TROY QUINN, MUSIC DIRECTOR DIGITAL PROGRAM
Access all things The Venice Symphony with our digital program on your smartphone, tablet, or computer!
Inside you’ll discover:
● A supersized Concert Notes section with 4 pages of info about the composers, musical works, and movies - plus fun facts about today’s selections
● Local contributors and The Venice Symphony community partners
● More ways to get involved and stay connected with Symphony staff, programs, and musicians!
Please be courteous of other patrons…
Access the digital program before or after the concert, or during intermission.
Change your display settings to Night Mode for viewing while in the auditorium.
Thank you and enjoy the performance!
Dear Friends,
We are delighted to welcome acclaimed Hollywood violinist Roger Wilkie to the stage for Lights, Camera, Music! This thrilling program celebrates the unforgettable scores that have shaped classic films and today’s modern cinema alike. From sweeping symphonic themes to pulse-pounding adventures, this concert brings the magic of the movies to life through the power and brilliance of live orchestral performance. We are so excited to share this cinematic journey with you.
Our season continues to shine with extraordinary performances you won’t want to miss. On March 7 at 3:30pm, internationally recognized jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon joins Venice Symphony Big Band for an afternoon of high-energy swing, and style. I’m also excited to announce that tickets are officially on sale for an annual favorite, Patriotic Pops: A Star Spangled Spectacular. On May 23, we invite you to celebrate America 250 with The Venice Symphony at CoolToday Park. You can find out more information or purchase tickets through Ticketmaster and in person at the CoolToday Box Office.
Beyond the concert hall, we are proud to continue investing in the future of music education in our community. Venice Summer Music Academy is now officially open for registration! Students in grades K–11 can participate in this immersive two-week program in early June, designed to inspire young musicians and nurture a lifelong love of the arts. We are proud to expand opportunities for the next generation to learn, grow, and discover their musical voice. We invite you to visit thevenicesymphony.org for tickets, concert details, and the latest updates on our season.
Thank you for being such an important part of The Venice Symphony family. Your support allows us to bring world-class artists, dynamic programming, and meaningful educational initiatives to our community. We’re grateful to have you with us this season and to share the music and memorable moments already unfolding on stage and in our community.
Warm regards,
Christine Kasten, President/CEO The Venice Symphony
TROY QUINN, MUSIC DIRECTOR TROY QUINN, MUSIC DIRECTOR
Emmy-nominated conductor Troy Quinn has quickly established himself as one of his generation’s most versatile young artists. Lauded for his energetic and riveting conducting, charismatic stage presence, and genre-defying programs, Quinn is in his eighth season as Music Director of the Venice Symphony in Florida. He is also in his ninth season as Music Director of the Owensboro Symphony in Kentucky and serves concurrently as the Pops Conductor of both the Rhode Island Philharmonic and the Santa Rosa Symphony in California. Quinn’s engagements have included performances with many prestigious orchestras in the United States, including the Boston Pops, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia.
Equally at home in the pops and commercial world, Quinn has performed and recorded with some of the most popular artists of our time, including The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Barry Manilow, Lee Greenwood, Josh Groban, Jennifer Hudson, Michael Feinstein, Tower of Power, Rockapella, Cypress Hill, The Indigo Girls, and Nas. As an accomplished vocalist, Quinn has also collaborated with such renowned composers as Alan Menken, Hans Zimmer, Alan Silvestri, and Alexandre Desplat while performing under prominent maestros, including Helmuth Rilling, Carl St. Clair, and Dan Saunders of the Metropolitan Opera. In addition to his concert work, Quinn has worked extensively in the television and recording industry, earning an Emmy nomination for the PBS special A Night at the Oscars with the Owensboro Symphony. He has made appearances on such hit television shows as Fox’s GLEE, NBC’s The Voice, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno while recording on films like The Call of the Wild and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. He has also appeared at many of the world’s major music centers and at such famed venues as the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Tanglewood.
A native of Connecticut, Quinn pursued a bachelor of arts degree from Providence College where he was the recipient of the Leo S. Cannon award for superior achievement in the music field. He went on to earn his master’s degree with honors from the Manhattan School of Music, studying conducting with David Gilbert and voice with highly acclaimed Metropolitan Opera singer Mark Oswald. He completed his doctorate in conducting at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, where he studied with Larry Livingston and Jo-Michael Scheibe and was named the outstanding doctoral graduate of his class. Quinn has participated in numerous masterclasses as a conducting fellow, attending conducting institutes at the Royal Academy of Music, Eastman School of Music, and Bard Conservatory of Music. He has been mentored by such renowned conductors as Benjamin Zander, Neil Varon, and Leon Botstein. Quinn serves on the conducting faculty at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music and has previously served as a faculty member at Providence College, where he was also awarded an honorary doctorate.
CONCERT PROGRAM
Arr. John Williams
Jerry Goldsmith
Francis Lai
arr. Henry Mancini
Ennio Morricone
Danny Elfman
February 27th, 2026 7:30 pm
February 28th, 2026 3:30 pm + 7:30 pm
Troy Quinn, Music Director
Hooray for Hollywood
End Title from Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Theme from Love Story
Theme from The Untouchables
Theme from Batman
John Williams Theme from Sabrina Roger Wilkie, Violin
John Williams
John Williams
Frederick Loewe
Harold Arlen
Theme from Schindler’s List Roger Wilkie, Violin
Excerpts from Fiddler on the Roof Roger Wilkie, Violin
INTERMISSION
Overture from My Fair Lady
Over the Rainbow from arr. Marty Gold The Wizard of Oz
John Powell How To Train Your Dragon
John Williams A Prayer for Peace
David Arnold James Bond: Casino Royale
Faltermeyer/Balfe/Zimmer Top Gun Anthem: Maverick
David Arnold
End Credits from Independence Day
Today’s performance will be approximately 90 minutes in length.
