Skip to main content

25/26 Bravo 3 (Nov 7-Nov 23)

Page 1


The Orchestra 2025/26 SEASON

VIOLIN 1

Juliana Athayde+, Concertmaster

The Caroline W. Gannett & Clayla Ward Chair, funded in perpetuity

Angelina Phillips, Associate Concertmaster

The Fred M. And Lurita D. Wechsler Chair, funded in perpetuity

Shannon Nance, Assistant Concertmaster

Jeongwon An

Tigran Vardanyan

James Zabawa-Martinez

Thomas Rodgers

Anna Leunis

Molly McDonald

Kurt Munstedt

Chihiro Kakishima

Perrin Yang

Jeremy Hill

An-Chi Lin

VIOLIN 2

Jeanelle Thompson, Principal

The Dr. Ralph F. Jozefowicz Chair

Daryl Perlo, Assistant Principal

The James E. Dumm Chair, funded in perpetuity

Patricia Sunwoo

John Sullivan

Lara Sipols

Sooyeon Kim

Petros Karapetyan

Liana Koteva Kirvan

Margaret Leenhouts

Heidi Brodwin

Elin Schlichting

Ellen Stokoe

VIOLA

Joshua Newburger+, Principal

The William L. Gamble Chair, funded in perpetuity

Marc Anderson, Assistant Principal

Rebecca Christainsen

James Marshall

Olita Povero

Neil Miller

Melissa Matson

Ye In Son

David Hult

Grant Rieke

CELLO

Ahrim Kim, Principal

The Clara and Edwin Strasenburgh Chair, funded in perpetuity

Lars Kirvan, Assistant Principal

Samuel Pierce-Ruhland

Christopher Haritatos

Garri Hovsepyan

Benjamin Krug

Jennifer Carpenter^

Ingrid Bock

BASS

Cory Palmer, Principal

The Anne Hayden McQuay Chair, funded in perpetuity

Michael Griffin, Assistant Principal

Daniel Morehead

Edward Castilano

Fred Dole

Jeff Campbell+

Eric Polenik

FLUTE

Rebecca Gilbert, Principal

The Charlotte Whitney Allen Chair, funded in perpetuity

Sean Marron

Elise Kim

PICCOLO

Sean Marron

Elise Kim

OBOE

Erik Behr, Principal

The Dr. Jacques M. Lipson Chair, funded in perpetuity

Anna Steltenpohl

Megan Kyle

ENGLISH HORN

Anna Steltenpohl

CLARINET

Hector Noriega*, Principal

The Robert J. Strasenburgh Chair, funded in perpetuity

Kamalia Freyling^

Andrew Brown

E-FLAT CLARINET

Kamalia Freyling^

BASS CLARINET

Andrew Brown

BASSOON

Matthew McDonald, Principal

The Ron and Donna Fielding Chair, funded in perpetuity

Karl Vilcins

Martha Sholl

CONTRA-BASSOON

Karl Vilcins

HORN

YiCheng Gong, Associate

Maura McCune Corvington+

Nathan Ukens

Stephen Laifer+

TRUMPET

Wesley Nance+

Herbert Smith

Paul Shewan

TROMBONE

David Bruestle, Principal

The Austin E. Hildebrandt Chair, funded in perpetuity

Lisa Albrecht

Jeffrey Gray+

BASS TROMBONE

Jeffrey Gray+

TUBA

W. Craig Sutherland, Principal

The Rob W. Goodling Chair, funded in perpetuity

TIMPANI

Charles Ross+, Principal

The Harold and Joan Feinbloom Chair, funded in perpetuity

PERCUSSION

Caleb Breidenbaugh, Principal

The Barbara and Patrick Fulford Chair, funded in perpetuity

Brian Stotz

HARP

Grace Browning, Principal

The Eileen Malone Chair. A Tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Harcourt M. Sylvester

Rosanna Moore

KEYBOARD

Chiao-Wen Cheng+, Principal

The Lois P. Lines Chair, funded in perpetuity

PERSONNEL MANAGER

Fred Dole

PRINCIPAL LIBRARIAN

Kimberly Hartquist

STAGE MANAGERS

Danielle Suhr

Cederick Martinez

+ Eastman faculty

^ Year leave of absence

* 1-year appointment

ANDREAS DELFS Music Director

Andreas Delfs has built a reputation over his 35-year career as one of the most dynamic and respected conductors on the international stage. Celebrated for his visionary leadership and deep musical insight, he is equally renowned as a masterful orchestra builder and an inspiring music director. Known for his emotionally charged and dramatically nuanced interpretations—particularly of the late Romantic repertoire—Delfs has earned critical acclaim across North America and Europe. His performances are marked by an ever-deepening artistic maturity, bringing a rare combination of passion, precision, and authenticity to every podium he graces.

Educated at leading conservatories on both sides of the Atlantic and shaped by mentorships with legendary conductors, Delfs has cultivated a style forged through decades of experience. At the same time, his unwavering curiosity and enthusiasm for contemporary music have made him a champion of living composers. He has established lasting collaborations with many of today’s most compelling musical voices, conducting numerous world premieres and commissioning new works. Among his many artistic inspirations are Hans Werner Henze, György Ligeti, Philip Glass, and Roberto Sierra—composers whose diverse idioms have helped shape his unique interpretive voice. His artistry has also drawn world-class soloists to the stage, including André Watts, Emanuel Ax, Joshua Bell, Hilary Hahn, Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, and Renée Fleming.

Delfs has held prominent leadership roles with orchestras on both continents. As Music Director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra from 1996 to 2009—and later as its Conductor Laureate—he played a pivotal role in elevating the ensemble to national acclaim. He also led the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra as Music Director (2001–2004) and Artistic Consultant (2004–2006). In Europe, he served as General Music Director of Hanover, Germany (1995–2000), overseeing both the city’s symphony orchestra and its distinguished opera company. Earlier appointments include Music Director of the Bern Opera, Resident Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony during Lorin Maazel’s tenure, and Music Director—at an impressively young age—of the Orchestre Suisse des Jeunes.

Throughout his career, Delfs has conducted many of the world’s premier orchestras. His international credits include the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, Frankfurt Radio Symphony, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, Danish National Symphony, Netherlands Philharmonic, NHK Symphony Orchestra Tokyo, Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony, Beijing Symphony, Seoul Philharmonic, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan.

Born in Flensburg, Germany, Delfs began studying piano and music theory at the age of five. He studied under Christoph von Dohnányi and Aldo Ceccato at the Hamburg Conservatory, where, at just 20 years old, he became the youngest Music Director of the Hamburg University Orchestra and served as Musical Assistant at the Hamburg State Opera. He later continued his training at The Juilliard School, studying with Jorge Mester, Sixten Ehrling, and Leonard Bernstein, and was honored with the prestigious Bruno Walter Memorial Scholarship.

PHOTO: ALEX CASSETTI

Our Conductors

JEFF TYZIK Principal Pops Conductor

25/26 marks Jeff Tyzik’s 32nd season as RPO Pops Conductor. But his musical journey began long before his permanent residency in Kodak Hall.

Born in Hyde Park, New York, he started playing cornet at age nine—inspired by the buglers during an Independence Day parade in nearby Poughkeepsie. He switched to trumpet at age 11, and eventually went on to attend Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, ultimately earning Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees.

Even before Tyzik’s schooling was completed, his star was on the rise. While at Eastman, Tyzik met Chuck Mangione, with whom he worked between 1973 and 1980 —both as lead trumpeter in Mangione’s band and as co-producer of four albums. During that time, Tyzik befriended Tonight Show band leader Doc Severinsen, who eventually invited Tyzik to London to record two albums. That relationship proved fruitful, with Tyzik producing the Grammy-winning The Tonight Show Band with Doc Severinsen, Vol. 1. Severinsen’s albums with Tyzik would go on to earn three additional Grammy nominations.

Tyzik also recorded his own albums as a solo trumpeter between 1981 and 1990, when he and his big band frequently performed in Rochester.

In 1993, Tyzik proposed a four-concert series featuring RPO members dubbed “All in the Family.” The first debuted Oct. 22 and highlighted Kenneth Grant (clarinet), Joseph Werner (piano), and percussionists William Cahn and Dave Mancini. Less than a month later, Tyzik was asked to become Principal Pops Conductor.

Jeff quickly made his mark on the orchestra, in his second season performing the first in his endearing, enduring Gala Holiday Pops series. He also made RPO history conducting an all-Gershwin album featuring pianist Jon Nakamatsu. The recording topped the Billboard Classical chart and remained in the top 10 for three months.

Over five decades, Tyzik has guest-conducted more than 100 orchestras, including the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, and Milwaukee Symphony. In September 2023, he made his debut with the New York Philharmonic and returned later that season to conduct the Philadelphia Orchestra’s 2023–24 finale.

