“Listen to the Future”

—Jonathan May (1958-2010)

Honorary Founder of the

Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony

Contributions to the Jonathan May Foundation

directly sponsor student scholarships

and help the MAYS grow.

Thank you for your support!

www.JonathanMayFoundation.org

Dear Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony Friends, Greetings and thank you for your attendance at the Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony’s Orchestral Masterworks Concert! On behalf of the entire MAYS staff and The Jonathan May Foundation, I want to express how grateful we are for the amazing community we share together with you, and thank you deeply for believing in the musical possibilities of the MAYS. Today’s performance features the MAYS of Orlando, our Concerto Competition Winners, Composition Competition Winners as well as students from The Life Academy of Excellence as part of the MAYS At Your School program. MAYS At Your School at The Life Academy of Excellence is in its first year, and we thank The Life Academy of Excellence for their partnership and support. Through this innovative program, MAYS can reach more students and make a greater impact on our community. As you may know, the MAYS was founded in honor of my father in hopes of faithfully preserving the musical and educational ideals for which he stood, including the fundamental principle of spreading the benefits of a musical education far and wide. With the incredible support of our MAYS students and families, amazing volunteers, and The Jonathan May Foundation, the seeds for classical music education will continue to be sowed all across Florida! We also look forward with great anticipation to our April 28 season finale, MAYSfest at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. You can purchase tickets for this exciting event in the lobby today or online through ticketmaster.com. The concert will feature all MAYS students and a world premiere piece by renowned composer and Mr. May’s brother, Daniel May. It is sure to be a one-of-a-kind event, and all the proceeds go to The Jonathan May Foundation to support the students of the MAYS. It is my sincere hope that with the support of The Jonathan May Foundation and with your generosity, MAYS student opportunities will only continue to grow, and MAYSfest is just the beginning of even more wonderful things to come. Thank you again, and enjoy the concert!

Emily May Costa Executive Director The Jonathan May Foundation

From The Jonathan May Foundation

As a professional cellist, school music teacher, musician’s advocate, founder, artistic director, and conductor of numerous youth orchestras and strings programs in Florida and beyond, Mrs. May brings to every musical endeavor thirty years of education and experience. She has developed all of her programs with a lifetime of acquiring knowledge in the area of music education and music performance, and she worked closely with Mr. Jonathan May to develop a unique and inclusive teaching philosophy to which she continues to adhere.

In Colorado, Mr. and Mrs. May started the Canyon Youth Orchestra and learned the immeasurable value of garnering genuine community support for music programs. Mrs. May then started the Cumberland String Project in Tennessee, which introduced strings and music education to an area that otherwise had no music education in the schools or community.

Upon arrival in Florida, Mrs. May served as the orchestra director at Maitland Middle School and Winter Park High School, started the strings program at Park Maitland School, taught music at Millennium Middle School in Sanford, and currently teaches strings at Trinity Preparatory School, where she helped build the comprehensive program with Mr. May almost a decade ago. The foundation of each program has always been community support and enthusiasm for musical education.

Mrs. May has been instrumental in continuing the legacy of Mr. Jonathan May helped found the Jonathan May Foundation in 2012. It is through the MAYS and the Jonathan May Foundation that Mrs. May seeks to further the musical ideals of Mr. May, as well as inspire countless students to find the beauty and joy of orchestral music.

Maureen May, Artistic Director

Michael Miller is a graduate of Grand Rapids Baptist College and Western Michigan University where he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in theory and composition. He has served as a faculty member at Grand Rapids Baptist College, Valencia College, and Trinity Preparatory School where he helped establish a vibrant instrumental music program. Since 2004 Mr. Miller has taught at The Geneva School in Winter Park, FL where he founded and directs The Geneva Consortium, an orchestral program designed particularly for independent schools and home-school students. In the fall of 2006 Mr. Miller began conducting with the Central Florida Youth Orchestra, now MAYS Lake County. Mr. Miller has worked with the Daytona Beach Youth Orchestra, the Flagler Youth Orchestra, and from 2000 – 2010 Mr. Miller served the Florida Young Artists Orchestra as Associate Conductor. In addition to his teaching positions, Mr. Miller has been an active church musician in Michigan and Florida. His relationships with the students, families, and in particular Mr. Jonathan May, have proved to be life changing. The collaborative nature of the orchestra and the potential for unending learning and artistic exchange is a rare and highly treasured gift. Mr. Miller is extremely proud of his wonderful family. Wendy, his wife, is also a trained musician and the choral conductor at The Geneva School. They are the proud parents of two children, Creed and Madeline, both of whom are active musicians in their own right.

Michael Miller, Artistic Director

Greg Barker

Theory and Composition

Mr. Greg Barker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Instrumental Music and a Master of Science degree in Secondary Education from Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana. He is an accomplished trumpet player and former member of Tapestry Brass, an Orlando based brass quintet. He has taught high school and middle school band, elementary music, and been a church music director. He is a composer/arranger and founder of Spirit Song Publishing, an internet publishing company for his own band compositions as well as works for brass, woodwind, and string ensembles. For six seasons, Mr. Barker was Conductor of Brass Ensembles for the Florida Young Artists Orchestra in Winter Park Florida. He is a piano tuner and serves as the Road Representative for Allegro Music in Casselberry Florida. He is a frequent guest conductor, clinician, and soloist for area schools and churches. Mr. Barker has been married to wife Elaine for 37 years and has three children.

Mrs. Emily May Costa grew up in a musical family, and has

studied strings her entire life. Emily graduated from Rollins

College, and currently teaches strings at Park Maitland School,

The Life Academy of Excellence, Gateway Christian School, and

the Suzuki Music Institute. She is also the Program Manager of

the Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony and the Executive

Director of The Jonathan May Foundation. Emily is honored to

spend her days spreading the joy of music to students

everywhere.

Emily May Costa

MAYS At Your School

Aaron Hilbun & Gordon Mason

Associate Conductors

Dr. Aaron Hilbun is thrilled to be joining MAYS as Associate Conductor. Though trained primarily as an oboist, Dr. Hilbun spent time at the Sewanee Summer Music Center studying conducting and score reading with Jonathan May and is excited to be joining an organization that carries on his name and legacy. Dr. Hilbun continues to perform on oboe in Central Florida with the Brevard Symphony and Walt Disney World Orchestras, and previously performed frequently with the Orlando Philharmonic, Bach Festival and Sarasota Opera Orchestras. A dedicated teacher, Dr. Hilbun has taught oboe and bassoon and coached wind ensembles at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan, the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts, Jacksonville State University (Alabama), Ohio University and Florida Gulf Coast University. Currently he teaches a variety of courses in Music History and Literature at Rollins College. He received his degrees from the University of Illinois, the University of Iowa, and the Florida State University, where he received his doctoral degree in music. He lives in Winter Park with his wife, violinist Lisa Ferrigno and three cats. In his spare time, he enjoys (in no particular order) travel, major league baseball, kayaking and scuba diving, and finds every reason to procrastinate when he should be making oboe reeds.

Dr. Gordon Mason brings to the MAYS outstanding education credentials garnered through decades of experience as a performer, conductor, and teacher. Dr. Mason plays trumpet throughout Central Florida, performing with the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park and Orlando Concert Band, and previously with the Northeast Pennsylvania Philharmonic Orchestra and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra in South Carolina. Dr. Mason has taught winds and brass, choral music, and music theory and history at every educational level. Dr. Mason obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees in trumpet from the University of Toledo and Bob Jones University, respectively, before he attained his doctoral degree in instrumental conducting at the University of South Carolina. Personal development and professional accomplishment are paramount to Dr. Mason, and he provides MAYS exceptional leadership as a music educator, accomplished conductor, trumpet performer, and member of the music community.

Upcoming Events

MAYSfest—MAYS Season Finale

Sunday April 28 - 4:00pm

Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre

All MAYS Ensembles Perform

Tickets $10 each through the MAYS

MAYS of Orlando Summer Camp June 24-28 9am-3pm (9am-12pm half day)

St. Alban's Anglican Church

3348 State Rd. 426

Oviedo, Florida

MAYS of Lake County Summer Camp June 17-21 9am-3pm (9am-12pm half day)

St. Paul's Catholic School

1320 Sunshine Ave

Leesburg, Florida

Auditions for MAYS 2013-2014 Season begin in May!

www.MAYSymphony.org.

407-761-5170

Thank you!

Regional Orchestra Manager Tara Dills MAYS of Orlando

Orchestra Managers Kristen Buntz

Laura Loyd Darlene van Hissenhoven

Barbara Bloomer Lourdes Castillo

Indira Harry Wendy Landry

The Zhou Family

The Fernandez Family

The Dills Family

The Landry Family

Glenda Morgan

Rebecca Bedell

Julia Gessinger

F Harvell

Dr. Ronnie Sabbah

St. James Episcopal

Church

Megan Vitale

Jason Costa

Wendy Miller

Jeanene Ortega

Lisa Ferrigno

Janelle Lyons

Don-Michael Hill

Mike Bloomer

Highland Lakes

Retirement

Community

Mr. and Mrs. Wher

Peter Arcaro

Dr. Ayako Yonetani

Joni Roos

Mati Braun

Valerie Pernice

Anna Olson

Elliot May

Private Teachers

Seminole HS

TV Production Team

Concert Competition Winners

Katie Capp started playing the cello in 2nd grade when exposed to orchestra instruments while living in Germany. She benefitted from the experience of two different cello teachers while there and continued her studies with Jonathan May shortly after moving to Florida her 4th grade year. Mr. May introduced Katie to the Florida Young Artists Orchestra where she im-mediately became an instrumental cellist in whichev-er orchestra she was a part of, including being princi-pal cellist. Katie has a strong musical heritage includ-ing two grandmothers and her mother who graduated from the Zion Conservatory of Music. Katie's back-ground includes first chair clarinet in the Jackson

Heights Middle School band which, combined with her early years of piano study, has given her a broad and strong musical base. During the summer of 2010, it was necessary for Katie to locate a new teacher. David Bjella, cello professor at Stetson University, was a natural fit for Katie as his teaching style is similar to Mr. May's. That same year, with the legacy of music invested in Katie by Mr. May, and the furthering touches of excellence added by Mr. Bjel-la, Katie was privileged to be accepted and to participate in the 7th/8th grade All-State Orchestra. After playing with the FYAO for nearly six years, Katie began playing with the MAYS this her 10th grade year. She was also honored to represent Oviedo High School in the 2013 All-State Honors Orchestra. Now sixteen years old, she hopes and plans for a future where she can fully utilize the musical gift she has been given and the skills her instructors have devel-oped in her.

Creed Miller’s formal involvement with music began in kindergarten, studying violin with Mrs. Sherry Pollock. From this, he developed a love of music, and in particular the sound of the cello. It was during his second grade year that he began studying cello with Jonathan May. In the sum-mer of 2007 Creed began playing bass, also un-der the tutelage of Mr. May, then Mike Bloomer. Currently, Creed studies bass with Don-Michael Hill and cello with Maureen May. Creed has participated in the Florida All State

Orchestras since 2009, serving as principal cello

and bass in 2010 and 2011 respectively. He is a

junior at The Geneva School, an active choral

singer, enjoys Latin and playing with the Rollins College Orchestra. He plans

to pursue a career in music.

Concerto Competition Winners

Megan Sabella began playing the violin 4 years ago

when she was 8 years old. She was first introduced to

the instrument during a school music program and

loved the sound. A few months later she started stud-

ying under the instruction of Mrs. Valerie Pernice.

Megan currently is in 6th grade at Indian Trails Mid-

dle School and participates in their chorus. She vol-

unteers in the St. Stephen Orchestra and the music

program at Keeth Elementary. Megan plans on being

a elementary school music teacher and loves being

around kids.

About Concerto & Composition Competitions

The MAYS holds an annual Concerto Competition for MAYS stu-dents to compete for the opportunity to perform their concerto with the orchestra. Students perform a memorized concerto for an independent panel of judges, and the students with the high-est scores have the opportunity to perform their concerto with the MAYS. MAYS congratulates all students who participated in Concerto Competition, and we are continually amazed at the tal-ent within this group.

Students in MAYS Composition Class with Mr. Barker complet-ed their first semester project, a 16 measure solo for their instru-ment. Many aspects of composition were covered in preparation for writing, and several stages to the writing process have been taken, with each stage reviewed personally by Mr. Barker. Com-pleted solos were submitted to the Artistic Directors who select-ed winners of our Composition Contest. The winning solos will be performed by the MAYS today, complete with orchestral ac-companiment.

Please congratulate these young soloists and composers!

Composition Competition Winners

Ashley Lazarski has been playing violin since she was in fourth grade. She studied under Mrs. Gail Collins in an Elementary School Strings Program. In middle school, she was in Intermediate and later Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Jon Dolinsky. She also began studying outside of school. She currently studies under Mr. Juan Carlos Siviero, and when he is out of town, Mrs. Julia Gessinger. In her high

school, Winter Park High, she is the assistant concertmaster in the Freshmen Orchestra, directed by Mrs. Laurie Bitters. This is her first year at MAYS.

The inspiration behind “The Homeward Journey” is that desperation to be home for the holidays. It is about someone far away from home wishing that they were with their family, but they know that they cannot.

Raphael Francis Arenas Fernandez began study-ing music theory and composition with Mr. Michael Miller in 2010 and currently with Mr. Greg Barker. He is also an instrumentalist and a vocalist. As a cellist, Raphael has performed with the MAYS since its inception. Under the tutelage of Ms. Maureen May, he represented the Geneva School Consortium at the FMEA's All State Orchestra for two consecutive years. As a pianist, Raphael has performed for about a decade both as a soloist and ensemblist competing and winning at the local, state, and national levels with the American College of Musicians' National Piano Playing

Guild and the National Federation of Music Clubs representing Ms. Betty Hunting's Suzuki Music Institute. In his spare time, Raphael serves his church's music ministry as a cantor, cellist and keyboardist under the guidance of St. Charles Borromeo's music director, Mr. Hugh Bowen. While he enjoys and studies all genre, he aspires to a career in the R and B and hip hop music industry hoping to revolutionize the sound with his personal, traditionalist preferences. He also wants to study law. Raphael is an eighth grader at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School where he was a Disney Dreamer and Doer, a Rotary Club student standout and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society.He loves the beach and water parks and spaghetti and meatballs is a favorite. His dog's name is "Nikko." In his piece, "A Beautiful Christmas Morning", Raphael wanted to capture the warmth of family and good times.

MAYS At Your School

The Life Academy of Excellence

Beginning Class

Nicollette Arthur

Rylan Castile-Henderson

Jamesia Mitchell

Julissa Marie Weekes

Advanced Class

Arion Allen

Victoria Bowen

Quinlan Brock

Ta’Juna Brown

Carmen Hodges

Sophia Hodges

Yuri Hopkins

Jordyn Jones

Amiah Robinson

Victoria Stoute

Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony

Concertino

Violin

Nora-Kate Bethea

Lorelai Buntz

Nathanael Buntz

Esteban Cabrera

Lucas Cortes

Marissa Dills

Alessandra Garganese

Madyson Herber

Annie Kovac

Anthony Ledan

Jocelyn Leyva

Karina Loyd

Daniel Mancuso

Gabriella Ruela

Preston Rupert

Samri Samuel

Joshua Stewart

Violoncello

Bebe Gardner

Romain Ledan

Geoffrey Miller

Bass

George Clendenin

Intermezzo

Violin I

Mykayla Brinkman

Marcelo Celi

Ella Crawley

Mackenzie Gallagher

Dannielle Lopez

Nicole Mattos

Nathan Nguyen

Gabris Ni†††

Rebecka Ruud

Kayla Stairs

Caleb Sjostedt

Ayla van Hissenhoven

Julia Wu

Violin II

Alex Aguilera

Nicholas Brinkman

Emily Brown

Nathan Dills

Madeline Powell

Kennedy Porter

Deondre Williams

Viola

Mia Nunez

Ciera Palmer

Nooper RangaNathan

Violoncello

Dylan Bedell

Kristen Bloomer*

Desmond Jeanty

Andrew Lopez

Bass

Noah Gutierrez

Repertory

Flute

Alice Fu

Clarinet

Elizabeth Carroll

Horn

Tyler Thompson

Euphonium

Austin Beltran*

Trombone

Alex Robinson

Percussion

Catalina Maureira

Violin I

Elise Bakker

Joseph Durigan

Sophia Emmons

Rylee Faherty

Ashley Lazarski††

Megan Sabella†††

Symphony

Flute

Colin Jackson

Christopher Ludwig

Victoria Price*

Oboe

Avina Harry

Lexus Walker*

Clarinet

Andrew Martin*

Emma Parker

Bassoon

Erika Clippinger

Penelope Dutton

Trumpet

Dominick Mancuso

Trombone

Joseph Titorenko

Tuba

Jason Ruiz

Percussion

Carson Landry*

Catalina Maureira

Violin I

Kyra Buntz

Kelly Hyre

Madeline Miller†††

††† Concertmaster

†† Associate Concertmaster

† Assistant Concertmaster

* Section Principal

Violin II

Paula Cortes

Noemi Gonzalez

Setareh Gooshvar

Annabelle Levin

Jeffrey Oakman

Deanne Pelliccio

Lydia Stehle

Vincent Zhu*

Viola

Adrienne Lopez*

Douglas Mancuso

Violoncello

Jarelis Cabrera

Monett Corona

Jonathan Dills

Sammy Hussein

Branden Medary

Timothy Miller

Johnathan Zhou*

Bass

Michael Maher

Michelle Qu†

Claudia Sanchez††

Lisa Wick

Violin II

Renae Burke

Johnny Eatmon

Colin Lehman*

Kathryn Lowrance

Grace Park

David Tapscott

Viola

Caleb Bonaventure*

Collin Dills

Johana Perlaza

Violoncello

Katherine Capp*

Katy Dickerson

Raphael Fernandez

Creed Miller*

David Ramirez

Emily Rose

Bass

Patrick Sante

Tyler Thompson

Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony

MAYS At Your School

The Life Academy of Excellence

Hot Cross Buns

Lightly Row

Ode to Joy Ludwig van Beethoven

Concertino

Solemn Processional William Hofeldt

Barn Dance Francis L. Feese

Intermezzo

The Harmonious Blacksmith George F. Handel arr. Merle Isaac

Finale - Serenade No. 9 “Posthorn” W.A. Mozart arr. Sandra Dackow

Afterburn Brian Balmages

Repertory

Eine Kleine Nacht Music W.A. Mozart arr. M. Isaac

Homeward Journey Ashley Lazrski (Composition winner)

Safari Echoes Mary Alice Rich (ASCAP)

Orchestral Masterworks

Symphony

Royal Fireworks Music G.F. Handel

trans. Jack LaBauve

I. La Rejouissance (The Rejoicing) II. Minuet No.1 III. Bourree IV. La Paix (The Peace) V. Minuet No. 2

Violin Concerto in A minor Rv 356 Antonio Vivaldi

Presto

Megan Sabella, Violin Soloist

Concerto in G Minor for Two Violoncelli Antonio Vivaldi Largo

Allegro Katie Capp, Creed Miller

Violoncelli Soloists

A Beautiful Christmas Morning Raphael Fernandez

(Composition winner)

orch. Greg Barker

Symphony No. 9 in E minor From the New World Op. 9

Largo Antonin Dvorak

Reception to Follow

March 3, 2013

MAYS At Your School The Life Academy of Excellence

Lightly Row, is a famous folk song believed to have originated in Germany during the 19th Centruy. In Germany, it is known under the title Hänschen klein or Alles neu macht der Mai. This popular tune is taught to beginning strings students and remains a classic for developing musicians.

German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was one of the world’s greatest composers. He was completely deaf by 1802, and “Ode to Joy” came from his Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125. The symphony was the first example of a major composer using voices in a symphony (thus making it a choral symphony). The words are sung during the final movement by four vocal soloists and a chorus. They were taken from the "Ode to Joy", a poem written by Friedrich Schiller in 1785 and revised in 1803, with additions made by the composer. Today, it stands as one of the most played symphonies in the world.

CONCERTINO William Hofeldt is a contemporary American composer. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Hofeldt spent 15 years teaching elementary and middle school orchestra in Middleton, Wisconsin. Solemn Processional is a work for junior orchestra that celebrates the beauty of a noble occasion. Using just four notes, the orchestra is challenged to discover the expressive possibilities that come from playing with precision and a wide dynamic range.

Throughout the human experience, music has been virtually simultaneous with movement. Francis L. Feese has tapped into this reality with his toe tapping, knee slapping, hand clapping Barn Dance. This hoe down inspired movement is complete with double stops (a technique when two strings are played simultaneously) and one of the most recognizable musical licks - “shave and a haircut - two bits!”

Program Notes

INTERMEZZO

One of George Frideric Handel's most popular pieces, The Harmonious Blacksmith is the popular name of the final movement, Air and variations, where it was included in Suite No. 5 and originally published in Volume One of his Suites de pieces pour le Clavecin in 1720. An air with five variations, it was among first harpsichord suites composed by Handel, who saw it as a way of contributing his country through music: “I have been obliged to publish some of the following Lessons…reckoning it my duty, with my Small Talent, to serve a Nation from which I have receiv’d so Generous a protection.”

The piece is arranged by Merle John Isaac (1898 –1996), who was a prolific arranger and teacher who focused on arranging famous pieces for students, subsequently earning him a lifetime achievement award from the American String Teachers Association as well as an annual Merle J. Isaac composition contest to “encourage the composition, publication, and performance of music of quality for the benefit of school orchestra programs.”

The Serenade for Orchestra No. 9 in D major K. 320, Posthorn, was written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Salzburg, in 1779. The manuscript is dated 3 August 1779 and was intended for the university "finalmusik" ceremony that year. Mozart’s original instrumentation included the posthorn, a brass instrument without valves, used to signal the arrival or departure of the post riders. The finale features musical motifs that mimic the overtone series one would hear from this utilitarian instrument.

Serenade No. 9 was originally written for the graduation ceremony of the University of Salzberg, and given the nickname “Posthorn” due to the use of a posthorn, or a small valveless horn that was used to signify the arrival or departure of a coach in the days of old. While the posthorn is used in the second movement, the seventh movement, or the Finale, can be described as a joyous accumulation of Mozartian style with a celebratory feel.

Program Notes

Program Notes

INTERMEZZO (CONT’D)

Brimming with percussive rhythms and sky-rocketing melodies,

Afterburn, by Brian Balmages (b. 1975), is a riveting piece of

modern day work from one of todays most talented composers.

Mr. Balmages is an active composer, conductor, producer and

performer. His fresh compositional ideas have resulted in a high

demand for his music throughout the world. A graduate of the

University of Miami, Mr. Balmages currently resides in

Baltimore, MD with his wife, Lisa and their sons, Jacob and

Collin.

The following quote from Mr. Balmages’ website provides a

glimpse into his convictions about music and music education.

“As a composer, I used to write music only for advanced level

ensembles. However, after marrying an elementary band

director, and with the support of numerous friends, colleagues,

and directors, I have found great joy and challenge in writing

music for younger students along with my more difficult works.

After all, the youngest of musicians are equally deserving of

good literature and I can only hope that my music will inspire

them the way I am inspired by a Mahler symphony.”

Afterburn delivers on Mr. Balmages’ hope of creating exciting

music. An unrelenting rhythmic pulse, alternating meters, and a

pallette of unexpected harmonies propel performer and listener

alike into a sonic space that indeed leaves you inspired (and

breathless!).

Program Notes

REPERTORY

Translated as “a little night music,” Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

by W.A. Mozart (1756-1791) is probably one of the most

recognizable themes in classical music repertoire. Made by the

infamous child prodigy and one of the most influential and well-

known composers, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik is classical music at its

finest. Although the reasons for the writing of this piece may not

be very clear to many musicologists, many of Mozart's similar

pieces were made for light background music at Soirées and other

well-to-do events. Notice the almost regal feel to what is highly

considered the most perfectly written piece of the classical era,

even if it might be over-played at times!

The Homeward Journey, from MAYS musician and

Composition Competition winner, Ashley Lazarski, recalls the

love that pulls us all home from all our journeys. As the composer

states of the genesis of the piece, “The inspiration behind “The

Homeward Journey” is that desperation to be home for the

holidays. It is about someone far away from home wishing that

they were with their family, but they know that they cannot.”

Safari Echoes, by Mary Alice Rich (b. 1955), takes listeners on

a journey through the wild African savannah, with danger lurking

behind every bush Featuring the primal echo of African Drums,

the ancient music of humanity blends with contemporary melodies

to form a unique piece that received Honorable Mention at the

2010 Texas Orchestra Directors Composition Contest for Full

Orchestra. Mary Alice Rich is an award -winning composer trained

at University of Illinois under Paul Rolland (BM) and Sergiu Luca

(MM).

SYMPHONY

Composed by G.F Handel (1685-1759) when he was 64 and

meant to accompany a grand fireworks display at the end of the

War of the Austrian Succession, Royal Fireworks Music is a

grand end to the the splendid Baroque period, and a great

beginning to the early Classical period.

On April 27, 1749 in Green Park, London, a celebration

(complete with cannons and fireworks) was held to mark the

signing of the Peace Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle which ended the

War of the Austrian Succession.

Since this turned out to be a rather shallow victory for England,

George II figured that a large display of fireworks (something

rather new in England at the time) would soothe the feelings of

his disgruntled subjects. A very elaborate stage, or stand, was

built from which the fireworks would be projected; however, no

music was planned by the King at first. Finally, he relented and

agreed to some “military” music...but absolutely “no fiddles.”

A massive crowd turned out to witness the display which,

unfortunately, turned out to be a disaster as the fireworks stand

burned down and caused a panic in which several people were

killed and many injured. We are very fortunate in that Handel’s

piece survived.

Program Notes

Apart of one of the most influential collections of the eighteenth

century, L'estro Armonico, Violin Concerto in A Minor by

Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) is a beautifully written piece

brimming with Baroque style and charm. L'estro Armonico is a

compilation of twelve concertos written for one to four violins,

mostly composed by Vivaldi for his students at the all-girls school

he taught at. The Presto is the last movement, and, like all of

Vivaldi's last movements, sores at a speedy pace.

It is virtually impossible to date Vivaldi’s compositions precisely,

and the exact date of Concerto in G Minor for Two

Violoncelli is unknown. It is in the standard fast-slow-fast

sequence of movements of the baroque concerto, and the writing

for the two soloists–who play almost non-stop throughout this

brief concerto–is graceful and idiomatic if not unusually

virtuosic. Soloists play in unison throughout the brilliant opening

passage and are soon trading phrases before the rush to the

conclusion, which is a variation of the animated opening.

A Beautiful Christmas Morning, by MAYS musician and

Composition Competition winner, Raphael Fernandez, is a

piece about the most wonderful time of the year. Just because it

barely ever snows in Florida does not mean the holiday spirit is

diminished. As Raphael notes, it is not snow, not even presents,

not even sweet holiday treats that make this time of year so

special, but rather the warmth of hearth and home: “Holidays

mean family. Family means good times, so I wanted to capture

the warmth.”

Program Notes

Symphony No. 9 in E Minor From the New World, Op.

95 by Antonin Dvořák (1841-1904) is one of the most beloved

symphonies ever composed in the United States. Born in

Czechoslovakia, Dvořák lived in New York from 1892-95, where

he served as director of the National Conservatory of Music. The

composer fell in love with our country, traveling to Chicago and

the Midwest by train, and receiving great inspiration from the

people, places, and things of the America.

From the New World grew out of the composer’s fascination

with America and premiered on December 16, 1893, by the New

York Philharmonic under Anton Seidl. Dvořák’s motivation for

the piece was to capture the national spirit in music, which

included folk music of American slaves and the indigenous

cultures. In an article published in The New York Herald on the

eve of the work's premiere, Dvořák stated: “Now I found that

the music of the Negroes and the Indians was practically

identical. I therefore carefully studied a certain number of

Indian melodies which a friend gave me, and became

thoroughly imbued with their characteristics—with their spirit,

in fact. It is this spirit which I have tried to reproduce in my

symphony.”

The orchestra today will be playing the second movement,

“Largo”. Dvořák describes this movement:: “The second

movement is an Adagio [The movement was originally marked

“Adagio” by Dvorák, but the conductor of the first performance

convinced him to change it to “Largo”]. But it is different to the

classic works in this form. It is in reality a study or sketch for a

longer work, either a cantata or opera, which I purpose

writing, and which will be based upon Longfellow's

Hiawatha.’”

Program Notes

Dvořák captured the American spirit from the perspective of

an Old World visitor, using original themes that recall the

country’s native sources, rugged history, and continuous

progress. While this masterpiece was composed on American

soil, it is still undeniable Czech, as Dvořák’s love for his

homeland never waned. What posterity received from the

composer’s sojourn to the states is one of Dvořák’s most

successful and beautiful pieces, inspired by America and the

rich and diverse culture of people that call it home.

Program Notes

Photos from today’s concert

as well as all MAYS concerts

are available at

www.occasionalphoto.com

Matthew A. Dills Home Improvement LLC

Construction /Repair

www.mattcandoit.com matt@mattcandoit.com

386-212-6836

First Presbyterian Church of Orlando Traditional Services on Sunday

8:30am and 11:00am

Genesis Services on Sunday 8:30am, 9:45am, and 11:00am

www.fpco.org