The box office is open before the concert and during intermission. Late arrivals will be seated during musical breaks in the program. Please silence your cell phones during the concert.
Food and beverages are not allowed in the concert hall. Please visit the information tables in the lobby. Enjoy the concert.
GUEST ARTIST
A native of Los Angeles, Roger Wilkie began his violin studies at age 13. Eight years later, he joined the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra as one of its youngest members, eventually being appointed principal second violin. In 1990, Roger was appointed concertmaster of the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, a position he holds to this day. He is also currently concertmaster of the Los Angeles Master Chorale Orchestra. A frequent soloist with the Long Beach Symphony, he has been featured in performances of the majority of the standard violin concerto repertoire.
Roger is a much sought after soloist and chamber musician. He was a founding member of the Angeles String Quartet, performing and touring from 1988-1993. He was solo violinist with the Santa Barbara based Camerata Pacifica, on whose series he played hundreds of concerts as recitalist and chamber musician. Roger has recorded and toured extensively as a member of the critically acclaimed Pacific Trio, including a performance at the Silver Lire International Festival of Chamber Music in St. Petersburg, Russia. He has participated in the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, La Jolla Summerfest, and the Mainly Mozart Festival. He is a frequent performer with the Music Guild of Los Angeles, the South Bay Chamber Music Society, and many others. In January 2023, Roger was invited by L. A. Opera Music Director James Conlon to serve as guest associate concertmaster with the Baltimore Symphony for performances of the Verdi Requiem.
In great demand as a concertmaster for the Hollywood studio orchestras, Roger has served in that capacity for many of Hollywood’s leading composers. Since 2005, he has had the honor of serving as concertmaster for the motion picture scores of legendary composer John Williams, including the last three episodes of the Star Wars franchise.
MUSICIANS
M u S i C D ir ECT or Troy Quinn David & Deborah West Chair
Fir ST Vio L i N
Marcus Ratzenboeck
Concertmaster
Paul & Linda Mulligan Chair
Hannah Cho
Associate Concertmaster
Stephen & Redenta Picazio Chair
Katherine Gilger
Assistant Concertmaster
Diane & James Crawford Chair
Wallace DePue
Edward & Patricia Crary Chair
Sergio Carleo
Robert & Bonnie Anderson Chair
Francisco Diaz
Albert & Susan DiGiacomo Chair
Sardor Djumaev
Henry & Joan Hajdas Chair
Benita Dzhurkova
Maria Bradley & Martin Pfister Chair
João Felipe da Fraga
Frank & Kathe Magadance Chair
Evgeny Komarnitskiy
Jack & Beth Gehring Chair
Karissa Ratzenboeck
Joseph & Maureen Bentley Chair
Eliot Roske
Patricia McClure Chair
Iryna Usova
Rev. Chris & Paula Gray Chair
Ilana Zaks
S EC o ND Vio L i N
Amy Rawstron Watson, Principal
Beatrice Holt Chair
Erik Berg, Assistant Principal
Barbara Freeman Chair
Samvel Arakelyan
Ernest & Judith Bago Chair
Isabella Diaz
Robby Cordes & Ginger Mace Chair
Anna Khalikova
Elena Komarnitskaia
Xiaomeng Ma
Alex Shlifer
Brian Stuligross
Yordan Tenev
Rebecca Tozzie
Nicole Rawley
Vio LA
Paul Reynolds, Principal
Joseph & Sally DeAngelo Chair
Ethan Durell, Assistant Principal
Mark & Jeanne Polzin Chair
Yaniv Cohen
Michael & Ginger O’Keefe Chair
Roberto Henriquez
Brian & Ruth Smith Chair
Seongwoo Jeong
Emily Lane
Rosa Ortega
Audrey Naffe
Rafael Ramirez
C ELL o Susan Debronsky, Principal
Thomas & Martha Galek Chair
Nathaniel Taylor, Assistant Principal
Michael & Patricia Dunlap Chair
Chen Chen
Maria Bradley & Martin Pfister Chair
Oliver Cole
Antonio Innaimo
Helen Lewis
Mitch & Katie Hartsock Chair
Joel Osinga
Chris Pegis
B ASS
Christopher Riley, Principal
John Myers Chair
Trent Harper, Assistant Principal
Kenneth & Selma Bitz Chair
Kevin Gallagher
Gerhard & Edith Mueller Chair
Jonathan Ingram
Laura Miranda
Conroy-Mueller Family Chair
Jordan Nashman
F L u TE
Francesca Arnone, Principal
Carole Raymond Chair
MUSICIANS
2025-26 S EASON M USIC S PONSORS • Stephen and redenta picazio
Rene Miska
Megan Cardone
Dennis & Marilyn Eshoo Chair
pi CC o L o
Megan Cardone
Dennis & Marilyn Eshoo Chair
O BOE
Amy Collins, Principal
George De Luisi Chair
Chanmi Kim
Patrick & Geri Allard Chair
Elias Daniel Medina
ENGL i SH H or N
Chanmi Kim
C LA ri NET
Asher Carlson, Principal
Wesley John Schumacher Chair
Kelsey Castellanos
Dennis & Ruthanne Neeser Chair
Michael Drapkin
Vinod & Gail Sahney Chair
b ASS CLA ri NET
Michael Drapkin
bASS oo N
Patrick Broder, Principal
Stephen & Nancy Eibling Chair
Javi Rodriguez
Ann Adair
C o NT r A b ASS oo N
Ann Adair
Stephen B. Hammond Chair
Hor N
Joseph Lovinsky, Principal
Bill & Sara Gill Chair
Chase DeCarlo
Steve Easton Chair
Jennifer Miller
Floyd & Mary Juday Chair
Margaret Dixon
Lisa Bontrager
The Venice Symphony is a proud member of
Tru M p ET
Kris Marshall, Principal
Henry & Barbara Price Chair
David Dash
Bert & Janetta Nicholson Chair
Kenneth Brown
John Castleman
Dean & Theresa Hilgers Chair
Jeff Wooldridge
Tro M bo NE
Joe Offner, Principal
Bill & Kitty Gamber Chair
Tom McNair
Teddy Arnold
b ASS T ro M bo NE
Chris Lundquist
Tub A
Joseph Alvarez, Principal
Mick & Cindy Bryan Chair
Ti M pAN i
Gavin Dougherty, Principal
Joseph & Susan Wolters Chair
Julie Angelis Boehler
pE r C u SS io N
Dana Kimble, Principal
Elliott & Dana Corn Chair
Al Lyman
Martin & Nancy Lyons Chair
Michael Woods
Jeanne & Larry Clark Chair
Nick Bruno
John & Maureen Heakin Chair
Isaac Hernandez
HARP
Giuseppina Ciarla, Principal
David Chivas & Ron RIce Chair
KEYBOARD
Judi Glover, Principal
Fred & Cindy Gossman Chair
CONCERT NOTES
Hooray for Hollywood
Hooray for Hollywood is a popular song first featured in the 1937 movie Hollywood Hotel, which referenced the American movie industry and satirized the desire to become a Hollywood movie star.
