42ND SEASON
NEW
BEGINNINGS
2025 ANNUAL REPORT
MISSION
VISION
It is the mission of our orchestra to inspire, educate, entertain, and involve the children, youth, and adults of our community in the enjoyment of great music.
We believe in the transformative power of music to change lives. We will grow and nurture the audience of today and tomorrow through exciting, inclusive, innovative, and impactful music in a welcoming and engaging way. We seek to serve our community through programming and music education that reflects our diverse North Texas region.
VALUES To achieve our mission and vision, we are driven by the following values:
INVOLVEMENT WITH COMMUNITY GREAT MUSIC
R E L AT IO N SH I P S , FA M I LY, FEELING WELCOME
EDUCATION INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY ARTISTRY
INNOVATION
SERVICE ENTERTAINMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission, Vision, and Values
2
Message From Our Leaders
4—6
2024 – 2025 Season Program
7
Where Music Meets Meaning
8
Education and Community Engagement Programs
9 — 13
PSO in the Community: Making An Indelible Impact
14
A Symphony of Nations Gala
15
2024 – 2025 Financials
16
PSO January 2025 Strategic Plan
17
Meet the Core Musicians of the Plano Symphony Orchestra
18
2024 – 2025 Board Members and Staff
19
Donors
20
Season Sponsors
21
PSO Guild and Volunteers
22
Preview of the 43rd Season
23
PL ANO SYMPHON Y.ORG 3
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIRMAN Dear Friends of the Symphony, Serving as the Plano Symphony Orchestra’s (PSO) Chairman of the Board of Directors for two years was the culmination of my many years of board service at the Symphony. We accomplished a great deal during my tenure as Chairman, and I am so proud to have served with so many wonderful volunteers on the board. Volunteers dedicate their time to a cause or organization they believe in, often driven by a desire to make a positive impact. Together, we made a huge impact on the lives of so many in our community. During my tenure, we saw the budget nearly double and our performance output almost triple. We commissioned new compositions by local composers and brought in several distinct artists. I am proud to say that as Chairman, I presided over an incredible rebirth of our beloved PSO, led by a team of dedicated volunteers and committed staff.
“ Art and music are fundamental human functions. Humankind and art depend on each other.”
Art and music are fundamental human functions. Humankind and art depend on each other. We have an innate desire to create, regardless of the scale or nature of the creation. Interaction with sound is unavoidable, whether to produce it or to enjoy it. People have always valued music in their lives, whether for listening pleasure, emotional impact, performing, or composing. This is true for both classical music and contemporary concert music. The PSO proudly showcases itself by performing a diverse array of music, which has made the Symphony appealing to many in our community. I am also proud of our diverse music education programs, from School Concerts to the Summer Music Programs, all excellent opportunities to engage children and youth of all ages. That is what makes the PSO so unique and special to me.
As I pass the mantle to my successor, Nancy Freeman, I am optimistic about the ongoing growth potential of the PSO. This is a remarkable regional orchestra with enormous potential to achieve even more. Next season, as I step down from the Board, I am pleased to say that I will be working on behalf of the PSO as Co-Chair of the annual Gala fundraising event. It will be a fun event to organize as we build our theme around celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary. There are many people I should thank, but I worry I might unintentionally leave someone out. Let me simply say: My time at the PSO has been incredibly rewarding, and I have made many new friends. I encourage everyone to explore everything the PSO offers. You will not regret it. Thank you, PSO! Warmly,
Brenda Mills
Chairman, PSO Board of Directors
4 2024 – 2025 SEASON
A MESSAGE FROM OUR MUSIC DIRECTOR Dear PSO family, Our 2024 – 2025 Season, New Beginnings, marked the first full season for our beloved orchestra at the Robinson Fine Arts Center, our new home. The improved acoustics immediately made an impact, and for the first time in years, the “real” sound of the PSO was fully on display. There have been and will continue to be adjustments as we perform more concerts there, but the overall results are outstanding. Just think, our strings can shine, our woodwinds can hear each other, and the brass and percussion sections can play comfortably without straining their volume. Our season started with the first of three new commissioned pieces. The first one, Tlaloc by Robert X. Rodriguez, was powerful and brilliant. Opening Night! Ballet and Boléro also featured an amazing Barber concerto performance by our concertmaster, Elisabeth Adkins, and the renowned Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. A wonderful opening night! The season continued with A Tribute to Elvis Presley, featuring harmonica virtuoso Robert Bonfiglio. It was a first for the PSO, concluding with an audience favorite, Gershwin’s An American in Paris. What a blast we had. Building on your PSO’s successful tradition of offering fresh, innovative, and engaging concerts, we hosted our first experience with Video Games Live! It was a complete sellout, drawing many new concertgoers, all captivated by the multimedia collaboration between the PSO, video games, and the Plano West High School choir directed by Sarah Council. It is wonderful to feel the excitement of young people and patrons experiencing something new, truly a big hit! The Plano West High School joined the PSO again for our Home for the Holidays concerts and, as expected, their youthful voices made our traditional Christmas concerts a delight. An added family and community touch was the participation of “guest conductors” Corey Hoffman and our dear Mirna Lynch; now that was fun. The new year brought us not one but two new artists: composer Quinn Mason (second commissioned piece, Shine Time) and the Grammy-nominated percussion ensemble TAMBUCO, presenting another first for the PSO, performing in the North Texas area a concerto for “garbage” instruments and orchestra. The program concluded with the gorgeous Symphony No. 8 by Dvořák. At The Beat Goes On!, the PSO gave one of its finest performances of this beautiful piece. The February concert was A Broadway Valentine. Broadway stars Alli Mauzey, Jason Fobach, and LaKisha Jones graced our stage with unforgettable romantic songs as well as Broadway favorites. Their vocal prowess, warm personality, and perfect blend of their voices produced an unforgettable evening. Our March concert, An Oceanic Adventure, once again showcased the amazing talent of the Collin County Young Artist Competition soloists. It is so refreshing to see and hear teenagers perform at the highest level. How thrilling it is for their families to see them on stage, accompanied by a professional orchestra, and how exciting it is for the PSO to be a part of something that will undoubtedly touch their lives forever. Our own PSO brought the house down with a virtuoso performance of Debussy’s masterpiece: La Mer (The Sea). Our Grand Finale! concert provided us with an opportunity to hear our third and final commissioned piece by world-renowned composer Xi Wang, as well as one of the most brilliant and exciting young pianists in the world today, Alessio Bax. He performed not one, but two of the most demanding works for piano and orchestra (Lutoslawsky and Rachmaninoff’s Variations and Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and the Plano Civic Chorus brought the season to an exciting end, performing Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances. A fitting conclusion to another outstanding season. And that was not all, Simón Gollo conducted extraordinarily successful school concerts and together with our Director of Education and Community Engagement, Dr. Jennifer Wheeler, made a significant impact with our young musicians as they completed the PSO’s second annual Summer Music Programs. How can we top this? A question that we hear every season. Well, my dear friends, next season is simply fantastic. What a line up – The Music of Billy Joel Starring Michael Cavanaugh, Strings in Motion: Vivaldi and Piazzolla with the Grammy nominated Latin American String Quartet, Beethoven's Fifth & The Music of Star Wars, Home for the Holidays Featuring Charles Billingsley, Sound and Vision: A Multi-Sensory Journey with our concertmaster Elisabeth Adkins, Branford Marsalis Jazz Quartet, A Night in Paris! with singer Rosana Eckert, and Grand Finale: Carmina Burana with pianist Krisztina Fejes. Indeed, this is Music that Matters! Respectfully,
Héctor Guzmán
Music Director, Plano Symphony Orchestra
PL ANO SYMPHON Y.ORG 5
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Dear Friends, We ended another year solidly in the black, for the fourth year in a row! That is an amazing accomplishment, all the while growing the Plano Symphony Orchestra (PSO). We stay focused on our strategic vision and approach everything we do with a positive attitude. Combine that with you, our most loyal supporters, and you have all the ingredients for success! The most vital ingredient is you! Our mission is strong and resonates with more people as we expand our performance footprint in both Plano and the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Simply put, we believe music has the power to bring a positive impact in many ways. Our role is to deliver great music to as many people as possible, which is made possible through those who support the Symphony. Our mission serves as our guiding star. This has resulted in greater clarity, focus, and impact. It clarifies our purpose, motivates stakeholders, and guides us in making strategic decisions. As a result, resources are allocated more effectively, fundraising efforts improve, and our connection with the community strengthens. As we stay true to our mission, let’s look at what we accomplished this past fiscal year: • The PSO commissioned three new works from local Dallas composers – Quinn Mason, Xi Wang, and Robert Xavier Rodriguez. • We collaborated with one of the country’s most revered ballet companies, The Pittsburgh Ballet, for our opening season concert. • We increased the number of performances both on our Main Stage and throughout the community by 50% over the prior year. • We began what I hope will be a long and collaborative relationship with Kaleidoscope Park in Frisco. • We moved our performances to the wonderful Robinson Fine Arts Center. • In music education, we expanded our Summer Music Programs. • We performed for more than 18,000 3rd – 5th grade students with our School Concert Program. • We brought the joy of music to more than 1,600 seniors with our music therapy program, Healing Notes. • We did all of this in a financially prudent manner by balancing our budget each year as good stewards of your investment. Music is transformative. Thank you to all our patrons, subscribers, Board members, Guild volunteers, staff members, our extraordinary musicians – everyone – for passionately believing in the power of music to change lives. Together, we can bring the joy of great music to more people each season. Thank you for your support and for making us stronger each year! Sincerely,
Gregory Patterson President & CEO
6 2024 – 2025 SEASON
2024 – 2025 SEASON PROGRAM
OPENING NIGHT! BA LL E T A ND BOLÉRO
A TRIBUTE TO ELVIS PRESLEY
VIDEO GAMES LIVE!
HOME FOR T HE HOLIDAYS
THE BEAT GOES ON!
A BROADWAY VALENTINE
AN OCEANIC ADVENTURE
GRAND FINALE! PL ANO SYMPHON Y.ORG 7
WHERE MUSIC MEETS MEANING Plano Balloon Festival In partnership with the H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival for the 3rd consecutive year, the PSO opened the festival with a full orchestra and VIP reception, connecting the community and festival vibes together! OVER 10,000 ATTENDEES AT THE PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL! Special thanks to H-E-B | Central Market and Dianne and Marion Brockette.
