FVSO Opening Night set for September 23, 2023

Bringing New Orleans jazz to your Fox Cities P.A.C. on September 23, it’s The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass with the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra. The Music Director of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Kevin Sütterlin and Rodney Marsalis, the founder/CEO of Marsalis Mansion Artists and The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass share their excitement about the upcoming collaborative performance and talk about the power of music to unite people.

CLICK HERE: Purchase your tickets to The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia with the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra 7:30 p.m. performance on September 23 here.

"This is our opening night concert, so we can’t wait to be back at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Whether this is your first time or your twentieth year with us, we hope you will join us for future performances. I look forward to seeing you all season long!" - KEVIN SÜTTERLIN – Music Director

The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra has been since the beginning, a Resident Partner to the Fox Cities P.A.C., co-presenting with the Center on numerous public performances featuring world-class talent over the years. Kevin’s first concert with the orchestra was on May 11, 2019, coming on board as the music director that summer.

Many of us have an idea in our heads when someone mentions the word “orchestra.” Kevin and the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra are looking to expand and surpass expectations, offering something new and unexpected each performance. “That’s what concerts and live performances are all about,” Kevin remarked. “For us, it feels different every single time it is played, even after a week’s worth of rehearsal. Music is alive and should be experienced in the moment.”

Kevin commented on the September 23 performance, saying, “As with most of our collaborations, it started with a mutual connection! Our principal tuba, Marty Erickson, works with Rodney and tours with his group.” He added, “Marty, who was a soloist last season, told me about the performances and how much fun the music was for these concerts, and I couldn’t wait to add it to our season.” This collaboration with the big brass band is introducing audiences to new kind of musical experience, uniting lovers of classical music and jazz. “We love taking the orchestra in new directions, and this gives us a chance to perform music we otherwise would never get to play,” Kevin remarked. “We also love to surprise our audience with something new! Our musicians love exploring new music and performing with new guest artists, and every time, everyone on stage learns something new and comes away with new understandings.”

Audiences are sure to enjoy a concert experience filled with high energy. “When you think of New Orleans jazz, you may think of a small ensemble performing, but imagine that same energy shared with a full orchestra,” Kevin elaborated. “I can’t wait to hear this sound in Thrivent Hall. We will play a few classical pieces on our own, and then many with Rodney’s group when we get together. We’re hoping the audience loves the mix we have in store for them.”

A mix it’ll be, as Kevin also mentioned that there is a special new piece that he commissioned for the orchestra from composer Christopher Ducasse. Frequent Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra patrons may know the name Christopher Ducasse as the orchestra has played the music before. “I won’t know what my favorite piece is until I hear us play together for the first time,” Kevin said. “There is something magical about that interaction and you never know what new places the music and the musicians will take us. Our two groups together will make this a memorable and exciting night of music.”

The other side of making September 23 an incredible night of music is The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, led by the founder and CEO of the ensemble and Marsalis Mansion Artists LLC, Rodney Marsalis. The group was formed more than 35 years ago playing on the streets of New Orleans in the French Quarters. As the big brass group travels internationally, Rodney is responsible for helping to guide the musical direction and to build connections for the other artists on the roster. The musicians in the ensemble are just as equally proficient in classical as they are in jazz styles. As Rodney explained, classical musicians were expected to have excellent improvisational skills. Even for musicians today, music should always be performed differently each time, so it’s never the same way twice. “You are spontaneously creating music, and that is what makes a connection with any audience, no matter what genre you are performing.”

“I love seeing new connections being made between people,” Rodney shared when talking about his favorite part of being in an ensemble. “We put people from all walks of life onstage and perform for people all around the world. Music is music. If it is inspiring and has soulfulness any genre, classical, jazz, pop, rock, blues, etc., can reach any audience and move them to tears or inspire them to dance.”