John Williams shared the following regarding his arrangement of Hooray for Hollywood for the 1988 recording by the Boston Pops Orchestra under his baton, entitled “Salute to Hollywood”: “Hooray for Hollywood was written in the 1930s when the world was heavy-laden with the weight of the Great Depression, and written when Hollywood was indeed the land where dreams are made. As the song says, if you were lucky enough to go there, you might even meet Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse… or even become a movie star yourself. This delightful piece was written by composer Richard Whiting for the 1937 film Hollywood Hotel, named for an actual hotel…on Hollywood Boulevard…in the township of Hollywood! And coincidentally, speaking of locations, Mr. Whiting lived in a house that is on the same street and directly opposite from the one I have occupied for many years. Doing this orchestration was purely a lark for me, and allowed me to salute some early orchestrator-heroes of mine such as Adolph Deutsch, Nathan Van Cleave and Conrad Salinger, all of whom were masters of the early Hollywood style. The lyrics for this song are by the immortal Johnny Mercer, with whom I had the great privilege of collaborating on several songs over the years. What a delightful legacy these great men have given us…and what a joy to remember and salute them!”
Theme from Love Story
Francis Lai (April 26, 1932 - November 7, 2018) was a French composer, known for his film scores. Love Story, released by Paramount Pictures on December 16, 1970, is an American romantic drama film directed by Arthur Hiller, adapted by Erich Segal from his 1970 novel, starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal. Love Story became a pop culture sensation in the 1970s, and is credited with having re-energized the cinematic melodrama in Hollywood, along with popularizing the phrase “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.“ The film was a major critical and commercial success, and was nominated for seven Academy Awards. Francis Lai won the Academy Award for Best Music, Original Score and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score for the film Love Story. In the United
CONCERT NOTES
States, the soundtrack album reached No. 2 on the Billboard album charts. Lai’s Love Story theme, Where Do I Begin? was nominated for two Grammy Awards and was a hit single (with lyrics by Carl Sigman) for singer Andy Williams. Lai also composed the music for the internationally successful film, A Man and a Woman, that won the Palme d’Or, a few Academy Awards, and Golden Globes.
In a career spanning forty years, Lai also wrote music for television programs and alone, or in collaboration with others, composed music for more than one hundred films and personally wrote more than six hundred songs.
Theme from Sabrina
Sabrina is a 1995 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Sydney Pollack for Paramount Pictures. It is a remake of Billy Wilder’s 1954 film of the same name, which in turn was based upon the 1953 play Sabrina Fair. The film starred Harrison Ford, Julia Ormond, and Greg Kinnear (in his first starring film role). It also featured a star-studded supporting cast including Angie Dickinson, Richard Crenna, and Nancy Marchand, among others.
Sabrina was a box office disappointment, but earned mostly positive reviews from critics. John Williams’ score is regarded as one of his best romantic works with a gorgeous theme.
A Prayer for Peace
John Williams composed and conducted the score for the epic film Munich which includes A Prayer for Peace, a poignant and emotionally charged lyrical ballad. This 2005 historical drama, produced and directed by Steven Spielberg, is an account of Mossad assassinations following the Palestinian militant group Black September’s capture and massacre of eleven members of the Israeli Olympic team at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. Released by Universal Pictures on December 23, 2005, Munich received five Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay,
CONCERT NOTES
Best Editing, and Best Score. The soundtrack album was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Score but lost to Brokeback Mountain. It was also nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media but lost Memoirs of a Geisha (also scored by Williams).
The film’s score features the wailing woman technique, a musical motif and solo vocal effect that features an exotic-sounding, female singer traditionally heard in the soundtracks of epic films and historical dramas. Generally composed in half-steps and featuring heavy vibrato, this technique is a melodious lament with unintelligible words and an ethnic vocal timbre, usually set in the natural minor, harmonic and/or melodic minor scale.
James Bond: Casino Royale
David Arnold (born January 23, 1962) is an English film composer whose credits include scoring five James Bond films (1997–2008), as well as Stargate (1994), Independence Day (1996), Godzilla (1998), Shaft (2000), 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), Four Brothers (2005), Hot Fuzz (2007), and the television series Little Britain and Sherlock. Arnold is a fellow of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors. Arnold’s soundtrack for Casino Royale, released by Sony Classical Records, was his fourth soundtrack for the Bond film series. Casino Royale is a 2006 spy thriller, the twenty-first in the James Bond series by Eon Productions, the third screen adaptation of Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel of the same name, and the first to star Daniel Craig as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond. Casino Royale was theatrically released first in the United Kingdom on November 16, and in the United States a day later. The film received critical acclaim, with praise for Craig’s reinvention of the character and the departure from the stereotypes of previous Bond films. On its US opening day, Casino Royale was on top with $14.7 million; throughout the weekend, it grossed a total of $40.8 million, ranking narrowly second behind Happy Feet. It grossed over $616 million worldwide, becoming the fourth highest-grossing film of 2006 and the highest-grossing James Bond film to date.