Kaleidoscope Park Concert Series
New for the 2024 – 2025 Season, Kaleidoscope Park partnered with the PSO, launching the series on October 26th. The audience and orchestra were immersed in the Halloween spirit, wearing costumes and enjoying spooky music. On May 10th, a PSO big band lit up the park with a lively performance, enjoyed by a large crowd, including representatives from Capital One. OVER 550 ATTENDEES JOINED US AT THE TWO UNFORGETTABLE KALEIDOSCOPE PARK CONCERTS! Kaleidoscope Park concerts with the Plano Symphony Orchestra are sponsored by Capital One.
8 2024 – 2025 SEASON
EDUCATION AND COMMUNIT Y ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS Women Composer Series March 28, 2025 The Nack Theater (Frisco, TX)
This chamber concert featured PSO strings and woodwinds performing breathtaking works by visionary women composers, including Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s composer in residence Sophia Jani and Rice University alumna Gabriela Lena Frank. The program included the following: • Sophia Jani: Everybody was so young II (alto flute, clarinet, cello) • Gabriela Lena Frank: Elegía Andina (flute, violin, viola, cello) • Alyssa Morris: Brushstrokes (flute, oboe, bassoon) • Fanny Mendelssohn: String Quartet in E-flat Major Women Composer Series is sponsored in part by: Every Page Foundation, Mary Jo Cater, Mirna Lynch, Janie and David Orr, Denise and Larry Pollis, Erin and Ben Stewart, Heather Carlile, and Nancy Freeman.
Healing Notes for Seniors
May 16, 2025 Christ United Methodist Church (Plano, TX) The string ensemble was conducted by Alexandra Kovatch. The program included the following: • Caroline Shaw: Entr’acte for String Orchestra • Jennifer Higdon: Dance Card • Katy Abbott: Glacial Thunder (U.S. premiere) • Teresa Carreño: Serenade for String Orchestra
This music therapy-inspired concert program, in collaboration with Sound Starts Music, is designed to provide an interactive experience for residents in senior care facilities. Participants engage with a licensed music therapist through: • Active listening and musical participation • Utilization of functional fine motor skills • Gentle exercise and movement of the upper body • Stimulation of cognitive and long-term memory • Promotion of relaxation and well-being PSO musicians perform each session at the partner facility, creating a comfortable and familiar environment for all participants. • 62 concerts • 84 + senior living facilities (including hospitals) have participated in the program (and growing) • 1,600+ seniors each year Healing Notes is sponsored in part by: Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, Frost Bank, AWARE Fund of the Dallas Foundation, Texas Commission on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Sandy Nachman.
PL ANO SYMPHON Y.ORG 9
School Concert Education Program
The SCHOOL CONCERT EDUCATION PROGRAM, our largest outreach program, is designed to be an integral part of the fine arts curriculum for public, private, and home-schooled students in 3rd – 5th grade from the area. Of the participating schools, 40% serve Title I students. The program consists of an online TEKS-based multi-media curriculum and in-person school visits with PSO musicians, culminating in a field trip to a full orchestra concert experience in the spring.
he PSO’s music education and T community outreach programs are recognized for their thoughtful curation of educational experiences that extend well beyond the concert setting.
IN 2024 – 2025, THE SCHOOL CONCERT EDUCATION PROGRAM IMPACTED:
18,000+ 165 SCHOOLS STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
10 2024 – 2025 SEASON
WITH 10 SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND 25 PRIVATE/HOME SCHOOLS
The School Concert Education Program is sponsored in part by:The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation, Atmos Energy, Plano Rotary Club, REA Charitable Trust, and Veritex Community Bank.
Collin County Young Artist Competition The COLLIN COUNTY YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION, concert, and special performances (winners are invited to perform at donor events and community engagement performances), are all part of the PSO's mission to provide exceptional music education programs for children, youth, and adults. Since its inception, the competition has showcased the most talented young performers in the Collin County area. In January 2025, 105 talented young artists competed in the competition. Three young artists performed with the symphony at the Oceanic Adventure concert in March.
2025 GRAND PRIZE WINNERS William Xie, viola • Ashley Park, flute • Eric Wang, piano
Pit Program
The PSO's PIT PROGRAM, in partnership with North Texas Performing Arts, trains student musicians to play in dynamic theatrical settings. Student musicians from Plano, McKinney, and Lewisville ISDs collaborate with theatre artists, preparing them for a multi-faceted musical career. During the 2024 – 2025 Season, the program presented ten total performances for approximately 2,000 attendees.
Summer Music Programs
The PSO's SUMMER MUSIC PROGRAMS' second year served students in grades 3 – 12 from 18 school districts, as well as private and home-schools. Students spent half their time rehearsing as a full orchestra and the other half learning about music therapy, instrument repair, music business, improvisation, and more. Summer Music Programs are sponsored in part by: Tammy and Charles Miller, The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation, Nancy Freeman, Dianne and Marion Brockette and First United Bank.
Juvenile Detention Center Healing Notes
JUVENILE DENTENTION CENTER HEALING NOTES is part of the interactive music-therapy program for seniors, but focused on incarcerated youth. This program is free of charge to participants and results in a take-home ukelele upon successful completion of the program. The Collin County Juvenile Detention Center is the primary partner facility.
