics (2012, 2013, 2014)

Naomi’s hobbies and other interest include reading, Robotics, Chess, Philosophy, Ancient Greek, Quantum Mechanics, Corgis, Tea drinking.

Her future plans are to become an Aerospace engineer and plan the colonization of Mars.

ROSEBUD SCOTT (CELLO) Ms. Scott played cello with Anchorage Youth Philharmonic for one year.

Rosebud enjoys reading, bowling, sewing, cooking and baking. Her future plans include research in the Neuroscience field and to perform in a symphony.

“I wish to thank my parents and grandparents for helping me with my music in every way, being very supportive throughout, and for putting up with the early years of me playing. I would also like to thank Linda Ottum for being an amazing teacher.”

Rosebud Scott, 2016

THOMAS ABIA TYLER (TROMBONE) Mr. Tyler has been a member of Alaska Youth Orchestras for two years. AYS senior year, AYP junior year.

Thomas plans to attend Corban University and major in music education. His hobbies and other interest include church activities, cooking, his pets, and working with kids.

Mr. Tyler would like to thank to Mr Volstad, his school band director, for all his encouragement over the years, and Dr Freeman-Toole, his orchestra teacher, for pushing everyone to excel. And last but not least, Mr Tevya Robbins for 3 years of amazing trombone lessons.

“Being a member of AYO has been a great experience. It has expanded my knowledge of how an orchestra functions and helped me grow as a musician.” Thomas Abia Tyler, 2016

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 10 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: SENIOR PROFILES::

VINCENT SANDERS (CELLO) Mr. Sanderson played cello with Anchorage Youth Philharmonic for one year.

Vincent’s musical awards, accomplishments and honors include the recipient of the UA Scholar award for being in the top ten percent of his graduating class, two varsity letters in Track & Field as well as being named captain of the distance team.

“I love to run, hunt, and fish. I especially love hunting waterfowl in the fall and fly-fishing in the summer. Distance running is a passion, six, eight, ten miles, I don’t care, just get me out there.”

Vincent’s future plans include college and a career in the Army.

Mr. Sanders would like to thank his cello teacher, Joel Stamoolis.

“I would not be playing here today if it were not for his training, encouragement, and skill as a teacher. Thank you Joel!”

Vincent Sanderson, 2016

LIKE our Facebook page! For more information on upcoming auditions and the 2016-2017 season, please visit: alaskayouthorchestras.org

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 11 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS::

JOHN ASBJORN OSNES Maker and repairer of violins, violas, cellos. 8900 Jupiter Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99507 • Tel: 907.346.3609 Res: 907.346.4615 • www.osnesviolins.com • [email protected]

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 12 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS::

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 13 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: PROGRAM::

Alaska Youth Orchestras Program Linn Weeda, Music Director

Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 7PM Atwood Hall

Anchorage Youth Philharmonic Tevya Robbins, Conductor

Franz Schubert ...... Rosamunde Overture d. 797

Anotaly Liadov ...... from Eight Russian Folksongs op. 58

5. Legend Of The Birds. Allegretto 6. Cradle Song. Moderato 7. Round Dance. Allegro 8. Village Dance Song. Vivo

Michael Mogensen ...... Quest for the Grail

INTERMISSION

Anchorage Youth Symphony Linn Weeda, Conductor

Gioacchino Rossini ...... Overture to Il barbiere di Siviglia (the Barber of Seville)

Astor Piazzola ...... Libertango (arr. Kevork Andonian)

Jules Massenet ...... from Cendrillon (Cinderella)

Marches des Princesses

Modeste Moussorgsky……………………… ...... Excerpts from Pictures at an Exhibition orchestrated by Maurice Ravel

Samuel Goldenberg und Schmuÿle Catacombae: Sepulcrum Romanum: Cum mortuis in lingua mortua La Cabane sur des pattes de poule (Baba Yaga) La grande porte de Kiev Howard Shore……………Symphonic Suite from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring arr. John Whitney

Samuel Goldenberg und Schmuÿle Anchorage Youth Symphony and Philharmonic Linn Weeda, Conductor

Saint-Saens ...... Marche Militaire Française

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 14 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: PROGRAM NOTES::

Program Notes by Linn Weeda

Anchorage Youth Philharmonic Conducted by Tevya Robbins

Overture to Rosamunde, op. 26, D. 664 Franz Schubert Born January 31, 1797, in Alsergrund, Austria. Died November 19, 1828, in Vienna. Composed in the summer of 1820 as the Overture to Die Zauberharfe. First performance (as Rosamunde) in December 20, 1823 in Vienna.

