Symphony Sounds

 

Welcome Back! Welcome to our 41st season! This season marks a major change in the Peninsula Symphony. It will be our last season with Maestro Valenti serving as Music Director/Conductor. For the full season, Maestro Valenti has selected works that are both his favorites and audience favorites. We really like his selections, and hope that you will join us at all the concerts to continue our mutual enjoyment of the world's greatest music. Music Preview Romeo and Juliet has inspired more composers than any other Shakespeare work. Ballets, over twenty operas, and Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story were based on Romeo and Juliet, but Tchaikovsky's fantasy-overture remains more popular than any of them. Despite the success of the overture, Tchaikovsky never completed the rest of the opera. He worked on it for about fourteen years, but finally abandoned the project. The first version of the overture was written quickly, in about six weeks, but its premiere performance was not a success. The orchestra was conducted by the well-known Nicolai Rubinstein, but unfortunately, Rubinstein had lost a court case on the day prior to the concert. This case concerned Rubinstein's relationship with a female student, and was apparently more interesting to the audience than a new overture. The result was a loud demonstration by Rubinstein's supporters when he stepped up to the podium to conduct the new work. After the concert, there was much discussion about Rubinstein, but virtually no discussion about the new overture. Tchaikovsky made modifications to the work during the years following its premeire, and finally finished his last version ten years later. This is the one that has achieved lasting popularity with both concert audiences and composers writing scores for movies and TV shows. One wonders how Tchaikovsky would react to the news that this work (particularly the love theme) has been used in A Christmas Story, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Scrubs, South Park, and Wayne's World! Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto was not an instant success. It may be difficult to believe, but this beautiful work was considered to be impossible to play, and offensive to hear. Tchaikovsky dedicated his Concerto to Leopold Auer, the great Hungarian-born violinist, but he declined to play the Concerto at its premiere. Auer declared the Violin Concerto "unplayable." The Concerto was the only Tchaikovsky work to be introduced to the world by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The reaction by the audience and critics was unfavorable, to say the least. The prominent Viennese critic, Eduard Hanslick, wrote one of the most infamous reviews in music history. It is said that Tchaikovsky always carried a copy of Hanslick's review and could recite it from memory.   "The Russian composer Tchaikovsky is surely not an ordinary talent, but rather an inflated one, with a genius-like obsession without discrimination or taste. Such is also his latest, long and pretentious Violin Concerto. For a while it moves soberly, musically, and not without spirit. But soon vulgarity gains the upper hand, and asserts itself to the end of the first movement. The violin is no longer played; it is pulled, torn, drubbed. The Adagio is again on its best behavior, to pacify and win us. But it soon breaks off to make way for a finale that transfers us to a brutal and wretched jollity of a Russian holiday. We see plainly the savage vulgar faces, we hear curses, we smell vodka. Friedrich Visser once observed, speaking of obscene pictures, that they stink to the eye. Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto gives us for the first time the hideous notion that there can be music that stinks to the ear." Brahms's Symphony No. 4 is one of his last works, and many believe that is was his best. Unlike the Tchaikovsky works in this concert, Brahms's Fourth Symphony was acclaimed at its premiere and has remained popular ever since. This doesn't mean that everyone at the concert liked it. The well known critic Eduard Hanslick, on hearing the first movement in this performance, exclaimed "For this whole movement I had the feeling that I was being given a beating by two incredibly intelligent people." In later years, however, even this perpetually negative critic expressed praise for the work. Unlike Hanslick, other critics have been more positive: "The monumental first movement is Brahms at his most dramatic and passionate, while the second movement is contemplative." , "exuberant and joyful third movement" , "The finale is as magnificent and as satisfying as any movement in symphonic music", "The symphony is rich in allusions, most notably to various Beethoven compositions." There's a lot to like in this symphony, and audiences have been enjoying it since 1885. The Brahms fourth is a fine way to finish a concert. Tribute to Maestro Valenti We had a celebration on October 14th, and it was fabulous! The focus of the evening was to pay tribute to Maestro Valenti and celebrate the completion of his 40th season as the Maestro Valenti (at left), Paul Smith (at the piano), and Maestro Valenti's image (at right) being projected on the screen behind him Music Director/ Conductor of the Peninsula Symphony. Festivities began at the Norris Pavilion with a hosted martini bar at the front door and wine & soft drinks served in the lobby. Plentiful hors d'oeuvres were available as we waited to enter the