In January 2007 Casino Royale became the first Bond film ever to be shown in mainland Chinese cinemas. The Chinese version was edited before release, with the reference to the Cold War re-dubbed and new dialogue added during the poker scene explaining the process of Texas hold ‘em, as the game is less familiar in China. The film earned a record opening weekend for a non-Chinese film, of $1.5 million.
End Credits from Independence Day
CONCERT NOTES
Independence Day, considered a significant turning point in the history of the Hollywood blockbuster, was at the forefront of the large-scale disaster film and sci-fi resurgence of the mid-late 1990s. The film received mixed reviews, with praise for David Arnold’s musical score and visual effects and the performances, but criticism for its characters. He received a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition Written for a Motion Picture or for Television. The film was released worldwide on July 3, 1996, but began showing on July 2 (the same day the film’s story begins) as a result of a high level of anticipation among moviegoers. The film focuses on disparate groups of people who converge in the Nevada desert in the aftermath of a worldwide attack by a powerful extraterrestrial race. With the other people of the world, they launch a counterattack on July 4, Independence Day in the United States. It grossed over $817.4 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1996 and the secondhighest-grossing film ever at the time, behind Jurassic Park (1993). The film won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Sound.
David Arnold also served as Music Director for the 2012 Olympic Games closing ceremony which featured a star-studded lineup of British artists including the Spice Girls, Queen (Brian May and Roger Taylor) with Jessie J, The Who, George Michael, One Direction, Ed Sheeran, and Liam Gallagher. About that role Arnold said, “It’s going to be beautiful, cheeky, cheesy, camp, silly and thrilling” Though he devoted two years working on the ceremony (and had turned down all other work including Skyfall), he said that it was the “most fun he had ever had in music.” Summing up he said, “doing the closing ceremony was an honour and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
CHAIR SOCIETY
The Venice Symphony Chair Society is dedicated to supporting The Symphony today and in the future.
Members have the opportunity to sponsor a musician’s chair in the orchestra, attend exclusive events with Maestro Troy Quinn and Symphony musicians and more.
Patrick & Geri Allard*
Dale & Carolyn Anderson^
Robert & Bonnie Anderson^*
Mary Jo Ardington
Ernest & Judith Bago^*
Russell & Barbara Bahner
Roxanne Baker
Pat Behe & Bob Davies
Warren Benson
Joe & Maureen Bentley^*
Linda Bentley
Kenneth & Selma Bitz*
Steven & Kathleen Black
Karen Booth*
William & Cindy Bouman
Robert & Sharon Boynton
Glenn Bradley & Don Farrelly
Maria Bradley & Martin Pfister*
Pat Brandt
Marjorie Brooks
Mick & Cindy Bryan*
Edmund Campbell Jr.^
Paul Campbell
Betty Castigliano^
David Chivas & Ron Rice*
Jeanne & Larry Clark*
Robby Cordes & Ginger Mace*
Elliott & Dana Corn^*
Katharine Couchot
Edward & Patricia Crary*
Diane & James Crawford*
George De Luisi*
Sally & Joseph DeAngelo*
Susan DiGiacomo*
Gilbert & Carol Drendel
Michael & Patricia Dunlap^*
Steve Easton*
Steve & Nancy Eibling*
Dennis & Marilyn Eshoo*
Chet & Patsy Fennell
Diane & Mark Fennelly
Patricia Fjetland & Linda Newton
Barbara Freeman^*
Dennie & Barbara Gahry
Thomas & Martha Galek*
Jason Gallourakis & Edwin Beltran
Bill & Kitty Gamber*
Jack & Beth Gehring*
Bill & Sara Gill^*
Fred & Cindy Gossman*
Rev. Chris & Paula Gray*
James & Anne Grubb
Henry & Joan Hajdas^*
Stephen B. Hammond*
Katie & Mitch Hartsock*
John & Maureen Heakin*
David & Joan Heald
Theresa & Dean Hilgers*
Byron & Janet Hill
Gary Hill & John Schultz
Barbara Hoeker
Paul & Marilyn Hollowell
2025-26 MEMBERSHIP
Beatrice Holt^*
Quint Jackson
Robert & Lili Jones
Floyd & Mary Juday^*
Carol Karakashian
Doug & Dana Kasl
George & Sue Kennedy
Billie & Lee King
Pat Knasiak
Joe & Janice LaFramboise
John & Beverly Larson
Gordon & Joan Lehman
Martin & Nancy Lyons*
Tim & Christine Madigan
Patricia Madyda
Frank & Kathe Magadance*
Marcia Major
Jane Marcin
Barbara & Sil Martinage
Margaret Massara
Linda Masterson
Denise & Tom Mattmuller
Patricia McClure*
Michael & Anita McRobert
Jon Metzger^
Gerhard & Edith Mueller^*
Michael Mueller & Mary Ann Conroy*
Paul & Linda Mulligan*
John Myers*
Dennis & Ruthanne Neeser^*
Bert & Jan Nicholson*
Michael & Ginger O’Keefe*
Helen Pape^
Linda Patriarca^
Donna Perkins^
Joe & Melanie Piacentino
Steve & Redenta Picazio^*
Mark & Jeanne Polzin*
Henry & Barbara Price^*
Carole Raymond^*
Howard & JoAnne Reed
Dr. Jim Renz
Vinod & Gail Sahney*
Kenneth & Jerrilyn Schulze
Thomas & Anne Sherman
Brian & Ruth Smith*
Murray & Sharon Smith*
Lucinda Spaney
Paul & Charlene Turczyn
Frederick & Claudette Varricchio
Margaret Weiss
Dave & Deborah West*
Malcolm E. Williamson
Anita Wilson
Joseph & Susan Wolters*
^Charter Members
*Denotes Chair Sponsors
For complete membership information contact Holly Anderson,
EXPERIENCE • ENGAGE • CONNECT
Stay connected with The Venice Symphony even after the concert ends!