He’s also shared the stage with a remarkable range of artists across genres—from Tony Bennett and Leslie Odom Jr. to Wynonna Judd, Art Garfunkel, Marilyn Horne, Arturo Sandoval, The Chieftains, Megan Hilty, Dawn Upshaw, and John Pizzarelli.

In 2012, Tyzik and his daughter Jami co-founded the management and production company Greenberg Artists. Since 2016, in partnership with Schirmer Theatrical, they’ve developed dozens of orchestral Pops programs now performed by nearly 200 orchestras.

In 2023, Tyzik launched TyzikMusic.com, a digital publishing platform featuring more than 150 of his arrangements, orchestrations, and compositions for symphony orchestra, chamber ensembles, and wind ensemble.

CHRISTOPHER SEAMAN Conductor Laureate

The Christopher Seaman Chair, supported by Barbara and Patrick Fulford and The Conductor Laureate Society

Christopher Seaman was music director of the RPO from 1998-2011, and was subsequently named conductor laureate. During his 13-year tenure, the longest in RPO history, he raised the Orchestra’s artistic level, broadened its audience base, and created a new concert series. This contribution was recognized with an award from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. In May 2009, the University of Rochester made him an honorary doctor of music.

Previous positions include music director of the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra (Florida) for 10 years, conductor-in-residence with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and artistic advisor of the San Antonio Symphony.

He is recognized for his wealth of repertoire, which ranges from baroque to contemporary, and in particular the works of Bruckner, Brahms, and Sibelius Seaman also is highly regarded for his work with younger musicians, and he served as course director for the Symphony Services International Conductor Development Program (Australia) for many years.

Recent conducting engagements include the Aspen Music Festival, Detroit, Houston, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and Seattle symphony orchestras; the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, Kristians Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of Opera North, and Orquestra Filarmônica de Minas Gerais in Brazil. He frequently visits Australia and Asia where he has conducted the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Taiwan, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Singapore symphony orchestras, among others.

RPO Board of Directors 2025/26 SEASON

Maintaining and operating the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (Founded in 1923 —Incorporated in 1930)

OFFICERS

Diana Clarkson, Esq., Chair of the Board

Katherine Lindahl, Chair-Elect of the Board

Cindy Yancey, Vice Chair of the Board

Karen Kessler, Secretary

Richard Stein, Treasurer

Ross P. Lanzafame, Esq., Immediate Past Chair

TERM EXPIRES JUNE 2026

Daisy R. Algarin

Diana Clarkson, Esq.

George Daddis

Catherine Frangenberg

Allyson Hiranandani

Dr. Diane Lu

Sujatha Ramanujan

Elizabeth F. Rice

Ronald E. Salluzzo

Dr. Eva P. Sauer

George J. Schwartz, M.D.

Richard Stein

Dr. James Watters

TERM EXPIRES JUNE 2027

Brian Bennett

Emerson Fullwood

Kimberly Gangi

Paulette Gissendanner

Catherine Gueli

Zuzanna Kwon

Katherine Lindahl

Jack McGowan

Sidney Sobel, M.D.

Cindy Yancey DIANA CLARKSON, CHAIR OF THE BOARD

TERM EXPIRES

JUNE 2028

Ron Dougherty

Sreeram Dhurjaty

James Fulmer

Laurie A. Haelen

Ralph F. Jozefowicz. M.D.

Karen Kessler

Deborah Onslow

Keila Pena

Sara Poe

Joseph B. Rizzo, Esq.

EX-OFFICIO

Curtis S. Long

President & CEO

Ross P. Lanzafame, Esq., Immediate Past Chair

Kate Sheeran

Dean, Eastman School of Music

Nathan Ukens

Orchestra Representative Wesley Nance

Orchestra Representative

James Englert Chairperson, Honorary Board

HONORARY BOARD

James Englert, Chairperson, Honorary Board

Stephen B. Ashley

Nancy Beilfuss*

James M. Boucher

Paul W. Briggs*

William L. Cahn

Louise Epstein

Joan Feinbloom

Ilene Flaum

Betsy Friedman

Patrick Fulford

Ronald A. Furman*

Mary M. Gooley*

Suzanne Gouvernet*

David C. Heiligman

A. Thomas Hildebrandt

Harold A. Kurland, Esq.

Dr. Dawn F. Lipson

Jacques M. Lipson, MD*

Cricket and Frank Luellen*

Michael Millard

Elizabeth F. Rice

Nathan J. Robfogel, Esq.

Jon L. Schumacher, Esq.

Katherine T. Schumacher

Ingrid Stanlis

Betty Strasenburgh*

Josephine S. Trubek

Suzanne D. Welch

Patricia Wilder*

Deborah Wilson

Robert Woodhouse

The RPO expresses its gratitude to all those who have served as Honorary Board members in the past.

PAST RPO CHAIRPERSONS

1930–32: Edward G. Miner*

1932–34: Simon N. Stein*

1934–38: George E. Norton*

1938–41: Leroy E. Snyder*

1941–42: Frank W. Lovejoy*

1942–43: Bernard E. Finucane*

1943–46: L. Dudley Field*

1946–48: Edward S. Farrow, Jr. *

1948–51: Joseph J. Myler*

1951–52: Joseph F. Taylor*

1952–55: Raymond W. Albright*

1955–57: Arthur I. Stern*

1957–59: Thomas H. Hawks*

1959–61: Walter C. Strakosh*

1962–63: Ernest J. Howe*

1963–65: O. Cedric Rowntree*

1965–67: Frank E. Holley *

1967–69: Thomas C. Taylor*

1969–71: Thomas H. Miller*

1971–72: Mrs. Frederick J. Wilkens*

1972–73: Edward C. McIrvine

1973–74: Robert J. Strasenburgh*

1974–75: John A. Santuccio

1975–76: Robert J. Strasenburgh*

1976–78: Dr. Louis Lasagna*

1978–80: Edward C. McIrvine

1980–82: Peter L. Faber

1982–84: Paul F. Pagerey*

1984–85: Peter L. Waasdorp*

1986–89: Robert H. Hurlbut*

1989–91: Paul W. Briggs

1991–93: Karen Noble Hanson*

1993–95: Ronald E. Salluzzo

1995–98: A. Thomas Hildebrandt

1998–00: Harold A. Kurland, Esq.

2000–04: David C. Heiligman

2004–06: Ingrid A. Stanlis

2006–09: James M. Boucher

2009–11: Suzanne D. Welch

2011–13: Elizabeth F. Rice

2013–15: Dr. Dawn F. Lipson

2015-17: Jules L. Smith, Esq.

2017-19: Ingrid A. Stanlis

2019-2024: Ross P. Lanzafame, Esq.

* Deceased

WEST HERR

AUDITORIUM THEATRE

Scott Terrell, conductor

ROY SCHEIDER

ROBERT SHAW

RICHARD DREYFUSS

JAWS

Co-starring LORRAINE GARY

MURRAY HAMILTON

A ZANUCK/BROWN PRODUCTION

Screenplay by PETER BENCHLEY and CARL GOTTLIEB

Based on the novel by PETER BENCHLEY

Music by JOHN WILLIAMS

Directed by STEVEN SPIELBERG

Produced by RICHARD D. ZANUCK and DAVID BROWN A UNIVERSAL PICTURE

Tonight’s program is a presentation of the complete film Jaws with a live performance of the film’s entire score, including music played by the orchestra during and after the end credits.  Out of respect for the musicians and your fellow audience members, please remain seated until the conclusion of the music.

Jaws is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios.  Licensed by Universal Studios.  All Rights Reserved.

Jaws ©1975 now available on Blu Ray/DVD

We kindly ask you to please silence all cellphones and electronic devices. Also, please note that photography and video recordings are prohibited during the performance.

CONNECT WITH US:

JAWS IN CONCERT— 50TH

PHOTO:

Scott Terrell, conductor

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Jaws in Concert produced by Film Concerts Live!, a joint venture of IMG Artists, LLC and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.

Producers: Steven A. Linder and Jamie Richardson Director of Operations: Rob Stogsdill

Production Manager: Sophie Greaves

Production Assistant: Katherine Miron

Worldwide Representation: IMG Artists, LLC

Technical Director: Mike Runice

Music Composed by John Williams

Music Preparation: Jo Ann Kane Music Service

Film Preparation for Concert Performance: Ramiro Belgardt

Technical Consultant: Laura Gibson

Sound Remixing for Concert Performance: Chace Audio by Deluxe

The score for Jaws has been adapted for live concert performance.

With special thanks to:  Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment, Steven Spielberg, John Williams, Michael Silver, Patrick Koors, Tammy Olsen, Lawrence Liu, Chuck Nilsen, Mike Pastrano, Thomas Schroder, Tanya Perra, Chris Herzberger, Noah Bergman, Jason Jackowski, Shayne Mifsud, Darice Murphy, Mike Matessino, Mark Graham and the musicians and staff of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

www.filmconcertslive.com

We kindly ask you to please silence all cellphones and electronic devices. Also, please note that photography and video recordings are prohibited during the performance.