One might feel sorry for playwrights. Frequently, the plays that they wrote are forgotten, but the music composed to accompany the play lives on. As examples, one might think of Bizet’s L’Arlesiene and Beethoven’s Egmont – music that was composed for stage productions that are forgotten, only remembered as titles of brilliant music. This is certainly true of the Rosamunde Overture.

Franz Schubert was one of those rare geniuses for which music seemed to flow as easily as conversation. In a short life of thirty-one years he managed to compose nine symphonies, over three hundred glorious arts songs, an immense catalog of beloved chamber works, church works, significant piano works, as well as operas. He composed while living for the most part in relative poverty, always struggling for recognition and money. Much of his music was not played in his lifetime. None of his work for the theater – operas and incidental music – was ever associated with successful productions, and at best saw runs of only two or three performances. However, the music he composed for these productions lives on.

The history of this particular overture is convoluted: it was actually composed a few years earlier for another stage production. Schubert borrowed his own Zauberharfe (Magic Harp) Overture that he had composed some three years earlier. Borrowing from oneself was actually was a common occurrence in theater work at the time, where composers were required to work at incredible speed. Unfortunately, the production failed after only two performances.

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 15 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: PROGRAM NOTES::

The music opens darkly with a long introduction, then moves to a radiantly fast music. This is one of Schubert’s greatest overtures, and has been in repertoire since its publication in 1854.

Eight Russian Folksongs op. 58 Anotaly Liadov Born May 11, 1855 in St. Petersburg. Died August 28, 1914 in Borovichi, Novgorod, Russia. Composed in 1906.

A famously slow worker, Liadov was in fact a brilliant (if not conservative) teacher closely associated with Rimsky-Korsakov. It was because Liadov was so slow to finish a commission that Igor Stravinsky got his first big break, the Firebird Ballet.

Highly self critical, his relatively small output of composition reveals a fine attention to detail and exacting standards in orchestration. The Eight Russian Folk songs were written in 1906, and reflect his abiding interest in and collection of Russian folk music.

The excerpts heard tonight are:

5. Legend Of The Birds. Allegretto 6. Cradle Song. Moderato 7. Round Dance. Allegro 8. Village Dance Song. Vivo

Quest for the Grail Michael A. Morgensen Born 1973 in Hagerstown, MD. Composed on commission from the Washington County (MD) Board of Education.

Adapted from the composer’s notes:

Michael Mogensen is an alumnus of James Madison University and Ithaca College, and studied with Robert W. Smith, John Hilliard and Dan Wilson. He is frequently commissioned to write works in a variety of mediums, and has won the Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel Composition Prize from the United States Air Force Band in Washington, DC.

Inspired by the legend of King Arthur and noble quests for the Holy Grail undertaken by the Knights of the Round Table. An otherworldly keeper guarded the Grail. It was thought to possess miraculous healing powers, and it eventually became an obsession for many of the best and bravest knights.

The work contrasts powerful and energetic sections with a contrasting ethereal segment. The work concludes in dramatic fashion, driven by percussive fireworks.

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 16 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: PROGRAM NOTES::

Anchorage Youth Symphony Conducted by Linn Weeda

Overture to The Barber of Seville Gioachino Rossini Born in Pesaro, Italy in 1792. Died in Paris in 1868. Composed in 1816. Premiered in Rome with composer directing in 1816.

While there are few direct Spanish influences in the work heard tonight (although some might hear a bit of a guitar serenade in the introduction), it certainly mimics the rhythmic energy that one closely associates with the music of Spain.

