N W O N T A L L E N Y O H S Y M P AT I O N O C I A S S 2014 2015 ANNuAL REPORT | JuNE 1 – MAY 31 Sheila evanS executive director C hallenge and triumph converged in our whirlwind 2014-2015 season focused on community and on building a vibrant future. As always, our patrons, donors, and partners were with us all the way. The Cirque de la Symphonie on Valentine’s Day exemplified the excitement. I held my breath as the resources of our 1890s-era Miller Symphony Hall strained to the limit for this classical concert combined with the stunning skills of six aerial artists. The staff and orchestra nailed it, I got to exhale and we sold out, a boost to overall robust ticket revenue. Thanks to the Century Fund and its trustee Jack Leh, hundreds of young people attended our symphony performances for free, a gateway for a new generation of music lovers. Firsts abounded: we were the hosts of El Sistema’s East Coast Spring gathering Seminario, recognition of commitment to our diverse community; we brought the Vienna Boys Choir to the Lehigh Valley for the first time; we were awarded our first National Endowment for the Arts grant to commission a piece by composer Roberto Sierra; and the ASO, under the baton of Diane Wittry, won the American Prize for Orchestral Performance. Thank you for joining us for the 2014-2015 season. Come join us this season—more thrills are at hand! diane peter wittry kern MuSic director preSident & conductor I I t was a standing-ovation season—at all of our thank the Board of Directors for its confidence 2014-2015 performances you honored us by rising and support during my term as president of the to your feet, inspiring us to new heights. Allentown Symphony Association. These past two years have reinforced my conviction that the Part of the sizzle was an unprecedented blend Allentown Symphony Association is vital to the of symphonic music with aerial feats, Latin dance health and happiness of the Greater Lehigh Valley melodies, and even a film premiere. community. We opened in September with renowned pianist We look back with pride at our outstanding 2014- Garrick Ohlsson playing Russian masters. November 2015 season with its memorable performances, featured old and new in one evening—Elgar’s innovation, and accomplishments such as the cello concerto, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and remarkable renovation to the balcony of Miller the Pennsylvania premiere of composer Roberto Symphony Hall. What excites us most is the 3 Sierra’s Montuno. success of our educational efforts. After the triumph of Cirque de la Symphonie in One seminal achievement has been the establish- February came the fun and fire of tangos and ment of El Sistema Lehigh Valley. In less than five dances with classical guitarist Silviu Ciulei, the years, this local version of the world-renowned ASO’s 2014 Schadt Competition winner. This music-based program has received national concert was followed by an after-concert milonga recognition. It provides an opportunity for young in the Rodale Room, where concert-goers learned students to demonstrate talent and to grow self- to tango. esteem, confirming our commitment to education and complementing other community organiza- Our grand finale was a bold combination of tions in promoting the arts among our youth. Beethoven’s timeless Ninth Symphony with the ASO Symphony Chorus, heralded by my new The Allentown Symphony Association is making composition/arrangement, “Ode to Joy Fanfare” a difference at a time when arts education in our and featuring our El Sistema students. Then schools has faded in the face of tight budgets Canadian composer John Estacio’s symphonic and competing priorities. It isn’t an easy effort to Borealis accompanied video artist Jose Francisco sustain. Yet with the help of our supporters, loyal Salgado’s film of the haunting, ethereal lights. patrons, talented musicians, and our wonderful staff, we will continue to meet this challenge and We promise more innovation and celebration in to seek other opportunities to enhance the quality 2015–2016, my 20th Anniversary season as Music of life for all in the Greater Lehigh Valley. Director and Conductor of the ASO. cover photo: allentown Symphony presented cirque de la Symphonie Feb. 14 and 15 to sold-out houses. photo creditS: photos courtesy of robert cort photography, John hofmann, the Morning call, and andrew woodward/valen Media deSiGn: carolyn katwan writer/editor: ardith hilliard the hall A Sense of Place M iller Symphony Hall’s balcony renovation, the final capital improvement outlined in our 60th Anniversary Campaign, was completed in time for the 2014–2015 season. Patrons now have more generous legroom and cushioned seats, which match that on the mezzanine and orchestra levels. Other changes improved the view of the stage and enhanced access for all. Additional improvements since 2011 include the rebuilding of stage supports and upgrades to the exterior lobby, box office, and concession areas. New electronics and an HD projector, screen, and sound system have increased the digital capabilities of the historic Hall. Proud as we are of our progress, there is still work that needs to be done to bring this 1886 building up to modern standards, including replacing the stage rigging and converting an unfinished storefront space into an attractive, event venue within the Hall. The latter is a project that we are currently seeking funds to complete. 