CONNECT WITH US:

ARTISTS

JOHN WILLIAMS, composer

In a career spanning more than six decades, John Williams has become one of America’s most accomplished and successful composers for film and the concert stage. He remains one of our nation’s most distinguished and contributive musical voices. He has composed the music for more than one hundred films, including all nine Star Wars films, the first three Harry Potter films, Schindler’s List, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan, Lincoln, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Superman and the Indiana Jones films. He served as music director of the Boston Pops Orchestra for fourteen seasons and remains their Laureate Conductor. He has composed numerous works for the concert stage including two symphonies and more than a dozen concertos commissioned by some of America’s most prominent orchestras. He has received five Academy Awards and fifty-four Oscar nominations, seven British Academy Awards, twenty-six Grammys, four Golden Globes, and five Emmys. His other honors include the Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of Arts, an honorary KBE from Queen Elizabeth II, the Life Achievement Award from the American Film Institute, Spain’s Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts, and the Gold Medal from the UK’s prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society.

A NOTE FROM THE COMPOSER

When I first saw Jaws, I didn’t quite fully realize what a wonderful opportunity it presented for the orchestra to play a very personal role in the accumulated effect of the film. Steven Spielberg and I had reservations about the “thump-thump” motif of the principle musical theme. But it was fun and it seemed to have worked.

It’s thrilling for both Steven and me to realize that this unique film still captures the imagination of viewers after so many years, and that audiences now can enjoy the movie live in concert, accompanied by a magnificent orchestra like the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

This is the greatest possible reward for the joyous and fun-filled task of making Jaws

JOHN WILLIAMS

ARTISTS

SCOTT TERRELL, conductor

Scott Terrell has built a major conducting career through imaginative programs, an engaging presence, and a passion for artistic excellence, teaching, and viability. An ardent champion of new music and diversity of repertoire, he is a conductor whose artistry and intellect has engaged musicians, students, and audiences. Maestro Terrell is Associate Professor of Orchestral Studies, holding the Virginia Martin Howard Chair, at Louisiana State University School of Music.

In demand as a guest conductor, he debuts this season with the Utah Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, and Orlando Philharmonic, while returning to the San Diego Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, St. Louis Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, and Fort Worth Symphony.

Passionate about working with aspiring musicians, Terrell is an active guest clinician, teacher, and adjudicator. He has been a regular guest conductor and instructor at the Aspen Music Festival, leading concerts and mentoring students, as well as teaching internationally at the Sofia Symphonic Summit in Bulgaria and the International Masterclass for Conductors in Schladming, Austria.

Maestro Terrell has led organizations including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Opera Colorado, Opera Hong Kong, Arizona Opera, Minnesota Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Milwaukee Symphony, Naples Philharmonic, Eugene Symphony, Richmond Symphony, and the Mostly Modern Festival.

With a strong affinity for vocal and operatic repertoire, his collaborations with Kentucky Opera include Stephen Paulus’ To Be Certain of the Dawn, Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti, Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, and Golijov’s Ainadamar. Other projects include The Magic Flute at Arizona Opera, gala concerts at Opera Hong Kong, Piazzolla’s Maria de Buenos Aires with Fort Worth Opera, Aspen Music Festival, and Arizona Opera, as well as Aspen productions of Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti and Missy Mazzoli’s Proving Up.

Mr. Terrell was Music Director of the Lexington Philharmonic from 2009–2019, transforming the organization through higher artistic standards, diverse programming, expanded collaborations, and community support. A Michigan native, he previously served as Resident Conductor of the Charleston Symphony and Assistant Conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra. He trained at Western Michigan University, the University of Minnesota, and the Aspen Music Festival, where he received the Conducting Prize from David Zinman.

SCOTT TERRELL

7:30 PM

SUN NOV 16

Karen Gomyo, violin SAT NOV 15

2 PM

KODAK HALL AT EASTMAN

THEATRE

François López-Ferrer, conductor

GABRIELA ORTIZ Kauyumari 7:00

FELIX MENDELSSOHN

Violin Concerto in E minor, op. 64 26:00

Allegro molto appassionato Andante

Allegretto non troppo - Allegro molto vivace

Karen Gomyo, violin

INTERMISSION

MANUEL DE FALLA

Suite No. 2 from The Three-Cornered Hat 12:00

I. The Neighbor’s Dance

II. The Miller’s Dance (Farruca)

III. Final Dance (Jota)

PIOTR ILYICH

Suite from The Sleeping Beauty, Opus 66a 20:00 TCHAIKOVSKY

I. Introduction: La Fée des lilas

II. Adagio: Pas d’action

III. Pas de caractère: Le chat botté et la chatte blanche

IV. Panorama

V. Valse

We kindly ask you to please silence all cellphones and electronic devices. Also, please note that photography and video recordings are prohibited during the performance.

CONNECT WITH US:

TCHAIKOVSKY’S SLEEPING BEAUTY

ARTISTS

FRANÇOIS LÓPEZ-FERRER, conductor

Spanish-American conductor François López-Ferrer has carved an impressive path in the world of classical music, distinguished by his dynamic artistry and compelling performances. Recipient of the prestigious 2024 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, his international career has been marked by recent debuts with esteemed orchestras worldwide, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil) at the Hollywood Bowl, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Opéra national de Paris, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Nacional de España, Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia, Orquesta Sinfónica Radio Televisión Española, Verbier Festival Orchestra, Ensemble intercontemporain, Opéra de Lausanne, and George Enescu Philharmonic. Upcoming engagements include debuts with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid at the Teatro Real de Madrid in a production of Verdi’s Il Trovatore, Houston and Utah Symphonies, Orchestra Sinfonica G. Rossini at the Rossini Opera Festival, Basque National Orchestra, Biel Solothurn Symphony Orchestra, New Mexico Philharmonic, and Opera San Antonio leading Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, as well as returns to the Omaha Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León, Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico, Orchestra di Padova e del Veneto, and the Symphony San Jose.

His journey began as Associate Conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony (CSO) and May Festival, where he made a significant impact on audiences and critics alike. In January 2022 he seamlessly stepped in for Louis Langrée with the CSO for the US premiere of Mark Simpson’s Violin Concerto, featuring Nicola Benedetti. López-Ferrer’s artistry was further refined during his tenure as a 2021-22 Dudamel Fellow with the LA Phil, as well as Resident Conductor of the Opéra de Paris’s Académie. He was a featured conductor in the 2022 Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview alongside the Louisiana Philharmonic. Early career achievements include serving as Associate Conductor of the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Chile and Principal Conductor of the Ballet Nacional Chileno. As a 2018 Verbier Festival Conducting Fellow, he made a memorable debut stepping in for Iván Fischer in a shared program alongside Sir Simon Rattle and Gábor Takács-Nagy. Furthermore, he is a two-time recipient of the Solti Foundation U.S.’s Career Assistance Award, winner of the inaugural 2015 Neeme Järvi Prize at the Menuhin-Gstaad Festival, and former member of the Deutsche Dirigentenforum. López-Ferrer holds a master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting from the Haute École de Musique de Lausanne and a bachelor’s in Composition from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Born in Switzerland and raised in the United States, he embodies a rich multicultural lineage, with a Cuban mother and Spanish father, and speaks six languages fluently.

ARTISTS

GOMYO, violin

Karen Gomyo, “a first-rate artist of real musical command, vitality, brilliance and intensity” (The Chicago Tribune), possesses a rare ability to captivate and connect intimately with audiences through her deeply emotional and heartfelt performances. With flawless command of the instrument and an elegance of expression, she is one of today’s leading violinists. Following a highly successful 2024/25 season which included debuts with the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, Orchestra RAI Torino, and the Helsinki, Oslo, and Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestras, as well as returns to the Baltimore, Indianapolis, Montreal, Toronto, Sydney, and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras, Karen’s 2025/26 season will bring more highly anticipated appearances. She returns to the New York Philharmonic, the New World Symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra Taiwan, Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, Residentie Orkest in The Hague, and the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra. She will also make debuts with the SWR Symphonieorchester Stuttgart, Tonkünstler-Orchester Niederösterreich, Malaysian Philharmonic, and the Hyogo Performing Arts Centre Orchestra.

Other recent highlights include debuts with the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig under Semyon Bychkov, the Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra with Jakub Hrůša, the Pittsburgh Symphony, Orquesta Nacional de España, and the Czech Philharmonic, as well as returns to the Dallas Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Bamberg Symphony, and WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln.