PL ANO SYMPHON Y.ORG 11
Scholarship Program
The PSO's SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM funds private year-long instrumental lessons for qualifying PISD middle school students. Scholarships are awarded based on director referral and financial need. Purpose: Provide a life-changing opportunity for middle school instrumentalists who demonstrate financial need with access to private music instruction. • 26 scholarships awarded for the 2024 – 2025 Season • 165 scholarships awarded since the program’s inception in 2019 Scholarships awarded cover weekly private lessons for the fall and spring semesters.
Private lesson instructors are selected and assigned to the scholarship recipients by music directors from Plano ISD.
Instrument Petting Zoo
The INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO is a free outreach program featuring a selection of instruments made available for use by libraries, schools, and at community festivals and private events. The Zoo often provides a child’s first opportunity to handle and experience the power of making music. • 53 Instrument Petting Zoo visits, serving over 31,000 children
12 2024 – 2025 SEASON
Scholarship Program is sponsored in part by Sandy Nachman and Plano ISD Council of PTAs.
Musical Storytimes
The PSO’s MUSICAL STORYTIMES chamber groups combine themed-based music with books for young audiences and their families at local libraries. • 2 performances in 2024 – 2025 at Rockwall and Plano Public Libraries
H-E-B | CENTRAL MARKET P SO FAMILY SERIE S
The Plano Symphony Orchestra’s Family Series invites audiences of all ages to experience the joy of live music through fun, interactive concerts designed to educate and inspire. Each performance blends storytelling, orchestral music, and hands-on activities to spark imagination and foster a lifelong love of the arts. Family Series concerts were held in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and Addison in 2024 – 2025.
969 attendees at 9 Family Series Concerts As part of PSO’s commitment to greater inclusivity, the inaugural Sensory-Friendly Family Series concert on March 9, 2025, welcomed 100 neurodivergent attendees, plus their caregivers/family members, for a total of 226 attendees. Family Series is sponsored in part by H-E-B, Central Market, Frisco Arts, McKinney Arts Commission, and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital (Sensory Friendly).
PL ANO SYMPHON Y.ORG 13
PSO IN THE COMMUNITY: MAKING AN INDELIBLE IMPACT DURING THE 2024 – 2025 SEASON
8 8,637
SU B S C R I P T I ON CON C E R T S T O TAL AT T ENDEES at the 8 Subscription Concerts
N E A R L Y 2 0,0 0 0 T O T A L A T T E N D E E S A T
1 2 10 14 SUMMER MUSIC PROGRAM CONCERT
14 2024 – 2025 SEASON
WOMEN COMPOSER SERIES CONCERTS
FAMILY SERIES CONCERTS
Includes Sensory Friendly Concert
SCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAM CONCERTS
A SYMPHONY OF NATIONS — GALA A SYMPHONY OF NATIONS
Saturday, March 22, 2025 Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center
Gala Co-Chairs Sue Wood and Sharon DeFalco
Community Award Honorees 1 9 12 200+ 264
Jan Rugg and Atmos Energy
Featuring entertainment from MIDTOWN Award-winning vocal quartet
Anthony Fortino, Lead • Matthew Bryan Feld, Tenor KJ McAleesejergins, Baritone • Christian Diaz, Bass
DRAW PRIZE RAFFLE LIVE AUCTION PACKAGES BIG BOARD ITEMS SILENT AUCTION PACKAGES ATTENDEES
17 Underwriters/Sponsors
15 Gold and Silver Table Sponsors
AV SPONSOR Gordon Lights LLC
GOLD TABLE SPONSORS Tammy and Charles Miller Atmos Energy Dr. Patricia Storck
PROGRAM SPONSOR Fireside Capital - Rebecca Wynne and Tim Dwight
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR Tammy and Charles Miller
SILVER TABLE SPONSORS Atmos Energy Bret Boeger Gary Brownfield Heather Heffner Nancy Freeman and Gregory Patterson Retirement Planners of America Robert Mitchell/STIFEL Shea Family Foundation The American Worker The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation Valerie and Hal Kauffeldt Wanda and Cliff Parker
DESIGN BY Tom Venner
VIP SPONSOR PARTY Tammy and Charles Miller
GALA SPONSOR Mary Jo Carter Janie and David Orr Darlene Morford
BAR SPONSOR Veritex Community Bank Bonnie Daneker TECHNOLOGY SPONSOR Doyle & Associates Pat and Bruce Morrice The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation VALET SPONSORS Sue and Will Wood
IN-KIND DONATION BY Gittings Photography PRINTING SPONSORED BY Medical City Plano MOVING SPONSORED BY Two Men and A Truck SIGNAGE SPONSORED BY Signs By Tomorrow
Gala Co-Chairs Sue Wood and Sharon DeFalco
Silent Auction Tammy Miller and Sue Wood
Guest Services Ellie Barash
Sponsorship/Underwriting Brenda Mills and Bret Boeger
Décor Sharon DeFalco and Jan Barber
Live Auction Staley Shiller and Gregory Patterson
Audio Visual Fabian Gordon
Graphic Design Tom Venner
Event Managers Gregory Patterson, Maria Vallejo, and Jordan Parks
Donor Events Additional donor-exclusive events included Dinner Under the Stars and Mimosas with the Maestro PL ANO SYMPHON Y.ORG 15
2024 – 2025 FINANCIALS Where the Money Comes From and Where the Money Goes 12% 12%
12% 12% Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising
32% 32% 32% 32% Total Total Earned Earned Total Total Earned Earned Income Income Income Income
12% 12%
12% 12% General General and and General General and and Administration Administration Administration Administration
RR EE RRVV EEEE VVNN EEUUNNEE UU EE
76% 76%
EE XX EEPP XXEE PPNN EESSNNEE SSSS EE SS
76% 76% Program Program Program Program Services Services Services Services