Stop by our tables in the VPAC lobby or visit thevenicesymphony.org to learn more about our many programs:
Friends of The Venice Symphony
Become an ambassador of The Venice Symphony. Our Friends meet each month to plan fundraisers, socials, and other Symphony events. Volunteer in the Symphony office, at concerts, and educational events.
Patrons on Percussion
Join our Patrons on Percussion (POPS) program and be our guest bass drum soloist, playing The Star Spangled Banner at one of our concerts at The Venice Performing Arts Center. (No experience necessary … we’ll provide coaching.)
Chamber Musicians & Ensembles
Members of The Venice Symphony are available to perform at your special event. Whether it’s a soloist to serenade your guests or a jazz ensemble for larger parties, we will find the perfect musicians for your needs.
Musician Host program
Our musicians travel from all over the world to perform for you in Venice, FL. Through the Musician Host Program, select patrons and volunteers share their homes and experiences with visiting musicians to provide a rehearsal space and a “home away from home.”
Chair Society
Invest in excellence when you join this ensemble of our most loyal and passionate concertgoers. Many Chair Society members go the extra mile in their giving to sponsor a chair in the orchestra. This additional investment helps significantly to cover production costs necessary to provide the highest standard of concerts.
COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS
we gratefully acknowledge contributions and support received June 1, 2025 - February 10, 2026
Corporations & Businesses
Bonefish Grill
BrewBurgers
Bridgette Forgette-Sarasota
Advanced Skincare & Boutique
Celebrity Nails Spa
Coca-Cola Corporation
Collectors Gallery & Framery
Croissant & Co
Crow’s Nest Restaurant,
Tavern & Marina
Douglas Jeep Chrysler
Dodge Ram
Enstrom Candies
First Watch
FourThought Private Wealth
Gecko’s Hospitality Group-
Dockside Waterfront Grill
Gold Rush BBQ
Johnson & Johnson
Kendra Scott
Krystyna’s Designs
Merrill Lynch -
The Picazio/McHargue Group
Myakka Pines Golf Club
Nice Nails
Patchington
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Shattered Glass Studio-Sarasota
Simplicity Salon & Day Spa
Tarpon Point Grill & Marina
The Island Bookshop
Troll Music
Venice Art Caffé
Venice Garden of Eden Florist
Foundations
Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Gehring Family Foundation
Gulf Coast Community Foundation
McHargue Family Foundation
The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation
The Patterson Foundation
Schultz-Hill Foundation
Sommer Family Foundation
Stuhley Charitable Foundation
Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation
Government
Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues
Organizations
Ladies Book Club Moseley VA
SAI Sarasota-Manatee Alumnae Chapter
Sanctuary Auxiliary
Venice-Nokomis Rotary
Individual Giving
M AEST ro • $20,000 - $49,999
Rosalie Hardman
John Myers
Stephen & Redenta Picazio
Dale & Nancie Shellenbaum Trust In memory of Nancie
Co NCE r TMASTE r • $10,000 - $19,999
Elliott & Dana Corn
Steve & Laura Enz
Barbara Freeman
Stephen B. Hammond
Floyd & Mary Juday
Linda & Paul Mulligan
Frank & Elaine Pagliaro
Gary Prior
Michael Sbabo
Murray & Sharon Smith
Lucinda Spaney
David & Deborah West
Vir T uo S o • $5,000 - $9,999
Dale & Carolyn Anderson Anonymous
Bill Baxter
John & Chris Behnke
Maria Bradley & Martin Pfister
Mick & Cindy Bryan
Diane & James Crawford
Sally & Joseph DeAngelo
Greg & Jen Douglas
Stephen & Nancy Eibling
Patricia Fjetland & Linda Newton
Kenneth & Selma Bitz
Karen Booth
Gary Boruff
William Brand & Patricia Bullock
Berta Campagna
Paul Campbell
Sue Chapman & Robert Brooke
David Chivas & Ron Rice
Robby Cordes & Ginger Mace
George De Luisi
Michael & Patricia Dunlap
Tom & Martha Galek
Paul & Marilyn Hollowell
Beatrice Holt
Donna Kubik
Tom & Mary Lynch
Michael & Anita McRobert
Jon Metzger
Dennis & Ruthanne Neeser
Carole Raymond
John & Sara Sanborn
Scott & Karen Sommer
Cynthia & Thomas Stuhley
Roger & Sally Effron
Dennis & Marilyn Eshoo
Mark & Lees Ferguson
Dr. Jonathan & Mrs. Sophia Fong
Bill & Kitty Gamber
Fred & Cindy Gossman
Timothy & Dawn Jackson
Nancy & Martin Lyons
Patricia McClure
Cole McHargue
Gerhard & Edith Mueller p ri NC ipAL • $2,500 - $4,999
COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS
Principal continued
Mark & Jeanne Polzin
Henry & Barbara Price
Craig & Karen Riley
Melvin Storm
Gay Ann Wiese
David & Beverly Wimberly
Darlene Wolohan
Susan & Joseph Wolters
o r CHEST r A • $1,000 - $2,499
Doug & Nancy Adams
Angelo & Mary Agliardo
Patrick & Geraldine Allard
Robert & Bonnie Anderson
Don & Darla Anthony
Bill & Mary Ellen Argus
Ernest & Judith Bago
Linda & Bill Baldwin