A half dozen of Rossini’s opera overtures are staples of the orchestra repertoire: in the past the Youth Symphony has performed his overtures to William Tell and Italian Girl in Algiers. All of these overtures feature fresh and inviting melodies, driving rhythms, and a favorite feature of the composer - the ‘Rossini crescendo’ - a long, gradual full-orchestral wave of ever – increasing sound.

Rossini scored fabulous early successes that allowed him to retire to a life of leisure in Paris, where he practiced his passion for cooking (and eating!). He composed little in the latter half of his life.

No overture is more famous than that of The Barber of Seville. It was originally composed for an opera that failed, then recycled as the overture to the Barber. It opens with a sneaky figure that leads to a beautiful melody played by the violins. After the introduction, the music at first seems serious, but by the end of the overture reveals the high-spirited nature of the work.

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 17 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: PROGRAM NOTES::

Liber Tango Astor Pantaleón Piazzolla Born March 11, 1921, Mar del Plata, Argentina. Died Buenos Aires, July 4, 1992. Composed in 1973.

Certain musical forms come to be identified with a country: the waltz with Austria, round dances with England, square dances with North America. Argentina’s national pride is the tango, with the first mention of the word around 1880 in Buenos Aires and neighboring Montevideo in Uruguay.

Characteristic of all Tangos is the quadruple meter and characteristic rhythm. The history of both the dance and music is tied to the turbulent history of Argentina – starting out (like America’s Jazz) as a ‘low life’ form, it became a national obsession that was banned or encouraged by successive governments.

Astor Piazzolla performed tango from an early age. For a time early in his career he lived in New York, soaking up the music of Duke Ellington and other jazz greats. Urged to study further, he moved to Paris to study with the great pedagogue Nadia Boulenger, who encouraged him to find his own compositional voice by tapping into his passion for tango.

In 1955, Piazzolla introduced a new form of Tango – the Nuevo tango – a new approach to the genre that combined elements of jazz improvisation, counterpoint and dissonance. At first met with impassioned resistance at home, it gained popularity in America and Europe.

Libertango is an example of this newer form of the dance. It is one of seven tangos he wrote all using the fusion of the word tango with part of another word: Libertango, Meditango, Undertango, Violentango, Novitango, Amelitango & Tristango. Written for his Octeto Nuevo de Buenos Aires, the piece represents a leaner musical style, based on the intrinsic musical qualities of the tango, “liberated” from the social context of its origins. It is one of the most transcribed of all of the composer’s works.

Suite from Cendrillon: Marches des Princesses Jules Massenett Born May 12, 1842 in Montaud, France. Died August 13, 1912 in Paris. Composed between 1894 and 1896 First performance May 24, 1899 at the Opéra Comique in Paris.

Written at the height of Massenett’s fame as an opera composer, Cendrillon tells the story of Cinderella in its original form from the late 1600’s. The opera, which was very successful, shows Massenett at his most witty and clever. This is evident in the charming march heard tonight, which announces the princesses’ entrance to the climatic ball towards the end of the opera.

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 18 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: PROGRAM NOTES::

Excerpts from Pictures at an Exhibition Modeste Mussorgsky Born in Karevo, March 9/21, 1839. Died in St. Petersburg March 16/21, 1881. Composed between June 2 and 22, 1874. Orchestration by Maurice Ravel, 1922.

Les Modeste Mussorgsky is one of the most important figures to the Russian nationalist school of composition called the Kushka. Like other nationalistic composers Mussorgsky wanted to use musical language that reflected Russian folklore, language, and folk songs.

One of his major accomplishments was the suite of piano pieces Pictures at an Exhibition. This suite of sixteen short movements depicts a retrospective art show of the composer’s recently deceased friend Victor Hartmann (1834-1873).

Each movement depicts a specific painting, sketch or design, interspersed with five ‘promenades’ that depict the rotund composer strolling through the galleries. The first scene heard tonight is a compilation of two sketches from the Jewish ghetto in Sandomir, Poland. One sketch depicts a rich man: the composer gives him a forceful, even arrogant voice. In contrast Schmuÿle has only a pitiful sack containing all of his earthly possessions: he is depicted by high nervous figure played by the muted trumpet. In the end, the two simply talk past each other in Moussorgsky’s little drama.

