2023-2024 Season

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Music Director, Hannah Schendel
August 30, 2023

I am so excited and honored to be named the new Music Director of the Wayzata Symphony. Through weathering the pandemic and embarking on a yearlong search for its next conductor, the members of the WSO have blown me away with their dedication both to the organization and to creating music at a high level. Highlights this season include three symphonies, pieces by female composers on every concert, a variety of pieces composed by diverse living composers, and the much-anticipated return of Anthony Ross (Principal Cello – Minnesota Orchestra). There will be something for everyone to enjoy!

The first concert is centered around the theme of celebration; celebrating both a new chapter in the WSO legacy and the joy that we all feel in coming together to make something beautiful. The second concert is comprised entirely of 19th century French music which features Edouard Lalo’s emotional Cello Concerto in D Minor, bookended by two ballet suites. Our third concert is thought provoking, and will challenge us to consider the sometimes subtle nuances between fate and destiny. Just as painters carefully choose their color palette, so too will we explore dark and light shades of sound in our fourth and final concert of the season.

Each and every one of these concerts has something unique to offer. The WSO is a hidden gem, presenting exceptionally high-quality and meaningful performances. Please help us to expand the impact we seek to make both musically and in our community by supporting us financially with your tax-deductible donation.

I can’t wait to see you at our concerts this season!

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Impressions of America

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Guest Conductor Notes
Hannah Schendel
April 22, 2023

I’m looking forward to conducting the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra on May 7 as we celebrate and explore the vibrant cultures, people and natural beauty of America.

The program opens with Starburst, a vivid and energetic piece composed by Jessie Montgomery. Montgomery’s individual compositional style reflects her upbringing in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, an area which is infamous for its multiculturalism within New York City. Montgomery describes Starburst as “a play on imagery of rapidly changing musical colors. Exploding gestures are juxtaposed with gentle fleeting melodies in an attempt to create a multidimensional soundscape. A common definition of a starburst: “the rapid formation of large numbers of new stars in a galaxy at a rate high enough to alter the structure of the galaxy significantly” lends itself almost literally to the nature of the performing ensemble who premiered the work, The Sphinx Virtuosi, and I wrote the piece with their dynamic in mind.”

This is followed by The Overture to the Song of Hiawatha, by British composer and conductor, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. The Overture introduces a trilogy of cantatas based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1855 epic poem, The Song of Hiawatha. The poem, which was inspired by Longfellow’s close friendship with an Ojibwe Chief, narrates the fictional tragic love story of Hiawatha, an Ojibwe man, and Minnehaha, a Dakota woman. Many names and locations mentioned within the poem are familiar to Minnesota audiences. Coleridge-Taylor’s three cantatas were an immediate success with British audiences and were performed annually at the Royal Albert Hall for many years. The pieces were such a success that Coleridge-Taylor named his son, Hiawatha.

Finally, we hear Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, “From the New World” by Czech composer Antonín Dvořák. Dvořák briefly lived in the United States where he resided in New York City and Spillville, Iowa. During these years he was inspired by African American spirituals, jazz, Native American culture, Longfellow’s Song of Hiawatha, and the beauty of the expansive plains of central America. In this symphony, Dvorak sought to pave a way forward for the future of American symphonic music by synthesizing these American influences with his own Bohemian rhythms and harmonic language.

Scottish Fantasy Inspiration

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Guest Conductor Notes
Richard Haglund
February 12, 2023

In putting together this program, I chose the Hebrides Overture, Scottish Fantasy, and Four Scottish Dances as musical works all inspired by the landscapes, folklore, and cultural heritage of Scotland. These works are examples of the Romantic era’s interest in folk music, nature, and the exotic, and they showcase the composers’ fascination with Scotland’s unique and captivating character. As a fan of American composers, I programmed Barber’s Second Essay for orchestra as a nice divertimento to this Scottish themed program.

I last performed with our soloist, Dr. Ariana Kim, in 1998 when she was quite young! Noted by The New York Times for giving “the proceedings an invaluable central thread of integrity and stylishness” and having “played with soulful flair,” violinist Ariana Kim made her New York recital debut at Carnegie’s Weill Hall during her graduate studies at Juilliard and is now a tenured professor at Cornell University. We are so fortunate to have her share her talents with us on this program.

“Excited” is the only word that comes to mind to return to this stage in Wayzata where I student taught (quite a few years ago). Looking thru the roster I know several of the performers but many are new to me and I look forward to getting to know them both on and off the stage in this exciting program that showcases the WSO in many different ways.

Why Do Animals Sing?

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Marlene’s Musings
March 28, 2022

Why Do Animals Sing?

I have wondered about nature’s music ever since my mother pointed out that it is everywhere if you will only listen. Birds, nature’s finest musicians, sing incredibly complex songs. With two sets of vocal cords, they can harmonize with themselves. Loons have been “calling” since the time of the dinosaurs! Humpback whales sing the same 30-minute song as they migrate and if one whale makes an adaptation, they all learn it and incorporate it into the song.

Our concert on May 1 is made up of pieces written by composers who were inspired by the sounds of nature and our guest, David Rothenberg, who has written many books on the subject, will provide valuable insight.