Pat Behe & Bob Davies
Joe & Maureen Bentley
Steven & Kathleen Black
William Blomquist
James & Carmen Brackman
Don & Jean Broman
Debra Buttaggi
Russel & Stephanie Campbell
Jeanne & Larry Clark
Arlene Corliss
Marlene Cote
Edward & Patricia Crary
Michael Davis &
Barbara Hutchinson
Susan DiGiacomo
Steve Easton
John Fippen
Jack & Beth Gehring
Robert & Jane Goldsmith
Chris & Paula Gray
Henry & Joan Hadjas
Robert Hardy
Mitch & Katie Hartsock
John Haseltine
John & Maureen Heakin
Joyce Heimonen
John & Betty Herr
Dean & Theresa Hilgers
Robert & Barbara Hintze
Barbara Hoecker
Laurel & Jackie Kaddatz
Carol Karakashian
Doug & Dana Kasl
Sara & Curtis Kasten
Linda Lally
Don Lazzaro
Frank & Kathe Magadance
David & Stephanie Matthews
Paul Michael & Betty Morton
Michael Mueller & Mary Ann Conroy
Jonathan Mulford
Bert & Janetta Nicholson
Michael & Ginger O’Keefe
Stephen & Kay Olah
Helen Pape
Paul & Mary Ellen Quigley
Dr. Jim Renz
Vinod & Gail Sahney
Gene & Winnie Scuteri
Brian & Ruth Smith
Sara Stafford
Judy Wolf
Judith Wood
Richard Yow
Janice Zarro
Su STA i NE r • $500 - $999
Frances Arnone
Kathy Baer
Russell & Barbara Bahner
Roxanne Baker
COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS
Jadynne Berg
Suzanne Biviano
June Bock
William & Cindy Bouman
Robert & Sharon Boynton
John & Irene Bozogan
Glenn Bradley & Don Farrelly
Mark & Julie Braukhoff
William & Linda Cantrell
Kristine Cottrill
James & Natalie Croston
Robert Denmead
Tony Dolejs
Mike & Marty Dolley
Gilbert & Carol Drendel
Robert & Patricia Evers
Chet & Patsy Fennell
Diane & Mark Fennelly
Felicia & John Ferrara
Sanford Feuer & Bonnie Morley
Robert & Susan Foster
Dennis & Barbara Gahry
Jason Gallourakis & Edwin Beltran
Robert & Anne Germain
Joseph & Marietta Graber
James & Anne Grubb
Elspeth Anne Gutsell
David & Joan Heald
Rita Hebel
Byron & Janet Hill
Gary Hill & John Schultz
Paul & Marilyn Hollowell
Stephania Johnson
Elaine Jones
Robert & Lili Jones
David & Caitlin Joyner
George & Sue Kennedy
Gale & Anne Adams
Richard & Carole Altman
Judith Ammerman
Judith Anderson
Billie & Lee King
Cora Kukula
Janice & Joe LaFramboise
Gordon & Joan Lehman
Tim & Christine Madigan
Barbara & Sil Martinage
Denise & Tom Mattmuller
Paul McCullough & Lynnette Edmonds
Douglas & Mitti Meyers
Michael & Lynn Nemser
Claudia O’Connor
Marion Kathleen Ogle
Thomas & Andronike Passios
Family Fund
Linda Patriarca
Joe & Melanie Piacentino
Scott & Julie Pinkerton
Steve & Christa Purcell
Howard & JoAnne Reed
Robert & Antoinette Ross
Jerry & Judy Rush
John & Jacklyn Ruthman
Christina Schmieler
Kenneth & Jerrilyn Schulze
Tom & Anne Sherman
Nathan & Laurie Skjerseth
Maxine Slattery
Chuck & Maureen Snyder
Paul & Charlene Turczyn
Linda & Tony Varone
Frederick & Claudette Varricchio
Kathryn Wandoff
Winthrop & Vanessa Wassenar
Frances White
Malcolm Williamson
Virginia Lee Anderson
Frank & Jennifer Annetti
Anonymous Mary Jo Ardington
COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS
Supporter continued
Robert & Charlene Arena
Bernard & Monica Baker
Paul & Jean Ballas
Stephen Balsam
Janet Banks
William & Bettye Bartholomay
Richard & Susan Bartholomew
Gerry & Lynn Baskin
Robert & Leanne Belancik
Warren Benson
Linda Bentley
Robert & Kathleen Bittner
Elaine Bixler
Renee Boone & Keith Knight
Patricia Bowman
Linda Boyd
Bette Boysen
Pat Brandt
Marjorie Brooks
Anne Burbine
Katherine & Lori Burroughs
Betty-Ann Busby
Rosemary Bussiere
Karen Christianson
Russell & Deirdre Christman
Nicholas Ciallelo
Richard & Caryle Cirello
Ana Ciszek
Camille Cline
Patricia Coelho
Judith Collins
Katharine Couchot
Eleanor & James Crawford
Helen N Crompton
John & Carol Cummiskey
Joseph Daku & Marge Bundy
Rob & Janice Daly
Janet Dapkunas
Steve & Elizabeth Dauphinais
Gloria Davies
Norma & Bruce Dayton
Scot Deagan
Jean M Dehning
Evelyn Delph & Roger Hilfiker
Janis & Richard Denney
Patricia & Frank Desiderio
Geoff & Julie Dobson
Andrew & Karen Durette
Judith Engle-Purple
Fred & Kathleen Englert
Linda Falco
Lewis & Helen Fincke
Nancy Fink
John Fischer
Eddie & Sandra Fisk
Terry & Brenda Foster
Richard & Fillisha Fox
Karl E. Fraedrich
Carolyn & Charles Francis
Robert & Grace Fries
Dreama Fumia
Carla & Jerry Gabbard
Janet Gallagher
Judith Ganschaw
Al & Peg Gatto
Norbert & Diana Geiss
Brian & Elizabeth Gilger
Linda Gobler
Peter Goldthwaite
Karen & DRC Gonzales
Cathi Grote
Arnold & Ellen Gwirtzman
Paula Hagan
Jonathan & Caroline Hager
Elizabeth Hall
Warren & Jean Hall
Earl & Phyllis Hannum
Jane Hardy
Kathleen Harrison
Jo-Ann & David Heilemann
James Henry & Jane Smith
Nancy Herron
Andrew & Lee Hewlett
Virginia Hofford
COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS
Barbara B. Howe
Dennis & Jill Hudson
Ed & Diane Huller
Carol & Larry Humes
Peggy Hunt
Michael & Virginia Hurney
Quint Jackson