pavilion. Everyone had a chance to scan displays of past-season Program Book covers - all of which featured photos of Maestro Valenti and various orchestra members. Chris Stillians of CMS Design Portraiture took the photos and set up the display. Chris also set up a framed large-scale photo of one of the covers to welcome everyone as they entered the lobby. The Pavilion was arranged and appointed to create a New York Supper Club ambience with guitar music being played by Mario Gonzalez. A screen was set up at the side of the room to display a continuous series of Maestro Valenti photos taken from "way back when" up through our last season. There was even a display at the end of the room spelling out "Valenti" in lights. Then, while dessert was being served, Larry Andrews, the Peninsula Symphony Association President, Virgina Butler, the event chairperson, and Warren Erikson, the Peninsula Symphony Association Executive Vice-President, described the many ways that Maestro Valenti's 40 years with the Symphony were being recognized: Certificates and commendations were received from The State of California, Los Angeles County and Palos Verdes cities. These were presented to Maestro Valenti. Book. Maestro Valenti was also presented with a book containing a full list of all works performed at every concert since the Peninsula Symphony began in 1967. At a later date, he will also be presented with another book containing all of the guest book comments made by attendees at the event. Trip to Rome. Virginia Butler announced that the generosity of Sharon Ryan at "An Uncommon Journey Travel Agency" has allowed the Board to present Maestro Valenti with a trip for two to Rome, Italy. Joseph A. Valenti Conductor's Chair. Warren Erikson announced the creation of the "Joseph A. Valenti Conductor's Chair." Maestro Valenti will be the first holder of the chair beginning with the 2007-08 season. The chair will be funded through an endowment campaign that will run throughout the next season. Conductor's Baton. Larry Andrews presented Maestro Valenti with a conductor's baton and announced his new title upon retirement: "Founding Conductor Emeritus". The baton is inscribed with his name on the shaft and has a ruby handle. It's not the type of ruby that you find in jewelry; it's a deep red hardwood. Since 40th anniversaries are described as "ruby" anniversaries, it seemed to be the ideal way to symbolize and commemorate his 40 years as the Conductor of the Peninsula Symphony. The Paul Smith Jazz Trio performed after dinner. The projection screen was used by the camera from Channel 33 to display live video of the group, so we could see close-ups of the performers. The camera even managed to get shots of Paul's hands as he performed his magic on the piano. When the program was finished, Paul invited Maestro Valenti to come on stage and create a quartet by playing his trumpet. He and Paul were obviously enjoying themselves, and played much more than they had planned. The audience loved it. It was the perfect end to a delightful evening. Board members and other volunteers who put in many hours to make this event a success were:   Larry Andrews, Sue Andrews, Dianne Bishop, Ginny Bleier, Virginia Butler, Jerry Conley, Jackie Crowley, Sylvia Erikson, Warren Erikson, Charles Ferraro, Mary Graff, Jane Jones, Kay Nibarger, Paul Nibarger, Nick Plantamura, Helene Reid, Marion Ruth, Jack Trost, John Williams and Sue Williams. Many organizations and individuals provided underwriting, goods & services and other support for this event. Without their help, this event just would not have happened.   An Uncommon Journey Travel Agency (Sharon Ryan), Castle Rock Winery (Greg Popovich & Chris Noble), Chair Covers from Mary Grace, Channel 33, Christine Barnicki Designs, CMS Design Portrature (Chris Stillians), Entertaining Friends Catering (Jean Cordero), Kawai America Corporation, Keller Williams Real Estate (Bill Ruth), Malaga Bank (Debbie Richardson), Norris Pavilion, Palos Verdes Peninsula News (Frank & Pat Brown), Paul Smith, Peninsula People (Mary Jane Schoenheider), Ruth Realty (Marion Ruth), Shelagh's Plantscapes, and U'LUVKA Vodka (George Camisa). The The Peninsula Symphony Association joins Virginia Butler in thanking everyone who attended, those who sent in donations even though they could not attend, volunteers who worked on the event, and all those who provided underwriting, goods & services and support. Together we created a fitting tribute to Maestro Valenti for 40 years of marvelous music. Soloist Preview - Roberto Cani A native of Milan, Italy, Roberto Cani began his studies on the violin at the age of seven. His solo career was launched with performances at the Gaveau Hall in Paris and the Verdi Hall at the Milan Conservatory at the age of sixteen. Since 1986, Mr. Cani has received numerous prizes and awards including the Minetti Prize in Italy, the top prize at the Paganini International Competition in Genoa, the Gingold Prize, and the First Prize from the Courcillon International Competition, as well as an honorary diploma at the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. He also received a special award for the best performance of a contemporary work while in the process of winning the top prize at the Jeneusses Musicales International Competition in Belgrade. Roberto Canni Los Angeles is currently his home, but his career as a soloist continues to take him all over the world. Roberto Cani performs frequently in the United States, Eastern and