4 a buzzinG hub “The Last Schmaltz,” the sold-out final M iller Symphony Hall was a buzzing hub performance of the Lehigh Valley’s own of events that entertained and enlightened Zen for Primates in October 2014. The during the 2014-2015 season. unclassifiable cabaret ensemble comprised a singer, cello, violin, and sax, with no Vintage rockers got a treat in March when percussion employed. Devotees wanted George Thorogood of “Bad to the Bone” and got one last chance to experience fame offered hot energy on a cold night Zen’s unorthodox original compositions for an enthusiastic crowd. At the holidays, and offbeat covers of well-known hits at popular TEDTalks (Technology, Entertain- the beauty of the season was captured the end of the group’s 27-year run. ment, Design), featured “Giant Steps,” by Jim Brickman bringing his pop music eight local speakers offering compelling pianist touch to Christmas classics. The Live on the big screen in HD throughout new concepts on a range of topics from Vienna Boys Choir provided charm and the season, patrons saw the Metropolitan philanthropy to finding a niche in a world vocal purity in December with holiday Opera, National Theater productions and of increasing automation. The theme songs from medieval to modern. classic Bolshoi Ballet performances of was inspired by the booming rebirth of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Prokofiev’s downtown Allentown. TEDxLehighRiver is The Rodale Community Room remained the Romeo and Juliet, and his Ivan the Terrible. co-sponsored by the Allentown Symphony place to be for great jazz every third Friday Association, Lehigh University and PBS39. of the season. Some high notes were the A global phenomenon came to the hall Now in its third year, TEDx will continue to Eric Mintel Quartet, Hot Bijouxx’s Roaring for the first time in September 2014. bring the best minds into the spotlight to Twenties tribute to Josephine Baker and TEDxLehighRiver, a local version of the contribute to the vitality of the community. A Family Affair the Gardner FaMily W hen 10-year-old Stephanie Gardner stepped onto “What we have is an organization that provides quality the stage years ago to present flowers to a Schadt String classical music as well as educational and cultural oppor- Competition winner, she carried with her three tunities to the community,” said Judge Gardner, who in generations of devotion. Ms. Gardner is 29 now, an his day played saxophone and clarinet in a local profes- emerging filmmaker who has traveled the world, yet sional band. The symphony owns its own hall, allowing she and her family hold fast to their bond with the it to control “what we perform and how we perform it,” Allentown Symphony. “I grew up going to every he said, a rare advantage shared by few other orchestras single concert until I went away to college,” she of its size. recalled, sitting at her desk at Miller Symphony Hall, where she worked for a time this summer. He and his wife Linda, who taught piano for 30 years, have 5 passed their love of music on to their four daughters. The family’s enduring relationship started many decades Christina Hanna is a pianist, flutist and percussionist; a buzzinG hub ago. Stephanie’s grandparents Theodore R. and Margaret Andrea Merrill is a classically trained pianist and graduate Knoll Gardner joined other prominent citizens to bring of Eastman School of Music; Victoria is an opera singer classical music to their community as founding members and founder of the Hillhouse Opera Company in New of the Allentown Symphony Association. Year after year, Haven, Conn. Then there is the youngest, Stephanie, who Ted and Peg Gardner opened their hearts and home, has chosen film as her muse but who wrote a musical donating time and treasure to the symphony. Music comedy when she was in her teens. It was performed on was central to their lives, so Ted served as Symphony the stage of Emmaus High School, just as one written by Association solicitor and board member, while Peg, also her uncle, Theodore R. Gardner II, had been years before. on the board, helped lead the Women’s Committee and For an encore, she wrote another, performed on the organize the annual ball. stage of her alma mater, Georgetown University. It was predictable that their passion would be inherited The Gardners have been particularly strong supporters by their son, Federal District Judge James Knoll Gardner, of the Schadt String Competition, hosting competitors and his wife, Linda Kay Gardner. For Judge Gardner, and holding hospitality and fundraising events for the the family commitment is a source of pride. “There nationally renowned program. True to family tradition, never has been a day when there hasn’t been a Gardner Stephanie is working on a film about the Schadt involved with the symphony,” he said, reflecting on competition as it approaches its 20th anniversary. the years of happiness he and his family have earned through direct donation as well as involvement in many Supporting the arts, said Judge Gardner, is a constant of the symphony association’s activities. He