Terry & Cheryl Jardis
Dr. Miriam Jill &
Frank Dowd Sullivan
Bill & Lois Johanns
Pamela Johnson
Sonny Jones
David & Janet Keffer
Donna Kilbourn
Patricia Knasiak
Deborah Kostroun
Gabriele Kramer & Horst Malchow
James & J.C. Kuczynski
Bob & Carol Kunath
Frank & Rosalie Kunsman
Kim & Stephen Ladd
John & Beverly Larson
Nora Lavelle
George & Jacqueline Lincoln
Susan Littlehales
Judy Livingston
Hal & Shirley Loud
Jan & Tom Mack
Anthony Madera
Patricia Madyda
Marcia Major
James & Jo Manwaring
Jane Marcin
Margaret Massara
Linda Masterson
Mark Mathisen
Anthony & Carole Mazzarella
Kathy McCarthy
Bryant & Jane McNiece
Ronald & Margaret Meyers
Ron & Mary Michelson
Jean Miller
Kary & Jennifer Miller
Michael & Dawn Miller
Catherine & James Monkowski
Mary Louise Morris
The Mortensen Family
Gretchen Moyer
Bernhard & Dorothy Muller
Martha Ness
Charles & Betty Newsom
Barbara O’Brian
Mary Jo & Herb Ormsbee
Ralph & Loretta Orrico
Richard Pastore
Eleanor Perfetto
Donna Perkins
Jane Phillips
Robert & Ann Porawski
Ralph & Sherri Progar
Barbara Quinn
Donald & Cynthia Richardson
Anita & August Riska
Craig & MJ Rivaldo
Judith Rovins
Bill & Corinne Roth
Joseph Rue
Joseph & Lila Ruggio
Sharon Rugh
Whitney & Ned Sale
Marion Sautner & Virgilio Beruffi
Margo Schneeloch & Bill Troetel
Michael & Dorothy Schneider
David & Karen Schoenthaler
Dirk & Lucinda Scholten
Larry Schornack
G.R. & Kristina Schrotenboer
Patsy Scuzzo
Nina Sedule-Ross
Dave & Sally Sentner
Jane Serio
Tom & Charlene Sherrer
Steve & Jan Simon
Rosalie K. Smith
George & Jacquelyn Snyder
COMMUNITY OF CONTRIBUTORS
Supporter continued
Lauree Spangler
Diana Spears
Dan & Nancy Spohn
Mona Strahlman
Dowd & Dr. Jill Sullivan
Barbara Talmage
Sandra Thomas
Don & Leslie Titzel
Inia Tunstall
Renee Uhlich
Susan Weiner
Margaret Weiss
Clarke & Diane Welsh
Mike & Louise Wiggins
Mack & Judith Wilcox
Anita Wilson
Dr. Harold & Carol Wilson
Rich & Kathie Wilson
Katherine Wolyniak
Linda & David Workman
Kathleen & William Wright
John & Toni Yahres
Sora Yelin
Beverly Zaffino
Nicholas & Janet Zennario
iN M EM ori AM
Marianne & Stephen Dudek in memory of Christine Hart
Chris & Myra Pescia in memory of Christine Hart
Scott & Julie Pinkerton in memory of Christine Hart
If you believe there is an error or omission in this list, please call Holly Rubin at 941-207-8822.
Don’t Miss Our Pre-Concert Talks
Join Music Director Troy Quinn, soloists and musicians for a casual, entertaining and informative talk and Q&A.
This is a free half-hour program before every concert, and you do not need a concert ticket or reservation. Open seating is in the orchestra level of the concert hall.
SPONSORED BY
SUPPORT THE SYMPHONY
Your personal investment is the reason The Venice Symphony delivers exceptional concerts and affordable music education. Together, musical excellence is sustained and lives transformed.
Annual Fund – The Venice Symphony’s primary source of operating revenue and outreach. Contributions may be given monthly, quarterly or annually.
Donor Advised Funds and irA Distributions – A contribution from an IRA or DAF is an excellent way to achieve your charitable giving objectives. *
Employee Match – Many corporations will match their current employee’s or retiree’s donation. This can potentially double or triple the amount you give.
Living Trusts and bequests – Pledge a will bequest or name The Venice Symphony as a beneficiary of a retirement or life insurance plan. *
Monthly Giving option – An easy and affordable way to offer support! Simply select monthly recurring payments when giving online or when visiting or calling our administrative offices.
Play it Forward - Donate an instrument and help make a difference for a young musician in our community.
Small business and Corporate Engagement – Strengthen your community by offering support through concert sponsorships, participating in special events, advertising or other unique opportunities. Let’s curate a doable option for your business!
Stock and Securities – Gifts of appreciated stocks are welcomed and may be advantageous to the donor from a tax point of view. *
For more information on any of these opportunities, speak with a Development Team member by calling 941-207-8822 or visit our Administrative Offices.
*Because each situation is different, please consult your tax advisor about tax benefits.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION #CH5442 AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
THE FRIENDS OF THE VENICE SYMPHONY
The Friends of The Venice Symphony is a dedicated group of volunteers who act as community ambassadors and support and promote
The Venice Symphony in many ways. Members organize fundraising events, enjoy socials, volunteer in the office and at concerts, and support The Symphony’s mission.