As a passionate chamber musician, Karen has performed with artists such as Olli Mustonen, Leif Ove Andsnes, Enrico Pace, James Ehnes, Noah Bendix-Balgley, Daishin Kashimoto, Emmanuel Pahud, Julian Steckel, the late Heinrich Schiff, mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth, and guitarist Ismo Eskelinen, with whom she recorded the duo album Carnival on BIS Records.

She is also a champion of the nuevo tango music of Astor Piazzolla, having collaborated with Piazzolla’s longtime pianist and tango legend Pablo Ziegler, as well as with bandoneon players Héctor del Curto, JP Jofre, and Marcelo Nisinman. In 2021, Karen released A Piazzolla Trilogy (BIS Records), recorded with the Strings of Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire and guitarist Stephanie Jones.

Each season, Karen features a work written by a living composer. She gave the U.S. premieres of Samy Moussa’s Violin Concerto Adrano with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Matthias Pintscher’s Concerto No. 2 Mar’eh with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. under the composer’s baton, and Xi Wang’s YEAR 2020: Concerto for Violin, Trumpet and Orchestra with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth, conducted by Fabio Luisi. In 2018, she performed the world premiere of Samuel Adams’ Chamber Concerto with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Esa-Pekka Salonen, written for her and commissioned for the CSO’s MusicNOW 20th anniversary series.

Born in Tokyo, Karen began her musical career in Montréal and New York. She studied under the legendary pedagogue Dorothy DeLay at the Juilliard School before continuing her studies at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and the New England Conservatory with Mauricio Fuks and Donald Weilerstein, respectively. She also studied privately for a formative period in Vienna with Heinrich Schiff. Karen participated as violinist, host, and narrator in a documentary film produced by NHK Japan about Antonio Stradivarius, The Mysteries of the Supreme Violin, which was broadcast worldwide on NHK WORLD.

KAREN GOMYO

PROGRAM NOTES

GABRIELA ORTIZ

Kauyumari

B. MEXICO CITY, MEXICO December 20, 1964

Gabriela Ortiz remembers delaying bedtime as a child to listen to her parents rehearse with the musical group Los Folkloristas, a now long-standing ensemble preserving Latin American folk music, in their Mexico City home. Those colors, syncopations, and instruments of Mexican music became an organic part of Ortiz’s musical language, which seeps into works such as the driving orchestral opener she composed in 2021 called Kauyumari. Ortiz based Kauyumari on the Mexican indigenous Huichol people’s ‘blue deer’ legend, in which a blue deer spirit guides four young hunters to a peyote plant with hallucinogenic powers that saves the village from impending famine. The use of the peyote plant is now a yearly ritual, aiding the Huichol in communicating with their ancestors. Primordial syncopated rhythms—a 3-3-2-2-2 eighth-note pattern—provide the work’s foundation, with spirited melodies atop. Opening atmospherically with a low drone, off-stage trumpets first sound. Then, the texture and rhythmic action grow progressively thicker and more colorful, the blue deer leading the hunt towards the magical plant. Listen for the array of percussion, such as shakers, bongos, and even the hollowed gourd güiro, and watch for raised bells in the horns at the end. Kauyumari is featured on Ortiz’s 2025 album, Revolución diamantina, which won three Grammy Awards.

FELIX MENDELSSOHN

Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64

B. HAMBURG, GERMANY February 3, 1809

D. LEIPZIG, GERMANY November 4, 1847

Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, with its sweet melodies and delicate textures, exemplifies the interior turn in Romanticism, a new lease on expressing intimate, inner human emotions. The inspiration for Mendelssohn? An enduring friendship. He composed the work for his childhood friend Ferdinand David, a top-flight violinist in Germany. Mendelssohn proposed writing a concerto for his violinist friend shortly after landing the music director position at the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in 1835, where Mendelssohn had already chosen David as its concertmaster. Concerned about writing a work worthy of their friendship, Mendelssohn went back and forth with David about what was feasible for the violin, resulting in one of the closest collaborations between a composer and soloist at the time. Still, Mendelssohn didn’t finish it for six years. David premiered the concerto with the Gewandhaus Orchestra in 1845. Now a staple of the violin repertoire, Mendelssohn did more than write a nice work for a friend: he reimagined the concerto form. Instead of opening with an orchestral exposition, the violin steps right out into the spotlight with the main, urgent theme, out of which the violin’s virtuosity organically develops. Newly, Mendelssohn wrote the first movement cadenza as a bridge to the recapitulation, rather than at the movement’s end. Lastly, the movements seamlessly flow into the next without pause—into the tender second movement and the frisky third—an innovation that prioritized the work’s emotional impact over rigid form.

PROGRAM NOTES

MANUEL DE FALLA

The Three-Cornered Hat, Suite No. 2

B. CÁDIZ, SPAIN

November 23, 1876

D. ALTA GRACIA, ARGENTINA November 14, 1946

Andalusian composer Manuel de Falla wouldn’t be known as he is today without Paris. Feeling the lack of opportunity for orchestral music in Spain, Falla moved to Paris in 1907. It was there that he met the young Igor Stravinsky when the Ballets Russes—a Russian ballet troupe founded in Paris by the Russian theater entrepreneur Sergei Diaghilev—commissioned and choreographed The Firebird. When the Ballets Russes later toured Spain, and Falla was at his compositional height back in Madrid, Stravinsky would introduce Falla to Diaghilev, which led to the Ballets Russes commissioning Falla’s Three-Cornered Hat Suite.

The suite is a farce about a buffoonish, three-cornered-hat-wearing mayor’s attempt to steal away a miller’s wife. To devise time alone with the miller’s wife, the mayor arranges for the miller to be arrested in his house during an evening neighborhood dance party, which sets off a series of events that include borrowed clothes and mistaken identities. It results in the mayor being arrested while dressed as the miller. Falla initially composed the music for a mime play, but then reworked it into a two-part ballet for the Ballets Russes, and, soon after, into two colorfully orchestrated symphonic suites. Falla generously drew on the acerbic flair and Phrygian-mode inflections of Andalusian folk music in his Three-Cornered Hat Suite. The second suite opens with “Dance of the Neighbors,” a freewheeling movement of neighborhood fun, featuring the seguidilla dance’s quick-footed patterns. The second movement, where the miller shows off his moves for his guests before being abruptly arrested, features dramatic solos for the French and English horns in the style of the intense Flamenco farruca dance. The final movement of the suite is a jota, meaning “to jump,” and is the most impressionistic of all, energized by wild sweeps through the orchestra that sound almost like Stravinsky’s Firebird. A prankish staccato theme reminds listeners of the plot’s antics, but things dissolve into chaos for a quick ending, just as the story does.

PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY

Sleeping Beauty Suite, Op. 66a

B. VOTKINSK, UDMURT REPUBLIC, RUSSIA

May 7, 1840

D. ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

November 6, 1893

The story of Princess Aurora and the kiss that would awaken her and her kingdom from a cursed 100-year slumber is well known to most contemporary audiences through the 1959 Walt Disney classic animated feature, Sleeping Beauty. Audiences of Tchaikovsky’s time, in the nineteenth century, would’ve been most familiar with the fairytale adaptation by the Brothers Grimm in 1812, which drew upon an even earlier seventeenth-century version by Charles Perrault. That was the version that Tchaikovsky set in his Sleeping Beauty ballet, completed in 1889, which has become a repertory piece for ballet companies today. Parts of the ballet were combined as an orchestral suite posthumously. If the melodies sound familiar, it’s because Disney executives were insistent that the film’s composers use Tchaikovsky’s music as their source. The suite opens with two themes: one representing the wicked witch Carabosse (known from Disney’s version as Maleficent), and the other representing the good forces of the guardian fairy. The story’s fairytale atmosphere is fully constructed in the second movement, opening with an extended, enchanted harp solo and leading into the famous “Rose Adagio,” where four princes vie for the hand of Princess Aurora. But by the third scene, she has both succumbed to the spell and been awakened by the prince’s kiss, and two zany, fairytale characters—Puss in Boots and the White Cat—arrive at their wedding. The fourth scene gives a panoramic view of the fairytale kingdom. The final movement is the famous “Garland Waltz:” the waltz of lovers who walked together once upon a dream. Program notes by Anna Reguero, PhD © 2025

7:30 PM SAT NOV 22

7:30 PM

Jeff Tyzik, conductor For Jeff Tyzik’s biography, please see page 6. Troupe Vertigo, dance Madrigalia, chorus FRI NOV 21

KODAK HALL AT EASTMAN THEATRE

RICHARD STRAUSS Introduction to 2:00 Also sprach Zarathustra, op. 30

COURAGE, MCCARTHY Star Trek Through The Years 9:00 CHATTAWAY, GOLDSMITH (CUSTER)

JOHN WILLIAMS Excerpts from 8:15 Close Encounters of the Third Kind

CARY RATCLIFF Aurora Borealis 2:00

GUSTAV HOLST Mars from The Planets 6:45

JEFF TYZIK Star Suite 15:00

SERIES SPONSORS:

SPONSORS:

We kindly ask you to please silence all cellphones and electronic devices. Also, please note that photography and video recordings are prohibited during the performance. CONCERT

PHOTO:©2017 GEORGE SIMIAN

FRI NOV 21

7:30 PM SAT NOV 22

7:30 PM

Jeff Tyzik, conductor

For Jeff Tyzik’s biography, please see page 6.