This concert will be especially meaningful for me because it will be my last as Music Director of this wonderful orchestra. It will be a bittersweet departure. As I told the musicians, my shelf life as a conductor has not expired but my instinct, which has never failed me, says it’s time for a change.

I look forward to seeing you all on May 1 at Wayzata Central Middle School at 3:00 pm. For details, visit the link below.

Why Do Animals Sing? Bugs, Birds and Whales

WSO – Resilient and Strong!

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Marlene’s Musings
July 2021

After 17 months of unwelcome hiatus, we are thrilled to be back, stronger than ever, presenting a season of exciting programs. There is mounting pressure to make orchestras and their programs more reflective of the communities they serve, so diversity in classical music has become a political – as well as an artistic – imperative. Our programs reflect our desire to embrace that challenge.

We have a fabulous new home at Wayzata Central Middle School. The auditorium provides everything we need – an acoustically superb stage, large audience capacity, welcoming reception area and ample parking.

NACHITO HERRERA! October 3 and October 10, 2021
What is so unique and miraculous about Nachito Herrera is his amazing ability to inhabit two very different musical worlds – classical and Latin jazz. He is the perfect example of how an enlightened artist can transcend various genres creating something that floats above it all. He is a Cuban immigrant who is not just breaking down barriers, he is showing that diversity is an essential part of moving humanity forward. Repertoire includes Rachmaninoff, Piano Concert No. 2 and the premiere of Esperanza (Hope). Upon waking after 11 days in the ICU recovering from COVID-19, the melody came to Nachito.

MINNESOTA’S OWN. November 21, 2021 KEVIN KLING, Special Guest
This program will be a musical tribute to Minnesota. We will showcase the creations of two MN composers, Libby Larsen and Stephen Paulus. Between each musical selection, internationally renowned MN storyteller, Kevin Kling, will share his literary genius including his original narration for Benjamin Britten’s, Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.

THE WSO CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH. FEBRUARY 27, 2022 BRUCE HENRY, Jazz vocalist/Historian
Our soloist for this program will be Jazz vocalist and African American historian, Bruce Henry. With his help, we will provide a musical overview of the African American musical voice from
1750 – 2020 including symphonies, spirituals, gospel and leading composers of the Harlem Renaissance, Duke Ellington and William Grant Still. We finish with Umoja written by Valerie Coleman, declared Performance Today’s 2020 Classical Woman of the Year.

WHY DO ANIMALS SING? May 1, 2022 DAVID ROTHENBERG, Musician/Author/ Composer/Philosopher
David Rothenberg has written several books including Why Birds Sing, Bug Music, Thousand Mile Song. He has played his amplified clarinet underwater with whales, with nightingales in Berlin and traveled the world speaking on the subject of the musical connection between humans and animals. Between all pieces, he will share his expertise and recordings of bees, birds and whales, providing fascinating connections to human music. We have commissioned him to write a piece for this concert based on our State Bird, the Loon. The piece is entitled Loon Asylum because that is what you call a group of loons.

Thank you to all of you that continued to support us during the pandemic. We are excited to resume full rehearsals in September, and look forward to seeing you at our concerts this season!

– Marlene

COVID-19 Conundrum

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Marlene’s Musings
November 16, 2020

What an incredible challenge we musicians face in this year of Covid-19! Who would have predicted that a time would come when live music performances would stop? Music, after all, has such a functional role in every part of life – weddings, funerals, church services, sporting events, school assemblies, rallies, concerts of all kinds.

But even though live performances have come to a halt, Facebook and YouTube feature a smorgasbord of virtual offerings that remind us of human creativity that knows no bounds. In order to create these musical jewels, one needs resourcefulness, diligence, confidence, hard work, problem solving, flexibility and discipline. ALL of these skills are learned through the study of music. Is it any wonder that musicians can create these amazing things?!

I am sad though because, just this week, the WSO board decided to cancel the remainder of our concerts for this season – a heartbreak because it means we won’t be able to perform together as the WSO family or collaborate with fantastic soloists – Nachito Herrera, Osmo Vänskä and Erin Keefe.

But, the good news is that we are merely postponing these collaborations until it is safe to perform together and for our loyal audience once again.

The human need for music is self-evident. Music will never stop.

Until I can see all of you again…
Marlene Pauley

Mahler #1 was Musician’s Choice

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Marlene’s Musings
April 26, 2020

Hello WSO Family!

Today would have been our Mahler #1 performance – this season’s Musicians’ Choice concert.

Of all the pieces we have performed over the last several years, Mahler #1 seems to describe the emotions of this difficult time better than the rest.

Mvt. 1 has a jovial main melody directly taken from one of Mahler’s songs, I Went This Morning Over the Field, that describes the heartache of a lonely wanderer who is ironically surrounded by the joy and beauty of the natural world. Like many of you, I have experienced a renewed appreciation for the wonder of nature, in spite of all the heartache around us.

Mvt. 2 portrays a heavy-footed peasant dance, followed by a retrospective waltz – music that reminds us of the enormous importance of community which we are sorely missing right now.