68% 68%
68% 68% TotalTotal Contributed Contributed TotalTotal Contributed Contributed Income Income Income Income 3%3% 5%5% Other 3%Other 3% 5%Special 5% Other Special Other
3%3%
Government Government Special Special Events Events Government Government Grants Grants Events Events Fundraising Fundraising Grants Grants Fundraising Fundraising 7%7%
7% 7% Virtuoso Virtuoso Virtuoso Virtuoso Society Society Society Society
8%8%
8% 8% Corporate/ Corporate/ Corporate/ Corporate/ Foundation Foundation Foundation Foundation
20% 20%
CC OO NNCC OOTT RRNN IITTBBRRUUII TTBB EEUUDDTT EE DD II NN CCII OONN MMCC OOEE MM EE
20% 20% City of City Plano of Plano CityGrant of City Plano of Plano Grant GrantGrant
3%Family 3% 12% 12% Family Family Family Series Series 12% 12% Other Other Earned EarnedSeries Series Other Other Earned Earned Income Income Income Income 57% 57%
57% 57% Individual Individual Individual Individual Giving Giving Giving Giving
16% 16%
16% 16% Contracted Contracted Contracted Contracted Performances Performances Performances Performances
16% 16%
EE AA EERRAANNRREE NNDD EE DD II NN IICCNNOO CCMMOOEEMM EE
16% 16% School School Programs Programs School School Programs Programs
16 2024 – 2025 SEASON
30% 30%
30% 30% Subscription Subscription Subscription Subscription
23% 23%
23% 23% Single Single Tickets Tickets Single Single Tickets Tickets
PSO JANUARY 2025 STRATEGIC PLAN 1. Artistic
4. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Invest in the PSO’s musicians and music, as well as the creative process, and strengthen the capacity of the PSO to effectively expand its reach in North Texas. a. Plan for additional world premieres or commissions beyond the 2024/2025 Season. b. Seek potential collaborations for the Women Composers Series. c. Continue to explore booking “big” name performers. d. Plan for Kaleidoscope Park performances for 2024 and after. e. Expand Family Concert Series. f. Consider opportunities to showcase Guest Conductors with diverse backgrounds. g. Continue efforts to present second or “run out” performances for high-demand programs. h. Adopt blind auditions for all orchestra openings.
Recognize, support, and invest in equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility as essential in all aspects of internal processes and external opportunities to build a stronger PSO. a. Schedule programming representative of the NTX community’s diversity. b. Recruit Board members from diverse backgrounds. c. Build on the Women Composers Series. d. Adopt blind auditions for all orchestra openings.
2. Community Engagement & Education Build and leverage networks, research, and music knowledge to strengthen the PSO’s music education programs and advocate for the importance of quality arts education in children and in any creative community as essential to a thriving society. a. Expand our geographical footprint. b. Expand partnerships with local organizations. c. Expand opportunities for more children and youth from low to moderate-income families to participate in music programs with the PSO. d. Expand the awareness of our education programs through brand awareness marketing to reach more communities.
3. Development Identify, cultivate, and steward all who believe in the power of music to change lives to support the PSO’s work on stage and in the community to ensure the organization’s future growth and financial stability. a. Add resources to support expanded contributed income. b. Add to donor and patron base, with a particular focus on identifying and cultivating large-capacity donors. c. Explore a PSO Young Professionals Group. d. Launch the PSO Corporate Council. e. Develop and implement special events such as the reintroduction of special donor events, including Mimosas with the Maestro and Dinner Under the Stars. f. Continue to develop the planned giving campaign and engage patrons. g. Continue to develop the use of social media to keep the public aware of our activities.
5. Finance & Budget a. Plan for long-term financial viability (define what that means for the PSO). b. Financial update/upgrade — maximize efficiencies in QBO. c. Implement a rolling 3-to-5-year budget beyond the current year.
6. Marketing & Audience Development Serve as a creative partner and responsible steward to advance the PSO’s mission and expand its reach to the largest number of patrons possible. a. Continue to enhance digital and social media presence. b. Expand audience diversity through culturally specific outreach. c. Annually assess ticket pricing to be competitive and maximize earned revenue. d. Leverage human interest stories in our promotions. e. Task the Marketing Committee to establish clear goals and metrics for our tactical steps. f. Add donors and patron base.
7. Organizational Operate with financial prudence, cultivating a responsive organizational culture that values organizational success, teamwork, and personal development with the view to support the PSO’s stated mission, vision, and values. a. Revise the PSO Organization Chart to support the organization’s growth as outlined in the strategic plan. b. Continue to refine the succession plan for the Music Director, to include identifying outside resources, developing a budget for the Music Director search, and finalizing the search process and key dates. c. Prepare a succession plan for the Executive Director. d. Consider the need to restructure the organization in accordance with industry best practices. e. Plan for long-term financial viability (define what that means for the PSO).