Troupe Vertigo, dance

Madrigalia, chorus

KODAK HALL AT EASTMAN THEATRE JAMES HORNER Avatar Suite 9:00

JOHANN, JR. STRAUSS On the Beautiful Blue Danube, 9:00 op, 314

JOHN WILLIAMS Star Wars Suite 21:00

The Imperial March (Star Wars Suite)

Cantina Band (Star Wars Saga)

Luke and Leia (Star Wars Saga)

Duel of the Fates (Phantom Menace)

Main Title (Star Wars Suite)

JEFF TYZIK Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine 4:00

SERIES SPONSORS:

We kindly ask you to please silence all cellphones and electronic devices. Also, please note that photography and video recordings are prohibited during the performance. CONCERT SPONSORS:

ARTISTS

TROUPE VERTIGO, dance

Los Angeles-based theatrical circus company, Troupe Vertigo, was founded in 2009 by Aloysia Gavre (Cirque du Soleil) and her husband Rex Camphuis (Pickle Family Circus/ Film & Theater Producer). They create an eclectic and refreshing mix of circus-dance-theater works that ignite the imagination with mentally and physically spellbinding performances. Troupe Vertigo encompasses the wide spectrum of the performing arts including performances at theaters, concert halls, festivals and special events.

Troupe Vertigo has been creatively involved with world class symphonies contributing widely with their theatrical sensibilities to help create new audiences for Symphonic Concerts.

Their unique perspective on the circus arts have led to a variety of speaking engagements including with The Center Theater Group Los Angeles, Directors Lab West, TEDx Talk, and the Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival, as well in publications for the cover story of Dance Teacher Magazine {August 2016} and in the book Ordinary Acrobat

Troupe Vertigo premiered its first show in Los Angeles Big Top for a New Generation in 2010 at the Ford Amphitheater  with a young rock n’ roll group - Nightmare & The Cat, featuring Django and Sam Stewart.

The company returned to the Ford Amphitheater in 2012 with Nighthawks: A Film Noir Circus, inspired by American Jazz, Edward Hopper paintings, and the gritty streets of crime novels from Hammett to Chandler.

2016 brought the creation of TABLEAUX originally presented by the Dance Resource Center at the Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles. Tableaux features five women inquiring about confinement and freedom, while finding themselves constrained on an island of boxes, trapped by the constrictions of society and themselves.

Troupe Vertigo’s facility is also home to Cirque School, LA’s premier circus training space, which inspires an appreciation for the circus arts for “Anybody with Any Body”. Due to their Los Angeles home and having Cirque School as their sister company Aloysia & Rex’s expertise are used often for the film & television industry. Most notably for  Rebel Wilson’s aerial performance in Pitch Perfect 2 and with Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz who utilized Cirque School resources not only for circus instruction but for character background research for the film Water for Elephants.

MADRIGALIA, chorus

Now in our 50th concert season, Madrigalia delights audiences with our beauty of sound and artistic excellence. Under the direction of Artistic Director Cary Ratcliff, our ensemble of highly skilled vocalists presents unique and challenging programs of choral music built around intriguing themes. Our music is drawn from all times and places, spanning the riches of classic choral styles, the vast range of compelling music being written in our time, and the intriguing musical expressions of cultures throughout the world. We promote the appreciation of choral singing to diverse audiences through performances, recordings, broadcasts, outreach, and the commissioning of new music.

TROUPE VERTIGO
©2017 GEORGE SIMIAN

7:30 PM

HOCHSTEIN

PERFORMANCE

HALL

Jeff Tyzik, conductor

For Jeff Tyzik’s biography, please see page 6.

Herb Smith, conductor Xavier Joseph, violin

Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra In Association With The Eastman Community Music School

JOHN WILIAMS Raiders March 2:30

JOHN WILLIAMS With Malice Toward None 4:30

JOHN WILLIAMS Cowboys Overture 9:30

JOHN WILLIAMS Theme from Schindler’s List 3:30 Xavier Joseph, violin

AARON COPLAND Four Dance Episodes 7:30 III. Saturday Night Waltz IV. Hoe-down

JOHANN STRAUSS JR. Blue Danube Waltzes 9:00

JEFF TYZIK Three Latin Dances 6:00

SERIES

SPONSORS:

We kindly ask you to please silence all cellphones and electronic devices. Also, please note that photography and video recordings are prohibited during the performance.

CONNECT WITH US:

ARTISTS

Conductor Herb Smith is widely known in both the classical and jazz worlds as an exciting performer who inspires musicians and audiences wherever he goes. Whether he is performing, conducting, teaching, or composing, Herb’s expression of music draws from his multifaceted and dynamic musical experiences from around the world.

Herb has recent and upcoming appearances as a guest conductor with orchestras around the country, including the Indianapolis Symphony, North Carolina Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Syracuse Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, No Name Pops at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Long Beach Symphony, Hawaii Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, Springfield Symphony, Arkansas Symphony, Stockton Symphony, and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

Herb currently directs the Eastman Youth Jazz Ensemble. He also guest conducts for All-State and All-County Bands, Orchestras, and Jazz Ensembles all across New York State. Herb recently conducted and curated a Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Brass performance of Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” at a Black Lives Matter rally and a concert honoring Harriet Tubman. This performance united the City of Rochester, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and neighborhood churches in honor of Tubman’s bicentennial celebration.

Voted “Best Instrumentalist” of Rochester 2022 by City Magazine, Herb currently holds the third trumpet position in the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the principal trumpet position in the Gateways Festival Orchestra, which made its Carnegie Hall debut in April 2022. Herb also serves as principal trumpet in the Gateways Brass Collective, a nationally touring professional brass quintet sponsored by Conn-Selmer. Being a highly sought-after lead trumpeter has afforded Herb the opportunity to play with such notable musicians as Jeff Beck, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, the O’Jays, Johnny Mathis, and Doc Severinsen, to name but a few. He has been a frequent guest soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Rochester Philharmonic.

Herb’s Freedom Trio (composed of trumpet played through electronics, bass, and drums) can be seen in performances around the country. This funky, eclectic group, a frequent guest at the Rochester International Jazz Festival, offers its “idiosyncratic yet charming melodies” (City Magazine) in concerts and festivals around the world.

As a composer, Herb has been commissioned by brass ensembles, high school choirs, jazz ensembles, and trumpet ensembles in addition to writing for his jazz trio and the Gateways Brass Collective. Herb’s “The Twelve Tones of Christmas,” composed for trumpet, piano, and voice, premiered in Carnegie Hall in 2008. Tony Award-winning choreographer Garth Fagan commissioned Herb to write a ballet for his Children’s Ensemble. The resulting forty-minute, six-part work ranged across many styles, including reggae, classical, jazz, and funk.

A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Herb is a trumpet instructor at the Eastman Community Music School. He also leads masterclasses and offers lectures on trumpet technique, endurance, and sound production. From universities to elementary schools, Herb is frequently invited to serve as a teacher, teaching artist, and clinician. He co-founded Herb’s City Trumpets, a program that mentors and teaches trumpet to Black students aged 8 to 17, in partnership with the Rochester City School District.

HERB SMITH

ARTISTS

ROCHESTER PHILHARMONIC YOUTH ORCHESTRA

In association with

The Eastman Community Music School

In Alphabetical Order by Instrument

VIOLIN 1

Weston Brown

Claire Chen

Lauren Henry

Jayliana Jenkins

Xavier Joseph+

Alyssa Millar

Olivia Ofori

TingTing Rui

Jay Schrieber

Ryan Shaffer

Ben Song

Evan Yip

Emma Zhang

VIOLIN 2

Matthew Belous

Wendy Brown

Eva Chadwick

Charles Chang

Leixi Chen

Jimin Han

Jenna Liu

Helena Lu

Lily McGowan*

Eden Shin

Elise Spurling

Evelyn Yang

Selina Zhuo

VIOLA

Sophie Gagnier

Myles Hammond

Karthik Jaligama*

John Luger

Isabella Mamo

Tianze Qiu

Eva Yip

CELLO

Arianna Alfaro

Juliet Besch-Turner*

Rebecca Camilleri

Daniel Chadwick

Ben Doyley

Linah Flores

Henry Gagnier

Felicia Garnot

Jiahn Han

Haolin Jin

Adalyn Kelly

Hannah Shim

BASS

Austin Beck^

Gregory Galand^

Emma Goldberg^

Ethan Olmstead*

FLUTE

Matteo Botelho

Lilianna Fietkiewicz*

Raeha Khazanchi

Rebecca Refermat

PICCOLO

Rebecca Refermat

OBOE

Anelise Mott

Mila Norter

Tristan Zhang*

ENGLISH HORN

Mila Norter

Tristan Zhang

CLARINET

Mathew Atalla*

Daniella Miller

Michael Shi*

BASS CLARINET

Marcy Bacon^

BASSOON

Quinn Feldman*

Raylan Trapani

HORN

Lucas Childs

Zach Johnson

Liam Keeney

Ethan Stein

Benjamin Watson*

TRUMPET

Leah Cashin

Alexandra Foley

Nate France*

Nathaniel Ying*

TROMBONE

Carter Doody

Charles Stringham*

James Tolleson

TUBA

Evy Sibley

PERCUSSION

Lydia Foley

Renee Groesbeck

Will Harrington

Ben Roller*

HARP

Viviana Alfaro^

PIANO

Samuel Leung^ + Concertmaster * Principal ^ Substitute musicians

ROCHESTER PHILHARMONIC YOUTH ORCHESTRA

Scan to view the full listing from July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025