The next two movements, played without pause: ‘Catacombae’ and ‘Cum Mortuis in Lingua Mortua’. This scene is set in the deep gloom of the Paris catacombs. The two movements end in the high register.

Baba Yaga depicts Hartmann’s illustration for a design of a clock. In Russian myths, Baba Yaga is portrayed as a witch who lives in a log cabin that moves around on a pair of dancing chicken legs. In most variations of the myth she is very scary. Mussorgsky’s music perfectly fits this myth: it is at once modern and dissonant with an ambiguous middle section.

This movement leads directly to a design for a Gate that would memorialize Tsar Alexander II’s 1866 escape from assassination. The gate was never erected – perhaps because the Tsar didn’t want to remind the populace of his close escape! Mussorgsky’s grandiose music aptly matches the design; bells ring in front of the gate and Russian Orthodox priests walk through the square singing the hymn “As You are Baptized in Christ”. Just before the end, Moussorgsky imbeds the Promenade theme in the texture. As the work ends, one is left with a sense of grandeur hardly matched in any other music.

Suite from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Howard Shore (arr. John Whitney) Born October 18, 1946 in Toronto, Canada.. Composed for the film in 2001.

Howard Shore’s early career (after studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston) was the

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 19 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: S P E C I A L PROGRAM NOTES::

influential Television producer Lorne Michaels. The two met as boys in a summer camp, and formed a life long friendship. Michaels hired Shore to be musical director of Saturday Night Live, where he worked from 1975-1980.

He has composed of over eighty films, and is winner of numerous awards including three Academy Awards, six Golden Globes, and a Grammy. His most famous score is the music for Lord of the Rings Trilogy heard tonight.

Anchorage Youth Symphony and Philharmonic Linn Weeda, Conductor

Marche Militaire Française Camille Saint-Saëns Born in Paris in October 9, 1835. Died in Algiers on December 16, 1921. Composed in July, 1880. First performance July 19, 1880 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris conducted by Edouard Colonne

Camille Saint-Saëns recalled that his parents

…took me to a symphony concert, and my mother held me in her arms near the door. Until then I had only heard single violins and their tone had not pleased me. But the impression of the orchestra was entirely different and I listened with delight to a passage played by a quartet, when suddenly, came a blast from the brass instruments…I broke into loud cries, ‘Make them stop. They prevent my hearing the music.’ They had to take me out.

As the passage above reveals, the precocious Saint-Saëns possessed a hypersensitive ear. Born to a peasant family, at a very early age Saint-Saëns showed a remarkable talent that has been compared favorably with Mozart. He was trained at the Paris Conservatory in piano, composition and organ. While he steadily composed (only while standing up!), Saint-Saëns’ early career was as a brilliant soloist. He wrote in virtually every medium: opera, symphonies, chamber music, concertos, and choral works. After 1900 he principally pursued his literary pursuits, publishing a book of poems and writing for scientific journals.

One of Saint-Saëns’ most recognizable works, Marche Militaire Française is actually part of a larger work, his Suite Algerienne. It is a musical ‘post-card’ from one of the composer’s most favorite destinations. Unlike the other three movements of the Suite (which are more characteristic of North Africa), this Marche speaks possibly to the then current French colonial occupation of Algeria.

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 20 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS::

Upcoming Events for Alaska Youth Orchestras

AYO AUDITIONS MAY 2ND & 3RD, 2016 Auditions for the 2016/2017 season, East High School. Register on our website between April 1-midnight May 1

LIKE our Facebook page! For more information, please visit alaskayouthorchestras.org

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 21 ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 22 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: HISTORY::

History of the AYO

In the early 1960’s many individuals recognized the need for an orchestra for the youth of Anchorage. Forerunners of what became known as the Anchorage Youth Symphony were organized and conducted by such prominent local musicians and educators as Kurt Pasch, Jeanne (Ray) Bruhn, Charles Gorsuch, and Marlow Thomas. Young musicians of that period were trained in the Anchorage schools and gave many concerts throughout the city.

“The AYO encourages and supports the music program within the schools in the belief that great music played well instills in young people discipline and the joy of great musical ideas.”