PL ANO SYMPHON Y.ORG 17
MEET THE CORE MUSICIANS OF THE PLANO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA VIOLIN I
BASS
TROMBONE
Elisabeth Adkins, Concertmaster (Concertmaster chair sponsored by Wanda and Cliff Parker) Szemi Jobbagy, Associate Concertmaster Mevlan Mecid Julia Brandenburg Claudia Holm Zajimovic Jessica Yang Allie Miller Marina Dichenko Christine Binzel Molly Hines Arsenio Pena Marrupe
Jack Unzicker* Scott Sheffler Graham Eubanks John Hunter
James McNair* Simon Willats Jordan Davenport (Bass Trombone)
VIOLIN II (Violin II chair sponsored by Sharon and Jerry DeFalco) Hubert Pralitz* Saejin Seo Bethany Wildes Claudia Jones Diego Campos Alfiia Mansurova Yida Hu Miguel Guillen-Merino Angelene Ku Maren Flechsig
VIOLA (Viola chair sponsored by Nancy Freeman) April Kondrat* Monika Nierychlo-Fryklund Bo Landefeld Monika Idasiak Iris Messinger Jorge Zapata Cornelia Harris Iva Raykova
CELLO (Cello chair sponsored by Erin and Ben Stewart, and Cello section sponsored in Memory of Marie A. Moore) John Landefeld* Alexander Paradis Dan Totan Shengni Rubiano Jason Mooney Creed Miller Noemie Golubovic Brooke Scholl
18 2024 – 2025 SEASON
FLUTE Lisa Nickl* Janelle Olson Natasha Costello Jennifer Wheeler (Piccolo)
OBOE Elise Belk* Ashley Howe Flores Annie Henneke Susanna Hilliard (English Horn)
CLARINET (Clarinet chair sponsored by Marcela and Ralph Muse) Deb Fablan * Robin Korevaar Chastine Hofmeister Mary Druhan (E-Flat Clarinet) Mark Arritola (Bass Clarinet)
BASSOON Leslie Massenburg* John Searcy Sara Scurry Kyle Larson (Contra-Bassoon)
HORN (Horn chair sponsored by Jan and Craig Barber) Susan Frazier* Benjamin Carroll Justin Beyer Heather Test Levi Robertson (Assistant)
TRUMPET (Trumpet chair sponsored by Dianne and Marion Brockette) Glen Hummel* Adam Miller Tyler Moore Donald Burks
TUBA Nathan Frazier*
TIMPANI Jeffrey Keene*
PERCUSSION Steve Kimple* Jay Majernik Layci Dagley Daniel Crisp Elizabeth Harcourt
HARP (Harp chair sponsored by Alice and Bill Hobbs) Juliette Buchanan*
*Designates Principal Musician
Conductor’s podium co-sponsored by Sandy Nachman and Wanda and Cliff Parker
2024 – 2025 BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF Chairman
Bobby Baggett
JoAnna Lands **
Ryan Riggs
Linda Ballard
Dr. Doohi Lee
Carlos Rodriquez-Garcia
Bret Boeger
Mirna Lynch
Staley Shiller
Vice Chairman
Gary Brownfield
Charles Miller
Tom Venner
Nancy Freeman
Heather Carlile
Darlene Morford
Sue Wood
Mary Jo Cater
Ralph Muse
Hėctor Guzmán **
Secretary
Tim Dwight
Bing Naumann **
Gregory Patterson **
Julianne Barnum
Fabian Gordon
David Orr
Alice Hobbs, Director Emeritus **
Shawn Hoffman
Amy Osteen
Glen Hummel **
Treasurer
Arlene Johnson
Wanda Parker
Allie Miller **
Craig Barber
Hal Kauffeldt
Bob Paton
Brenda Mills
Staff Gregory Patterson President and Chief Executive Officer Héctor Guzmán Music Director and Conductor *
Simón Gollo Assistant Conductor *
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Kaitlin Einkauf, Director of Finance and Business Operations Ashley Roberts, Executive Assistant * Kehr Technologies, Information Technology MARKETING Marc Jennings, Director of Patron Services and Marketing Linda Housewright, Patron Services Specialist Janelle Twyford-Silvis, AlleeOops Photography SoloShoe Communications, LLC, Marketing and Communications DEVELOPMENT Maria Vallejo, Patron Services and Special Events Manager (August 2024 – May 2025), Director of Development (June 2025 – Present)* Brittney Geurink, Corporate Development Manager * Jordan Parks, Director of Development * (May 2024 – March 2025) EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Dr. Jennifer Wheeler, Director of Education and Community Engagement Dr. Marissa Stanfill, Education Associate * ARTISTIC OPERATIONS and PRODUCTION Luis Rodriguez, Director of Artistic Operations and Librarian Jim Gasewicz, Musician Personnel Manager *Underwritten by Tammy and Charles Miller **Ex-Officio
Special Thanks
Sarina Rahim, Development-Marketing-Administration Intern Samantha Austin, Education Intern
PL ANO SYMPHON Y.ORG 19
DONORS Thank you to our many Donors and Funders whose contributions make our work in the community possible.