has been on challenge calling for non-stop commitment. Nothing the Symphony Association Board of Directors since 1988 can be taken for granted, he noted. However, one thing and has served as first and second vice president among seems certain—the Gardner family will be part of the numerous other board positions. symphony’s success for many years to come. e l i F o r p r o n o d Mary Ann & Bill Heydt F ormer Allentown Mayor William Heydt and his wife, concerts at the hall. That bond formed by music goes Mary Ann, find many ways to support the Allentown all the way back to their teenage years, when Mary Ann Symphony. Year after year, they are among the most would watch her beau play the trombone in Central generous of individual donors. But it is Mayor Heydt’s Catholic High School’s dance band. After 57 years of hands-on work at Miller Symphony Hall that really puts marriage, they continue to enjoy live music, especially a gleam in his eye. the symphony’s pops concerts. 6 As chairman of the symphony’s facilities committee, Mayor Heydt adds that governmental support of the arts Mayor Heydt relishes his leadership role in everything has steadily eroded during the last 10 to 20 years, making from new boiler installation to seat upgrades to the it even more imperative that private sector donors step completion of the balcony renovation this year at the up. He said he saw the trend developing while he was historic hall, originally built for audiences of the late mayor of Allentown and found it profoundly frustrating. 1800s. The Heydts even have sponsored individual So he has committed himself to taking action. seats during the years-long upgrade of the hall. “The symphony itself is very expensive so fundraising “We have taken an old building and made it fit today’s always is a priority,” he said. “It is my way of giving back to demands—it is a majestic building for a great symphony,” the community.” The Heydt agency is deeply ensconced in he said. the Lehigh Valley, providing insurance coverage to more than 7,500 households, he said, so its commitment to insti- The Heydts still put in some hours at the family business, tutions that make the area a rewarding place to live is vital. the Heydt Insurance Agency on Cedar Crest Boulevard. Now, though, son Joseph runs the agency, leaving Bill Yet another incentive for their support, said Mayor Heydt, and Mary Ann time for their six grandchildren, three is Symphony Executive Director Sheila Evans’s expansion great-grandchildren, and community activities. Much of the number and type of offerings season after season, of their energy goes to the symphony. This season the welcoming people of all musical tastes. Heydts are honorary chairpersons of the annual ball, the symphony’s major fundraising event. When asked why With the practical eye of a businessman and city leader, they choose the symphony to focus on, the answers Mayor Heydt sees challenges, including demand for park- come quickly. ing to accommodate symphony patrons in an increasingly busy downtown. He and Mary Ann are in for the long haul, “We sort of fell in love with the symphony,” said Mary though, and he won’t hesitate to roll up his sleeves and Ann. Both are music lovers and attend almost all the keep moving ahead. e l i F o r p Debra Reilly n a E i veryone has a niche. The tricky part is finding it, c and then owning it as your life’s work. By this measure, i Mary Ann & Bill Heydt S Allentown Symphony Orchestra violist Debra Reilly is a u lucky woman. M As she sees it, Reilly is doubly blessed. Her niche involves two pursuits on which she has built her career. She is a professional musician, playing the viola with the symphony since 1989, and the Middle Schools String Specialist and Orchestra Director for Parkland School District. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in viola perfor- mance from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, “I feel perfectly balanced,” she said. “Most people have her music teacher certification from Moravian College to choose either to play or teach. I am fortunate to be and a master of arts in education from Gratz College. able to do both.” 7 In addition to performing with Allentown Symphony, Her deep love of music underlies her success. This year, she is a member of Bach and Handel Orchestra and after being nominated by former students at Parkland The Valley String Trio. As a freelance musician, Reilly High School, she was selected by The Recording Acad- performs at Zoellner Arts Center, Civic Theatre of emy and Grammy Foundation, as one of the 10 finalists Allentown, Muhlenberg College, and DeSales University. in the country for the American Music Teacher Grammy She has performed with Dionne Warwick, Teddy Pen- Award. In 2014, she was also selected as a semifinalist, dergrass, Gregory Hines, Three Irish Tenors, The Celtic chosen from 7,000 music educators throughout the Woman, American Idol Clay Aiken, and Matthew Morrison nation. She is proud of the recognition, but her real joy from Glee. shows when she talks about her students. Reilly is active with Allentown Symphony Educational “My honors orchestra has been selected to participate Outreach Programs and guest conducts at PMEA in the National Orchestra Finals competition sponsored Festivals. She will host the PMEA Elementary Band and by Forte Music Festivals at Alice Tully Hall in New York Orchestra Festival this spring along with guest conductors City,” she said. She cherishes all 300 of her students and Diane Wittry and Ron Demkee. Judging from the energy wishes they “all embrace music and see the importance she emanates, she is having the time of her life. and value of music education in the schools.” Patrons of the symphony who hear her artistry at every Daughter of a Pennsylvania Ballet dancer, Reilly was concert and hundreds of former and current school immersed in the performing arts from childhood and children who have benefited from her tutelage are remembers being mesmerized watching the musicians grateful that Debra Reilly has found her niche, right here in the orchestra pit. She started playing viola in elemen- in the Lehigh Valley. She is passionate about performing tary school and her greatest inspiration was her teacher and teaching music. Her motto is “No one can whistle a Leonard Mogill of The Philadelphia Orchestra. symphony, it takes an entire orchestra to play it.” GrowinG our Future 8 W e served more than 11,000 children and adults with our education programs during the last year. We introduced thousands of young people to great music, nurtured budding musicians, and sustained our nationally acclaimed after-school initiative El Sistema Lehigh Valley in conjunction with the Allentown School District. In November, 61 students from area schools participated in the Young Musician String Festival. In March, our nationally renowned Schadt String Competition, celebrating its 20th year, was won by 18-year-old Zeyu Victor Li from the Curtis Institute of Music. “Prodigy,” the Annual Youth Concert in April, entertained nearly 2,000 students and family members with performances by brilliant young musicians. More than 3,500 students experienced the symphony’s Instrumental Petting Zoo at local schools, Mayfair, and the Da Vinci Science Center. 9 Collaborating with Lafayette and Moravian colleges and by El Sistema teaching artists, as well as seven members of community groups, we provided master classes with the the Allentown Symphony Orchestra who led sectionals. Paul Taylor Dance Company, the jazz string group Turtle Island Quartet, classical guitarist Silviu Ciulei, and Austrian The large group of students were broken into an intermedi- clarinetist Wenzel Fuchs. ate string orchestra and a full advanced symphonic orchestra. Miami Music Project’s Artistic Director Abiram Brizuela led The El Sistema Lehigh Valley Orchestra performed the world the intermediate orchestra, and ASO’s Wittry conducted the premiere of Diane Wittry’s Ode to Joy Fanfare of the Allentown advanced symphonic orchestra. Leaders of Sistema-inspired Symphony Orchestra on April 11. The Fanfare preceded a programs who attended, including Brizuela and Theresa Abler performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and the young of Kidsnotes, praised the level of instruction, the music-making, people received a standing ovation from the audience. networking and social aspects of the event. On May 1-2, ESLV hosted the 2015 Seminario of East Coast El Sistema-inspired programs. The Seminario served approximately 175 kids from the Miami Music Project, Kidznotes, Play On Philly, Bravo Waterbury, and five schools in the local area, in addition to 100 El Sistema Lehigh Valley students. Rehearsals took place in Miller Symphony Hall, the Allentown Art Museum, and the Arts Park and were led The Symphony Ball T he Annual Symphony Ball always is an enchanted evening full of fun and good company, a welcome respite from winter’s dreariness. The 2015 “Cirque du Soiree” on February 7 marked the 65th year of the Ball. It was a special treat, highlighted by performers mingling with the crowd at the Lehigh Country Club in advance of a Valentine’s Day performance at Miller Symphony Hall. The ball is not only a key opportunity to introduce newcomers to Miller Symphony Hall’s many musical offerings, it provides crucial support for the Allentown Symphony Association, maintaining a cultural resource 10 for the community. “We had record-breaking attendance, including many younger people who may never have had experience before with the symphony,” said Anne Episcopo, who was ball co-chair with Donna Leibensperger and Gina Morton. It was exciting to see the new faces mingling with long-time symphony supporters, she said, noting that organizers arranged for extra tables to accom- modate almost 400 attendees. Honoring local leaders who have used their influence for the good of the community is a ball tradition. Cathy and Scott Fainor were the 2015 honorary co-chairs and recipients of the annual Spirit of Influence Award. Scott Fainor is president and chief executive officer of National Penn Bancshares. Cathy Fainor is an active community volunteer who serves on the board of The Baum School of Art. Both are deeply committed to the welfare of the Lehigh Valley, as they demonstrated with their hard work and focus on making the 2015 Symphony Ball a success. As the motto of the Spirit of Influence Award states, “Just as the power of music can transform lives, the power of a leader can transform a community.”