"There is an imaginary barrier that we draw around each other as human beings and the arts help to dissolve those false barriers and highlight our common humanity. Music has a unique ability to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. By showcasing the rich tapestry of human emotions, we strive to foster a sense of unity, empathy and understanding among our audiences." - RODNEY MARSALIS – FOUNDER/CEO THE RODNEY MARSALIS PHILADELPHIA BIG BRASS AND MARSALIS MANSON ARTISTS LLC

Using the power of music, Rodney and his big brass group actively work to reach the youth by providing mentorship and opportunities to work with young musicians, showing that they are so much more than a musical ensemble. Rodney commented, “During our residencies and performances, we dedicate time to engage with students and offer valuable guidance and inspiration. By sharing our own journeys and experiences, we hope to ignite a spark within the next generation, encouraging them to pursue their dreams fearlessly.” They also connect with students from around the world by using technology and social media platforms to offer live streams, interactive workshops and engaging content. To Rodney, it’s important that The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass’ music is accessible to aspiring musicians globally. “We want to show them that with dedication, passion and a relentless pursuit of excellence, they can reach their goals,” he added.

For aspiring musicians, Rodney offered some words of encouragement: “First and foremost, believe in yourself and your capabilities. The journey of a musician is not always easy, but with resilience, determination, and a lifelong commitment to learning, you can overcome any obstacle. Never stop honing your craft.” He added that there needs to be a commitment to dedicating countless hours to practice, continual experimentation with diverse musical styles and genres, as well as an active pursuit of opportunities for growth and development. “Foster strong connections with fellow musicians and industry professionals; collaboration and networking can open doors to new opportunities.”

"Embrace the power of authenticity. In a world filled with noise and imitation, it is your unique voice and individuality that will set you apart. Stay true to yourself, embrace your strengths, and let your passion shine through your music." - RODNEY MARSALIS – FOUNDER/CEO THE RODNEY MARSALIS PHILADELPHIA BIG BRASS AND MARSALIS MANSON ARTISTS LLC

Speaking specifically to the September 23 performance alongside the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, Rodney expressed how excited the ensemble is for the collaboration. “We are thrilled about this upcoming partnership,” Rodney said, adding, “One of our Associate Artists, Marty Erickson, has a long-time affiliation with Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra. We will feature him at the concert, and we will play many other pieces from different genres with the orchestra, adding a special New Orleans treat at the end. Oh, I think I have said too much! People will have to come to the show to see it!”

Rodney expressed that it is the group’s primary goal to leave a lasting impression on the audience, one that transcends the boundaries of time and place. “We hope that our performance ignites a spark of inspiration within each listener, uplift their spirits, and invigorate their love for music,” Rodney further commented. “Thank you to Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra for hosting us, and we look forward to working with them and meeting their audience!”

Written by Philomena Dorobek, Brand Storyteller

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

An Update on Our 2020-21 Season

As things continue to change in response to the current pandemic, we want you to know we have your safety in mind as we plan for the upcoming season. With that safety in mind, the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra along with the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center are making the responsible decision to offer alternate programming until January of 2021. We both feel it is the right decision to limiting large gatherings.

We hope to add chamber orchestra performances throughout our community this fall. We are committed to making music, even if it looks a bit different at this time. These concerts will be presented virtually, and if fall’s health guidelines permit, we will allow small, socially distanced audiences. Stay tuned for August 10^th when we will announce our plans for the full season.

In addition, our orchestra will continue to offer virtual performances, as we have since March. You can visit our website, Facebook, or YouTube channels to add beautiful music to your day. We will continue this programming through the summer.

We want to thank our season ticket holders for their support and patience during this difficult time. We will hold any current subscriptions until we announce the new season in August, but please hold onto your tickets as they are still valid for rescheduled performances! If you have not yet renewed your season tickets, your seats will be waiting for you in the spring or even next fall.

We look forward to being back in our hall and back in our community as soon as it is safe to do so.

Our Special Young Guest Artist

When you meet a young lady like Masha Lakisova it is an amazing event.  

About a year and half ago a good friend of mine, violinist Michael Shelton, heard Masha play.  He sent me an email saying that he had heard what he described as "the real deal".  Michael is not one to speak glowingly about someone unless he truly means it.  He has very keen ears and high expectations.  

After checking out a couple of YouTube videos of her playing I made arrangements to hear Masha at her teacher's recital.  She played the Schumann Sonata, with her mother Lyudmila (a brilliant pianist).  Needless to say it was stunning.  

After the recital I stayed around a bit to chat and found Masha and her family to be wonderful people.  They are so proud of what Masha is doing. 

Since then we have worked together several times.  Masha has won even more competitions and has been featured on NPR's "From The Top". 

I am thankful that my friend Michael brought this amazing young woman to my attention and am honored to be able to share her gifts with our wonderful audience.