Ottava Circle
$100,000 and Greater
City of Plano Tammy and Charles Miller Plano Independent School District (PISD)
Polyphony Circle $50,000 to $99,999 Sandy Nachman Wanda and Cliff Parker
Encore Circle $25,000 to $49,999
Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation Carol and Bill Tempest George (Robbie) S. and Lynore A. Robinson, Jr. Charitable Fund at he Dallas Foundation H-E-B | Central Market
Symphony Circle $10,000 to $24,999
Atmos Energy AWARE Fund of the Dallas Foundation Dianne and Marion Brockette Ellie and Ira Barash Frisco Arts Foundation Medium Giant Nancy Freeman Rea Charitable Trust Retirement Planners of America Soloshoe Communications Texas Commission on the Arts
Fanfare Circle $5,000 to $9,999
Alice and Bill Hobbs Bret Boeger Darlene Morford Every Page Foundation Jan and Craig Barber Janie and David Orr Mirna Lynch Pat and Bruce Morrice Pat Storck Robert Paton Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano Valerie and Hal Kauffeldt
Concert Circle $2,500 to $4,999
Allison and Mike Mangum Ameriprise Financial Services Amy Osteen Arlene Johnson Beverly Wester Bill Blalock and Gary Brownfield Bonnie and George Daneker Brenda and Coby Mills Christopher Salerno and John Dixon Connie and Adam Young
20 2024 – 2025 SEASON
Debbie and Keith Watson Diana and Randy Wright Ellen and Josh Watts Erin and Ben Stewart Fireside Capital Advisors Gregory Patterson Heather Heffner Janet and Robert Mitchell Marcela and Ralph Muse Mary Jo Cater McKinney Arts Commission Plano Balloon Festival, Inc. Rhea Shay and Jonathan Rotz Shea Family Foundation Signs by Tomorrow Sue and Will Wood The American Worker Toyota Motors North America, Inc. Veritex Community Bank
Paulina and Michael Fendel Peter Krause Plano ISD Council of PTAs Plano Rotary Club PSO Guild Rebecca Wynne and Tim Dwight Rebeka and David Ecker Roger Nordmeyer Rose Kamar Rosemary and Doohi Lee RuthAnn Becker Ryan Riggs Sharon and Jerry DeFalco Shawn Hoffman Suzanne and Dan Carroll Vicki and Rick Dean Yvonne and Stephen Miller
Overture Circle
$600 to $999
$1,000 to $2,499
Angelique and Thomas DeWitt Ann and Jack Schulik Atwell Foundation Barbara Buehler Bartlett & West Bobby J Baggett Byk Family Foundation Carlos Rodriguez-Garcia Carol and Jerry Aris Carol and Joe Layne Cheryl Backous Christina Ryan Christine and Eric Hopkins Cindy and Chip Vineyard Communities Foundation of Texas Craig Perry and Tom Venner Craig Petz Deborah Avrin Deborah Hendrix Douglas Boyle Elizabeth and Alan Ratliff Ellen and Fabian Gordon Emma Barnum Freda Hanley Frederic Moses Frost Bank Geri Hetterich Heather Carlile Ida Siri Irma Landis Jane Talbert Janelle Twyford-Silvis and Ron Silvis Janet Gambell Jean and Ken Hill JoAnna Lands and Mark Truan Karen and Roderick Miller Karen and Ron Wilson Laurie and Andy Gibbs Lee and Steve Nagel Lillian and Edward Stankunas Linda and Guy Vestal Linda Ballard Lori Eads Lydia Feuerberg Maria and Richard Mott Matt Gulick Nancy Little
Madrigal Circle Carolyn and John Huggins Laura Demoya Parks Family Pepsico Foundation Philip Adams Shari and Bill Jennings Sharon and Mark Fritz Texas Instruments Foundation
Sonata Circle $250 to $599
Aamir Haq Amy Anderson Anne and Paul Whiteman Anne H. McNamara and Errol Mitlyng Beth and Duncan Webb Beverly and Kirk Bell Beverly and Ralph Gretzinger Burke Asher Carnets “Play the World” Grant Program Cheryl and Charles Dorrance Christina and Rudy Andrea Connie and Oscar Einkauf Coral Glass Craig Boleman and Kass Prince Dale Romney David Heselton Debbie Jones Debby Kimball Deborah Hecker Deepa and Raj Menon Denise and Larry Pollis Diane and Alan Johnson Ellaine and James Parry Elva Peyrot Emily Moore Estela Rodriguez First United Bank Fran Leos Gladys and Albert Chan Hayden Padgett Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation Fund Jane and Robert Hanna Janice D. Fandrick Jayne Dahl Jennifer and Cale Sherry
Jim Augustine Julie Yee Juliette and Mark Rutledge Kaci Pezoulas Karen and Rick Horne Kathleen Turner Kathy and Dale Russell Kathy Vedane Kay and David Ewing Kenneth Stern Kim and Perry Larson Landfair Chambers Family Fund Linda and Kenneth Brooks Lori Maucieri Louis Kraml Madeline Evans Mary Jacobs Mary Jane and Dick Laurin Nancy and John Ratcliff Paige French Rachel and Zachary Weber Sally Magnuson Sarah Meyer Shirley and Dave Ogden Tamara Trummer Uplift North Hills Preparatory
Honors Circle