CORPORATE PARTNERS, FOUNDATIONS, AND ORGANIZATIONS

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the following corporate, foundation, and community organizations for their generous support. Please contact the Development Office at development@rpo.org with questions or corrections. Listings are in recognition of our current donors during the 2025-26 Season from July 1 through September 30, 2025.

SYMPHONY

($50,000 AND ABOVE)

City of Rochester

G.W. Lisk Company, Inc.& Lisk Morris Foundation, Inc. & Monroe County

CONCERTO

($25,000–$49,999)

Canandaigua National Bank & Trust MusicPower.org

The Kilian J. and Caroline F. Schmitt Foundation

Waldron Rise Foundation in honor of Anne G. Whitman& Wegmans Food Markets

SONATA

($10,000–$24,999)

The Gertrude Chanler RPO Fund at the RACF

Community Bank, N.A.

The Community Foundation

Kimbo il Café di Napoli

M&T Bank

Guido and Ellen Palma Foundation

Pittsford Federal Credit Union^

St. Ann’s Community

TwoPoint Capital Management

SUITE

($5,000–$9,999)

Eggers Family Charitable Fund

Melvin and Mildred Eggers Family Charitable Foundation

The Robert and Jean Freligh Memorial Fund&

The Robert and Jean Freligh Memorial Fund&

Grace & Disgrace

Heathwood Assisted Living & Memory Care

Hoselton Auto Mall

L3Harris Technologies

Music Performance Trust Fund

Rochester Gas & Electric

OVERTURE

($3,000–$4,999)

Matthew Geherin, Matthew Hettinga, Bruce Marche, and Kristen Story - Vision Financial Group

PARTNER

($1,000–$2,999)

Alliance Advisory Group, Inc.

Bristol Mountain

BRX Research

Flaum Management Company, Inc.

High Falls Advisors

Nazareth University

Rochester Education Foundation

FRIENDS

($1-$999)

Fox Pest Control

Fred M. and Lurita D. Wechsler

Memorial Fund

West Rush Media, LLC

MATCHING GIFT COMPANIES

Charities Aid Foundation of America

Johnson and Johnson Matching Gift Foundation

Donna Hoke CREATIVE

Jean-Pierre Thimot

Scan to view the full listing from July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025

MAESTRO’S CIRCLE LEADERSHIP GIVING SOCIETY

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the generous individuals listed here who help us continue to enrich and inspire the community through the art of music. While space only permits us to list pledged gifts made at the Benefactor level and above in the printed program book, we value the generosity and vital support of all donors and have moved all donors from Contributor amount and above to be listed in our digital edition donor roll on www.rpo.org/donor-recognition. Please contact us at development@ rpo.org questions or corrections. Listings are in recognition of our current donors during the 2025-26 Season from July 1 through September 30, 2025.

MAESTOSO ($50,000 AND ABOVE)

Anonymous&

Stephen and Janice Ashley&

Christine Colucci&

Karen Duguid and Wallace Johnson&

PRESTISSIMO

Anonymous&

Mary Ellen Burris&

Mr. and Mrs.* James T. Englert&

Barbara and Patrick Fulford& Dr. Ralph F. Jozefowicz&

($25,000-$49,999)

Bruce Jacobs

Dr. and Mrs. Elmar Frangenberg&^L

VIVACE ($10,000-$24,999)

Anonymous

Patrick and Irene Burke& William L. and Ruth P. Cahn^&

Mr. and Mrs.* Harlan D. Calkins& Terence Chrzan and Susann Brown*&

Barbara A. Colucci^

Alison and John Currie&

ADAGIO ($2,500-$9,999)

Quincy and Sonya Allen

Anonymous&

Anne and Steve* Bauer&

Stewart Beecher&

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Bielaska, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Paul* W. Briggs

Joseph* and Nancy Briggs

Peter W. Briggs

Ann Burr and A. Vincent Buzard&

Brad Calkins

Keith and Joan Calkins&

Dr. Thomas and Ann Caprio

Betsy and John Carver&

William T. Chandler

Diana R. Clarkson, Esq. and Jim Donnelly&

Jeff and Sue Crane^& George Daddis, Jr., Ph.D.

Judy and Joe Darweesh&

Karen E. Dau

Gary and Kathleen DeWitt

Tex and Nicki Doolittle

Jack McGowan and Kathleen Muscato&

Gouvernet Fund for the Arts at RACF

Mrs. Laura J. Hameister^&S

Amy R. Hecker and Howard S. Decker&

Tom and Nan Hildebrandt&

Kathleen Holt and Stephen Lurie

Laurie and David Kennedy

Ron DoughertyS&

James and Stephanie Fischer&

Shirley B. and Kevin Frick

Emerson and Vernita Fullwood&

Marjorie and James Fulmer&

Judith Fulmer&

Paul and Carol Goldberg&

Carl E. Grimm&

David L. Guadagnino and Mary Beauchamp&

Mr. Gary D. Haines

Jeffrey and Lynne Halik&^

David and MaryAnn Hamilton&

Susan and Chris Holliday

Philip and Eleanor Hopke

H. Larry and Dorothy C. Humm&

Will and Lois Irwin&

Robert and Merilyn* Israel

Nick and Kitty Jospe&S

Charles* and Daryl Kaplan

Richard and Karen Knowles&

Glenn and Nancy Koch

PHILHARMONIC FRIENDS

ADVOCATE ($1,000-$2,499)

Anonymous

Suzanne Bell and Chris Brown

Kristine Bouyoucos

Simon* and Josephine Braitman

Josephine Buckley

Andrew Burke, RE/MAX Realty Group&

Bill and Julie Capossere

The Carpenter Family

Dr. Mark Cohen

Rick and Sandra Crawshaw

Jacqueline Davis

Katie and Rob Dermody&S

Larry and Betsy Rice& Nellie J. Rosenberg& Drs. Eva and Jude Sauer&

Deborah Ronnen and Sherman Levy*

Katherine T. and Jon L. Schumacher&

Karen and Laurence Kessler Ross P. Lanzafame, Esq.& Lenore* and Marshall Lesser& Michael and Frances Millard& William J. O’Connor, Jr.& Pace Family Fund& Mrs. Richard Palermo& Victor Poleshuck&

Elsbeth J. Kozel&

Karen and Gerald Kral&

Marcy and Ray Kraus in loving memory of Dr. Allan and Charlotte Kraus&

Vincent and Zuzanna Kwon&

Connie Leary and James O’Connell&

Norma and Anthony* Leone, MD

Curtis and Elizabeth Long&S

Barbara E. Marshall&

Tom and Emily McCall

Paul Marc and Pamela Miller Ness&

Noel and JoBeth NicholsL&

John and Tobie Olsan&

Deborah Onslow&S

Suzanne and Richard Portland

Robert and Anne QuiveyS

Nancy and Vincent Reale&

David and Betsy Riedman

Marion Swett Robinson&

Mr. Fritz Ruebeck and Dr. Cecilia Meagher

Barbara and George Segel^

Dr. and Mrs. Sidney H. Sobel& Robert A. Woodhouse&

Mr. and Mrs. David K. Weber Geff and Cindy Yancey&

Nathan J. and Susan S. Robfogel& Ron and Sharon Salluzzo&

Sandra and Richard Stein& Mimi and Sam Tilton& Josephine S. Trubek& Krestie Utech&

Mr. and Mrs. James Ryan, Jr.