Brian Groner
Music Director
Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra

Join us this Saturday, January 23, 2016 for this special performance!
Masha will perform Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D major with the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra.

Purchase your tickets online now.

A View from the Stage: Marcia Henry Liebenow

Liebenow and Harmon with composer Shirish Korde

We are excited about our concert this Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Of course, we are always excited about our concerts, but this time, we are having a Concerto for Violin and Tabla. When is the last time you heard that? Exactly. The piece is Svara-Yantra by Shirish Korde with guest artists Marcia Henry Liebenow and Zach Harmon.

As an extra bit of luck, both our guest artists got to meet with the composer last week and work on the piece. Marcia was kind enough to share her experiece with us!

Marcia Henry Liebenow

From Marcia:

This past weekend Zach Harmon and I met with composer Shirish Korde in Massachusetts to rehearse his Svara-Yantra Concerto for Violin, Tabla and Symphony Orchestra. We’ll be performing this fantastic piece with the Fox Valley Symphony.

I’m very excited to perform Svara-Yantra. It’s an intense and absolutely amazing work, and I’m really looking forward to collaborating with Brian Groner.

I’m also thrilled to work with tabla player Zach Harmon, who is a Wisconsin native. Zach studied in the Masters program at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, and studied tabla with Abhiman Kaushal. He performs, records, and teaches around the world.

Zach Harmon, tabla

Zach and I are both faculty artists at the Red Lodge Music Festival in Montana each summer, and I have known his father, composer and jazz pianist John Harmon, for many years. I have premiered a number of John’s works at that festival.

Earlier this fall I made arrangements for Zach and I to rehearse the concerto with Shirish at his studio in Worcester, MA. Finding a few days that all of us were available was a challenge, but we were able to carve out a meeting time. Boston is my old stomping grounds. It’s where I earned a graduate degree from the New England Conservatory.

On November 1 I flew to Boston and stayed with my brother and his family in nearby Westborough. Zach drove down from his home in Shelburne, VT. My brother and his family are avid musicians, although they pursue other fields for their livelihood. They loved hearing us work through the complex piece at their house!

Shirish is an incredible composer, a wonderful musician, and a genuinely nice man. He helped clarify musical questions we had and worked with us on our interpretation and preparation of his piece.

Zach and I can’t wait to rehearse and perform this concerto with the FVSO!

Thanks, Marcia! We can't wait to share the stage with you this weekend!

Also on the program:

Khachaturian: Masquarade Suite

Mozart: Symphony No. 35

Get your tickets now! 

Every now and then, we get a letter in the mail that makes us smile. I just had to share this one! Love it!

Dear Fox Valley Symphony,

We could not carry a note if it possessed the proverbial handle on its back. We have never been exposed to symphonic music, until my suddenly out-of-town boss gave us his tickets to a FVS performance about 15 years ago.    Quite frankly we were surprised we enjoyed it.  I believe we felt the need to play The Grateful Dead extremely loud on the way home, just to be certain we were okay.

We have been season ticket holders for about a decade now and have learned not to be the first ones to applaud.  We enjoy your humor and obvious connection with both the audience and the musicians.  I have found tears rolling down my cheeks, and have seen my other half with tilted head and closed eyes trying to deceipher each instruments' contribution. 

The Celebrate Spring concert was truly one of our favorites.  While Nazer Dzhuryn was amazing, Copland's Appalachian Spring Suite gave sound and substance to unspoken sorrow of loved ones gone, yet later providing hope of their legacy within those remaining.  Ravel's Bolero was quite fascinating to hear unfold, growing in strength and depth along the way. 

While the music sheets you command will always be written in a foreign language to us, we appreciate you building a place which is warm and welcoming for all to experience this music.

Thank you!

No, thank YOU, M, for truly making our day (week, month)! :)

Austin Larson Returns to the Fox Valley!

We don't always go over the top bragging about our fabulous guest artists, but this time, we really need to make an exception! This weekend, our guest artist is Austin Larson. He is a fine player and he's won many awards (see below), but, even better, he is one of our own! Austin is from right here in Neenah! And still better, Austin was a member of our own Youth Orchestra! We are all so delighted to have him come back home for our Opening Night concert this Saturday!

I talked with some of Austin's teachers, so you could get a little more background on this extraordinary young man:

Don Krause: Don is our favorite horn teacher in the area. Not sure how we got lucky enough to have him teaching our students, but we are certainly glad we can count him as a friend. We currently have six horns in the Youth Orchestra, and Don is coaching all of them!

"Of all the students I ever had, Austin had the most focus and drive of any. A lot of  students practice, but they either don't have focus or don't have the drive. Austin was always trying to improve his performances, even in his lesson assignments. He managed to memorize every solo that he played for solo ensemble year after year. Practice makes perfect was his constant motto! I have had him work with a lot of my students as he has become more successful and is always willing to take the time to help young students improve."

Bruce Atwell: Bruce is our Principal Horn for the Fox Valley Symphony and also teaches at the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. He works with our board, staff and youth orchestra students to help make improvements across the board. 

"When Don first referred Austin to me as a freshman in high school, my first impression was that he was going to become a once in a generation horn player. His sense of musicianship was already well developed from years of playing the violin and his horn technique was solid and seemed effortless. This raw talent combined with an amazing work ethic pointed to a long and successful career as a musician. His attitude still amazes me. He is still so humble and grateful for all of the success he has achieved. He still calls or texts his former teachers to let us know how he is doing. I can't wait to see where he ends up."

Lynn Lichte: Lynn was our program director for Youth Orchestra while Austin was a student. She was an amazing asset to the symphony and our Youth and Education program. She has since retired, but we miss her every day!

"It was my great pleasure to know Austin Larson while I was the manager of the fox Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra program.  He was not only a gifted young musician, but a true leader in the orchestra.  This fine young man received the coveted Youth Symphony "Leadership Award" during his senior year and went on to win numerous honors and accolades both nationally and internationally as an amateur and now professional musician.  I believe that I can speak for the entire Fox Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra program in saying that they are proud to claim Austin as one of the brightest and best of their alumni and are thrilled to see him return as the guest artist to open the new concert season!"

We can't wait to have Austin on our stage again this Saturday! It is always a treat to work with talented guest artists, but when it is one of our own students who we've watched grow and succeed, it is a rare gift that we will all cherish!

Be sure to get your tickets here!

You can also read the full program notes on our website.

Here is a copy of Austin's bio, so you can be as impressed as we are!

Neenah native Austin Larson has gone on to become one of the most successful young hornists of his generation. A graduate of Neenah High School, Austin was a member of the Fox Valley Youth Symphony for five years and studied with current and former FVSO hornists Bruce Atwell and Donald Krause. Austin has since developed one of the most impressive competitive track records of any hornist. Austin is one of only two people to ever win First Prize in both the University and Professional Divisions of the International Horn Competition of America and has also won First Place in the International Horn Society Premier Soloist Competition, the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition, and the Wisconsin Public Radio Young Artists Competition. On the international stage, Austin was also most recently a finalist in the Jeju International Brass Competition in South Korea. Austin has also appeared as a soloist at many prestigious venues, including the Music For All Symposium, International Horn Symposium, Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival, Wisconsin Public Radio, and with orchestras in both the United States and South Korea.

Currently living in Denver, Austin holds the Assistant Principal Horn position with the Colorado Symphony and has previously held the Second Horn position with Symphony in C in addition to summer positions with the Verbier Festival Orchestra in Switzerland and Spoleto Festival Orchestra USA. Austin holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and the Curtis Institute of Music and his primary collegiate teachers include Jennifer Montone, Jeffrey Lang, Randy Gardner. A strong believer in music advocacy, Austin has also been involved with numerous charitable organizations, including Appleton-based Horns a Plenty Christmas and has raised funds for music scholarships both at the University of Cincinnati and in the Northeast Wisconsin area. For more information, visit www.austin-larson.com.

Thanks for All You Did in 2014

Now that we've wrapped up our year-end giving campaign, we just wanted to say THANK YOU!

From the bottom of our basses to the top of our piccolos, we thank you!  You attended concerts, sent donations, sponsored musician chairs, funded outreach activities, and supported youth orchestra programs –we are grateful for your investment in our mission through your generosity.

The Fox Valley Symphony will honor your support by staying true to our mission to nurture the human spirit through symphonic music and educational opportunities that enhance the cultural development of our community.  We will continue to be an integral part of the beautiful tapestry of arts groups that make the Fox Cities a wonderful place to live. 

Thank you for playing with us!

A View from the Stage: Collaborative Education

(Written by guest blogger Nancy Kaphaem, Cellist for Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and FVSO Education Quartet)

One of the best things that I get to do as a professional cellist and teacher is to play with the Fox Valley Symphony's Artistic Adventures education program for elementary age children.  Collaborating this year with the Trout Museum and the Fox Cities PAC was fantastic.  To consider that a string quartet this fall played in 22 up-close performances for over 700 children total is astounding and incredibly meaningful.  

Experiencing live music can lead to deeper understanding, joy, and a rich emotional range that is beyond words.  I am so privileged to work with other enthusiastic members of the Fox Valley Symphony in this educational outreach and in all of our symphonic concerts.  

Every year I cherish these rich times that bring for all of us, performers, students and our symphonic audience at the PAC alike, priceless experiences of community and deep connection. 

“Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.” 

― Khalil Gibran

“Music . . . can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.” 

― Leonard Bernstein

A View from the Stage: Our Orchestral Family

(written by guest blogger Bruce Atwell, Principal Horn, FVSO)

I have been the principal French horn of the Fox Valley Symphony since 1998. Over the course of those 16 years I have witnessed amazing artistic growth of the orchestra. The Fox Valley now has one of the premier orchestras in the state, something to be very proud of as a community. 

The players come from all walks of life, many are full time professional musicians and many have day jobs but the commitment to music making and to preserving this beautiful art form is universal. This is more than a collection of musicians; it is a family that comes together to present the incredible repertoire of the symphony orchestra to the community. I have seen the response from the audience to our concerts-you can feel the pride and love that is transferred from musicians to audience and back-there really is nothing else like it.

As the musician representative on the board of directors, I am particularly struck by the dedication of the board members who support and run this fine orchestra. I have been an orchestral musician for over 30 years and I have never seen a more committed, caring, and passionate board of directors and staff. 

The Fox Valley must protect and preserve this incredible asset. It should be a point of pride for everyone who lives here. When a community cares about art it creates a wonderful place to live and work.

A View from the Stage: Heid Music and our Dream Set of Timpani

Our guest blogger this week is Paul Ristau, principal timpanist with the Fox Valley Symphony. Paul tells us a little bit about the set of timpani the FVS currently uses and how we were fortunate enough to get them:

Fox Valley Symphony is extremely fortunate to own one of the best sets of Timpani in the world, manufactured by Adams in Holland, and distributed here in the United States by Pearl Drum Co. They are known as the ‘Cloyd Duff’ model, named after the world-famous Timpanist of the Cleveland Orchestra, Cloyd Duff. I was fortunate to have studied with him in master classes. He is one of the greatest players ever.

Our set of five currently have a value of $40,000. They are some of the finest Timpani I have ever performed on, period. Years ago, I was fortunate to have worked with our Executive Director during Fox Valley Symphony's transition from performing at Lawrence University to our current home, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.

At the time, I was asked to put together a “wish list" of all percussion instruments, being mindful of both quality, tonal excellence, and budget. This was for all equipment, as back then, when at Lawrence, the FVS did not own any of its own percussion equipment. So it was a pretty big deal to get it right. This initial list did not have the Adams Timpani included; as I never thought it could possibly materialize due to the cost.

Paul Heid, owner of Heid Music, called me the very next day. The symphony was working with Heid Music to order the equipment, getting the mission-critical equipment ordered first so we could start our season at the PAC. He told me he saw the list and then asked, “As Timpanist, what would be your dream set of Timpani?”

I remember it like it was yesterday. I told him "The Adams Cloyd Duff Timpani, of course.”

He replied “Done.”

I said, “What do you mean, done??”

He said he would figure out a way for this to happen…and he did. He worked his magic, as he was also President of NAMM at the time. He went above and beyond, ordered up these same Timpani, showcased them at NAMM, then brought them back to Appleton.

He gave me a call and said, “Hey Paul, your drums are in. Come on down to the store and check them out!”

I walked in the store, in the back storage room where he had them placed, removed the cover of one, saw they were the real deal and started crying. I just could not believe how someone out of the goodness of their heart, could go above and beyond in such a way. It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life – and hence why I care for these drums they way I do. 

I will always remember what he did for us, and will be indebted with gratitude to him forever. It was magic.