In Memory of Marie A. Moore In Memory of Dr. Betty Muns Given by Sandy Nachman, Alice and Bills Hobbs, & Janie and David Orr In Memory of James Mun Given by Alice and Bill Hobbs & Sandy Nachman In Memory of Buzz Kolbe Given by Alice and Bill Hobbs In Memory of Jay Forte Given by Alice and Bill Hobbs & Ellie and Ira Barash In Memory of Marion Brockette Given by Karen Anderson, Marty and Janet Baker, Jeri and Rick Chambers, Jan and Craig Barber, Dianne Brockette, Melinda Hunt & Homer Brown, Bucks County Historical Society, Andre Davidson, Diane & Mark Fleschler, Victoria Flores, Nancy Freeman, Toby Geyer, Valerie & Hal Kauffeldt, Landfair Chambers Family Fund, Jeff and Toni McReynold, Brenda and Coby Mills, Darlene Morford, Sandy Nachman, Janie and David Orr, Wanda and Cliff Parker, Karen and Craig Petz, Nancy Pistilli, Barbara Bogart Rutter, Ellyn and Kenneth Stern, Texakoma, Phyllis and Steven Weinberg In Honor of Mary Jo Cater Given by Neil Resnik In Honor of Mark Truan Given by Jennifer McClinton-Temple In Honor of Sally V. Magnuson Given by Bruce Magnuson
SPONSORS Contributions to the Plano Symphony Orchestra change lives by providing world-class symphonic and popular music through concerts, community engagement events, and music education programs. Your support drives our mission to enrich the human spirit through music and provides a lasting impact on the community. As a non-profit, we are dependent on your support. Thank you to our many donors and sponsors.
2024 – 2025 SEASON SPONSORS Tammy and Charles Miller
Wanda and Cliff Parker
Dianne and Marion Brockette
Carol and Bill Tempest
Sandy Nachman Nancy Freeman
Ellie and Ira Barash
2024 – 2025 EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPONSORS
2024 – 2025 SUSTAINING FUNDERS SPONSORS
2024 – 2025 GRANTORS AND FUNDERS
PL ANO SYMPHON Y.ORG 21
PSO GUILD AND VOLUNTEERS The PSO Guild is an award-winning volunteer corps that makes our concerts and community events possible. Recognized by the Texas Association for Symphony Orchestras for its innovative leadership and fundraising events, the PSO Guild is an integral part of what makes the PSO so successful. JoAnna Lands is the Guild President. In 2025 – 2026, she is serving her final year of a three-year term. “My connection to the PSO began over 35 years ago when my middle son, James, won the Collin County Young Artist Competition during its founding years, playing the French horn. At that time, the PSO was still a chamber orchestra. Then, about 20 years ago, a church friend invited me to breakfast to share more about the symphony and volunteer opportunities. A few months later, my friend Marcela Muse invited me to attend a PSO Christmas concert and asked me if I would like to arrive early to join her and volunteers providing hospitality. I did, and that began my active relationship with the PSO. I later subscribed to the concert season, and Christina Forte, former Special Events Coordinator, invited me to co-chair hospitality as part of the Guild and its board. It has now been 18 years since I officially became involved. I have served in many roles with the Guild as hospitality chair, vice president, and co-chair of concert services with Irma Landis. I especially love volunteering with the PSO’s Healing Notes program, visiting senior living homes, and sometimes on my own accord, sharing the joy of music through playing the piano. I am also involved with the Summer Music Program and School Concert Education Program as a volunteer, and I am proud to be a member of the Virtuoso Society. The PSO offered a community of friends that goes beyond the symphony.” — Beverly Wester, PSO Guild Concert Services Co-Chair
2 02 2 42 0– 2 24 0 –2 52 0S 2E 5A SSOENA S O N
PREVIEW OF THE 43RD SEASON
THE MUSIC OF BILLY JOEL STARRING MICHAEL CAVANAUGH
STRINGS IN MOTION: VIVALDI AND PIAZZOLLA October 18, 2025 | 8:00 PM
September 13, 2025 | 8:00 PM
SOUND AND VISION: A MULTI-SENSORY JOURNEY
BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH & THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
featuring Charles Billingsley
November 15, 2025 | 8:00 PM
December 21, 2025 | 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
A NIGHT IN PARIS!
GRAND FINALE: CARMINA BURANA
BRANFORD MARSALIS JAZZ QUARTET
March 21, 2026 | 8:00 PM
February 21, 2026 | 8:00 PM
April 11, 2026 | 8:00 PM
January 17, 2026 | 8:00 PM
SPECIAL FEATURE CONCERTS
phony n Sym o s r e Mey
2025 t 30, s u g u r|A Cente
Special thanks to Ellie and Ira Barash, Jan and Craig Barber, and Nancy Freeman for their support.
Meyerson Symphony Center June 24, 2026 Special thanks to Jan and Craig Barber for their support.
PSO 2025 Annual Report EDITOR: Brittney Geurink
ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Gregory Patterson, Kaitlin Einkauf, Dr. Jennifer Wheeler, Dr. Maria Vallejo, and Sarina Rahim
DESIGN: SoloShoe Communications, LLC PL ANO SYMPHON Y.ORG 23