Drs. Carl and O.J. Sahler&

Gary B. Schaefer

David and Antonia Schantz

Joan M. Schumaker&

George J. Schwartz, M.D., and Paula Maier

Kate Hickey Spencer& Ingrid Stanlis&

Dr. David and Abby Stern

Richard Sterns and Suzanna Rubright

Aaron and Rachel Stuckey&S

Margaret Tonkinson

Sally Turner

Patricia Ward-Baker&

David and Julie Weinstein

Carol Whitbeck& Kitty J. Wise&L

Mr. and Mrs. Steven DeSmitt

Gary Domenico and Barbara Buscaglia

Roy Czernikowski* and Karin Dunnigan

Rose Duver

Michael C. Dwyer

Udo Fehn and Christine Long

David and Anne Ferris

Evelyn Frazee and Thomas Klonick

Betsy and Jay* Friedman& Kevin FrischS

ADVOCATE ($1,000-$2,499) CONTINUED

Paul Gardella

Mary Anne Gillespie

Patricia Goodwin

Debbie and Michael Gordon

Jeanne and Bob Grace

Robert and Deborah HallS

Marilyn* and Dick Hare&

Bob and Kathy Heinig

Walter B.D. Hickey, Jr.

Drs. Ryan and Makiko Hoefen^

Dr. Marvin and Nancy* Yanes Hoffman

John and Barbara Holder

Bob and Sarah Hurlbut

BENEFACTOR ($500-$999)

Barbara Agor

Jim and Linda Baroody

Jay and Beth BlaufussS

Gretchen and Paul Burke

Drs. David Bushinsky and Nancy Krieger

Brendan and Suzanne Casey

Kathleen DillS

Donald and Stephanie Doe

Terrence R. Doherty

Gerald G. Estes

Almon Fisher

Susan and Leslie Foor

Ruth Freeman

Linda and David FriedmanS

Linda and John Haight

Michael R. Herzog

Scan to view the full listing from July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025

IN MEMORY OF…

R. Carlos Carballada

Sam and Mimi Tilton

Douglas Cline

Patte Bishop

Timothy and Marilyn Downs

Ellen Fenger

Ronald and Martha Jodoin

Judy and Norm Karsten

Robert J. Kennedy

Tom and Kate Kidera

Mr. and Mrs. R. Alan Lattime

Jennifer Leonard and David Cay Johnston

Sue and Michael LococoS

Joseph J. Mancini*

Scott Manspeaker

Richard W. McGrath

Andrew and Kay Melnyk

Ralph and Martha Meyer

Daniel M. Meyers&

Sheila Hollander

Dr. Dewey Jackson

Connie KaminskiS&

Mr. Edward Klehr

Mrs. Ellen Konar

Ellen C. Lewis

Sarah F. Liebschutz, PhD

Rose and Roger Linscott

Janet and Haines Lockhart

Edwin Lopez-Soto and Patricia Braus

John and Judy Lynd

Chen and John MageeS

Russell J. Mandrino

Dick and Sandra McGavern

Maureen McGlynn

Jonathan Mink and Janet Cranshaw

BRAVO TRIBUTES

Fritz and Maura Minges

Helene Newman

Peter J. Obourn

Tom Parker

Jerry Peters

Dick and Cathy Rasmussen

Rene Reixach

Nancy and Art Roberts

Hannah and Arnold Rosenblatt

Tom and Ellen Rusling

Joan and James* Ryan, Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. William Schultz

Heidi B. Schwarz, M.D.&

Libba and Wolf Seka

David and Monika M. MullenS

Michael D. Nazar

Mr. and Mrs. John Norris

Joan R. Nusbaum

Christian and Sarah Peyre

Stan and Anne Refermat

Carolyn and Charles RuffingS&

David and Naomi Schrier

David Segal

Rich Sensenbach

Harvey Simmons

Daniel and Sarah Singal

Ms. Maureen A. Stables

Berl Stein

Steve and Cheryl Swartout

David and Carol Teegarden

Eugene and Gloria Ulterino

Phillip and Karen Sparkes

Ann H. Stevens and William J. Shattuck&

Wayne and Anne Vander Byl

Harry and Ruth* Walker

James Watters

Pierce and Elizabeth Webb

Stephen R. Webb

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Weingarten&^

Joyce and William Weir

Bill and Wende Young

Robert Vosteen

John and Anne Walker

Marsha Walton

Stephen Wershing

Susan and Paul Wilkens

Lawrence and Susan Yovanoff

Eric Zeise and Ellen Henry

& Denotes donor(s) has/have contributed to the RPO& Comprehensive Capital Campaign.

S Denotes donor(s) has/have a recurring Sustaining Circle contribution to the RPO.

* Denotes donor(s) is/are deceased.

L Denotes donor(s) has/have contributed to the Rochester Philharmonic League (RPL).

^ Denotes donor(s) has/have contributed to the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (RPYO).

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and organizations for their generous support by honoring or remembering in memory of, the individuals listed below. Listings are in recognition of tribute gifts received from July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025.

Tribute gifts are a special way to remember loved ones or commemorate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, births or graduations. If you would like to make a memorial or honorarium gift, please visit www.rpo.org/donate or contact the Development office at 585/454-7311 ext. 249 or email development@rpo.org.

Ellen Englert

Renee Brownstein

Robert and Frances Clawson

Judith Cruppe

Richard DeMallie

Catherine and Elmar Frangenberg, M.D.

Robert and Christine Guistina

Gregory and Judith Graham

Antony Gugino and Earlene Siebold

Anthony and Raechel Taddei

Timothy M. Verna

Suzanne Verstraten

Cynthia Whitehouse

Frances R. Howell, Jr.

Jennifer McRae Fitzsimmons

Nancy Howell

Lew D. Jones

Charles Fujita and Dulcy Lecour

Mary Anne Gillespie

Faye Shea

Josephine Trubek

Margaret Vanas

Sheila Dermody

Catherine and Elmar Frangenberg, M.D.

High Falls Advisors

Bruce and Ann Leonard

John W. Littwitz

Ray and Patrizia Macera

Russell J. Mandrino

Mary Ann Mrva

Tracy A. Romano

Bonnie B. Sale

Joann Smith

David Strasenburgh

Itai Bronshtein

Barbara Law

Stanley and Anne Refermat

Anne W. Sullivan

Philip and Eleanor Hopke

R. Alan and Deborah Lattime

Robert W. Sweeney

Gerald Estes

Leon Williams

Jerry Maus

Sheri Unglaub Williams

Heather Fuller

Douglas and Sarah Hughes

Andrew and Elizabeth Swanson

IN HONOR OF…

Dr. Harold Kanthor’s Birthday

Joseph Rapoport & Family

Nathan and Susan Robfogel’s 60th Wedding Anniversary

Charles and Kathleen Salitan

Valerie Salitan

Catharine “Kitty” Wise

J. Michael and Alice Smith

Scan to view the full listing from July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025

Anonymous

Marie Aklin*

Betty Jane Altier*

Alva Angle*

Catherine N. Asmuth*

Jean Boynton Baker*

John B. and Margaret Barnell*

RPO GEORGE EASTMAN LEGACY SOCIETY

Members of the RPO George Eastman Legacy Society are true believers in the power of music. The RPO George Eastman Legacy Society honors those individuals who remember the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra through a planned gift. The RPO’s team of development professionals are available to work with you and your advisors to create a plan that will help you meet your financial and philanthropic goals. For more information, please contact the Development Office at 585.454.7311.

Barbara Jean Gray-Gottorff*

George Greer*

Jean Groff*

Sue C. Habbersett*

William B. Hale*

Mrs. Laura J. Hameister

Marilyn* and Dick Hare

Walter J.* and Jeanne M. Beecher

Walter S. Beecher

Nancy and Harry Beilfuss**

Carol and John Bennett

Jack and Carolyn Bent

Donald Berens*

Ellen S. Bevan*

Stuart* and Betsy Bobry

James R. Boehler*

Marilyn Bondy

Beverly T. Bowen*

John W.* and Margaret Z.* Branch

William and Ruth Cahn

Mary Allison Callaway and Paul R. Callaway*

Catherine B. Carlson*

Norris F. Carlson*

Margaret J. Carnall*

Joan and Paul Casterline**

Susann* and Terence Chrzan

Nancy A. Clemens*

Barbara Colucci

Christine Colucci

Mary Consler*

Judy and Joe Darweesh

Alfred L. Davis*

Barbara Dechario*

Paul Donnelly*

Marilyn A. Drumm*

Amelia N. Dunbar*

Frederick Dushay

Richard and Harriet Eisenberg*

James T. and Ellen Englert

John R. Ertle*

Julia B. Everitt*

Glenn and Rebecca Fadner

Ruth H. Fairbank*

Joan and Harold* Feinbloom

Albert Fenyvessy*

Donald C.* and Elizabeth Fisher

Catherine and Elmar Frangenberg

Carolyn and Roger Friedlander

Betsy Friedman

Karyl P. Friedman

Linda and David Friedman

Patrick and Barbara Fulford

William L. Gamble*

Sharon Garelick

Rob W. Goodling

Mary M. Gooley*

Karen G. Hart*

Monica R. Hayden*

Warren* and Joyce Heilbronner

David W. Hinz*

Jean Hitchcock

Norman L. Horton*

Mrs. Samter Horwitz*

H. Larry and Dorothy C. Humm

Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Hursh*

Carol A. Jones

Nick and Kitty Jospe

Dr. Ralph F. Jozefowicz

Nancie R. Kennedy*

Robert T. Kimbrough*

Marcella Klein and Richard Schaeffer

Glenn and Nancy Koch

Ross P. Lanzafame, Esq.