Thank you to our 2025-26 Friends:
Patrick & Geraldine Allard
Frank & Jennifer Annetti
Kathy & Carl Baer
Wendy Baker
Myrna Bedford
Joe & Maureen Bentley
Myrna Bianco
Patricia Bowman
Linda Boyd
JoAnn Britton
Christine Cairns
Sue Calhoun
Mary Carroll
Louise Cashman
David Chivas & Ron Rice
Russell & Deirdre Christman
Nicholas Ciallelo
Georgiana Claeson
Patricia Coelho
Patricia Cook
Elliott & Dana Corn
Kent Crickard
Patricia Crisafulli
Gail Davey
Sally & Joseph DeAngelo
Tony Dolejs
Mike & Marty Dolley
Michael & Patricia Dunlap
Dreama Fumia
Bill & Kitty Gamber
Jack & Beth Gehring
Rosalie Hardman
Robert Hardy
Kathleen Harrison
Teresa Heather
Charlotte & Tom Hedge
Michael Holston
Robert Houston & Sandi Chance
Anne Jinks
Gene & Kathy Jongsma
Sherry Kane
Carol Karakashian
Sara & Curtis Kasten
Nancy Kennedy
Mary Kloet
Denise Lajeune
Karen Lockhart
Anthony Madera
Patricia Madyda
Marcia Major
Denise & Tom Mattmuller
Warren & Mary McBride
Pat Meaney
Frances Mogelnicki
Jonathan Mulford
Linda Patriarca
Larry Patton
Eleanor Perfetto
Donna Perkins
Dr. Geraldine Pozzi-Galluzi
Margaret Radke
Carol Rahmoeller
Ken & Abbey Sadler
Whitney Sale
Jane Serio
Barbara Seward
Park Showalter & George Ward
Wendy Shuron
Nathan & Laurie Skjerseth
Robert Slocum
Rosalie Smith
Lucinda Spaney
Joan Tramontano
Linda & Tony Varone
Frances White
Mike & Louise Wiggins
MUSICIAN HOST PROGRAM
The Musician Host Program is the heartbeat of The Venice Symphony, providing a home away from home for our out-of-town musicians.
Each season, devoted patrons step forward to open their homes offering comfort, connection, and a warm Venice welcome to our visiting artists.
The Musician Host Program creates unforgettable bonds that enrich our orchestra and community.
Musician Hosts
Frank & Jennifer Annetti
Carl & Kathy Baer
Ebert (Edge) & Leigh Bagg
Elizabeth Baker
Stan & MaryJo Bastacky
Lynn Bisighini
Gary Boruff
Glenn Bradley & Don Farrelly
Susan Calhoun
Brian & Joanne Cinco
Carey & Kim Clouser
Ken Cook
Robert Cordes & Ginger Mace
Sally De Angelo
Jim & Sharyn Dent
Michael & Patricia Dunlap
Steve Easton
Denny & Marilyn Eshoo
Don & Marlene Fleming
Rebecca Folta & Mark Page
Elise Fox
Damaris Frank
Tom & Martha Galek
Greg & Marlene Gannon
Sandra Goodwin & Richard Daitch
Fred & Cindy Gossman
Mark & Kathleen Harrison
David & Joan Heald
Frank & Carolyn Hill
Randy & Ingrid Hoerauf
Ruth Immel
Curt & Sara Kasten
Steve & Tavia Lesage
Karen Mann
Jane Marcin
Laura Marianino
Warren & Mary McBride
John & Bernadette McEnearney
Carol McGrain
Tony & Belva McNair
Gary & Shelli Meliker
Louise Moloney
Lois Mueller
Ann Norville
Eleanor Perfetto
Donna Perkins
Celeste Pfister
Ralph & Sherri Progar
Craig & Karen Riley
Park Showalter & George Ward
Brian & Ruth Smith
Murray & Sharon Smith
Roy & Teri Smith
Chuck & Maureen Snyder
Lauree Spangler
Jon & Lois Steketee
Jon & Cindy Stolson
Nicolette (Nicki) Trager
Bill Troetel & Margo Schneeloch
Tony & Linda Varone
Margaret Weiss
David & Fran White
Michael & Louise Wiggins
Gordon & Carole Wilkie
For more information, email: pdunlap@thevenicesymphony.org Thank you
ADMINISTRATION & STAFF
2025-2026
The Venice Symphony Board of Trustees
officers
Roger Effron, Chair
Brad Speckerman, Vice Chair
Peter Oliger, Secretary
Cole McHargue, Treasurer
Members
Robby Cordes
Natalie Croston
Susan DiGiacomo
Jennifer Douglas
Marc Gerken
Denise Mattmuller
Paul McCullough
Joshua Perez
Casey Riley
Ken Sadler
Honorary Member
Nick Pachota
our MiSSioN
The Venice Symphony exists to inspire and transform lives through exceptional musical experiences.
our ViSioN Uniting Through Music
Executive office
Christine Kasten, President/CEO
Candace Kurtz, Manager of Office Operations
Alison Posner-Solares, Patron Services and Ticketing Manager
Artistic operations
Dana Kimble, Vice President of Artistic Operations
Susan Debronsky, Artistic Coordinator
Al Lyman, Principal Librarian
Terry Williams, Assistant Librarian
Patricia Dunlap, Musician Host Program Manager
Development
Holly Anderson, Vice President of Philanthropy
Holly Rubin, Development Associate
Crystal wellman, Special Events Associate
Finance
Erica Downs, Finance Manager
Music Education, Community Engagement
Tim Ferguson, Production Manager + Director of Education and Outreach
Nicole rawley, Concert Strings Conductor
Christopher riley, Symphonic Strings Conductor
David Wing, Symphonic Winds Conductor
Marketing
Dania Harvey, Director of Marketing and Communications
Keishen Lloyd, Digital Marketing Specialist
Stacy Rector, Graphic Designer
Judith Engle-Purple, Graphic Designer
941-207-8822