In 1965 the Anchorage School District hired Frank Pinkerton as its director of music. In that position he formally organized the Anchorage Youth Symphony. As its music director, Mr. Pinkerton oversaw the expansion of opportunities to perform throughout the state, and the youth symphony’s reputation grew steadily.

Dewey Ehling replaced Frank Pinkerton as music director of both the Anchorage School District and the youth symphony. The Anchorage Youth Symphony Association became a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 1981. Until his retirement in 1986, he expanded the touring schedule, traveling and performing nationally and internationally.

In 1986 and 1987 Linn Weeda led the orchestra. In 1987, John Duff was appointed Music Director. During his tenure the orchestra toured Scotland. In 1991 Russell Guyver succeeded Duff, instituting a series of retreats to encourage the social interaction of members, as well as concerts in the Matanuska-Susitna valley.

Linn Weeda was again engaged as the Music Director in 1992, and continues in that position. In recent years the orchestra’s program has expanded to include coaching by local professional musicians, many who were in the youth symphony as young players. Other

LIKE our Facebook page! For more information on upcoming auditions and the 2016-2017 season, please visit www.alaskayouthorchestras.org

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 23 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: HISTORY::

activities under Weeda have included an annual recording project, a chamber music series, the formation of the Anchorage Youth Philharmonic, an alumni association, scholarships, and extensive touring.

In 2012, the non-profit Anchorage Youth Symphony Association became Alaska Youth Orchestras.

Members of the orchestras are chosen each year during auditions in the spring, and are drawn from every public and private school in the area as well as from the Matanuska-Susitna valley. In previous years, students have flown in from Kodiak, Homer, and Kenai to rehearse and perform with the orchestras.

Without great music, education is not complete. Music education has long been an educational priority of the Anchorage School District with classes in orchestra, band, and chorus offered at the elementary, junior, and senior high levels. The AYO encourages and supports the music program within the schools in the belief that great music played well instills in young people discipline and the joy of great musical ideas.

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 24 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:P A T R O N I N F O R M A T I O N ::

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 25 :: ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS:: CONTRIBUTIONS::

THANK-YOU! Alaska Youth Orchestras would like to extend its thanks to the following donors who helped make our events and season concerts possible. AYO GIVING LEVELS

ANGEL Kimberly Mahoney $1000 to $7499 Shi Song Atwood Foundation Alan Birnbaum Alaska Arts & Health PTSA Myung Son Anchorage Festival of Music Le Le Anchorage Robert Burns Appreciation Society Edwin Kim Carrs/Safeway Amy Spears Frank Mitchell PATRONS Christopher Michaelson, CPA $$500 to $999 Rebecca Rogers & Kenneth Gutsch ERM Mary Neher in memory of Melissa Jayne Neher Marsh Creek Harold Heinz Barbara Garner BP Foundation, Inc.

SUPPORTER FAN $100 to $499 $50 to $99 Fred Meyer Steven & Renee Crumley Clarice Dickness Liese & Jim Munter Merion Kendall Anchorage Suomi Finland Club Andy Spotanski

Flute Chair Sponsor Tanguy & Marcella Libbrecht

Your Business Will Shine in the AYO Programs!

Want to see your business here? Your ad will be seen by the more than 5,000 patrons who will attend the 2016- 2017 season. We have an ad size to fit any budget!

Contact us at [email protected]

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 26 YOU CAN HELP ALASKA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS EARN DONATIONS JUST BY SHOPPING WITH YOUR FRED MEYER REWARDS CARD!

Fred Meyer is donating $2.5 million per year to non-profits in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, based on where their customers tell them to give. Here’s how the program works:

• Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to (non-profit) at www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. You can search for us by our name, Alaska Youth Orchestras, or by our non- profit number, 85901. • Then, every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you are helping (non- profit) earn a donation! • You still earn your Rewards Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates, just as you do today. • If you do not have a Rewards Card, they are available at the Customer Service desk of any Fred Meyer store. • For more information, please visit www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards.

ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 27 ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 28 ALASKAYOUTHORCHESTRAS.ORG | AYO WINTER CONCERT | PAGE 29