Jeanne Lareau*

Marshall and Lenore* Lesser

Drs. Jacques* and Dawn Lipson

Sue and Michael Lococo

William C.* and Elfriede K. Lotz

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Mahar

Linda Malinich*

Joseph J. Mancini*

Gerard Mayer*

John T. McAdam*

Pete* and Sally Merrill

Donald R. Messina*

Robert J. and Marcia Wishengrad Metzger

Dan Meyers

Mrs. Elizabeth O. Miller*

Jane E. Miller*

Mary L. Mitchell*

Deanne Molinari*

Eleanor Morris*

Mrs. Marjorie Morris*

Patricia McCurdy Morse*

John S. Muenter

Diane F. Nelson*

Paul Marc and Pamela Miller Ness

Carolyn Noble*

Deborah Onslow

Margaret Paaschen*

Mary Anne Palermo

Ms. Lydia Susan Palmer

Eleanor T. Patterson*

Suzanne F. Powell

Robert and Ann Quivey

Ernest Rashiatore*

Eileen D. Ramos*

Marjorie Cohen Relin*

Doris Repenter*

Dr. Ramon L. and Judith S. Ricker

Dr. Suzanne H. Rodgers*

Nellie J. Rosenberg

Dick* and Bea Rosenbloom

Elise and Stephen* Rosenfeld

Pearl W. Rubin*

Wallace R. Rust

Ron and Sharon Salluzzo

Wesley Saucke

Peggy W. Savlov*

James G. Scanzaroli*

David G. and Antonia T. Schantz

William and Susan Schoff

Peter Schott and Mary Jane Tasciotti

Jon L. and Katherine T. Schumacher

Vicki* and Richard Schwartz

Laura M. Seifferd*

Libba and Wolf Seka

Gretchen Shafer*

Virginia Durand Shelden*

Elbis A. Shoales, M.D.

Carol Shulman

Anna Rita Staffieri*

Ingrid Stanlis

Abby and David Stern

Patricia E. Stott

Betty Strasenburgh*

Martha Ann* and Daniel Tack

Amanda Tierson

Ivan Town*

Carol Van Hoesen*

Elizabeth Van Horn*

Harry and Ruth Walker

Patricia Ward-Baker

Margaret Webster*

Robin and Michael* Weintraub

Jean B. Wetzel*

Mildred Wischmeyer*

Kitty J. Wise

John and Laurie Witmeyer

Helen W. Witt*

Mary Alice and Robert Wolf*

Susan and Lawrence Yovanoff

Nancy and Mark Zawacki

Alan Ziegler and Emily Neece

Mr. and Mrs. Ted Zornow

* Denotes donor(s) is/are deceased. ^Denotes donor(s) has/have contributed to the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (RPYO).

ADMINISTRATION

Curt Long President and CEO

Kristen Zimmer Human Resource Director

Hannah Reich Executive Assistant/Office Manager

DEVELOPMENT

Rob Dermody Vice President of Development

Bryce Davis Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives

Amy Gallaher Director of Development, Annual Giving & Special Events

Elizabeth Garijo-Garde Institutional Partnerships Officer

Dorian Delfs Development Officer

George DeMott Development Officer

MARKETING

Herb Griffith Vice President of Marketing & Communications

Lauren MacDonough Director of Marketing

Joyce Tseng

Content & Digital Marketing Manager

Meg Spoto

Creative Director

Mike Cidoni

Public Relations & Communications Manager

Sal Uttaro

Group and Corporate Sales Manager

PATRON SERVICES CENTER

Charlene Beckwith Director of Ticketing

Daniel Traina House Manager

Daniel Long

Patron Services Manager

Connor Straight

Patron Services Assistant Manager

Sammy DeAngelis

Abby Chapman-Duprey

Stephen House

Nathan Howton

Jaewon Jun

Alyssa Koh

Jacob Kundu

Hannah Moreno

Grant Simon

Patron Services Representatives

FINANCE

Katherine Rogala Vice President of Finance

Priscilla DeSoto

Staff Accountant

ARTISTIC OPERATIONS

James Barry Vice President of Artistic

Planning & Operations

Fred Dole

Orchestra Personnel Manager

Lily Wintringham

Orchestra Operations Manager

Morgan Marama-Stout

Artistic Coordinator

Danielle Suhr Stage Manager

Cedrick Martinez Assistant Stage Manager

Kim Hartquist Principal Librarian

Karl Vilcins Auditions Coordinator

EDUCATION

Barbara Brown

Lisk Morris Foundation Vice President of Education Chair

Chisato Eda Marling Manager of Education & Community Partnerships

Ashlee Allaire Youth Orchestra & Education Projects Manager

ROCHESTER

PHILHARMONIC LEAGUE

Rachel Solomon Volunteer Administrator

ABOUT US

Since its founding by George Eastman in 1922, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music. Currently celebrating our 102nd Season, the RPO is dedicated to maintaining its deep commitment to artistic excellence, educational opportunity, and community engagement. Today, the RPO presents up to 120 concerts per year, serving nearly 170,000 people through ticketed events, education and community engagement activities, and concerts in schools and community centers throughout the region. Nearly one-third of all RPO performances are educational or community-related. In addition, WXXI 91.5 FM rebroadcasts approximately 30 RPO concerts each year. For more information, visit rpo.org.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

TICKETS: The RPO Patron Services Center is located at 255 East Avenue in the back of the Farash Place building in downtown Rochester. Free parking is available in a small lot between the parking garage and building. Open Monday through Friday 10 AM–5PM.

GROUP SALES: Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts starting at 20%! Contact Group and Corporate Sales Manager: Sal Uttaro at suttaro@ rpo.org | Office: (585) 454-7311 ext. 267 | Mobile: (585) 530-0865

NIGHT-OF-CONCERT PURCHASES: RPO will-call tickets and concert tickets are available at the RPO tables in the Eastman Theatre Box Office lobby starting 90 minutes prior to concert time.

PARKING: Paid parking for Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre is available at the East End Garage, located next to the theatre. Open entrances/exits change frequently while the garage is under construction. Visit rpo.org/parking for the most recent updates. Paid parking for the Performance Hall at Hochstein is available at the Sister Cities Garage, located behind the school at Church and Fitzhugh Streets.

PRE-CONCERT TALKS: All ticketholders are welcome to attend free pre-concert talks held one hour before all Philharmonics concerts and all Jeff Tyzik-conducted Pops concerts. Ticketholders are asked to sit anywhere they would like in the orchestra level of the theatre, then head to their reserved seat for the concert.

SERVICES FOR PATRONS WITH DISABILITIES: Wheelchair locations and seating for those with disabilities are available at all venues; please see the house manager or an usher for assistance. Elevators are located in the Eastman Theatre Box Office lobby. A wheelchair-accessible restroom is available on the first floor.

SERVICES FOR HARD-OF-HEARING PATRONS: Audio systems are available at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre; headsets may be obtained from an usher prior to the performance.

CHANGING SEATS: If you find it necessary to be reseated for any reason, please contact an usher who will bring your request to the House Manager.

LOST AND FOUND: Items found in Kodak Hall will be held at the Eastman Theatre Box Office, 433 E. Main Street. For more info, call 585-274-3000.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES: The use of cameras or audio recording equipment is strictly prohibited. Patrons are asked to silence all personal electronic devices prior to the performance.

REFRESHMENTS: Food and drink are not permitted in the concert hall, except for bottled water. Refreshments are available for purchase in Betty’s Café located on the orchestra level of Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.

TICKET DONATION: If you are unable to attend a concert, please consider donating your tickets to us as a tax-deductible contribution. Return your tickets to the RPO no later than 2 PM the day of the performance to make them available for resale.

Bravo is published cooperatively by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Buffalo Spree

Joyce Tseng| Editor, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

Meg Spoto | Creative Director, m dash studio

Don Anderson | Program Annotator, Don Anderson ©

Editorial Offices: Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

255 East Avenue, Suite LL02

Rochester NY 14604

585-454-7311 • Fax: 585-423-2256

Publisher and Designer: Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. 1412 Sweet Home Road-Suite 12, Amherst, NY 14228 Advertising Sales: 716-972-2250

CONNECT WITH US facebook.com/RochesterPhilharmonic @rocphils (Instagram) www.youtube.com/c/RochesterPhilharmonicOrchestra linkedin.com/company/rocphils

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook