Symphony Under the Stars

The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra is bringing Symphony Under the Stars to Fox Cities Stadium, Neuroscience Group Field on Saturday, July 20. This is a free, family-friendly event with no charge for parking or admission.

“We look forward to this all year, and we hope the audience does too! This event is free so your entire family can come together, enjoy music, food, and fireworks, and really bring us all together as a community,” says Music Director Kevin Sütterlin.

Sponsorship makes it possible for FVSO to offer this event for free, so there are no barriers to participation for anyone. This year, the concert is presented by Mary Beth Nienhaus, Community First Credit Union, Network Health, WE Energies, the Community Vision Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Fox Cities, and Wisconsin Public Radio. 

“This night is about FUN and celebration,” says Executive Director Jamie LaFreniere.  “From kids to grandparents, absolutely everyone belongs here, and it is designed to bring us all together.”

There will be a mix of classical music, rock, and pop from the FVSO. The audience will hear Sousa and Sibelius, as well as Chicago and the Scorpions. The orchestra is also bringing back their house band, Russ & the Renegades to rock the park. “It is not every day we get to perform Metallica,” says Sütterlin.

Fox Valleyaires Men’s Barbershop Chorus and MacDowell Male Chorus will perform again this year, joining the orchestra since the first summer concert nine years ago.

“We are also happy to bring back the open rehearsal during the day, 3-5 p.m., for a more sensory-friendly experience,” said LaFreniere. “For those with special needs who have a hard time with large crowds and don’t want the noise of fireworks, we love having them join us earlier so they can still get to enjoy a free concert.”

Please contact FVSO at info@foxvalleysymphony.com to make special accommodations for the daytime rehearsal.

The parking lot opens at 5 p.m. (for those eager tailgaters), the gates to the park and concession stands open at 6 p.m., and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks to end the night.

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

FVSO Announces Dr. Luis Fernandez to Conduct Youth Orchestra

We are excited to announce that Dr. Luis Fernandez has been selected to lead the Youth Orchestra!

Maestro Fernandez comes to YO with an outstanding background as an educator, performer, and conductor. We have been fortunate to have him with us as our 1st violin coach in past seasons, a role that Maestro Fernandez plans to continue in addition to conducting.

We are excited to have his voice on our team and look forward to how YO will thrive under his leadership!

Luis Fernandez was born in Caracas, Venezuela, where he began violin and orchestra studies through the El Sistema music program.

After immigrating to the United States, he earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in instrumental performance and conducting at the University of Miami.

Dr. Fernandez has performed with many orchestras such as Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho Symphony Orchestra, Miami Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet, Naples Philharmonic, Amarillo Symphony, and Lubbock Symphony (as associate concertmaster). Currently, he performs with Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra, and is concertmaster of the Weidner Philharmonic Orchestra.

Active as a teacher as well as a performer, Dr. Fernandez has been on the faculty of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (Michigan) since 2008 and has been invited to implement the teaching techniques of Venezuela’s renowned El Sistema in Bolivia, Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico. He was previously director of the violin program at St. Philip’s School (Coral Gables, FL), and served on the faculty of the Community Arts Program and of Greater Miami Youth Symphony. In 2013 he served as Assistant Professor of Violin at the University of Florida. He has taught general music at Valencia Elementary (Portales, NM), where he instituted an after-school strings program, and general music and strings at Badger Elementary School (Appleton, WI). He was also previously on the faculty at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music (Milwaukee, WI). 

Dr. Fernandez presently holds the Robert and Joan Bauer Endowed Professorship in Strings and Music Education at University of Wisconsin Green Bay.

FVSO's Free Family Concert is on track for July 15

 

GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra is ready for their seventh Brats, Beer, and Beethoven event at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.  This free event will be held on Saturday, July 15 at 7:30pm, and is presented by Community First Credit Union and Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.

“This is our gift back to the community. We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable. It is a free event where your whole family can come and enjoy the concert, grab your favorite Timber Rattlers snacks, let the kids play and run around, and enjoy a huge fireworks display at the end of the night,” said Jamie LaFreniere, Executive Director of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra.  “Absolutely everyone belongs here, and it is designed to bring us all together.”

The musical selections this year will range from Beethoven and Sousa to Queen, The Moody Blues, and Journey.  Fox Valleyaires Men’s Barbershop Chorus and MacDowell Male Chorus will perform this year, too.

Brats, Beer, and Beethoven is a free event with no charge for parking or admission to the stadium.  The parking lot opens at 5:00pm.  The gates to the stadium open at 6:00pm with the show beginning at 7:30pm.  All seating for the event is based on first-come, first-serve availability.  There will be food and beverages available for purchase from the concessions stands with fireworks scheduled at the end of the night.

“FVSO is also happy to bring back their open rehearsal hours during the daytime hours for a more sensory-friendly experience,” said LaFreniere. “For those with special needs who have a hard time with large crowds and don’t want the noise of fireworks, we love having them join us earlier so they can still get to enjoy a free concert.”

Please contact FVSO at info@foxvalleysymphony.com to make special accommodations for the daytime rehearsal.

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.

The 5 Milers + FVSO = Support Your Symphony!

Local folk group The 5 Milers started in 1962 with a group of friends in high school, and today they are raising money for local charities with their love of music.

Rob Billings, one of the founders, remembers how it all started. “I purchased a used six dollar guitar and ask Tom and Terry, ‘how do you play this thing?’ We were only in our sophomore year at Neenah high school, but we were motivated.”

Music from the Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, and the Weavers inspired them. Once they got the hang of it, they were hooked.  

Their love of music carried through the years, and even though not all of them are still living in Wisconsin, they always return home for a few concerts each year, and their fans follow them each time. They’ve drawn crowds in Neenah, at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, and other venues around the Fox Cities. “Our audiences love the folk music of the 1960s and many sing along,” says Billings, “and others simply sit back and remember where they were when they first heard the music.” 

A few years ago, they decided to put their love of music, and their growing audience, to use in helping the community. “I had the honor of performing with Door County bluegrass musician Bill Jorgenson, and he had some great advice for us.” says Billings. “He encouraged the band to do annual benefits in support of causes we really believe in. He was right, and it is such a win-win situation for us! We get to play the music we love, the audience has a great time, and it all goes toward supporting charities in our own community.”

The 5 Milers select a new group to help each year. Past recipients include Homeless Connections, Old Glory Honor Flights, and Backpack for Kids. This year’s recipient is another local musical group, the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra. Billings approached the symphony first as a recipient, but it soon became clear the partnership could grow.

 

“We were so honored they picked us for the benefit this year,” says Jamie LaFreniere, Executive Director of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra. “But as we started talking, Rob had the fantastic idea of having both our groups share the stage for this special night.” The concert is sponsored by gifts from J.J. Keller & Associates and Dr. Monroe Trout and Sandra Lemke.

“We’re looking forward to a fun night of 60s classics,” says LaFreniere. “We love to partner with other groups in our community, and bring together different genres and fans of all types of music. We’re just lucky to live in a community where there are so many choices!”

The concert is on September 13 at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, and proceeds will go to the symphony. PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE!

“Growing up in the Fox Cities, our group had many memorable and enjoyable moments,” says Billings. “It is our pleasure to try to give back to our community both in our performances and with the money raised for charity.”

FVSO Received NEA Grant for Brubeck Outreach

The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support outreach activities associated with our upcoming concert featuring Grammy-nominated composer and trombonist Chris Brubeck. 

The $10,000 “Challenge America” grant will underwrite the costs for Brubeck and Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra musicians to share the music of modern American legends with veterans and audiences in rural areas, as well as support Brubeck’s appearance with at the symphony’s February 3 concert at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s Thrivent Financial Hall.

Brubeck’s outreach events will include an interactive workshop at the Gerold Opera House in Weyauwega focusing on performance and music composition with band students from the Weyauwega area.  He’ll follow that up with a lecture and performance at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King.  The FVSO’s Brass Circle quintet will accompany Brubeck at both appearances.

Photo Credit: Stephane Colbert

“Working with the local youth is part of our mission. Helping to provide the opportunity to be inspired and informed by Chris Brubeck and members of the symphony is very exciting,” said Kathy Fehl, Artistic Director of WEGA Arts.  “The effort to work with us and other places in the area is wonderful; encouraging kids to consider a life in the arts is very important.”

Brubeck said he hopes that he can contribute to the creative spirit in the young music students.

“We still live in a society where a creative thinker, player, visual artist, dancer, film maker, author or singer can still have a significant impact. If I can connect with, encourage and inspire one young person to pursue their dreams then I feel that the mission was accomplished,” said Brubeck. “The Arts are a reminder of our wonderful human potential.”

Brubeck’s performance at the Veteran’s Home at King inspired some memories of his father, jazz musician and composer, Dave Brubeck.

“Through the years, my Dad told me many stories about his going into hospitals and playing music for Veterans which seemed to connect with them in a special way,” said Chris Brubeck. “If the Vets can't come to a concert, I am happy to go to see them and reach out through music.”

On February 3, Brubeck will be featured as the guest artist for the symphony’s “Modern American Legends” concert.  He will also participate in a discussion with FVSO’s Sandra Lemke & Monroe Trout Music Director Brian Groner before the concert in the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s Kimberly-Clark Theater. 

The NEA Challenge America grant program offers support for projects that extend the reach of the arts to those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. 

ABOUT THE National Endowment for the Arts

Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the NEA supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit arts.gov to learn more about NEA.  (Source, arts.gov/news)

ABOUT Chris Brubeck

Grammy-nominated composer Chris Brubeck continues to distinguish himself as a multi-faceted performer and creative force.  An award-winning writer, he is clearly tuned into the pulse of contemporary music. The respected music critic for The Chicago Tribune, John von Rhein calls Chris: “a composer with a real flair for lyrical melody--a 21st Century Lenny Bernstein.”   

  

Chris has created an impressive body of symphonic work while maintaining a demanding touring and recording schedule with his two groups:  the Brubeck Brothers Quartet (with brother Dan on drums), and Triple Play, an acoustic trio featuring Chris on piano, bass and trombone along with guitarist Joel Brown and harmonica player extraordinaire Peter Madcat Ruth. Additionally, Chris performs as a soloist playing his trombone concertos with orchestras and has served as Artist in Residence with orchestras and colleges in America, coaching, lecturing, and performing with students and faculty.

Chris is a much sought-after composer, and has been commissioned to write many innovative works. Current projects include a concerto for the Canadian Brass Quintet to be premiered with the Lexington Philharmonic in November 2017.  As Composer in Residence with the New Haven Symphony, Chris premiered Time Changes for Jazz Combo and Orchestra.  He had two new commissions premiere in 2016:  "Fanfare for a Remarkable Friend" and "Sphere of Influence".  His "Affinity: Concerto for Guitar & Orchestra" was written for celebrated guitarist Sharon Isbin, and premiered in April, 2015.  To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Allied Liberation of France in June, 2014, Chris and French composer Guillaume Saint-James wrote Brothers in Arts: 70 Years of Liberty, which premiered to much acclaim in Rennes, France. Chris's long list of commissions are varied and range from a Russian-American cooperative project commissioned by the Hermitage Museum and the National Gallery ("The Hermitage Cats Save the Day"), to the Kennedy Center for the National Symphony Orchestra; to concertos written for violinist Nick Kendall; the exciting trio Time for Three, a song cycle for Frederica von Stade ("River of Song") as well as many chamber and orchestral pieces commissioned by the Concord Chamber Music Society, the Muir String Quartet, 3 commissions from The Boston Pops, and multiple commissions from consortiums including The Boston Pops, Baltimore Symphony, Colorado Music Festival in Boulder, Indianapolis Symphony, Portland Symphony, Oakland East Bay Symphony, and many others. 

His highly acclaimed Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra, has been played by many of the top bass trombonists in the world and was recorded with Chris as soloist with the London Symphony Orchestra.  It can be heard on the Koch International Classics recording "Bach to Brubeck".  He also wrote a second trombone concerto, The Prague Concerto which he premiered and recorded with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra on the Koch cd, "Convergence".  Reviewing that disc, Fanfare Magazine wrote "Brubeck's skill both as composer and soloist is extraordinary." April, 2009 saw the premiere of “Ansel Adams: America”, an exciting orchestral piece written by Chris and Dave Brubeck.  It was commissioned by a consortium of eight orchestras and is accompanied by 100 of Ansel Adams’ majestic images projected above the orchestra.  In 2013, "Ansel Adams: America" was nominated for a Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition. 

Join us for the Concert on Saturday:

February 3 at 6:40 pm:  Pre-show lecture in the Kimberly-Clark Theatre at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.

February 3 at 7:30 pm:  Concert with the Fox Valley Symphony in Thrivent Hall at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.

Thank YOU on this #GivingTuesday

When the folks at New York’s 92^nd Street Y got together five years ago to find a way to celebrate and encourage generosity, they had no idea their project would one day be embraced by over 40,000 organizations worldwide. They couldn’t have predicted that over $116 million would be raised through social media, and they had to be shocked that their #GivingTuesday would become an international movement – a national holiday of sharing.

Those of us at the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra take this opportunity on #GivingTuesday to thank our donors, audience members, volunteers and sponsors for their generosity every day of the year.  Thank you for sharing your time, your resources, your attention, and your efforts with us.  Thank you for understanding that our mission of nurturing symphonic music within our community is fulfilled because of your gifts.

Thank you on this #GivingTuesday. 

For more information on ways to support the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, check out our website 

Art from the Classroom to the Concert Hall

Students across Appleton have been diving deep into the music of our upcoming concert.  Big Arts in the Little Apple is a community collaboration coordinated in partnership with The Building for Kids Children’s Museum and the Appleton Area School District to give students the opportunity to explore the intersection of music and the visual arts. 

As part of the program, elementary students at 17 schools learned about and listened to this autobiographical tone poem by Richard Strauss, and then took that inspiration to their visual arts classrooms to create art in response.  Over 600 of these students submitted their work for consideration and the top 50 to be featured at the Saturday, November 19^th concert when the symphony performs this epic piece.

In addition to the elementary students, high schoolers at the Appleton Career Academy participated in a Music and Art Fusion Seminar developed by Elyse Lucas.  After a few days exploring the piece of music in depth, these students wrote proposals for the creation of three dimensional works of art made with repurposed instruments.  These sculptures will

Don’t miss this opportunity to see the creativity of our local students and experience Ein Heldenleben in person with your Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, November 19^th.  Buy your tickets online today.

When Felix Met Ferdinand: How Friendship Produced a Masterpiece for the Violin

Written by Erik Leveille, First Violin for
the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra

“I should like to write a violin concerto for you next winter. One in E minor runs in my head, the beginning of which gives me no peace.” Felix Mendelssohn’s ‘earworm’, as described in a letter from July 1838 to his good friend, violinist Ferdinand David, would become one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable melodies in the violin concerto literature.

Travel now further back in time to Berlin, 1825: 15 year old violin prodigy Ferdinand David, after two years of study with the renowned violinist and composer Louis Spohr, is on his first concert tour. There he encounters the equally precocious pianist and composer, 16 year old Felix Mendelssohn, who had that very year completed his Octet for strings, a masterwork of such assurance and maturity that even Mozart himself had not achieved at that age. 

Both boys hailed from Hamburg, where their families were acquainted with each other- Ferdinand was even born in the very house where Felix had been born the previous year. Their meeting in Berlin resulted in a fast friendship- a year later, when the Mendelssohns had settled in Berlin, Felix wrote to Ferdinand that “it is of the utmost importance for your future career that you should soon come to Berlin…Would to God that I might soon have the pleasure of seeing you settled here, for I am convinced that nothing could be better for you than life and work in Berlin”. After first securing a job in a Berlin theater orchestra, David took the advice to heart. Ferdinand was thereafter often a guest in the Mendelssohn home, where the two would play string quartets together(Felix on viola) with David's orchestra colleagues.

When Mendelssohn was appointed director of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig(still going strong to this day!), he invited David to be his concertmaster; they worked hand in hand to produce one of the finest ensembles of the day. He similarly appointed his friend as violin professor when he founded the Leipzig Conservatory in 1843(David would become one of the most important teachers of the 19^th century- his greatest student, Joseph Joachim, would go on to collaborate with Johannes Brahms in producing his violin concerto). Both men shared a seriousness of mind and reverence for music of the past (Mendelssohn gave the first 19^th century performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, and David produced the first performing edition of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin, and was the first to publicly perform Bach’s Chaconne) that contrasted with the dazzling pyrotechnics of flamboyant virtuosos in the mold of Paganini, which Mendelssohn dismissed as “juggler’s tricks”. David’s love of music of the Baroque is still with us today- many of the sonatas that he selected for his “High School of Violin Playing” comprise much of the later volumes of the Suzuki Violin School, in versions scarcely altered from David’s originals and performed by violin students worldwide.

We are honored to perform Mendelssohn with
the legendary Itzhak Perlman on
September 28, 2016 at the Fox Cities P.A.C.

Other commitments prevented Mendelssohn from finally working out his E minor earworm until 1844. Felix relied on his colleague not only for technical advice on the solo part(David was in large part responsible for the great cadenza at the heart of the first movement which was among the first to be written out instead of improvised by the soloist) but even details of the orchestration. In their correspondence, Mendelssohn is eager to please his friend and even self-deprecating; in a letter fired off before the manuscript went to the publishers he requests some last minute alterations and exclaims “Thank God the fellow is through with his concerto! you will say. Excuse my bothering you, but what can I do?”

The long gestation and close collaboration paid off; the premiere in March 1845 was a tremendous success, though sadly Mendelssohn was ill and unable to conduct. When further ill health tragically ended Mendelssohn’s life two years later at the age of 38, Ferdinand David was among the small circle of family and friends who attended his bedside. David continued to champion his friend’s concerto and taught it to his pupils. Through his advocacy Mendelssohn's masterpiece quickly took its place of honor as one of the greatest works for the violin. 

We in the present day still respond to the concerto’s blend of passionate lyricism, intimacy, and puckish high spirits. The musicians of the Fox Valley Symphony look forward to accompanying the great Itzhak Perlman in this masterpiece born out of friendship! 

Sharing Symphonic Music with Local Seniors

The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra (FVSO) kicked off our Senior Outreach Series on Monday, August 22nd at 3:30pm with an outdoor Brass Quintet performance at the campus of the Rennes Health and Rehab (325 E Florida Avenue, Appleton).

“Rennes is overjoyed to be a part of the Senior Series with the Fox Valley Symphony. Music is a large part of most of our residents’ lives but concert accessibly is a challenge that we face frequently. Being able to bring this type of performance to them fills our hearts with happiness and theirs with joy,” said Danielle Mosher, Director of Admissions from Rennes Health and Rehab.

This series of small group concerts presented in partnership with local senior living communities seeks to expand the reach and accessibility of our Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra musicians. In addition to reaching the residents of the senior communities hosting the concerts, all of the concerts are free and open to the public.

Other concerts in the series include:
 
Wind Quartet at Oak Park Place (2205 Midway Road, Menasha) on October 6th, 2016 at 6pm. RSVP to 920.702.0000.

Strings & Wind Holiday Tea at Carolina Assisted Living (3201 W. 1st Avenue Appleton) on December 1st, 2016 at 7pm. RSVP to 920.738.0118.

String Quartet in the Garden at Valley VNA (1535 Lyon Drive, Neenah) on June 13th, 2017 at 6pm with a reception to follow. RSVP to 920.727.5544.

“The power of music is undeniable, especially for aging adults. That is why we are so excited for this Senior Outreach Series where we can reach those who might no longer be able to attend our full concerts,” said Jamie LaFreniere, Executive Director for the Fox Valley Symphony.

This series is made possible through the partnership of our host locations as well as the series sponsor, Home Instead Senior Care. “Home Instead is committed to helping seniors stay engaged and active. We are so excited to partner with the FVSO and hosting senior communities to bring the Senior Series to the Fox Valley,” said Cheryl Smith, Appleton Branch Manager for Home Instead Senior Care.

About the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra: The Symphony's mission is to enrich and nurture the human spirit through symphonic music and educational opportunities that enhance the cultural development of our community. Founded in 1966, the non-profit provides the community with quality music, as well as performance and educational opportunities for area musicians. Their 50th Anniversary Season begins on September 28, 2016, at the Fox Cities Performing Arts
Center with special guest artist Itzhak Perlman.

FREE Community Concert Coming Up July 1

Beethoven returns to the ballpark on Friday, July 1.  The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra will hold their second annual Brats, Beer, & Beethoven event at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Friday, July 1 at 7:30pm.  The event, presented by Fox Communities Credit Union, is FREE and open to the public.

“We can’t believe we get to do this again and we can’t thank the Timber Rattlers enough for our partnership! This concert is the perfect way for us to start our 50^th season,” said Jamie Lafreniere, Executive Director of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra. “We get to celebrate a beautiful night of music with our musicians and the community in this amazing outdoor space. With the support of our sponsors, Fox Communities Credit Union, Neuroscience Group, CommunityFoundation for the Fox Valley Region, and Tundraland, this is a free event and we hope it makes it possible for everyone to attend, enjoy the music, and even see fireworks at the end of the night. We’re also proud to bring the MacDowell Male Chorus and Fox Valleyaires to the concert this year; the more music the better!”

Parking and admission to the event are free.  The parking lot opens at 5:00pm with the gates to the stadium opening at 6:00pm.  The concert is scheduled to start at 7:30pm and fireworks to follow at 9:00pm.

“We’re extremely excited to host the free concert again following the unbelievable success from last year,” said

Aaron Hahn, the Timber Rattlers vice president and assistant general manager.  “It’s a great way to kick off the holiday weekend and an opportunity to see an amazing group of performers for FREE!”

There will also be a donation drive for musical instruments at two events at the ballpark.  Donate a new or used instrument OR money to go towards the purchase of an instrument to give all children the opportunity to play a musical instrument!

Donations will be accepted at the Timber Rattlers game on Sunday, June 26 when the Rattlers host the Quad Cities River Bandits at 1:05pm.  Be one of the first 1,000 fans to attend this game and you will receive a Cory Chisel Bobblehead.

Fans may also donate to the instrument drive at Brats, Beer & Beethoven on Friday, June 1.  Donations may be tax deductible.

This collection is made possible by the collaborative efforts of Fox Communities Credit Union, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Cory Chisel, and The Refuge.

“At Fox Communities Credit Union we say “Make Life Happen”, and we are excited to be a part of this event to help more people enjoy the sounds of the Fox Valley Symphony, especially kids,” said Lynn Marie Hopfensperger, Community Development Officer at Fox Communities Credit Union.  “Fox is happy to be able to make life happen for all of the talented artists we have in the area, we are so rich in the arts, we’re proud to be a small part of this.”

Seating for Brats, Beer, and Beethoven is first-come-first-serve and food and beverages will be available for purchase from the concessions stands at the ballpark.

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.