Mvt. 3: The threat of death presents itself by way of a funeral march parody on Frére Jacques in the minor key. The contrasting middle section,  based on another of Mahler’s songs, The Two Blue Eyes of my Beloved, describes the struggles of finding the will to continue life after loss.

Mvt. 4: All the sentiments of love, heartache, death and confusion have built up so much tension that the only release can be through the drama of nature’s forces. The music shifts back and forth between darkness and light, storm and calm, violence and peace. The “dawning of day” motive from the very beginning of the 1st mvt. returns and transforms into a triumphant brass chorale with the horns literally standing up to play this magnificent fanfare. One might even suggest that the music reminds us that life triumphs over death in resounding victory.

I am thinking about all of you today and looking forward to performing this amazing piece, re-scheduled for next season. Until then stay safe, be well, cherish your loved ones and play music.

I am so honored to be the WSO music director.

– Marlene

Clowning Around

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Marlene’s Musings
February 16, 2020

Stravinsky is my favorite composer. We will be performing the music from Petrushka, one of three ballets he wrote for Serge Diaghilev and the Russian Ballet between 1910 and 1913. Petrushka is the iconic character of puppet theater in many countries – Punch in England; Pulcinella in Italy; Polichinelle in France; Kasperle in Austria/Germany.

The first music we hear describes the hustle and bustle of the Shrovetide Fair in St. Petersburg (Shrovetide, also known as Pre-Lenten season). One hears the joyful, energetic activities of organ grinders, hurdy-gurdies, dancers and street vendors. The music is mostly in major keys. Soon the puppet show draws everyone’s attention.

We meet the puppets, Petrushka, the Ballerina and the Blackamoor. When the puppet show is over, the real story of the characters unfolds behind stage. Petrushka is in love with the ballerina but she falls for the Blackamoor who bullies Petrushka. The dramatic, emotional, dissonant music describes puppets imbued with human emotions of rage, sadness, tenderness. Petrushka’s cries and screams are vividly portrayed through use of the famous Petrushka chord – C major plus F# major. This combination creates the dissonance of the tri-tone, an interval that, throughout music history, has been called the devil’s interval.

We open the program in splendid fashion with CHUCK ULLERY, bassoonist extraordinaire. I’ve known Chuck for many years – we sat in the same row of wind players during my years in the SPCO. We call this program, Clowning Around, because the bassoon is often referred to as the clown of the orchestra. Chuck will provide arguments for and against that title during his Bassoon 101 “TedTalk.” Then, he will impress us with his performance of Weber, Bassoon Concerto.

I hope you’ll be there to hear this amazing music!

Our concerts are free. Parking is free.
AND, we have wonderful treats to share at the meet n’ greet reception that follows.
See you there!

The Golden Age

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Marlene’s Musings
October 7, 2019

What do all these pieces have in common?

Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
Kurt Weill/Bertold Brecht: Threepenny Opera
Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein: Showboat
Copland: Symphony No. 1

1. All were written during a 10-year period of great cultural shift in America – between 1919 and 1929
2. All the composers were in their 20s
3. Each of these pieces broke the mold of what had come before
4. All will be performed on October 13 at Wayzata Community Church at 3 pm

Maria Jette, Bradley Greenwald and Daniel Chouinard – all vital threads in the fabric of Twin Cities culture – will sing, act, discuss, play the piano and accordion to illuminate this remarkable time of upheaval in America.

During this 10-year period, the 18th Amendment (prohibition of intoxicating liquors) and the 19th Amendment (right to vote for women) were passed. It was the dawn of radio and jazz was taking hold as America’s musical voice.

Please join us on October 13. You will leave smarter than when you arrived, you will be amazed by the creative artistry of our soloists and you will be telling your friends that the WSO is the finest community orchestra in Minnesota! I hope you will be there to take it all in.

Concert is free, parking is free, coffee and treats are free at our meet-and-greet reception.

See you there!
– Marlene

Tony Ross – Cellist Extraordinaire

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Marlene’s Musings
February 22, 2019

I have known about Tony Ross for years.  When I played clarinet in the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, he substituted in the cello section a few times. Soon after, he auditioned for the Principal Cello spot in the Minnesota Orchestra and won.  None of us were surprised.

When I became Music Director of the Wayzata Symphony, I mustered my courage and asked him to play a concerto with us. How lucky we were when he said yes and even suggested to perform David Ott’s Double Concerto with his wife, Beth Rapier, Assistant Principal Cello of MN Orch.

Tony is a musician’s musician – phenomenal technique, gorgeous sound, heart-stopping expression.  But, beyond all of that he is so genuine and generous. He performs with us because he believes in community and that music is for everyone, as performers and listeners. No matter what, it’s all about the music with him. He always offers spot-on, constructive comments to help us lift the music off the page.

His performances of Weinberg’s Fantasy for Cello and Orchestra are coming up soon – February 24 at Wayzata Community Church and March 3 at Orchestra Hall. They will be fifth and sixth times he has performed with us. How lucky for us!

I am so happy we get a chance to showcase his incredible artistry as he performs a piece he requested and one that has never been performed in Minnesota. Who better than Tony Ross to introduce it!