Western Europe, South Africa, Taiwan and Japan. Many of his concerts have been broadcast live on television and radio, including appearances with the Moscow Philharmonic, the RAI Symphony, and widely acclaimed performances in Italy of the First Concerto by Paganini and the Szymanowski Concerto. Roberto Cani has studied with a number of world-renowned violinists including Alice Schoenfeld at the University of Southern California. A graduate of the Milan Conservatory, the Gnessin Institute in Moscow, and the University of Southern California, he spends his summers as head of the faculty and professor of violin at the Positano Music Festival in Italy. Solo recordings have included Vivaldi's "Four Seasons", sonatas for violin and piano by Respighi and Busoni with pianist Jeffrey Swann, and solo sonatas by Bartok, Ysäye, Bloch and Prokofiev on the Arkadia and Agora labels. He has recorded the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D-major and is scheduled to record concertos by Paganini and Wieniawski with the Moscow Philharmonic. We are pleased that we will be able to meet with Mr. Cani at the Post-Concert Reception. This reception is described in more detail in the box on page one. The Peninsula Symphony Association - New Board This year, the Peninsula Symphony Association held its Board installation at Marion & Craig Ruth's home. We said goodby to Ginny Bleier, Wally Christmas, and Bob Grotz, who have left the Board. We are sorry to see them go, but appreciate their efforts to help us bring fine music to our community. We also welcomed one new member: Ben Loughrin. Officers:   President Larry Andrews   Executive Vice President Warren Erikson   Secretary Caroline Hyde   Treasurer D. Paul Nibarger Directors:   George J. Bender Barbara Dorman   Jack Scharf Jean Sipos   Jim Vuncanon Kay Yamada Annual Warning If you haven't made a contribution to join the Peninsula Symphony Association for the 2007-08 season, then you are no longer a member and this is the last issue of Symphony Sounds that you will receive. You will also lose a valuable tax deduction! To join, just call or write to the Peninsula Symphony Association (See the last page for phone and address). You can also go to our web site (www.pensym.org), print a copy of the membership form, and send it in. If all else fails, you can come to the concert on the 11th of November, and make your contribution at the membership desk in the lobby. Remember to contribute at the Patron member level (or above) at least a week before the first concert or you won't be able to attend the post concert reception to meet our soloist, Roberto Cani. It takes a lot of time and money to present free concerts. We would not have been able to do this without the help of a long list of supporters who have spent both time and money to keep the concerts going for the last 40 years. Renewing your membership in the Peninsula Symphony Association for our 41st season will help us continue to bring fine music to our community. Matching Gift Programs Membership contributions also qualify for employer matching gift programs. Call the Peninsula Symphony Association office for details. 2007-08 Schedule of Events Rolling Hills Covenant Church Auditorium 2222 Palos Verdes Drive North Rolling Hills Estates Romantic Favorites November 11, 2007, 7 p.m. An Evening of Wonderful Music February 10, 2008, 7 p.m. Famous orchestral selections with Metropolitan Opera’s leading baritone, Richard Fredricks. Borodin Polovtsian Dances Anderson Serenata Leoncavallo Mattinata* Lecuona Andalucía Rodgers & Hart Easy to Remember* Anderson Belle of the Ball Massenet Vision Fugitive (Herodiade)* Porter Begin the Beguine* Khatchaturian Love Theme from Spartacus Hammerstein & Kern The Song is You* Gershwin Medley Agustin Lara Granada* * Songs and Arias sung by Mr. Fredricks Young Artists Showcase March 16, 2008 2 p.m. ARMSTRONG THEATRE 3330 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE,TORRANCE The finalists in the Edith Knox Performance Competition will play with their accompanists. Young artists are presented in a full-dress stage performance for professional judging. The first prize winner will be selected at the end of the program, and will perform as soloist with the Peninsula Symphony orchestra at our June 22 concert. Mighty Composers April 20, 2008, 7 p.m. Wagner Die Meistersinger Overture Ravel La Valse Mahler Symphony No. 4   Soloist: Melissa Simpson, Soprano The Norris Foundation Concert: Exciting Russian Composers June 22, 2008, 7 p.m. Rimsky-Korsakoff Capriccio Espagnol TBA* Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 * The 2007 Edith Knox Performance Competition winner will appear as a soloist with the orchestra at this concert. The selections listed here may be replaced by other works if they are incompatible with the work to be played by the soloist. Celebrating our American Composers Musical tribute to Leroy Anderson (his 100th birthday) and other American composers. July 27, 2008, 4:30 p.m. Rolling Hills Covenant Church 2222 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates   Anderson The Blue Tango, Fiddle Faddle, Serenata Sousa National Emblem Rodgers Sound of Music Mancini Tribute Webber Phantom of the Opera Williams Star Wars CONCERT DETAILS Everybody admitted at 4:00 Center-section priority seating is reserved for members subscribing at the Patron level and above. Concert Preview by Dr. Conrad Wedberg at 4:15 There will be no intermission, and the concert will conclude by 6:00.